Good morning!
Are you ready to kick off the weekend? We’ve got you covered with the top five stories that happened this week.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Wichita nobleman Clarence Wesley has passed at 84
- Justice Horn has entered the race for Kansas City legislation
- The true unemployment rate has soared past 24%
- Coffee could be a secret to healthy aging
- Henry Walker’s historical musical career
💡 Black Trivia Question: Who was the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre?
A. Michaela DePrince B. Lauren Anderson C. Misty Copeland D. Raven Wilkinson *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. Clarence Wesley, a Humble but Noble Wichita Leader, Passes at 84
Clarence Wesley, an individual who did so much for so many, while expecting so little from so few, died peacefully last week at age 84. Learn more about this Wichita hero.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
If you’re planning a Juneteenth event, let us know about it on our new online calendar! We’re running a complete Juneteenth calendar of events in our June 13 print issue and as a special post on our website. Get your info in TODAY! Deadline for events to be included in the print edition is June 6.
KANSAS CITY NEWS
2. Justice Horn Enters Race for Jackson County Legislature
Justice Horn announced this week that he will run for Jackson County Legislature 1st District At-Large in 2026. Horn says his campaign will focus on uniting county communities and addressing economic inequality.
Learn more about his leadership background
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
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NATIONAL NEWS
3. True Unemployment Rate Soars Past 24% — Black Workers Hit Hardest
A report from the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity shows a functional unemployment rate of 24.3%, compared to the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figure of 4.2%.
Why are there differences in reports?
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
We have a brand new Facebook page designated for Kansas City content ONLY! Be the first to know about new stories coming out of KC when you follow our new page. Check it out today.
HEALTH
4. Your Coffee Habit Could be Linked to Healthier Aging
Want to reach older age with a sharp mind and healthy body? Part of the answer may be in your coffee cup
CULTURE
5. A Bassline of Resilience: The Story of Henry Walker
The Midwest is not without racism, and Henry Walker and other Black musicians experienced it in Wichita. However, a resilient Walker, along with his various members of The Regents, persevered, becoming one of the most popular and long-running bands in the city.
Judge temporarily blocks Trump effort to deny visas to Harvard students. The university filed a legal challenge after the president said he would block visas for international students who planned to attend. (NBC)
6 takeaways from Trump and Musk’s ruptured relationship and wild feud. Trump had relied on Musk for recommendations, but they disagree vehemently over the president’s legislative priorities. (USA Today)
Why the Judge Threatens to Remove Diddy From the Courtroom of His Own Trial. Judge Arun Subramanian is not the one with whom to trifle when it comes to Diddy’s case. (The Root)
💡Trivia Answer: C. Misty Copeland. Misty Copeland was promoted to principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre in 2015, making history as the first African-American woman to achieve that title in the company’s 75-year history.
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