Happy Monday, Kansas City!
A new week means fresh stories, local highlights, and everything happening around KC. Here’s what’s making headlines across the metro.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Former KCMO councilman Jermaine Reed receives Alvin Brooks Award
- KC G.I.F.T. awards $100K to Wah Gwan restaurant
- The US Supreme Court could change the fate of the historic Voting Rights Act
- California becomes first state to declare actions towards reparations for citizens
💡 Black Trivia Question: Who was the first Black woman to headline Coachella?
A. Beyoncé B. Lauryn Hill C. Aaliyah D. Janelle Monáe
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name in Lights: Many thanks to Emily Christensen, 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?
KANSAS CITY NEWS
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.
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.
KANSAS CITY BUSINESS
KC G.I.F.T. Awards $100K to Troost Restaurant With Big Plans
Young people on Kansas City’s east side need to see examples of what can be achieved when someone who looks like them works hard — and wins, said Tanyech Yarbrough, pledging to use her recent grant funding from KC G.I.F.T. to mirror entrepreneurship to her community, as well as expand her Troost eatery.
A MESSAGE FROM THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION
NATIONAL NEWS
Why This Supreme Court Case Could Reshape Voting Rights
The law is back before the Court in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that could decide the future of the Voting Rights Act’s Section 2 — and with it, the balance of political power for minority voters across the country.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
We’ve created one place for you to see events happening around Wichita and the entire state. Check out The Link Up today, our new online calendar!
NATIONAL NEWS
California Creates First Reparations Bureau — But Newsom’s Vetoes Leave Questions About Commitment
California made history this month when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 518, establishing the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery — the first state agency in the nation dedicated to advancing reparative justice for Black Americans.
Get Out This Week In Kansas City:
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)
COMEDY: FCCF Presents: Aaron Branch ft. Ryan Davis. The best fest in KC returns with one of our own, Aaron Branch. He’s blowing up and stopping back in KC for one night with his friend, Ryan. (Oct 22, 7pm)
THEATER: Faith in the Fire Gospel Stage Play. 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. (Oct 25, 3pm)
See more Kansas City events on our new online calendar!
Trial begins for former Illinois deputy accused of killing Sonya Massey. Sonya Massey was killed in 2024 after calling authorities to her Springfield home over concerns about a prowler. (NBC)
White House urges University of Kansas to sign ‘compact’ aligned with Trump’s agenda. Of the original nine schools that received the Trump administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, which would commit them to certain policies in exchange for preferential access to federal funding, the majority have indicated they are not planning on signing. (KCUR)
Trivia Answer: A. Beyoncé. Beyoncé was the first Black woman to headline Coachella in 2018. Her historic performance, which celebrated Black culture and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), was so significant that it earned the nickname “Beychella“.
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