Daily
Topeka
Tuesday, November 11th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 11th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Family Park in Shawnee County, which opened last August, has closed a small in-ground trampoline and a big slide for repairs due to broken springs and a hairline crack—county officials said the equipment will be fixed at no cost under warranty but did not give a timeline. WIBW
- ➤ Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas paid tribute to veterans Monday by hosting its annual Veterans Day Tribute where a local JROTC unit presented the colors—honoring community members who have served. The company is closed today to show respect for those who defended our freedoms. WIBW
- ➤ Local Christian churches will host an event on Dec. 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Indian Creek Elementary School — over 700 students will receive a two-day food supply from Topeka North Outreach in partnership with Operation Backpack as food prices rise and donations fall. KSNT
- ➤ House2Home, a local décor and gift shop at 2131 Southwest Fairlawn Plaza Dr., hosted a Coffee and Conversation event Monday where design consultant Rynette Reiling showed about 20 residents how to spruce up their mantles for the holidays — the shop offers a 20% discount today in honor of Veterans and their families. It will also hold a monthly gathering program on the second Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for local businesses. WIBW
- ➤ Maj. Tom McDowell from the Salvation Army said the red kettle campaign will begin Nov. 21 at 20 local businesses and run through Dec. 24—volunteers who sign up will ring bells to help raise funds and support the community—. WIBW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ University of Kansas student Elsa McGrain died in a hit-and-run in Lawrence last Thursday—her parents recalled her selfless care and dreams to help others. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Museum of History in Topeka will reopen Nov. 22 with free admission—food trucks, music and special guests add to the celebration. The new gallery will display artifacts that show everyday Kansans fighting for change—highlighting their role in shaping state history. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Topeka High Trojan Theater will put on Starmites Lite at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20, 21 and 22 at Topeka High School—this play tells the story of a 16-year-old girl who finds new confidence through her favorite comic while local artists run lessons funded by a $10,000 grant. Tickets cost $10 for the Nov. 21 and 22 shows and Nov. 20 is pay-what-you-can. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kansas Senator Brenda Dietrich visited Robinson Middle School on Monday, offering students a crash course in government and showing them how lawmakers create rules—emphasizing the value of understanding civic roles. The session came as lawmakers prepare to return to session in January to continue shaping state law. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kansas Senator Roger Marshall reintroduced the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption Act in Congress to help small meat processors sell state-inspected meat directly to consumers across state lines, and the act is co-sponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville and Cindy Hyde-Smith + supported by the Kansas Livestock Association. This legislation aims to boost market opportunities for local producers while maintaining food safety standards. KSNT
- ➤ On Nov. 10, Topeka increased funds for its Water Assistance Program from $300 to $400 for approved residents as part of the Oh Snap! fundraiser assisting families affected by the government shutdown. Approved residents receive an extra $100 credit on their next bill—and community donations via the WaterShare Program support these efforts. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka Metro provides free rides for veterans on all fixed bus routes today in honor of Veterans Day—veterans must show a valid military ID to board. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka organizations have joined efforts to help residents impacted by lost SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown—United Way of Kaw Valley donated $85,000 while city officials and local schools launch donation drives on Nov. 14 and 15 to bridge the funding gap until federal benefits are fully reopened. These coordinated measures support those facing food insecurity during this period. The Topeka Capital-Journal
- ➤ Local law enforcement partners are continuing to raise funds for a new Fallen Officer Memorial after the previous one was destroyed in a 2022 crash—city officials have set a new goal of $1 million and so far received over $20,000 in community donations, though more support is needed before construction can begin. City spokeswoman Kimberly Qualls said local businesses and residents are urged to contribute as part of a renewed campaign to provide a lasting place of remembrance. KSNT
- ➤ Kansas Department for Children and Families is reviewing an USDA memo issued on Nov 8 that directs states to undo full SNAP benefits after Kansas approved full November payments on Nov 7. Governor Kelly said emergency aid for families is planned — though state law bars using state funds to replace federal support. KSNT
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Rich The Kid Live Concert
9 PM – 12 AM — The Woodshed Event Center — Tickets required — Experience Rich The Kid's electrifying performance in Topeka!
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Chocolate Nutcracker Midwest
3-4:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Adults start at $20, Children start at $10 — Experience an urban twist on the classic ballet featuring diverse dance styles.
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Cheer Power Topeka Showdown 2025
1 a.m. — Topeka Elite Cheer — Bids available for top competitions — Cheerleading competition featuring bids for prestigious events.
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28th Annual Winter Wonderland
November 26 to December 31 — Lake Shawnee Campground — Admission Fee Required — Experience a festive drive-thru holiday light display perfect for the entire family.
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Community Thanksgiving Dinner
12-2 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Free entry — Enjoy a warm meal with the community during this festive Thanksgiving gathering.
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SLEAZYWORLD GO Live in Topeka
9 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — $25-$120 — Experience SLEAZYWORLD GO's exciting live performance on 'THE RED TOUR' with all ages welcome.
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Adult Skate Night at Sk8away
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Sk8away Inc. — $8 with rentals or $6 with personal skates — Enjoy a fun night of skating for adults aged 18 and over.
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Catholic Community Zoo Lights
Come for Mass at Hayden HS, Enjoy Hot Chocolate after Mass, then head to The Topeka Zoo to enjoy the annual Zoo Lights event! Everyone is welcome!
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Catholic Community Zoo Lights
Come for Mass at Hayden HS, Enjoy Hot Chocolate after Mass, then head to The Topeka Zoo to enjoy the annual Zoo Lights event! Everyone is welcome!
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Tip-a-Cop at Red Robin Topeka
4-8 p.m. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews — Donations appreciated — Enjoy a meal with local law enforcement while supporting Special Olympics Kansas athletes.
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10th Annual Wing Fling
2-3:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Ticket prices not available yet — Enjoy a fun-filled festival featuring Topeka's only chicken wing competition with great food, drinks, and live music.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
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