Daily
Wichita
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wichita Habitat for Humanity is reaching out to residents with its new Home Repair Program to offer essential home repairs. The initiative, announced on Apr. 16, aims to assist homeowners across Wichita (program details vary). KWCH
- ➤ Downtown Wichita has launched Yoga in the Park, a free outdoor class for local residents to practice and refresh today downtown. Organizers say the event will boost community wellness and offer a new way to enjoy fresh air. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita Habitat for Humanity will begin construction on Pope Leo Village near 26th and Ash this summer, rehabilitating eight homes funded by an *anonymous donor* to bolster affordable housing and community unity. The project is part of a national initiative featuring similar villages in other cities. KMUW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Stoner's Pizza Joint (a Florida-based chain) is confirmed to open mid- to late July at Naftzger Park at 645 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita. The restaurant will offer patio seating and may adjust weekend hours based on customer demand. Wichita By E.B.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wichita singer-songwriter John Salem released his new album 'Goodbye California' on streaming and vinyl, featuring songs drawn from personal experiences. The album will soon be available at local retailers & Spektrum Muzik is preparing for its grand re-opening Saturday, April 18. KMUW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Wichita State’s Student Senate approved Sarah Lamatsch and Kailene Vea-Spencer as associate justices on the Student Supreme Court Wednesday evening—Lamatsch is a first-year political science student and Vea-Spencer is a second-year criminal justice student. They will be sworn in Monday at the Rhatigan Student Center and serve until graduation. The Sunflower
- ➤ Andover high school students shadowed doctors and nurses at St. Francis through a semester-long program with Ascension Via Christi — the experience ended Thursday and aims to spark interest in healthcare careers amid a local shortage. KWCH
- ➤ Eisenhower High School held a mock DUI exercise on Thursday, Apr. 16 to teach students about the dangers of drunk driving and how impaired judgment can lead to serious consequences. KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wichita native Petty Officer 1st Class Laurel Lujano helped the U.S. Navy recover NASA’s Artemis II crew and Orion capsule in the Pacific. A Kapaun Mt. Carmel High alumna, she said lessons learned (humility, hard work, and family closeness) have guided her service with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. KNSS
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jonathan Coachman, who evolved into Coach during his WWE runs from 1999 to 2008 and from 2018 to 2021, discussed his career and upcoming WrestleMania weekend in an exclusive 12 News interview. The McPherson native now hosts a wrestling show on SiriusXM. KWCH
- ➤ At yesterday's Valley Center baseball game, an organ donation recipient threw the ceremonial first pitch, marking a memorable moment that celebrated the gift of life. KWCH
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Super Saturday: Travel Entrepreneurship Workshop
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.
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Open Streets ICT - WSU & Shocker Neighborhood
12-4 p.m. — Wichita State University — Free entry — Experience a vibrant day of community connection and wellness activities in the heart of Wichita.
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Wichita Gem, Fossil and Mineral Show
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.
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Outdoor Vintage Market at Paramount Marketplace Antiques
9 AM – 3 PM — Paramount Marketplace Antiques — Free admission — Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures at this vibrant outdoor market.
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Lorna Shore Concert
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.
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Sevendust ONE Tour
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.
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Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
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.
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Fit For A King Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $36-$111 — Enjoy a night of heavy music with Fit For A King in Wichita.
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PokeKon Fest
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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