Daily editionWednesday, January 14th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 14th of January.
Business
Delta is adding 30 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to its fleet for international routes and South America trips.
Deliveries will begin in 2031 and the move highlights local aerospace growth following Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems.
KWCHRead more
Education
USD 259 officials recommended closing four elementary schools next spring because aging facilities and low enrollment affect L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley and Woodland.
Board members will decide the plan this year, with OK and Woodland eligible for a two-year extension if a bond issue passes.
KMUWRead more
Andover Public Schools will revise its cell phone policy for high school students after a work group recommended that phones be turned off & stored in lockers or backpacks to protect developing brains.
The board will vote on the update next month to align it with middle school practices.
KWCHRead more
Government
McConnell Air Force Base held a public meeting about its 2025 Air Installations Compatible Use Zones study (AICUZ), which aims to protect health and safety for those near the base while guiding changes to operational noise and safety zones.
KWCHRead more
On Tuesday, the Wichita Police and Fire Foundation in partnership with QuikTrip presented five electric bicycles to the police to help officers reach areas where patrol cars cannot and boost community engagement.
The department now has four to five e-bikes per bureau.
KWCHRead more
Kansas lawmakers approved STAR bonds to fund 60% of a new stadium for the Chiefs (up to $1.8 billion), a move aimed at boosting tourism and community benefits while using diverted sales tax revenues to repay the debt.
KMUWRead more
On Jan. 13, the Kansas Attorney General warned against new smart vape devices — advising consumers to review product details before use.
This alert follows a recent statewide effort to ensure product safety.
KWCHRead more
Health
David and Pat Penny have survived six bouts with cancer, including both facing breast cancer, and their story shows strength and hope to others in the community fighting illness.
KAKERead more
Sports
Equity Bank Park was named 2025 Professional Baseball Field of the Year by the Sports Field Management Association, marking a first for the Wichita Wind Surge.
Its grounds crew maintained a top-quality natural grass field through 69 Wind Surge games and 30 high school and college contests amid above-average rainfall.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
R&B Night with Lizzen
Saturday, January 31st, 2026 · 9 p.m. — Elisabeth’s Lounge — General Admission & VIP available — Enjoy a night of smooth sounds and classy energy with R&B sensation Lizzen.