Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Oct 23, 1945, Wichita pilot Capt. Fred McConnell died when his 1931 blue-and-yellow biplane hit a power line west of Garden Plain while flying with his wife to deliver linens for their new home—he was not wearing his seat belt. KNSS
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Toys’R’Us announced plans to open a new flagship store at Towne East Square in Wichita in time for the holiday season—its return follows the closure of its previous location in Eastgate Plaza after a 2018 bankruptcy. KWCH
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit at Riverside Park announced that one-eyed eastern screech owl Odin died from congestive heart failure complications — he had served as an educational ambassador. A memorial to honor Odin will be held during Owl-o-ween on Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m. KSN
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Wichita approved a plan on Tuesday to let Union Pacific lease public property+ to build facilities that will treat contaminated soil and clean groundwater affected by chemical spills, which have raised concerns about cancer risk in nearby neighborhoods. Construction on the treatment facilities will begin next year. KSN
- ➤ Wichita City Council commissioners approved a four-way stop at West 29th Street and North 135th Street—installation is planned soon to reduce dangerous traffic conditions. KSN
- ➤ Wichita City Council approved $2M to renovate the old Central Library into a venue for weddings, banquets, and meetings; the project will upgrade the main level (including accessibility, heating, and electrical improvements) and is set to finish by the second half of 2027. KSN
- ➤ Wichita City Council approved $60M in bonds to help fund a new emergency department for Ascension Via Christi at 119th and West Kellogg—set to open in 2027—while nurses warned that staffing shortages could worsen wait times at nearby hospitals. KWCH
- ➤ The Kansas Department for Children and Families delayed November SNAP benefits because a USDA memo indicated payments would not be sent if the government shutdown continues until October 28 — the delay will affect 188,000 people and roughly $34.4 million in food assistance until Congress acts. DCF said it could resume distributing funds within 72 hours once funding is in place. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Wichita residents will join the free 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s tomorrow at the Wichita WaterWalk—where the venue opens at 5 p.m. and the Promise Garden ceremony starts at 6 p.m.—to raise funds and support research and free programs for Alzheimer’s care; over $191,000 has been raised toward the $225,000 goal so far. Participants can register online or upon arrival to walk in memory of loved ones or support those living with the disease. KSN
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Men's Basketball Media Day, KU and K-State introduced key newcomers they believe will boost their play this season. K-State coach Jerome Tang highlighted coveted transfer PJ Haggerty—while KU counted on top freshman Darryn Peterson and returning center Flory Bidunga to help the teams exceed preseason predictions. KWCH
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Anthony Gomes Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — WAVE — Starting at $28 — Experience the electrifying blues and rock of Anthony Gomes with a flair that ignites the stage.
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Gabriel Iglesias - The 1976 Tour: A Fluffy Celebration
8:00 – 9:30 PM — INTRUST Bank Arena — $55-$225 — Experience the comedic genius of Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias in an evening of laughter and entertainment.
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Curvy Yoga Drop-in Class
1-2 p.m. — Yoga Central — Cash at the door — Experience a welcoming drop-in yoga class designed for all body types and abilities.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Discover the rejuvenating benefits of Chair Yoga designed for all mobility levels.
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Wichita Career Fair
9:30 AM-12:30 PM — Wichita Marriott — Free entry — Connect with recruiters from local and Fortune 500 companies to explore new career opportunities.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Experience a supportive and community-focused yoga session designed for all mobility levels.
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Asleep at the Wheel Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Cotillion — Reserved table seating tickets plus general admission dance floor — Celebrate over 50 years of Texas and Western Swing music with Asleep At The Wheel.
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Spooky Splash & Treats Party
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM — Newton Recreation Center — Check the website for costs — Dive into a Halloween-themed day of fun and treats for kids aged 7-12.
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Super Saturday: Travel Entrepreneurship Workshop
11 AM – 2 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town — Free entry — Explore turning your travel passion into a profitable business opportunity.
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Youth Basketball Clinic - Session I
6:30-7:15 p.m. — Newton Recreation Center — Registration closed — A fun and instructional basketball clinic for kids ages 5-6.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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