Daily editionTuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
Community
Redbud Trail construction began on Monday, Feb. 16 and is progressing along the local trail route.
City crews are enhancing the path for residents (more details on the project are expected).
KWCHRead more
Culture
Comedian Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias will perform his new show at the Kansas State Fair on Sept. 17 at the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand — one of the highest-grossing touring comedians known for his hit Netflix specials.
KWCHRead more
Mason Thatcher, owner of Tulsa's Loony Bin, announced his comedy club will reopen in Wichita at the old Villa Luna venue (8406 W. Central).
The club, which closed its downtown spot in 2023 after nine years, is set to bring back a familiar local entertainment space.
KWCHRead more
Education
Kansas budget proposals include a clause for public universities to either trim 10% of non-faculty and non-support roles or freeze tuition rates — Wichita State Chief of Staff Zach Gearhart expects only one measure to pass, with the final budget signed by Governor Laura Kelly by April 11.
The SunflowerRead more
Environment
Kansas state officials declared a state of disaster emergency on Monday, Feb. 16, amid rising wildfire threat.
Local agencies are coordinating safety measures and advising residents to stay alert.
KWCHRead more
Government
Station 15 at Lincoln & Rock Road was evacuated over the weekend due to mold, with firefighters reassigned and further testing planned.
A recent inspection found mold in 20 of 22 stations, and Council member Dalton Glasscock and Mayor Lily Wu are urging immediate repairs.
KNSSRead more
Governor Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation today through Thursday due to dangerous fire weather with high temperatures, strong winds, and dry grass.
The measure allows state agencies to pre-stage resources for local support.
KWCHRead more
Kansas lawmakers pulled a bill that would have restricted DEI topics in required university courses, but a budget proviso may withhold $2 million per school until colleges show they are not mandating DEI-CRT classes (affecting institutions like Wichita State).
The SunflowerRead more
Wichita Events
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.
2000s Nostalgia Party
Friday, February 27th, 2026 · 9 PM – 12 AM — The Cotillion — $15.33 to $21.09 — Celebrate the early 2000s with iconic hits and nostalgic vibes.
Black Business Tour
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 · 10 AM – 4 PM — Cargill Protein Headquarters — Free entry — Explore and support Black-owned businesses in a vibrant community ride-along experience.
2026 Wichita Kansas Inspection Authorization Renewal Seminar
Friday, March 6th, 2026 · 7:30 a.m. — Colonel James Jabara Airport — Registration required — Complete your 8-hour training requirement for Inspection Authorization renewal with expert presentations and provided lunch.
Nekrogoblikon Concert
Sunday, March 8th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — WAVE — Ticket prices vary from $65 to $120 — Experience the unique sounds of Nekrogoblikon in a lively concert atmosphere.
FILTER Live with FINGER ELEVEN and LOCAL H
Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 · 6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — Ticket price unavailable — Experience a night of diverse industrial rock music as FILTER showcases new material alongside special guests.
Million Dollar Quartet
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 · 12 AM — Forum Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying story of the legendary jam session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
Mort's Martini Bar Live Rock Music Night
Friday, March 13th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar — Entry fee varies — Rock out to the best tunes from the 90s with a dash of 80s and 00s flair.