Daily
Wichita
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than 500 people joined Kansas' First Day Hike at Cheney State Park on Jan. 1, celebrating the new year with a scenic outdoor walk that brought neighbors together to kick off healthy beginnings. KWCH
- ➤ More than 500 people gathered at Cheney State Park on Thursday during First Day Hikes, a statewide event where families, serious hikers, and groups took a five-mile trail to kick off a healthy 2026. KWCH
- ➤ Tom Shine, who began reporting on The Range in 2020, bids farewell today after covering more than 120 local stories from pandemic challenges to community milestones — ending his cherished run with the series. KMUW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The CDC reported high flu activity in Kansas last week, with rising hospitalizations+ prompting Wichita residents to take precautions during holiday gatherings as young children are especially affected. KWCH
- ➤ The East YMCA saw a surge in memberships on Thursday as locals began their fitness journeys using new body scans. They will join a six-week YROX challenge starting Jan. 19 and group workouts at Pack the Studios beginning Jan. 10. KWCH
- ➤ Dry January is a month-long challenge at The Phoenix gym that offers free fitness & community events for residents who have been sober for at least 48 hours, helping them build healthy connections for sustained recovery. KWCH
- ➤ The YMCA is keeping local members on track with their New Year’s fitness resolutions by offering updated workout programs at local branches today. Members can access flexible schedules to support their health goals as part of a community wellness effort. KWCH
- ➤ A Wichita gym launched a program on Jan. 1 offering free incentives for members who maintain sobriety + the initiative aims to support healthy lifestyle choices in the community. KWCH
- ➤ Doctors warned that flu cases are expected to increase after the holidays and advised Wichita residents to consider vaccination and preventive measures. The alert cautions that local clinics may see higher patient volumes in the coming weeks. KWCH
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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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Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience a gentle yoga practice that enhances strength, balance, and community spirit.
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Wichita Campus Open House
3:30-5:30 p.m. — Galen College of Nursing - Wichita — Free entry — Explore the nursing programs and meet the faculty at this informative open house.
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Turnpike Tributedours Concert
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets start at $69 — Experience an unforgettable night with Turnpike Tributedours live in Wichita.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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