Daily editionThursday, December 25th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of December.
Community
Wichita pastor Emily Knoth uses TikTok to help people find welcoming churches by sharing sermons and book recommendations.
She connects viewers from across the country so everyone finds a place to belong.
KWCHRead more
Second Light, Wichita’s year-round homeless shelter, is launching a volunteer program early next year — letting community members donate time along with cash and goods — and will serve a holiday meal today to bring cheer to its clients.
The shelter plans a grand opening in March after winter services end.
KSNRead more
On Christmas Eve, small businesses joined Kansas Food Bank in Wichita for a holiday meal to support those in need.
Local organizers said the event strengthened community ties during the season.
KWCHRead more
Business
A Kansas family lost nearly $1,000 after ordering a Christmas swingset online from Select Sheds in November & never got a shipping confirmation, so they are now seeking a refund through their credit card company.
KWCHRead more
Shoppers increased store visits as they finished holiday lists on Dec. 24 near local retailers, boosting last-minute gift buying ahead of Christmas.
Retailers expect the trend to have a positive impact on seasonal sales.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Google released its annual list of Wichita’s most searched terms in 2025.
Residents looked up Taylor Swift’s album and hits by Jessie Murph and HUNTR/X while a slang term ('6-7') trended sharply and stirred reactions among local eateries and schools.
KSNRead more
Penguin Cove at Sedgwick County Zoo reopens today following a 10-month repair period that fixed leaks in its bonded acrylic panels — the exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
KSNRead more
A Wichita pastor used TikTok to share his sermons with local residents and attract a new audience.
His series, launched on Dec. 24, offers a fresh digital way to connect community members with his message.
KWCHRead more
Economy
Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland said the move of the Chiefs will boost the economy with plans for a new domed stadium in Wyandotte and training headquarters in Olathe; the project is expected to add 20,000 jobs (over $1 billion in annual impact) and create year-round event spaces.
KSNRead more
Government
On Wednesday, Dec. 23, the Office of Rural Prosperity awarded nearly $1.1 million in development grants to 15 small Kansas communities for child care, community vibrancy, food retail, and library projects.
The grants combine $337,833 in state funds + $744,186 in local contributions and require a 10% match.
KSNRead more
Renovations at Wichita Eisenhower National Airport will begin Jan. 5 to reconfigure the ticket counter and upgrade technology & infrastructure while minimizing passenger disruption.
The project is funded by state, federal & local dollars and will complete by the end of 2026.
KSNRead more
Wichita City Council approved a $600,000 donation from QuikTrip to fund a police drone hive — to be installed on the roof of its Washington and Douglas station.
Installation is set to begin soon.
KSNRead more
Wichita Events
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.
East Carolina Pirates vs. Wichita State Shockers Men's Basketball
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Charles Koch Arena — Free t-shirt for early fans — Witness a thrilling basketball game while supporting mental health awareness.
Air Capital Hoopfest
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 · 7 p.m. — Newman University-Fugate Gymnasium — $15 for Adults, $8 for Kids, Students, and Seniors — Experience the excitement of top high school basketball with future stars competing for glory.