Good morning, Topeka.

Dr. Kevin Cassidy celebrated his 30th year as head orthodontist at Cassidy Orthodontics in Topeka when his staff surprised him with a banner, balloons, and a sash — a gesture that highlights his enduring commitment to patient care.

He plans to continue serving the community for many more years.

Topeka skydiver Chris Phelps said he almost boarded a flight last weekend and now mourns the loss of his skydiving friends in Sunday's Butler crash while his close community stands together for support as he plans to keep jumping.

Topeka Pride Palooza will be held Saturday, June 20 at Evergy Plaza from 6 to 10 p.m. The free, family-friendly event features vendors, education booths, a Pride fashion show, a drag show and a K-Pop Splash Party at 9 p.m.

Sunflower Music Festival runs June 19 to 27 at White Concert Hall on the Washburn campus, offering free 7:30 p.m. concerts except Sunday featuring a tribute to Dr. James Hurd on opening night, a Kansas City Jazz Orchestra debut on June 22, and a finale with guest conductor Antony Walker.

The Statehouse will host two Juneteenth events this week: Black Health Awareness Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 and a free community celebration from 1 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 19, organized by Curtis Pitts.

Topeka is hosting multiple Juneteenth celebrations this week that bring the community together.

Festivities include parades + cultural events held at local venues.

GraceMed closed its East Topeka clinic on June 9 because of understaffing, leaving only one clinic in the county.

CEO Julie Elder said the company is seeking ways to hire more clinicians amid a national staffing shortage in community health.

Topeka Zoo said the 22-year-old lioness Asante is not feeling her best and is under close watch by animal care teams (she was diagnosed with renal disease common among aging big cats).

Evergy Plaza hosts a World Cup watch party today beginning at 6 p.m. with food trucks + limited swag before the 8 p.m. match; additional soccer games will be shown when available.

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.

Topeka Job Fair

12:30-3:00 p.m. — Crestview Community Center — Free entry — Explore a variety of job opportunities and connect with local employers in a vibrant setting.

Topeka Blues Society Summertime Blues Concert

6 p.m. — Gage Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Experience a night of blues music with live performances by local bands in a scenic park setting.