Good morning, Topeka.

Team Kitten rescued eight kittens and their mom abandoned in a ditch on Wednesday from a cage without food or water—medical care for the animals is expected to cost more than $800.

Function Flatables and Carnival Cravings are hosting a free community celebration at California Crossing from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 to mark seven years and one year in business, offering bounce houses, games, face painting and prizes for families—the event is sponsored by Sam’s Club, Reser’s Fine Foods and Casey’s.

Crews responded to a report of an electrical fire at 5:58 a.m. Wednesday on the 300 block of S.W.

Western Avenue near downtown Topeka, and no injuries or damage were reported.

A 20-year-old woman from Mission was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday — her Volkswagen Jetta hit a Chrysler 300 as both vehicles traveled westbound on I-70 due to slowed traffic — and she was taken to a local hospital.

Walmart announced it will remodel 18 stores in Kansas this year—part of its nationwide plan to update 650 locations with new signage, expanded departments, and improved pharmacy areas.

The company said it has invested $264.5 million in upgrades this year, showing its commitment to enhancing local shopping experiences.

Nicole Rae Ann Fox, 43, was held on a $250,000 bond at Shawnee County Jail after her Tuesday arrest—she faces charges for kidnapping, robbery and aggravated battery from a 2022 incident near Topeka.

Late Wednesday morning, officers with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office chased Ricardo Salgado-Romero in a Gold Honda Pilot near S.W.

Huntoon Street—ending the pursuit in a hotel parking lot at 1300 S.W. Arvonia Place where they found illegal narcotics—and arrested him on multiple charges.

Topeka Zoo will host the Roar and Pour Wine Festival on Saturday, April 26 from 6 to 9 p.m.—attendees can sample wines and food from over a dozen local vendors while bidding on unique artwork created by area artists that features animal touches.

An estimated 187,000 Kansas school-age children missed free summer meals last summer because their families did not submit applications for the SUN Bucks program—which provides a $120 summer grocery card per eligible child—with only about 3% of applications received.

KCC staff testified Tuesday in Topeka to support Evergy’s plan to build two natural gas plants that would add 1,420 megawatts and power about 1.4 million homes.

They said the plants — set for Sumner and Reno counties in 2029 and 2030 — are needed to keep power reliable amid extreme weather and market uncertainties.

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.

Boxing Event

5-6 p.m. — GreatLIFE Performance Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the thrill of boxing at this local venue.

2025 Heartland Classic Peruvian Horse Show

1:00 PM – 12:59 PM — Stormont Vail Events Center — Entry fee varies — Experience the elegance and competition of Peruvian horses in Topeka's premier equine event.