Good morning, Topeka.

The City of Topeka and Landmarks Commission will discuss plans to preserve the historic Black cemetery (at SW 27th and Boswell) today at 5:30 p.m. as the Ritchie Cemetery Friends Group works to honor unmarked graves (dating from 1859) and trace family roots.

Topeka native Scott Crider retired after a 27-year IT career on Oct.

1, recalling his time driving tour buses for stars like Metallica—his work spanned over 1 million miles and introduced him to top music acts. He now plans to explore the country with his wife.

Topeka’s longest continuous art gallery, Beauchamp’s Gallery and Frame Shop, may close at the end of this year if no new owner steps in.

Owner Bob Swain is retiring to care for his wife (with multiple sclerosis) and hopes to find someone to carry on the legacy.

Kansas collected $2.57 billion in tax revenue in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, exceeding estimates by $147 million due to stronger income, sales and excise taxes.

State officials say the boost may help ease overspending concerns from previous budgets.

4-H clubs are celebrating National 4-H Week using the theme Beyond Ready, as youth ambassadors Mary Leigh Myers and Alyssa Staniec and youth development agent Grace Wiens share 4-H programs (in Shawnee Co.).

The University of Kansas will break ground Friday, Oct.

9 at noon on the new Clyde Tombaugh Observatory near Slawson Hall on campus. NASA Astronaut Loral O'Hara will speak at 1 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Eligible Kansans who paid full price for ACA coverage via Healthcare.gov will receive a $500 refund check for overcharged fees starting in October; about 13,200 checks will be mailed statewide without needing to apply.

Officials at the Kansas Statehouse are exploring a plan for a new time capsule to mark America’s 250th birthday.

The new capsule, which would be housed at the Visitor Center, would join four historic capsules already placed in the building + details are pending.

Six Topeka food establishments failed health inspections in September after inspectors found rodent & mold problems and improper water temperatures, which could lead to closures if violations are not corrected.

Some businesses have already taken steps to fix the issues.

Topeka’s first 3D-printed house in Oakland has received a fresh coat of paint while its interior work remains unfinished; builder Chris Stemler said workers are still installing systems like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, and he will move most future printing outside Topeka.

No. 13 Washburn volleyball beat Central Missouri 3-1 Tuesday night at Whiting Fieldhouse after dropping the first set 25-22; key players led wins of 25-11, 25-12 and 25-17, and the team will face Central Oklahoma at 6 p.m. Friday.

Today, Washburn University head basketball coach Brett Ballard shared his season plans in a press interview at the school, outlining the team's strengths and areas for improvement ahead of upcoming games.

Washburn women’s basketball starts the season with high expectations despite losing four seniors and aims to return to the MIAA tournament final later this season.

Coach Lora Westling said the team will build confidence by relying on a clear game plan and strong communication.

Kansas football will face No. 12 Utah this Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City (kickoff at 9:25 p.m. CT on ESPN); the Jayhawks begin a two-game road trip after a strong win over Middle Tennessee State as the Utes aim to extend their undefeated streak.

Former K-State golfer Carla Bernat earned her LPGA Tour card for 2027 after a strong rookie season with a win and four top-10 finishes, including a victory at the Guardian Championship in September (16-under par).

She becomes the first former Wildcat to earn LPGA Tour access.