Happy Friday!
Here’s a recap of the top stories from the week. Have a great weekend!
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Why Did It Take So Long To Nominate Luther Vandross?
- Faith, Love, Redemption: Keys to My Heart Comes to Kansas City
- Black Missouri House Races Begin to Take Shape
- Congress Divided Over Iran War. What Power Does It Have?
- Restoring Visibility At The Boys & Girls Club Wichita
💡 Black Trivia Question: Which African American woman is credited with creating the the first home security system?
A. Mary McLeod Bethune e B. Madam C.J. Walker C. Sarah E. Goode D. Marie Van Brittan Brown *See answer after “In Other News”*
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MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
1. Long Overdue: Luther Vandross Gets First Rock Hall Nomination
It only takes 25 years to become eligible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Luther Vandross waited nearly two decades beyond that just to get nominated. Now fans can help decide whether the R&B legend gets in on his first ballot.
ARTS,CULURE & LIFESTYLE
2. Keys to My Heart on stage at KC’s Gem Theater
A regional faith-based stage production that debuted in Wichita is heading to Kansas City. Keys to My Heart explores love, betrayal, and redemption while its producers aim to take the show national.
KANSAS CITY NEWS
3. Black Lawmakers Across Missouri Begin 2026 Re-Election Bids
Filing is open for Missouri’s 2026 House races. Some incumbents are in, others are holding off, and competition is emerging. Find out who’s running.
NATIONAL NEWS
4. EXPLAINER: Iran War Reveals Congress’ Limited Power To Stop It
Congress is split as the U.S. war with Iran grows. This explainer breaks down where Democrats and Republicans stand — and what power Congress actually has to authorize, limit or stop the conflict.
WICHITA NEWS
5. New Leadership Team Aims To Reconnect Boys & Girls Club With Community
Once a point of pride in northeast Wichita, the Boys & Girls Club Opportunity Drive unit is working to reconnect with the community it serves. A new leadership team is focused on visibility, structure and expanding youth participation.
Texan James Talarico becomes a fresh face of Democrats’ midterm hopes after Senate primary win. Talarico will need all the help he can get in a Republican-dominated state. (AP)
Redrawn Lines Spark Incumbent Showdown In Texas. TA reshaped Houston-area district has forced the two incumbents into the same race. (THE VOICE)
Trump wants U.S. Navy to escort tankers through the Gulf. Why that plan may not work. Trump’s promise to escort tankers if necessary, and provide political risk insurance to their owners, helped calm the oil market Tuesday and Wednesday. But prices surged Thursday after Iran said it attacked a tanker with a missile.(CNBC)
💡Trivia Answer: D.. Marie Van Brittan Brown. Marie Van Brittan Brown was the inventor of the first home security system. She is also credited with the invention of the first closed circuit television. The patent for the Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention of the first home security system was filed in 1966, and it later influenced modern home security systems that are still used today. Brown’s invention was inspired by the security risk that her home faced in the neighborhood where she lived. Marie Brown worked as a nurse and her husband, Albert Brown, worked as an electronics technician.
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