Kansas
Kansas Tourism announces 2026 Sunflower Summer attraction lineup
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and Kansas Tourism today announced that more than 230 tourism attractions are participating in the 2026 Sunflower Summer program, giving Kansas families free access to must-see attractions throughout the state. Kansas residents with school-aged children from pre-K through 12th grade are eligible to participate.
This year’s lineup of attractions features activities in every region of Kansas, offering opportunities to explore the state’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, unique natural landscapes and family-friendly destinations.
“Sunflower Summer has been a great way for Kansas families to fall in love with our great state — and everything it has to offer,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether it’s visiting a museum, exploring a historic site or spending the day at the zoo — these experiences help families connect to the state we all love and admire.”
The 2026 Sunflower Summer program will run from July 9 through Aug. 2. During this period, Kansas students and one accompanying adult will receive free one-time admissions to each participating attraction. Passes can be claimed through the Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the attraction upon arrival.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Sunflower Summer back so that Kansas families can really experience their home state in an entirely new way,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “From iconic attractions to our hidden gems, this year truly showcases the depth and diversity of experiences across the state.”
For the complete list of participating attractions and full program details, visit the Sunflower Summer webpage at https://sunflowersummer.org/. Families are encouraged to share their journeys on social media using #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer. For more Kansas travel ideas or to order a free Kansas travel guide, visit here https://www.travelks.com/kansas-250/.
Kansas
‘Explosive diarrhea’ outbreak includes 5 cases in Sedgwick County, 22 in Kansas
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – As cases climb in the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County provided clarity on the “explosive” diarrheal illness’s impact at the state and local levels.
Data from KDHE shows 22 cases in Kansas. Further localizing cyclosporiasis cases, there are five confirmed cases in Sedgwick County. The county clarified that all five local cases are Sedgwick County residents.
Regarding whether any of the local cases resulted in hospitalization, Sedgwick County said that for privacy reasons it couldn’t provide that information, “due to the small number of cases.”
While questions continue surrounding the outbreak, Health experts announced on Tuesday that lettuce and other salad greens are a potential source.
To protect yourself from cyclosporiasis and bacterial illnesses connected with produce, Sedgwick County offered the following guidance:
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or preparing them.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Avoid bagged lettuce or salad mixes. When eating a whole head of lettuce, remove the first two or three layers of leaves and thoroughly wash the inner leaves under running water. Separate the leaves as you wash them.
- Heating food to 158 degrees or higher kills the parasite.
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
- Travelers to cyclosporiasis-endemic areas should follow food and water precautions, including avoiding foods and beverages that may be contaminated.
- Be aware that Cyclospora is unlikely to be killed by routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods.
- If you develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis, especially persistent watery diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment recommendations.
Copyright 2026 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com
Kansas
Newly released song depicts world visiting Kansas City for historic summer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – One creator has written an anthem for Kansas City to reflect the metro’s historic summer for years to come.
An Omaha-based Afrobeat artist, Kusher Snazzy, released a World Cup song, ‘KC to the World,’ celebrating the tournament’s culture and diversity.
The song features soccer players and dancers representing multiple nations that played in the World Cup, including Germany, Brazil, Mexico, the United States and Italy. It was filmed locally in multiple locations, including a metro studio and rooftop.
READ MORE: Kansas City eyes 2031 Women’s World Cup bid after hosting FIFA tournament

Kusher Snazzy’s goal with the song was to depict the once-in-a-lifetime summer. His passion for soccer and the Midwest inspired the lyrics.
“We don’t know when FIFA is going to choose KC again,” said Kusher.
Joseph Termini is the mastermind behind the project. He took a vision and made it come to life. As a Kansas City native, he knew the importance of showcasing his city positively through a music video.
“Kansas City has been under the radar, and I feel like this is the first time we’re being put on a pedestal, and that pedestal is allowing other people to realize that this is more than just a small-town city,” said Termini.
Listeners can find the hit song on YouTube.
ALSO READ: Heart structure may stay in Kansas City after Fan Festival ends
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Pilot of crop duster plane survives crash Monday in NE Kansas
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The pilot of a crop duster aircraft appears to have survived without serious injury after a crash on Monday in northeast Kansas.
The Jackson County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office was called around 12:30 p.m. Monday on a crash involving a crop duster aircraft south of Kansas Highway 9 near Whiting, Kansas, or about 80 miles northwest of Kansas City.
Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said that after the crash, the pilot was able to exit the aircraft before it caught fire. The pilot walked to a nearby farmhouse for help.
Several area fire departments responded to the location to extinguish the fire.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
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If you have any information about a crime, you may contact your local police department directly. But if you want or need to remain anonymous, you should contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com. Depending on your tip, Crime Stoppers could offer you a cash reward.
Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy.
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