Daily
Wichita
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ WFD won Battle of The Badges on Jan. 7 at a local awards ceremony (its first win in years), earning recognition for its service. KWCH
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Sunflower
- ➤ 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). KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ 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 Kansas
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
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