Happy Monday, Wichita!
A fresh week is here, and so is your Monday roundup of local news, community updates, and events you won’t want to miss.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Wichita Teen Wins State Crown
- Publisher Bonita Gooch enters the race for Kansas House District 84.
- Earth, Wind & Fire’s Story Finally Gets the Documentary Treatment
💡 Black Trivia Question: Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in which city to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation?
A. Houston, Texas B. Waco, Texas C. Galveston, Texas D. Corpus Christi, Texas
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
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WICHITA NEWS
Wichita’s Ta’Lyiah Lewis Crowned Miss Kansas’ Teen, Earns Spot at Nationals
After falling short in an earlier pageant bid, Wichita’s Ta’Lyiah Lewis is headed to the national stage. The Northwest High School student was crowned Miss Kansas’ Teen and will represent the state in Florida this September.
WICHITA NEWS
Gooch Enters Kansas House District 84 Race, Challenging Incumbent Ford Carr
Bonita Gooch has entered the Democratic primary for Kansas House District 84, setting up a contest with incumbent Rep. Ford Carr. Gooch says her decades of journalism, community advocacy and civic engagement have prepared her to serve in the Legislature and provide trusted leadership for the district.
ENTERTAINMENT
Earth, Wind & Fire’s Story Takes Center Stage in New HBO Documentary
For generations of fans, Earth, Wind & Fire provided the soundtrack to celebrations, family reunions and unforgettable moments. A new HBO documentary takes viewers behind the music, tracing the band’s rise from its Chicago roots to worldwide stardom. Discover what made the band different — and why its message still resonates today.
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!
Get Out This Week In Wichita:
ART: WAM Nights: Swing and Jazz Closing Celebration for Safer Waters. Celebrate the final weekend of Safer Waters: Picturing Black Recreation at Midcentury with an evening of swing and jazz.. (June 12, 6p.m.-8p.m.)
COMMUNITY: Grant Chapel AME Church Car Show & Shine. The Men of Grant Chapel AME Church invite you to our Second Annual “Car Show & Shine” on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. which will also include a Fish Fry with fresh fried fish, burgers and hot dogs (while supplies last).. (June 13, 11a.m.-2p.m.)
PICNIC: PHAT AZZ BIKES MC PICNIC. WRISTBANDS $20 FOOD & FUN. (June 13. 12p.m.-5p.m.) SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY 9PM
PAGEANT: Miss Juneteenth ICT. Meet your reigning Miss Juneteenth ICT and the eight outstanding young women competing to become your next Miss Juneteenth ICT! Join us as we celebrate culture, scholarship, and leadership while cheering on these remarkable contestants.. (June 13. 3p.m-6p.m)
See more Wichita events on our new online calendar!
Despite a competitive market, finding a summer job is highly beneficial for teens. Many factors are contributing to the competition for entry-level jobs: AI, inflation, tariffs, even those oil tankers stuck in the Persian Gulf. But all signs are pointing to 2026 being the worst job market for teens in decades. (NPR)
House Finally Approves Measure Challenging Trump’s Iran War Authority. The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to try to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran, marking the strongest sign yet that support for the conflict is weakening in Congress. (VOICE)
Trivia Answer: C. Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that enslaved people were free. This momentous news came more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was officially signed.
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