Good morning, Topeka.

On April 24, Impact Topeka held a bed drive at Ross Elementary that gave free beds, pajama sets, stuffed animals, shoes, and a hot meal to students in need.

The program distributed 100 beds to five schools — local staff and families expressed gratitude for the support provided.

At 1:30 a.m.—firefighters were called to a house fire on the 2200 block of SW Brookfield Street in southwest Topeka where they rescued a woman and her son and the woman was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries as investigators work to determine the cause of the fire.

Crews responded to a report of fire on Thursday morning at about 8:11 a.m. on the 1500 block of NW Lyman Road in North Topeka — smoke was seen coming from the roof of a house.

A crash occurred at 7:15 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of S.W.

5th Street and Topeka Boulevard during rush-hour in downtown Topeka—crews responded but reported no injuries at the scene.

Topeka police said Donald C.

Eteeyan, 48, died from stabbing injuries near SE 2nd and California on April 23 while Paul J. Gladney Jr. was taken into custody for murder in the first degree—this is the city’s 5th homicide of 2025.

At 8 a.m. today, police tracked a stolen gray Hyundai Sonata that crashed near 17th and McAlister—gunshots were fired and while a woman and a man were taken into custody, officers continue to search for another suspect as schools went on lockdown.

Washburn University cut the ribbon on the new Dr. James Hurd Recital Hall Thursday in honor of the late music teacher who spent five decades teaching and led the $5 million donation, and the hall now shows advanced livestreaming and recording technology to support student and community performances next to the Rita Blitt Gallery + Sculpture Garden.

The Auburn-Washburn USD 437 district held its Spring Breakfast at the Topeka Civic Theater where school officials, staff, and business leaders raised funds for classroom grants and student scholarships.

Superintendent Dr. Scott McWilliams detailed plans for a ribbon-cutting at the new Washburn Rural North Middle School next month—along with a 50,000 sq. ft. innovation center, district upgrades, and over $40,000 in teacher grants.

Shawnee County Emergency Management changed its policy yesterday so that tornado sirens will sound only in areas under warning — replacing the county-wide activation that had been used for over 10 years.

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.