Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka United invites teens to join its Teen Threads program as part of a youth leadership and relationship building series held over several months.

Applications (open until July 31) are now accepted locally.

Descendants will gather in Nicodemus for its 148th Homecoming Emancipation Celebration from July 30 to Aug.

2. The four-day event features a history meeting, Cowboy Breakfast, parade, and community meal to honor the town's heritage.

Compass Datacenters is hosting an open house at Washburn Rural High School’s Innovation Center on Tuesday, July 28 (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.).

Community members and stakeholders can ask questions and learn about the project at the event.

Lauren's Bay in Southwest Topeka now has new owners, as a recent report identified the group set to maintain the venue's local tradition.

The ownership change marks a fresh chapter for this community business.

The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, stopped at the Great Overland Station on Thursday morning during an eight-week coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

It left Topeka this morning and will reach Cheyenne on Wednesday, July 29.

A national organization (KC-NTMA) visited the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers today to present its economic report on precision manufacturing, which supports regional jobs and workforce growth.

State Board of Education candidates Ann Zimmerman and Alana McWilliams differ on solving Kansas literacy challenges and special education funding.

Zimmerman (a Salina educator) advocates more resources while McWilliams draws on her tutoring center experience to reform reading, with each running unopposed in the Aug. 4 primary.

A Topeka doctor at Stormont Vail Express Care explained which symptoms need ER care and which can be treated at urgent care to cut wait times; she noted that signs like chest pain and stroke-like symptoms should go to the ER, while minor fractures and cuts may be handled more quickly elsewhere.

Blue Cross Blue Shield celebrated 10 years of its Blue Health Initiatives in Topeka by launching projects such as new trails and food programs to promote healthier living (the effort reflects rising trends in active lifestyles and improved eating habits).

Kansas Athletics is reimagining Late Night in the Phog as part of exhibition games at Allen Fieldhouse.

The men’s team will host Pittsburg State on Oct. 16, with Phog Fest starting at 2 p.m., and the women’s team will host Washburn on Oct. 29, with expanded fan activities and giveaways.

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.