🌱 The Rest For Success Program + "Women's Bill Of Rights" Passed

Hello, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Topeka Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Some rain and a thunderstorm. High: 68 Low: 51.
• Tuesday: A severe thunderstorm; windy. High: 84 Low: 33.

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Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. A police officer in Topeka was found to have acted justifiably in firing nine shots and killing Dylan Walstrom, according to Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay. The incident occurred on December 1, 2022, in the alleyway east of the 2000 block of S.W. Lincoln. Walstrom was found to have been under the influence of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and Delta 9 THC at the time of his death. (The Topeka Capital-Journal)
2. The Impact Topeka Foundation has given beds and bed frames along with linens, pillows, pajamas, and more to students at Pauline South Intermediate School in Kansas. The Rest for Success Program aims to ensure that every child has a comfortable bed to sleep in, helping them physically and emotionally. The group surveyed students at two schools and identified those who needed beds, aiming to support youth in the community with a focus on kids serving kids. (WIBW)
3. Kansas House Republicans have passed a controversial "women's bill of rights" which bans transgender people born without the ability to produce eggs for reproduction from using women’s restrooms, locker rooms, or other gender-specific areas. Critics have described the legislation as a science-based attempt to discriminate against transgender people. The bill has faced opposition from Kansas citizens and several lawmakers who believe it is unconstitutional and infringes on transgender people’s rights. (Miami County Republic)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Monday, April 3

• Building Readers: Baby Bookworms - Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (9:30 AM)
• Computer & Gadget Help April - Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Cardio Remix - Florence Crittenton Services (12:00 PM)

Tuesday, April 4

• Game On! - Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (3:00 PM)
• Curious Kids - Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (3:45 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Topeka Symphony League held its annual fundraising gala with the theme of "Love Stories," raising money to support the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and its youth ensembles. (KSNT News)
• Jardine Elementary School celebrated Dr. Stegman Day on Mar. 31, in honor of instructional coach Dr. Bridget Stegman, who has ALS. The students and staff participated in a phone contest and raised $5,686 for the ALS Association’s Mid-America Chapter to support Stegman, and they plan to hold a 5K for ALS awareness in May.(WIBW)
• YWCA Northeast Kansas hosted an art auction to raise funds for the Center for Safety and Empowerment during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, featuring works on the themes of self-expression, hope, healing, and resilience by survivors and renowned artists, and recognizing outstanding volunteers and partners for their contributions to survivor advocacy. (WIBW)

That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox soon with your next 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.