Daily
Topeka
Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 13th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ TK Fights Fentanyl and Kaylee’s Dad Is Mad is hosting a chili feed fundraiser from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at First Baptist Church in Topeka to support families who lost loved ones to fentanyl during the holiday. The event costs $5 per person and accepts donations of toys, clothing, or books — a tribute to the memories of the cofounders’ children. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Topeka residents are shopping at thrift stores for winter clothes as colder weather drives them to seek lower-priced options. God’s Storehouse manager David Crook said the store saw a 20-30% rise in clothing sales since mid-October as many shoppers prepare for the holiday season. KSNT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Zoo will open its annual Zoo Lights — Holidays Around the World event next week on Nov. 21 and run until Dec. 31. The event will feature international holiday displays, appearances by the Abominable Snowman, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and special promotions including Wild Wednesday discounts and a New Year's Eve Toast at Ten fundraiser. WIBW
- ➤ Polly Windham, known as the Singing Sunflower, will perform her unique Americana sound tomorrow at the Backroom Bar inside Compass Point in NOTO on Friday, Nov. 14. Doors open at 6 p.m. + the show begins at 7 p.m. with a $10 cover charge. WIBW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Vaerus Aviation demolished an old World War II hangar on Nov.11 to clear space for a new 30,000 square‐foot building as it expands operations at Forbes Field with the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority—workers plan to break ground in spring and expect the facility to be complete in about a year. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Youth Orchestras will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus. They will hold auditions at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Washburn's Garvey Fine Arts Center. WIBW
- ➤ Torree Pederson, president of a nonprofit, warned that Kansas faces a growing gap between school skills and job needs that can leave jobs unfilled—parents, teachers, and business leaders have reported that when schools and training programs fall short, communities and local businesses suffer. Pederson urged lawmakers to boost investments in education before the 2026 session to help keep students in Kansas and build a stronger workforce. Kansas Reflector
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Aurora Borealis lit up the sky across Kansas Tuesday night after a strong solar event sent high-energy particles to disturb Earth’s magnetic field. Washburn University professor Karen Camarda explained that charged particles colliding with atmospheric gases created the vibrant display and Topeka astronomer Brenda Culbertson warned that television signals may have been affected (cameras should use night mode to best capture the phenomenon). WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Topeka’s council approved a TIF district called Sunflower Crossing in South Topeka at the junction of Topeka Boulevard — Kansas Avenue, paving the way for a new QuikTrip set to open in fall and plans for a retail box and restaurant. The city will hold a public hearing on Dec. 8 to discuss establishing a Community Improvement District. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Metro said that bus services and offices will be closed on Thanksgiving; limited service will resume on November 28—riders must call ahead to reserve rides. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kansas submitted a 60-page application last week to request part of $50 billion in federal funds aimed at improving rural health — the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance plan focuses on boosting primary care, expanding telehealth, and tracking progress with strict performance metrics over the next five budget periods. Kansas Reflector
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Reagan Neitzel, a former all-state softball player from Manhattan (transferring from Johnson County Community College), will join the Washburn softball team for the 2026 to 27 season. School officials announced she is one of four new signings as the team prepares to start its season Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the Lone Star Classic in Mansfield, Texas. WIBW
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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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