Happy Friday!
Here’s a recap of the top stories from the week. Have a great weekend!
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Violence in Wichita has dropped significantly since the start of Cure Violence ICT
- Diane Charity is still a community giant for housing advocacy in KC
- Plans to restructure Congressional districts nationwide pose a challenge for representatives
- Deion Sanders’ battle with bladder cancer
- Learn where to vote ahead of Aug. 5 primary elections in Sedgwick and Wyandotte County
💡 Black Trivia Question: Which influential rapper and entrepreneur founded Roc-A-Fella Records?
A. Slick Rick B. Run DMC C. Jay-Z D. Drake *See answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name In Lights: Many thanks to Bessie Pace, one of our donors! Financial support from our readers underwrites the work we do and allows us to keep our news free. Will you support us?
WICHITA NEWS
1. One Year In, Wichita Violence Interrupters See Success – How?
In the year since Cure Violence ICT has been in operation in Wichita, violent incidents have been down 35%.
Learn more about this amazing program
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
Get information, in their own words, directly from the candidates on their platforms through The Voice’s new Voter Connect Hub, before the August 5 primary. LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTER — A LOT!! PLEASE VOTE AUG. 5.
VIBRANT VOICES
2. The Grandmother of KC Tenants: Diane Charity’s Lifelong Battle for Justice
In her 70s, Daine Charity, the KC Tenants leader, remains one of the area’s most recognizable housing advocates.
Continue reading about this community leader
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR PRO-TEM RAYANA PARKS-SHAW
NATIONAL NEWS
3. Trump-Driven Redistricting Plan Sets Up a Potential Battle for Crockett’s Seat
Crockett’s seat — the 30th Congressional District anchored in Dallas — would become a newly designated majority-Black district under a new proposed Congressional map.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your input matters. Could you please take 5 minutes to complete our survey? Your feedback will help us better serve you and our community of readers. Thank you in advance!
HEALTH
4. Deion Sanders Had Bladder Cancer. What to Know About a Disease that’s More Common in Men
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer earlier this year, had surgery to remove the organ.
PRIMARY ELECTIONS
5. Advance Voting Locations -Sedgwick and Wyandotte Counties
Local primary elections are here! Here are your advance voting locations in Sedgwick and Wyandotte Counties straight from their sites. This also includesy drop box locations for Wyandotte County.
Find your early voting location
Get Out This Weekend:
KANSAS CITY
CULTURE: Kansas City Black Expo. Experience culture, commerce & community. Network, shop, and celebrate Black excellence! (Aug 1, 4p.m.)
PARTY: Rock N Ball Celebrity Charity Basketball Game; Back 2 School Jam. Comedians & personalities in Kansas City are coming together to not only play basketball but to give back to the KC area. (Aug 2, 1p.m.)
FESTIVAL: Queer Narratives Festival 2025. Join in on the 6th year of the annual community-funded Queer Narratives Festival, a night of celebration for queer history in the making. (Aug 2, 6:30p.m.)
WICHITA
VOLUNTEER: Feed The City Wichita: Making Meals for People In Need. A monthly volunteer opportunity where individuals come together at a local venue to make lunches for people in need. (Aug 2, 8:30a.m.)
COMMUNITY: SCHEELS Back to School Bash. School supplies drive, free food, family-friendly event. (Aug 2, 9a.m.)
PARTY: Community Block Party & Scholarship Cook Off. Bring your family, your appetite, and your community spirit for a day filled with: Live music, entertainment, Kids’ Zone with games and bounce houses. (Aug 2, 10a.m.)
See more events on our new online calendar!
Corporation for Public Broadcasting says it’s shutting down. The conduit for federal funds to NPR and PBS, announced on Friday that it is beginning to wind down its operations, given President Trump has signed a law clawing back $1.1 billion in funding. (NPR)
Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq sink after weak jobs report, Trump’s tariff redux. US stocks sank on Friday after President Trump officially hit virtually every US trading partner with sweeping tariff hikes, and the July jobs report showed signs of a labor market slowdown. (Yahoo)
Kansas City air deemed ‘unhealthy’ as wildfire smoke casts haze across skies. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said winds are bringing Canadian wildfire smoke into the state, particularly central and eastern Kansas. (FOX)
💡Trivia Answer: C. Jay-Z. Jay-Z, along with Kareem “Biggs” Burke and Damon Dash, founded Roc-A-Fella Records. This influential rapper and entrepreneur co-founded the label in 1995, significantly shaping the landscape of hip-hop music and culture. .
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