Daily
Wichita
Friday, December 26th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cessna Penguin Cove reopened on Christmas Day at Sedgwick County Zoo after repairs fixed damage from a crack and water leak. The 23 penguins now reside behind custom-built windows as visitors enjoy the exhibit on an unusually warm day. KWCH
- ➤ After a fire on Nov. 21 damaged his Park City home and many cherished Santa suits, Keith Jacob and his wife received overwhelming support from community members. They are accepting online donations through GoFundMe & planning to rebuild while staying with family. KSN
- ➤ The Wichita Fire Department warns residents of fire and electrical hazards during the busy holiday season, advising them to turn off lights and keep candles and extension cords away from heat sources — homes should have working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to stay safe. KSN
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ ReCreate, a donations-based craft store at 5422 E. Central that opened in August, supports Wichita crafters by offering affordable supplies and donating proceeds to Always and Forever shelter — Coast-to-Coast Yarn Company in Revolutsia also offers open stitch hours for knitters to join a friendly community. KMUW
- ➤ KMUW book queens Beth Golay and Suzanne Perez have announced the categories for the upcoming citywide Read ICT Challenge that will ask Wichita readers to finish a dozen books in 2026. The report also highlights local craft stores where residents can find supplies to make winter projects + enjoy cozy evenings. KMUW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Teacher Olivia Bazanos from Derby High School will march in the 2026 Rose Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena with the Band Directors Marching Band, sharing the experience with her Derby students—she previously marched with Bands of America and in the Macy’s Day Parade. KSN
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wichita recorded a record high on Christmas Day as locals enjoyed the unexpected warmth outdoors. A photo gallery captured holiday moments with dogs at a local park. KSN
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Wichitans enjoyed a warm Christmas Day as many families flew kites at Jackson Elementary School plus took walks at Great Plains Nature Center; the unusual weather brought extra holiday cheer. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kansas leaders struck a $4.5B public and private deal with the Chiefs on Dec. 22 to build a $3B domed stadium in Wyandotte County and a practice facility in Johnson County, with the stadium scheduled for Aug. 1, 2031 (STAR bonds repay without new taxes). The Voice
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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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Tahoe Knight Monsters vs Wichita Thunder
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.
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Concert by Tay Money
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets available — Enjoy a live performance by Tay Money featuring her hit song 'Hood Still the Same'.
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Time Travel Half-Marathon and 5k/10k
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.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Enjoy chair yoga for all mobility levels with a focus on strength, balance, and community.
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East Carolina Pirates vs. Wichita State Shockers Men's Basketball
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.
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Air Capital Hoopfest
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.
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