KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Longtime KSHB 41 News anchor Cynthia Newsome passed away Tuesday following a courageous battle with cancer.
For decades, Cynthia’s warmth, grace, spirit and determination always pulled you in.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of Cynthia Newsome, a beloved member of the KSHB 41 family for nearly three decades and a transformative force in Kansas City," Kathleen Choal, E.W. Scripps Co. Regional VP & GM said Wednesday. "Cynthia often reminded us that 'life isn't perfect, but life is so, so good.' Even in her most difficult moments, she chose gratitude, hope and service to others, and we will remember the light she brought into every life she touched."
Cynthia's family released a statement Tuesday afternoon, offering gratitude for the "overwhelming outpouring of prayers, love, and support we have already received during this difficult time."
"Cynthia was a devoted wife, family member, mentor, and friend whose life was marked by faith, compassion, service and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others," the family said. "While many knew her through her public work and community leadership, to our family, she was simply a source of strength, wisdom, love, and encouragement."
Cynthia started with KSHB 41 in 1997 and immediately developed a connection with viewers across Kansas City.
Pouring herself into the community from the start, she founded Awesome Ambitions, a nonprofit college and career readiness program that has helped thousands of girls. It's still going strong.
Through the years, she shared so much of her personal life with us, from her love story with her husband Ed Newsome to her health journey.
Cynthia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. After treatment, she would be cancer-free for seven years before she shared her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in 2019. Through it all, she shared her journey with us, helping others along the way.
Her impact on the journalism industry and her community led to her induction into the Silver Circle of the Mid-America National Association of Television Arts and Sciences.
After years as a newsroom leader and anchor of KSHB 41 News Midday, Cynthia stepped away from the anchor desk in 2022 to take on a new position as Director of Community Partnerships for KSHB 41.
In her new role, Cynthia forged new relationships within the community and was an integral partner in the launch of Gift of Sole alongside Kevin Holmes.
In 2025, Cynthia shared that she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“I like sharing my story because there are so many other people who are going through what I’m going through as well, and it’s comforting and encouraging, and I hope I’m inspiring them,” she shared at the time.
Later in 2025, the KSHB 41 Newsroom was dedicated as the Cynthia Newsome Newsroom in recognition of her years of striving to make Kansas City a better place through her journalism, tireless advocacy and compassion.
“You’re with me, and I love you, and I appreciate you so much,” she said during the dedication.
Forever honoring the woman, journalist and friend, Cynthia, you will forever inspire us.
"Kansas City was fortunate to have her," Choal said. "KSHB 41 was honored to call her our colleague and friend. Her legacy lives on in every young woman she mentored, every viewer she inspired and every partnership she built to make this community stronger."
A public viewing is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Church of the Resurrection, 5009 W. 137th Street, Leawood, Kansas; Rev. Darron LaMonte Edwards, Lead Pastor. Funeral services will immediately follow. Interment will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Mo.
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