Daily editionFriday, March 27th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of March.
Community
Community members gathered on Thu, Mar. 26 to say farewell to the historic Chester I. Lewis Academic Learning Center in northeast Wichita.
Wichita School District closed the building for unsafe conditions and will demolish it by this summer.
KMUWRead more
Culture
KMUW News director Suzanne Perez and a KU economics professor explain how Taylor Swift built a financial empire & overcame economic barriers for women, while People’s Pride ICT introduces a fresh method to unite community members in this month’s Culture Pop.
KMUWRead more
Education
The Wichita State Student Senate approved Vincent Duong as chief justice for the SGA Supreme Court next year (replacing Lesly Hernandez) during its March 26 meeting.
Duong, a double major in biology and political science (he values fairness and detail in upholding the law), will lead the court in the coming year.
The SunflowerRead more
Health
Heartspring announced plans for a new $25 million pediatric neurodevelopment center in downtown Wichita; it will be the first stand-alone outpatient facility of its kind in Kansas.
Set to open in 2030, the center will be located near English and Topeka in Wichita's downtown healthcare corridor.
KMUWRead more
The University of Kansas Cancer Center has converted a bus into a mobile clinic that will offer free cancer screenings and educational materials (covering breast, skin and prostate cancers) as it travels to rural areas in Kansas and western Missouri.
KMUWRead more
Sports
Travis Hafner (known as 'Pronk') recounted his journey from small-town North Dakota to Cowley County where he led the team to its first national championship in 1997, and he still holds records in RBIs and doubles from his college days in an exclusive KWCH interview.
KWCHRead more
KU women’s basketball hosted San Diego State in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament quarterfinal on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+; the winning team will advance to Monday’s semifinal round at Koch Arena in Wichita.
KWCHRead more
Accidents
A burst water main near 59th and Osage caused property damage in south Wichita today as a private contractor hit a water line + the city is investigating the break.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Easter Sunday Buffet
Sunday, April 5th, 2026 · Apr 5 — Chisholm's American Beef & Ale House — $31 to $50 — Indulge in a festive buffet featuring prime rib, glazed ham, and seasonal delights.
Bored Teachers Comedy Night
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crown Uptown Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Bored Teachers as they share their hilarious tales from the classroom.
Kansas City Mavericks vs. Wichita Thunder
Friday, April 10th, 2026 · 7:05-10:05 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Complimentary tickets available — Experience the excitement of this rivalry match with a special ticket promotion.
Aries Spears Comedy Show
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — Reserved seating — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Aries Spears, with concessions and full bars available.
KSAPT 2026 Conference Featuring Dr. Eliana Gil
Thursday, April 16th, 2026 · 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Aloft Wichita — Registration required — Explore play-based assessments and the impact of childhood trauma with expert guidance.