Happy Friday!
Here’s a recap of the top stories from the week. Have a great weekend!
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Wyandotte County voters showed up for a historic election
- Wichita election results
- Petition circling to halt Missouri redistricting map is gaining support
- Enrollment for ACA health insurance is now open
- Obama’s $850 million presidential center continues construction
💡 Black Trivia Question: Who became the first African American woman to win Olympic gold in gymnastics?
A. Simone Biles B. Gabby Douglas C. Dianne Durham D. Dominique Dawes *See answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name In Lights: Many thanks to Lee Starkel, 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?
ELECTION RESULTS
1. Watson’s Upset Headlines a Night of Change Across The Dotte
Wyandotte County voters delivered a decisive message Tuesday night, reshaping leadership across Kansas City, KS, and proving once again that in “The Dotte,” community power — not political machinery — still drives elections.
ELECTION RESULTS
2. In Wichita’s Most Heated Race, Shepard Wins District 1; Albert Holds School Board District
Wichita’s District 1 delivered the most closely watched and politically charged contests of the 2025 local elections—deciding who will represent the city’s historic northeast side on both the City Council and the Wichita school board.
MISSOURI STATE NEWS
3. Petition Drive to Halt Missouri’s New Congressional Map Faces Legal Challenges — and Surging Support
A fast-moving petition campaign is racing against the clock to halt Missouri’s newly redrawn congressional districts and let voters decide their fate in 2026.
NEWS
ACA Enrollment Opens Amid Uncertainty Over Subsidies and Rising Rates
Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans is now underway, and despite all the political back-and-forth in Washington, the clock is ticking for Kansans and Missourians who want to stay covered. You can shop and enroll now through January 15, 2026. To have coverage begin on January 1, you must enroll by December 15.
NATIONAL NEWS
5. A Presidential Center Built for Community
Construction is steadily advancing on the Obama Presidential Center — a one-of-a-kind, $850 million campus rising in Chicago’s Jackson Park.
Trump administration asks appeals court to immediately halt ruling on SNAP funding. A judge on Thursday ordered SNAP to be fully funded. (ABC)
Voters approve four-day school week in Independence, pick school board members in Kansas. The district originally switched schedules in fall 2023, becoming by far the largest district in the state to do so. (The Beacon)
Thanksgiving Flyers Warned to Expect Major Delays: Flexibility Is the Key. Millions of travelers may face one of the most unpredictable holiday travel seasons in recent memory. (The Voice)
💡Trivia Answer: B. Gabby Douglas. Gabby Douglas became the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics when she won the individual all-around title at the 2012 London Olympics. She also won a gold medal in the team competition that same year, making her the first American to win both gold medals in a single Olympics.
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