Daily editionThursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
Community
Elephant calves made a snowy debut at Sedgwick County Zoo on Wednesday as they kicked up snow and explored the winter weather while staying close to their moms.
The zoo shared photos of the young animals enjoying their first snowy outing.
KWCHRead more
A memorial event honoring those lost in Flight 5342 crash is underway today in Wichita—bringing community members together in quiet remembrance.
KWCHRead more
A local man helped his neighbor clear a snow-packed driveway yesterday (Jan. 28) amid heavy snowfall, showing strong community spirit in Wichita.
KWCHRead more
Business
Local experts offered guidance on caring for cattle in cold weather on Jan. 28, advising farmers to supply extra feed and water + monitor shelter conditions to prevent frostbite.
KWCHRead more
Cattle ranchers in Sedgwick County are working extra hours in extreme cold to protect their herds—especially during calving season when newborn calves need timely warm colostrum to help them survive.
KWCHRead more
Education
Kansas universities are cutting athletic department staff amid financial pressures from new NCAA rules as Wichita State University eliminated five positions this week.
The move follows government assistance requests from KU & K-State while state lawmakers question whether education receives adequate funding amid rising costs.
KWCHRead more
Kansas astronaut Steve Hawley (a longtime Salina resident now in Lawrence) discussed the Challenger disaster while detailing his role in the investigation and remembering astronaut Judith Resnik in an exclusive interview.
He also spoke about teaching future physicists.
KWCHRead more
Former Student Government Association Chief of Staff Kaylee Fritz resigned before the first senate meeting and Student Body President Jia Wen Wang will not replace her, splitting duties among the vice president, legislative director & staff.
The role will remain vacant until a future president reverses the decision.
The SunflowerRead more
WSU Tech’s NICHE will host public cooking and wine classes this spring so anyone can explore culinary skills without enrolling in full courses.
The series begins on Feb. 11 with an Applied Wine Theory session and features six themed cooking classes and three wine sessions through May 7.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Kansas universities cut athletic staff amid mounting financial pressures — budget reviews led to these reductions to help stabilize spending.
KWCHRead more
Accidents
Officials evacuated Ablah Library Wednesday morning when an HVAC motor near the elevator shaft started to burn during the Paws & Relax event.
The Wichita Fire Department quickly controlled the fire and ventilated the building to reopen the library by 10:45 a.m. with no injuries.
The SunflowerRead more
Travelers and airport staff at Eisenhower Airport recalled Flight 5342’s impact yesterday on the eve of its anniversary, honoring the memories of those affected by the crash.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Chair Yoga Class at Maize Recreation
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Embrace gentle movements and mindfulness with Chair Yoga suitable for all mobility levels.
2026 Annual Wichita Cat Fancy Cat Show
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 · 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Cotillion — $5-$31.97 — Celebrate feline beauty with contests and community at this annual cat showcase.
2026 Annual Wichita Cat Fancy Cat Show
Sunday, February 8th, 2026 · 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Cotillion — $5-$31.97 — Celebrate feline elegance at this cat show featuring various breeds and educational insights.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
Monday, February 9th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Experience the benefits of Chair Yoga for improved strength, flexibility, and community connection.
Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 drop-in — Gentle chair yoga class fostering wellness and self-compassion.
Resilient Gemstones Ladies Conference 2026
Friday, February 13th, 2026 · 7 p.m. — Hyatt Regency Wichita — Registration Fee Required — A faith-centered conference providing hope and healing for women impacted by trauma.
Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 · 6:30-7:45 p.m. — Kansas Aviation Museum — $45.69 — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by a string quartet in a candlelit atmosphere.