Daily editionFriday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
Community
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.
KWCHRead more
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).
KWCHRead more
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.
KMUWRead more
Business
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.Read more
Culture
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.
KMUWRead more
Education
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.
KWCHRead more
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.
KWCHRead more
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 SunflowerRead more
Government
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.
KNSSRead more
Sports
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.
KWCHRead more
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.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.