Good morning, Topeka.

GO Topeka announced that 18 local businesses have been named finalists for the 44th annual Small Business Awards in six categories.

The awards event will be held on May 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Townsite Avenue Ballroom — the ceremony will honor innovation and growth in Topeka and Shawnee County.

Police arrested Jesus Alvarado after a foot chase near the Walgreens store at 1001 S.W.

Topeka Blvd on Monday at 8:30 a.m.—he is held on a $5,000 bond for shoplifting under $1,500 and interfering with officers.

Kansas farmers have faced high costs, low profits and unpredictable weather as they prepare for spring planting, which has delayed fertilizer application and hurt crop care.

Farmer Glenn Brunkow of the Kansas Farm Bureau said conditions have made farming tough — and experts expect that new technology and alternative markets will help improve yields later in 2025.

Amy Ramirez, the first incarcerated person in Kansas to try the Education in Action program, will leave her Topeka correctional facility in three days and work remotely to earn $25 an hour while finishing her associate degree online at Washburn University — the program aims to help inmates secure stable employment and reduce recidivism.

Many Northeast Kansas school districts are changing their calendars to make up for extra snow days and to meet state-required instructional hours.

In Topeka, USD 501 and USD 437, along with districts in nearby areas, have added full school days by converting shorter or canceled days so that students finish the year before Memorial Day weekend.

Shawnee County Public Works is asking Topeka residents for input on its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to improve transportation safety for drivers, bikers, walkers, and transit users.

The county offers a survey plus an open house meeting on June 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to gather ideas and set priorities.

Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a bill that would have ended the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots—she said that ending the grace period would confuse election officials and disenfranchise rural voters.

The Senate approved the bill on March 6 with a vote of 30—10 after the House passed it with an 80—39 vote.

Governor Kelly signed a bill on Monday, March 24 that requires drivers to move over or slow down when passing parked vehicles with hazard warning lights—aiming to increase safety for those stopped on the road.

Stormont Vail Health will host the 2025 Bi-State Stroke Consortium Symposium this Friday, March 28 at the Stormont Vail Hospital Pozez Education Center Auditorium in Topeka—healthcare professionals can join from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in person or online to learn practical strategies for stroke recovery and hear personal stories from survivors.

Washburn University men's basketball team is preparing for its first NCAA Elite Eight game in 24 years as they face Lenoir-Rhyne today at 8:30 p.m. The team earned a 29+3 record and clinched the regional title over MSU Moorhead.

AJ Wilkerson Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Regular Tickets: $25, VIP Tickets: $65 — Experience a rising star comedian in an intimate setting with gourmet dining options.

Jeni Grouws Solo Performance

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — $15 — Experience an intimate solo performance from rising star Jeni Grouws in a cozy venue.

Topeka Spirit Fair - Body & Soul Rejuvenation

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM — The Woodshed Event Center — $3 daily ($5 weekend pass) — A two-day symposium exploring holistic wellness and personal development.

Jerry Seinfeld Live in Topeka

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $42 — Enjoy a night of laughs with legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

Open House for Stunning Shawnee Heights Ranch

1:30-3 p.m. — 2613 SE Scorpio Ave, Topeka, KS — Free entry — Explore a beautiful 5BD/3BA home featuring custom upgrades and spacious living areas.

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello

6-10 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Fun for the whole family — Sing and dance along with Elmo and friends in this interactive musical adventure.

BUILD My Future

9 a.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Free entry — An engaging hands-on showcase for students to explore career opportunities in the construction industry.