Daily editionThursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
Community
Wheeling Wild is a bike club event at the Sedgwick County Zoo offering six Saturday rides from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. starting April 11; rides begin and end at the Cargill Learning Center with tickets at $7 for members & $8 for non-members.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Business
Wichita State hosted an Airbus supplier event on Apr. 8 where local industry leaders met to discuss supplier collaborations + networking opportunities.
The event reinforced ties with the aerospace leader and highlighted local business potential.
KWCHRead more
Economy
Kansas wheat farmers are worried as a warm, dry spring and scant rainfall push early wheat heading in Rice County and risk a record-early harvest.
They hope rain comes this weekend to improve yields while upcoming wetter conditions with the incoming El-Nino may aid fall crops.
KWCHRead more
Wheat farmers in Kansas report that the ongoing drought threatens their harvest — they need timely rain to protect crops from further damage.
KWCHRead more
Education
District leaders held a session in Wichita where parents tested a new Build a Bond tool that offers three proposals for repairing aging school facilities (after last year’s $450M bond issue failed).
Feedback sessions will continue through April to gather community input.
FOX KansasRead more
Jayden Island won the student body presidential race (63.6% of 2,187 votes) with Anoushka Raju serving as vice president; finalized results will be released Friday afternoon.
They will be inaugurated at 11:00 a.m. on May 23.
The SunflowerRead more
Wichita Catholic school launched a new peer-mentor program on Wed, Apr. 8 to promote inclusion by pairing students for mutual guidance and support.
The initiative aims to build a welcoming school community.
KWCHRead more
Blessed Sacrament Catholic School launched Inclusio Crew (a peer-mentor program where sixth graders help classmates understand disabilities and build friendships) and is fundraising for needed resources to strengthen inclusion.
KWCHRead more
Government
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly declined to sign or veto Senate Bill 334, which became law on April 8.
The new law sets a baseline that forbids requiring nursing instructors to hold credentials more than one level above the degree, while schools may set higher standards.
KMUWRead more
Sports
Sam Stevens, a Wichita native, makes his Masters Tournament debut today at 10:03 a.m. after earning a top 50 finish in the World Golf Rankings—fulfilling a lifelong bucket-list dream at Augusta National.
KWCHRead more
The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame announced 32 inductees for 2026 & includes Negro Leagues legends, collegiate stars, plus local sports heroes to be honored at three summer events.
Ceremonies will be held in Kansas City on July 18, in Wichita on July 25, and on Aug. 16.
KWCHRead more
The Kansas City Chiefs are backing girls flag football to become an official varsity sport when KSHSAA holds its board vote on Apr. 23 — if approved, 28 high schools that already play the sport will gain access to state tournaments and official recognition in the fall.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Heights flag football players signed a deal with Hesston College last night and will join the upcoming season at the college’s field.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Kansas City Mavericks vs. Wichita Thunder
Friday, April 10th, 2026 · 7:05-10:05 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Complimentary tickets available — Experience the excitement of this rivalry match with a special ticket promotion.
Aries Spears Comedy Show
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — Reserved seating — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Aries Spears, with concessions and full bars available.
KSAPT 2026 Conference Featuring Dr. Eliana Gil
Thursday, April 16th, 2026 · 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Aloft Wichita — Registration required — Explore play-based assessments and the impact of childhood trauma with expert guidance.
Bingo Loco Party
Friday, April 17th, 2026 · 6:00-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $44.27 — Join the ultimate bingo party featuring crazy prizes, hilarious hosts, and a night of dancing and laughter.
Super Saturday: Travel Entrepreneurship Workshop
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 · 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town — Free entry — Discover how to turn your passion for travel into a professional entrepreneurial venture.
Open Streets ICT: WSU & Shocker Neighborhood
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 · 12-4 p.m. — Wichita State University — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community event transforming streets into spaces for connection and wellness.
Wichita Gem, Fossil and Mineral Show
Friday, April 24th, 2026 · 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun — Cessna Activity Center — Adults $5, kids under 12 free — Explore a vibrant showcase of gems, fossils, and engaging lapidary demonstrations.
Outdoor Vintage Market at Paramount Marketplace Antiques
Saturday, April 25th, 2026 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Paramount Marketplace Antiques — Free admission — Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures at this vibrant outdoor market.
Lorna Shore Concert
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 · 6-8:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $61.85 — Experience an electrifying show with Lorna Shore and special guests Paleface Swiss and Signs of the Swarm.
Sevendust ONE Tour
Monday, May 4th, 2026 · 6:00 – 8:20 PM — The Cotillion — Ticket prices vary — Experience hard rock legends Sevendust with special guests Atreyu, Fire From The Gods, and American Adrenalin.