Daily editionFriday, August 7th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of August.
Culture
Mark Arts hosts its annual Versus: A Live Art Battle where local artists use (20 minutes) to create a piece voted on by the audience; the winner will exhibit next year’s work.
The event underscores a tradition of tight creative challenges within the local arts scene.
KMUWRead more
Education
Colvin Elementary teachers will enjoy a newly renovated lounge designed by the Design Besties (led by NYC designer Robin de la Cruz) this school year after the school was chosen as one of three winners nationwide.
School officials say the space will boost teacher well-being and benefit students.
KWCHRead more
The Catholic Diocese announced that the St. Joseph House of Formation will become St. Philip Neri Seminary on Aug. 26 — a decades-long project to nurture local priestly training.
KWCHRead more
Before the new school year, financial literacy director Whitney Belshe advised families to reuse supplies and adjust monthly budgets for school expenses typically over $900 plus extra fees, and free haircuts were offered yesterday at Paul Mitchell The School between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
KWCHRead more
The Catholic Diocese announced plans to build a new seminary in Wichita to serve future clergy.
Officials said details are pending, including the start date for construction.
KWCHRead more
Wichita school officials have launched a backpack drive to deliver essential supplies to vulnerable students this week.
The drive supports district families in need.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Public Schools and EverDriven are donating backpacks to students facing housing instability as part of the Arrive Ready campaign — helping vulnerable students start the school year with needed supplies.
KWCHRead more
Government
Wichita officials and the National Weather Service met to discuss how one of the driest Julys since 1888 reminds residents to conserve water as permanent restrictions remain in effect; the city urges following an every-other-day outdoor watering schedule & no watering on Mondays.
KWCHRead more
Health
Insurance companies selling ACA plans in Kansas and Missouri are asking to raise 2027 premiums by 10% to 35% on hearthcare.gov because higher health costs and fewer healthy enrollees are pushing prices up (public comments in Missouri are accepted until Aug. 31) as regulators review the filings.
The BeaconRead more
Sports
WSU extended Head Men’s Basketball Coach Paul Mills’ contract for three years, locking him in until June 2031; the deal follows a 24-win season and NIT run and sets out performance bonuses plus a buyout clause if fired without cause, underscoring confidence in the program & its future.
KWCHRead more
A new sports entertainment center is set to open soon in east Wichita.
The venue will offer interactive sports, games plus dining to bring fresh entertainment options for local fans.
KWCHRead more
The KSHSAA launched a campaign to reduce burnout among student-athletes facing year-round play.
Fall sports practices begin Aug. 17 with heat safety rules in place and early volleyball and boys’ soccer games scheduled for Aug. 28.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Outdoor Market at Generations of Wichita
Saturday, August 8th, 2026 · 9 a.m. — Generations of Wichita — Free entry — Immerse yourself in an open-air market filled with giveaways and exciting sales.
Braxton Keith Live Concert
Thursday, August 13th, 2026 · 7-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $37.21 to $150.24 — Enjoy an evening with Braxton Keith and special guest Cole Goodwin in an all-ages concert.