Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka Family & Friends Juneteenth offers free community events including a gospel concert at 3 p.m. June 14 at St. John AME at 701 SW Topeka Blvd, a parade with a car show at 11 a.m. June 19 in downtown, and a celebration on June 20 at Hillcrest Community Center.

Residents found relief from a four-day I-70 closure and heavy storms at yesterday’s Eats and Beats event, where they escaped traffic and weather worries.

Attendees said the break came as detours (including a 470 detour near MacVicar) made travel difficult.

Local author Tim Bascom discussed his new book The Boundless Game at Eye on NE Kansas, explaining why soccer is loved worldwide — his passion started with childhood trips abroad.

His insights tie into the excitement of this week’s World Cup kickoff.

According to AAA, gas prices fell this week in Kansas+ with the average unleaded price at $3.76 and diesel at $4.75 on Thursday.

National prices dropped 12 cents for unleaded, marking a consistent downward trend.

Washburn University will offer a new bachelor's degree in Sport and Event Media starting fall 2026 in Topeka.

The program will combine media production and event management with hands-on learning and internships.

Topeka Public Schools held a Listening Tour and Hiring Fair at Quentin Heights Education Center on Thursday morning.

Community members provided feedback to school board members and explored job openings while enjoying treats from Los GemElotes to help shape local education improvements.

Federal officials issued Letters of Impending Enforcement Action to Topeka, Olathe and Shawnee Mission Public Schools on Thursday after finding policies allowed male students use of female facilities; Kansas City Public Schools received a Letter of Impasse.

Districts have 10 days to comply or face funding loss.

As of Thursday morning, power crews had restored power for many customers after heavy storms hit earlier this week.

Repairs reduced outages in several counties such as Shawnee (806 outages) and Riley (176 outages), but thousands remain without power, including 5,007 customers in Saline.

The Vista Apartments (located at Highway 24 and North Kansas Avenue in North Topeka) now offers 24 temporary units with same-day move-in to help residents facing housing insecurity.

Developer Reden Jalosjos said tenants need only bring ID and pay $700 in rent and deposit.

Johnson-Betts Meadows, a new 176-unit affordable housing project at SE 31st and Fremont, will break ground at 9 a.m. June 30.

Officials from SENT, the Topeka Housing Authority, and Hoppe Construction say the project is key to providing homes for families earning 30%, 40%, and 60% of the median income.

Evergy Fight Night 3

5-10 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Experience high-energy boxing under the stars while supporting Special Olympics Kansas.

Country Line Dance Lessons with Kristy

6:30 – 7:15 p.m. — Happy Basset Brewing Co — Free entry — Dive into a fun night of easy-to-follow country and line dance lessons perfect for all skill levels.

Country Dance Night with Pinhole

8-11 p.m. — Happy Basset Brewing Co — $5 Cover — Experience a night of hard-hitting honky tonk sounds and prairie vibes with Pinhole.

Howard Mahan Band & The Old No. 5's Live Music

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — Ticket info available — Enjoy a night of blues rock with the electrifying Howard Mahan Band and The Old No. 5's.

Envista Eats & Beats

6-9 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and live music in a vibrant community atmosphere.

The Harvey Brothers Band Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Kick Start Saloon — Free entry — The Harvey Brothers Band plays live in Topeka for the first time, inviting everyone to ride their bikes over.

Boys Volleyball Training Camp

8:45 AM – 3:30 PM — Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena — Training fee required — Improve your volleyball skills with focused training for young male athletes.