Good morning, Topeka.

SENT launched its Beat the Heat fundraiser to raise $15,000 to buy 100 window air conditioners (for lower-income, medically fragile or senior neighbors) in under-resourced neighborhoods; donations and application forms are available online.

Junior Achievement of Kansas honored four locals at its 24th annual Business Hall of Fame ceremony on March 12+ honorees included Allan Towle, Dr. Bette Morris, John A.

McGivern and the late Hoyt Moore, who were recognized for their work supporting business and youth programs.

Annette Billings and Dr. Jennifer Gordon will share original poetry, prose and songs at MotherSong (a performance about mother-daughter experiences) at 2 p.m. Sunday, Mar.

15 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The free event will let everyone enjoy their heartfelt stories.

The Topeka Symphony Orchestra will perform Billy the Kid at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at Washburn University’s White Concert Hall after the season was delayed by winter weather.

Berryton Elementary School held its first annual (Buffalo Strides for All Inclusion Walk) yesterday to promote kindness and respect among students with activities and a visit from the Shawnee Heights Fire Department.

Educators said the event built on a week of lessons on acceptance and celebrating differences.

The Boys & Girls Club of Topeka kicked off its Unheard Conference at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers on Thursday, March 12.

Students participated in financial simulations to learn about saving money and making budget choices, and many said the event helped build real-life skills.

Local readers can use the Libby app to borrow 53,000 ebooks and 32,000 audiobooks from Johnson County Library and the Sunflower eLibrary.

The free app delivers a smart interface that lets residents filter and tag available titles for a more varied reading experience.

On Wednesday, the Kansas House approved a bill that ends the practice of annually forgiving employers’ negative balance in the unemployment trust fund.

The measure now moves to the Senate (it includes review provisions for supplemental unemployment plans).

Some Kansas nurses backed a bill to reform discipline rules for the Board of Nursing as the House approved the measure on an 88-34 vote.

Lawmakers will review changes that void actions not tied to patient care from Jan. 2005 through July 2026 — the Senate will consider proposal next.

A U.S. KC-135 from the Kansas National Guard went down in western Iraq Thursday night during Operation Epic Fury while a second aircraft landed safely in friendly airspace — rescue teams continue their efforts nearby.

The Kansas Board of Regents voted unanimously on Wednesday to oppose a House bill that would let KU, K-State, and WSU operate with unprecedented autonomy — a move that critics say would strip the board of essential oversight over most university spending tied to public funds.

Stormont Vail Health will host its first Women’s Wellness Summit for women to learn about hormonal health, wellness and caregiving on Friday, Apr.

10 at its Pozez Education Center. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and costs $25 with a light breakfast and lunch included.

Shawnee County approved a plan to hire Shirley Construction to build two cabins at Lake Shawnee for $402,000.

One cabin is 755 sqft with a loft and the other is 590 sqft and accessible, with funding split between a KDWP grant, user fees, and maintenance funds.

KU junior Lyla Louderbaugh was named Big 12 Women’s Golfer of the Week after recording a career low stroke average of 71.8 at the Yale Invitational West from March 9 to 10 — the fourth Jayhawk to earn the honor with five top five finishes this season.

Mater Dei Irish Fest 5k

3-4 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Check the festival's website for registration fee — Celebrate the return of the Mater Dei Irish Festival with a spirited 5k and lively Irish music.

Hoops Madness

10:50 a.m.-11:15 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Tickets starting at $87.45 — Experience an exciting day of basketball action at Prairie Band Hoops Madness.

AM Club

10 AM – 12 PM — Townsite Tower — Buy one get one free — Enjoy great music and vibes while making new friends over coffee and treats.

Tower of Power Concert

7-10 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Cost not specified — Experience the best in funk and soul music from the legendary Tower of Power.

Gelli Print Plant Collage Workshop

5-7:30 p.m. — Mize Art Studio — Cost not specified — Create vibrant printed papers and transform them into unique plant-themed collages.

2026 Spring Topeka Market Days

April 10-11 — Hotel Topeka At City Center — Entry varies — Explore over 100 unique vendors while enjoying live music and delicious food options.