Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ A memorial event honoring those lost in Flight 5342 crash is underway today in Wichita—bringing community members together in quiet remembrance. KWCH
- ➤ A local man helped his neighbor clear a snow-packed driveway yesterday (Jan. 28) amid heavy snowfall, showing strong community spirit in Wichita. KWCH
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Sunflower
- ➤ 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. KWCH
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ 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. KWCH
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Sunflower
- ➤ Kansas universities cut athletic staff amid mounting financial pressures — budget reviews led to these reductions to help stabilize spending. KWCH
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ 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.
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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.
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R&B Night with Lizzen
9 p.m. — Elisabeth’s Lounge — General Admission & VIP available — Enjoy a night of smooth sounds and classy energy with R&B sensation Lizzen.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
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.
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Chair Yoga Class at Maize Recreation
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Embrace gentle movements and mindfulness with Chair Yoga suitable for all mobility levels.
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Author Event with Jenna Blum
5-6 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — Free admission — Celebrate the launch of Jenna Blum's new book, Murder Your Darlings!
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Super Bowl 4-Mile Race
2-4 p.m. — Linwood Park South — Entry fee applies — Kick off Super Bowl Sunday with a thrilling 4-mile run in a fun, community tradition.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Experience the benefits of Chair Yoga for improved strength, flexibility, and community connection.
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Elise Trouw Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets starting at $78 — Experience an unforgettable musical event with Elise Trouw.
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Resilient Gemstones Ladies Conference 2026
7 p.m. — Hyatt Regency Wichita — Registration Fee Required — A faith-centered conference providing hope and healing for women impacted by trauma.
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Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Dinner
Evening — Wine Dive + Kitchen — $75 per person — Celebrate love with a curated multi-course dining experience that will elevate your night together.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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