Daily editionFriday, July 11th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of July.
Community
Volunteers in Riverside Park plan to restore the old pagoda by turning it into a classroom for the wildlife exhibit and a space to rent for family events.
The project will cost about $200,000, has raised two-thirds of the funds, and will start construction later this summer—helping save the building from further decay.
KMUWRead more
Architect Erik Loya, who grew up in Wichita’s North End, designed the new Empower Camarena Adelante Center near 21st and Park to light up his old neighborhood—he drew on his Mexican heritage with desert steel landscaping and breezeway block features and will lead Phase II projects for the Nomar Theatre and former Kroger building.
KMUWRead more
Business
KVH Chophouse, a new upscale steakhouse built over the last two years in northwest Wichita, will open on Monday, July 14 with a menu of prime steaks, seafood, and creative cocktails.
The restaurant offers a large dining area with private rooms & plans to expand its patio while hosting live music events.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
In the first half of 2025, Wichita saw 25 new restaurants open across the city, from food trucks to rebranded cafes—offering meals ranging from quick Mexican bites to upscale Mediterranean fare—and giving residents more dining choices.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Economy
A new CNBC report ranks Kansas 33rd for business in 2025, a drop of four spots from last year.
The report rated all 50 states on ten categories + economy, workforce, infrastructure and cost of living, noting Kansas ranked near the bottom in the economy category but was second for cost of living.
KSNRead more
Government
Wichita launched a free city ID program to help residents aged 14 or older access services and prove their Wichita residence— the ID shows basic details such as name, photo, and birth date but does not work for voting, and it is available at City Hall on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
KSNRead more
Wichita Events
Wicked City Roller Derby vs. South Central Roller Girls
Saturday, July 12th, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — Kids 12 and under FREE with a paying Adult — Experience thrilling roller derby action featuring local teams and full concessions.
Vendor Showcase
Sunday, July 13th, 2025 · 1-4 PM — The Fun Venue — Free entry — Explore a fantastic array of unique gifts and local vendors offering their best products and services.
Laid Back Country Picker Concert
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 · 8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Full bar available — Experience a unique blend of 70s rock, honky-tonk, and punk with Laid Back Country Picker.
The Basketball Tournament (TBT)
Friday, July 18th, 2025 · 1-2:30 p.m. — Charles Koch Arena — Ticketed event — Witness the excitement of the TBT regional featuring the Aftershocks and thrilling matchups.
2nd Annual Couples Two-Day Golf Tournament
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 · 9 a.m. — Auburn Hills Golf Course — $150 Per Person; $300 Per Team — Showcase your golfing skills, enjoy a delightful dinner, and dance the night away with live music.
Chair Yoga Session at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, July 21st, 2025 · 10:00 – 10:45 AM — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience gentle movements with a focus on flexibility, balance, and community.
Dirty Red & The Soul Shakers Live
Friday, July 25th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Walker's Jazz Lounge — $5 off your first drink with proof of membership — Experience fiery blues and high-energy soul performances from this powerhouse band.
Yelawolf 45 Tour
Saturday, July 26th, 2025 · 8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — All Ages — Experience Yelawolf's musical journey with special guest J. Michael Phillips at this live concert event.
2025 Summer Curvy Yoga Series
Sunday, July 27th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Yoga Central — Registration required — Explore adaptive yoga for every body in a welcoming environment.
Camp Totus Tuus for 11th and 12th Grade Girls
Monday, July 28th, 2025 · 9 AM – 12 PM — Totus Tuus — $399 — A week-long camp for female students entering grades 11-12 offering food, lodging, and transportation.