Daily editionWednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
Community
United Way of the Plains launched a fundraising drive on Feb. 3 at 7:57 a.m. to buy books for Wichita children, aiming to boost literacy and support education through community donations.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Wichita native Joe Walsh (78), a multi-Grammy Award winner, received the Governor’s Arts Award at the annual ceremony in Topeka.
He founded VetsAid that has given over $4 million to help veterans and recently showed support at the Veterans Administration Hospital on E. Kellogg.
KNSSRead more
Education
WSU engineering students visited Mueller Elementary School on Tuesday morning to lead a STEM session where students worked in teams building a 3D prosthetic for a pug — an activity that boosted hands-on design skills and teamwork at the aerospace magnet school.
KWCHRead more
Last month at the Boys & Girls Clubs, Wichita’s first HBCU gathering drew over 400 people to explore college opportunities, cultural pride and mentorship.
The Wichita HBCU Alumni Collective plans more events to connect youth with mentors and local internships.
The VoiceRead more
Hamilton Middle School students in the YMCA after-school program are making 100 handmade blankets for kids in need after the recent winter storm — the project helps build empathy while students add personal touches to each blanket.
KWCHRead more
Government
Blake Flanders, president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents since 2015, announced his retirement on Jan. 29 and will step down in July.
His tenure saw on-time graduations rise by 10% and state-funded student aid nearly quadruple across public universities.
The SunflowerRead more
Health
A Wichita family is sharing its generational struggle with heart disease during Black History Month, recalling tragic losses on the basketball court and advice from a cardiologist (Dr. Quiana Kern) about higher risks for Black patients and the need for prevention.
KWCHRead more
City of Wellington has temporarily closed Woods Park and Donut Bay due to suspected avian influenza, and staff is coordinating with KDWP Research and Survey Office plus advising residents to avoid contact with sick birds.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Gray Media will expand its partnership with the Kansas City Royals for the 2026 season by broadcasting select games free on KWCH and KSCW, including the home opener on Monday, Mar. 30 and nine additional games, boosting community outreach (in up to 18 markets).
KWCHRead more
K-State AD Gene Taylor said fans are frustrated by the men's basketball team starting 1-8 but noted that Head Football Coach Collin Klein is building a strong staff + the women's team shows promise after recent wins.
KWCHRead more
Kansas football veterans Steve Tasker and Jeremiah Pharms show perseverance as Pharms, the only Friends University player to reach the NFL, is set to join the Patriots scout team ahead of Super Bowl 60 this weekend — Tasker’s storied career includes four deep playoff runs.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
School's Out - Dodgeball Is In
Thursday, February 26th, 2026 · 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Rose Hill Recreation Commission — Fun and engaging — Gather with dodgeball enthusiasts for a friendly competition.