Happy Friday!

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

In Today’s Newsletter:

  • Kansas Democrats unveil new governor ticket with Wichita Lawmaker as Running Mate
  • Kansas City joins national voting rights mobilization this weekend.
  • K-State Incident Tests Kansas’ New Charlie Kirk Campus Speech Law
  • KCK community remembers 31 victims during annual violence memorial and public safety forum.
  • From Wichita plumbing startup to major federal construction contractor.

💡 Black Trivia Question: What 1781 Massachusetts court case saw an enslaved woman sue for her freedom, effectively helping to end slavery in that state?

A. Phillis Wheatley B. Harriet Tubman C. Elizabeth Freeman D. Dido Elizabeth Belle *See answer after “In Other News”*

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1. Holscher Taps Wichita Rep. KC Ohaebosim as Running Mate in Governor’s Race

headshots of Cindy Holsher and KC Ohaebosim

State Sen. Cindy Holscher has tapped Wichita Rep. KC Ohaebosim as her lieutenant governor pick. Can Kansas voters expect a Democratic ticket focused on affordability, healthcare and public education as the 2026 Kansas governor’s race begins to take shape?

2. Kansas City to Join National Civil Rights-Led Voting Rights Day of Action

Image of Rev. Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III

Kansas City will host a National Voting Rights Day of Action rally Saturday tied to a nationwide civil rights mobilization. Organizers say the event responds to recent court rulings and concerns about attacks on Black voting power.

3. Charlie Kirk Law, Actions Like These Are Protected

a person who appears to be African American sits on a bench in Bosco Plaza at K-State University. Next to him is a sign that says Say N-word get candy. Some one appears to be engaged with him, you see only their back.

A racist sign displayed at K-State sparked outrage, confusion, and national criticism. But under Kansas’ new KIRK Act, public universities now have limited authority to stop offensive speech in outdoor campus spaces.

4. Violence Victims Remembered During Annual Wyandotte County Memorial And Forum

A display at the front of Forest Grove Baptist Church honored the 31 Wyandotte County victims recognized during the annual C.A.C.E. Memorial and Forum. Each victim was represented with a framed acknowledgment and candle as part of the candlelight service.

A memorial display featuring framed recognitions and candles honored 31 Wyandotte County victims during the annual C.A.C.E. event in Kansas City, Kansas. Community leaders and law enforcement officials also participated in a forum focused on violence prevention and victim advocacy.

5. From North Side Roots to Federal Contracts: How Floyd Construction Built a 30-Year Legacy

As Floyd Construction plans for the future, the next generation is stepping into larger leadership roles. Pictured left to right are Project Administrator Tarrance Floyd II, company founder Tarrance Floyd, Jacqueline Floyd and General Manager Justine Floyd Duckery. The senior Floyds say they plan to gradually phase out of the company operations over the next five years.

What started as a small Wichita plumbing business has grown into a company leading major federal construction and VA projects across multiple states.

Trump FDA Chief Marty Makary Forced Out After Mounting Backlash. Complaints from drugmakers, anti-abortion activists, vaping interests and internal FDA turmoil contributed to Makary’s departure.(VOICE)

US takes steps to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The United States is moving to indict former Cuban president Raúl Castro over 1996 plane shootdown.. (CBS)

Chiefs won’t have Christmas game for first time in 3 seasons. Read predictions about the Chiefs after the release of their 2026 season schedule. (Yahoo Sports)

💡Trivia Answer: C. Elizabeth Freeman. Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet, was one of the first slaves to file and win a freedom suit in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, ruling in Freeman’s favor, found slavery to be inconsistent with the 1780 Constitution of Massachusetts. 


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