Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bike Walk Wichita is urging young riders to bike safely as school vacation begins this week, advising kids to use small side streets near home and wear bright clothing & proper safety gear. Executive director Holly Terrill said careful habits help everyone share the road safely. KWCH
- ➤ The Kansas Food Bank received a 40,000-pound donation last night + volunteers began sorting the items today to help local families. KWCH
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A military training aircraft—a T-6A Texan II from Oklahoma—made an emergency landing at McConnell Air Force Base after its landing gear failed, with flight instructor Teresa Ortega saying the pilots followed emergency procedures to secure a safe landing. KWCH
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ China’s Commerce Ministry will buy 200 Boeing planes, and it is unclear if Wichita facilities building fuselage parts will see extra work; the deal marks China’s first major purchase since 2017 and follows recent high-level talks. KWCH
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kansas wheat farmers face a tough season as drought and higher fertilizer + diesel costs lower yields and risk a crop performance the worst since 1972. Local growers are filing crop insurance while planning for future changes amid worsening weather conditions. KNSS
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kansas Board of Regents and university administrators discussed a new definition for DEI-CRT content during a May meeting after the FY27 budget banned required instruction in most programs. The proposal will be revised based on feedback, voted on in June, and sent for funding certification in July. The Sunflower
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Defending TBT champion AfterShocks (Wichita State) will start a best-of-three series against New Mexico's The Enchantment at Koch Arena, with Game 1 on Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m. CT, Game 2 on Thursday, July 23 at 8 p.m. CT, and a potential Game 3 on Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m. CT. Wichita By E.B.
- ➤ Twin brothers Jason and Josh Parrish led Wichita State to an American Conference championship on Sunday, winning their events as Josh set a school record in the long jump — a win that builds on a family legacy of athletic success — with siblings in wrestling and the NFL. KWCH
- ➤ Defending TBT champs The AfterShocks will play in a revamped tournament this summer that features 16 teams, a best-of-three opener & a $2 million prize. The new format promises intense matchups that local fans can follow closely. FOX Kansas
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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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Larry Fleet Live Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — $26.25 to $35.67 — Experience the soulful blend of country and rock with Tennessee's own Larry Fleet and special guest Wynn Williams.
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Trakas Banda y Rave Featuring DJ Exile The Jedi
7:30-8:00 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying fusion of Banda and modern electronic dance music in a vibrant setting.
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Wee Wet Wigglers Swim Program
6:15-6:45 p.m. — Winfield Aquatic Center — Registration not yet open — Dive into water exploration and develop essential swimming skills in a parent-assisted class.
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