Daily editionTuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
Community
Kansas Honor Flight sent 100 Kansas veterans (three Korean War and 97 Vietnam veterans) from Wichita’s Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport on Monday, May 11.
They will visit Washington memorials and return home on Wednesday.
KWCHRead more
Earlier this year, Hope Community Church in Andover hosted its first Night to Shine prom for people with special needs as part of a worldwide campaign led by Tim Tebow.
The church received a Helping Hand donation from KWCH and DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers to support the celebration.
KWCHRead more
Business
Boeing announced a $1 billion investment in Wichita to spur local economic growth.
The company said its project (further details pending) will create jobs and expand infrastructure in the coming months.
KWCHRead more
Whitewater Pizza Parlor will close soon due to rising operational costs + increasing expenses.
The local business will wind down services as owners address the financial challenges.
KWCHRead more
Economy
Rising diesel prices now averaging between $5.15 and $5.64 per gallon are straining local truck drivers and causing grocery costs to increase for staples like potatoes.
At Newell Truck Plaza in Newton, driver Daniel Koger (who paid $410 for 74 gallons on Monday) advised slowing down to conserve fuel.
KWCHRead more
Government
An orange flyer found in Riverside Park advises visitors to call 911 when they see homeless encampments, even though city officials confirmed it was not an official posting.
Correct signage directs calls to the Homeless Outreach Team (not the general emergency line) for proper assistance.
KWCHRead more
On Monday, AT&T donated $52,000 to the Wichita Police and Fire Foundation to support frontline first responders.
The foundation can use the funds as needed to enhance protection services for the community.
KWCHRead more
Health
Kansas health officials say the hantavirus risk is low despite one cruise ship passenger now in biocontainment in Omaha.
Kaylee Hervey from Sedgwick County Health Department advised residents to guard against rodent exposure and noted that transmission requires close, prolonged contact.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Brent Kemnitz, a Wichita State hall of famer who served 48 years in the athletic department, will retire on June 30 after WSU announced his decision on Friday.
KWCHRead more
The Wichita State softball team ended its season 35-17 after losing to East Carolina in the American Conference Tournament, leaving them among the First Four Out for the NCAA Tournament.
The team played strong in the regular season but the loss cost them an automatic bid.
KWCHRead more
Jim Colbert, a local golf icon who came to K-State on a football scholarship before shifting to golf, died on Sunday at age 85.
He won eight PGA Tour events and later designed Colbert Hills Golf Course (used by college teams) to support local sports.
KWCHRead more
Wichita officials are exploring a bid to host new March Madness play-in games and will reveal more details on scheduling and venues as discussions progress (talks are in early stages).
KWCHRead more
Accidents
On Apr. 22, a Boeing worker fell four feet and suffered injuries that led to his death three days later, prompting his family to push for safety changes while coworkers say long-standing issues were ignored at the facility.
FOX KansasRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Shinedown Live Concert
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 · 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.
Free Alzheimer’s Educational Conference
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 · 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.
Mac Saturn Live Performance
Friday, May 22nd, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — WAVE — Ticketed event — Experience a dynamic live show with Mac Saturn bringing fresh grooves to Wichita.
Outdoor Vintage Market at Paramount Marketplace Antiques
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Paramount Marketplace Antiques — Free admission — Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures at this lively outdoor market.
Love Norteñas and Huapangos Concert
Sunday, May 24th, 2026 · 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.
Girls Basketball Camp for K-2nd Grade
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 · 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. — Trinity Academy — $38 — Focus on essential basketball skills with Trinity coaches in a fun environment.
Wichita Riverfest
Friday, May 29th, 2026 · Recurring daily — Wichita Festivals, Inc. — Entry fee varies — Kansas’ biggest outdoor party filled with activities, contests, shows, and food awaits in downtown Wichita.
3 on 3 Basketball at Riverfest
Saturday, May 30th, 2026 · 12-3 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Prizes available — Get your game on with 3 on 3 basketball for all ages at Riverfest.