Daily
Topeka
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Salvation Army is running its Red Kettle Campaign with a strong volunteer turnout during the holiday season. The group has reached 50% of its donation goal with a week left until Christmas, and contributions will support local community programs. WIBW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Molly Howey, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, urged locals to shop local for gifts this holiday season (supporting the area's busy retailers, restaurants, and hotels). She added that projects like the Polk Quincy viaduct may attract more stops and boost the local economy. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rep. Kristey Williams chaired a Tuesday hearing in Topeka to examine if DEI practices in college courses may curb open discussion + lawmakers presented examples from campuses following state mandates on admissions and hiring. The debate focused on potential curriculum updates. Kansas Reflector
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 6, Oakland Wastewater Treatment Plant spilled 30,000 gallons of treated sewage when equipment failed, releasing waste into streets and the river. Local residents report strong odors and eye irritation while city officials and state health inspectors examine drainage channels (no public health danger has been found). WIBW
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Carl Carlson, founder and CEO of Carlson Financial, spoke to Eye on NE Kansas about strategies for required minimum distributions. He advised that those nearing retirement could start withdrawals in their early 60s to ease tax burdens + consider Roth conversions and charitable deductions. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ KDOT and KHP launched a dust-storm safety campaign to help drivers take precautions when blowing dust and high winds make roads hazardous. The campaign includes a public service announcement (PSA) that outlines steps like pulling off early, turning on low-beam headlights, and staying safe. WIBW
- ➤ 13 NEWS partners with the State Treasurer's Office to help residents check if they qualify for unclaimed Christmas Cash. The office holds over $600M and Topeka residents can search online or call during business hours to verify their claims. WIBW
- ➤ Survivors and families gathered at a luncheon hosted by the Kansas Attorney General's Office to remember loved ones lost to violent crime and share memories on the Angel Tree, a display that helped provide community support during their time of grief. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Johnathan Sublet of SENT Topeka spoke with Eye on NE Kansas about how affordable housing projects, including Johnson-Betts Meadows, can ease stress from housing instability. He said steady housing paired with accessible support services is essential for health (and community stability). WIBW
-
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.
-
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.
-
The Calm Oasis Sessions
8:30 p.m. — McFarland Farm — Free entry — Engage in soothing group sessions designed to foster relaxation and community connection.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
Welcome to the Daily Topeka, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Topeka, Kansas community. If you like the Daily Topeka, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Topeka.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Topeka and across Kansas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Topeka
A free Topeka community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailytopeka.com/sitemap