Daily editionSaturday, January 31st, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of January.
Community
Snicks Cat Cafe celebrated over 200 adoptions in its opening year — a milestone that highlighted community efforts in pet care.
The cafe worked with adoption agencies to connect Wichita residents with adoptable cats.
KWCHRead more
United Way of the Plains received a $2.2 million grant from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to help low-income families avoid homelessness in Sedgwick County.
The funding will support short-term aid for rent, utilities, and childcare starting July 1.
KWCHRead more
Kansans gathered at Wichita City Hall on Thursday around noon for a memorial prayer service honoring Flight 5342 victims and supporting grieving families.
FOX KansasRead more
Business
The union representing 1,600 Wichita aerospace professionals ratified a 4.8-year Boeing contract by a 671 to 111 vote.
The deal boosts wages and benefits — with guaranteed raises and bonus measures — that will push average pay over $117,000 by 2030.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Wichita Festivals Inc. has named Ron McEwen as the 52nd Admiral of Riverfest today; the ceremony honored late Admiral Alan Howarter (whose daughters presented the ceremonial sword) and also announced the 2026 Prairie Schooner Mates.
KNSSRead more
Hays will host several events to celebrate 150 years of Volga German heritage in Kansas, including an international convention of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia scheduled for Aug. 5-7.
Local gatherings will honor traditions through regional food & music.
KMUWRead more
Wichita’s Most Liked Restaurant Tournament Bracket has entered its second round as social media polls (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) open for residents to vote for their favorite eateries while shining a light on new local dining options.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Education
Wichita State University announced that three students received the $64,000 Harry Gore memorial scholarship for fall.
Local high school seniors Kayden Lankford (Valley Center) and Samantha McClintock from Central Christian Academy plus Mackenzie Bucl from McKinney beat 525 competitors in the selection process.
KWCHRead more
Butler Community College held a two-minute moment of silence on Thursday at noon to honor biology professor Lindsey Fields, who lost her life in the Flight 5342 collision last year.
The college now names a classroom in her memory.
FOX KansasRead more
Health
Wichita doctors and zoo staff treated a (2-year-old) chimpanzee named Alizeti after an altercation with the troop’s alpha male resulted in a serious toe injury.
The surgical team performed a ray amputation, and she is now recovering while staff plan to remove her cast later this week.
KMUWRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Chair Yoga Class
Monday, February 16th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Engage in empowering chair yoga to enhance strength, flexibility, and community connection.
Chair Yoga Class at Maize Rec
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Enjoy calming chair yoga that promotes strength, flexibility, and community.