Good morning, Topeka.

Kansas band members visited Shriners hospitals ahead of the weekend bowl game to take part in the Hospital Experience—where they met young patients and participated in activities simulating various challenges.

Two Topeka students said the visit was eye-opening as they saw the patients' strength and progress firsthand.

A vehicle crash in Topeka on June 18 at NW Topeka Blvd. and Independence Ave. left Roy Lockhart, 42, with suspected minor injuries after his 2009 Chevy Equinox was struck by a 2015 Ford Expedition running a red light — the other driver, Bobby Joe Brooks, 57, was not injured.

A recent analysis shows that AI image generators create Kansas visuals that depict white families, farmland, and familiar icons like John Deere hats.

The study highlights how these images misrepresent local landmarks in Topeka and Lawrence — raising concerns about reinforcing outdated stereotypes.

The Kansas Statewide Juneteenth Block Party on the Kansas Statehouse grounds started at 1:00 p.m. and lasted until 8 p.m., where locals enjoyed bounce houses, games and food trucks while celebrating freedom.

Organizers and participants shared poetry and remarks connecting the event to Kansas' historic role in ending slavery—bringing together people from many backgrounds.

State labor secretary Amber Shultz said Kansas recovered $11 million in fraudulent unemployment funds stolen during the pandemic from a $460 million loss but warned investigators have little time to recover the rest.

The labor department is working with banks + law enforcement as federal lawmakers consider extending the fraud prosecution deadline.

A national report by the Robert Dole Institute and the Edward Kennedy Institute found that many Kansas counties relying on property tax funding are struggling to cover rising costs for voting technology and staff.

The study noted that only 37% of counties had sufficient revenue and urged higher levels of government to provide steady funding—an effort that could help modernize local election administration.

After suffering a brain bleed last July, 91-year-old nurse Viola Remington donated her liver—saving a man's life in St. Louis—and her family is honored at Stormont Vail's annual Celebration of Life.

The event reminds donors' families of the life-changing gift of organ donation and encourages others to register.

Dr. Alec Britt from Stormont Vail Cancer Center in Topeka said using broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours can lower skin cancer risk and delay photo-aging.

He warned that even sprays must be applied evenly — cost and brand do not matter as long as the label indicates broad spectrum protection.

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.

Live at Lunch Featuring Justwynnmore

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy live music, local food trucks, and family fun in the heart of downtown Topeka.

Craig Morgan Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — $60 — Experience the hits of Craig Morgan in a vibrant country setting.

HAYSTAK Live Performance

9 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — General admission $20, meet & greet options available — Enjoy an electrifying live show by HAYSTAK with early doors opening for an all-age experience.