Daily editionTuesday, May 6th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of May.
Business
The Learjet Polar Mission jet, which left Wichita last Wednesday, completed its polar circumnavigation by flying into both southern and northern polar regions and arrived at Bombardier Building 14 around 2:30 p.m. on Monday—raising funds to restore the first Lear Jet sold here.
KSNRead more
Education
Arland Wallace returned to Wichita State after retiring as a deacon and found a new love for archaeology despite his terminal brain cancer and a stroke.
He earned Adult Learner of the Year and will walk the stage at commencement in May while taking summer courses to finish his degree and pursue a master’s in anthropology (he hopes to teach a freshman archaeology class).
The SunflowerRead more
Environment
Neighbors living near Central and Webb sued Textron in Sedgwick County District Court after finding that 200 to 300 homes are built above a plume of TCE traced to an east Wichita airplane plant.
Attorneys say Textron’s slow cleanup puts residents at risk and could cost about $45 million to stop harmful vapor from entering homes — a process like radon mitigation.
KMUWRead more
Government
Today at 9:00 a.m., the Wichita City Council will vote on reallocating $73,450 from the Hyatt Regency sale to fund free swim days at McAfee Pool and provide 430 youth football scholarships for registration fees and uniforms—each scholarship requires a $25 equipment fee.
Council members say the move aims to boost youth participation in District 1, though some worry about the program's long-term sustainability.
KWCHRead more
McConnell kicked off a five-day training exercise on May 5 near the base’s southern training grounds — the public saw increased smoke, traffic and noise while visitors experienced delays at the gate due to added security measures.
KWCHRead more
Lifestyle
Worlds of Fun opened its summer season over the weekend with changes in its Africa area that include upgraded rides—Prowler, Zulu, and Mamba—as well as new shade structures and food and drink options.
Oceans of Fun will open on May 24 and the park will run daily hours starting Memorial Day, May 26.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Wichita State University honored longtime baseball coach Gene Stephenson (from 1978 to 2013) Saturday by renaming Eck Stadium Gene Stephenson Park.
He built the program into a national force (28 NCAA tournament appearances, seven College World Series trips and a 1989 national championship).
FOX KansasRead more
Wichita Events
Jeremy Camp Concert
Friday, May 9th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theatre — Ticket prices from $25 — Experience an uplifting evening with Americana Christian rock star Jeremy Camp.
Conquer the Campus 2025
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 · 2-5 p.m. — Wichita Campus — Registration required — Experience the thrill of a 1-mile and 5k run, walk, and kids fun run for all ages.
VEDO Concert
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 · 7:30-11:30 p.m. — WAVE — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience the smooth sounds of R&B and Soul with VEDO live in Wichita.
Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 for others — Experience gentle strength-building and mindfulness in a supportive environment.
Christone Kingfish Ingram Concert
Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — Tickets from $54 — Catch the electrifying blues sounds of Kingfish in Wichita's famed venue.
Wichita Asian Night Market
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 · 5-11 p.m. — Equity Bank Park — $8-12 — Experience vibrant flavors and cultural celebrations at this family-friendly night market featuring food, crafts, and live performances.
Beginner Chair Yoga
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 for others — Engage in a soothing chair yoga class designed to enhance wellness and resilience.
Wichita Riverfest
Thursday, May 29th, 2025 · All Day — Downtown Wichita — Free entry — Kansas’ biggest outdoor party featuring activities, contests, shows, food, and cultural experiences.
AJ Harvey with Makayla Brownlee
Friday, May 30th, 2025 · 8 PM — Brickyard — Cost not specified — Experience soulful originals and covers with AJ Harvey and a special acoustic set by Makayla Brownlee.
Riverfest Concert: Flo Rida, Sir Charles III, DJ Cadence
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 · 6:30-11 p.m. — Kennedy Plaza Stage — Ticket required — Experience live music from Flo Rida and more at this festive outdoor concert.