Good morning, Topeka.

The Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging will host the Golden Connections Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to Noon Saturday, July 25 in Agriculture Hall at the Stormont Vail Events Center complex as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Vendors from Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties will be present.

The City of Topeka is partnering with the Fiesta Topeka Planning Committee to collect new school supplies at 12 fire stations from Tuesday, July 14 through Friday, July 31 — a drive to ensure local students start the school year prepared.

Donations of backpacks, notebooks, and crayons are welcome.

Five Kansas universities are featured in the top 100 Midwest schools today as U.S. News & World Report updated rankings for the 2026-2027 school year; Washburn University led with a boost to 74th while Fort Hays State made the largest jump.

Emporia State, Pittsburg State and St. Mary saw changes.

Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority has received inquiries about a modest data center and other developments near the airport, signaling early efforts to use underutilized property.

A landowners meeting with a developer is set later this week + GO Topeka awaits a federal application before evaluating the project.

The American Red Cross reported a nearly 25% drop in blood donations in June and declared an emergency shortage for platelets and types O positive and B negative; donors who give blood from Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 31 get a Fandango movie ticket (up to $15) as thanks.

A Stormont Vail pediatric doctor said weight loss medication Wegovy is now prescribed for children 12 and older with strict guidelines and lifestyle support to reduce obesity risks and improve quality of life.

The Capper Foundation’s I Can Swim camp is underway at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, offering a 5-day water safety program for up to 30 children and adults with disabilities.

Participants have come from Illinois and Oklahoma to learn skills like floating and bubble blowing to boost water confidence.

Former Kansas basketball coach Ted Owens will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in October in Kansas City, Missouri—he coached the Jayhawks for 19 seasons and won 348 games.

Today, Kansas football defensive tackle Blake Herold (a redshirt junior) spoke at Big 12 Conference media days in Frisco, Texas, noting he will lead the defense and help new teammates prepare for improved game execution.

He also expressed excitement about playing a game in London later this season.

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.