Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of June.
Good morning, Wichita.
Colwich Community Library now offers free passes to local attractions—available when visiting the library—so residents can explore nearby museums and parks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
30K Payday Bingo Event
9 AM – 2 PM — Bingo Casino South — Ticket required — Experience one of the biggest bingo events of the summer with over $30,000 in cash prizes and an exciting game atmosphere.
Father's Day Brunch Celebration
9 a.m. — Chicken N Pickle — Adults $36, Kids $6, Free for under 5 — Celebrate Dad with a delicious brunch buffet and fun family activities.
Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp
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
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
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
8-11 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets from $45 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Emily Hollingshed in Wichita.
Sawyer Brown and Lonestar Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Capitol Federal Amphitheater — Ticket Prices Vary — Enjoy an evening of high-energy country music with two iconic bands.
Outdoor Vintage Market
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Paramount Marketplace Antiques — Free admission — Discover treasures from antiques to handmade goods at this vibrant outdoor market.
Beginner Chair Yoga Class
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
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.
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