Good day, Kansas City!
We hope you’re ready to dive into the week’s most exciting news. Let’s get into the headlines.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- How community voices helped protect the history behind Kansas City’s 816 Day celebration.
- Kansas voters have chosen two sharply different visions for the state’s future.
- From Topeka ties to the NBA — and now back to give back.
💡 Black Trivia Question: Which Black inventor patented an automatic oil lubricator for steam engines in 1884, leading to the phrase “the real McCoy”?
A. Van McCoy B. LisaRaye McCoy C. Elijah McCoy D. Mary E. McCoy
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name in Lights: Many thanks to Darren Muci, 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
Plaza Acknowledges 816 Day’s Roots After Community Pushback
When the Plaza announced its own “inaugural” 816 Day celebration, Kansas Citians quickly reminded organizers who created the tradition. The controversy ended with a partnership that gives founder Brian “Bizzy” Benton the recognition many felt was missing while expanding the celebration across the city.
A MESSAGE FROM THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION
KANSAS STATE NEWS
Holscher, Ohaebosim Advance to November as Kansas Governor’s Race Takes Shape
Kansas voters have chosen their nominees for governor, setting up a race that could shape the state’s future for years to come. Here’s what the primary results reveal about the two parties — and why Wichita’s K.C. Ohaebosim could make history in November.
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!
KANSAS STATE NEWS
NBA Staffer With Topeka Ties Looks to Give Back to Local Community Through ‘Elite’ Basketball Clinic
Miami Heat staffer Remy Ndiaye is returning to Topeka, home of his American host family, to lead his first Elite Basketball Clinic. The free clinic will combine basketball fundamentals with lessons in teamwork, accountability and mental toughness.
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.
Get Out This Week In Kansas City:
SUMMIT: EmpowerHER Summit – Investing in Women. Powering Communities. We’re excited to announce that Women Leading Women has partnered with The Gallery, Palm Tree Club KC and Giving Hope & Help to bring you our incredible EmpowerHER Summit where purpose meets power and women rise together. (Aug 12, 6p.m.-9p.m.)
MENTORING: Mentoring at Keystone CoLAB. KC weekly mentoring meeting. (Aug 15, 9a.m.-11a.m.)
CONCERTS: 2026 Garment District Grooves Concert Series. Aiming to elevate regional and local efforts to advance Maternal, Paternal, and Child Health and curate a space for cross-sector learning, community engagement, and collaboration. (Aug 19th, 11:30am-1p.m.)
COMMUNITY: 2026 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival. Presented by Hy-Vee, this annual family-friendly event is organized by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) (Aug 22, 3p.m.-11p.m.)
See more Kansas City events on our new online calendar!
Democrats like AOC are trying to shrug off their ‘woke’ era. That’s bad for our politics. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Sunday offered a prescription: Laugh it off. (CNN)
Wildfires burn across western US and Canada as residents are evacuated. Wildfires burning across the western U.S. and Canada on Sunday left some residents keeping a wary eye out for possible evacuation orders. (AP)
Trivia Answer: C. Elijah McCoy. Elijah McCoy was a brilliant Canadian-American mechanical engineer and inventor. He is best known for inventing an automatic lubricating cup that oiled steam engine parts while machines kept running, which many believe inspired the famous phrase “the real McCoy”.
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