Good morning, Topeka.

The Deer Creek Community Center ended its summer program with its annual Read and Ride event this morning as kids cycled to parks and Echo Ridge Community Center to pick up books from Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL) while receiving free helmets and bikes.

Community Action, Inc. partnered with the Disabled Veterans National Foundation to distribute free comfort kits containing toothbrushes, socks, wipes, and shampoo.

Veterans from 12 Kansas counties can pick up a kit at 1000 Southeast Hancock when they show proof of service.

Becky Lercher and the Stanley Jones Singers will present a free gospel concert today at 5 p.m. at East Side Baptist Church (4425 SE 29th).

Doors open at 4 p.m. for concessions and a voluntary love offering.

A USDA report on July 10 projects Kansas will harvest 196 million bushels of winter wheat, nearly half last year’s yield due to drought and early freezes.

Farmers will decide in September and October how to adjust planting for the next season – highlighting market challenges.

Topeka Public Schools held its annual Listening & Learning Tour on Friday at (Dillons at 29th and California Avenue) to gather community feedback.

Superintendent Tiffany Anderson and district leaders met with locals to discuss ways to improve schools.

The City released its Summer 2026 homeless count on Friday, June 24, showing that the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County decreased by 42 since January.

Housing Services Director Carrie Higgins said the data will guide the city’s use of HUD funding.

AAA urges local cyclists to wear helmets and use lights as students return to school and summer ends, advising riders to check e-bike controls & follow traffic rules to avoid injuries.

The organization provided clear safety tips to help reduce crashes as cycling activity increases.

Lake Shawnee was added to the Watch Advisory list on Friday, Aug.

7 after blue-green algae was found by KDHE and KDWP. The advisory tells locals to avoid contact with the water (swimming or boating) and to keep pets safe through Oct. 31.

With hot weather in Topeka, residents can cool their homes without air conditioning by opening windows at night, using fans with bowls of ice & grilling outdoors rather than cooking indoors.

Experts advise seeking air-conditioned spaces if the heat persists.

Remmi, a 1.5-year-old pitbull mix, is free for adoption at Helping Hands Humane Society on SW 21st and Belle in Topeka as part of the ASPCA’s #TheRescueEffect event this weekend — most pets must be at least five months old, according to volunteer Laura Currah.

Kaelen Culpepper, one of K-State's top baseball players, was called up by the Minnesota Twins on Friday — he will debut against the Milwaukee Brewers after a strong season with the Wildcats.

He is the first K-State alum to appear in the majors since Aug. 26, 2023.