Daily editionThursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
Community
WFD won Battle of The Badges on Jan. 7 at a local awards ceremony (its first win in years), earning recognition for its service.
KWCHRead more
Residents using the riverwalk near Lincoln Street Bridge see trash piled along the Arkansas River, worrying about safety due to poor lighting and graffiti.
They call on city leaders to address cleanup + improve conditions for daily users.
KWCHRead more
Business
At Scuttlebutts Coffee on Jan. 7, local enthusiasts Max + Tatum were named winners of the Morning Brew Coffee contest, as the shop celebrates community flavor and local talent.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Humanities Kansas hosted a museum event last Wednesday at the Museum of World Treasures to explore how the Dust Bowl affected agriculture and shape climate change discussions.
The museum offers free exhibits for seniors on the first Wednesday each month and will host coffee with the curators featuring The Templars on Jan. 15.
KWCHRead more
Education
Wichita State University named Ali Gordon as the new dean of its College of Engineering; he was hired from the University of Central Florida and will begin his role on June 7 — replacing former dean Anthony Muscat as the school advances its research goals.
The SunflowerRead more
Students at Chester Lewis Academy in northeast Wichita were forced to move after officials announced the decision on Jan. 7.
They will attend classes at a temporary site while a permanent location is being determined (official details are pending).
KWCHRead more
Government
The Wichita Fire Department extended its winning streak to seven in the 2025 Battle of the Badges blood drive, which ran from Dec. 8 to Dec. 31 at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center.
Captain Chris Fleming thanked the community & encouraged continued blood donations.
KWCHRead more
Health
KDADS released final data for 988 calls in 2025 + officials noted a surge near year end that may reflect rising awareness of suicide prevention services.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Wichita Wind Surge's Equity Bank Park was named the 2025 Professional Baseball Field of the year by the Sports Field Management Association this week, recognizing its top-notch natural grass field among 120 minor league teams.
FOX KansasRead more
Wichita State had a close home game on Wednesday night as Rice beat them 66–64 at Charles Koch Arena.
Michael Gray Jr. led the team with a career-high 25 points & 10 rebounds as the Shockers nearly tied the game in the final seconds.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, January 26th, 2026 · 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience a gentle yoga practice that enhances strength, balance, and community spirit.
Chair Yoga Class
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 for drop-ins — Experience the benefits of Chair Yoga in a welcoming community atmosphere.
Alternative & Holistic Fair 2026
Friday, January 30th, 2026 · 3-7 p.m. — Wichita Kansas Events - Holiday Inn — $3-$5 entry — Explore growth opportunities and connect with uplifting vendors and lectures.