Good morning, Topeka.

On April 25, the Capper Foundation got a $1,000,000 donation from Larry Parsons from Canton, Ohio — his gift will pay for a new training kitchen named the Carol Hamilton Training Kitchen so people with disabilities can learn baking and cooking skills and help produce baked goods for Dialogue Coffee House locations.

A 23-year-old man was arrested after a shooting took place near Southwest Huntoon Street and Lincoln in Central Topeka Monday evening (he faces charges such as attempted 2nd Degree Murder, aggravated assault, criminal discharge of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm and felony criminal damage) when police arrived.

NOTO Arts Center chose two resident artists for its 2025 Resident Artist Program—Jordan E.

Brooks and Pradeep Bangalore. The artists will begin their year-long residencies on May 15 with studio support from local business Mad Marketing and join community art walks.

Topeka Public Schools students will remain in class a few extra days before summer break as the district used no school days during severe winter weather and now plans to end the school year with a half-day on May 29.

The decision meets state requirements for school hours — a rule under the 1,116-hour policy.

If an inmate dies with no one to claim the body, KDOC said it will be cremated in four days and the remains sent to Lansing Correctional or Hutchinson Correctional—Kansas law sets rules for who may claim them.

Shawnee County will rededicate its historic courthouse on May 1 to mark its 60th anniversary and a $14.5 million renovation funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The upgrade adds new HVAC systems, LED lighting, modern security, and improved accessibility—changes that will help the building serve the community—and the ceremony will start at 9:00 a.m. after a work session, with plans to move indoors if rain falls.

The REAL ID deadline is approaching as travelers will need a REAL ID to fly domestically and enter some federal facilities after May 7, and these IDs do not work for international travel.

Kansas residents must secure a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative (such as a passport) to avoid delays at security checkpoints.

Stormont Vail Health will offer $20 physical examinations for middle and high school student athletes on Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to noon at Cotton O’Neil Kanza Park, 2600 S.W.

3rd St.—$10 from each exam will be donated to the athletes’ school. No appointment is needed and payments are accepted by cash, credit card, or check.

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.

Envista Eats & Beats

6-9 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Experience vibrant live music and local flavors every Thursday evening in downtown Topeka.