Daily editionTuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of December.
Community
Wichita Heights High School students hosted a Holiday Share Fair on Monday to distribute over 5,000 donated items to families in need at Christ Lutheran Church (5356 N Hillside St); any leftovers will go to local organizations.
KWCHRead more
Santa visited the NewLife Center at Via Christi St. Joseph today to take photos with NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) babies, bringing a warm holiday moment to local families.
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Wichita Wagyu will serve a free community lunch on Wednesday, Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8641 W. 13th St, featuring smoked turkeys, hams, and sides from Local Flavor Restaurant plus a visit by Santa from noon to 1 p.m. Donations will benefit the Kansas Food Bank.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
The Wichita community will host a car parade to support 11-year-old Maddox (diagnosed with a rare brain cancer) this Friday at 3 p.m. at 2435 E. Mount Vernon St., where participants will wear red, write positive messages, and donate online or at the event.
KSNRead more
Business
Many retailers will offer limited hours tomorrow on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day, so Wichita shoppers should check schedules before heading out for holiday needs.
Some stores like ALDI & Walmart set early closing times to help plan visits.
KSNRead more
Local restaurateur Justin Neel will launch Pizza Shuttle on Wichita State's campus in mid-January.
The new spot is set up at Braeburn Square between Jersey's Mike’s and the Shocker Store/Fuzzy’s Taco Shop at 4521 E 21st Street N.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Government
Kansas lawmakers approved a stadium funding plan using STAR bonds (covering up to 70% of costs) to move the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri to Kansas, with House Speaker Dan Hawkins mandating a Dec. 31 deadline for reaching an agreement.
Additional details will be released this afternoon.
The BeaconRead more
Health
Wesley Medical Center announced a $65 million project to build a 1,379-space visitor parking garage with 466 additional spaces; demolition starts Jan. 6, temporarily closing its main entrance while patients and visitors use alternate parking areas (Central and Rutan).
KSNRead more
Sports
Kansas is set to welcome its first NFL franchise, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 22.
The new team — a milestone for local sports — is expected to energize fans and open fresh opportunities for community events.
KWCHRead more
Wichita State coach Paul Mills suffered a near-fatal cardiac emergency earlier this month during a game and underwent surgery after experiencing chest pain and trouble breathing — doctors stressed the importance of seeking prompt care for heart symptoms.
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No. 17 Kansas beat Davidson 90-61 on Monday night in Lawrence — Tre White and Flory Bidunga each had 18 points and eight rebounds while five players reached double digits.
The balanced scoring kept the Jayhawks in control throughout the game.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Christmas Eve & Christmas Night Celebration at Dockum
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 · December 24-25 — Dockum — Seasonal cocktails available — Celebrate Christmas in a cozy speakeasy with crafted spirits and holiday charm.
La Petite Pause at The French Tearoom
Thursday, December 25th, 2025 · 12:30-1:30 p.m. — The French Tearoom — Pricing varies — Enjoy warm scones and carefully poured tea in a tranquil midday escape.
Wichita Thunder vs. Allen Americans
Friday, December 26th, 2025 · 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.
Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, December 29th, 2025 · 10:00 – 10:45 AM — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience gentle chair yoga to enhance strength and flexibility while building community.
Paramount 80's Rock Night
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 8:30-10:00 PM — The Cotillion — All Ages — Celebrate New Year's Eve with a night of 80's rock featuring special guest Monterey Jack.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Discover the calming benefits of Chair Yoga in a supportive community setting.
Tahoe Knight Monsters vs Wichita Thunder
Friday, January 16th, 2026 · 7:05-9:05 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Cost info not specified — Catch an exciting hockey match as the Tahoe Knight Monsters face off against the Wichita Thunder.
Concert by Tay Money
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets available — Enjoy a live performance by Tay Money featuring her hit song 'Hood Still the Same'.
Time Travel Half-Marathon and 5k/10k
Sunday, January 18th, 2026 · 9 AM – 12 PM — Plum Shelter, 6501 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS — Unique referral code system for refunds — Lace up for a family-friendly dash through time with races for all ages.
Safe Sitter Baby-Sitting Course
Monday, January 19th, 2026 · 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM — Newton Recreation Center — Bring your own lunch — Learn essential babysitting skills in a fun and engaging environment.