Daily
Wichita
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wichita children from low-income families shopped with police officers on Tuesday evening at Walmart on West Kellogg during the annual Shop With a Cop event. The event provided 34 kids with gifts like NERF guns + a hoverboard and helped build positive interactions between officers and the community. KWCH
- ➤ Sunmart Beauty Supply, a local fixture for over 30 years, has transferred ownership to Dr. Kneeland C. Brown + his family at 21st and Oliver. They plan to upgrade operations with a new point-of-sale system, website, and online ordering to better serve customers. The Voice
- ➤ Operation Holiday distribution started Monday and saw its busiest turnout on Tuesday at 2611 W. MacArthur Road, where volunteers helped people pick up food, coats, clothes, toys, and other gifts. Those who miss their scheduled time can pick up items Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. KSN
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Research from WhistleOut shows Kansas is among the top five states with fatal distracted driving crashes this December (the deadliest month for such incidents) as officials urge drivers to put aside phones during winter storms and holiday travel. KNSS
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ballet Wichita presents The Nutcracker for its 51st run at Century II this weekend. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. with tickets available online. KSN
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kevin Konda was named interim vice president for Student Affairs at Wichita State after Teri Hall retired. He currently serves as director of the Rhatigan Student Center and will manage student services while the university starts its search for a permanent replacement. The Sunflower
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Attorney General Kris Kobach announced that Hyundai and Kia settlement offers Kansas owners free ignition cylinder protectors and up to $71,427.88. Eligible customers can check their VIN and file a claim by March 31, 2027 (applies to select models). KSN
- ➤ State lawmakers raised concerns on Dec. 17 that universities should review classroom content on diversity, equity and inclusion, though university leaders said their courses remain unchanged. The Kansas Board of Regents said they would follow any new state rules + university officials have defended their current curriculum. The Sunflower
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol launched the Pull Off, Lights Out campaign to help drivers navigate blowing dust and high winds in western Kansas. The public service announcement advises motorists to pull off the road early and use low beam headlights for safer travel. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The FDA announced a recall of salad dressings, including Hidden Valley Ranch, after foreign objects were found in over 3,500+ cases shipped to retailers in Kansas and other states. Consumers should check their products and avoid use if affected. KSN
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Shockers women’s basketball team rallied from an 11-point deficit to beat Oral Roberts by a final score of 79 to 65 Tuesday, Dec. 11, improving their record to 3-9. They will play Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. KSN
- ➤ Flory Bidunga had 18 points and 10 rebounds as Kansas secured a 73-49 win over Towson on Tuesday night, furthering a strong home record under coach Bill Self. Towson trailed most of the game and briefly drew within nine points in the second half. KSN
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Watson's Christmas Express
5:00-8:15 p.m. — O J Watson Park — $15-$20 — Experience a magical ride to the North Pole with Santa, roasted s’mores, and holiday crafts.
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Kapaun Mt. Carmel vs. Eisenhower Basketball Game
6-7:15 p.m. — Kapaun Mt. Carmel — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Kapaun Mt. Carmel varsity basketball team compete in a non-conference matchup against Eisenhower.
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Candlelight Christmas Special Featuring 'The Nutcracker'
8:45-9:45 p.m. — Kansas Aviation Museum — Ticketed event — Experience a magical evening of classical music inspired by the winter and holiday spirit under candlelight.
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Grinchy Heart Holiday Party
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM — Newton Recreation Center — Cost Not Specified — Celebrate the holiday spirit with fun activities for kids aged 7-12.
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Christmas Eve & Christmas Night Celebration at Dockum
December 24-25 — Dockum — Seasonal cocktails available — Celebrate Christmas in a cozy speakeasy with crafted spirits and holiday charm.
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La Petite Pause at The French Tearoom
12:30-1:30 p.m. — The French Tearoom — Pricing varies — Enjoy warm scones and carefully poured tea in a tranquil midday escape.
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Wichita Thunder vs. Allen Americans
7:05-8:35 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Tickets starting at $26 — Cheer on the Wichita Thunder as they face off against the Allen Americans in an exciting hockey match.
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Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
10:00 – 10:45 AM — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience gentle chair yoga to enhance strength and flexibility while building community.
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Wichita Thunder vs. Utah Grizzlies
7:05-8:35 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Enjoy an exciting hockey match as the Wichita Thunder take on the Utah Grizzlies.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Discover the calming benefits of Chair Yoga in a supportive community setting.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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