Happy Friday!
As the weekend begins, here’s a look at the stories shaping our community and the conversations worth your time.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Unified Government to Hear Public Input on Proposed STAR Bond
- Four Years After His Death, Jury Awards Millions to Family of CJ Lofton
- Kansas GOP House Members Renew Attacks On DEI, CRT
- Culture Was the Hook – Opportunity Was the Goal
- Wichita Heights Girls Basketball Reaches New Level Under Jen Pillich
💡 Black Trivia Question: Who was the first Black woman in the United State cabinet?
A. Patricia Roberts Harris B. Condoleezza Rice C. Jocelyn Elders D. Shirley Chisholm *See answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name In Lights: Many thanks to Jill Miller, 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?
KANSAS NEWS
1. Clearing Up the Chiefs Stadium Vote: What Wyandotte County Approved
Confusion over taxes and boundaries dominated public debate ahead of Wyandotte County’s Chiefs stadium vote. We break down what the commission approved, the safeguards added, and what questions remain unanswered.
Get more event details and location info
KANSAS NEWS
2. Four Years After His Death, Jury Awards Millions to Family of CJ Lofton
A jury has reached a verdict in the CJ Lofton case, awarding his family $8.4 million. We revisit what happened, who CJ was, and why the case still matters.
Learn more background on this issue
NATIONAL NEWS
3. Kansas GOP House Members Renew Attacks On DEI, CRT at Public Universities
Kansas lawmakers are reopening the DEI debate — and higher education is squarely in the crosshairs. The latest proposal is drawing fierce pushback from educators and civil rights advocates.
LIFESTYLES
4. Culture Was the Hook — Opportunity Was the Goal at Wichita HBCU Gathering
Discover how a dynamic group of Wichita HBCU alumni is turning culture into opportunity — building an unexpected pipeline that could reshape college access for local youth and spark lasting mentorships.
KANSAS SPORTS
5. Wichita Heights Girls Basketball Reaches New Level Under Jen Pillich
Wichita Heights girls basketball didn’t just climb to No. 1 in Kansas — something clicked along the way. New leadership and a new approach have transformed how the Falcons play, believe, and win.
Erin Jackson Does Not Want to be the Only Black Woman to Win Winter Olympics Individual Gold. (THE VOICE)
Trump shares election conspiracy social media video with racist depiction of Obamas. (CBC)
Get Out This Week:
Fathers Matter 2 Session: This event is all about celebrating and supporting dads everywhere. Come hang out, share experiences, and connect with other fathers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. (Feb. 19)
ART: First Saturdays at Keystone: Artist & Vendor Market + Live Music, KCMO, 3-10 p.m. (Feb. 7)
ELECTION: What do you know about the Wichita 1% Sales Tax Join us for a community informational session. Unbiased – Get the Facts – Get Your Questions Answered (Feb. 11)
See more Kansas City events on our new online calendar!
💡Trivia Answer: A. Patricia Roberts Harris. She was appointed by Jimmy Carter as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 1977, and later served as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1980. In 1965, she became the first African American woman to be appointed as a U.S. ambassador, serving in Luxembourg and she was the first Black woman to serve as the dean of a law school, specifically Howard University School of Law.
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