Daily
Wichita
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Retired DC Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone will visit Wichita from Feb. 26 to March 1 to lead community conversations on civic responsibility and leadership during challenges. His visit concludes on Feb. 28 with a free public discussion at Metroplex Lowe Auditorium at WSU. KWCH
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers from both parties introduced a proposal on Jan. 6 to ban cell phones in Kansas schools - a move aimed at reducing distractions and boosting learning. They say the measure, if passed, could reshape classroom behavior. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita Public Library launched the ReadICT 2026 challenge to encourage community members to read 12 books in 12 months. The initiative promotes lifelong learning and literacy as it unfolds this year. KAKE
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wichita's new water treatment plant opening is delayed another year (city council expressed disappointment) and officials plan to review project timelines. KAKE
- ➤ On Jan.6, a judge ruled that Rock Regional Hospital can be evicted from its current site, prompting legal actions over its lease arrangements. KWCH
- ➤ Local officials report the water treatment plant will not open until at least 2027 due to project delays & funding challenges that have pushed back its planned improvements. KWCH
- ➤ City officials said QuikTrip donated funds to support local projects in Wichita (the donation was made Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 7:09 p.m. CST), providing a timely boost to civic initiatives. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials in Sedgwick County said that record-high flu cases and ongoing Covid spread are stressing local health systems as CDC data from last week placed Kansas in the second highest range nationwide — residents are urged to take precautions and get vaccinated. FOX Kansas
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ No. 22 Kansas beat TCU 104-100 in overtime Tuesday night as Darryn Peterson scored 32 points (including three free throws that tied the game in regulation) to overcome a 16-point deficit. KWCH
- ➤ Jayce Brown, Kansas State's top pass catcher during the 2025 season, committed to LSU after entering the transfer portal on Dec. 16. He recorded 115 receptions and 13 touchdowns in three seasons and will join Coach Lane Kiffin and the Tigers in the SEC. KWCH
- ➤ No. 22 Kansas rallied from a sixteen point deficit to beat TCU 104-100 in overtime on Tuesday night. 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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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