Good morning, Topeka.

West Ridge Mall in Topeka will lose three stores later this year—manager Casey Richardson said Claire’s and Icing will close in October after Claire’s filed for Chapter 11, and Kirkland’s will also shut down before the year ends.

Shawnee County D.A. Mike Kagay charged 18-year-old Avant Chambers with murder and other related offenses for his alleged role in the July killing of local man Destiny Voss—police arrested Chambers on Aug.

6.

The Osage Co. Sheriff’s Office arrested two Topekans in Carbondale when officers executed a narcotics search warrant on Aug.

7th at 2 p.m.—they found illegal narcotics and a stolen car from Topeka.

At Topeka Zoo, two elephants painted a picture with help from their keepers to celebrate Asian Elephant Awareness Month.

The zoo will raffle the artwork for $5 tickets with funds going to Asian Elephant Conservation and the winner will be announced on August 10.

Lady Shakes Theatre Company will perform its modern take on The Taming of the Shrew at The Beacon, 420 SW 9th — the all-woman cast sets the classic in 1950s suburbia.

The play will run at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 and 16 and at 2 p.m. on Aug. 17.

Armyworms are back in Kansas and are rapidly damaging yards this season by eating healthy lawns in just 24 hours + Schendel Lawn & Landscape urged residents to use an over-the-counter insecticide while following label precautions.

Drivers face roadblocks near SW 29th and Auburn Rd where one roundabout for Washburn Rural North Middle School is finished but another is still under construction, and on NW 46th where a bridge over Halfday Creek is being rebuilt with reopening expected by Nov.

15. Officials urge motorists to follow detours during the school season and note Founders Fest at Gage Park will begin on Aug. 29 with family activities and a free day at the zoo on Aug. 30.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall took a short air ambulance flight from the Newman Regional Health helipad in Emporia yesterday to see the challenges rural Kansans face with emergency transport.

He noted that Medicare pays only about half the cost for these services and that savings from reducing upcoding in Medicare Advantage might help update reimbursement rates — a change being considered in a bipartisan bill.

Kansas reported no new measles cases on Wednesday for the third week as officials urged parents to vaccinate their children before school returns next week.

Health experts stressed strict hygiene practices + prompt school notifications to help limit any potential spread.

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.

TRAPT Live in Topeka

7-8 p.m. — Jessie's Bar Outdoor Stage — General Admission $20 ($25 at the door) — Rock out with TRAPT as they perform hits from their new album!

Holy Smokin' Jamboree 2025

8 a.m. - 10 p.m. — 2014 NW 46th St, Topeka, KS — $2 wristband for kid games — Enjoy BBQ, live music, and family-friendly activities at this annual jamboree.