Good morning, Topeka.

AAA projects nearly 700,000 Kansans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day travel period (June 27 to July 5).

The agency urges drivers to check vehicle maintenance due to higher fuel and trip costs to ensure safe journeys.

Fiesta Topeka kickoff party will be held 6 to 11 p.m. June 27 at Marlo Cuevas Balandran Activity Center, featuring free live music and food vendors offering items from the now-closed Rosa’s Restaurant.

Volunteers are still needed for additional Fiesta events throughout the weekend.

Italian restaurant Chef’s Kiss will reopen today for dinner at 5 p.m. after break-ins forced a brief closure; owner Dustin Pfamatter said community support & careful repairs are helping the family-run eatery get back on track.

KTWU studios on the Washburn campus hosted a taping of '!nspire' on June 16.

The facility, built in 1994 — which features production areas and a trophy display — offers a unique look inside local public broadcasting.

The 9th annual Sunshine Reggae Roots Festival takes place Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Celtic Fox on SW 8th and Jackson.

Admission is $15 and children 10 and under attend free with a paying adult.

The Kansas Department of Labor released its latest May report, showing the unemployment rate fell to 3.8% from April’s 3.9%—nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,100 while labor force participation dropped to 67.2%.

Mission Valley students are building an outdoor classroom using recycled power poles to honor late teacher Cassandra Clark, with support from Evergy and USD 330.

The project, which includes planter beds to attract monarch butterflies (per school leaders), is expected to be completed today.

A new fire station broke ground in Soldier Township Tuesday and construction began on upgrades including truck bays and living spaces (with a community training area) to improve emergency response times.

Funded by a nearly $12 million bond, the project is slated for completion by September next year.

The NCAA is moving forward with a rule change that would let college athletes play five seasons in five years — a shift aimed at giving football and basketball teams more flexibility.

Officials are expected to determine if the change will take effect for the 2026–27 season.

Rob Hays is leading the Sunflower State Games in Topeka as the event welcomes longtime fans and new participants.

The games are underway with track and field last weekend and will include swimming, horseshoes, and wrestling on June 27.

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.

Live Country Music Night with Steel Skarecrow

7-11 p.m. — Saddle Up Bar and Grill — Free entry — Experience a blend of nineties country and southern soul that tells a story through modern music.

KAZHA Live Performance

8:00 – 11:59 PM — The Legendary Boobie Trap Bar — Ticket info TBA — Experience a unique blend of power rock from the Japanese band fronted by Kazuha Oda.

Bike Night Featuring Milltown

7-11 p.m. — Kickstart Saloon — Free entry — Milltown rockin it southern style on Kick’s outdoor stage for a great time.

Willow Rose's Country for the Pets

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Northside Social — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of live music with Ryan Manuel, a passionate singer-songwriter from Lawrence, Kansas.