Daily editionThursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
Community
Fat Tuesday events will be held Feb. 17 with options for family-friendly meals and lively parties at various city locations.
St. James Episcopal Church will host a charity Oyster Dinner at 3750 E. Douglas for $60, while other venues schedule events with zydeco music, Cajun dishes and live entertainment.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
The Kansas Humane Society is hosting 'Love Stinks'—a Valentine’s Day fundraiser where residents pay five dollars to submit a name for a kitty litter box to support local animals.
The event gives a playful outlet for heartbreak that turns pain into a cause.
KWCHRead more
Business
Pizza Shuttle has opened on WSU's campus & offers students and staff a fast, convenient pizza option.
The new shop started Feb. 4 and aims to boost on-campus dining choices.
KWCHRead more
Education
A Kansas legislative committee will hear a proposed Erin’s Law Monday that mandates schools to teach child abuse prevention through age-appropriate lessons.
Testimonies are due by Friday as advocates say the curriculum will help children learn about personal boundaries and reporting concerns.
KWCHRead more
Three Wichita State alumni were inducted into the LAS Hall of Fame Tuesday at Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — the ceremony honored Warren E. Pickett, Robert E. Shields and Scott W. Stucky for their achievements and connection to the university.
The SunflowerRead more
Government
Sedgwick County reported investment income of $20.3 million in 2025, up from $15.6 million in 2024, allowing it to use earnings before tapping property tax funds.
The county is watching state legislative decisions and global trends as it plans future tax relief efforts.
KNSSRead more
Local advocates are urging government leaders to consider raising the minimum wage statewide following a report on Feb. 4.
Lawmakers may address the proposal in upcoming sessions.
KWCHRead more
Senator Cindy Holscher introduced Senate Bill 471 on Tuesday to raise Kansas' minimum wage from $7.25 to $16 per hour; the bill was referred to the Kansas Legislature’s Committee on Commerce and aims to update wages that have remained unchanged since 2010.
KWCHRead more
Health
Health officials identified a new flu strain in Kansas on Wednesday, Feb. 4 & are monitoring its spread while advising residents to take preventive measures.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Wichita State coaches preview their teams’ 2026 softball & baseball seasons, detailing plans to blend returning players with newcomers.
Coach Kristi Bredbenner announced the softball team features seven returners & 14 new players while baseball coach Brian Green readies a squad of 31, including juco transfers, to flip the script.
FOX KansasRead more
Several Wichita venues are hosting Super Bowl LX watch parties on Sunday, Feb. 8, offering food + drink specials, games and themed events for fans celebrating the big game.
Wichita By E.B.Read 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.