Good morning, Topeka.

Foster youth protections were removed last year when HB 2311 passed, leaving agencies without policies to secure affirming placements.

In response, a nonprofit launched the Rainbow Foster Home Initiative to partner with local child welfare agencies and foster parents to provide resources and training.

Luthi and Associates at 800 N.

Kansas Ave will host a community food drive every First Friday, starting Sept. 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. for canned donations to SENT’s Southside Filling Station that give donors a chance to win a local gift certificate.

The Celebrity Waiter Soiree for Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct.

3 at Townsite Ballroom in downtown Topeka — local stars will wait tables to win the ‘Silver Spoon’ award — while raising funds — essential for quality child care —.

Kroger will close 60 stores nationwide by the end of the year after a blocked merger, although six Dillons in Topeka remain open (no Kansas locations are affected).

Closures have begun in other states and are set to finish by year’s end.

Carl Carlson of Carlson Financial visited Eye on NE Kansas, sharing simple tips to start financial planning that could ease stress & help set retirement goals by beginning with a basic conversation about financial objectives.

Senate candidates continue an exchange as Rev.

Adam Hamilton invited Sen. Roger Marshall to join a debate at the state fair in Hutchinson and additional voter town halls, while Marshall responded by urging Hamilton to clarify his past comments. The discussion centers on making the event accessible to Kansas voters.

A federal report found that the $1.25 billion research facility in Manhattan remains unable to perform high-level animal disease science three years after its ribbon-cutting — missing key configuration and protective upgrades as USDA plans to repair the issues and progress is expected by the end of 2026.

Kansas health officials reported 807 cyclosporiasis cases so far this year (up 59 from last week), including 35 hospitalizations and 111 cases in Shawnee County on Wednesday.

They advise those with gastrointestinal symptoms to see a doctor.

KU football defensive ends are sharpening their technique at fall camp as they prepare for the season.

Assistant coach Joe Dineen said junior Leroy Harris III + teammates are working on consistency and play details to boost readiness.

Kansas football’s wide receiver room showed progress at fall camp as coach Terrence Samuel praised returning players and noted that transfers Nahzae Cox and Nik McMillan and freshmen like Corbin Glasco and Tate Nagy are still building speed—associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki guides an aggressive offense.