Good morning, Topeka.

At the Topeka Zoo on June 21, new cheetah brothers Roosevelt and Leipold debuted and a meet-and-greet with Chester was held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. To mark its 5th anniversary, Topeka ER and Hospital offered free zoo admission to the first 500 visitors.

AARP announced that five organizations in Kansas will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants to fund projects that improve public spaces, transportation, housing, and digital connections for older residents and others—initiatives include court repavings in Caney, park upgrades in Cimarron, pedestrian safety in Winfield, heritage panels in Fort Scott, and accessibility improvements in Wichita. The grants are part of a $4.2 million commitment supporting 383 quick-action projects nationwide.

A 25-year-old man was injured in a motorcycle crash Friday night in Lecompton when he attempted a U-turn and his motorcycle was struck by a pickup truck; medics transported him to a nearby hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

On Saturday, people came to the Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth Celebration at Hillcrest Community Center and enjoyed music, food, and the crowning of Juneteenth royalty.

The event ended at 10 p.m. and honored a long tradition of freedom—linking past struggles with today's community spirit.

The Kansas Board of Regents appointed Thomas Newsom as the 11th president of Pittsburg State University to help reverse a 13% enrollment decline and improve fiscal management—he brings over 20 years of higher education experience from Southeastern Oklahoma State.

Newsom will lead the 5,700-student university and work to boost student affordability following former president Dan Shipp’s resignation—his appointment aims to stabilize the university’s future.

Hotel Topeka hosted hundreds of pool players for a multi-day tournament, but the air conditioning has been out for days causing sticky hands and uneven table rolls.

Organizers said the cooling issue repeats past problems (visitors reported using industrial fans) and the event will continue through the weekend.

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.

Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp

July 21-24 — Bettis Sports Complex — Not specified — Develop soccer skills and enjoy a fun-filled camp for young players aged 5-14.