Good morning, Kansas City!
We hope you had a great weekend. Spring is officially in bloom and today’s the last day of March! Let’s start the week with our top news coming from KC.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- April 8 elections bring questions about KC schools and jails
- Brian Platt is out, Kimiko Black Gilmore steps up as City Manager
- Wyandotte County Ethnic Festival returns April 5
- Trump attacks Black Smithsonian museum
💡 Black Trivia Question: Which trailblazing female tennis player was the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam title?
A. Naomi Osaka B. Ora Washington C. Serena Williams D. Althea Gibson
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name in Lights: Many thanks to Margaret Toews, one of our generous donors. Financial support from our readers underwrites the work we do and allows us to keep our news free. Will you support us?
APRIL ELECTIONS
KC Public Safety Tax Vote: New City Jail at Center of April 8 Ballot Question
Kansas City voters will decide April 8 whether to renew a 1/4-cent public safety sales tax to fund a municipal jail and emergency services. If it isn’t renewed, the tax is set to expire in June 2026.
A MESSAGE FROM PLATFORM PROMOTIONS
Bring Back The Love Tour featuring performances by Kansas City’s own Levelle, Ruff Endz, Karyn White, Lyfe Jennings, and Dave Hollister.
April 24th – The Cotillion, Wichita, KS
April 25th – Memorial Hall, Kansas City, KS
Limited time Special Promotions tickets available. Use Code: Love25
KANSAS CITY NEWS
KCMO Fires City Manager, Kimiko Black Gilmore Steps In
The city council fired City Manager Brian Platt in a unanimous 13-0 vote, ending a turbulent tenure amid accusations of discrimination, retaliation, and creating a hostile workplace.
APRIL ELECTIONS
On the April Ballot: $474M for Kansas City Schools
When the polls open April 8, Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS )will ask voters to approve a $474 million bond measure — the district’s first since 1967. The proposal aims to modernize aging buildings, improve learning environments, and address critical maintenance needs across the district.
A MESSAGE FROM THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION
CULTURE
Don’t Miss Wyandotte County Ethnic Festival, April 5
With a mission of fostering a climate of inclusiveness and promoting relationships and contact among all people, this year’s festival will feature 50 organizations and ethnic groups from Wyandotte County.
Get event details and location
NATIONAL NEWS
Trump Attacks ‘Black Smithsonian’ as Divisive and Orders a Review by Vance
Trump’s new executive order cites the National Museum of African American History and Culture by name and argues that the Smithsonian as a whole is engaging in a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history.”
Missouri and Kansas could lose billions of dollars and 30,000 jobs from Medicaid and SNAP cuts. A new study found that the federal spending cuts proposed by the Republican-controlled Congress could end thousands of jobs across Missouri and Kansas. (KCUR)
Can Trump serve a third term as US president? Donald Trump has said he is “not joking” about wanting to serve a third term as US president. (BBC)
Founders of Black-owned Brands Adapt Their Hopes and Business Plans for a Post-DEI Era. In today’s anti-DEI climate, some entrepreneurs worry about personal repercussions or feel pressure to cancel contracts with retreating retailers. (The Voice)
💡Trivia Answer: D. Althea Gibson. Althea Gibson was the first black woman to win a Grand Slam title; she helped pave the way for African American women in the tennis world.
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