Daily
Wichita
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Crown Uptown Theatre in east Wichita remains closed as locked doors, a blank marquee, and canceled shows raise demolition rumors; however, owner Mike Brown has not contacted officials, and Councilmember Joseph Shepard said any demolition will need a permit review that takes at least three months. KNSS
- ➤ Nearly eight months ago, over 30 horses were seized in Cowley County for neglect and transferred to rescues. At Hope in the Valley in Valley Center, a mare and eight foals are thriving and building trust with people — three have already been adopted and another adoption is in progress. KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wind Surge is set to bring the biggest Banana Ball show ever to Riverfront Stadium soon as rehearsals have been in full swing since Wednesday. The event will feature fire, stilts and breakdancing umpires — a unique mix drawing interest from across the country. KWCH
- ➤ Freedom Truck, a mobile museum celebrating America’s 250th birthday, visited Augusta High School to share key moments from U.S. history like the Declaration of Independence & the Constitution. It will be open tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitors. KWCH
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Wichita remain high at about $4 a gallon despite lower oil prices due to market unpredictability and a war in Iran. Experts say added station competition may eventually help lower the cost. KWCH
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Canvas is offline at WSU Tech after hackers called ShinyHunters breached Instructure’s system, affecting online classes. The university is actively working on a fix while hackers threaten data leaks if contacted by May 12+ the issue is under investigation. The Sunflower
- ➤ Wichita State University's student-designed SNAPPY satellite launched at 2 a.m. Sunday on a Falcon 9 rocket to study neutrino activity from the sun following years of development in a clean room in Jabara Hall. It will test technology for a future larger neutrino detector. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita State University's satellite launched into space on May 7 (officials confirmed the launch) and marks a milestone in its space research program. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local first responders will receive enhanced mental health support from a new initiative—an effort that stems from experiences like Ty Wooten’s realization of the heavy toll from his first 911 call over a decade ago. The program aims to build resilience and better address stress in our community. KAKE
- ➤ May is National Stroke Awareness Month as the American Heart Association urges Wichita residents to watch for signs such as drooping face, weakness & slurred speech. They stress calling 911 immediately since every minute can save brain cells. KWCH
- ➤ More than 100 local cancer survivors attended a YMCA retreat on Wednesday at Camp Hiawatha to improve their physical, cognitive and emotional health — a key part of the YMCA Livestrong 12-week healing program. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ KU + K-State join an expanded 24-team Players Era basketball tournament split into two brackets this season, headlined by the most recent national champions. The event will feature competitive early-season matchups that highlight Kansas teams in a national spotlight. KWCH
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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.
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Shinedown Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of Shinedown with special guests Coheed and Cambria & Black Stone Cherry.
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Free Alzheimer’s Educational Conference
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita — Free entry — Gain insights on Alzheimer’s disease and connect with experts and the community.
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Mac Saturn Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — WAVE — Ticketed event — Experience a dynamic live show with Mac Saturn bringing fresh grooves to Wichita.
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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 lively outdoor market.
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Love Norteñas and Huapangos Concert
9:00 p.m. — El Basurero Sports Bar — Age 18+ — Experience a night of adrenaline with Retoños Del Río and the electrifying beats of los Últimos Del Topo Chico.
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Girls Basketball Camp for K-2nd Grade
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. — Trinity Academy — $38 — Focus on essential basketball skills with Trinity coaches in a fun environment.
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Wichita Riverfest
Recurring daily — Wichita Festivals, Inc. — Entry fee varies — Kansas’ biggest outdoor party filled with activities, contests, shows, and food awaits in downtown Wichita.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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