Daily editionWednesday, July 1st, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of July.
Community
Westlake Ace Hardware donated over 200 fans to the Salvation Army after a customer round-up raised $3,500 over several weeks, helping residents beat a heat wave.
KWCHRead more
Downtown local businesses are hosting a patriotic window decorating contest (celebrating America's 250th anniversary) from June 28 to July 11.
Residents may vote daily via QR codes and online submissions, and winners will be announced July 13 with cash prizes up to $500.
KNSSRead more
Since 2014, Shakey Jakes has helped residents in northeast Wichita shop for fresh food and groceries at its 17th and Poplar location.
The store offers fresh produce, meats and staples to fill a grocery gap for families, seniors and others with limited transportation.
The VoiceRead more
Quivira Council, Scouting America unveiled its new Keepers on Parade Statue Tuesday at its Council Office (3247 N Oliver St) to honor Wichita pride and promote values of leadership, service and community; the art project now features more than 90 statues around town.
KWCHRead more
Culture
A new immersion center in Arkansas City opened in June to share Etzanoa’s history of a once-thriving Wichita Tribe settlement with artifacts, virtual reality tours, and a demonstration grass house built by tribe member Derek Ross.
The center aims to educate visitors about Native American heritage in the area.
KMUWRead more
Education
Over the summer, Wichita Public Schools hosted an open house at Coleman Environmental Magnet Middle School to highlight challenges with aging facilities and opportunities a school bond could bring before the Nov. 3 ballot, with Principal Karen Waterman-Overgaard saying a new building would offer more room for students.
KWCHRead more
City and county leaders in Wichita are exploring a satellite law school plan (partnering with KU and Washburn) to ease the rural attorney shortage, and a feasibility study will be conducted in the coming months to review costs and demand.
KWCHRead more
Government
The U.S. House passed the KIDS Act today to protect children online by requiring age-checks on social platforms — experts warn that ID verification could leave personal data vulnerable if sites are breached.
Lawmakers now send the bill to the Senate for further debate.
KWCHRead more
Kansas immigration advocates welcomed Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling that confirmed citizenship for anyone born in the country, easing months-long fear and uncertainty amid changes in immigration policy across local communities.
KWCHRead more
Health
Nearly 5 million Americans dropped their Marketplace plans after enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025, leaving Kansas residents facing steep premium hikes and fewer options.
Local middle-income families have seen premiums jump as high as 28.9% for 2026.
The VoiceRead more
Sports
Wichita State Athletics announced an anonymous $500K donation to its 'We Fight For Wichita' fund to boost revenue sharing and roster enhancements; the donation will be matched to reach a $1M goal (donors are invited to contribute online).
KWCHRead more
Accidents
Kenny Truong, a Wichita State finance major, drowned at Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) in Oregon on Friday, and a GoFundMe has raised over $14,000 to help cover his funeral expenses.
The SunflowerRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Stranger Things Art Workshop
Monday, July 13th, 2026 · 1-3 p.m. — The Art Park — Check website for pricing — Get creative by crafting demodogs and more while jamming to classic eighties tunes.
Build and Fly with STEMusic
Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 · 2:30 – 3:15 PM — Wichita Public Library - Walters Branch — Free entry — Explore the intersection of music and aviation through hands-on building activities and educational songs.
Automobilia Moonlight Charity Car Show
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 · 4-11 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Supporting local charities — Celebrate 30 years of automotive passion in Wichita with classic cars and a community street party.
Lego Brick by Brick Camp
Monday, July 20th, 2026 · 1-3 p.m. — The Art Park — Pricing details not specified — Explore exciting Lego themes like Formula 1 and dinosaurs in a hands-on camp experience.