Good morning, Topeka.

With Shera’s passing Saturday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington (D.C.), Topeka Zoo officials confirmed that Asante, now 22, is the oldest lioness in U.S. zoos.

Car enthusiasts gathered at Fairlawn Plaza on Saturday to support a local nonprofit by showcasing classic cars and competing for prizes + enjoying barbecue and Mexican food.

The event raised funds for a center that serves people with intellectual disabilities.

A restoration project at Paxico Safety Rest Area cleared a trail leading to The Guard of the Plains+ a historic sculpture that celebrates Kansas prairie heritage.

Volunteers from Top City Trails will add more hiking trails so visitors can explore the scenic area today.

Firefighters responded to an electrical fire at 118 NE Lime Street Friday at 3:13 p.m. and quickly contained the blaze in an unoccupied home — a dog inside did not survive due to missing smoke detectors.

Local artists filled NOTO streets with chalk art during the annual Chalk Walk.

The district held a contest for the best chalk design (and offered a youth supply sale) to encourage all skill levels to join the fun.

Highland Park Central Elementary unveiled a new outdoor learning space today that features a painted mural on the ground, new umbrellas, and breakout rooms with painted scenes.

The area, developed over a year with help from several groups, will be used by classes starting Monday.

The American Red Cross urges local families to be water smart this May by taking swim lessons and learning water safety.

Its programs (now in Spanish for children) have helped cut accidental drownings by nearly 90% nationwide.

KU men’s basketball added 6ft 8in wing Atticus Richmond (a Chicagoland native) to next season’s roster on Saturday after he played a postgrad prep year at The Newman School in Boston.

Washburn women's tennis advanced to the NCAA national championships with a 4-1 win over Central Oklahoma.

The team will compete in Surprise, Arizona, starting May 19.

Topeka native Peyton Williams made the final roster cut for the Phoenix Mercury after six seasons overseas and a brief stint with the Portland Fire.

The former K-State star now begins her professional journey.

KU softball lost 14-0 to Texas Tech in the Big 12 semifinal at Devon Park on Friday.

The Jayhawks now await the NCAA Tournament selection show later today.

KU will decide by May 24 whether its baseball team will host an NCAA Regional + if so, KSHSAA state baseball will shift from Hoglund Ballpark to an alternate site secured by a nearby college.

NCAA Regionals begin Friday, May 29 + state championships are scheduled on the same day in Lawrence.

HME Fabrication Facility Tour

12-1 p.m. — HME, Inc. — Free entry — Explore the structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabrication facility and learn about the Haas Group's specialized companies.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an epic concert breathing dark energy into legendary Rock & Metal.

Evans United Carnival 2026

May 21-31 — Stormont Vail Events Center — $18.30 General Admission, $10.05 Child (3-11) — A vibrant carnival featuring parking lot exhibitions and festivals for family fun.

Party with The BASH

8-11 p.m. — Thunderbirds Grille — Cost info not provided — Dance the night away with live music at Thunderbirds Grille.

Doggie Date Night

6-8 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a fun evening bonding with your pup in the heart of Topeka.

Signal Ridge Music Evening

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — Free entry — Enjoy a night of Appalachian Folk-grass tunes with Redd & The Paper Flowers.

Green Shoebox Band: St. Marys Community Event

6-10 p.m. — St. Marys Riverside Park — Free entry — Enjoy a night of music with the Green Shoebox Band in a vibrant community setting.

Kelsey Miles Live Performance

12:30 – 4:30 PM — Mulvane Art Fair, Topeka, KS — Free entry — Connect through music and storytelling with Kelsey Miles.

Yoga Nidra Session

12:15-1:15 p.m. — Florence Crittenton - Integrative Health — Free entry — Experience deep relaxation through guided meditation rooted in ancient yogic traditions.