Daily editionTuesday, January 6th, 2026

Good morning, Wichita.

The Daily Wichita Team

Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.

Community

The Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed baby orangutan Riang on Sunday morning, and she is healthy and eating well.
Visitors can see her through a tiny window at the orangutan and chimpanzee building.
KWCHRead more
Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed a baby orangutan on Monday, Jan. 5 and now offers visitors a chance to see the newest member of its primate family.
KWCHRead more
Wesley Medical Center closed its parking garage Monday morning to start demolition today on Hillside and Murdock, preparing to build a new $65 million six-story garage with over 500 extra spaces.
Patients and employees will use alternate parking plus shuttle services during the 18-month construction period.
KWCHRead more
Wichita’s Feed the City kicked off 2026 by hosting its monthly volunteer event at O'Brien's Irish Pub on East Kellogg where helpers pack snack packs with granola bars, fruit, and tuna pouches + include personal messages for each recipient.
FOX KansasRead more
A full calendar of Wichita events for 2026 has been announced, offering community festivals, fairs and cultural gatherings from Jan. 24’s Chicken Noodle Dinner to Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park later in the year.
Residents can plan ahead to join local events across various neighborhoods.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Risen Savior Lutheran Church packed 100,000 meals through its outreach program with 50,000 sent to Haiti & the remaining 50,000 delivered locally via a Wichita food bank.
The church also supports Gammon Elementary, a nearby apartment complex, and the Crossover Recovery Center.
KWCHRead more
Local Venezuelans in Wichita welcomed news of President Maduro’s capture by U.S. officials today, expressing hope for change and relief for those facing hardship.
Some remain worried for family & neighbors back home as they await further updates on Venezuela’s future.
KWCHRead more

Education

Jo Brown, the first black woman on the Wichita school board, died at 96, leaving a lasting impact on local education.
Her daughter said residents continue to honor her trailblazing role — a legacy that inspires community pride.
FOX KansasRead more

Health

Today, local nonprofits report a sharp increase in calls from people who lost their insurance after ACA subsidies expired.
Carin Health and Project Access say staff are bracing for waiting lists if donations do not rise.
KWCHRead more
Local health organizations report a rise in uninsured patients since healthcare subsidies expired, leaving many without affordable care.
Providers are assessing support measures as the increase continues.
KWCHRead more
Dr. Craig Webb, a Wichita pediatrician at Wesley Children's Hospital, warned that today's CDC change cutting required vaccines from 18 to 11 (following Denmark's schedule) may harm vulnerable children if based on limited scientific evidence.
He urged parents to consult trusted providers for guidance.
KWCHRead more

Real Estate

Wesley Medical Center will begin demolishing its parking garage today as planned; the project aims to improve facility operations while following strict safety measures.
KWCHRead more

Good morning, Wichita.

The Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed baby orangutan Riang on Sunday morning, and she is healthy and eating well.

Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed a baby orangutan on Monday, Jan. 5 and now offers visitors a chance to see the newest member of its primate family.

Wesley Medical Center closed its parking garage Monday morning to start demolition today on Hillside and Murdock, preparing to build a new $65 million six-story garage with over 500 extra spaces.

A full calendar of Wichita events for 2026 has been announced, offering community festivals, fairs and cultural gatherings from Jan. 24’s Chicken Noodle Dinner to Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park later in the year.

Risen Savior Lutheran Church packed 100,000 meals through its outreach program with 50,000 sent to Haiti & the remaining 50,000 delivered locally via a Wichita food bank.

Local Venezuelans in Wichita welcomed news of President Maduro’s capture by U.S. officials today, expressing hope for change and relief for those facing hardship.

Jo Brown, the first black woman on the Wichita school board, died at 96, leaving a lasting impact on local education.

Today, local nonprofits report a sharp increase in calls from people who lost their insurance after ACA subsidies expired.

Local health organizations report a rise in uninsured patients since healthcare subsidies expired, leaving many without affordable care.

Dr. Craig Webb, a Wichita pediatrician at Wesley Children's Hospital, warned that today's CDC change cutting required vaccines from 18 to 11 (following Denmark's schedule) may harm vulnerable children if based on limited scientific evidence.