Daily editionFriday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
Community
Exploration Place is finishing a new Kansas-themed outdoor playground that will open in March and feature 10 play areas such as Foggy Flint Hills and Sunflower Meadow.
The museum is launching a volunteer program to support the themed spaces.
KWCHRead more
Business
An Antonov AN-124 cargo plane landed at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport Thursday morning to pick up large Boeing parts, and airport officials closed part of the taxiway to safely park the oversized aircraft.
KWCHRead more
Economy
The union representing 1,600 aerospace workers reached a tentative agreement with Boeing that boosts wages, benefits, and time off, and union members in Wichita will vote by 5 p.m. Jan. 30—if approved, the contract takes effect Feb. 1.
KWCHRead more
Kansas agriculture and livestock exports rose to $1.3 billion in the first 10 months of 2025 (up 17.9% from 2024) according to the Rural Mainstreet Index.
Bank CEOs remain cautious amid low grain prices and weak farm equipment sales.
KNSSRead more
Education
On Tuesday, the American Center for Law & Justice filed a civil rights complaint against Eureka school district and Marshall Elementary after a late October sixth-grade session when a counselor blocked role model names from being written on the board.
School officials have not yet announced corrective steps.
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Wichita State University’s new Cattoi Book Technologies Lab, now on Lindquist Hall’s sixth floor, lets students learn classic book-making with historic tools (like wax tablets and typewriters), while the Museum of World Treasures preserves an early MLK civil rights document from light damage.
KMUWRead more
Government
Governor Kelly announced that Kansas received $11.2 million for rail service improvement projects across 10 counties, including a Newton siding expansion to handle 8,000 additional carloads from a new facility.
The funds combine annual, carryover & loan payments from KDOT’s Rail Service Improvement Program.
KWCHRead more
Health
Local mental health professionals faced funding uncertainty after the Department of Health and Human Services cut funds on Wednesday then restored them 12 hours later, leaving service providers hesitant to plan future programming.
KWCHRead more
Sports
KAKE News airs The Highlight Reel at 4 p.m. every Thursday, featuring basketball highlights from Wichita State, KU and K-State.
The program provides local fans with a quick, clear look at their favorite college hoops.
KAKERead more
Wichita State lost 85-67 to Florida Atlantic on Thursday after FA pulled ahead early, with Kanaan Carlyle and Isaiah Elohim each scoring 18 points, while Wichita saw contributions from Will Berg + Dre Kindell + Karon Boyd that could not close the gap.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
Monday, February 2nd, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Engage in gentle chair yoga to improve strength, flexibility, and mindfulness in a supportive community environment.