Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Maxton Prill, a 14-year-old freshman at Shawnee Heights High School (a childhood leukemia survivor), has spent 10 years collecting over 200 toys and coffee gift cards to cheer pediatric cancer patients at Stormont Vail Hospital on Christmas Eve while balancing soccer, band, and debate commitments. WIBW
- ➤ The Topeka Rescue Mission and community partners are preparing to open warming centers should cold snaps take hold in the coming months. They are accepting donations of food, clothing, and toiletries and inviting volunteers to help supply the centers. WIBW
- ➤ IHRA acquired Heartland Motorsports Park in the Capital City and will begin renovations immediately to transform it into a modern motorsports and entertainment venue — featuring improved racer amenities, live music, and community events to boost local tourism and revenue. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers will open at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 in west Topeka at 1415 S.W. Wanamaker Road, located near Panera Bread and Sam’s Club on the site of the former Steak ‘n Shake. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The PRCA Xtreme Bulls event is set for today at 7:30 p.m. at Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, where attendees can enjoy an extreme New Year’s Eve celebration & welcome the new year with electrifying action. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Parking changes approved by the city will begin Jan. 1, 2026 in downtown Topeka with monthly garage rates rising and select blocks converting to 2-hour metered parking + extra 4-hour free spaces added on the outskirts. Some local business owners expressed concerns that the hikes could lower customer visits until planned improvements materialize. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kansas got $221 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen health systems and increase rural care. Gov. Laura Kelly announced the funds on Monday + the Department of Health and Environment will lead a program starting in 2026 + boosting local primary care and workforce. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Stormont Vail will reopen its south tower, surgical parking, and endoscopy/pulmonary entrances from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning January 2 — the main entrance stays open 24/7 with screening required from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. WIBW
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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.
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The Calm Oasis Sessions
8:30 p.m. — McFarland Farm — Free entry — Engage in soothing group sessions designed to foster relaxation and community connection.
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The Band Perry Concert
7-10 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night with the GRAMMY-winning trio known for their genre-defying sound.
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Friday Night Comedy Showcase
8-9:30 p.m. — Cosmos Court Comedy Club — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of laughs with top comedians from the Midwest and beyond.
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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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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.
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