Daily
Topeka
Friday, November 28th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 28th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ That Place In Scranton hosted a free Thanksgiving feast on November 26, 2025—local residents enjoyed turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, pies, and other holiday dishes. The buffet was sponsored by local businesses and brought the community together. KSNT
- ➤ A Topeka family hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for Stormont Vail hospital’s NICU staff as a thank you for the care they gave during a difficult pregnancy—using the holiday to honor a late supporter and mark how far their six-year-old twins have come. The Coopers worked with local businesses to plan the annual celebration that comforts NICU families every year. WIBW
- ➤ Runners participated in Topeka’s first Turkey Trot at Lake Shawnee on Thanksgiving morning to raise funds for the Topeka Rescue Mission—many locals ran to burn calories and support the cause. WIBW
- ➤ Five local nonprofits—TARC, Topeka Doula Project, Topeka Rescue Mission, Helping Hands Humane Society, and Capper Foundation—are asking for holiday donations, listing needs that range from basic household items to specialized supplies. Mayor Michael Padilla also encouraged residents to donate or volunteer at the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, and each organization has set drop-off times and locations. The Topeka Capital-Journal
- ➤ TARC’s Winter Wonderland — a drive-thru light display at Lake Shawnee campground — runs through New Year's Eve with suggested donations of $10 per car and $20 for large vans to support programming for 2,500 Shawnee County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. WIBW
- ➤ A long-standing holiday tradition was canceled this year when vandalism in the area led Brookwood Shopping Center ownership to decide not to install Santa’s display atop the Dillons—local residents recall the display as a cherished part of the season. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kansas State University is looking back on 50 years since herbicide resistance was first found in Kansas when kochia near railroads did not react to atrazine in 1976; today, resistant weeds have spread statewide. The university advises farmers to use integrated weed management—mixing control techniques—to battle 16 weed species that have become hard to control. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Shawnee County Public Works said the roundabout at Southwest 29th Street and Southwest Auburn Road partially reopened at the close of business on November 26 — allowing motorists to travel east and west on Southwest 29th Street and south on Auburn Road while crews worked on the north leg. The SW Auburn Road Project will finish its final phase, which includes reconstructing Auburn Road with a center turn lane, by June 12. KSNT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ On November 26—known as Blackout Wednesday—Topeka saw its busiest night for drinking before Thanksgiving, and local bars experienced high traffic as residents rushed to stock up on alcohol because liqueur stores closed on Thanksgiving due to state law. Local businesses reminded everyone to drink responsibly and plan ahead for holiday gatherings. KSNT
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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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Python for Scientists Training/Class
Dec 8-12 — Heston's Gladiator Academy — $2250 — Enhance your Python skills with expert-led classes designed for scientific applications.
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Holiday Fling Topeka
9:00-10:30 a.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Entry fee may apply — Experience a festive holiday extravaganza with shopping, gourmet tastings, and family-friendly fun.
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The Snowman Concert
Evening — Washburn University — Ticket info not provided — Experience holiday magic with a symphony and Kansas Youth Chorale performance of beloved seasonal favorites.
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Kansas Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Featuring The Topeka Symphony
7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets available now — Experience the enchanting holiday classic with over 150 dancers and live music from the Topeka Symphony.
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Ballet Midwest Presents: The Nutcracker
1-2:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets available at the box office — Experience the magic of Kansas Ballet's holiday classic with stunning choreography and live music.
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