Good morning, Topeka.

Liz Murray, author of My Journey from Homeless to Harvard, is set to speak at Unmasking Stigma on Saturday, Nov.

8th at Townsite Ballroom in downtown Topeka from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The event supports Valeo Behavioral Health and will honor Barry Feaker with the Hope Humanitarian Award — Mary Flin with the Mental Health Awareness Warrior Award.

PTMW Inc. is investing in a new building along Highway 24 and new production equipment at its facility, creating more than 180 new jobs with salaries between $80,000 and $120,000 — the building will be completed by the end of 2025.

TPD responded on July 6 to a 3200 block of Randolph after a caller reported multiple gunshots from inside a home and confirmed that 28-year-old Destiny Voss died at a local hospital—no arrests have been made as investigators ask Topeka residents for tips.

Mid-year figures from the Topeka Police Department show overall crime fell 10% compared to the same point in 2024 — total crime is down 23% compared to the five-year average with violent crime decreasing 7% and property crime declining 10% so far this year.

Capper Foundation partnered with I Can Shine for the sixth annual iCan Swim program that helps children with disabilities learn to swim by setting individual goals in a safe on-site pool.

The five-day event fills up fast and ends today—one parent said his son felt more confident in the water.

Kansas firefighters from Topeka and Kansas City traveled to Idaho to help run funeral services for Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison—killed in an ambush when a gunman shot at firefighters arriving at a fire.

Legislative leaders in Kansas granted the IT firm Propylon a three-month extension to fix glitches in its new bill-writing software, meaning the system is expected to launch on October 1—at an extra cost of $190,000.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins and others expressed doubt that the company will meet this revised deadline as persistent bugs continue to delay progress.

On Thursday, Shawnee County agencies presented proposals for improvement projects over the next five years with an estimated total cost of about $167 million—commissioners emphasized that no spending decisions were made and any future projects will be reviewed to prevent unexpected costs.

At Chase Middle School, the Gibbs Elite Basketball Camp offered free basketball training and life lessons to kids this week—featuring guest speakers Police Chief Chris Vallejo and City Manager Robert Perez—helping them build confidence on and off the court.

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.