🌱 Senate Ban On Gender-Affirming Care + Shawnee County Drug Take Back

Hello again, neighbors. It's Wednesday in Topeka and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 60 Low: 40.

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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.

Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. On Tuesday, the Kansas Senate passed a bill in a 26-10 vote prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors, which was added to an existing bill that had already passed the House. The legislation would prevent physicians from providing gender reassignment services, including pharmaceutical treatment, to minors. It would also permit individuals who received gender reassignment surgery as children to bring a civil cause of action against the performing physician and would revoke a physician's license for performing gender reassignment surgery on a minor. (KSNT News)
2. Shawnee County officials have announced two locations for residents to dispose of their unused medication during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Apr. 22. Residents can drop off their unused medication at Mission Fire Department (3101 SW Urish Road) or Soldier Township Fire Department (600 NW 46th St.). The event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is being organized in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration and various local and state agencies. (WIBW)
3. A free dental clinic organized by the Kansas Mission of Mercy saw 610 patients receiving free dental care at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka over the weekend. More than 1,900 teeth were extracted, 626 fillings were provided, and routine cleanings and a few root canals were performed by the attending dentists. People traveled from distant cities such as Dodge City and Hutchinson to receive dental services. (WIBW)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Wednesday, Mar. 29:

• Community Navigator At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (8:00 AM)
• 3D Printing Workshop At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (6:00 PM)

Thursday, Mar. 30:

• Safe Property Management Training At 2600 SW East Circle Drive S. (8:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Two people were arrested after an armed carjacking led to a late-morning police chase through Topeka on Tuesday. No injuries have been reported, according to police. (WIBW)
• Are you looking to add a new furry friend to your family? These dogs, cats, and other pets are available now for adoption in the Topeka area. (Topeka Patch)
• If you were stuck in traffic on Tuesday, it may have been due to multiple crashes on I-70 in Topeka. (KSNT News)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all soon for 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.