Good morning, Topeka.

Zoom, a three-year-old mixed breed with three legs, visited Eye on NE Kansas with Helping Hands Humane Society to promote the Clear the Shelter adoption special at the shelter near SW 21st and Belle — he is now healed and looking for a forever home.

United Steelworkers reached a tentative contract agreement with Goodyear and Bridgestone-Firestone for members in Topeka and other regions.

Approval dates remain pending as local workers will vote on the new deal after the previous contract expired on July 30 at 5 p.m.

Arts Connect launched a community census to map local music challenges and create networking opportunities; local professionals can share their insights as Arts Connect hosts a census party at its Gallery on Aug.

3 (6 to 8 p.m.) with survey submissions closing Aug. 9.

Young pianists from Washburn Summer Keyboard Academy performed at White Concert Hall on Friday — the recital featured about two dozen middle and high school students who showcased their classical skills for family and friends as a close-out to July.

The Kansas State Department of Education will pilot a quarterly testing system in six school districts starting in the 2026‑2027 school year, with results returned in 72 hours to help guide instruction instead of year‑end assessments (aligned with state standards).

West Ridge Mall is getting a facelift as crews remove old walls to install a glass facade and open entry; occupancy has risen from 26% to 50% and three local tenants (Gold Nutrition, Linen Tree, and one pending) will open within 30 days with full upgrades finishing in 2028.

Washburn football welcomes local Ty Weber into his 4th season after a strong junior year; the Washburn Rural High alum is set to lead the tight ends as the team prepares for its fall opener on Saturday, Aug.

29 at Truman State.

KU men's basketball is getting ready for the 2026-27 season by adding 11 new players to reshape its offense after key players left last season.

Coach Bill Self (the head coach) said the team is learning a new approach and showing steady progress.

On Friday, Judge Charlotte Sweeney (U.S. District Court of Colorado) granted a class-wide injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligibility for high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted their four seasons eligibility this spring; the ruling does not cover fall sports or earlier graduates.