Good morning, Topeka.

Food pantries in Topeka report rising demand from families affected by federal SNAP cuts and inflation; temporary closures from a nonprofit merger have added pressure, though services resume today at a key location (245 SW MacVicar Ave.).

Topeka Rescue Mission is offering extra meals and support to residents as food insecurity rises in Shawnee County.

The program started today to help local families in need.

The 50th annual Meriden Threshing Show runs from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19 at the grounds off Hwy.

K4 east of Meriden, featuring threshing demos at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, parades, tractor pulls (including an antique tractor tribute), and live music.

Capper Foundation celebrated its founder Arthur Capper’s birthday with an ice cream social Tuesday in Topeka & highlighted his legacy in local media and community support.

Topeka United launched Common Threads, a nine-month program that pairs community members to build lasting relationships using a new local curriculum.

Residents can apply online for the 2026-27 cohort.

YWCA Northeast Kansas announced its honorees for 2026 Women of Excellence on Tuesday, July 14; the honorees will be celebrated at the 38th annual gala on Sept.

12 at The Beacon — recognizing local women leaders for their community impact.

Fiesta Topeka kicked off on July 14 in Oakland and drew hundreds to celebrate Mexican culture, food, and music; the festival will run through July 18 (free shuttles are available at the city parking lot near 6th and Madison).

The City of Topeka began road preservation on SW Wanamaker Road today as part of its UBAS program.

Motorists should plan for lane closures and shifting traffic patterns until improvements finish on Aug. 10.

Kansas groups met to discuss how One Big Beautiful Bill has changed health care costs and food aid over the past year.

The law increased out-of-pocket costs and tightened Medicaid rules (11,000 children lost food benefits) while Rep. Derek Schmidt said it may eventually lower expenses.

Topeka Metro launched the Brake for Buses campaign Tuesday to remind drivers to give city buses extra room for safe stops + noting that buses need about 250 feet to stop compared to cars that require only 120 feet.

Topeka’s Community Blood Center reported that its blood supply is now the lowest since the pandemic as fewer donors visit during the summer.

The center urges residents to donate blood or platelets (cookies are offered) to help replenish this critical inventory.

Stormont Vail Health and the sheriff’s office are reviewing notification methods after 11 free care patients—including Mariana Villegas—challenged wage garnishments for medical debt in Shawnee County; Kansas Legal Services helped secure nearly $200K in settlements, prompting changes in debt collection practices.

Health officials are investigating a cyclosporiasis outbreak potentially linked to salad greens that has grown to over 2,600 cases in Michigan and includes reports from Kansas + several other states.

The CDC expects numbers to rise as investigations continue.

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.