Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka police arrested Pearson Carter III (19) on Thursday, June 12 for his alleged role in a downtown homicide that occurred on June 3 near the 700 block of SW Western Avenue where Ian A.

Mwaniki (29) was found with life-threatening injuries and later pronounced dead.

The OZ Museum in Wamego now displays a never-before-seen prop from the 1939 film on temporary loan from a private collection—visitors are urged to see it soon before it is removed.

Cirque Italia, an animal‐free show featuring gymnasts, performers and acts like rope, swing and fire performances, is coming to Topeka for Independence Day at 6715 Southwest Westview Road.

The shows will be held on Friday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 5 at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 6 at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Monday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m., with the box office opening on Tuesday, July 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on non‐show days and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on days with scheduled performances.

A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the Q4 2024 employment data revealed varied wages across Kansas counties, with Johnson County leading at $1,490 while some smaller counties paid as little as $689.

Shawnee County saw the largest employment and wage gains among the four biggest counties—its jobs grew by 1.6% and wages by 5.9%.

Cindy Holscher, a Kansas Senate member since 2020, announced her candidacy for governor on Thursday morning and will host regional kick-off events in July.

Her campaign will focus on protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, investing in public education, and offering tax relief to working families & easing high living costs.

The Kansas Highway Patrol warns that driving too slowly on highways can lead to abrupt reactions from other drivers and higher crash risks.

Officials reported issuing citations each year from 2020 to 2024 for vehicles impeding traffic—drivers are encouraged to remove slow-moving vehicles from the roadway or adjust their speed for safety.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is responding to a rise in opioid overdoses by making free naloxone and fentanyl test strips available via a vending machine near a transit station—community partners are also educating residents about these resources and the dangers of opioid misuse. The county has reported 33 overdoses between March and May and is urging residents to access help early.

On Thursday, the Big 12 conference released full opponent matrixes for KU and K-State men’s and women’s basketball teams, listing home-only, away-only, and home-and-away matchups for the season.

KU men will host teams such as Baylor and BYU while playing away against Arizona State and UCF, and K-State teams have similar detailed schedules—providing a roadmap for fans.

Eats & Beats Featuring Dead Bettys

Thursday evenings — Evergy Plaza — Enjoy local food trucks and live music — Experience an unforgettable summer of music in Downtown Topeka.

Undercover: An 80's Experience

6-9 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — $8 cover, kids under 12 are free — Enjoy an energetic night of singing and dancing to your favorite 80's hits with local talent.

Topeka Renaissance Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — $14+ per day — Experience jousting, games, and entertainment at this exciting festival of medieval fun.

Country Stampede Festival 2025

June 25-28 — Topeka, Kansas — Prices vary — Celebrate country music with top artists, family-friendly fun, and delicious local cuisine.

7th Annual Sneakers & Smiles Golf Tournament

2-8 p.m. — Cypress Ridge Golf Course — $380 team entry fee — Participate in a fun-filled golf tournament benefiting Sole Reason, complete with extras like a silent auction and raffle prizes.

Summer Fireworks Extravaganza

7-10 p.m. — Avondale East Field — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of music, food, and a spectacular fireworks display.

An Unforgettable Evening with Eddie Wakes

7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket sales start May 6 — Experience the remarkable voice of Topeka native Eddie Wakes in a night of music and excitement.