Good morning, Topeka.

On Aug. 8, Topeka Public Schools partnered with the Community Unite Foundation to host the first Dale Cushinberry Community Kickoff at Eisenhower Middle School, where over 150 families received backpacks, school supplies + haircuts to start the school year.

Agriculture Hall hosted the second annual National Night Out last Saturday, drawing residents to resource tables, canvas and face painting, a talent show, a Touch-a-Truck experience and a car show (designed to foster ties with law enforcement).

The third annual 785 ShowDown took place Saturday at 29th and Topeka Boulevard, featuring classic car displays, a Beat Contest, vendors and backpacks filled with school supplies for students ahead of the school year.

Brett Ballard, who was seriously injured in a Tuesday night crash on I-470 near the Kansas Turnpike, is expected to make a full recovery, and his family is asking for meal assistance (gift card drop-offs are accepted at Theissen Design and Construction) to help with everyday needs.

Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall (Zeke) is battling redshirt junior Cole Ballard for the starting role at KU; head coach Lance Leipold said both players may see significant time in the Sept.

4 opener while no timeline has been set.

Drivers of all skill levels attended the Hooked on Driving event at Darana Heartland Motorsports Park on Saturday.

The event offered in-car coaching and classroom instruction and marked the park's return after its 2023 closure, reuniting longtime racing fans.

Kansas soccer begins its regular season at Rock Chalk Park Wednesday after the Jayhawks won 2-0 in an exhibition match against Iowa on Saturday & now look ahead to a season opener against Utah State.