Daily editionFriday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
Community
Today, Wichita State University launched a new scholarship benefiting Southeast High School students and awarded the first recipient, a student who once experienced homelessness, with a surprise $50,000 gift.
Meanwhile, with spring beginning today, bird watchers head to Cheyenne Bottoms & Quivira Wildlife Refuge to see sandhill cranes.
KMUWRead more
Economy
The war in Iran has driven up fertilizer prices due to shipping delays along the Strait of Hormuz, and local Johnson’s Garden Center has pre-bought supplies for spring and summer—however, fall prices may still rise.
KWCHRead more
Education
A new Kansas bill would fine school districts that let students leave without parental permission.
Some students say the proposal, introduced by Senator Michael Murphy as part of the state budget, could restrict their freedom of speech.
FOX KansasRead more
Governor Kelly signed a bipartisan bill Thursday afternoon — the 'bell to bell' law — that bans cell phone use in Kansas schools to reduce distractions and boost student focus during class.
KWCHRead more
KansasCOM is celebrating its first Match Day today at Century II as students open envelopes to learn their residency placements and mark a historic milestone for its inaugural graduating class (including a married couple matching into the same program).
KWCHRead more
Government
Governor Kelly has ordered Sedgwick County flags to fly at half-staff on Saturday, March 21, from sunup to sundown—to honor former Kansas Rep. Melody McCray-Miller, a dedicated Wichita public servant who died last month.
KWCHRead more
Station 15 in southeast Wichita reopened yesterday after weeks of mold remediation and repairs near Lincoln — Rock Road, and firefighters said work continues on roof leaks.
They announced Station 11 will close Monday for further mold remediation and repair work.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Harlem Globetrotter Torch George will play at Intrust Bank Arena on March 22 and show off her world-record ball skills, plus she overcame Graves’ disease and personal loss to join the team in 2017 as the 16th woman.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Zero 9:36 Live Performance
Friday, April 3rd, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. — WAVE — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-octane energy of Zero 9:36’s unique sound blending trap-metal and rap-rock.