1. In 1935, a massive dust storm hit Kansas on April 7, causing widespread damage and bringing attention to the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl. The storm, known as “Black Sunday,” was one of the worst in the region’s history, with winds reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and massive clouds of dust engulfing entire towns.

2. On April 7, 1951, the University of Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team won their first and only NCAA championship, defeating the University of Kentucky Wildcats 68-58 in the championship game. The team, coached by the legendary Phog Allen, was led by future NBA Hall of Famers Clyde Lovellette and Dean Smith.

3. In 1966, the small town of Haysville, Kansas was hit by a powerful tornado on April 7, causing significant damage and killing 16 people. The tornado was one of several that tore through the region that day, part of a deadly outbreak that killed more than 50 people and caused widespread destruction throughout the Midwest.

4. On April 7, 1997, the Kansas City Royals opened their brand new stadium, Kauffman Stadium, with a game against the Texas Rangers. The stadium, known for its signature “waterfall” display in center field, has been home to the Royals ever since, and has hosted three All-Star Games and several playoff series.

5. In 2015, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed a controversial law on April 7 that allowed businesses to refuse service to customers based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The law, which was widely criticized by civil rights groups as discriminatory, was later amended and eventually repealed in 2019.