Daily editionThursday, August 27th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of August.
Community
Mothers Against Drunk Driving launched its Driving Change with Madd campaign on Wednesday with Scholfield Honda + the Kansas Highway Patrol to fight impaired driving and honor late deputy Sidnee Carter from Sedgwick County; a poker run is scheduled for Saturday at Twister City Harley Davidson at 9 a.m.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Habitat for Humanity is hosting its annual legislative build today at its local project site and inviting community volunteers and local officials to help construct affordable homes.
The event offers hands-on support for local housing efforts and community development.
KWCHRead more
Business
Chico's will close its doors permanently on Saturday, Sept. 19 after 52 years in operation — a local staple as owner Lupita Cordova Fernandez announced the decision via Facebook.
The restaurant at 4407 W. Maple faced post-Covid challenges and invites customers to visit before its final day.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Culture
Longtime Wichita broadcaster Ted Woodward was inducted into the KAB Hall of Fame; the ceremony will be held at the Wichita Marriott on Sunday, Oct. 18.
He built his career on radio and as a public-address announcer for Wichita State sports.
KNSSRead more
Economy
Kansas residents have raised concerns over planned data centers that promise tax relief yet may strain water and energy supplies, prompting local officials to demand strict transparency from developers (to ensure community decisions are based on clear, reliable information).
KMUWRead more
Education
Wichita schools are enforcing a statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban two weeks into the school year as students attend classes at South High School; some still carry their phones despite instructions to store them during class.
FOX KansasRead more
Government
Kansas will receive $134 million from a Meta settlement, state officials confirmed.
No further details on fund allocation were provided.
KWCHRead more
KDHE approved Union Pacific's engineering design drawings for a groundwater cleanup system in the 29th and Grove neighborhood to address decades-old contamination.
An open house is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Brewer Community Center to share project details.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Andover’s football team is preparing for the 2026 season with rising star lineman Tyson Ross, who earned first-team All-State honors in 2025 and committed to Oklahoma.
Coach Jamie Cruce said the team will try a new approach this season (before Ross leaves for Norman).
KWCHRead more