Daily
Wichita
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Mexican Burritos has placed signage for its new restaurant at 616 S. Tyler Road, where Sticky Bird Addiction Chicken closed more than a year ago & the modular, pre-built structure from 2023 is set for a fresh start. Wichita By E.B.
- ➤ Banh Mi Bites is preparing to open at 2755 N. Maize Road in NewMarket Square, potentially replacing the former Sesame Mediterranean Kitchen space (filed a sign permit last week). This new restaurant will bring a fresh taste of Vietnamese banh mi to northwest Wichita. Wichita By E.B.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita blends aviation history with art by displaying murals, paintings and handcrafted airplane parts + restored archival designs in its former municipal airport building. Curator Logan Daugherty invites visitors to book an appointment soon for a closer look. KMUW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ USDA announced $11 billion in bridge payments for row crop farmers — including Kansas producers — who are set to receive aid by Feb. 28 to offset high input costs and low crop returns before spring planting. KMUW
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Labor released the October and November 2025 Labor Reports showing a steady unemployment rate of 3.8% in November and a 3,800-job increase in nonfarm payrolls, with trade, transportation and utilities adding over 1,500 jobs despite the federal shutdown pausing BLS operations in October. KNSS
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill to restrict student cell phone use during class, exempting only medical needs as support grows for boosting focus while concerns remain over emergency communication. The proposal awaits further review in the legislature. KNSS
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ K-State, Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills and Prairie Band Ag are building a hemp-insulated home in Ogden that will use a small solar panel array + innovative design to lower electricity bills; it is the first Kansas house permitted to use hemp insulation and aims to be carbon negative over time. KMUW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Evergy proposed a power transmission line spanning 133 miles and held a public hearing on Thursday in Winfield where 123 local residents voiced concerns about land impact+compensation. Construction may begin in Sedgwick County in autumn 2027 and continue until the line becomes operational in December 2029. KWCH
- ➤ Local officials explained that the Farmer Bridge Assistance program offers short-term funding for farmers facing cash flow gaps & outlines eligibility requirements and application steps for those in need of support. KWCH
- ➤ Yesterday, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office paused to honor Deputy Kevin Easter who lost his life 30 years ago when he was shot while pursuing a stolen vehicle in Wichita. The memorial celebrated his nearly three years of dedicated service to the community. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new study shows that 30 rural hospitals face immediate closure in Kansas while 12 in Missouri are at risk. Hospitals are awaiting details on funding from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, with Kansas slated to get $222 million and Missouri $216 million next fiscal year. The Beacon
- ➤ Rock Regional Hospital in Derby closed last month, raising health care accessibility concerns as research in December showed 68 rural hospitals are at risk of closure — local attorney comments underscored the broader impact on community care. 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.
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