Daily editionThursday, June 18th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of June.
Community
Yesterday, Mid Kansas Auto Auction hosted its annual charity auction to support Wichita’s Littlest Heroes (a nonprofit helping medically fragile children with financial aid, art therapy and events).
The event aims for $35,000 this year after raising over $30,000 last year and supporting more than 800 families.
KWCHRead more
More than 2,000 Sedgwick County households experienced homelessness last year, a 147% jump from 2020 according to the report from United Way + the Coalition to End Homelessness Wichita/Sedgwick County.
United Way announced a $1 million matching grant and will launch a new family housing program next month.
KMUWRead more
The 107th Kansas Honor Flight returned home after a trip to Washington, D.C. — 93 Vietnam War veterans were welcomed at the Nguyen Golden Hotel in Wichita.
KWCHRead more
Education
The Kansas Board of Regents approved tuition hikes for five state universities so that full-time residents will pay an average of $9,700 per year starting this fall, with increases by 3.5% at Pittsburg State and 6% at Fort Hays State (a 26.6% rise over the past 10 years).
KMUWRead more
Government
Wichita's annual Water Quality Report released Wednesday confirmed the water is safe and used about 1 billion gallons less than last year.
City staff said the next step is testing a new treatment plant (in pilot phase) to maintain consistent quality.
KMUWRead more
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach pushed back against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over a dispute involving Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's eligibility, with Big 12 teams opposing the ruling & Sorsby planning to enter the NFL supplemental draft instead of returning to college football.
KWCHRead more
Sedgwick County Commission has paused new applications for large-scale solar projects until Dec. 11 while leaving two submitted proposals active.
Officials said the pause is needed to review every detail — they do not want to rush the process.
KWCHRead more
Bob Dole VA honored an Army veteran through its Final Mile program on Jun. 17 at a local ceremony in Wichita — the event recognized the veteran's service and the organization’s commitment to supporting those who served.
KWCHRead more
The City of Goddard is considering new duplex rules — including a 40 percent cap, park requirements, and design changes — while builders warn these measures could boost costs and reduce affordable housing options in the metro area.
KWCHRead more
Health
A heart survivor—Ella Morrissey—visited Wesley Children's Hospital on Tuesday with Make-A-Wish to deliver Build-A-Bear stuffed animals and her book Ella's New Beat to cheer up pediatric patients.
FOX KansasRead more
Wichita Events
K-POP Superstars Live
Friday, June 19th, 2026 · 5:15-8:15 p.m. — The Cotillion — All sales final — Experience a dazzling K-Pop adventure full of music, visuals, and interactive performances.
Wichita Taco Fest
Saturday, June 20th, 2026 · 3-9 p.m. — Fountains at WaterWalk — VIP upgrades available — Celebrate all things tacos with live music, competitions, and family-friendly fun.
The Wallflowers 30th Anniversary Tour
Sunday, June 21st, 2026 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Cotillion — General Admission PIT and Reserved Seating available — Celebrate 30 years of Bringing Down the Horse with a live performance of the iconic album in sequence.
Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp
Monday, June 22nd, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — Stryker Sports Complex — $130 for 5-7 years old, $225 for 8-14 years old — Develop your soccer skills with fun activities led by professional coaches at this youth summer camp.
Wyatt Flores w/Special Guest Shelby Stone
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 · 7-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $46.48 to $50.83 — Enjoy an evening with Wyatt Flores and special guest Shelby Stone while supporting music health initiatives.
Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 · 10:30–11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 drop-in — Gentle yoga class focusing on strength, balance, and inner wellness.
Emily Hollingshed Live in Concert
Thursday, June 25th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets from $45 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Emily Hollingshed in Wichita.
Council Hill - 2000s Dad Rock Night
Friday, June 26th, 2026 · 7-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — $29.28 — Rock out to your favorite 2000s hits performed live by Council Hill.
Super Saturday - Wichita, Kansas
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 · 11 AM - 2 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town — Free entry — Discover how to turn your passion for travel into income and learn about entrepreneurship in the travel industry.
Beginner Chair Yoga Class
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors and $10 for others — Engage in gentle chair yoga to enhance mobility and foster resilience.