Happy Friday!

Here’s a recap of the top stories from the week. Have a great weekend!

In Today’s Newsletter:

  • Wichita native now leads global company
  • Union Pacific lawsuit could expand to include more residents
  • Hall-of-fame class showcases Black excellence across Kansas
  • The groove behind generations of hits has passed
  • Michael Jackson film opening with big expectations

💡 Black Trivia Question: What African-American singer had the most number one songs during the 70s?

A. Diana Ros B. Michael Jackson C. Stevie Wonder D. Donna Summer *See answer after “In Other News”*

🤩 Name In Lights: Many thanks to Aonya Barnett 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?

1. East High Graduate Named CEO of Fortune 500 Giant Dow

Headshot of Karen S. Carter

A Wichita native has been named CEO of Dow, one of the world’s leading companies. Her journey from East High to the executive suite is one worth seeing.

2. Key Court Hearing Could Expand Union Pacific Contamination Lawsuit

Image of Members of the Wichita Black Nurses Association hold signs

A federal court hearing this week could determine whether the Union Pacific contamination lawsuit expands to include more northeast Wichita residents. The case centers on groundwater contamination tied to chemical spills near 29th and Grove and whether more homeowners can be included in the legal fight.

3. Record Hall Of Fame Class Highlights Black Athletes From Wichita, KCK, Topeka And Beyond

Image of Maurice Evans (left) and DeAngelo Evans

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame will induct its largest class ever, recognizing athletes and contributors from across the state. The group highlights generations of Black excellence, from Negro Leagues pioneers to modern professionals.

4. James Gadson, Kansas City-Born Drummer Who Defined The Groove, Dies At 86

James Gadson behind a set of drums, drumming.

James Gadson’s drumming powered some of the biggest hits in music history—but it was his groove that made him legendary. The Kansas City native’s influence still echoes across generations.

5. Michael Jackson Film Arrives With Big Expectations — And Bigger Questions

Image of Jaafar Jackson portraying his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the new film Michael

The long-awaited Michael Jackson film arrives this weekend with major expectations and strong early buzz. But questions about how his story is told are just as big as the box office projections.

Luther Vandross Earns Rare First-Ballot Rock Hall Induction. Luther Vandross is finally in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — and in rare first-ballot fashion. Six of 17 nominees made it this year, and some big names were left out again.. (THE VOICE)

Virginia Court Declares State’s Redistricting Vote Was Unconstitutional in Legal Win For Republicans. Republicans are cheering a circuit court victory in Virginia that showed Democrats’ redistricting efforts in Virginia are not quite over yet despite a referendum to accept a new map drawn by Democrats getting approved by voters Tuesday.. (FOX NEWS)

Florida Lawmaker Steps Down As Ethics Case Intensifies Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned from office on Tuesday moments before the start of a hearing that could have led to a recommendation that she be expelled from Congress. (THE VOICE)

💡Trivia Answer: A. Stevie Wonder had 5 number one hits in the 70s: His No. 1 songs during the decade included: “Sir Duke,” “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “You Haven’t Done Nothin’,” and “I Wish” Diana Ross and Donna Summer tied for 2nd with four each. Michael Jackson’s solo career really get going strong until 1979 with his “Off the Wall” album.


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Since 1996, Bonita has served as as Editor-in-Chief of The Community Voice newspaper. As the owner, she has guided the Wichita-based publication’s growth in reach across the state of Kansas and into...