Daily editionTuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 3rd of February.
Community
City officials held a ribbon cutting Monday for a new nature-focused playground at Pracht Wetlands Park near 29th Street and Maize Road.
The project blends outdoor play with environmental education and will later add an elevated boardwalk and a covered wildlife viewing area.
KWCHRead more
Business
Wichita Riverside Cafe owner Melissa Velasquez said the business is struggling and one location may close if customer numbers do not improve; the 80-year-old cafe noted fewer customers despite extending hours and offering deals.
FOX KansasRead more
Eddie Bauer is set to close 200+ retail stores nationwide, including its two Wichita locations at Bradley Fair and New Market Square, as it prepares to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The closures affect only its brick-and-mortar outlets while e-commerce, manufacturing, and wholesale operations remain active.
KWCHRead more
Culture
The Wichita Barber family appeared on Family Feud last Friday after their youngest daughter secretly applied, sparking a watch party at Ziggy's Pizza in West Wichita for family and friends.
FOX KansasRead more
Education
The Wichita school board held a public hearing Monday night at the Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center (903 S. Edgemoor) to gather input on the future of the 75-year-old Chester Lewis Academic Learning Center, whose closure was moved up due to structural issues and mold.
KWCHRead more
Attica USD 511 is canceling classes today and tomorrow because many are sick, officials said.
This follows a recent trend; Fairfield also closed classes briefly to disinfect facilities after a surge in illness.
KWCHRead more
Officials at Wichita Public Schools say a proposed bill would greatly increase workload by requiring income verification for every free lunch applicant (currently only 3% of applications are verified) as state lawmakers work to ensure at-risk funding goes to students who qualify.
KMUWRead more
Advocates are urging Kansas lawmakers to require Erin’s Law, a body safety curriculum for local schools, after free courses help kids learn to report abuse + supporters expect the bill will soon protect children.
KMUWRead more
Government
On Jan. 28, the Wichita State Student Senate approved Vincent Duong as Associate Justice (a first-year biology major active in Model UN) after sponsorship by Student Body Vice President Amy Nguyen and President Jia Wen Wang; Duong said he sees his freshman status as a strength.
The SunflowerRead more
Health
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt testified Monday in support of Senate Bill 409 to remove out-of-pocket costs for follow-up breast cancer screenings (including MRIs, ultrasounds, and diagnostic mammograms) after inconclusive mammogram results.
She is expected to speak at the Capitol's Susan G. Komen Day of Action on Wednesday.
KNSSRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 · 12:30 – 3:00 PM — Botanica, The Wichita Gardens — Included with general admission — Celebrate Lunar New Year with crafts, zodiac discovery, and cultural traditions for the whole family.