Happy Friday,
Happy 4th of July! Here’s a recap of the top stories from this week. Have a great weekend.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Wichita leaders worry about graduation rates
- Wyandotte County primary elections are near
- Jo Lynn Bright is helping renew mental healthcare
- KCK’s Merc Co-op to close
- The decline of America’s happiness
💡 Black Trivia Question: What influential rap group, known for their politically charged lyrics and activism, released the album “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” in 1988?
A. NWA B. Tribe Called Quest C. Run DMC D. Public Enemy *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?
WICHITA NEWS
1. ‘What’s Going On?’ Black Leaders Question Wichita’s Graduation Rate
In a meeting with Wichita Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld last fall, members of the Greater Wichita Ministerial League and the NAACP questioned how the district’s graduation rate is increasing while scores on state assessment tests remain low.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
We have a new Facebook page designated for Kansas City content, but THAT’S NOT ALL!! Find news covering Kansas, Missouri, and the KC metro area. Be the first to know about new stories when you follow our new page.
KANSAS STATE NEWS
2. Wyandotte Primary Candidates Part II: District 5, Sheriff and BPU At-Large 1
Primary elections will be held Aug. 5 in the mayor, sheriff, Board of Public Utilities At-Large Position 1, and the following Wyandotte County Board of Commissioner seats – District 2 At-Large and Districts 1, 5 & 8.
Learn more about the candidates
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
What you think really matters to us. Could you please take 5 minutes to complete our survey? Your feedback will help us better serve you and our community of readers. Thank you in advance for your feedback!
COMMUNITY
3. Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
Jo Lynn Bright is changing the narrative around mental health as she leads HopeNet’s BridgesICT program. Learn how she is transforming lives.
BUSINESS
4. The Merc Co-op to Close KCK Location, Ending 5-Year Food Desert Solution
The Merc Co-op will close its Kansas City, Kansas location December 30, ending a five-year effort to bring fresh food to downtown residents who lived in a food desert for decades.
Learn more about why it is closing
NATIONAL NEWS
5. The Decline of American Happiness: Why The US is Falling Behind In Global Rankings
In 2024, for the first time, the World Happiness Report placed the United States outside the top 20. In 2025, it dropped one spot more, ranking 24th. That’s a generational decline for a country long seen as a symbol of opportunity, prosperity, and freedom.
Get Out This Weekend:
KANSAS CITY
ENTERTAINMENT: RAW & RANDOM 32 with sounds by DJ Garv plus comedy from Lamont High, Maine Maine, plus live performances by RICHIE & Friends and more. (6 p.m.)
COMEDY: KC Comedy Hub Presents: The POC M-I-C @ Vine Street Brewing. (7p.m.)
WICHITA
FIREWORKS: Red, White & BOOM! Join us July 4 downtown at Century II’s Kennedy Plaza for an unforgettable night as we light up the Wichita skyline. (9:30p.m.)
NIGHTLIFE: The Eclipse: A Blackout Affair. Join us for an evening of luxury, mystery, and sophistication. Dress in your finest, cool, black attire and indulge in signature cocktails, savory appetizers, and smooth beats. (7p.m.)
TOPEKA
ENTERTAINMENT: Cirque Italia – Silver Show. Please join us at Shawnee Community Park for a spectacular Water Circus. (7:30p.m.)
See more events on our new online calendar!
US threatens EU with 17% tariff on food exports. Warning was handed to EU trade commissioner at Washington meetings. (Financial Times)
Facts on the Affordability of Homeownership and Renting and its Strain on Americans. Black homeownership gains have stopped; the racial gap remains wide. (TCV)
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ passes: Kansas has seen this movie and knows how it ends. Kansas may have seen similar times. (The Eagle)
💡Trivia Answer: D. Public Enemy. The influential rap group Public Enemy released the politically charged album “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” in 1988. Known for their activism and powerful lyrics addressing social and political issues, Public Enemy’s second album is widely considered a masterpiece of political hip-hop.
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