Good morning, Topeka.

Lulu is a three year old Siamese mix available for adoption at Helping Hands Humane Society with reduced fees until May 15 from the Bissell Pet Foundation.

Emi Griess said the shy cat warms up to people but does not like other cats, and the shelter will host a rummage sale on May 17 to support its programs.

On May 9, a car drove through the front entrance of The Wheel Barrel at 925 North Kansas Avenue in north Topeka—police say no one was hurt.

A Shawnee County judge sentenced local man Anthony R.

Downing—39—to 266 months in prison on Friday, May 9 after a jury convicted him of stabbing a Kwik Shop cashier's head during a 2019 incident in Topeka.

The Topeka Performing Arts Center launched its first season as TPAC Live and will feature local native Eddie Wakes, who will release his debut album Street Singer Volume One and perform on July 12 at 7:00 p.m.—The album features contributions from Royal Crown Revue and is produced by Marvin Etzioni as the center aims to offer affordable live experiences downtown.

Grain Belt Express awarded $1.7 billion in contracts to Quanta Services and Kiewit Energy Group to build an 800-mile electric line that will link Kansas to Indiana.

Phase 1—linking Kansas and Missouri—will begin construction in 2026 and is expected to deliver 5,000 megawatts of power, reduce energy costs, and create over 4,000 jobs while using local materials.

The Kansas Children's Discovery Center cut the ribbon on three new accessible rooms yesterday as part of its $11.5 million expansion to support children with disabilities and their families.

The new spaces include The Nest for nursing and medical needs, a renovated family restroom with a universal changing table, and the Cocoon Room for a quiet break+ they offer a welcoming environment for every visitor.

State health officials issued a harmful algal bloom warning for Lake Shawnee this week due to blue-green algae that poses health risks for humans and animals—KDHE advises the public to avoid water contact and follow posted precautions.

Jonathan Prosser and Sean Frost will run 250 miles across Kansas starting May 22 from White Cloud to Coffeyville to raise funds for Lifeline Children’s Services and Topeka Collegiate’s Sustain Campaign Endowment Initiative.

They will cover the route in stages over several days — including 66 miles on May 22 and 19 miles on May 26—while resting overnight to complete the challenge.

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.

2025 GermanFest Brat Trot

8-9 a.m. — Santa Fe Park — $30 — Celebrate German culture while fundraising for local schools with a fun 5K Brat Trot run.

Aldersgate Village On-Site Tour

9 AM - 7 PM — Aldersgate Village Life Plan Community — Free entry — Explore a faith-based retirement community focused on quality living and care.