Thursday, June 5th, 2025

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Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Capper Foundations’ Caitlyn Halsey Empowerment Center held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday — expanding its job training program and increasing capacity for Dialogue Coffee House at the corner of 29th and Gage — to help teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain better work opportunities. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new innovation lab broke ground in downtown Topeka at the old AT&T building to host startups with lab space, community areas, and office rentals as construction begins. The Link Innovation Lab is set to open in January 2026 and will boost local business growth & attract entrepreneurial talent. WIBW
- ➤ Companies from around the world are taking part in the Plug and Play Topeka Expo today at Townsite Tower from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.—the expo will have startup pitches, expert panels, and innovation showcases focused on Agtech and animal health—and local leaders say it will bring new business opportunities to the area. WIBW
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR After 41% year-over-year gross profit growth last year, Pacaso is hitting its stride. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker “PCSO,” and you can invest today for $2.90/share. Pacaso
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CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Topeka man Kayden Smith (22) was charged with second degree murder on June 3 in connection with the April 22 killing of Dustin Clayton in the 500 block of SW Lane Ave after police arrested him on June 2 in the 6200 block of SE Stanley Road using new evidence. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth Celebration, now in its 12th year, will hold a downtown parade on June 14 at 11 a.m. from the Kansas Judicial Center parking lot and a community celebration on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Hillcrest Community Center—events that follow an earlier flag raising and unity walk at the Kansas Statehouse. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka will host its annual Germanfest at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 in the Oakland neighborhood—residents can enjoy traditional German food, beer, games and prize drawings that support local Catholic school education. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Public Schools began offering free meals for children ages 1 to 18 on June 2—a summer program that lasts eight weeks through July and uses federal grants to buy food from local growers despite recent cuts. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ In May, Kansas raised $657 million in revenue as individual income tax collections reached $314 million—$144 million above estimates, a boost that Gov. Kelly said supports fiscal stability while House Speaker Hawkins credited last year’s tax relief law for the gain. This strong performance marks a positive fiscal outcome compared to May 2024. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Shawnee County Public Works announced a temporary closure of portions of N.E. 43rd Street north of Topeka for a culvert-replacement project starting at 9 a.m. Monday, June 9, and ending at 3 p.m. Friday, June 13 — weather permitting. WIBW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ City officials and The Annex Group broke ground on the new Union at Tower District apartment complex near downtown on June 3. The $60 million project will include 250 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units in two four-story and one three-story building—completion is expected in January. KSNT
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Concert for a Child Featuring Logan Mize
6-10 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a heartwarming night of country tunes at this community concert for a great cause.
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Eats & Beats Featuring Dead Bettys
Thursday evenings — Evergy Plaza — Enjoy local food trucks and live music — Experience an unforgettable summer of music in Downtown Topeka.
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Topeka Renaissance Festival
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — $14+ per day — Experience jousting, games, and entertainment at this exciting festival of medieval fun.
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Country Stampede Festival 2025
June 25-28 — Topeka, Kansas — Prices vary — Celebrate country music with top artists, family-friendly fun, and delicious local cuisine.
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7th Annual Sneakers & Smiles Golf Tournament
2-8 p.m. — Cypress Ridge Golf Course — $380 team entry fee — Participate in a fun-filled golf tournament benefiting Sole Reason, complete with extras like a silent auction and raffle prizes.
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Bill S.'s 65th Sobriety Anniversary Celebration
2-5 p.m. — Grace United Methodist Church — Bring finger foods — Celebrate Bill S.'s 65 years of sobriety with cake and open mic sharing.
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