Daily editionThursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
Community
Second Light is reducing its beds after its emergency winter program ended.
The shelter will now offer 100 long-term beds and 30 crisis beds to house about 400 people a year + provide food, medical care and mental health services.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Hadestown, the Tony Award-winning musical, is performing at Century II Concert Hall this weekend—Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.—featuring South African-born Namisa Mdlalose Bizana as Persephone.
KMUWRead more
Education
Under a proposed Kansas bill, high school freshmen may soon need to pass a 100-question citizenship exam — along with lessons on the dangers of communism and socialism — to graduate.
Lawmakers are reviewing the plan for implementation.
KAKERead more
Health
A 12 News Anchor and a Kansas family supported cancer patients with fundraising events and resource sharing, a report from Mar. 18 noted.
Their ongoing efforts aim to expand local cancer care options in Wichita.
KWCHRead more
Lisa Schmidt, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Ascension Via Christi Cancer Outreach & Risk Assessment, explains why colorectal cancer screenings are important for early detection to encourage timely action among residents.
KAKERead more
Sports
The Harlem Globetrotters will perform on March 22 at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita.
Fans can look forward to a classic basketball display that brings skill and fun to the arena.
KWCHRead more
The Kansas Jayhawks departed from Topeka Regional Airport at 12:45 p.m. yesterday and are headed to San Diego for their first-round NCAA tournament game on Friday night + they will face California Baptist University.
KWCHRead more
Butler Community College is sending its men's + women's basketball teams to a national tournament for the first time in school history.
The teams will compete soon, marking a milestone that reflects the school’s growing athletic success.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Carden International Circus Spectacular
Friday, March 20th, 2026 · 6:30-9:30 p.m. — Park City Arena — $9-$30 — Experience thrilling acts and family-friendly fun with pre-show activities including rides and face painting.
Wicked City Roller Derby vs. Natural State (Arkansas)
Saturday, March 21st, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — The Cotillion — Kids 12 and under free with paying adult — Experience the thrilling matchup between local roller derby teams in an all-ages event.
Time to Paddy 5k/10k & Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 · 8 a.m. — Botanica, The Wichita Gardens — Registration fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with family-friendly running events featuring fun swag and community spirit.
Chair Yoga Class at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, March 23rd, 2026 · 10:00 – 10:45 AM — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience a supportive yoga practice designed to enhance strength and flexibility through gentle chair movements.
WWE NXT Live in Wichita
Thursday, March 26th, 2026 · 6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $35.05 to $179.11 — Witness NXT champions and superstars live in action for the first time in Wichita.
Chair Yoga at Park City Senior Center
Friday, March 27th, 2026 · 9:30-10:15 a.m. — Park City Senior Center — Free for members — Experience supportive chair yoga that enhances strength, mobility, and community spirit.
Fittest In Wichita
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 · 9 a.m. — Station 0 — $50 to compete, free to watch — A community-driven fitness competition featuring local gyms, activities for all ages, and supporting mental health programs for firefighters.
2026 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament
Monday, March 30th, 2026 · 1:30-6 p.m. — Charles Koch Arena — $40+ — Watch the best of women's basketball compete for the WBIT crown in Wichita's exciting final games.
Elmo's Got The Moves
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Tickets required — Dance and play along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends in a magical live experience.
That Arena Rock Show
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — $28.14 — Experience a high-energy tribute to classic rock anthems of the 70s and 80s.