Daily editionSaturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
Business
Wichita native Karen S. Carter, an East High graduate, will become Dow’s CEO on July 1.
She brings over 30 years of leadership experience at Dow and strong roots in the local community.
The VoiceRead more
Culture
Wichita chapter leader Alex Johnson of Classical Revolution ICT brings relaxed, 90-minute chamber music events to local coffee shops and breweries, inviting open conversation and compensating musicians through donations + venue support.
KMUWRead more
Economy
Yesterday, Kansas farmers faced record high fertilizer prices driven by conflicts overseas, and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall said at a Wichita roundtable that USDA aid and improved diplomacy may soon help ease costs.
KWCHRead more
A local study explained that gas prices were lower on Wichita’s west side because increased competition helped keep costs down, while the east side saw higher prices from fewer options.
The report was published on Apr. 17 (5:36 p.m.).
KWCHRead more
Education
In Valley Center, sixth grader Lizzy Chobad is selling T-shirts to raise funds against growing school meal debt after a federal free-meals program ended.
Her fundraiser, which has raised about $900+ so far, aims to build a reserve to cover future debts via a family friend’s online storefront.
KMUWRead more
Government
Senator Marshall weighed in on rising fertilizer prices on Apr. 17, saying higher costs are affecting local farmers and agri-business and that state officials plan to review relief measures.
KWCHRead more
Health
A 13-year-old received a heart transplant from a 9-year-old donor in Valley Center on Apr. 17 + medical teams report both children are stable.
KWCHRead more
Safe Streets Wichita has provided Narcan and drink spiking tests to over 65 local businesses while offering training on how to identify different overdose symptoms — ensuring proper use of naloxone in emergency situations.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Joey Chestnut, internationally known for competitive eating, will try to break records at a chili bun eating contest today at Equity Bank Park.
Fans are invited to watch his skills in this exciting local event.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.