Daily
Wichita
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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.
- ➤ 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. KWCH
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ 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 Sunflower
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ 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. KWCH
- ➤ 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. KNSS
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials identified a new flu strain in Kansas on Wednesday, Feb. 4 & are monitoring its spread while advising residents to take preventive measures. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Kansas
- ➤ 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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
Elise Trouw Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets starting at $78 — Experience an unforgettable musical event with Elise Trouw.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Chair Yoga Class
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
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
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
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Rose Hill Recreation Commission — Fun and engaging — Gather with dodgeball enthusiasts for a friendly competition.
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
If you want to remember something, write it down. If you want to understand something, explain it to someone else.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Wichita
Welcome to the Daily Wichita, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Wichita, Kansas community. If you like the Daily Wichita, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Wichita.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Wichita and across Kansas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Wichita
A free Wichita community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailywichitanews.com/sitemap