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Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

A temporary fence surrounds the White House on Oct. 16. The fence was erected in late September in preparation for a diplomatic visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

What effect does the government shutdown have on WSU? Here’s what we know.

Kami Steinle, Reporter October 20, 2025

The United States government was shut down on Oct. 1 due to lawmakers being unable to pass a funding bill for fiscal year 2026. As of Oct. 17, the shutdown continues, with legislators divided across party...

Students Azaria Pauls (left) and Adan Parker (middle) listen while Wichita City Council candidate LaWanda DeShazer talks about her campaign priorities. DeShazer and two other Wichita City Council candidates attended the meet and greet hosted by Shockers Vote.

‘Face to face’ with your candidates: Meet and greet encourages dialogue around local elections

Ainsley Smyth, Managing Editor October 16, 2025

Students walking through the Rhatigan Student Center on Wednesday had the opportunity to prepare for voting in the upcoming Nov. 4 election – by speaking directly with many of the candidates for City...

Senior Adrian Diaz Lopez hugs longtime Wichita State coach John Kornelson. Cross country’s home meet was renamed to honor Kornelson in 2001.

Despite setbacks, Shocker cross country runner strides for strong final season

Anthony Gonzalez-Medina, Reporter September 8, 2025

After several pushbacks, Adrian Diaz Lopez plans to run his way back into the fold. The senior cross country runner said running has been a way to get through difficult times. His mother passed away...

Director of Athletics Kevin Saal smirks after the completion of the basketball scrimmages at Shocker Madness on Oct. 7.

Guest Column: From the stands to the court: How students change the game

Kevin Saal, Director of Athletics September 8, 2025

Students, you are the heartbeat of Wichita State. When you step into Charles Koch Arena, everything changes. The lights are brighter. The sound shakes deeper. Opponents feel it. Coaches prepare for it....

Bre Leach (right) and her warm up partner fight to defend the ball during women's soccer club practice on Sept. 4. The club is a way for Wichita State women to continue playing soccer, stay in shape or try a new sport in college.

Wichita State women’s soccer club welcomes everyone and is ready to play

Chairo Ogbebor, Reporter September 8, 2025

On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, a group of women gathers on the fields at the Eugene M. Hughes Metroplex. They meet from 7-8:30 p.m. to hone their skills and create lasting memories. They’re all...

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OPINION: Not every sport is seen as equal — let’s change that.

Mya Scott, Opinion Editor September 8, 2025

Growing up 45 minutes away from Wichita State, I visited the campus more than once before I ever began to think about tuition costs and majors. For one of my birthdays, my mom bought me nosebleed seats...

Sarah Bertry runs the women's 5-kilometer at the JK Gold Classic on Sept. 6 in Wichita State's new Nike uniform. The Shockers' partnership with Nike began July 1, 2025.

Nike swooshes in

Kami Steinle, Reporter September 8, 2025

After previously partnering with Under Armour since 2017, Wichita State Athletics made a switch to Nike for athletics gear, from uniforms to other apparel and shoes. WSU Athletics signed a five-year...

Junior setter Jordan Heatherly celebrates after getting a kill on Aug. 31. Heatherly had three kills and 49 assists against Arkansas.

Volleyball’s Jordan Heatherly finds new home as a Shocker

Mack Smith, Reporter September 7, 2025

Jordan Heatherly started her collegiate career at conference rival Memphis. But after two years of playing against the Shockers, Heatherly saw what a program built on winning looked like.  At the conclusion...

Wichita State's bench gets down on their knees and slaps the ground while Arkansas is serving. Arkansas ended with six service errors on Aug. 31.

Shocker volleyball wins two, loses to ranked opponent at BYU Nike Invitational

Mack Smith, Reporter September 6, 2025

A thrilling final match at the BYU Nike Invitational sent Wichita State volleyball home with a 3-2 record on the season after its first road trip.  The Shockers faced their first ranked opponent of...

Members at a Peak ICT Martial Arts class practices high kicks on Sept. 4. The program is run by Samuel and Michelle Mayo.

New martial arts club kicks into the Heskett Center

Evan Tong, Multimedia Reporter September 6, 2025

Constructive kicking and screaming has a new home on Thursdays in the Heskett Center. Peak ICT Martial Arts is a martial arts school that has expanded from its previous focus on taekwondo. The club...

Head coach Paul Mills writes on a white board during a time out in the second half. Wichita State beat Emporia State during the exhibition game, 99-53, on Oct. 27, 2024. (File photo)

Guest Column: First in line

Paul Mills, Head Men’s Basketball Coach September 6, 2025

When I first met Michael Jordan, I was 15 years old. Jordan was coming to Houston as his Chicago Bulls were playing the Houston Rockets in an early-season matchup in Jordan’s 4th season in the NBA. Jordan...

Elkana Kipruto crosses the finish line at the JK Gold Classic on Sept. 6. Kipruto won the individual title in the men's 6-kilometer race with a time of 18:41.49.

‘You don’t win championships by being individuals’

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor September 6, 2025

When Elkana Kipruto passed the midway mark of the men’s 6-kilometer race at the JK Gold Classic, he led the pack by a slim margin. He eventually pulled away on the muddied track by five seconds to win...

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