Daily
Wichita
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A lifeguard shortage may lead to reduced hours at Wichita public pools this summer (officials are reviewing staffing needs). KWCH
- ➤ The Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County received a $1.88 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation to build a new 25,000+sqft addition and expand services for nearly 3,000 children annually; the center must raise an extra $3.8 million in donations by March 2027. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita City Council member Shepard is promoting steps to fight the food desert in Fairmount by backing mobile markets and a city-owned grocery store (to bring fresh produce to residents). Local community programs, including the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, work with advocates to improve food access. The Sunflower
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Singer-songwriter The Gunshy will perform at Track House (722 E. Blake) on May 16. He will share songs that reflect his personal themes of family and empathy. KMUW
- ➤ Underground Vaults & Storage is restoring and digitizing historic Hollywood films at a lab in the former Farm Credit Bank Building in downtown Wichita. The company works with R3store Studios to safeguard analog film archives from local salt mines for future generations. KMUW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kansas wheat farmers report that this year's crop yield is at its lowest in over 50 years and local experts will review the numbers for possible impacts on income and supply. More details will be shared as harvest season continues. KWCH
- ➤ The House passed a bill (H.R. 1346) to allow year-round sale of E15 gasoline, a change that may ease high fuel costs and support corn farmers. Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids noted one local station offered E15 for 15 cents less than regular gas, and the Senate will review the measure next. KMUW
- ➤ The U.S. Agriculture Department reported that 2026 will have the lowest wheat harvest in more than 50 years, with drying soil in Garden Plain pushing farmers to harvest early and switch to corn and soybeans due to rising input costs — adjustments that may shape next season's planting decisions. KWCH
- ➤ An aviation expert says high fuel costs will not affect regional flights, so passengers should not expect increased fares. Airlines will continue monitoring fuel prices to keep services steady at local airports. KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials acknowledged a lifeguard shortage and will increase recruitment at local pools to be ready for a busy summer. The department began its push on May 14 and expects more lifeguards to join soon. KWCH
- ➤ City officials are addressing a critical lifeguard shortage by planning recruitment and outreach to boost staffing at public pools + recreational areas as summer nears. They say the effort is meant to ensure safe swimming conditions when demand increases. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Travis Clayton, a longtime player and assistant coach, was named head coach of the Wichita Thunder on Tuesday, May 14 after Bruce Ramsey left following seven seasons + he aims to build a winning culture drawing on his team history from 1997 to 2008. FOX Kansas
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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.
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3 on 3 Basketball at Riverfest
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.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Rec
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.
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