Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 31st of July.
Good morning, Topeka.
🏘️ Community
The NE Kansas Foster Grandparents Program will celebrate its 60th anniversary with an event at Big Gage Shelter House in Gage Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug.
7 (volunteers from several counties share their experiences through local service).
The Boys and Girls Club of Topeka will break ground on the $1.6M Adventure Oasis playground at 1:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug.
1—located at 550 Southeast 27th Street—designed to give children ages 5 to 12 a safe outdoor play area.
💼 Business
Temporary walls went up Wednesday at West Ridge Mall as renovations began for the new Advisors Excel office space — officials said the area is a hard hat zone.
The mall also will upgrade its HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roof systems — construction in cleared space will start in October when 1,200 office employees move in.
📰 Economy
Molly Howey—an experienced economic leader with nearly 15 years at GO Topeka—has been selected as the new chief executive officer of the Greater Topeka Partnership and will begin her role on August 4.
She will work with local partners to continue building the region’s economic growth.
🏛️ Government
State transportation officials announced that alternating lane closures on I-70 in Topeka will begin this Sunday for paving operations — part of the $239 million Polk-Quincy Viaduct Project — and continue through Oct.
31 following a set schedule; closures will occur Thursday midnight to 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight, Friday midnight to 6 a.m., Sunday 5 p.m. to midnight, and midnight to 6 a.m. on Mondays through Wednesdays.
Kansas officials refused to hand over SNAP recipients' personal data to the USDA before the July 30 deadline (this information includes Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses).
The Department for Children and Families said that releasing the data could expose them to liability and significant costs, and they will review their position as the lawsuit proceeds.
Lawrence attorney Chris Mann declared his candidacy on July 30 for Kansas attorney general in 2026—he aims to challenge incumbent Kris Kobach after his close 2022 loss.
Mann, who retired from the police force after a crash, said he will focus on strengthening law enforcement and protecting Kansas families.
🏈 Sports
Special Olympics Kansas is hosting a state swim event on Aug.
2 at Capitol Federal Natatorium at Hummer Sports Park with teams checking in at 9:00 a.m. and competitions running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.—volunteers are needed for roles including timekeeping, awards distribution and athlete staging.
🎉 Topeka Events
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99s-2000s Skate Party
11 p.m.-2 a.m. — Sk8away Inc. — Refunds available up to 7 days before event — Relive the nostalgia of the 90s and 2000s while skating to throwback hits.
Get Down in T-Town
4-9 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Experience a vibrant evening of live music, dance, and local flavors in Topeka.
KCECA Varsity Football Game
7-9 p.m. — Cornerstone Family Schools Inc — Free entry — Cheer on the Cornerstone Family as they host Kansas City East Christian Academy in a thrilling home conference football game.
🏠 Topeka Real Estate
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