KANSAS CITY POLICE SUFFER TRIPLE SHOOTING!!! SUSPECT KILLED WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR UMKC INDIAN STUDENT 'CRACK CHICKEN' MURDER!!!

The level of local violence spirals out of control this in the middle of this increasingly deadly KCMO Summer 2018.

BLOODY KANSAS CITY SUNDAY!!! THREE OFFICERS SHOT DURING EAST SIDE GUN BATTLE!!! SUSPECT DEAD AFTER STANDOFF!!!

Moreover . . .

THE SUSPECT, KILLED AFTER A BRIEF STANDOFF FOLLOWING TODAY'S GUNFIRE, WAS UNDER SURVEILLANCE FOR THE RECENT HOMICIDE OF A UMKC COMPUTER ENGINEERING STUDENT!!!



Here's a rundown on the afternoon drama . . .

KMBC: KCPD officers injured in shooting near 40th and Manchester - suspect on the run

Deets:

"Incident happened around noon near 40 Highway and Manchester. Three officers were rushed to an area hospital . . .  The suspect in this case fled the scene.There is a large police presence in the area near the scene. Avoid the area if possible."

From KCPD: "Approximately 12:15pm undercover and tactical officers were conducting an ongoing investigation at 8300 E 40 hwy. They encountered a suspect who fired on officers with a rifle. Two officers were struck and are at the hospital in stable condition."

Another update from police: The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle. That vehicle was recovered a short time later. Officers focused their search nearby the area of 30th and Topping. At that location shortly before 1pm officers once again were fired upon.

Info on 3rd officer hit: An additional (3rd officer) was struck by gunfire and was taken to the hospital . . . The standoff continues at this time.

KCTV5: They are looking for the suspect in the area of I-70 and 40 Highway.

KSHB: KCPD officers shot near 40 Highway and Manchester

Call this one the postscript . . .

KCTV5: Police Chief -- 3 Kansas City police officers shot expected to survive, suspect dead

Again, for the past week, the suspect was under surveillance for the murder of a UMKC student . . .

Developing . . .

Witness Infrared Northeast Kansas City

Amazing photography from one of this city's best shutterbugs . . . Take a look at these masterful local photos:

Invisible, Yet Visible

Elmwood Cemetery in Historic Northeast Kansas City shot with a digital camera and infrared filter. The filter blocks visible like from reaching the camera's sensor so only the infrared spectrum shows up. Exposure and focusing are by trial and error. (A lot of the latter.)

Kansas City Highway Of Death Claims Another Victim Walking On Saturday Night

One of the most deadly stretches of road keeps getting worse, here's more news on the dangerous local street . . .

Pedestrian struck and killed on U.S. 71

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A pedestrian died late Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. 71. Kansas City police officers say a driver reported striking a person as they were headed north on U.S. 71 from Bannister Road. The victim was reported dead at the scene.

TKC SUNDAY SPECIAL!!! KANSAS CITY NEW AIRPORT THREATENED BY RESUMED OPPOSITION AMID CONSTRUCTION DELAYS, BROKEN PROMISES & COST OVERRUNS!!!

Some of the most strident tax fighters in Kansas City argue that City Hall betrayal of promises on the new airport have essentially nullified a recent vote.

To wit . . .

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! BEHIND THE SCENES ANOTHER ROUND OF AIRPORT DEBATE AWAITS KANSAS CITY AMID CONSTRUCTION DELAY AND BUILDING PROBLEM THAT HAVE ARGUABLY VIOLATED THE TERMS OF THE MOST RECENT ELECTION ACCORDING TO CRITICS!!!

Even worse, don't imagine these comments are just among neighborhood activists and petitioners. The reality of the airport debate is daunting and some insiders note there are no less than three multi-national firms involved in the bidding who have already expressed their concern about a haphazard process which has been corrupted from the outset.

Here's the word from insiders and just one facet of the growing debate as this story continues to develop . . .

"It just makes me SICK to see how the Mayor's office and the Aviation Department are continuing to fleece our coffers without any accountability and could literally bankrupt our airport unless someone stops this fraud. If Kansas City thinks the airlines will not tuck their tail and run if cost get too high they are sadly mistaken.

"The so-called vote last year was a vote on a "COMPLETE LIE" put forth on the ballot. Now the city continues to say they have the vote to move forward and build a new terminal. Citizens should demand a recall of the vote because the ballot was a complete misrepresentation (hustle or swindle) of what folks thought they were voting on. This is no different than if they put forth a ballot to build/expand a new bridge across the Missouri River at a projected cost only to find out nothing presented was remotely true and now the city has the authority to build anything they desire at a cost that god only know what it will be . . . Maybe even not a bridge at all!!

"The City of Kansas City should be audited on this process. For the Aviation Dept. to NOT know that the FAA would require them to do an environmental assessment first is absolutely irresponsible. The current KCMO Aviation administration knows nothing about an airport and therefore is unable to effectively administer a project it doesn't really understand . . ."

You decide . . .

DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY WEEKEND VIOLENCE STOPS TOY TRAIN IN ITS TRACKS: IS THE STREETCAR SAFE?!?!

Exceptional reporting from KCTV5 offers a not-so-fun fact that contradicts local hype regarding rail transit.

Summer crime is ramping up and there's not a lot of room for fixed rail transit denizens to maneuver. Here's a glimpse at the most recent predicament:

Streetcar service disrupted after car crashes following chase

Streetcar service was temporarily delayed in Kansas City on Saturday after a car crashed following a chase.

Heartfelt Kangaroo Tribute After Horrific 'Crack Chicken' Student Slaughter

Over the weekend the city college mourned the loss of a talented computer engineering student and offered a hint that Kansas City university life is not without its dangers.

Take a look:

Friends, classmates gather at UMKC to remember Sharath Koppu

It was a solemn morning at the UMKC Student Success Center as friends, family, and students gathered to remember Sharath Koppu, who was taken from them too soon. Carrying on Koppu's legacy is what they aimed to do. "The helping attitude he had, the hardworking nature and willingness to take the extra step," said Sai Sriharsha Sudulaguntla, his roommate.

KANSAS CITY 2018 HOMICIDE #62: MAN DEAD AFTER SUNDAY MORNING SOUTHLAND RESIDENTIAL SHOOTING!!!

The local cycle of violence continues to ramp up amid Summer 2018.

An important point that well-informed locals realize . . . Despite this year's significant middle-of-the-year homicide drop. Kansas City still confronts a longstanding crime problem and murders are well on their way to exceeding 100+ this year which is disproportionately high for this town's population.

The latest . . .

KMBC: Death investigation in KCMO

Scant deets:

"Police are investigating a fatal shooting at a home on Longview Road. 1 man has died. There isn't a suspect in custody at this time and police say they don't have a suspect description."

Again, this is murder #62 compared to 77 at this time last year.

Developing . . .

Will Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill Suffer Supreme Backlash???

Here's a strange argument suggesting legal drama doesn't impact votes . . . Meanwhile, Conservatives are ready to pounce of the future of the highest court in the land. Take a look:

Red-State Democrats' Fears Over Kavanaugh Vote May Be Overblown

Judging from their first reactions to President Trump's pick of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court, Republicans are betting that the confirmation fight is going to prove an election boon. In West Virginia and Missouri-two of a handful of conservative-leaning states in which Democratic Senate incumbents face difficult reëlection battles-Republican challengers are already using the issue as a political cudgel.

Kansas SecState Kobach Champions Deportation Crackdown Benefits Amid Smallish La Migra Support Group

In many ways, a politician on the road plays the role of traveling salesman.

Here's the leading right-wing Guv contender in Kansas making his pitch to small town residents frustrated with their meager lives.

Take a look:

Kobach at Wichita pro-ICE rally: 'Deport an illegal alien today' to create jobs

Kris Kobach spoke at a pro-ICE rally in Wichita Saturday, vowing to end in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants at Kansas universities and promising to help grow the Kansas workforce by deporting "illegal aliens." About three weeks out from the Kansas Republican primaries, Kobach is maintaining his stance against illegal immigration, calling it a burden on the state.

Kansas City Sunday Drop Down News

On Sunday we go back to nature with a classic hottie . . .

SunUK: 'TRIMS BUSH IN BUFF' Kelly Brook ‘does her gardening naked’ to get an even tan

Closer to home, here are more than a few links worth checking this morning . . .

Kansas City Sign Of The Times Tour

Art of (Signs)

Get lost* in our new photography series, "The Art of (KC)", where we bring you beautiful, thought-provoking and compelling images of our city and surrounding areas every other week. On Friday, the iconic Western Auto sign at 21st Street and Grand Boulevard was re-lit, thanks to funding from the Western Auto Lofts homeowners' association.

Trump Care Jobs Coming Soon

Kansas City gains 225 jobs and North Carolina pharmaceutical firm's contact center

A North Carolina-based company is opening a Kansas City contact center where it expects to employ 225. TrialCard says it helps patients get on medication and stay on medication as prescribed working on behalf of pharmaceutical manufacturers. It says it helps patients with more than $1.7 billion in branded drug savings each year.

Show-Me Social Service Reporting

Missouri Social Services defends welfare check on 2 Kearney girls

A spokesperson for Missouri's Social Services is responding to KCTV5's investigative department's concerns about the welfare check done on the morning of two young Kearney sisters' deaths. It's now clear that investigator walked right by the Jeep just hours before Ireland and Goodknight Ribando died.

Kansas City Tech Crime Scare

Homeowners watch on phone as armed intruder tries to break in to Kansas City home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Broken plastic and tire marks are all that's left after a single-car crash in one South Kansas City neighborhood. "[The driver of the car] had to have been flying," Sara Egan said. A short time after the car crashed into a utility pole, a woman inside the wrecked vehicle showed up at Egan's doorstep.

Local Real Estate Good Life Exposed

Modern Design With A Mountain Vibe Makes For A Stunning Loch Lloyd Home

This newly constructed Loch Lloyd beauty was named HBA's "Pick of the Parade" Spring of 2018 Photography: Nate Sheets A little spark can flame into something big. For one couple, a lodge fireplace in Colorado became the inspiration for a gorgeous home in Loch Lloyd.

Cowtown Country Music Dedication

Rain doesn't stop fans from turning out to see Kenny Chesney

Not even rain and storms could keep loyal fans of Kenny Chesney away from Arrowhead on Saturday. The concert was set to happen rain or shine, and fans had been waiting too long to let a little weather stop them. Fans filled up the parking lot hours before the concert.

Home Team Weekend Highlight

Bonifacio homers as Royals beat White Sox 5-0

Jorge Bonifacio homered for the first time since he was suspended for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 5-0 on Saturday for just their second win in July. Bonifacio hit a drive into the home bullpen in left after Whit Merrifield led off the game with a single.

Yah Mo B There is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .

THE TKC SATURDAY NIGHT PLAYLIST!!! KANSAS CITY SUMMER ANIMAL SHELTER OVERFLOW CRISIS WORSENS: THINK ABOUT ADOPTING A NEW FRIEND!!!

Whilst this blog is mostly dedicated to human suffering & political posturing, here's a brief respite and maybe an idea that might make life a little nicer for our otherwise cantankerous blog community . . .

THINK ABOUT ADOPTING A PET AMID SUMMER 2018 KANSAS CITY ANIMAL SHELTER OVERLOAD!!!

Info on the sitch and a links to great places to think about getting a new friend . . .

Fox4: Animal shelters around the metro are at capacity right now, for a few reasons. One -- this is the busy season. Two -- a surge of recent animal abuse and neglect cases. Nearly 900 animals at KC Pet Project alone need a home.

A classic local, political hot take on the topic from the former Prez and friend of the KCMO Irish mob: “If you want a friend in Washington,” Harry Truman “get a dog.”

And these facts inspire our playlist for tonight . . .



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

Kander KCMO Mayoral Kick-Off Report

Aftermath of today's festivities and more talk about an election that will be decided on social image and street level identity politics: Kander officially launches mayoral campaign

World Cup Inspires White People To Come Back To Kansas City, Kansas Strawberry Hill

This is actually a nice bit of news regarding the middle-class making a return trip to their enclave that's now almost totally Mexican. Check the public radio ethnography:

Croatia's World Cup Run Energizes Immigrant Community In Kansas City, Kansas

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church has been a little rowdier than you might expect a church to be this summer. Every time the Croatian national team has played a World Cup match, generations of Croatian families have crammed inside a small bar in the basement.

Show-Me Less Interracial Love?!?!

A sad stat regarding the American melting pot growing cold or maybe just an indication that fewer people overall are tying the knot . . .

Census report shows slow growth in interracial marriages in Missouri

Deets: "Results from the American Community Survey show the percentage of interracial married-couple households increased from 7.4 to 10.2 percent between 2000 and 2012-2016 nationwide. The data for Missouri indicates that over the same time frame, the number of interracial couples increased less than 2.4 percentage points. Missouri is among 21 other states that saw an increase in that range."

You decide . . .

Carjacking Police Chase Conclusion Crash in Downtown Kansas City Power & Light District

A more frequent landing site for the criminal class in KCMO. Here's the latest stop:

Police chase ends in Power & Light District crash

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A police chase Saturday night ended in a crash in the busy Power & Light District. Kansas City Police Department dispatchers say the incident started with a carjacking at Brush Creek Blvd. & Virginia Ave. just before 6:00pm. Officers followed the suspects, and they sped towards Downtown Kansas City.

EPIC KANSAS CITY CAR FIRE!!!

More deets & on the scene reporting of this Saturday drama:

6 vehicles catch fire at Stadium Drive, Bennington

At least six vehicles caught fire in Kansas City on Saturday. The incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. in the 6500 block of Stadium Drive, which is near the sports complex. The authorities are working to determine if the cars caught fire accidentally or if someone purposefully set them on fire.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! CHRISTIAN YOUNGSTER CONVENTION BOOSTS KANSAS CITY TOY TRAIN STREETCAR TO ALL-TIME HIGH WHILST CRITICS CLAIM RIDERSHIP NUMBERS ARE FAKE NEWS!!!

The Kansas City toy train streetcar is touting HISTORIC ridership numbers in their ongoing mission to expand the line.

Here are basics of their claim:

"For the week of July 2 – 8, 2018, the KC Streetcar recorded its highest weekly ridership to date with 78,998 rides. On Friday, July 6, 2018, which also happened to be a First Friday in downtown Kansas City from the Crossroads District to the City Market, the KC Streetcar recorded its highest daily ridership to date with a total of 19,181 rides. That is nearly 2,000 more rides than the previous day of May 6, 2017, which had a daily ridership total of 17,267."

The artsy image is something KCMO wants put front and center but the hipsters & suburbanites usually have their own cars and the $100-MILLION+ and counting streetcar bill is kind of pricey for artsy shuttle service.

More context . . . The July 4th weekend was exceptionally packed with youngsters, which is nice . . . They were part of the Christian "Challenge" conference in Downtown KCMO. These youngsters didn't have much to do when they weren't participating in the conference and it was kinda clear to everybody who drove through the area that they were just riding the line out of boredom or back and forth to explore the gilded part of downtown KCMO. Again, that's cool and I guess the streetcar is a worthwhile attraction for these tourists but transit as baby-sitter isn't what voters were promised.

Moreover, critics point out a contradiction with the numbers game played by streetcar proponents.

"When they were selling the trolley, all they talked about was how the streetcar would bring jobs & increased property values to the neighborhood. Now all they talk about is the number of tourists that are riding the thing. And there is no question that their quoted ridership numbers are bogus."

Supporters of the streetcar don't understand local skepticism about the data so here's more context . . .

- City Hall officials have constantly lied about visitor numbers and claim the KCMO yearly total is 25-million - A figure that isn't at all realistic and has garnered outright mockery.

- City Hall promised us a more efficient airport - It's already delayed and embroiled in a labor battle that's worse than anyone realizes.

- City Hall promised voters a pro-NBA or NHL franchise if $300-MILLION was approved for the Sprint Center. More than a decade later only C-list concerts are offered at the venue.

- City Hall threatened voters that water rates would rise if they didn't approve the local government loans and ensuing higher taxes via GO Bonds. Water rates have continued to rise nevertheless.

- City Hall claimed the P&L District would spark an unprecedented level of prosperity in Kansas City. The new buildings are impressive but the entertainment venue costs $15-MILLION out of the general fund every year.

Clearly, voters who have been paying attention have a right to be skeptical.

And so we ask our blog community . . .

DO YOU TRUST HISTORIC KANSAS CITY TOY TRAINS STREETCAR RIDERSHIP NUMBERS?!?!?

We look forward to arguments from both sides of the aisle on this one given that local media has worked to suppress so much criticism and questions regarding the management of the toy train streetcar and its journey toward expansion.

You decide . . .

SHOCK!!! SHAWNEE DUDE CONFRONTS CHARGES IN TRAGIC CASE OF MISSING KANSAS CITY WOMAN FOUND DEAD!!!

News released just moments ago amid a desperate search that ended badly . . .

Man charged with murder after missing woman is found dead in Shawnee

Deets:

A joint investigation with police from Shawnee, Lenexa, and Kansas City, Missouri lead to the discovery of the missing woman at a residence in the 11400 block of 69th Street in Shawnee.

The suspect, Ronald Kidwell, was located and a second-degree murder charge was filed by the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office. The suspect is innocent until proven guilty.

The victim is Meshon Cooper. She was 43 years old and had last been seen in Johnson County on July 6.

Developing . . .

CONSENSUS: SOCIALIST CELEBRITIES WON'T WIN VOTES IN KANSAS 3RD DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL CONTEST!!!

Congressional contender Brent Welder was doing well against Congressman Yoder right until the point he started believing progressives on the national level rather than his own experience.

We've noted that Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks has been a staunch advocate of the upstart candidate as he attempts to debunk the notion that "all politics is local" in an effort to galvanize progressives across the nation in order to champion avowedly liberal candidates. That's great in theory but in practice donations from hipsters in NYC don't mean much for a candidate in Middle-America who now threatens to be blacklisted and confined to the political fringe given the very real Heartland aversion to an ideology that his been held in contempt since the days of the Cold War. Kansas is not Queens. People are friendly, to a point, but also easily scared by talk of higher taxes or state interference into their lives of quiet consumer desperation.

But I digress . . . 

Mr. Welder has made it this far by talking about issues that matter to voters like healthcare, jobs and corporate control of politics.

When he strayed into culture war issues like gun control, he was quickly smacked down.

And now in a defining move for his candidacy, he's counting on progressive star power instead of street level advocacy that had served him so well.

To wit . . .

BRENT WELDER HAS COMMITTED A HORRIFIC MISCALCULATION IN TOUTING SOCIALISM TO KANSAS VOTERS!!!

Congressman Yoder is weak on the economy and is outright anti-labor. Even worse, Congressman Yoder's increasingly strong defense of Prez Trump makes his otherwise moderate record seem unhinged. There was room to challenge Rep. Yoder but Kansas also isn't Cuba despite the record of fickle JoCo/WyCo voters who aren't as party loyal as the decidedly Red State.

A brief description of the district and Mr. Welder's predicament . . .

"Kansas's 3rd Congressional District is the only one in the Great Plains that backed Hillary Clinton for president, but it is far from a liberal outpost. For 12 years, it sent centrist Democrat Dennis Moore to Congress; Rep. Kevin Yoder, elected in the red wave of 2010, is the first antiabortion Republican to hold it for more than one term."

Again, Mr. Welder had a chance here but as a candidate who was going to bring reform and not total upheaval to this district in constant flux.

Check the related links . . .

CNY: Are socialist candidates the future of the Democratic Party?

The Hill: Socialist agenda will prove disastrous for Democrats

Vox: I’ve spoken to hundreds of voters in “flyover country.” Socialism is an easy sell.

The Week: Socialism won't save the Democrats

Chicago Tribune: Why are millennials so hot for socialism?

You decide . . .

TODAY: KANDER FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF AT KANSAS CITY NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM!!!

At 2 in the PM Jason Kander will officially announce his Mayoral ambitions to the crowd at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz District.

The venue is an interesting choice for many reasons but here are a few that come to mind first:

- He's on the 3rd District home turf of mayoral contenders and Council dudes Jermaine Reed & Quinton Lucas. Obviously, this is a gambit to not only offer a gesture of "unity" for all of KCMO voters but also to keep the campaign from becoming a black vs. white contest that's mostly unfamiliar and dangerous to the Kander campaign.

- It's not really that strange of a choice, Mayor Sly is aligned with Jason Kander and this location also hosted both of the outgoing Mayor's election victory parties.

- But it's not a great choice, if reporters are competent in the least they'll ask about constant & controversial subsidy for the district and maybe the problems with the Jazz Museum right across the hall . . . Again, Kander stays winning by avoiding the details that are desperately needed in KCMO political conversation.

Your baseball analogy is better but it's still too early in the game to start calling strike-outs, grand slams or any other hack catchphrases that will cause TKC cry foul.

Developing . . .

ROCK CHALK ARTSY FLAG DESECRATION SUFFERS CONTINUED THREATS!!!

A debate over patriotism turns into continued performance art and a political distraction. Here's the latest:

Threat made to museum housing controversial flag art

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- University of Kansas police are investigating a threatening call made to the on campus museum housing controversial flag art. Police tell 41 Action News the call came in to the Spencer Museum of Art on Wednesday.

Northland KCMO Trash Crisis Resolved?!?!

Follow-up on this local issue thanks to a litany of Kansas City complaints. Checkit:

Missed Northland trash routes scheduled for collection Saturday

The city says any missed trash and recycling scheduled for collection on Friday in the Northland will be picked up on Saturday.

TKC MUST SEE!!! IN RAINBOW STRIPED BOW TIE KANSAS CITY MAYOR SLY JAMES WELCOMES 'QUEER EYE' CAST & CREW!!!

Promoting Kansas City movie production along with tolerance & fabulous fashions . . . Check Mayor Sly's shout out to a high-profile Internets production . . .

Message from Mayor Sly James to Queer Eye Producers and Cast

Actually, a heartfelt line from KC honcho . . .

"When you come here to film your show & do your thing, you'll find people who love you and want you to be here."

Take a look:



Developing . . .

SHOW-ME LAZY CAMPAIGNING FROM ALOOF MISSOURI AG JOSH HAWLEY!!!

A longstanding complaint from Republicans finally garners a bit of traction from progressives . . . Research indicates that AG Hawley is more interested in his "me time" than working hard to sustain momentum against Senator Claire McCaskill.

Spare us any reactionary defense given the indolent styling of the GOP hopeful is now part of the public record. Fact is, the Missouri Republican Senate Primary is still contested and, respectfully, AG Josh Hawley seems to be acting like a spoiled, brat behind the scenes who seemingly thinks he's entitled to voter support.

Meanwhile, Austin Petersen is far more entertaining and dynamic. Moreover, most Missouri Conservative voters would respect the hard fought credentials of Tony Monetti just as much as the gilded ivory tower legal work of the current snobby front runner who doesn't have much in common with the plebs and is cut from the same 1% cloth as the incumbent.

Money line from the report:

"There have been questions about how he spends his time. His official calendar as attorney general contains long stretches that are unaccounted for, according to a New York Times review of his calendar documents from 2017 and 2018 obtained through a public records request. Local media outlets have also published pictures of him buying wine or lifting weights at a gym far from the office in the middle of the work day."

Take a look:

Republicans Had a Plan for Josh Hawley in Missouri. He's Working on It.

CONWAY, Mo. - "No, no, no," Josh Hawley said, suddenly animated. "No. No. No. Not on the agenda." It was a flash of unguardedness from the relentlessly on-message Mr. Hawley, the Missouri attorney general, who is seeking the Republican nomination in the state's Senate race. Riding in the back of an S.U.V.

Powerless Persuasion: Kansas Democratic Party Guv Hopefuls Hate Gun Rights

Rather than call out GOP corporate politics, overall incompetence and education disaster . . . These politicos take aim at personal liberty and target constituents rather than the opposing party.

Take a peek at the Kansas Democratic Party shooting themselves in the foot yet again and basically giving away any competitive challenge or appeal to Midwest voters:

Guns a hot issue for Democrats in Kansas governor's race

TOPEKA - Democrats running for Kansas governor are falling in line with the national gun-control movement stirring the party's liberal base, even if it means disavowing a loosening of gun laws in recent years that had been playing well in their gun-friendly state. The top three Democratic contenders ahead of the Aug.

Kansas City Saturday Sign Of The Times

Hottie Debby Ryan seems just a bit peeved even though she has a new Netflix show. Meanwhile we check some of the more important Kansas City MSM news links.

Checkit:

KC Fútbol Foodies Crave Povitica

World Cup driving demand for local treat

Croatia will try to win its first World Cup Sunday. The game is creating a lot of buzz in Kansas City's Strawberry Hill neighborhood, which is filled with people of Croatian heritage. Many are celebrating by ordering a traditional eastern European treat called Povitica. Povitica is a bread that is hand-rolled with fillings.

Golden Ghetto Russian Tech

Johnson County making changes to the way you vote

JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. -- Johnson County residents will have a new machine at their fingertips when they vote in the August 2018 primary elections. The county spent $10.5 million on 2,100 new machines. These machines will allow voters to view a paper copy of their ballot selections before they cast their votes.

Fear Kansas City Medieval Times

Man in drug deal points crossbow at undercover agent in Kansas City, feds say

A federal agent conducting undercover surveillance on a suspected drug house watched a man sell drugs - and then point a crossbow in his direction, authorities said. The agent was in an unmarked vehicle on a Kansas City street when a silver car drove up and parked directly in front of him, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.

Kansas City Scooter Crime

Sneaky thief caught on camera stealing Kansas City man's moped scooter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It's truly one caper of a crime that's left cops and 22-year-old Raven Cruze scratching their heads. "It's just unbelievable, and I'm really mad, disappointed, kind of heart broke. It was something that I really loved," Cruze said Friday during an exclusive interview with FOX4.

Kansas Voter Countdown

It's Easy To Vote In Upcoming Kansas Primaries, But Register Now

The deadline to register before the Aug. 7 primaries is Tuesday, July 17. Fear not, registering is easy. So is finding your polling location, or voting in advance. Read on. Got a criminal record? Seriously, read on.

Show-Me Bird Tragedy

Wild turkey with 4K Facebook followers dies in Missouri

TineTheUrbanTurkey SOURCE: TineTheUrbanTurkey Missouri wildlife officials are reporting a sad ending to a monthlong effort to capture a wild turkey that had its own Facebook page with more than 4,000 followers. The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that the bird, which became known as Tina the urban turkey, was struck and killed Friday morning after wandering onto a Columbia road.

Home Team Public Safety Tribute

Young officer diagnosed with ALS has special night at Kauffman

Sarah Olsen looks like a teenager, which is a fact she's used grown used to. "I just laugh about it and roll on," she said. "They think I look like an 18-year-old." However, her looks are deceiving. The Blue Springs High School grad is actually a nine-year police veteran.

Sabrina Carpenter - Almost Love is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .

Check Kansas City Weekend Newsie Chatter

Here's the local discourse according to mainstream Kansas City newsies who mostly watched events unfold on social media like everybody else.

Description:

Nick Haines, Micheal Mahoney, Mary Sanchez, Cat Reid and Dave Helling discuss VP Mike Pence's fundraising visit for Kevin Yoder, Claire McCaskill's position on the Supreme Court pick, the Westport shooting and lingering security issues, the shooting of a UMKC student making global news, the controversy over a flag at KU, free perks for politicians, affordable housing, Bird scooters in KC & more.

Take a look:



You decide . . .

Kansas City Royals Achieve Bittersweet & Inglorious Losing Season Milestone

The latest fanboy lament offers a tragic comparison with better times in franchise history . . . Sadly fanboys miss the smattering of housewives and fair weather fans who have given up on the home team.

Take a look:

2018 Royals match 2015 Royals' loss total... before the All Star break

The 2018 Royals have done something that before the season would have seemed impossible: match the 2015 team's loss total... before the All Star break. Three seasons ago, the Royals lost game no. 67 in the final week of September. This year, they lost game no. 67 on July 13th.

Blogging Kansas City Metal And Music

Quick look at the KCMO Summer concert scene and all of the hipsters grateful to see costly local shows. Checkit:

Metal Deficiency

Something was wrong with me. I'd become unusually disaffected in recent days. I was relieved when I happened upon the proper diagnosis of the mysterious ache: I hadn't attended a metal show in six weeks.

Here's The Moment The Dowtown Kansas City Western Auto Sign Lit Up Again . . .

Kansas City's fading middle-class gathers to enjoy bulb tech downtown on Friday the 13th, 2018 . . .

Celebrate Freebie Kansas City NARCAN

Local opioid Epidemic sign of the times . . .

$150 life-saving overdose antidote now available for free in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Missouri was one of the last states to approve Naloxone, commonly known as NARCAN for over the counter sales, in 2017. It's a medication that can save your life in case of an overdose. But the $150 price has kept it out of the homes of some people who should probably have it.

Kansas City Corpse Found Today

Police suspect natural causes, here's the aftermath report:

Kansas City police confirming cause of death after body is found

Kansas City police are looking into a death of a person who was found late Friday afternoon. The body was found outside near E. 37th Street and Gillham Road shortly before 6 p.m. Police have not yet released if the person is a man or woman, but do say the death appears to be natural.

Kansas City Friday The 13th Power Rankings

At the end of this July 2018 Friday the 13th, Huron City Council member Carol Fowler is likely the most powerful leader in flyover country thanks to her iconic mugshot which evoked international headlines.

However, this scorching Summer week was not without important power moves that deserve mention . . .

Take a look:

Jason Kander Pretty Much Starts First Term As Kansas City Mayor


Social media has already declared him the winner of the next KCMO election and his savvy Internets campaign outpaces every other contender.

Heather Hall Listens To Kansas City Northland And Talks Trash


This week the 1st District Conservative engaged in a live chat with thousands of Internets denizens on the topic of lackluster trash pickup which plagues some of the nicest neighborhoods across the bridge. 

Kansas City LGBT Activists Denounce Prez Trump Administration Amid Last Minute City Hall Sausage Crackdown


Whilst the protest was really mostly radio promo . . . Camp Magazine and may strident LGBT activists dominated headlines with their opposition against VP Pence during his visit this week and actually pushed noteworthy tax talk, Rep. Yoder fundraising and shots against Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill out of the spotlight with their progressive advocacy.

And so, amid another eclipse . . .

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.

Kansas City Westport Crash Scene Starts Another Wild Weekend With Lax Security

Kansas City's best photog was on the scene of the latest Midtown disaster scene which reminds us of the ongoing trouble Westport confronts. Checkit:

Kansas City's Amazing Drivers and Westport Coffee House - Photoblog

Kansas City's Amazing Drivers and Westport Coffee House; Friday, July 13th, 2018. I was driving down Pennsylvania Street in Westport this afternoon with a camera in the back of the car. The coffee shop's owner said it was the driver of a U.S.

Kansas City Wornall Hot Mess Forever

A local urban planning nightmare continues on one of the ugliest streets in KC proper. Here's just a bit more documentation and resident/biz ccomplaints:

Wornall construction continues as frustration mounts

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- For the first time in months, business owners in Waldo along Wornall Road on Friday did not have construction workers in front of their businesses. Crews repairing sewer, water and gas lines under the street moved south to continue repairs on a residential area near 85th and Wornall.

Democratic Socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Campaigning For Congressional Contender Brent Welder: Big Mistake?!?

Bernie coming to town is nice but it's not big news. He's an icon, people love the old codger and his crazy ideas (in theory) and there just isn't the level of antipathy toward him despite hardcore right-wing efforts. In fact, he earned scores of fans during his last KC area visit.

However, harsh feelings directed at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her outright socialism are another story.

Even hardline Democratic Party supporters question her stance.

Example:

New York Times: Democratic Socialism Is Dem Doom

The local angle . . .

KMBC: Former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is coming to Kansas City next week. New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is coming with him. They will be campaigning for Kansas 3rd District Democrat Brent Welder.

We want to talk about this more but for now, we ask the TKC blog community tonight . . .

IS BRENT WELDER MAKING A BIG MISTAKE BY TAKING CAMPAIGN HELP FROM THE NATION'S MOST CONTROVERSIAL NEWBIE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST?!?!

The Johnson County "golden ghetto" is leaning more progressive but it's unclear if leftist NYC politics will play in Kansas.

You decide . . .

JACKSON COUNTY HONCHO PAUL WRABEC STAYS LOSING COURTROOM BATTLE!!!

A setback for this Jackson County leader and a hint that the new slate of politicos might also confront controversy.

Read more:

KSHB: Judge rules Jackson County Legislature candidate remains on ballot

Deets:

One of Charlie Franklin's opponents in the race, Paul Wrabec, filed suit to have Franklin removed from the ballot.

Wrabec argued Franklin broke the law by signing his campaign disclosure form stating he didn't owe delinquent taxes when he did.

But Judge Jennifer M. Phillips denied Wrabec's request in a written order without explanation.

TKC reader perspective . . .

"Controversial politician Paul Wrabec has had to answer a number of uncomfortable questions from democrats this election season. In a party that has become more progressive, many are questioning his concerning and "old school" stance on social justice and race, as well as his recent legal trouble for accumulation of waste and trash on his property. Now, Wrabec's campaign has suffered a severe setback in court as his half-baked attempt to remove his competition from the ballot went down in flames as the court ruled, thankfully, that the voters, and not insider political games, should decide elections. Wrabec was severely out-lawyered in court, and is also being out worked in the 3rd district by both of his opponents."

Developing . . .