🌱 Patch AM: What new federal agreement just changed Topeka schools’ gender-related policies?

Good morning to you Topeka! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What new federal agreement just changed Topeka schools' gender-related policies?
• Life sentence handed down for deadly North Topeka porch shooting
• Where will Topeka students' monarch sculpture land after Washburn?

Today's riddle: What gets bigger the more you take away? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Sunny, breezy and hot, with a high of 99 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 100, low: 75.
• Tuesday: Sunshine and hot, with a high of 100 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Federal agencies threaten to punish two Kansas school districts over gender-inclusive policies (kmuw.org) — Topeka Public Schools has entered a federal resolution agreement that will change how the district handles student gender-related records and communication with parents. The Education Department says Topeka must stop creating gender support plans without parental access, add FERPA training for staff, and revoke any guidance that kept parents from being informed, while other Kansas districts face potential enforcement over similar policies.
   

2. Long sentence imposed in killing of woman in North Topeka (cjonline.com) — A man has been sentenced to life in prison, with no chance of parole for more than 51 years, for a 2024 gunshot killing in North Topeka. Prosecutors said the shooting on North Kansas Avenue was retaliation for an earlier attack at the same home, and detailed a barrage of 20 to 30 shots that killed 32-year-old Jessica Grahnert on her front porch.
   

3. Sculptures to leave Washburn's campus and the Mulvane Art Museum next month (wibw.com) — Two large sculptures are wrapping up their stay at Washburn University's Mulvane Art Museum, with a monarch butterfly created by Topeka Public Schools students staying somewhere in Topeka after it leaves campus. The other piece, a penguin built from beach trash and part of the national "Washed Ashore" exhibit, will move on as the traveling show continues raising awareness about plastic pollution.
   

4. Kansas Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Aug. 29, 2026 (cjonline.com) — Kansas Lottery players can now check the Aug. 29 winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 and other games, and see how to claim prizes. Bigger winners will need to mail tickets or visit Kansas Lottery headquarters at 128 N Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, which cashes prizes of any amount on weekdays.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Topeka

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Thursday September 3
• CC@ Shawnee North Comm. Center
  Marjorie French Middle School Topeka, KS 66614
  4:00 pm
Monday September 7
• No School- Labor Day
  Mceachron Elem Topeka, KS 66614
Tuesday September 8
• McEachron Book Fair
  Mceachron Elem Topeka, KS 66614
• PTO Meeting
  Mceachron Elem Topeka, KS 66614
  5:30 pm

📣 Topeka Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Monday August 31
• Trash Bag Fundraiser begins →
  North Fairview Topeka, KS 66617
Tuesday September 1
• High School Volleyball Dual
  Silver Lake USD 372 St Marys High School, 601 E Lasley St, St Marys, KS 66536, USA
  5:00 pm
• Pauline PTO Meeting @ PC
  Pauline South Intermediate Wakarusa, KS 66546
  5:30 pm
Wednesday September 2
• Future Farmers of America Meeting
  Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake High School, PO Box 39, 200 E Lake St, Silver Lake\
  7:55 am
• FFA Meeting
  Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake High School, PO Box 39, 200 E Lake St, Silver Lake\
  7:55 am
• High School After Prom Committee Meeting
  Silver Lake USD 372 High School Commons Room
  6:30 pm
Thursday September 3
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes Meeting
  Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake High School, PO Box 39, 200 E Lake St, Silver Lake\
  7:15 am
• High School Varsity Girls Golf
  Silver Lake USD 372 Village Greens Golf Course, 5615K Highway K92, Meriden, KS 6651
  2:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• What do you love about your neighborhood?
  If you had to tell someone looking to move, what would you say your neighborhood has to offer? Schools, parks, walking trails, local restaurants? (Nextdoor North Topeka West)
• I found a small White dog about an hour ago in the area of 10th & Macvicar.
  No collar. If she is yours please contact me. Thank you. (Nextdoor North Topeka East)

• Vincit Group posted a job opening for Sanitation Team Member - Kansas Locations in Topeka. Apply here.
• Kroger posted a job opening for Cashier in Topeka. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Topeka here.

Ok Topeka! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A hole (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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