Daily editionFriday, June 19th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of June.
Community
United Way of the Plains released a report showing a 147% rise in newly homeless households in Wichita and Sedgwick County since 2020 and called for more affordable housing and better job opportunities.
Experts say many families living paycheck to paycheck face a hidden homelessness crisis.
KWCHRead more
F3 Wichita & other local groups participated in the Memorial Day Murph Challenge to honor a fallen soldier, with the event held during Memorial Day weekend.
KWCHRead more
The Colwich Community Library started a summer program offering free passes to attractions like Sedgwick County Zoo, Botanica, and Cowtown on a first-come, first-served basis — members must be 18 or older with at least six months of membership and a valid driver’s license to check out a pass.
KWCHRead more
United Way of the Plains is hosting its annual Day of Action volunteer event this weekend – inviting Wichita residents to contribute to local community projects at designated sites.
KWCHRead more
Colwich Community Library now offers free passes to local attractions—available when visiting the library—so residents can explore nearby museums and parks.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Ballet Wichita is touring with 'Alice in Wonderland,' opening today in Ottawa and continuing at Friends University on June 26-27, Granada Theatre on July 11, and McPherson Opera House on July 18.
The full-length show features classical ballet, tap and neoclassical technique under the direction of Katie Andrusak.
KMUWRead more
Doc, a WWII-era bomber restored by a nonprofit led by Josh Wells, is set to tour summer air shows after years rusting in the Mojave Desert.
Meanwhile, local sports bars will experiment with new Monday night games to attract different crowds, according to Culture Pop.
KMUWRead more
Actor Billy Bob Thornton celebrates 20 years with his band Boxmasters.
The group released a new album, +In the Bay+, and will perform two shows at Knuckleheads in Kansas City next month.
KWCHRead more
Gray Media’s Star-Spangled Sing-off contest drew many local entries in May and revealed its winner on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., awarding a trip to Nashville to film a performance that aired on Gray Media stations (part of the We The People initiative).
KWCHRead more
Education
Derby school district is offering hands on driving sessions for students ahead of the 2026-27 school year to help them gain safe driving skills.
The program will take place at district facilities.
KWCHRead more
Government
Mulvane Fire Rescue issued a safety reminder after a trash truck fire on Wednesday afternoon in Mulvane - the incident involved a lithium battery found in a small computer and prompted advice to avoid improper disposal of such items.
The department stressed caution to prevent similar fires in the future.
KWCHRead more
The Kansas Board of Regents approved a revised definition for DEI-CRT at its June 17 meeting, explaining that while courses may include DEI-CRT topics, they cannot be required for a degree program.
The definition will be sent to the state finance council for certification.
The SunflowerRead more
Health
Wichita Police Officer Andy Walker, a veteran of six years, has been diagnosed with rectal cancer and will soon begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments (community members and fellow officers are rallying in support).
FOX KansasRead more
Wichita Events
Wichita Taco Fest
Saturday, June 20th, 2026 · 3-9 p.m. — Fountains at WaterWalk — VIP upgrades available — Celebrate all things tacos with live music, competitions, and family-friendly fun.
The Wallflowers 30th Anniversary Tour
Sunday, June 21st, 2026 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Cotillion — General Admission PIT and Reserved Seating available — Celebrate 30 years of Bringing Down the Horse with a live performance of the iconic album in sequence.
Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp
Monday, June 22nd, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — Stryker Sports Complex — $130 for 5-7 years old, $225 for 8-14 years old — Develop your soccer skills with fun activities led by professional coaches at this youth summer camp.
Wyatt Flores w/Special Guest Shelby Stone
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 · 7-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $46.48 to $50.83 — Enjoy an evening with Wyatt Flores and special guest Shelby Stone while supporting music health initiatives.
Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 · 10:30–11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 drop-in — Gentle yoga class focusing on strength, balance, and inner wellness.
Emily Hollingshed Live in Concert
Thursday, June 25th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets from $45 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Emily Hollingshed in Wichita.
Council Hill - 2000s Dad Rock Night
Friday, June 26th, 2026 · 7-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — $29.28 — Rock out to your favorite 2000s hits performed live by Council Hill.
Super Saturday - Wichita, Kansas
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 · 11 AM - 2 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town — Free entry — Discover how to turn your passion for travel into income and learn about entrepreneurship in the travel industry.
Beginner Chair Yoga Class
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors and $10 for others — Engage in gentle chair yoga to enhance mobility and foster resilience.
Rodney Branigan Live Performance
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 · 5:30-11:30 p.m. — Public at the Brickyard — Tickets available — Enjoy fantastic food and drinks while experiencing the innovative musical talents of Texas-born, London-based multi-instrumentalist Rodney Branigan.