Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Community members helped hand-paint logos and sponsorships at Landon Arena as the Topeka Scarecrows prepare to revive their season—Director of Operations Matt Rockers said the move is meant to spark local excitement for the upcoming games. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Performing Arts Center will open its TPAC Live! season with Yachtley Crew performing at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27—this seven-member band from Southern California plays soft rock hits from the 70s and 80s and tickets start at $20. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn University was named the top public regional university in Kansas in the new U.S. News Best Colleges ranking released Tuesday — officials noted the school also ranks high for low student debt due to its scholarship programs. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Public Schools celebrated new College Prep Academy students on Sept. 23 at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers as grade 7 students wore their uniform jackets to mark their entry into advanced math and computer science courses—family and friends gathered to support the event. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Shawnee County commissioners finalized the 2026 operating budget on Sept.22 and raised the mill levy by 4.14%, which will add about $59 in taxes for a $100,000 home— the final budget increased to $151.66 million from $145.57 million after trimming department requests. KSNT
- ➤ Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Washington County against Snap Inc.—accusing the company of designing Snapchat with features that hurt teens' mental health and referencing a Shawnee teen's 2021 death from fentanyl poisoning. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ The Topeka Fire Department invites the public to tour its fire stations at open house events starting on Oct. 3 — each event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. will allow visitors to meet local fire staff across twelve stations until Sept. 11. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas leaders will honor Gold Star families during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 along the Kansas Statehouse south sidewalk—Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to attend and all families, veterans, and the public are invited. WIBW
- ➤ On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a statement in Topeka to back CoreCivic’s fight after Leavenworth officials required a special use permit to reopen a prison for ICE detainees. The filing said that the city’s actions broke the Supremacy Clause—protecting federal work from local interference. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ On Sept. 23, Gov. Kelly said she opposes mid-decade redistricting based on old data—she urged lawmakers to hold public meetings so Kansans can speak directly before any petition for a special session is circulated. She noted that no petition has been circulated and that a public comment period is needed to ensure meaningful input. WIBW
- ➤ Gov. Kelly said Tuesday she opposes mid-decade congressional redistricting based on old data and urged lawmakers to hold public hearings if GOP legislators call a special session. She argued that public input is needed to ensure fairness—especially if redistricting could reduce Rep. Davids's advantage. Kansas Reflector
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Valeo Behavioral Health Care offered advice to manage seasonal depression as fall weather brings less sunlight. They recommended early rising, spending time outdoors, and joining others for social activities—advice that could help as daylight saving time begins later this fall. WIBW
- ➤ The Topeka Zoo said on Sept. 22 that Leopold the cheetah—introduced with his brother Roosevelt on June 21—was put under anesthesia after staff saw he was moving stiffly, and he was given medicine when his symptoms worsened. The zoo will monitor his condition closely to see how he responds to treatment. KSNT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A two-day ‘Smoke on the Water’ barbecue event will take place on Oct. 10 and 11 at Lake Shawnee Campground, 3435 S.E. East Edge Road, featuring local BBQ vendors, live music, and contests with cash prizes. Deano’s at Deer Creek presents the event and plans family activities and competitive contests—bringing a weekend of fun for all ages. WIBW
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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.
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Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen
7:30-9 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the magic of Queen through a captivating tribute performance.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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