🌱 New Funds To Support Childcare + Dangerously High Temperatures

Welcome back, Topeka. I'm here in your inbox this warm morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot. High: 100 Low: 75.
• Thursday: Hot. High: 103 Low: 74.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Topeka Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Topeka Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. Through a new grant program, Kansas will be providing around $43 million in funds to develop new childcare opportunities. According to Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Cabinet and Trust Fund awarded over 50 organizations with funds to help create new, sustainable and high-quality childcare slots that would also accelerate capacity-building to support numerous families and businesses. In addition, the Governor claims this is a monumental step for childcare and supporting the state's economic development. (WIBW)
2. According to meteorologist, Jeremy Goodwin, Topeka residents can expect to see a potentially dangerous heatwave over the next few days. Residents in and around the city will see temperatures in the triple digits for the first time this year with heat indices as high as 110 degrees. Luckily, temperatures will begin to cool down by this weekend, just in time for everyone's Independence Day celebrations. (Topeka Capital-Journal)
3. After misusing his position to form a romantic relationship with a teenage girl, a former Topeka Police Officer has officially been decertified. According to police records, the 38-year-old officer told investigators that he wanted to ensure he could gain the 17-year-old girl's trust, so he informed her that telling her parents or law enforcement about their relationship would only hurt them. Timothy Morrison was terminated from his position back in April after he was charged with a misdemeanor charge of criminal record dissemination violation and official misconduct, as well as using confidential information for personal gain. (KSNT)

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Today in Topeka:

Wednesday, June 28

• Unexpected Friends: Summer Art Exhibit at Alice C Sabatini Art Gallery (9:00 AM)

Thursday, June 29

• Envista Eats & Beats At Evergy Plaza (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Topeka is currently searching for an asset manager who will be responsible for overseeing operations at the newly acquired Hotel Topeka. The selected individual will be focused on different ways to re-develop the hotel and make all its strategic and operational decisions. (WIBW)
• Looking for an exciting Independence Day-themed activity? Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a Fourth of July family tie-dye event at Central Park Community Center tomorrow afternoon. (Shawnee County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• On Thursday, Jun. 29, Kansas Children's Discovery Center will officially unveil its new exhibit Toddler Town. The exhibit is completely outdoors and will focus on helping toddlers learn how to take their first steps. (WIBW)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.