Daily editionFriday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
Business
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.Read more
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.Read more
Culture
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.
KMUWRead more
Economy
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.
KMUWRead more
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.
KNSSRead more
Education
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.
KNSSRead more
Environment
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.
KMUWRead more
Government
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.
KWCHRead more
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.
KWCHRead more
Health
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 BeaconRead more
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 KansasRead 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.