Good morning, Topeka.

A shooting early today at the Kwik Shop on 746 N.E.

Wabash Avenue in Oakland resulted in one death—police pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Aaron A. Serrano, a 34-year-old from Topeka, was sentenced to 52 months in prison on April 15—he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection to the 2023 homicide of Jackson Danner in central Topeka.

Topeka elementary students explored farm life on Wednesday at the Stormont Vail Events Center during the ‘From Farm to You’ event, hosted by the K-State Extension Office, Shawnee County Farm Bureau, and Cici’s Pizza.

The event offered hands-on learning about animals, crops, and veterinary practices—sparking local interest in the agriculture industry.

A directive from the U.S. Department of Education froze over $22 million in funds meant to help Kansas students recover from pandemic learning loss, though classrooms have not yet felt the impact.

The Kansas State Department of Education sent a detailed letter urging the federal department to reinstate the funds—citing their essential role in literacy, math training, and student support.

Shawnee County second graders visited the From Farm To You event on April 16 at Stormont Vail Events Center to learn where food comes from using pizza as an example.

More than 600 students met animals and saw how weather affects crops (a local meteorologist explained the connection) during the hands-on lesson.

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center will hold its Party for the Planet event on April 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with nearly 40 stations where kids can learn about the environment.

The event will also feature an Earth Day Clothing Drive that aims to collect 8,500 pounds of clean and gently used clothes and shoes to help reduce waste.

Kansas lawmakers passed HB 2152 to keep more tax dollars working in local communities as new rules take effect on Jan.

1, 2026—community banks will offer improved CD rates to boost local lending for businesses, schools and farmers.

The SW 21st Street intersection at Topeka Blvd will open to traffic Tuesday, April 22 after being closed since last September for pavement and waterline work—future work from 15th to 21st Street later this year will reduce the boulevard to one lane each way and may limit turning at some spots. Drivers will still have property access during construction.

The historic Thacher Building at 112 S.E.

8th Ave. in downtown Topeka will go to auction next week after owner Jeff Carson cited structural issues and shutdown impacts—bidding will open then to select new owners for the longstanding landmark.

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.

Hairball: A Rock Revival Celebration

— Time not specified — Stormont Vail Events Center — Tickets available now — Experience the electrifying performances of iconic rock bands in one unforgettable night.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-9 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets starting at $51 — Experience the rich culture of Ireland through an engaging theatrical performance.

TopCity Half Marathon

7:30-11:30 a.m. — Evergy Plaza — Registration required — Lace up for the 6th Annual TopCity Half Marathon and 5k as participants race through the heart of Topeka.

Second Annual Mother's Day Brunch

10 AM – 1 PM — Townsite Plaza — Cost info not provided — Celebrate Mother's Day with a brunch fit for royalty.

Mother's Day Ballroom Brunch Buffet

10:30 a.m. — The Weather Room — Adults $49, Children $14.99 — Celebrate Mother's Day with a delightful brunch buffet featuring a variety of delicious dishes and a spacious ballroom setting.

RMHC Charity Golf Classic

11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Cypress Ridge Golf Course — Entry fee required — Enjoy a day of golfing while supporting a great cause.