Daily editionFriday, April 18th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
Community
Seven years after losing her infant son on April 17th, Wichita mother Nicole Laurer started a program to help grieving families pay for headstones.
The Kade Laurer Memorial Fund covers part or all of the cost and has gained support from local churches—local groups continue to back her effort.
KWCHRead more
Education
Wichita State’s School of Education will launch the CLEAR initiative this summer to train teachers and paraprofessionals in structured literacy using Governor Kelly’s Blueprint for Literacy—signed in April 2024—to improve reading instruction.
The program will offer new courses and student-led assessments but faces uncertain funding after lawmakers cut money for the 2026 school year.
The SunflowerRead more
Health
Via Christi St. Francis became the nation's first hospital to perform a new heart procedure that uses sound waves to treat patients with Coronary Artery Disease— a technique tested in the investigational TECTONIC CAD IVL trial.
Interventional Cardiologist Bassem Chehab led the procedure— which is part of the clinical testing before FDA approval.
KSNRead more
Real Estate
Steve Feilmeier, a retired Wichita businessman and former Koch Inc. CFO, launched Wichita Affordable Housing LLC last year to offer 5% low-interest loans to nonprofits building affordable homes.
His fund raised $10 million from local banks and donors—helping projects like HOPE Community Development expand affordable housing.
KMUWRead more
Accidents
One person is critically injured in a south Wichita crash involving a motorcycle and a school bus — the accident occurred near the intersection of MacArthur and Hydraulic — and while students from Enterprise Elementary on the bus were unharmed, the motorcyclist’s condition remains unknown.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
30K Payday Bingo Event
Saturday, April 19th, 2025 · 9 AM – 2 PM — Bingo Casino South — $67.00 – $219.00 — Get ready for the biggest bingo event yet with a chance to win big!
Live Music by Zombii, The Cups, and Americana-na
Sunday, April 20th, 2025 · 9 p.m. — Kirby's Beer Store — Free admission — Experience an evening of vibrant live music from three local acts.
Chair Yoga Class
Monday, April 21st, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Strengthen your body and mind with chair yoga while enjoying a sense of community.
Foundations of Yoga
Thursday, April 24th, 2025 · 5-6 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in class — Experience a nurturing yoga class designed for all levels to enhance strength, flexibility, and mental well-being.
The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Concert
Friday, April 25th, 2025 · 4-6 p.m. — TempleLive at Wichita Scottish Rite Center — Concert tickets may apply — Experience the orchestral magic of Howard Shore's timeless scores from the epic tales of Middle Earth.
The MOWT Gala Annual Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26th, 2025 · 5-10 p.m. — Museum of World Treasures — $100 General Admission, $150 VIP — Experience an elegant 1910s-themed evening with dinner, wine tasting, and a special WWI art exhibit opening.
Tour de Wichita 2025
Sunday, April 27th, 2025 · 1-5 p.m. — Brick & Mortar Venue — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a day of cycling, walking, and fun for all ages and skill levels.
Tahoe Knight Monsters vs Wichita Thunder
Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 · 7:05-11:05 PM — INTRUST Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling game as the Tahoe Knight Monsters take on the Wichita Thunder.
Mission 102C Welcome Home Celebration
Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 · 12:30-1:30 p.m. — Red Roof Inn & Conference Center Wichita Airport — Free entry — Celebrate the return of Mission 102C with a joyful welcome home gathering.
Wichita Speed Dating Event for Singles 29-44
Thursday, May 1st, 2025 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Tor Brewing — Ticket required — Experience a fun and efficient way to meet local singles in a relaxed atmosphere.