Happy Friday!
Here’s a recap of this week’s top stories before you kick off the weekend. Let’s get into it.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Bonita Gooch shares her thoughts on Sen. David Haley’s censure
- Why thousands of pharmacies are closing across the nation
- Haven Restaurant & Lounge brings new vibes to Wichita
- The Community Voice to host Vibrant Voices Expo on Oct. 24
- Jermaine Reed receives Alvin Brooks Award for career of service
💡 Black Trivia Question: Who was known as the “High Priestess of Soul”?
A. Etta James B. Nina Simone C. Aretha Franklin D. Patti LaBelle *See answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name In Lights: Many thanks to Ann Garvey, 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?
OPINION
1. Censure of Sen. David Haley Looks Like Politics, Not Just Ethics
The recent censure and removal of Sen. David Haley as president of the Wyandotte County Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has the hallmarks of a political drama rather than a straightforward ethics case.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
Get ready to move, learn, and connect! Join us for the Vibrant Voices Senior Expo, Friday, Oct. 24, at St. Mark UMC Family Life Center. Workshops on Medicare, scams, estate planning, tech & more. Tickets just $10!
NATIONAL NEWS
2. Why Your Drugstore Is Closing
Pharmacies are closing fast. Closures hit low-income and urban neighborhoods hardest, leaving “pharmacy deserts” where access to medicine and health advice disappears.
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
3. Affordable Elegance
Wichita’s Old Town has a new spot designed for good food, good music, and grown-folks vibes. Haven Restaurant & Lounge opens with soul, style, and community in mind.
EVENTS
4. Vibrant Voices Expo Offers Seniors Resources, Workshops, and Fun
Seniors in Wichita will have a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate at the Vibrant Voices Senior Expo, hosted by The Community Voice, on Fri., Oct. 24. It reflects The Community Voice’s 30-year mission to provide information and opportunities that empower readers and strengthen communities.
KANSAS CITY NEWS
5. Jermaine Reed Receives Alvin Brooks Award
Former Kansas City, Missouri City Council Member Jermaine Reed was honored as the recipient of the Alvin Brooks Award at the 76th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission.
Get Out This Weekend:
KANSAS CITY
MUSIC: Rudy Love & The Encore, Malek Azrael & The Vibez. A double shot of soul music with influences of indie rock, hip-hop, and pop. Check out these two up and coming acts. (Oct 17, 9pm)
CONCERT: The KC Legends Concert. Get ready to experience the ultimate concert featuring the legendary artists of Kansas City. (Oct 18, 7pm)
CONFERENCE: The Official Midwest Music Conference. Enjoy a panel with the industry’s biggest producers and personalities, a rap artist showcase, beat battle, and more. (Oct 18, 12pm)
THEATER: Dracula. When the lines between predator and prey blur, the power of women’s strength rises from the shadows in this fearless adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic Dracula. (All month)
WICHITA
ART: Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. Take an awe-inspiring journey into the incomparable universe of Van Gogh, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. (All month)
See more events on our new online calendar!
OpenAI stops ‘disrespectful’ Martin Luther King Jr deepfakes. The company acknowledged the video generator had created “disrespectful” content about the civil rights campaigner. (BBC)
‘It’s cheating’: Kansas congresswoman prepared to fight possible redistricting efforts in court. Kansas’ lone Democratic congresswoman is preparing legal strategies to fight Republican redistricting efforts in court, should the need arise. (KR)
After racist Kansas Young Republicans chats leak, Gov. Kelly calls out posts from state GOP. Politico exposed racist and homophobic messages sent by leaders of the Kansas Young Republicans. (KCUR)
💡Trivia Answer: B. Nina Simone. Nina Simone was known as the “High Priestess of Soul”. She was a pianist, singer, songwriter, and activist whose powerful and genre-blending music addressed themes of love, struggle, and liberation.
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