Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of July.
Good morning, Wichita.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Rodney Branigan Live Performance
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.
My First Cooking Camp
1-3 p.m. — The Art Park — Age group: 4-7 — A hands-on cooking camp focusing on basic kitchen skills and fun recipes for young children.
Little Cruisers Bike Program
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
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
8-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — $73.35 — Experience the vibrant music of Los Huracanes del Norte in a lively atmosphere.
Wichita Benefit Concert with AmeriFloyd
6-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — Ticket prices vary — Experience a memorable night with AmeriFloyd benefiting the American Cancer Society.
Nike Volleyball Camp at Wichita Sports Forum
9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Wichita Sports Forum — $399 — Elevate your volleyball skills and mindset in this highly-rated camp for young athletes.
Build and Fly with STEMusic
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.
Air Capital Bacon Bourbon and Brews Festival
3-6 p.m. — Park City Arena — $40-$68 — Indulge in over 18,000 bacon samples and exceptional brews at this flavorful annual festival.
Lego Brick by Brick Camp
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.
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