SHOCK!!! MEAN JEAN SAYS SHE WON'T PROSECUTE THE KANSAS CITY CASE OF THE MISSING $15K!!!

And so tonight we learn that Kansas City could be the most apathetic and politically corrupt burg in all of the United States . . .

A council dude refuses to talk, the City Manager's office hides behind a cloak of incompetence and our mayor is more concerned with the toy train streetcar than City Hall finances.

KANSAS CITY POLITICOS FAIL TO STAND UP FOR TAXPAYERS OR PROVIDE ANY ACCOUNTABILITY - THIS TOWN IS LOST!!!

Check the deets:

Charges declined

With regard to an investigation of $15,000 in city funds, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office has declined to file charges due to a lack of evidence, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announcedtoday.

“We’ve carefully reviewed the documents that the KCPD provided,” Baker said. “At this time, the evidence does not appear to be sufficient to file criminal charges.”

Baker added that “if additional information is developed, the prosecutor’s office would be more than willing to review whether charges are appropriate.”
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TKC CONFIRMED!!! QUICK PEEK @ UPCOMING KANSAS CITY POLITICAL MOVES!!!

Kansas City Political rundown for the afternoon . . .

- Yes, Cindy Circo is starting a new PAC . . .

- But we've been talking about her switcheroo planned with Jackson County Legislator Theresa Garza Ruiz for months.

Even better . . .

KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS TOLD YOU FIRST ABOUT THE HOUSE CLEANING COMING UP ON THE JACKSON COUNTY LEGISLATURE!!!

So many rumors are circling about . . . And yes, we've heard some surprising names planning a Jackson County run but also there's talk of other "off-radar" folks interested in a County spot . . .

The only thing we know for sure is that this is the final term for Fred Arbanas and just about everyone wants him to retire gracefully . . .

Meanwhile . . . Kansas City will get our first Latina on the City Council when Theresa Garza Ruiz completes the second part of the switcheroo . . .

And all of these moves make Mayor Sly a Kansas City political king maker of sorts.

More to come . . .

KANSAS CITY HOME OWNING SUCKERS: WILL YOU BUY SEWER LINE INSURANCE?!?

Apologies to a couple of the MOST AWESOME TKC TIPSTERS . . . We were gonna post our thoughts on the Kansas City utility line Protection Insurance offer earlier but we got a bit sidetracked playing video games with other priorities . . .

There have been a lot of questions about a recent City Hall mailer . . .

Thankfully, here are the preliminary facts from Northeast News:

City offers new utility line protection program to homeowners

Money quote:

"The Service Line Warranty Program, which is provided through the National League of Cities and administered by Service Line Warranties of America, will cover water and sewer line repairs up to $4,000 plus an additional allowance of $4,000 for public street or sidewalk cutting, if needed. Homeowners who enroll by Thursday, June 27, can receive a bundled water and sewer line protection package for $120 per year. Homeowners may also choose to sign up for the water line protection package for $61 annually or $5.50 monthly."

Now . . .

HERE'S YET ANOTHER SIGN THAT OWNING REAL ESTATE IN KANSAS CITY IS A BAD INVESTMENT OVERALL GIVEN THIS TOWN'S OLD AND BUSTED PIPES THAT NEED BILLIONS WORTH OF REPAIR!!!

Strangely enough . . . I already know a couple of you d-bags who have sewer line problems that cost upwards of $30k which confirms that renting and planning an escape to a suburb with better sewers might be the smartest move for potential homeowners.

DEVELOPING . . .

Anybody Wanna Buy Downtown Kansas City Building Bad Debt Mortgage?!?!

The Downtown Kansas City real estate market has seemingly topped out if this recent news item is any indication . . .

KC Biz Journal: The $86.7 million mortgage loan secured by Downtown’s tallest office building has been offered for sale.

Bailing out of Kansas City real estate inside the loop isn't exactly a vote of confidence in the the so-called "Downtown Renaissance" that never really happened. Still, it's important to realize that while politicos are selling pipe dreams to gullible constituents . . . Kansas City biz dudes are selling off assets and bailing out of this town.

Related . . . Our weekly real estate agent powered reporting factoid that fails to factor in a "dead cat bounce" . . . After The Recession, What The Housing Market In KC Looks Like

Standing Ovation For Perfect Village Standees

Kansas City Movie Critic Robert Butler seems excited about new dinner cinema option in our nicest suburb . . . STANDEES in Prairie Village: This small operation flips the local movie scene on its ear

EXPECT THE KANSAS CITY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CHECKPOINT CRACKDOWN!!!

Dead Tree Update and advisory to stop whining and just find somebody else to drive: "The special enforcement effort will be sometime Friday through Sunday at an area known for alcohol-related crashes and arrests."

Helen Flanagan & The Kansas City Bust Out

Helen Flanagan and her cleavage promo power this early afternoon collection of Kansas City mainstream media links . . .

- Explaining The Kansas City Losing Streak: Royals’ hot start squelched by recent swoon

- Imploding the past: JE Dunn's former headquarters to be demolished

- TRIBUTE; Fallen KCPD officers remembered

- Gov. Jay fails more confident bikers: Effort to lift Missouri motorcycle helmet law falls short

- Kathleen Sebelius Stays Winning: Former Kansas Gov. ranks among Forbes' most powerful women

- Show-Me Secrecy: Why Missouri's Lobbying System Isn't As Open As You'd Think

- Military Industrial Complex Clipping: Whiteman military jet clips power lines over Stockton Lake

- Alleged Long Distance Organized Crime: Woman is accused of coordinating Los Angeles gang activity from her Salina home

- Show-Me Weed Crackdown: Group says sheriff's pot busts disregard Columbia's marijuana ordinance

- Sacrilege: Kansas City is not a top-five beer city

KANSAS CITY ROYALS SNOW CONE FAIL!!!

Still not as troubling as some of the decisions from Ned Yost . . .

Food vendor fired for putting snowcones on restroom floor at Astros/Royals game

And while this didn't happen in Kansas City . . . There's really no telling what Kansas City fans will resort to once it becomes clear that this season has been mostly an exercise in hype.

Kansas City Lady Shoots Intruder

NBC Action News: "A woman shot a man who broke into her home on 106th and Greenwood Thursday afternoon in Kansas City, Mo. Police said after the woman shot him, he ran off and later showed up at Research Medical Center with a gunshot wound."

Kansas City IRS Austerity: Tax Free Friday?

Newspaper: IRS operations in KC, nationwide to close Friday because of federal budget constraints

TKC BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS!!! CHECK 1ST OFFICIAL PRESSER FOR THE KANSAS CITY MARCH AGAINST MONSANTO!!!

Genetically altered food and a great many complaints regarding agricultural processes have powered Kansas City to protest a global food giant.

To wit . . .

THANKS TO THE VERY BEST TKC TIPSTERS FOR SENDING THIS PRESSER ON THE UPCOMING MARCH AGAINST MONSANTO THIS SATURDAY!!!

Actually, this is a great presser and puts all of the complaints in perfect perspective.

Check it:

Area Citizens to March Against Monsanto on May 25, 2013

Kansas City, Missouri - On Saturday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m., more than a thousand residents of Kansas City and the outlying areas will gather at the J. C. Nichols Fountain on the Plaza to take part in the worldwide March Against Monsanto. There will be speakers, live music from three bands, children's' activities, educational resources, and more. The march will begin at 1:00 p.m.

The March Against Monsanto is a grassroots effort organized by citizens around the globe to raise awareness about:

- Monsanto's efforts to create a monopoly over the world's food and grain supply through the patents of their genetically modified seeds

- Lack of studies to determine the short and long-term safety of Monsanto's genetically modified seeds which are engineered to withstand large doses of Monsanto's toxic herbicide Round Up;

- Monsanto's contracts, business practices, and lawsuits that are driving farmers in the US and around the world into bankruptcy;

- The devastating effect Monsanto's pesticides and GMO products are having on the bee and butterfly populations;

- The appointment of former Monsanto executives to high positions in the FDA, USDA, and other government agencies;

- The "Monsanto Protection Act" and other legislation enacted or pending that protects Monsanto from litigation even in the event their products are deemed unsafe;

- Monsanto's dismal safety record and its assurances in the past that its products (including Agent Orange DDT) were safe, only to later be found toxic and banned.

Please contact Roger Lake, 816-516-8017, for more information.
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TKC EXCLUSIVE REVIEW!!! SHOWDOWN!!! KANSAS CITY TEACHER'S UNION CONFRONTS "RADICAL" AUTHOR AND EDUCATION ADVOCATE MICHELLE RHEE @ KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY!!!

More than anything else, it was clear that nobody learned a thing during a forum on public education at the Kansas City Plaza Library last night.

Remember that KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS were the FIRST to break news of possible conflict at the event and our report with pix was the FIRST account from the scene.

Now that we've had a chance to reflect . . .

What's clear is that nobody was really listening.



It was surprising to hear the Michelle Rhee is a lifelong Democrat despite her controversial views on teacher tenure reform AND vouchers for public schools.

As we noted previously, she addressed a cheating controversy and silly sensationalized story about DUCT tape used on students. Regarding allegations of cheating, Michelle Rhee proclaimed that after 6 separate investigations there had been no evidence of malfeasance.

On a couple of occasions, THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE overtook the Plaza Library Auditorium. Her money line for the evening called out politicos dabbling in education issues.

"It's amazing that we let elected officials put policies in place for our children that they would never tolerate for their own," Rhee exclaimed as the crowd went wild.

But really, the questions were mostly an exercise to satisfy the intellectual curiosity of Library Director Crosby Kemper III.

Crosby's highlight for the night was when he recalled a not so long ago incident when he confronted administrative confusion in Kansas City Public Schools and he enjoyed proclaiming that the KCPS was one of the most "dysfunctional institutions in all of Kansas City."

And then it was time for questions . . . 

The Teachers/Union operatives leaped forward and attempted to turn the night into one of their famous bull sessions . . . The move to show Teacher's Union opposition to Michelle Rhee was kind of strange given that there isn't much Michelle Rhee advocates that locals aren't dealing with from the KCPS leadership.

Rhee advocates more a more stringent approach to teacher tenure - So does the KCPS

Rhee wants to replace bad teachers and start layoffs based on performance rather than seniority - Behind the scenes KCPS Administrators and Board Members want to eliminate the "Last Hired, First Fired" rule as well .

And finally, Rhee advocates more teacher involvement and leeway in the lives of students . . . Something that pretty much all of the KCPS touts.



Still . . . The questions from Teachers/Union reps were designed to put her on the spot. She remained cool even as President of the Kansas City Federation of Teachers, Andrea Flinders asked a somewhat persnickety question in an annoyed tone . . .

"I don't see your organization working with the people who actually are involved in the process of educating students. You are very eloquent and there is a nice presentation from 'Student's First' but they haven't done much to work with teachers," Flinders said.

Rhee backed off a bit, noted that her org. 'Students First' is vast membership network and offered to give contact info to Flinders off stage.

And that was pretty most interesting part of the evening.

Walking to my car I noticed Missouri State Senator Kiki Curls chatting with another legislator from STL.



Sen. Curls said that she agreed with a great deal of Rhee's talk but also remarked, "There is a great deal of complexity to this issue. There are many socioeconomic factors that play into education issues that need to be addressed as well."

CREDIT TO SEN. CURLS FOR ATTENDING THE EVENT GIVEN THAT NO OTHER LOCAL POLITICO BOTHERED TO SHOW-UP TO A KANSAS CITY EDUCATION FORUM WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE!!!

It's also worth noting that State Sen. Kiki supported legislation that would speed a takeover of troubled Missouri public school districts without accreditation - Like the KCPS.

In the final analysis, the forum offered food for thought for two local factions who stopped looking for new solutions to the public education crisis years ago.

Once audience member that seemed unaffiliated with either side asked "What can KC do in the next year to turnaround our schools?" and that sentiment seemed to reflect that only area of agreement -This town seems tired of the endless downward spiral of the KCPS.

Other links:

KMBC: Education reformer Michelle Rhee draws big crowd in KC

Newspaper: Former D.C. schools chief Michelle Rhee is still a lightning rod in education

BREAKING!!! KANSAS CITY WOMAN DEAD IN NORTHEAST CAR THIS MORNING!!!

Kansas City homicide investigation report . . .

"At 12:39 AM this morning officers were dispatched to Independence and Hardesty to investigate the need for an ambulance. Upon arrival they located a white vehicle that had driven up on the curb. The driver/victim and only occupant was a W/F in her early 20s. The victim was transported to an area hospital where it was determined that she was deceased. She had injuries inconsistent with the accident and the cause of death is currently being investigated."

Unofficially, this marks the 35th murder this year compared with 42 at this time last year and 33 at this date on the calender in 2011.

Updated Links:

Young woman found dead, bloody in car

A woman died early Thursday after being found in a car that had rolled onto a curb in Kansas City’s east side.

Woman's death suspicious after found in car near Independence, Hardesty

FEAR KANSAS CITY SODA FOUNTAINS!!!

Some of our favorite local newsies stir up fountain drink fear: KCTV5 discovered harmful bacteria growing on some of these beverage stations across the metro.

On the bright side, so many of us have faith in the cleaning products clinging to that FILTHY rag they wipe the soda fountains with and hopefully wasn't used on the bathroom stalls first. Either way, the germs in question won't elicit nearly as much fear, derision and hate as high fructose corn syrup.

Strap It On: Jackson County Warns Of "Aggressive" Seat Belt Enforcement

Examiner reports on painful promises of discipline from authorities figures if that kind of thing is your bag: "As part of a statewide effort, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will aggressively enforce seat belt violations through June 2."

Witness The Todd Graves Tea Party Lawsuit!!!

Kansas City area legal move that should create even more of a national stir . . .

Former U.S. attorney Todd Graves files tea party lawsuit against the IRS

This is the first, but not the last, lawsuit to be filed on behalf of a great many hypocrites in early American Colonial costumes.

Kansas City News Lady Legend Looks Back

KCTV5 celebrates the local news lady of record: Anne Peterson looks back at legendary 35-plus year career in Kansas City

Explaining 'The Great War' FAIL

Newspaper promo for something that might actually be worth a look given that most historians don't agree about what really started "The War To End All Wars" that didn't: Liberty Memorial exhibit looks at the origins of World War I

Kansas City Royals Stay Losing To Astros

Another disappointing series . . .

Sports Network: "J.D. Martinez hit a two-run homer and Jordan Lyles pitched six frames of one-run ball, as the Houston Astros defeated the Kansas City Royals, 3-1, to take the rubber match of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park."

It might be important to remember that the Royals are the worst team in baseball . . . Also, we still aren't that close to the All-Star break and the inevitable mid-season slump followed by a late season surge after the team is pretty much eliminated from any real competition.

Emily Ratajkowski And The Kansas City Links

Emily Ratajkowski and her rising bikini morning star begin the morning wave of links.

Check it:

- Cruel Cowtown Rundown: Police are searching for a driver who hit a child early Wednesday evening in Kansas City, Mo.

- Fixing a mass murderer's toy: Hope stays afloat for Truman yacht repairs

- Follow-up on forever road surveillance: KC set to greenlight extension for red-light cameras

- Cowtown Do-Gooder Road Trip: KC volunteers make a difference in Moore

- Come Out Of Your Shell And Take A Peek: New turtle exhibit is coming to Sea Life Kansas City

- Local Canines help: Search & rescue dogs play huge role after disaster

- Kansas City Kids Throwing Out Their Arm For No Good Reason: Curve ball consequences: something to fear?

- More On Costly KC Soccer Mistake: Referee says he misjudged play on call that took away a Sporting KC goal

- Catholic Guilt Reporting: Memories of St. Mary's High School

- KCK Run For (Political) Glory: 18 file for vacant UG seat

Kansas City Might Not Need An Airport Hub?!?

Save KCI offers a bit of sound reasoning on a MAJOR talking point from supporters of the new airport: Cincinnati's Lesson To Kansas City: KCI Is Better Without A Hub

Kansas City Psychfest Review

There Stands The Glass offers a bit of insight and a few stray links on the topic of Kansas City Psychfest 2013 and event that patrons will regret they never missed . . . Or something.

Even More Kansas City Parkour This Morning

Let's start this morning with City Hall and downtown serving as an obstacle course of sorts . . . Which is kind of appropriate . . .

Take a look at this clip which features a few dudes flipping out and running about all over this town . . .

Parkour and Free Running in Kansas City 100% GOPRO

For those who might have forgotten . . . The World's Most Accurate Encyclopedia reminds us:

Parkour is a holistic training discipline using movement that developed out of military obstacle course training. Practitioners aim to move quickly and efficiently through their environment using only their bodies and their surroundings to propel themselves, negotiating obstacles in between.

Hopefully, more in a bit . . .

TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! MASSIVE TURNOUT FOR MICHELLE RHEE "RADICAL" TALK @ KANSAS CITY PLAZA LIBRARY TONIGHT!!!

Kansas City is out in full force to listen to controversial educator and author Michelle Rhee and her talk at the Plaza Library tonight.

Crosby Kemper III is leading a rather thoughtful discussion on topics ranging from teacher tenure, faulty administrations and school choice.



A lot of the conversation centers around her book "Radical" and efforts to reform public schools by way of more stringent teacher standards.



Again, the most impressive part of tonight's talk is the MASSIVE turnout for tonight's event.

Already, the crowd has burst in applause after comments about holding politicos and administrators accountable.



Right now they're getting ready to take questions from the audience . . .

And the first question is a setup, questioning her effectivenss, Ms. Rhee stays calm but offers perspective about allowing teachers room to grow.

The other questions from the crowd are dumb too, some weirdo asked about duct taping kids mouths shut . . .

Michelle Rhee stayed calm, explained a much more believable version of the tale while noting the divisive tone of rhetoric surrounding the education debate.

Lots of fun slamming of the KCPS and Union Leader Andrea Flinders starts a fun showdown.

"Why is your organization so resistant to working with teachers?"

Michelle Rhee notes her work with unions and teachers and says that "Teachers are the solution,"

We'll have a full write-up, hopefully for the morning update . . .

TKC BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS!!! CELEBRATE KANGAROO UNDOCUMENTED OPPORTUNITY!!! UMKC MIGHT SOON ENROLL STUDENTS WITH IMMIGRATION ISSUES!!!

I'm exceptionally proud of my alma mater this afternoon.

To wit . . .

A KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTER SENDS WORD OF AN IMPORTANT CHANGE COMING TO UMKC THAT ALLOWS MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE UNDOCUMENTED!!!

Here's the word . . .

"UMKC to allow undocumented students who have received differed action to enroll and pay in state tuition . . . That's the talk among student leaders and a press release might soon be forthcoming."

This is a change up from previous University Of Missouri-Kansas City policy and it represents a result of advocacy by many progressive students along with the reality that U.S. immigration laws are in flux and soon about to change . . .

Developing . . .

BREAKING!!! GOOGLE FIBER WIN: RAINBOW BUNNY APPROVED FOR RAYTOWN!!!

Latest from The Fiber Blog . . .

Raytown, Mo. approves Google Fiber

And this could possibly be the best news for this embattled suburb since the real estate market collapsed.

Mayor Sly James And Kansas City Crime-fighter Alonzo Washington Continue Talks!!!

Behind the scenes we hear that a recent conversation about Kansas City Crime betwixt Mayor Sly James and Activist Alonzo Washington were successful.

In fact . . .

SOURCES REVEL THAT MAYOR SLY AND ALONZO WASHINGTON WILL CONTINUE TO CONFER ABOUT SOLUTIONS TO KANSAS CITY VIOLENT CRIME!!!

This is good news as fear of a Summer crime spike stirs around Kansas City and authorities look for new solutions to the problem . . .

Strange JoCo Crime Scene Report: Brutal Overland Park Death Ruled Suicide

A horrific Johnson County Crime Scene that struck fear into the hearts of those nearby has been explained by authorities.

Check it:

KCTV5: Missing jogger slashed his throat, bound his ankles, wrists, M.E. concludes

Again, this conclusion kinda seems strange but in the era of so many CSI programs . . . I'll just assume that they're much smarter than TKC because they have access to better wraparound shades.

KC MUST READ!!! INGRAM'S EDITOR'S NOTE: "A STREETCAR NAMED CONSPIRE"

Kansas City biz mag Ingram's sums things up quite nicely in their latest Editor's Note that pretty much takes apart the Downtown Toy Train Streetcar piece by piece . . .

Ingram's Editor's Note: "A Streetcar Named Conspire"

Money Line:

"After all, the city has dipped into “other” funds to clear $6 million in engineering studies for the line, on top of an original $3 million outlay for that same purpose. And just last week, I received the first bill that would represent another $1,000 or so in the annual property-tax levy for the streetcar project. I know I’m bucking some highly influential people who support this initiative, but we still have a few questions that we would like answered before we break ground or start cutting any ribbons for this thing.

From the get-go, this whole project—estimates have soared past the $100-million figure originally given to us—has been an example of a city’s indifference to business owners."

Now, TKC has covered the crooked City Hall shell game related to the I-670 bridge previously but this editorial is important because it's aimed at the local elite and it represents frustration from the Kansas City biz community regarding growing frustration with the the downtown toy train streetcar plan.

Developing . . .

Is Replacing Kemper A Kansas City Priority?!?

Strange position statement from The Biz Journal that mimics the pronouncement of Kansas City's 1% family and marching orders regarding their namesake stadium: Kemper Arena replacement must be priority

Consultant Claims Box Stores Could Save Kansas City Citadel Plaza Disaster Zone

Pitch offers perspective on a brilliant theory from one of the many people of City Hall's payroll: "A consultant hired by Kansas City, Missouri, seems to buck that analysis, suggesting that the blighted corner of 63rd Street and Prospect (Citadel Plaza) is ripe for four or five big-box retail stores."

Emily DiDonato & The Kansas City Link Look

Emily DiDonato might be my favorite new SI swimsuit hottie and her thoughtful gaze starts this glimpse at Kansas City mainstream media links this afternoon . . .

- Baby Tragedy Comes To Kansas City . . . NBC Action News: The Jackson County Medical Examiner says the death of a 10-week-old child who was rushed from a Lafayette County, Mo., home has been ruled a homicide. And from KCTV5 . . . Autopsy: Lafayette County infant died from skull fracture, other injuries

- Smoking Hot Deals: KC Target store evacuated by fire

- Infrastructure Mediocrity Despite Higher Taxes: Civil engineers issue weak grades for Missouri, Kansas

- Kansas City Area Biz Giant Smackdown: RED Brokerage sues Privitera Realty for government office commission

- Important Kansas City Exhibit: Artists Explore The City As Labyrinth In 'rises Zora'

- Chilly Kansas City Temperatures Foretold

- Taxing Local Austerity Crackdown: Thousands of Kansas City workers affected by IRS furloughs

- Cowtown Telcom Safety Offering: KC becomes newest home to AT&T wireless security system

- Suburban Indecision: Lee's Summit Lawmaker Who Threatened Resignation Changes His Mind

- Local winning: Two KCMO City Streetscape Plans Awarded for Design and Merit

- Kansas City front porch exhibit: Aliens, androids coming to Union Station

- Alt. Music from the post 9/11 era in town tonight: Yo La Tengo is at Grinders tonight

KANSAS CITY WANTS $20 MIL FROM FEDS FOR DOWNTOWN STREETCAR TOY TRAIN!!!

Kansas City priorities or lack thereof on display . . .

KC Biz Journal: Kansas City seeks $20 million through the fifth round of TIGER, or Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, program

And yet again it's clear to see that the 2.2-mile, $102 million+ Main Street toy train has dominated Mayor Sly's agenda and amid so many other Kansas City concerns.

Kansas City Volunteers Abruptly Turned Away: No Moore, Oklahoma Help Needed?!?

KCTV5 reports that disaster victims need Moore money and less do-gooders: ‘Stay home,’ officials say to KC volunteers headed Oklahoma

Kansas City Healthcare Budget Crunch: ¿Westside Cabot Clinic No Mas?

KC Biz Journal and a life line that's also a line item: "Saint Luke's Health System and Samuel U. Rodger's Health Center announced Wednesday that they are in negotiations about the future of Cabot Westside Medical and Dental Center."

CELEBRATE THE KANSAS CITY RED LIGHT CAMERA FOREVER CONTRACT!!!

Kansas City endorsement of street surveillance for another half decade on the way . . .

KC ready to extend red light cameras for five years

This news isn't really that threatening given that TKC doesn't run red lights and the cameras they have now are easy to spot. However, the program is set to expand and KANSAS CITY SPEED SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS are in the works.

Jackson County Drive-By Murder Charge

Newspaper reports on the local quotient of violence: "Jackson County prosecutors on Wednesday charged a friend of a man who died in a homicide last week with felony murder because the death came while the men allegedly were committing a drive-by shooting."

Walmart Wins Early Morning Raytown Vote

NBC Action News reports on a sketchy 3AM vote: "The Raytown Board of Aldermen finally voted in favor of a controversial development for its downtown area."

TKC BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS!!! KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL SHOWDOWN TONIGHT!!! EDUCATION ACTIVIST MICHELLE RHEE APPEARANCE SPARKS EXPLOSION OF INTEREST AND MAYBE PROTEST!!!

Kansas City should expect an EPIC discussion and debate about public education tonight at the Plaza Library given that word of an appearance by speaker Michelle Rhee is already creating overwhelming interest and talk of protest.

Background from the world's most accurate encyclopedia on Michelle Rhee for those who don't already know: "She's a public figure involved in the American education system. She was chancellor of the Washington, D.C. public schools from 2007 to 2010. In late 2010, she founded StudentsFirst, a non-profit organization which works on education reform issues such as ending teacher tenure. She began her career by teaching for three years in an inner city school, then founded and ran The New Teacher Project, which in ten years recruited and trained more than 23,000 new teachers to work in urban schools."

To wit . . .

KICK-ASS KANSAS CITY INSIDERS WARN THAT THIS PLAZA LIBRARY PUBLIC EDUCATION FORUM COULD BE INUNDATED BY PROTESTORS AND HAS ALREADY SEEN AN UNPRECEDENTED AUDIENCE RESPONSE!!!



The KC library already had to issue this warning . . .

"Interest in the public conversation with Michelle Rhee has exceeded our expectations. There are now over 1,000 RSVPs for this program. The Library anticipates that anyone arriving after 6 p.m. will likely have to stand. Parking in the Library’s garage may be full as early as 5:30 p.m. If you RSVP’d prior to 10 a.m. on May 6, 2013, you will be given a ticket upon check-in that grants access to the auditorium. Please note that a ticket does not guarantee a reserved seat.

"If you RSVP’d after that time (or if you did not RSVP), a limited number of first-come overflow seats will be available in the Northwest Corner where you can view a live video feed of the event.

We appreciate your understanding."

As far as protests and public reaction go . . .

An Awesome Kansas City Insider noted, "The response has really been overwhelming. Michelle Rhee has been a critic of the status quo and that's exactly what we need here in Kansas City. Accordingly, we have already heard about protests from the Teacher's Union but arguing for the efficacy of Kansas City Public Schools really isn't a good look right now."

Even more context . . . Let's not forget that Missouri passed quicker takeover legislation for troubled districts that can't meed accreditation requirements.

And so . . . Tonight's talk could spark the rising movement to bring change to the leadership structure of Kansas City Public Schools.

DEVELOPING . . .