Good morning, Wichita.

New owners of Towne West Mall began renovations after the City Council approved millions in industrial revenue bonds to transform the property into a business park + the plan will update the exterior for a modern look while new businesses are slated to move in by the first quarter of next year. Construction started July 7 and the redevelopment aims to repurpose the mall for industrial or office use.

A Wichita family searches for answers after their husband and father was killed in a hit-and-run crash and police are investigating the incident—officials ask anyone with information to come forward— as the case remains open.

Panasonic opened the country’s largest electric vehicle battery plant Tuesday in De Soto, investing $4 billion in a 300-acre facility that has already hired 1,000 workers.

The plant is expected to boost local economic activity by generating up to $2.5 billion annually and creating thousands of jobs through its supply chain—making it the largest project in both Panasonic and Kansas history.

Galen College of Nursing in Wichita graduated its first class — a major milestone for the city's newest nursing school.

Wichita started a new I-9 compliant municipal ID program on June 30 for residents 14 and older—helping many access city services such as food banks and free transit for veterans, with 110 cards printed and 175 applications received in seven business days.

The card, which is only available for use in Wichita and cannot be used for voting, driving, or buying alcohol, will also be issued at a second location in the fall once it is ready.

Today, the Wichita City Council approved the proposed 2026 budget framework—totaling over $1 billion, reducing the mill levy to 32.316 mills with $175 million in property taxes—and scheduled three public comment meetings on August 7, August 19 and August 26 before adoption.

The council also authorized a $3 million project to redesign the 29th Street N. and Broadway intersection and granted City Manager Robert Layton permission to meet new federal grant requirements to avoid a potential loss of $100 million.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said today that the state will receive about $5.7 million from a $720 million settlement with eight drug makers accused of worsening the opioid crisis.

The funds will go to prevent and treat drug addiction in Kansas—helping hold the companies accountable for their illegal marketing practices.

Neighbors on Dellrose received a mailed notice from Wichita that requires them to repair or re-level their sidewalks in 30 days—some homeowners face charges up to $1268 if they call the city or an independent company.

Residents such as Michelle Johnson say the repairs should be covered by the city since the sidewalks are on city property.

Laid Back Country Picker Concert

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)

1-2:30 p.m. — Charles Koch Arena — Ticketed event — Witness the excitement of the TBT regional featuring the Aftershocks and thrilling matchups.

Wichita Medal Play Championship

Saturday-Sunday — Terradyne Country Club — Registration required — Compete in a 36-hole flighted stroke play tournament.

Chair Yoga Session at Haysville Senior Center

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

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.

National Baseball Congress World Series

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM — Eck Stadium - Tyler Field — $30 — Experience 33 hours of nonstop baseball action with 11 games and thrilling moments.

2025 Summer Curvy Yoga Series

1-2 p.m. — Yoga Central — Registration required — Explore adaptive yoga for every body in a welcoming environment.

Soccer Summer Camp in Wichita

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Stryker Sports Complex — Cost varies — Experience top-level soccer training with Real Madrid Foundation coaches for ages 6 to 17.

Creed Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Tickets from $60 — Experience an electrifying performance from the iconic rock band Creed in Wichita.

National Baseball Congress World Series

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Eck Stadium - Tyler Field — Free entry — Witness top amateur baseball teams compete in the thrilling NBC World Series.