Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries reported a 252% increase in new food assistance requests in June after serving 571 first-timers and 563 returning families.

Neighbors are asked to donate food and funds to bolster food drives at the mission.

The nearly $6.9 million Gage Park carousel renovation is entering its final phase with planned upgrades to the carousel building and nearby gathering spaces.

County officials say the renewed area will soon serve as a hub for summer camps and community events.

Later this month, the Topeka Zoo will open its Tiger Trails Den and Academy to triple outdoor space for Sumatran tigers Thomas and Nisha and house a first-ever king vulture, Picasso — an exhibit that honors Mark and Bette Morris while boosting conservation and visitor connection.

The Topeka Zoo, in partnership with United Way and local book groups, hosted a free Wild About Reading event for kids on Thursday morning.

Organizers offered books, lunches and family-friendly activities in hopes the annual event will grow in future years.

Overnight storms left Topeka with downed tree branches and power outages affecting more than 7,000 customers (as of 5:22 a.m. Thursday), and traffic signals flashed red at several intersections while fire crews responded to storm-related calls.

Two World Cup quarterfinals will be played Saturday in Kansas City, where England will face Norway and Argentina will compete against Switzerland.

Both teams, with local training bases in the region, are set to return Saturday night for semifinal preparation while local fans enjoy game-day buzz & gatherings.

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.