Daily
Topeka
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will host a book and media sale on Jan. 16, 17, and 18 at 1515 S.W. 10th Ave, with a preview available for members on Jan. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m., free admission on Jan. 17, and a bag fill event on Jan. 18 for $10. WIBW
- ➤ The 37th annual Farm Show continues today at Stormont Vail Events Center with live cattle demos, horse training clinics and over 400 booths featuring over 30 new exhibitors. Admission and parking are free. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Police and KS COPS (Kansas Concerns of Police Survivors) hosted a Blue Blood Drive Wednesday to support blood donations for the American Red Cross. Donors can help today at the Statehouse Rotunda during the Annual Governor’s Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane’s will open today at 10 a.m. at 1415 S.W. Wanamaker Road in west Topeka. The opening festivities include a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, live music by local high school bands, and a 1,000-dollar check presentation to Astra Mental Health and Recovery Center. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Living the Dream Inc. will host annual MLK commemorations in Topeka, starting with Respect for Elders week on Jan. 12, a poetry competition on Jan. 13, a Governor’s March on Jan. 15, and culminating with a community soup dinner at First Baptist Church on Jan. 19. WIBW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kansas Labor reports showed the unemployment rate held steady at 3.8% in November while labor force participation rose to 67.4% and nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 3,800 from October. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Public Schools unveiled 25 new electric buses at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at 200 S.E. 21st St, adding cleaner, quieter rides for students. The district partnered with Highland Electric Fleets + North American Central School Bus to support better student transportation. WIBW
- ➤ Local lawmakers announced plans to ban cell phone use in K-12 classrooms statewide, aiming for bell-to-bell restrictions. If passed, Senate Bill 302 will require local boards to set policies by Sept. 1 and update social media guidelines for teachers. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Kansas Children’s Discovery Center reported a record 129,987 visitors in 2025—a 9% rise from 2024—and said its $11.6 million Building Discovery expansion doubled its space from 15,000 to over 30,000 sqft & included a ribbon cutting last Friday. The museum credits the boost to its largest expansion to date. WIBW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The North American Grouse Partnership is working with Kansas ranchers to bring policy changes for prairie chicken and grassland conservation. Executive director Ted Koch met with legislators to explore payment for conservation services & to support ranchers’ profitability while preserving essential ecosystems. Kansas Reflector
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Carlson from Carlson Financial warned that raiding retirement accounts to pay off credit card debt may cost more if early withdrawal penalties and higher tax brackets apply. He advised those under 59 and a half to review their budgets since retirement funds can continue growing tax-deferred. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas 988 Lifeline report for 2025 shows that call volumes rose from 2,751 in January to 3,796 in October while in-state answer rates met the 90 percent goal. The report recommends raising the 988 Fund cap and extending oversight to support long-term response. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kansas overcame a 16-point deficit to beat TCU 104 to 100 in overtime on Tuesday night in Lawrence + Darryn Peterson scored 32 points in regulation before sitting out overtime. WIBW
- ➤ The TopCity Half Marathon will resume on May 2, 2026, after being cancelled in December. Fleet Feet Topeka is the new presenting sponsor as the community gears up for the 13.1-mile race and 5K events. WIBW
-
Yung Bleu Live Concert
8 PM - 12 AM — The Woodshed Event Center — $30 general admission, $200 VIP options available — Experience an electrifying performance by Yung Bleu in Topeka.
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The Calm Oasis Sessions
8:30 p.m. — McFarland Farm — Free entry — Engage in soothing group sessions designed to foster relaxation and community connection.
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The Band Perry Concert
7-10 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night with the GRAMMY-winning trio known for their genre-defying sound.
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Friday Night Comedy Showcase
8-9:30 p.m. — Cosmos Court Comedy Club — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of laughs with top comedians from the Midwest and beyond.
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CNA Refresher Course in Topeka
Feb 3-9 — Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care — Course fee required — Complete essential CNA training with both online and hands-on clinical components.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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