Good morning, Topeka.

Non-profit leaders tested a new one-stop center for people without shelter at Let’s Help on July 8.

MAP will provide showers, clothes, laundry, meals and medical appointments—services available every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during a trial period that ends on October 31.

Police identified Destiny Voss (28) after she died from a gunshot wound when officers responded to a call at 11:30 p.m. on July 6 at a local hospital; her death marks the ninth homicide investigation of 2025.

The Kansas Supreme Court reversed the drug trafficking conviction of an Illinois tagged motorist whose vehicle was searched on Interstate 70 in 2021—ruling that a partially obscured state name did not provide law enforcement with reasonable suspicion to stop and search, and sending the case back to district court for further review.

Fiesta Topeka 2025, the city’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture, will run from July 15-19 and features a parade on July 12 with staging beginning at 8:30 a.m.—parking restrictions will be in effect from 3 a.m.—a Coronation Ball later that evening, live performances daily, and food sales starting at 4 p.m. as a new free shuttle service, sponsored by Reser’s Fine Foods, will help guests navigate road work and parking challenges.

World-renowned math educator Kim Sutton taught Topeka Public School teachers Tuesday new ways to engage students in math—her methods come as only 18% of fourth graders meet proficiency—aiming to inspire lasting improvements in the district's performance.

Chad Fay, a lifelong Topeka resident and health worker, spoke at Eye on NE Kansas on July 8 about his plan to improve mental and physical health care after seeing problems with local services and the city-owned Hotel Topeka.

All six mayoral candidates will run in the primary on Aug 5 to replace Mayor Mike Padilla, and the top two will go to the November ballot + local issues remain in focus.

SENT Topeka plans to build over 200 new affordable housing units at the Fremont-Hill project near 29th and Fremont in southeast Topeka.

The development, funded with $46 million in tax credits, includes a 176 unit apartment complex, a subdivision of 51 homes and four net zero energy houses—officials say the project may also boost local school enrollment.

Topeka will host the 36th Sunflower State Games—featuring more than 20 sports from archery to pickleball—this weekend and next, with registration still open for select events.

Interim director Mike Randol said the event gives athletes of all ages a chance to compete for medals.

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.

Kansas Ballet - The Wizard of Oz

7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets $15 — Experience the magic of dance in this enchanting ballet adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.

PBR Shawnee County Fair Professional Bull Riding

7-8:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling bull riding action with top riders competing for victory.

99s-2000s Skate Party

11 p.m.-2 a.m. — Sk8away Inc. — Refunds available up to 7 days before event — Relive the nostalgia of the 90s and 2000s while skating to throwback hits.