Good morning, Topeka.

Helping Hands Humane Society holds a Pick Your Price adoption event for dogs 5 months and older free at $0 & cats 5 months and older for $40 with microchip until July 26 at 5720 SW 21st St. The event is part of BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters initiative.

FTCKS co-founder Rodney Harmon shared his vision for For the Culture KS 2026—an effort to celebrate Black excellence and boost community pride in Topeka, with event details to be announced soon.

The Topeka Zoo has officially opened the new Mark and Bette Morris Family Tiger Trails + Den Academy, a Sumatran tiger exhibit designed to engage visitors with the rare cats.

Gas prices in Topeka rose as unleaded averaged $3.65 and diesel reached $4.48 on Friday, with both showing a week-over-week increase and remaining higher than last year.

The American Automobile Association reported the national trend amid ongoing war in Iran affecting fuel costs.

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School is fundraising to upgrade and rename its gymnasium in honor of longtime coach Don Turner, who served for 32 years.

Donations may be sent to 3601 SW 17th St (details were shared by Carrie Tinsley and Eric Deitcher).

Today, the Kansas Board of Regents set new guidelines for handling talks on race and equality in classrooms to get $12 million for six state universities + the policy states that classroom discussions of civil rights history will not count as these topics, leaving some educators worried about vague rules.

Col. Joey Orr became the new Fort Riley garrison commander on Thursday, July 16, replacing Col. Jerry Nunziato after his two years of service; Orr thanked Soldiers and community members (from Manhattan, Junction City, and the Flint Hills) for their welcome.

Gov. Kelly invites Kansans to join seven water consult meetings scheduled from Tuesday, July 28 at Colby Community College to Thursday, Aug.

27 at Wichita Public Library — including one in Topeka on Friday, Aug. 21 — to share ideas on water planning and future funding for community projects.

Shawnee County Health Department reported an increase in confirmed cyclosporiasis cases, and KDHE and CDC are investigating (no common source identified) further.

Residents are advised to wash produce, maintain good hand hygiene and seek medical care if symptoms persist.

Youth hockey returns to Topeka this fall as the Bison Ice Sports Association partners with the Scarecrows to launch the Topeka Junior Scarecrows; teams in five age groups will play 8 home games at Landon Arena plus 8 road games in Kansas City, and registration is open until August's end.

On July 16 in Frisco, defensive end Leroy Harris III said he is honored to return for the 2026 season and is working on his pass rushing under new coach Joe Dineen as Kansas prepares for its Sept.

4 home opener against LIU.

Washburn University Athletics posted its best season ever by finishing ninth in the national Learfield Directors’ Cup, an improvement from last year’s 15th-place finish.

Fourteen varsity teams qualified for NCAA postseason play while several captured conference championships.

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.