Daily editionWednesday, June 24th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of June.
Community
Wichita and Sedgwick County will begin selling fireworks Saturday ahead of Fourth of July celebrations.
Officials remind residents to review local discharge rules (to prevent injuries and fires).
KNSSRead more
Economy
The Kansas Department of Labor reported that May unemployment dipped to 3.8% while nonfarm payroll employment grew by 5,100 jobs from April + private-sector gains comprised 4,600 jobs with leisure and hospitality adding 2,100.
Data covers the week including May 12.
KWCHRead more
Education
Ngoc Vuong, the youngest board member, resigned effective immediately on Monday after accepting a new role as an assistant professor of psychology out of state.
He backed a $615 million bond referendum to improve local schools and left his seat as the district faces its second vacancy this year.
KWCHRead more
Wichita State will cancel its creative writing visiting writer programs for the upcoming academic year due to higher education budget cuts.
Faculty and students voiced concern over losing a 50-year tradition that offered one-on-one mentoring (a key part of the learning experience).
The SunflowerRead more
Wichita Public Schools is hosting open house tours every Tuesday until August 4 to show how a $600 million bond could improve traffic flow and boost school safety.
Community members are invited to see firsthand how proposed changes will make pick-ups safer and facilities better.
KWCHRead more
USD 259 will host an open house today — school officials will share plans for a bond measure to support local school improvements.
KWCHRead more
Government
State employees who choose Blue Cross Blue Shield will face a 10% hike in health insurance costs starting Jan. 1, 2027, while those on Aetna will not see an increase, as officials try to meet statutory reserve requirements despite a modest 1% raise this year.
KMUWRead more
Health
Kansas hospitals received $221 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program to transform rural care today.
The funding will support AI-driven mobile maternal clinics, pediatric chronic illness screening, and facility upgrades led by AdventHealth Ottawa, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and Children’s Mercy.
KMUWRead more
Sports
The Wichita Open begins Thursday (June 25) at Crestview Country Club and features 156 PGA Tour Americas golfers.
After last year’s storm damage led to major course renovations and community support, organizers remain cautious of potential storms and heat this week.
KWCHRead more
On Tuesday, the NFL said it would not hold a supplemental draft for Brendan Sorsby, so he will wait until the 2027 NFL Draft to try out for the league.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Rodney Branigan Live Performance
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 · 5:30-11:30 p.m. — Public at the Brickyard — Tickets available — Enjoy fantastic food and drinks while experiencing the innovative musical talents of Texas-born, London-based multi-instrumentalist Rodney Branigan.
Clay Camp: Christmas in July
Monday, July 6th, 2026 · All day — The Art Park — Pricing not specified — Create festive clay ornaments and a cheerful diorama for the holiday season.
Little Cruisers Bike Program
Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 · 8-8:30 a.m. — Winfield Recreation Commission — Registration required — Kids ages 3-5 learn to balance and ride a bike while having fun.
Tom Keifer with John Corabi Band
Thursday, July 9th, 2026 · 8-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $46.58 — Enjoy a rock night featuring Tom Keifer and special guest John Corabi Band.
Los Huracanes del Norte Concert
Friday, July 10th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — $73.35 — Experience the vibrant music of Los Huracanes del Norte in a lively atmosphere.
AMERIFLOYD: Pink Floyd Tribute Show
Saturday, July 11th, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. — The Cotillion — $39 to $59 — Experience an immersive tribute to Pink Floyd with live performances of their iconic albums.