Daily editionThursday, July 16th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of July.
Community
The co-owners of Gorditas Norma locked their doors and warned customers when immigration officials arrived in the north Wichita parking lot — prompting community members to rally in support of the restaurant.
KWCHRead more
Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters is raising funds with its Cash for Kids Sake raffle - tickets cost $50 for one or $125 for three as the program supports youth through a nine-year mentorship match in Wichita.
KWCHRead more
Business
Business owners are concerned that the Minisia Bridge closure will slow traffic and hurt local commerce.
City officials plan to review the situation to ease disruptions.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Ballet Wichita is touring its production of 'Alice in Wonderland' with digital projections created in partnership with Shocker Studios (WSU students designed adaptable backdrops for venues including Ottawa Memorial Auditorium, Friends University, Granada Theater and McPherson Opera House).
KMUWRead more
Education
Teacher vacancies in accredited schools dropped 9.1% this spring, falling from 1,747 to 1,588 as hard-to-fill positions in special education and other subjects were steadily filled.
Urban areas saw higher vacancy increases (Wichita up 17%), highlighting uneven progress across districts.
KMUWRead more
Government
Valley Center will hold a town hall meeting on July 29 at 7 p.m. at LeVenue (109 W. Main St.) to let residents discuss whether to enhance the local fire department or transition services to Sedgwick County Fire District 1.
KWCHRead more
Health
State health officials reported 55 cyclosporiasis cases this year, including 25 in July, and Taco Bell temporarily removed select ingredients from local outlets while advising residents to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to curb infection.
KWCHRead more
Health officials said Kansas cyclosporiasis cases doubled from 22 to 55 last week amid a national outbreak linked to infected produce.
They advise residents to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.
KMUWRead more
ACA marketplace enrollment in Kansas fell by more than 20% between February 2025 and February 2026 as rising premiums made plans less affordable, pushing many consumers to switch to Bronze plans or drop coverage.
Experts warn further declines could boost costs for insurers & remaining enrollees.
The BeaconRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Wichita Wind Surge vs. Midland Rockhounds
Tuesday, July 21st, 2026 · 7:05-8:05 p.m. — Equity Bank Park — Ticket prices vary — Watch an exciting Double-A baseball game against the Midland Rockhounds with special activities throughout the evening.
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 · 8:45–9:45 p.m. — Kansas Aviation Museum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soothing magic of Fleetwood Mac's music in a candlelit setting.
Big Boogie Concert
Friday, July 24th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — The Cotillion — $53.33 to $100.43 — Enjoy an all-ages concert featuring Big Boogie and surprise support acts in a vibrant venue.
Bop To The Top Tour
Saturday, July 25th, 2026 · 9 p.m. — The Cotillion — $29.78 — Celebrate 20 years of Hannah Montana and High School Musical with a high-energy dance party featuring sing-alongs and audience participation.
Whiskey Myers Live Concert
Sunday, July 26th, 2026 · 7:00 – 8:45 PM — WAVE — $34.85 — Catch the genre-bending band Whiskey Myers as they deliver their energetic live performance.
Beginner Chair Yoga Class at Club Hope
Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — $10 drop-in; free for survivors — Experience a gentle yoga class that enhances physical and emotional well-being while promoting resilience.
Do Or Die Concert
Friday, July 31st, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — WAVE — $38.63 — Experience hits like 'Do U' and 'Hotel Room' with Humble Greatness & Twansac.
Truck Fest
Saturday, August 1st, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. — Kansas International Dragway — $15/day for adults — The track is dedicated to trucks with contests and prizes galore.