Good morning, Topeka.

Berries Basket Cafe will open in the former Red Lobster location in Topeka in about four months.

The restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner including Greek food, wraps and famous banana bread, and it will feature a pet-friendly covered area (with a free treat for pets).

On July 2, the Vatican excommunicated bishops, priests and members of the Society of St. Pius X after unauthorized consecrations, impacting the Immaculata Church in St. Marys—a large church built in 2023 that seats over 1,500—as its members now risk not receiving valid sacraments without reconciliation.

The America 250 celebrations kicked off at the Capitol on July 2 in Topeka when 13’s Melissa Brunner and David Oliver hosted Capitol Kansas Concert.

Guests enjoyed patriotic music + a flyover during a festive evening honoring the nation’s 250th birthday.

For the Culture KS returns with a free festival celebrating Black culture, art, and music on Saturday, July 25 at Topeka Social while a ticketed gala with keynote Christal Watson takes place the night before; tickets cost $125.

The NOTO Arts District unveiled the Reflections of NOTO mural Thursday night under the Kansas Avenue Bridge that connects NOTO and Downtown, showcasing key figures and moments that shaped local history while lead artist Zandra Sneed-Dawkins said the mural was made by local talent.

Kansas' Department of Agriculture added amur honeysuckle and four other invasive plants to the noxious weed list, requiring landowners to remove them from their property.

County offices offer cost-share herbicides — support to help control the spread.

Representatives from 79 nations visited the Kansas House chamber to learn about American democracy (through the Field Studies Program at Fort Leavenworth), part of a long-term effort to foster international civic engagement.

Kansas Game Wardens will increase waterway patrols this holiday weekend to help keep boaters safe during Independence Day celebrations (as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign).

The Topeka Police Department reminds residents that fireworks can be discharged within city limits today from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. while urging proper supervision and safety measures (including water and fire extinguishers).

State officials reported that June tax collections totaled $1.07 billion—exceeding estimates by $33.5 million—with individual income tax rising 5.4% over projections and overall collections up 1.0% from last June.

AAA warns drivers today that extreme heat may lead to vehicle breakdowns and put roadside technicians at risk (including issues like dead batteries and flat tires) in Topeka; motorists are urged to check battery life, coolant levels, and tire pressure while slowing down and moving over for safety.

Connect & Empower Con Youth Suicide Prevention Conference will be held on Aug.

10 & 11 at Emporia State University; registration costs $50 with lunch included, and attendees will receive life-saving tools from Beacon for Hope and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

Emergency rooms often see double their daily visits from heat illness and firework injuries as residents prepare for tomorrow’s Fourth of July celebrations.

Injury prevention coordinator Annie Buckland advises staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and taking breaks in cool areas (especially for children) to keep safe.

The KDHE and KDWP have issued a public health advisory for several lakes, including Gathering Pond and King Lake, due to harmful blue-green algae.

Water recreation runs until Oct. 31 so residents and visitors should avoid water contact if the lake shows signs like foam or scum.

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.

Full Band Performance at Evergy Plaza

7-11 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a lively full band set from MNB, who play over 100 shows a year.