Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka couple Alea Martin & Jason Weaver entered a nationwide contest to share their love story for a chance to win $20,000 to help pay for their wedding plans and a new roof on their house.

The contest, hosted by Jeff Goldblum & his wife Emilie, lets people vote each day while raising funds for ocean conservation efforts & the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Topeka Zoo will offer early entry for members on July 12 and 26 as part of Member Mornings—helping them beat the summer heat while families can join the Sunflower Summer program for free admission to various attractions.

The zoo will host its annual Brew at the Zoo fundraiser on September 13, with tickets available starting July 16.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition helped the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka during its 10th annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ by donating school supplies and cleaning stock on Wednesday morning—supporting the club amid uncertain federal funding.

The donation came as the organization needed extra help to meet its wishlist for the kids.

The Kansas Supreme Court overturned a drug conviction from a 2021 traffic stop in Geary County—saying the stop was unlawful because Kansas law does not require the state name on a license plate to be clear, and the case now returns to district court where charges against Brian Beck could be dropped.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett declined to prosecute five juvenile detention officers who restrained 17-year-old Cedric “C.J.” Lofton until he died in 2021— a U.S. Appeals Court panel noted the prolonged restraint exposed the officers to potential excessive-force lawsuits.

Topeka police are asking for public help in a homicide investigation after officers responded at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday to a local hospital on S.W.

Randolph Avenue where Destiny Voss was pronounced dead — no arrests have been made.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced her run for governor in the 2026 election on Wednesday morning—she said her goal is to improve life for Kansans drawing on her 40 years of experience in health care and government.

Kansas collected over $10 billion in tax revenue during fiscal year 2025, beating state forecasts by $132 million — including a $124 million transfer to the rainy day fund.

Lawmakers passed tax relief measures to lower income and corporate taxes while critics warn the plans could worsen a future budget deficit.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Topeka city leaders voted to keep the mill levy rate at 36.956 mills to address a projected $17 million deficit for 2026—this step could lead to higher property taxes, and a public hearing is set for August 26 to gather community input.

City Councilwoman Michelle Hoferer said a plan for a new pumping station at Maverik's planned site off Interstate 70 at Fairlawn was sent back to the Planning Commission after receiving mostly negative feedback (the proposal follows a July 1 vote to reconsider zoning and a traffic study remains under review).

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.