Good morning, Topeka.

Catholic Charities reopened in a new building on Macvicar after taking over Let's Help services, resuming programs like a food pantry and community closet on July 15.

The organization plans an open house in October to expand offerings such as financial literacy education and interview coaching.

A Topeka couple questioned transparency when Compass Datacenters canceled an in-person meeting on July 15 near their historic land after a news crew arrived, raising concerns that local residents were left out.

They said a public forum to discuss the proposed data center is planned within 10 days.

Lady Shakes invites adults to enjoy an evening of modern takes on classic Shakespeare plays and fundraising.

The event will take place at The Foundry Event Center, 400 SW 33rd St. at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18.

Fiesta Topeka (led by food chair O'Dell Giner) is showcasing more than rice, beans, and burritos today.

The celebration (highlighting local cuisine innovation) offers community members a rich culinary experience.

The Topeka Zoo opened the Mark and Bette Morris Family Tiger Trails and Den Academy on Wednesday morning, inviting visitors to interact with two Sumatran tigers and a king vulture in an immersive exhibit.

The celebration featured remarks from the CEO of Greater Topeka Partnership (Molly Howey).

Teacher vacancies statewide declined by 9.1% as more special education, science, and elementary teaching slots were filled from fall 2025 to spring 2026, state education officials said.

Some urban districts, including Topeka, saw modest increases with vacancies rising 6% despite overall retention improvements.

The Topeka Police Department is using a K-9 heat safety system with a buzzer that sounds at 80 degrees & triggers cooling measures like lowering windows and turning on fans to protect dogs during summer heat.

Astra Mental Health & Recovery Foundation will mark its first year with a creative fundraiser called VIVID: The Art of Healing at Townsite Ave. Ballroom, 534 S.

Kansas Ave. on Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets will cost $135 and the silent auction will open online on July 31.

State health officials reported 55 provisional cases of cyclosporiasis as of Wednesday, July 15, including 25 this month.

They are working with local health departments to trace potential exposures and urge residents to wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

SENT’s Southside Wellness Clinic in Topeka offers holistic health consultations to assess physical, emotional, and environmental aspects of well-being.

Community health advocate Trisha Osier-Duvall said a root cause consultation (a service uncovering underlying factors) may help guide lasting health improvements.

An EMS leader thanked the responders who saved her from a pulmonary embolism yesterday — the team received a special challenge coin for their life-saving efforts.

Judy Dyer, a pioneering track athlete from Topeka, will be honored with induction into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame on July 25 — marking her historic role in building the Texas Southern track program before Title IX.

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.