TKC MUST SEE!!! KANSAS CITY CELEBRATION AT THE STATION 2018!!!

After the jump, we want to share just a few of our favorite pix of today's signature downtown event for the Kansas City overnight.

Read more »

KANSAS CITY PRO-WAR MEMORIAL WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS TAKE PAUSE TO CONSIDER LOCAL PTSD SUICIDE IMPACT!!!

A display near Kansas City's largest war monument offers a moment of reflection of the often overlooked local impact of never-ending Middle East crusades.

Checkit:

KSHB: This memorial day weekend, the World War I Museum is shining light on an exhibit about veteran suicide rates.

140 American flags wave in front of the memorial, one for each veteran life lost to suicide each week.

Further reading:

Memorial Day 2018: From Shell-Shock to PTSD, a Century of Invisible War Trauma

Military.com: Support Grows for Ecstasy-Assisted Psychotherapy to Treat PTSD

Emerging PTSD therapy: Faster results, less talking

Is PTSD a Systemic Disorder?

Discharged and Jobless: Veterans Seek Change in Hiring Rules

Actually, for any vets reading tonight, we're really like your take on this topic and want to post & highlight more for tomorrow.

Developing . . .

TKC MUST READ!!! REMEMBER LONG GONE MIDTOWN KANSAS CITY GLORY DAYS!!!

Really, the finest news link we have to share today and a wonderful example of Kansas City's history BRILLIANTLY DOCUMENTED with vivid storytelling and masterful prose.

Read and learn:

Elegy for Elmhurst

The old stone wall looks like others around town, low barriers built long ago to encircle institutions or cemeteries or private estates. This one, with crowned pillars and rusting ornamental ironwork, is a remnant running along two sides of the Broadway-Valentine shopping center, north of the Uptown Theater.

Show-Me Everybody Afraid Of The Feds As Missouri Guv Greitens DRAMA Drags On . . .

Kansas City MSM thinks Sen. Claire will be able to use this to her advantage BUT the shadow of law enforcement looms larger than political gamesmanship:

Messenger: Former U.S. attorney now on Team Greitens has advice: Stay away from the FBI

The Jefferson City office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is in a nondescript three-story building just a couple of blocks from the state Capitol. There's no big flashing sign outside, unlike the bright yellow 'FBI' lettering on the back of an agent's windbreaker in a made-for-TV movie as the federal law enforcement officer announces his presence to the world.

Olathe Beatdown Aftermath

Here's afternoon word of life getting worse and more treacherous in the suburbs. Take a look: Man attacked, robbed in Olathe

TKC SUNDAY QUESTION: JACKSON COUNTY CRYSTAL WILLIAMS TOUTS ABORTION ENDORSEMENT!!! WILL SHE STAY WINNING KILLING BABIES OR BE STRUCK DOWN???

A local government body is embroiled in controversy as a human rights crisis confronts leaders struggling to improve conditions for prisoners and balance mercy with justice. In the midst of this conundrum, Legislator Crystal Williams touts pro-abortion support as the foundation of her re-election campaign.

To wit . . .

CHECK CRYSTAL CELEBRATING ABORTION ENTHUSIAST SUPPORT AMONG SOME LOCAL UNIONS FORCED TO BACK HER AND GRIT THEIR TEETH!!!

Here's her declaration despite the fact that she thinks blocking on Twitter works . . .



Who is NaralMissouri???

Because our crack research team can use the Internets, here's what we found -- Their website: prochoicemissouri.org

"NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri is the state's largest grassroots pro-choice organization. With thousands of members statewide, we have been committed to fighting for people to have access the full range of reproductive health options for almost 50 years. We fight every day for your right to prevent unintended pregnancy, bear healthy children, and choose legal and safe abortion."

Now, a quick moment of contemplation, there's a lot of things to despise about Legislator Crystal's career:

- She weaseled her way into office by claiming to be a reformer yet things are worse than ever for Jackson County.

- She's an alleged feminist and advocate for women but she has been noticeably silent in the aftermath of a woman raped at the Jackson County Jail.

- Legislator Crystal has been a negative force for Missouri Democrats and a proponent of divisive primary in-fighting that wasted precious resources.

Now it seems that Karma, fate, the Golden Rule or whatever you believe in has brought her a serious challenger.



But more important than all of this and reflecting a crisis of conscience among the overwhelming majority of pro-labor but otherwise traditional voters within and around her district . . .

AS JACKSON COUNTY GROWS INCREASINGLY CONSERVATIVE, WILL PRO-ABORTION CREDENTIALS SAVE CRYSTAL WILLIAMS???

The question has more important implications beyond Jackson County and offers perspective on the so-called Democratic Party "blue wave" which hopes to challenge Prez Trump and Republicans with a slew of female candidates answering the call of resistance but, unfortunately, predicating their campaign platforms on the murder of innocent children.

You decide . . . 

KANSAS CITY 2018 HOMICIDE #49: DOUBLE SHOOTING LEAVES ONE DEAD!!!

The quotient of local crime continues, here's the latest report . . .

KSHB: Two shot, one killed on Coal Mine Road

Deets:

One man was killed, and a second suffered non-life threatening injuries in an early morning shooting on Coal Mine Road.

Police were called to a reported shooting just north of Blue Parkway and Coal Mine road at 2:00 Sunday morning.

And once again, KCMO outpaces the historic homicide count last year that claimed 151 lives.

Developing . . .

TKC TOLD YOU SO!!! KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS FEAR HONCHO CLARK HUNT WON'T ENFORCE ANTHEM PROTEST CRACKDOWN!!!

Stringent new rules by the NFL attempt to win back patriotic fans but the response has been lukewarm at best. Local football fans remember that the KC front office allowed Star Spangled disrespect from Marcus Peters for a couple of years before they sent him packing.

We talked this subject on Wednesday with far more honest reactions and well-deserved skepticism and now KC's progressive news source of record picks up on our community conversation.

Checkit:

NFL Says No Kneeling During Anthem. Can That Be Enforced At Kansas City's Arrowhead?

The NFL now has a rule that requires players to "show respect for the flag and anthem" during pre-game ceremonies. Players aren't required to be on the field for the anthem but if they are, no kneeling or sitting is permitted. They must stand.

Kansas City Students Continue Protest Against Rising Gun Violence

Aftermath of continued protest and a glimpse at the NEXTGEN taking a decidedly ANTI-GUN stance as old school voters confront youngsters with growing derision rather than engage in any productive dialogue.

Read more about the future of the 2nd Amendment at risk:

Kansas City area students mourn loss of Santa Fe shooting victims, call for action

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A vigil Friday at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kansas City, Missouri was organized by the Kansas City chapter of the national organization, Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Caroline Bennett, a Sophomore at Park Hill South High School said the vigil had two goals.

Further reading:

The Futility of Trying to Prevent More School Shootings in America

As long as there is easy access to guns, there's no way parents, teachers, and other specialists can thwart every violent teenager. The 17-year-old who killed 10 people at Santa Fe High School, in Texas, allegedly used his father's shotgun and .38 revolver.

Will Condescending To Black Community Leaders Help Save Kansas City Star?!?!

Today's newspaper not only includes directives for liberals in contemplating the MLK hot mess but also shopping instructions.

Not sure if this will sell papers but the there's a different currency at play here when it comes to alleviating pointless white guilt by reinforcing the soft tyranny of low expectations by way of protestations mostly made by suburbanites from the safety of all-white enclaves.

Checkit:

Black Privilege app launches in KC, aims to funnel money to black-owned biz

Tyia Adair, a 26-year-old entrepreneur, wants to find black illustrators and graphic designers for her business, A Beautiful, Wonderful Me, which sells children's books. She's also looking to patronize black-owned beauty salons to "support my own." Marvin Lyman, an African-American like Adair, seeks black contractors and Realtors for partnerships with his new real estate development business, Sankofa EDG, LLC.

KCK BISHOP NAUMANN DEMANDS SECOND GREAT AWAKENING TO PROVE GOD ISN'T DEAD AMID AMERICAN CRISIS OF FAITH!!!

As church attendance declines and overall the U.S. moves away from organized religion, this KCK cleric hopes to reignite vigor for his faith community.

Checkit:

The Leaven: Archbishop calls for a second ‘great awakening’

Highlight:

"Racial tensions remain high in many cities. One third of American children are being raised in homes without their biological fathers. The legal status of more than a million young people who were brought to this country as children remains in limbo. In Massachusetts, Illinois and the District of Columbia, Catholic Charities is no longer able to place children for adoption.

"Our nation continues to give legal protection to doctors and organizations that profit from the killing of more than one million innocent unborn children. There are efforts in the courts and some state legislatures to coerce Catholic hospitals to perform abortions.

"Unfortunately, this is by no means an exhaustive list of the serious threats to the well-being of our nation. However, the most serious crisis for our country is none of the above, but, rather, a God-crisis — a crisis of faith."

Take a listen.

You decide . . .

Discount For Kansas City Dog Days

Tell these puppy loving d-bags that TKC sent you in order to do good deeds for doggies. Check the coupon code:

Memorial Day Special This Weekend! * KC Pet Project (KCPP™)

Memorial Day Weekend is approaching this weekend and KC Pet Project is having a 4 day adoption special from Friday, May 25th through Monday, May 28th at our 3 adoption center locations. Adult dog adoptions (some exclusions apply) will be $40 during the special and adult cat adoptions will be $25.

Will Plaza III Work At JoCo Strip Mall???

A question we believe deserves consideration as Country Club luxury gets downsized and moved to suburban desolation.

Take a look:

Plaza III will reopen in Overland Park - Kansas City Business Journal

One of America's best steakhouses, Plaza III, is reopening in Overland Park. The steakhouse staple opened in 1963 on the Country Club Plaza at 4749 Pennsylvania Ave. but closed that location in March. A health-driven restaurant, True Food Kitchen, now is slated to take that spot and will open early next year.

THE TKC SATURDAY NIGHT PLAYLIST: KANSAS CITY ROYALS AND RESIDENTS STAY LOSING BY THE NUMBERS!!!

After 10-innings the Kansas City Royals suffered a soul-crushing defeat to the Texas Rangers tonight.

More to the point . . .

TONIGHT'S DEVASTATING DEFEAT CONFIRMS THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS ARE WELL ON THEIR WAY TO 100 LOSES THIS SEASON!!!

The World Series glory days are long gone and this season isn't so much a "rebuilding year" but mostly a downward spiral that sports newsies are struggling to explains.

Sadly, 100 losses this year for the Kansas City Royals is only one horrific stat threatening this town right now.

To make matters worse, this week we learned that $1,100-per-month is now the standard for "affordable" housing in Kansas City - A number that will undoubtedly increase homelessness and make life harder for the growing ranks of the working poor.

Worst of all, Kansas City is on pace to challenge the 1993 homicide record of 153.

Metro wide there have already been 81 homicides recorded and so we'll hit 100 before the Summer officially starts. KCMO leads all local cities with 48 at the outset of Memorial Day weekend. The reality is that we're about 1 unfortunate house party away from a full-blown murder epidemic.

Sadly, while the smarter denizens of our blog community keep track of the numbers, so many of our elected leaders attempt to sway public opinion with more talk, promises and hype.

Accordingly, tonight's playlist celebrates songs about stats in the modern era and with fear of a return to 90s numbers.



As always, thanks for reading this week and have a safe and fun Saturday night.

KANSAS CITY 2018 HOMICIDE #48: SATURDAY URBAN CORE MURDER CONFIRMED!!!

Update on afternoon violence and the historic murder count in Kansas City maintained.

Just reported a few moments ago:

Fox4: Police investigating homicide after man found dead near Blue Parkway in Kansas City

Deets:

Officers went to the 5200 block of Lawn Avenue (South Of Blue Pkwy) when someone called and said someone had died there.

The victim is a man and was confirmed dead at 4:18 p.m.


The police say that the medical examiner will have to determine the cause of death in homicide case.

(Translation: The body has c
most likely decayed.)

This is the 48th murder so far this year which keeps pace with last year's historic spike in killing. Last year there were also 48 murder at this date on the calendar for a total of 151.

Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.

Developing . . .

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE UPON US: RECORD BREAKING KANSAS CITY HEAT ARRIVES EARLY!!!

A hot & sticky night is upon us and that's not as much fun as it sounds as higher temps mean more seniors found dead & rising tempers along with the temperatures.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the forecast with only half as much panic as TKC:

Joe's Forecast: More records for heat in jeopardy

The temperatures continue to be the main story through the rest of the holiday weekend. Highs will be well into the 90s it appears and record heat may occur on Sunday and Monday. Rain chances aren't very good through Wednesday of next week. Checkout in the latest forecast video above!

MU Comeback & Kansas College Decline?!?

The cringe-worthy graduation season brings news that Kansas universities are noticing a decline as liberal arts majors struggle to justify the expense of a diploma with fewer job prospects for middle-managers wearing a (cheap) suit and using buzzwords.

Read more:

MU freshman class expected to grow more that 14 percent, per student enrollment deposits

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri is expecting a double-digit percentage jump in the size of its freshman class this fall based on early deposits, according to an official press release. 4,547 students have paid enrollment deposits for the fall, which is reportedly a 14.4 percent increase from last year.

INSIDER: TESLA TRUMPS STREETCAR FOR KANSAS CITY FUTURE TRANSIT TECH!!!

At the polls and behind the scenes there is an EPIC battle underway to influence the fate of Kansas City transit and public policy.

Power companies, consultants and politicos have dominated the discussion among the mainstream media but there are countless options and opinions still unheard by local voters.

Accordingly, we'd like to direct attention to the brilliant work of Fritz Maffry who is a top source of inspiration and insight on all things transit and tech impacting KCMO.

Moreover . . .

CHECK THE TECH RUNDOWN FROM THIS KANSAS CITY EXPERT COMPARING THE STREETCAR TO MORE EXCITING TRENDS IN CIVIC TRANSPORTATION!!!

Sure, locals are enthusiastic about the future of Tesla but also other far reaching improvements in how the populace moves around a city beyond traditional thinking.



Here's the word and a brilliant local perspective:

Fritz: Snapshot Update, communities and cities transformed, it is all about the neighborhoods

For some time we have been talking about the Tsunami of change via pools of autonomous shuttles about to roll over our neighborhoods, communities, cities, towns

Despite the local fixation on all things Streetcar, the real change agent is not the smart city so far engaged, in fact that is more like testifying to the veracity of visions of those speaking in tongues. Frankly they have mostly missed the plot of the smartest thing for the city, new transport based on pools of autonomous vehicles. The machinery is locked on something very near being totally obsoleted. The most powerful brands on the planet are on the case, Google, Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, and all the forward automotive entities. The near futures are to blow by the economics and the responsiveness of the Streetcar. The slow planning cycles of the urban planners, and their conceptual confusion on how to prioritize this relatively and engage with disruptive futures have us wasting a fortune. To pretend that meetings are forward accomplishments, well only in bureaucracyville.

10 X

This is the expected relative cost advantage of autonomous pools by our early calculations. Responsiveness is also substantially advantaged, for example a two minute cycle time on pick up frequency is realistic, as compared to a 15 to 20 minute transit cycle time on the Streetcar, for less money. We have shared this, also the low cost solar power configuration included in the pricing model. It doesn't have a mega centralized project for the pork interests though, so you can imagine where the political special interest money is going. Resilience, advantage autonomous pools, scalability up and down to meet demand, advantage autonomous pools. The game is over, just not with the crony stuffed transit interests. Google and Apple know where the game is going. Of course you can take Sly and Troy's word for the superiority of their surety in the Streetcar futures as compared to autonomous, or accept that Reardon and Robbie of the ATA are better at innovation than Google, Apple, and Tesla.

They can't imagine the ipod, they only know the Sony Walkman

The public is having special interests narrowly present options, usually already preselected for the fix. Of course that is the case with the Streetcar, as it was for the airport. Now, better options are exploding on the scenes. Way too much money is going to building Streetcars and parking garages, and marginal projects that benefit insiders. They developers should be freshening their plans for this near term coming revelation of transit and information. The smart city effort is a kitchen sink excuse that is not addressing the biggest change agent of the decade in cities, the complete transformation of all things community by pools of autonomous pods. Build your parking lots, plan your ten year roll out of Streetcar expansion. Just know Google, Apple, Tesla and two dozen others are about to turn the game board upside down.

Scorecard, they will be held accountable for what happens on their watch, last ten years in analysis

Minimal Solar, minimal multi mode, weak flow design of on off stops, no autonomous pilots, monopoly control of electric vehicle roll out in with uninspired lack of diversity. Little emphasis of renewables in power loop of transit. Very uninspired, mediocre, and about to be obsoleted. This reflects poorly on the region, the Super Techs that we covet so much are watching. The private pond of our usual suspects is about to become much more in the public spotlight. If you miss the plot, expect to become irrelevant or retired.

New ways for new outcomes, the battle lines are being drawn

For most of the last decade, you couldn't tell if Marc, the ATA, the City, the Chamber, really whomever had coherent responsibility for such things. As usual the machine operated in coin operated fashion based on priorities of the usual suspects and mediocre bureaucracy. If you don't stand up high integrity leadership and act towards the future in responsive ways, then you waste so much and miss the plot. In fact the smart city effort has missed the plot, as has the current Streetcar expansion. The options we are presented are, do you want your Streetcar stop here or there. Fundamentally they have missed the plot. Now examples will tell the story, much more eloquently than the backscratch mediocrity of bureaucrats that have been holding back progress in these areas, on purpose.

Smart Cities, Smart Transit, not from the bureaucrats

Solar report card, D. Autonomous report card, D, Electric Vehicle ecosystem with multimode transit working with independent renewables, D. Marc, the ATA, the City, the Chamber, they should all take a bow for this showing. Forward thinking outstanding planning getting ready for disruption from the most innovative firms of our times, pretty much missing in action. Missouri is an 80% coal powered state, not exactly an exemplar of much of anything there. Time for leadership clean sweep and to expect disruption as the new normal.
#######

Developing . . .

The Kansas City Saturday Stroll

Another newsworthy glimpse at the NEXTGEN on the national level:

JJ: Bella Thorne's 'Bitch I'm Bella Thorne' Music Video Premieres in Times Square!

Closer to home, here's more news that deserves attention right now . . .

More Deets ad Confirmation Of Downtown Kansas City Club Life Chaos

Man wounded in shooting in downtown area early Saturday

Kansas City police are investigating a shooting in the downtown area early Saturday. Police officers were called at 3:01 a.m. to 10th Street and Broadway Boulevard on a report of a large crowd fighting. Authorities said then a shooting was reported. Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

Youngster Tragedy Today

18-year-old from Independence killed, 4 injured in crash near Sweet Springs

One young person from Independence was killed and four were injured in a crash in Saline County, Missouri near Sweet Springs shortly after midnight on Saturday. An 18-year-old was driving a 2001 Kia east on I-70 when a possible vehicle defect caused her to skid and go off the right shoulder of the highway.

On The Run In JoCo

Fugitive not in custody after escaping police in Olathe area

The Johnson County, Kansas, Sheriff's Office is cautioning residents about a man who eluded police after a pursuit early Saturday. The Sheriff's Office said Wellsville police were chasing the driver of a stolen vehicle on northbound I-35. Stop sticks were deployed, and the driver stopped near I-35 and Lone Elm Road, jumped out and ran off.

Today's Kansas City Blight Fight

Neighbors frustrated with partially torn down, dilapidated Kansas City home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- James and Essie Thomas are tired of looking at the partially torn down house they call a big eyesore. The couple said all the old wood, insulation and rusty pipes are causing all kinds of problems for them. "I can't even enjoy sitting out here," James Thomas said.

Newspaper Reports KCMO Ink Party

From taboo to fine art: KC tattoo convention draws hundreds of ink artists and addicts

Jazlynn Schwegman has always been proud of her Native American ancestry. On Saturday, the 18-year-old had that pride permanently inked on her body: The tattoo on the back of her shoulder shows a chief with a snarling bear headdress. "The bear symbolizes courage," said Schwegman, one of hundreds who attended the fourth annual Kansas City Tattoo Arts Convention.

Save The KCK Ruins

Lawmakers Seek Landmark Status For Old Quindaro Site In Kansas City, Kansas

Years of effort on the part of local activists and historians to designate the Quindaro ruins in Kansas City, Kansas, as a National Historic Landmark may be entering the final stages. U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder and Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, along with Rep.

Kansas City Trippin' Over New Flights

FOX4's Karli Ritter takes KC's first nonstop transatlantic flight to Iceland

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- When Kansas City's first nonstop transatlantic flight took off on Saturday, FOX4's Karli Ritter was along for the ride. The new service allows travelers to fly nonstop from KC to Iceland's capital, Reykjavík, and vice versa, courtesy of Icelandair. The airline offers three nonstop flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .

TKC BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS!!! BIKEWALKKC DUDE ERIC BUNCH RUNNING FOR COUNCIL IN 4TH DISTRICT AT-LARGE!!! WILL MILITANT CYCLING ACTIVIST BRING RUIN TO KANSAS CITY MOTORISTS?!?

Memorial Day Weekend is the deadliest time of year for drivers but Kansas City car owners confront a far more insidious danger from an aspiring local politico.

Hence . . .

BIKEWALKKC BRO ERIC BUNCH HAS CONFIRMED HIS LUST FOR POWER BY ROLLING INTO THE 4TH DISTRICT AT-LARGE COUNCIL RACE!!!

It's a bold move for this relatively young activist who clearly would rather enjoy the 12th & Oak 70k+ salary than get stuck cleaning up bike racks for the rest of his career.



It would be a mistake to underestimate this Kansas City power player given his recent advocacy throughout Midtown and all of those useless and mostly unused bike-lanes which crowd local streets thanks to the handiwork of progressives who envision a world wherein all po'folk are forced to use public transit.

Speaking of fantasies, youngster Austin Strassle also has declared his hope to compete in the 4th District At-Large contest.



He's a long-shot and probably just trying to make a name for himself in local politics but the Midtown KCMO youth movement reveals a trend . . .

LONGTIME KANSAS CITY POLITICO KATY SHIELDS MUST EITHER RUN FOR MAYOR OR MAKE ONE LAST STAND AGAINST A GRASSROOTS YOUTH MOVEMENT!!!

Despite winning a battle with the Feds during the Bush years, turning around her image after long-ago Jackson County Courthouse drama and keeping a relatively low-profile on Council . . . She's got bills to pay and still not old or relaxed enough to retire.



Ergo . . .

COUNCIL LADY KATY IS SANDWICHED BETWIXT TWO AMBITIOUS YOUNG DUDES AND DESPERATELY SEEKING POLITICAL BREATHING ROOM!!!

Now, back to the biker Bunch bro . . .

A week ago he had his civic coming out party via Ruckus but didn't mention his real ambition beyond callously spinning away KC taxpayer cash powered only by a non-threatening subterfuge and good hair . . .



And now, as we cycle toward the the KCMO silly season we have a transit activist peddling non-profit good deeds as a ticket to Council Chambers wherein real corruption and payouts start rolling in for smart politicos.

Developing . . .

Arthur Benson: Kansas City Civil Rights Hero OR Destroyer Of Schools?!?!

Credit where it's due, no matter how readers might feel about his legacy, there's no denying his importance and impact on education issues in KCMO.

Here's more talk and insight into the ongoing social justice struggle. Read more: Seg 1: Poor People's Campaign Revival. Seg 2: The Longtime Face Of Kansas City Civil Rights Cases.

Kansas City Pricing Out Seniors???

We talk a lot about attracting the "creative-class" and Millennials but has the recent luxury real estate boom (powered by City Hall subsidy) made life harder on longtime local residents??? Locals want to know more about the struggles of old school KCMO to maintain a roof over their head. Read more:

KCMO wants input to help solve shortage of senior, low-income housing

Kansas City administrators are trying to come up with solutions for senior citizens and lower-income people who are looking for quality, affordable homes."We're falling behind in a lot of areas," said John Wood, Director of Neighborhood and Housing Services in Kansas City.

Kansas City East Side Teacher Controversy

Nasty allegation and further investigation. Read more:

KC school teacher arrested on charges of indecent liberties with minor

A man, who teaches fifth-grade at Lee A. Tolbert Academy in Kansas City was arrested by federal marshals on suspicion of indecent liberties with a minor. The sc...

WEEKEND SHOOTING IN SHAWNEE!!!

Before our blog community gets too high & mighty about violence in KCMO, let's not forget that Johnson County suburban conflict is also increasing.

Here's the latest example:

KCTV5: 1 shot, injured on Friday night in Shawnee

Fox4: One person injured in shooting in Shawnee; police searching for 4 possible suspects

Deets of a confrontation with 4 suspects:

The police went to the area of 65th and Bluejacket, just east of Nieman Road, around 11:19 p.m. after someone called and said they heard gunshots.

When they arrived, they found a man who had been shot in the torso.

Officers administered first aid and then took the victim to a local hospital.

Developing . . .

TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY SHOOTING LEAVES ONE CRITICAL AFTER MASSIVE BAR CROWD BRAWL AROUND 10TH & BROADWAY!!!

Right now there are reports of multiple injuries and one gunfire victim clinging to life following an EPIC fight near the Quaff in the early morning hours.

To wit . . .

KCPD WERE FORCED TO BLOCK BROADWAY AND CALL FOR MORE CARS AS DRUNKEN DOWNTOWN DENIZENS SLUGGED IT OUT EARLY INTO THE MORNING HOURS!!!

This is either a sign of a comeback for night life inside the loop or a reminder that the cowtown drinking crowd is often less than cordial and security is always a major concern.

Update: Credit to Belinda Post @41 for social media confirmation and a great shot from the scene.

Developing . . .

BROOKSIDE STARBUCKS NOW OPEN!!! CAN ROASTERIE WIN FIGHT FOR KANSAS CITY MIDDLE-CLASS COFFEE SUPREMACY?!?

Actually, the Brookside Starbucks has been open for nearly a week. On a Friday night the place was pretty empty and so the UMKC med school loitering crowd probably doesn't know that there's another great spot to spread all of the pathogens they carelessly drag around on their shoes.

Your least favorite blogger in Kansas City is happy to report that, per company diversity policy, there was no purchase requirement to stink up the bathroom and steal wi-fi for about an hour at this Starbucks.

There's a huge coffee bar and the seats aren't sticky yet.

Also, 3/4 of the baristas are waaaaaaaaay too hot and probably shipped over from corporate.

Meanwhile, the Roasterie is still holding on to their loyal customers for the moment.

And so we ask our blog community . . .

WHO WILL WIN THIS KANSAS CITY MIDDLE-CLASS COFFEE FIGHT FOR THE HEART AND SOUL OF BROOKSIDE?!?!

Given that there's not a drive-thru. This contest might be a push betwixt all of the people pretending to have disposable income.

Developing . . .

NO HECKLERS FOR JAMES COMEY BOOK TOUR FINALE: KANSAS CITY PROGRESSIVES CELEBRATE FORMER FBI HONCHO OPUS!!!

Last night, at the same location as a hip-hop ruckus a couple of weeks ago, Kansas City readers offered a warm welcome for the G-man and his masterpiece that was much better than his anti-climatic Senate testimony against Prez Trump.

Really great review of the event at Fox4 for those who didn't want to pay to hear CNN/MSNBC/NYT talking points repeated by some tall white guy who was formerly important.

Read more:

Former FBI James Comey caps book tour with sold-out KC crowd

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The woman who welcomed former FBI directorJames Comey to the stage Friday night in Kansas City surely knew his book tour started with a hiccup. "Kansas City is cordial," said Rainy Day Books founder Vivien Jennings. "We're all Americans here." Her attempt to discourage any would-be hecklers proved unnecessary.

Show-Me Tempers Flare As Missouri House Committee Lashes Out At Team Greitens

As the debate over impeachment gets real, yelling among lawyers vs. politicos in Jeff City grows louder. Here's the most interesting tidbit picked from recent proceedings:

Committee furious after Greitens' defense provides "cherry-picked" documents to new committee member

What started as a calm day of testimony from a forensic examiner, ended with the chariman of the special house committee investigating Governor Eric Greitens shouting at the defense attorney in the room, calling her partner a liar.

More Deets On Former Kansas City, Kansas Cult Leader Misdeeds & Legal Repercussions

From the smarter readers among our blog community, here's an EXCELLENT round-up of a recent case involving a dude who got scary faith journey start right here in the metro . . . Read more:

Woman Trafficked by Cult Is Awarded $8 Million: 'They Took My Childhood'

Kendra Ross's human trafficking story started in 2002, when she was 11 and forced to cook, clean and provide child care for the United Nation of Islam Inc., a cult in Kansas, court documents say. At 12, she was moved from her mother's home into a household of female members of the cult.

Kansas City Weekly Report & Retort

Checking-in with 12th & Oak for another dose of propaganda and empty promises.

In this week's edition we cover bike lanes and a litany of taxpayer subsidized Summer festivals on the way.

Take a look:



You decide . . .

The Kansas City Weekend News Peek

We start this weekend by celebrating international modeling hottie Candice and her newsworthy biz endeavor and then consider local news items closer to home and possibly more relevant to flyover country . . .

KCPS Cash Game Progress?!?!
Grants Will Help Kansas City Public Schools Continue To Make Gains
Local Crash Aftermath

Police investigate crash at Kansas Speedway's main office

The authorities are investigating a serious injury accident that happened in the area of 110th and I-70. The crash happened at the main office of the Kansas Speedway around 4 p.m. A red truck and a white SUV appear to have been involved in the crash.

Don't Drown In Meth Town

Independence business owner frustrated by flooding intersection no one wants to fix

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- FOX4 got an inside look at the damage Friday morning's heavy rains caused one Independence business. Fairmount Liquors was flooded at Highway 24 and Northern Boulevard, along with a car wash and cars in the parking lot of Best Buy Car Co. The car dealership is in Sugar Creek.

Celebrate KCK Urban Farm Freedom

In Kansas City, Kansas, Two Myanmar Natives Have Found Their Own Version of the American Dream Through Farming

Far Thang is a petite woman with a heart-shaped, youthful face. She primarily speaks Hakha Chin, a language found in pockets of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar's Hakha State, where Far was born.

Kansas City Northeast Safety Concern
LTE: Endangered children at The Concourse
Kenny Chesney - "Get Along" is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .

Celebrate The Kansas City Music Biz Hustle

Background on a Crossroads hip-hop shop story and a collection of some of the more important music articles from this week. Checkit:

I'm KC

My latest audio feature for KCUR aired this morning. I enjoyed my hangs with Walter Edwin, aka The Popper. The segment lives online here. --- I reviewed James Taylor's concert at the Sprint Center for The Kansas City Star. --- I also reviewed Jimmy Buffett's concert at the Sprint Center for The Kansas City Star.

Steve Rose Seyz Perfect Village McMansion Overbuilding Is All Good

With what might be a few dated notions about what's happening in the urban core right now (gentrification and rampant taxpayer subsidy) this Golden Ghetto pundit is pleased with rising wealth disparity in his part of town. Take a look:

'Monster homes' in Prairie Village are a good problem to have

If you need proof that we live in two Americas, consider what's going on right here in the Kansas City metropolitan area. In the inner city, there is angst about deteriorating and abandoned property.

Kansas City Macro Springtime Pix

Images shared by one of this town's very best photos offering a captivating glimpse at the this town in bloom. Read more:

Mid-Spring At Kauffman Gardens

Photography Blog

Kansas City Weekly Power Rankings

It was a tough week in the Kansas City discourse and most of the issues debated will continue to develop over the coming weeks and months. However, for tonight, here's a look at the strongest players in town:

Councilman Quinton Lucas


This week he helped to define terms when it comes to affordable housing and also worked to offer some semblance of order and hope for restructuring the American Jazz Museum. More and more, Councilman Lucas is looking like the most "mayoral" denizen at City Hall.

Jackson County & Missouri Special Prosecutor "Mean" Jean Peters Baker


She's the new lady in charge of the case against Guv Greitens and that makes her the strongest elected official in all of Missouri right now.

KCPD Chief Smith


In a point-by-point rebuttal to a dead-tree media story, he corrected the MSM narrative and and continues the trend of KCPD taking apart newspaper propaganda.

And so . . .



This list has been compiled according to scientific TKC polling and market research data and it's a weekly comprehensive guide to local powerful people, trends and our times.

SHOCK!!! SLEDGEHAMMER ATTACK OUTSIDE OF KANSAS CITY GOOGLE FIBER STORE!!!

Local crime story that shouldn't be skipper over, here's a glimpse at Kansas City Internets life amid rising local crime . . .

Fox4: Metro good Samaritan attacked by man with sledgehammer outside KC store

Here's more deets that aren't as fun as Miley attacking a lib comedian with a sledgehammer:

Flowers said he visited the Google Fiber retail store at 43rd Street and State Line Road on Thursday afternoon to get his internet service repaired. Flowers told Kansas City police the store was busy with customers, and he saw the tall, thin, white man go into the store with the sledgehammer after menacing a couple of people outside.

Flowers convinced the man to walk outside, rather than to cause trouble inside the crowded store.

"That's where I opened up the door, and I was like, 'Bro, what are you doing here?'" Flowers told FOX4.

Flowers and his family said that led to a scuffle in the store parking lot and near the front door of the internet retail store. Flowers said the man hit him twice with the sledgehammer -- once on his shoulder and another to the back of his head. Flowers' family members said that left him with a visit to the hospital with a broken shoulder.

You decide . . .

Kansas City Friday Night Links & News Links

A few items worthy of consideration for the late night denizens of our blog community. Checkit:

Celebrate High Flying Kansas City Social Media Hipster OR Good Riddance???

Passenger tweets updates on flight from Iceland to KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The first IcelandAir flight from Iceland to Kansas City International Airport took off late Friday morning Kansas City time, and one passenger live tweeted several updates during the flight. Kansas resident Daniel Palen has been tweeting updates on the more than six-hour flight. It took off around 6 p.m.

Newspaper Newsflash: Water Rates High

Relief wanted: KC families are drowning in sky-high water bills

Kansas City wants to modify a $5 billion agreement with the federal government to overhaul its aging sewer infrastructure. The effort has found bipartisan support from Missouri's two U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. But the push might not slow the rising cost of water, wastewater and stormwater utilities.

Not Worth The Risk???

Parents leery of returning to water park as Schlitterbahn reopens

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Schlitterbahn Water Park reopened at noon Friday for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, nearly two years after 10-year-old Caleb Schwab died while riding the 17-story Verruckt waterslide. Some parents remain leery about bringing their kids back to Schlitterbahn. Only six of the rides here are reopening, following a state audit released earlier this week.

Kansas City Life Lessons

First-Year Teacher Reflects On What He Taught - And What His Students Taught Him

Friday is the last day of school at DeLaSalle Education Center, a charter high school in Kansas City that primarily enrolls students who haven't succeeded elsewhere. It's also a time of reflection for those who taught them. At 22, first-year Teach For America corps member Pranav Nanda isn't that much older than his students.

Nasty Charges Against This Dude

Metro man charged with child rape, other sex crimes in Johnson County

OLATHE, Kan. -- A metro man has been charged with child rape and other sex crimes in Johnson County after he allegedly sexually abused at least one child. Randall Carter has been charged with one count of child rape, one count of aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of aggravated indecent liberties.

Formerly Local Funny Lady Background

How Kansas City Native Heidi Gardner Ended Up On Saturday Night Live

Last weekend wrapped up yet another season of Saturday Night Live. For cast member and Kansas City native Heidi Gardner, it was an incredible debut. Gardner was one of three new cast members who joined the show last September.

Kansas City Comeback Complete

Royals' three-game winning streak snapped with 8-4 loss to Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas - Ronald Guzman homered in his fourth straight start and drove in three runs, leading the Texas Rangers over the Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Friday night. The rookie first baseman finished 2 for 4, including his sixth home run of the season.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for tonight . . .

FRIDAY FACE-OFF: KANSAS CITY TOY TRAIN STREETCAR HATES WORKING-CLASS???

At the conclusion of the work week and a well deserved respite for so many Kansas City laborers, we want to share this local transit confrontation.

To wit . . .

CHECK THE TOY TRAIN STREETCAR LOOKING TO SHAME LOCAL DELIVERY DRIVERS FOR DOING THEIR JOB!!!

Now, the uninitiated can simply call this a transit beef. However, here at TKC we are initiated and can see through the social media theatricality and deception.

Here's the rub . . .

Media consultants and administrators of the toy train streetcar are typically white-collar workers earning 6-figures from the comfort of a keyboard and they're hassling this guy just trying to do his job.

Take a look:



Thankfully, there has already been some push back including this choice quote:

"dear @kcstreetcar...real businesses (that make money unlike yours) require actual work to be done. Please take your commie tourist train somewhere else and stop bothering real hard working Americans from @usfoods who have work to do and provide for their families."

Now, to be fair, the truck is in violation of newly crafted codes pushed through by City Hall.

And let's not belabor the fact that a bus could simply maneuver around this slight obstruction.

However, what we see from this exchange is the streetcar declaring war, shaming and browbeating delivery drivers -- Working people much lower on the pay scale than the politicos, executives and consultants pushing this mode of transit on the public.

You decide . . .