Daily
Topeka
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Pride will hold its annual picnic this Saturday at NOTO's Redbud Park from 1 to 4 p.m.—the event will feature free barbecue on a first-come, first-served basis, a live DJ, dancing, games, performances by local theatre groups and drag performers—and a raffle with $1 tickets or a nonperishable food donation to benefit Positive Connections. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka native Barbara Stevenson served over 30 years as an army nurse, helping build a 400-bed hospital during Desert Storm and caring for wounded soldiers. Now retired, she recalls her proudest moment as setting up the hospital — a legacy that continues to inspire her dedication to the community. KSNT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Credit scores have dropped by two points this year — the fastest decline since the Great Recession — as rising interest rates and restarting student loan payments strain finances. Megan Jones from Jones Advisory Group urged Kansans to avoid missed payments — a common cause of score drops — and check their credit reports at least once a year. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn University’s Crane Observatory will host International Observe the Moon Night on Oct. 4 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.—a free public event that lets people view the moon with an antique telescope if skies are clear and see a planetarium show if not. KSNT
- ➤ The Kansas Board of Regents approved a unified appropriations request for public higher education on Sept. 17 that includes $16.3 million in continued support for student success—funding for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, energy projects, and workforce development at Washburn University is part of the plan. The request will now be sent to the Governor’s budget office and legislative fiscal staff. WIBW
- ➤ The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will open an expanded area at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at 4400 S.W. 10th Ave. in Gage Park—more than doubling its space. The $11.6 million project will add new galleries, learning labs, a makerspace and a traveling exhibit inspired by Eric Carle—designed to serve growing numbers of visitors and local families. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Supreme Court awarded retired KU law professor John Peck with the Justice Award on Sept. 17 for his work in water law and legal education—his recognition comes with a plaque and a $500 stipend. Chief Justice Marla Luckert said Peck’s career has helped shape water and land law in Kansas and beyond. WIBW
- ➤ On Sept. 17, Topeka Metro said the City Council reversed its earlier decision and restored partial funding for its fiscal year 2026 budget after a $300,000 gap—canceling planned public meetings on service cuts. The transit agency said it remains committed to ensuring that riders travel safely and reliably. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas lawmakers are looking at a report from the state’s audit division that said $73 million in affordable housing tax credits given in 2023 may cause billions in lost revenue—legislators questioned if gains like job creation could cover the costs. The special committee will meet again on October 13 to study how using the credits by 2028 may affect local housing. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ SENT Inc.'s Jill Rice said that food insecurity puts extra stress on people fighting addiction in Topeka — making it hard to stay focused on recovery. She added that the Southside Filling Station food pantry helps meet basic needs and builds trust for those starting their recovery journey. WIBW
- ➤ In Topeka, St. Francis Hospital is now the first facility to use advanced AI to scan radiology reports and flag lung nodules for early cancer detection. The new system automatically adds patients to a tracking system and alerts care teams (including pulmonologists, radiologists and thoracic surgeons) for timely follow-up imaging. KSNT
- ➤ Family Service and Guidance Center is merging with Valeo effective January 1, 2026 — the move will boost mental health services in Topeka as explained by Pam Evans on 27 News. The center is also hosting its 11th Meals for Mental Health fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse from October 1 to 31 — ticket sales will support expanded community care. KSNT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Washburn men’s basketball promoted student assistant Jordan Vincent to full-time assistant coach for the upcoming season. Vincent played in 18 games last season and brings a strong grasp of the team’s culture — a move expected to boost the program. WIBW
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Tap That Topeka Beer Festival
5:30-11:30 p.m. — The Celtic Fox — Tickets starting at $50 — Experience over 400 craft beers, delicious food trucks, and live music in downtown Topeka.
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Highland Park vs. Sumner Academy Girls Varsity Volleyball Match
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Highland Park High School — Check local listings — Come cheer for the Highland Park and Sumner Academy volleyball teams in a thrilling conference match.
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Highland Park vs. East Football Game
7-9 p.m. — Highland Park High School — Admission Fee Required — Cheer on the Highland Park varsity football team as they take on East from Wichita in this exciting non-conference matchup.
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Yachtley Crew Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Last-minute concert tickets available — Experience the Yachtley Crew live in Topeka for an entertaining evening.
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Liverpool Legends Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Public on sale starts August 15 at 10AM — Experience internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends honoring the music of The Beatles.
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5th Annual Oktoberfest
3-8 p.m. — Prince of Peace Lutheran Church — Free entry — Enjoy family fun with food, shopping, and activities at this community Oktoberfest.
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2025 Combat Air Museum Car Show
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Combat Air Museum — $20/vehicle — Experience a unique car show on historic tarmac with classic cars, awards, food trucks, and family fun.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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