Good morning, Topeka.

Stores along Kansas Avenue are preparing for the 30th annual Miracle on Kansas Ave. parade by offering exclusive merchandise.

Mix Boutique has created cozy sweatshirts and Hunter and Laine offer unique Christmas ornaments — available all week until supplies run out.

Kids with Big Brothers Big Sisters worked with their mentors and Kendall Construction to build a float named 'Santa's Workshop' for the Miracle on Kansas Ave. Christmas Parade set for this weekend — the project gave them hands-on practice with power tools and a chance to learn new skills.

Be Filled of South Topeka hosted a ribbon-cutting Tuesday at its new location at 7127 SE Forbes Ave., Building 449C, expanding its capacity to serve the Montara community.

The non-profit moved after rising demand following the government shutdown + it now offers a food bank, community closet, and additional services available Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. + Saturday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Innovative Impacts, a new nonprofit focused on STEM, will host a nerd-themed holiday event on Dec.

20 at Rogue Event Studio - 917 N. Kansas Ave - that will include retro video games, an ugly sweater contest, Christmas karaoke, Steampunk Santa photos, board games, a craft supply exchange, and both cocktails and mocktails with a $2 suggested cover. Guests will also have the chance to support local charities as part of the celebration.

Two Topeka students were crowned Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade royalty Tuesday, Dec.

1, and they will lead the parade this Saturday at 6 p.m.—Jadyn Brown of Ross Elementary and Jhessdiel Santiago of Highland Park High School earned the honors to represent Topeka's spirit.

Flint Hills counties are planning a campaign to attract visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Wabaunsee County Economic Development will use over $7,400 in tourism grants from the Kansas Department of Commerce to showcase local attractions + Brandt House and Coffey County also received grants for similar tourism efforts.

Today, the Topeka and Shawnee Co. Public Library hosts drop-in computer sessions from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Level 2 Tech Center, with sessions also scheduled on Dec 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Dec 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. — the library will also offer formal classes on Internet Introduction on Dec 8 from 10 to 11 a.m. and on Android smartphones on Dec 18 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Topeka’s Public Works Department saw its first measurable snowfall today and is using the six inches rule to decide which streets to plow.

Interim director Jason Tryon said crews prioritize busy roads before clearing smaller areas — residents can track plow updates on the city website.

A U.S. Department of Education decision reclassified master and doctorate social work programs as nonprofessional, a choice that may cut funding and weaken support for mental health services and child safety in Kansas.

Local experts say the change will limit training opportunities and worsen staffing shortages—putting community care at risk.

On Dec. 2, the Washburn Ichabods men's basketball team stayed at No. 2 in the latest NABC poll and will start MIAA conference play on Dec.

4 against Nebraska-Kearney at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Arena; the team scored over 100 points in its last two games including a 115 to 30 win over Ottawa.

The Topeka Scarecrows will host two special promotions at Stormont Vail Events Center Landon Arena when they face the Biloxi Breakers this weekend.

Fans are invited to join the Cable Dahmer Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 5 and Chick-Fil-A Faith & Family Night with free sandwich coupons on Dec. 6 + teddy bears collected will be donated to support children in need.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PRCA New Year's Eve Xtreme Bulls

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Tickets from $38 — Celebrate New Year's Eve with thrilling bull riding and compete against the top bulls in the country.