Happy Friday!

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

In Today’s Newsletter:

  • Wichita’s Braylon Scott makes history as a teen student-athlete
  • Christal Watson is KCK’s new mayor, but the real work is up ahead
  • Applications are now open for The Community Voice’s Great 28
  • Restoration Family Services is changing cultural dynamics in foster families for the better
  • 5 reasons your car insurance rates are increasing

๐Ÿ’ก Black Trivia Question: Fifteen jockeys rode in the very first Kentucky Derby. How many of the fifteen were African-American?

A. 10 B. 15 C. 1 D. 13 *See answer after “In Other News”*

๐Ÿคฉ 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?

1. Wichitaโ€™s Next Hometown Legend: Braylon โ€œBubโ€ Scott

Braylon "Bub" Scott pictured with his 1st Place Trophy in the 7th Grade Hall of Fame Division.

Wichita may have just witnessed the rise of its next hometown legend. Thirteen-year-old Braylon โ€œBubโ€ Scott made history as the first middle school athlete from Wichita to receive a full-ride football scholarship.

2. Now Itโ€™s Time to Get the Work Done

Credit: Sofi Zeman

Wyandotte County has spoken. Voters chose Christal Watson because they believe in her vision, her steadiness, and her commitment to the everyday people of The Dotte. But an election victory is only the first step.ย 

3. Applications Now Open for The Community Voiceโ€™s โ€œGreat 28โ€ Recognition Program

The Community Voice is excited to announce the launch ofย The Great 28ย โ€” a new recognition program honoring 28 outstanding individuals making a difference across Kansas and the Kansas City metro area. Created as part of our 30th anniversary celebration,ย The Great 28ย highlights the people who embody excellence, leadership, and service in their communities.

4. A System in Crisis: How RFS Brings Culture, Care, and Healing to Foster Families

For decades, Kansasโ€™ foster care system has struggled to meet the needs of Black children and families. In that gap โ€” where systemic flaws collide with cultural need โ€”ย Restoration Family Services (RFS)ย has emerged as a force for change.

5. 5 Factors That Secretly Raise Your Auto Insurance Rates

Young African American couple in a car with a young child in the back seat.

You drive safely. You havenโ€™t filed a claim in years. Yet, when thatย auto insuranceย bill arrives, the number seems stubbornly high. Why?

Get Out This Weekend:

KANSAS CITY

PARTY: Veteranโ€™s Appreciation Party. Join us as we come together to honor and celebrate our incredible veterans for their service and sacrifice. (Nov 15, 6:30p.m.)

CELEBRATION: Soul 2 Soul: Buck Oโ€™Neilโ€™s 114th Birthday Celebration. A soulful night of Jazz celebrating the Soul of Baseball, Buck Oโ€™Neil, in memory of his 114th Birthday. (Nov 15, 6p.m.)

WICHITA

ENTERTAINMENT: Game Day at Elisabeth’s Lounge. ย showing ALL the sports games โ€” every screen, every play, all day into the evening! (Nov 15, 11a.m.)

GAMES: Spades With Love: Adult Game Night & Community Giveback Edition. Expect classic games like Spades, Uno, Jenga, Dominos, Rummy, Phase 10, etc.; giveaways and door prizes. (Nov 15, 10a.m.)

See more events on our new online calendar!

Kansas senator from Wichita retires, opening Democratic seat ahead of legislative session. Kansas Sen. Mary Ware announced her retirement from the state Senate on Thursday, leaving open a Wichita-area seat ahead of the 2026 legislative session.ย (Kansas Reflector)

As World Cup demands loom, transit leaders face hard decisions to pay for extra bus service. Kansas City has been asking the state and federal government for financial help to pay for extra buses during the World Cup. (The Beacon)

In Kansas and elsewhere, some state lawmakers are skeptical of the redistricting rush. In September, Kansas Republican leadersย said they wanted to joinย the national redistricting battle. (NPR)

๐Ÿ’กTrivia Answer: D. 13. Of the fifteen jockeys in the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875,ย thirteenย were African-American. This reflects the historical dominance of Black jockeys in the sport during that era. The inaugural Derby was won by a colt named Aristides. On that Saturday in May, Aristides was ridden by 19 year old, Oliver Lewis. Lewis was one of thirteen Black jockeys that rode in the Derby


How are we doing? Leave us a message and let us know what you think of our newsletters. What would you like to see more or less of? If someone forwarded you this newsletter, sign up here! To advertise your business, event, or nonprofit, email hill@tcvpub.commore heat overnight, leading to poorer health outcomes for residents.