Daily editionWednesday, May 13th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of May.
Business
Boeing committed $1B to expand its Wichita campus — the company acquired 150 Spirit AeroSystems buildings last year and holds a 6000-plane backlog; CEO Kelly Ortberg said the investment will support production of vital commercial and military parts.
FOX KansasRead more
Culture
Wichita Forever Fest is a free music and arts celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22 across 10 Wichita venues with over 100 local bands and a VIP afterparty on Sunday, Aug. 23 at Odd Fellow Hall.
It is funded by donations, grants, sponsorships, and crowdfunding + supports fair performer compensation.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Country singer Tracy Lawrence known for his 1991 hit Sticks and Stones will perform Thursday, May 14 at Century II on his No Alibis tour.
He discussed his long career during an exclusive interview with 12 News.
KWCHRead more
Education
Prime Fit Youth is launching a summer program to help local children stay engaged and maintain academic gains until school resumes.
The initiative offers a safe place for learning and invites sign-ups and volunteer support (lead mentor Dexster McGee leads the effort).
KWCHRead more
Government
Wichita City Council ended the land bank program on Tuesday (May 12) after it acquired only two properties in five years, prompting housing advocates to warn that affordable home options may soon become scarcer.
KWCHRead more
The Kansas Corporation Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a portion of Evergy’s 133-mile transmission line from near Garden Plain to where it crosses US-77 in Cowley County (the eastern segment was not approved due to insufficient evidence).
KWCHRead more
Health
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is partnering with Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank to expand access to donated breast milk for premature infants and sick babies.
The monthly milk relay (from Johnson County to Mulvane near Wichita) adds new donation drop-off sites to meet high demand.
KMUWRead more
Medical experts at Kansas hospitals say increasing numbers of parents are rejecting the vitamin K shot at birth due to false fears driven by social media, a trend that raises the risk of life-threatening bleeding and brain injury in newborns.
Pediatricians urge families to follow CDC guidelines (vaccination is safe).
KMUWRead more
KDHE is monitoring three Kansas residents who had international exposure to the Andes hantavirus after contacting a cruise ship passenger who tested positive—none are symptomatic and officials say the public risk remains extremely low.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Travis Clayton was named the new head coach of the Wichita Thunder and will begin his role with the team in upcoming games — a change that promises fresh leadership.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Chair Yoga at Maize Rec
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Discover the benefits of Chair Yoga in a supportive community setting while increasing strength and flexibility.