■ The decision that radically changed public education in the United States On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court issued its decision on Brown v. the Topeka Board of Education, declaring that separate school facilities for white and African American students were inherently unequal and thus mandating that public schools admit all eligible students regardless of race.

Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson welcomed all those in attendance and those watching online to May's First Friday festivities bright and early Friday morning. As per usual, the agenda for the morning was tightly packed and Wilson introduced Melissa Lunsford, with Four County Mental Health Center, the morning's sponsor.

The month of May has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in May 1924.

Dementia is an umbrella term that alludes to various conditions arising from damage to brain cells that affect the cells’ ability to communicate. This damage can affect a person’s ability to think clearly and his or her behavior and emotions, says the Alzheimer’s Association. There are several types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is one of them.

(StatePoint) The health care system can feel uncoordinated and costly. One in 10 U.S. adults ration medication because they can’t afford their prescriptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, the more a patient must pay at the counter, the more likely they are to abandon their treatment. Other Americans simply lack convenient access to primary care providers and pharmacies, and go undertreated as a result.

Dear Annie: I grew up never allowed to have pets. I’ve been married almost 30 years to a man who allowed me to have a small inside dog, and he doesn’t mind her so much but hates the two we have outside.

Have you ever felt like you’re supposed to be learning a lesson but don’t know what it is? I know that feeling in a way that I hope I will never forget. Not once but twice in a single month, the power went out at our home.

Last Saturday was the 9th annual Love Independence Day and, despite the threat of severe storms (which proved true!) later in the afternoon, a number of Independence residents got out early and showed their love around town. With the threat looming over them, groups such as the Lions Club and Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo decided to postpone their random acts of kindness for another, dryer day.