Good morning, Topeka.

The Topeka Police Department worked the scene of a bike vs. car crash on Friday morning at the 17th and Washburn intersection—Washburn University Police confirmed the incident at 8:50 a.m. while noting minor traffic disruptions nearby.

The Topeka Police Department arrested Pearson Carter III, 19, on June 12—linking him to the city’s eighth homicide—after officers responded to reports of gunshots on June 3 in the downtown area that left Ian A.

Mwaniki, 29, dead.

Two men—Royelle L. Miller, booked for possession of stolen property, and Trent L.

Williams, in custody for an active fugitive warrant—were jailed in Topeka after a Thursday afternoon arrest that followed a swift takedown based on real-time reports from the Shawnee County Sheriff's Real Time Crime Center.

The Kansas Board of Education voted to make some COVID-19 rules permanent today.

The new rule allows anyone 18 and older with a high school diploma to apply for an emergency substitute license+ it aims to ease teacher shortages when teachers call out unexpectedly.

Stormont Vail hosted a summer camp program last Friday that allowed high school students to explore hospital departments and learn about healthcare careers.

The students rotated through the emergency room and NICU — earning Stop the Bleed certification before graduating with a clearer view of their future.

Secretary Christopher Kennedy was sworn in Friday by Governor Laura Kelly and shared his plans to use 34 years of wildlife management experience to lead the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

He said he will focus on fiscal sustainability — upgrading infrastructure and improving communication with lawmakers and the public.

The US-24 highway exit ramp to northbound US-75 in Topeka will close next week for maintenance, KDOT said.

Motorists will follow a detour via NW Menoken Road — message boards and signage will guide traffic until early September.

Advocate Sapphire Garcia warned that proposed federal cuts to Medicaid will increase maternal deaths and force 13,000 Kansans to lose coverage — a move that risks further straining care for vulnerable mothers and families.

An analysis shows that the cuts would reduce federal funding by $3.77 billion — deepening gaps in local perinatal services.

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.