Daily editionThursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
Community
Kiki, a 10-year-old bald eagle injured as a juvenile from a suspected collision with power lines, finds a new home at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita where she now serves as an educational ambassador for wildlife conservation.
KWCHRead more
Local organizers launched a fundraiser for Rubi Perez’s family to offer aid after recent hardships; details on donation locations and event timing (including a planned community venue) will be shared soon.
KWCHRead more
Business
A permit has been submitted for a restaurant at 645 (E. Douglas Ave) downtown, and sources indicate it may be the Florida-based Stoner’s Pizza Joint’s first Kansas location.
Confirmation is still pending.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Education
WSU Tech launched its new Think-Big training lab in partnership with Foley Equipment to provide hands-on training for electrical-generation job hopefuls.
It celebrated its first nine graduates on Wednesday and will sign up 27 students for the program this fall.
KWCHRead more
Wichita hosted its 50th forensic science conference on Apr. 15 + local experts and professionals gathered at a local venue to share new research and techniques, with workshops and sessions offering networking opportunities.
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USD 259 is seeking to fill an open Board of Education position—interested candidates should review the district's official posting for application details.
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A special education teacher known for using therapy dogs in class is retiring after years of service, leaving behind a legacy that benefited thousands of students + transformed classroom learning.
KAKERead more
Finance
Financial experts advised residents to use tax refunds wisely following the passed April 15 deadline for filing 2025 returns in Wichita.
Wells Fargo recommended applying refunds to savings, debt reduction, or repairs (O’Reilly Auto Parts manager Braden Carver stressed acting before small issues grow).
KWCHRead more
Government
A New York jury ruled that Live Nation and Ticketmaster formed a harmful monopoly, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach celebrated the verdict as a win for Kansans concerned with rising ticket prices, though experts expect the companies will appeal.
KWCHRead more
Sports
On Wednesday, League 42 kicked off its season during MLB's Jackie Robinson Day at McAdams Park + Wichita State’s basketball coach Paul Milles threw the ceremonial first pitch to honor youth sports and education.
KWCHRead more
Accidents
A dog died in a Wichita house fire on Apr. 15, officials said.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Saturday, May 9th, 2026 · 8:45-9:45 p.m. — Kansas Aviation Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.
Fit For A King Concert
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $36-$111 — Enjoy a night of heavy music with Fit For A King in Wichita.
PokeKon Fest
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 · 10 AM – 5 PM — Holiday Inn Wichita East I-35 by IHG — Ticketed event — A haven for Pokemon collectors featuring trade opportunities and fandoms across genres.