Good morning, Topeka.

The Topeka Zoo confirmed that beloved lioness Asante, 22, was humanely euthanized after chronic kidney disease led to renal failure, and zoo staff are now focused on caring for Tatu (who has been with her since 2005).

A Topeka man (Trevor) shared his firsthand experiences of homelessness with 13 NEWS, discussing lessons learned over seven years on the streets and in a growing community.

City officials began the summer homeless count on Wednesday, June 24 and expect to finalize counts soon.

TFI (The Family Initiative) has launched its Christmas in July campaign to secure holiday gifts for over 350 local children later this year.

Vice president Angel Romero spoke with Eye on NE Kansas about early planning for the holidays.

Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners partnered with the Topeka Zoo to host a wildflower seed bomb event on Thursday morning, where locals made seed bombs from compost, topsoil, wildflower seeds and clay to help boost native plant growth and support pollinators.

Jesus Fest 2026, presented by Street Team Ministry, is set for Saturday, June 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Family of God Church on NW Eugene St in North Topeka—attendees can enjoy free Christian music, food, drink and raffle prizes while bringing lawn chairs or blankets.

Local Star-Spangled Sing-Off winner Justin Aaron needs community votes as Regional Round voting will end Sunday, June 28 at 10:59 p.m. CT.

He discussed his singing journey in a video interview with 13 NEWS.

Gas prices are dropping as July 4 nears.

AAA said Kansas drivers paid $3.56 for unleaded gas and $4.45 for diesel on Thursday + noting declines from last week and last month.

Kansas Board of Regents general counsel John Yeary was named interim president after CEO Blake Flanders retires July 31.

Flanders, who led the board for 10 years, noted achievements in financial aid and graduation rates while warning of funding challenges for athletics programs.

Stores must remove all forms of kratom from shelves beginning July 1 following a statewide ban, and shop owner Jason Todack said customers plan to order it online + suppliers are retrieving unsold stock.

For Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Stormont Vail Behavioral Health is sharing resources to help local men overcome stigma and get treatment.

The outreach warns that untreated mental health issues may lead to depression, substance use and suicide — call Stormont Vail at 785-270-4600 for help.

SENT Topeka and Cairn Health launched a partnership to help Southside Wellness Clinic patients access needed medications, diabetic supplies and vision care.

K-State guard Nate Johnson signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night—he will join next month's NBA Summer League after averaging 12.8 points for the Wildcats.

Melvin Council Jr. signed an undrafted free agent deal with the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday morning and will join their NBA summer league next month; the former Jayhawks player averaged 12.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while at Lawrence.

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.