TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! KANSAS CITY CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN SUICIDE JUMPER NEAR THE PLAZA UNREPORTED!!!

So, over the weekend some poor soul jumped off a building near the Plaza as local media and authorities conspired to keep it quiet.

Reports of the tragic scene were all over the local Nextdoor & Ring apps and more than a few locals sent word our way via e-mail.

While it's correct that most suicides are unreported by local media . . . The local chatter is simply to loud to ignore. Moreover, during this crisis we've mostly been blogging the local news in a straight forward manner but the way this story was suppressed irks TKC and once again makes the ALTERNATIVE JOURNALISTIC MISSION OF THIS KICK-ASS BLOG COMMUNITY even more important. 

Accordingly . . .

WORD OF SOMEBODY TAKING A HEADER OFF A BUILDING NEAR THE PLAZA IS NOTEWORTHY GIVEN THAT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES DURING CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN ARE A MAJOR CONCERN!!!

We've noticed that many of the cheeseballs who read this blog have been getting a bit "weird" over the past few days and there is simply no denying increasing pressure confronting most Americans right now. Here at TKC we hope talking about this issue will help destigmatize any conversation about mental health issues and how desperation impacts so many locals who are out of work and suffering from radical social distancing.

Fact is, we don't want to delve into any personal deets of the victim in this tragic circumstance BUT the widely discussed building dive deserves at least a mention if only because it represents LOCAL REAL LIFE as this cowtown confronts the coronavirus pandemic.

Further reading:

Forbes: Half Of Americans Suffering Mental Health Issues During Coronavirus, New Poll Shows

Onion: Crazed, Quarantined Mental Health Experts Recommend Scrawling ‘Everything Will Be Okay’ In Feces On Wall

CNBC: The coronavirus is taking a huge toll on workers’ mental health across America

KMBC: Therapist says don't ignore what you're feeling during pandemic

Hug @ John Hopkins: Managing and understanding mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic

As always, we encourage readers to be safe, hang in there and KEEP THE FIRE. Hopefully, we'll have even more news, gossip & good stuff for the morning update . . . STAY TUNED!!!

KANSAS CITY ZOO PROTECTS CAPTIVE ANIMALS FROM CORONAVIRUS!!!

So, it turns out that a tiger in Brox Zoo has better medical care than most of the people in the Bronx. Meanwhile, the caged animals in the local zoo jail get more consideration than most locals . . . Read more:

Kansas City Zoo steps up precautions after tiger at the Bronx Zoo tests positive for COVID-19

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - The Kansas City Zoo is stepping up precautions after a tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. None of the animals at the zoo are showing any signs or symptoms of the illness, but zoo staff is doing all they can to protect the animals there.

MISSOURI SENATOR JOSH HAWLEY MOVES GOP TOWARD MORE AGGRESSIVE CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS!!!

Maybe the most important departure from establishment Republicans the politico has taken thus far . . . Sadly, local media is downplaying this important power move that leverages MAGA grassroots support . . . Read more:

Josh Hawley sets up potential clash in GOP with coronavirus push

Hawley is one of the first Republicans to push a major add-on to Congress' already extraordinary relief effort, and he's fighting an uphill battle with his guarded colleagues. But the early maneuvering is a hint of the debate to come in what was once a budget-slashing party that must now weigh just how big to go in the face of a terrifying crisis.

Kansas City Monday Night News Lounge

Right now we share pop culture, community news and more info for our most dedicated newshounds . . . Checkit:

Local News Dude Selections

Nick's Picks: Answering Your Questions During the Age of Coronavirus

Here's the week ahead in Kansas City to help you and your family manage this historic moment. Starting today, the entire state of Missouri is under a stay-at-home order. But don't expect to see much change in the Kansas City area, which has been living under those restrictions since March 24.

Workplace Safety Sick Out

Trucking company reports 300 on pandemic leave

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Some 300 employees from an international trucking company have been placed on pandemic sick leave due to coronavirus. XPO Logistics is an international company employing 50,000 people in the U.S. and 100,000 worldwide. After employees at the Kansas City, Kansas, facility complained of a consistent lack of cleaning supplies , a Philadelphia trucker contacted 41 Action News.

Crispy Canine Rescued

Lake Lotawana police officer finds 10-week-old burned puppy

Lake Lotawana police want to know what happened to a 10-week old German shepherd puppy that was found burned late Wednesday night. The puppy is alive but it is facing an uphill battle."I usually go out there two or three times a shift," police Officer Tim Coen said.He said people frequently dump trash in the spot, but he was not expecting this."There's that frustration.

Tech Real Estate Gambit

Real estate agents expand virtual showings due to COVID-19

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - March started off strong for the Kansas City housing market, but within a few weeks, realtors started noticing some pretty big changes. Many realtors, like Hobie Reber, are now doing virtual showings. "People are a little bit more cautious, I've had active listings that they decided to take their house off the market temporarily," Reber said.

Empty Arrowhead 2020?!?!

Identifying issues the NFL must solve to get the 2020 season started

Monday would have been that day that NFL teams with new head coaches (the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Redskins) would have been able to open their offseason programs. The rest of the league - including the Kansas City Chiefs - would have started in another two weeks.

WHERE'S MY CHECK!?!

When are stimulus checks coming from the IRS? Deposit date and details explained

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will start directly depositing the economic impact payment-otherwise known as the stimulus check-directly into Americans' accounts for mid-April, around April 15. These first direct deposits will go to Americans who filed tax returns in the past two years and whose payment details are already on record.

White House Shares Hope

Trump says there is 'light at the end of the tunnel' after grim warnings of coronavirus death toll rising

President Trump tweeted Monday that there is a "light at the end of the tunnel," following a series of grim warnings about this week's expected death toll from coronavirus. "LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL," Trump tweeted Monday. "USA STRONG!" The president warned over the weekend that this week "will probably be the toughest week."

EPIC Mask Deal

Trump and 3M strike deal to bring 55.5 million masks a month to US to help coronavirus response

President Donald Trump said Monday that the White House and 3M "reached an agreement" that will bring more than 55 million masks to the U.S. each month, following a public dispute between the manufacturing giant and the president. "So the 3M saga ends very happily," Trump concluded at a White House press briefing on the coronavirus outbreak.

Pr0n Game Gets Personal

As Job Losses Grow, Newly Unemployed Embrace Sex Work by Camming for Cash

At the start of last month, Buffy Montgomery, 35, was a massage therapist by day, and a professional mermaid (officially, an "underwater performer") by night. By the end of the month, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fort Lauderdale native was neither.

Local Donation Guide

Hold On To Unwanted Clothes And Furniture, Kansas City - Donate Diapers Instead

Kansas City area residents who are doing their spring cleaning while under the metro-wide stay at home order will likely have trouble getting rid of their unwanted items. All of the organizations that typically take donations - Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, Disabled Americans Veterans, Goodwill, Jewish Vocational Services, Red Racks Thrift Store, Savers and the Salvation Army - have closed their offices, or are not accepting donations or scheduling pickups due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Changing Cowtown Culture

ESHIP Communities: Gabe Muñoz helping entrepreneurs navigate cultural barriers amid COVID-19

This Kansas City-based entrepreneurial ecosystem champion has been reaching out to and building relationships with a handful of local small business owners and entrepreneurs every day for the past few weeks in an ongoing attempt to find out what they need right now, as the COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacts the livelihoods of many.

Tueaday Warm Up Redux

Temps to climb into upper 70s Tuesday

Temperatures will warm up significantly Tuesday. After starting out in the low 60s, we'll see a high near 78 degrees. Temperatures will warm up significantly Tuesday. After starting out in the low 60s, we'll see a high near 78 degrees.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for tonight . . .

GET READY TO PLAY KANSAS CITY CORONAVIRUS VENTILATOR LOTTERY!!!

So many political hacks promised to protect Americans from so-called "death panels" but if the pandemic worsens, the dearth of supplies will necessitate equally tough decisions.

Read more:

Metro hospitals develop system to determine who receives ventilators

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Though Missouri and Kansas are weeks away from hitting their expected peaks with COVID-19 cases, hospitals are deciding how life-saving resources will be distributed during that time. Dr. Tarris Rosell, Rosemary Flanigan Chair at the Center for Practical Bioethics, told 41 Action News on Sunday that hospitals in the metro are developing a point system to determine who receives a life-saving ventilator and who doesn't.

Kansas City Northland Suffers Coronavirus Spike As First Death Reported

This suburban enclave was slow to start adding numbers but now the count continues to escalate . . . Read more:

Clay County sees first COVID-19 death, 35 cases overall

LIBERTY, MO - Health officials in Clay County announced the county's first death of a patient diagnosed with the coronavirus. According to the Clay County Public Health Center, the patent was a 64-year-old woman who first tested positive on March 25. She died Monday, and doctors noted that the case was not travel-related.

KCK Coronavirus Outbreak Continues

A local hotspot gets worse and reports more COVID-19 cases today . . . Checkit:

Officials say more patients at KCK rehab center where 4 died may test positive for coronavirus

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Four people have died of the coronavirus at a nursing home where at least 29 elderly patients have tested positive. Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation Center on Freeman Avenue first reported the outbreak to the state late last week.

Jackson County Exec Frank White Statement On $4-MILLION To Fight Coronavirus

Aftermath quote on today's local guv cash effort to "flatten the curve" locally . . . Read more:

Jackson County Executive statement on $4 million in additional funding for Rep. Joe Runions Act

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. commends the members of the County Legislature for approving today an additional $4,000,000 for the Runions Act, his emergency funding proposal to combat the toll of COVID-19 on our community.

The funding package provides $2,000,000 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing kits. It will be allocated as follows:

- Truman Medical Centers (TMC) or Jackson County Health Department – $1,000,000
- Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and/or smaller municipalities within the County – $500,000
- Jackson County Department of Corrections – $300,000
- Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office – $200,000

The remaining $2,000,000 in funds will aid TMC and the County Health Department in their efforts to provide emergency housing for individuals who do not have a safe location to stay during their quarantining, including but not limited to, those who are housing insecure, homeless, living with high-risk persons, first responders or medical professionals.

“Today’s action would not be possible without our partnership with the Legislature, who ensured the County has the funds available to combat this serious public health emergency. Together, we will do everything we can to protect and save lives,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the medical professionals and first responders, who are absolutely essential to the health, safety and well-being of our community. I cannot thank them enough for their courage, commitment and sacrifice during this unprecedented time. I urge everyone to support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight by staying home.”

The County anticipates receiving federal reimbursement for some or all of these purposes, but today's action was necessary to ensure the money is immediately available should supplies exist.
###

Developing . . .

Kansas City 2020 Homicide #42: Hit & Run Homicide Suspected

Latest local murder investigation compared to 39 at this time last year . . . Read more:

KC police investigating after a pedestrian was struck, killed near East 23rd Street and Topping Avenue

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Kansas City police are investigating after a pedestrian was struck and killed Monday. Officers were called to East 23rd Street and Topping Avenue just before 3:30 p.m. A representative with the department said officers responded to an injury accident where the pedestrian was struck and killed.

KCPS Halts Food Distribution After Worker Suffers Coronavirus Presumed Positive

Life lesson on food insecurity amid the pandemic. Checkit:

KCPS meal distribution suspended temporarily after a staff member has a presumed positive case of COVID-19

Late Monday afternoon, Kansas City Public Schools released a statement explaining that they would temporarily suspend meal distribution for students. The announcement reads: The health, safety and wellbeing of our students, families, staff and community are our top priorities in Kansas City Public Schools.

COMMISH GENE OWEN STAYS WINNING CLAY COUNTY ANNEX DEBATE!!!

Couldn't care less but there there's a tragic group of Northland residents who have dedicated the past 24 months of their lives to this debate and still haven't been able to exert much influence beyond a mostly useless audit.

Read more:

Clay County commissioner given spending authority over controversial $20M annex project

Clay County Commissioner Gene Owen now has full spending authority on behalf of taxpayers over a controversial $20 million county annex project, after a vote of the Clay County Commission by conference call Monday.Owen has come under fire from taxpayers after KMBC 9 Investigates uncovered he quietly approved two contracts for the annex last month totaling more than $1.3 million.

KANSAS CITY CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: LOCAL CASES & DEATHS SPIKE!!!

Some MSM estimates claim around 820 people in the Kansas City "region" have been infected with the new coronavirus and count at least 22 deaths.

Here's a more specific breakdown with local numbers sorted by jurisdiction along with deets from across the nation and around the world . . .

KCMO COVID-19 Totals: Cases - 210 Deaths - 5

KSHB: 3 patients die of COVID-19 at Kansas City, KS rehabilitation facility

Fox2Now: According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the state’s overall caseload jumped to 2,722 patients, an increase of nearly 15 percent. 39 deaths so far. That number was at 2,367 on Sunday afternoon.

LST: Jackson County to spend another $4 million for coronavirus testing and equipment

KWCH: Coronavirus cases in Kansas jump by nearly a hundred in a day to 845 -- 25 deaths.



CNN: More than 10,000 people in the US have died from coronavirus. And officials say this will be the most challenging week yet

Fox News: Boris Johnson moved to hospital's intensive-care unit after coronavirus symptoms worsen, spokesman says

Guardian: Coronavirus means a bad recession – at least – says JP Morgan boss

CNBC: Janet Yellen says second-quarter GDP could decline by 30% and unemployment is already at 12%-13%

The Hill: Four teen girls charged with hate crime for attacking Asian woman on bus



Daily Mail: PIERS MORGAN -- In just five brief minutes of calm empathy, fortitude and history, the Queen inspired her people to overcome this coronavirus crisis better than President Trump has rallied Americans with 50 hours of rambling, self-promoting twaddle

New York Daily News: Ecuador distributes cardboard coffins as authorities struggle to collect bodies of coronavirus victims


Reuters: South Korea reports fewer than 50 new infections, earning WHO praise

Blaze: Spain to implement universal basic income in response to coronavirus — and the change will be permanent

Biz Insider: Italy, Spain, and France reported declines in daily coronavirus death tolls. Their governments don't plan to lift national lockdowns and social distancing rules anytime soon.



Daily Wire: WHO Demands Abortion Be Considered ‘Essential’ Healthcare Services During Coronavirus Pandemic

YM: Coronavirus stimulus checks: 175 million Americans will start receiving funds 'this week or early next,' Larry Kudlow says

Fox News: Trump, Biden have a 'really good' phone call about coronavirus

New York Post: Argument erupts between Fauci, Trump aide over coronavirus drug: report

Forbes: Americans Are Excessively Eating, Drinking, Smoking Pot, Playing Video Games And Watching Porn While Quarantined



Developing . . .

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK HITS KCPD!!!

A glmipse at the pandemic and the effort to maintain staffing levels . . .

KSHB: 5 KCPD members test positive for COVID-19

Deets:

"An additional 25 KCPD members are in various stages of quarantine.The spokesperson said the department’s staffing levels continue to allow the department to respond to calls for service."

Developing . . .

Kansas City State Rep. Blasts Missouri GOP On Bad Budget Planning Amid Coronavirus

A bold statement and important implication from Kansas City's Northeast rep . . .

"Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues chose to take the position that we were over reacting and instead, needed to take a more “measured approach” and come back should the need arise. Which it did . . ."

Read more on the alleged draconian crackdown playing out in Jeff City this week:

Kansas City Democrat: Legislature returns to Jefferson City to do what should have been done before Spring Break

(From Rep. Ingrid Burnett, D-Kansas City) I will be going to Jefferson City on Wednesday. We will be authorizing the spending authority for the Governor that we (The Democrats) tried to give him when we completed the budgeting requirements prior to leaving for Spring Break (last week).

SCOTUS Favors Stricter Kansas Stop Power

Fewer 4th Amendment protections exist thanks to this guilt by association ruling targeting citizens merely connected to moving violations . . . And so ridin dirty becomes even easier to prove for those unable to hire effective weed carriers.

Kansas law enforcement was justified in stopping vehicle after learning the owner's license was revoked, Supreme Court says

The Supreme Court on Monday held that Kansas law enforcement was justified in pulling over a Kansas man for a traffic stop after learning that the registered owner of the vehicle had his license revoked by the state, even though the officers did not know who was driving.

Kansas City Midday News Walk

Quick news jaunt for day trippers looking to delay the return voyage back inside the house . . . Here's a peek at pop culture, community news and important info across the nation . . .

Kansas City Hero In NYC

Kansas City nurse answers New York's nationwide call for help during pandemic

KANSAS CITY (KMOV.com/ KCTV) -- Currently, New York is the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic and a Missouri nurse is answering the call for help. "The things that are killing people is respiratory failure and that's my specialty," nurse Lisa Nelson said.

Temp Tag Reprieve

Missouri, Kansas extend driver's license, vehicle registration deadlines amid COVID-19

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson extended all driver's license and vehicle registration renewals March 21 amid a flurry of other measures enacted by the state. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order March 23, which provides for a similar extension of deadlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tragic Golden Ghetto Crash

57-year-old Shawnee man dies after crash near 75th Street and I-35

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Overland Park police are investigating a crash that happened Sunday morning near West 75th Street and I-35. According to police, the driver was heading south on Frontage Road and hit a curb. Then the vehicle traveled a few more block before eventually coming to a stop.

Chesty C-List Stroll

Courtney Stodden Cleavage in Risque Robe Out in Los Angeles

Courtney Stodden Cleavage in Risque Robe Out in Los Angeles, Courtney Stodden, Cleavage, Dog, Los Angeles, Risque Robe,

No Magic Pill?!?!

Peter Navarro on his qualifications to disagree with Dr. Anthony Fauci on coronavirus treatments: 'I'm a social scientist'

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Monday said he was qualified to engage and disagree with Dr. Anthony Fauci on the use of an anti-malarial drug as a coronavirus treatment -- which is not yet proven as effective -- saying, "I'm a social scientist."

Mass Grave Talk Bites Big Apple

New York City will bury coronavirus victims in public parks

Councilman Mark Levine tweeted on Monday that soon the city would have to start burying bodies in public spaces to avoid them being left in the street He said that it will be known as 'temporary interment' and will be done in a 'dignified manner' Levine later tweeted that it

Bulls Fight For Reovery

Stocks are set to jump, with Dow futures pointing to 900 point gain

U.S. stock futures rose on early Monday morning as Wall Street tried to recover from another decline last week. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures traded 872 points higher, implying a gain of about 906 points at the Monday open. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures also pointed to robust Monday opening gains for the two indexes.

USA WAITING ON CHECK!!!

Falling through the cracks: Many Americans won't get coronavirus checks

WASHINGTON - For millions of Americans awaiting coronavirus cash, help is not on the way. Although the $2 trillion stimulus bill passed last month includes payments of up to $1,200 for everyone who makes less than the limit, many Americans will fall through the cracks.

History Plagues Kansas

A Century Ago, One Kansan Showed The World How To Fight Pandemics

If Samuel Crumbine were alive today, he'd recognize the precautions that Kansans are taking to limit COVID-19. There's little doubt he would approve of the closing of schools, theaters and restaurants. He would worry about Kansas hospitals and wonder if their staffs are prepared for a crisis.

MO Wage Debate

'Show Me' stacks: Missouri women make 22% less than men

For women working in Missouri, the biggest "show me" challenge is about money. For every $1 that a man earns in this state, a woman makes just 78 cents, according to a recent study by business.org. The consumer website used data from the American Community Survey, which looked only at the median earnings derived primarily from job wages and salary.

Local Java Gratitude

Metro area McDonald's offering free coffee to first responders, health care professionals

HAPPENED, WHICH IS ROUTINE. WELL THIS MORNING, MISSOURI JOINS ALMOST EVERY OTHER STATE IN THE NATION WITH A STATE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER GOVERNOR MIKE PERSON ISSUING THAT ORDER OVER THE WEEKEND ARE KMBC 9S MARTIN AUGUSTINE JOINS US NOW, MARTIN WHAT? DO'S AND DON'TS OF THIS ORDER?

Kansas City Warm Up Week

Warmest stretch of weather in months starts this week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It's actually been a relatively mild stretch for the last couple of months. There have been some colder pockets mixed in, but there have been many high 60 and 70 degree days of recent. But we still haven't touched that elusive 80 degree number just yet.

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

KANSAS CITY VETERAN DIES FROM CORONAVIRUS COMPLICATIONS AS TECH CONNECTED FAMILY TO FINAL MOMENTS!!!

Local tragedy report as medical pros also work to connect families during tragic moments. Checkit:

KCVA: Loved ones able to be with veteran virtually as they died from COVID-19 complications

The Kansas City, Missouri, Veterans Administration Medical Center has reported its first death related to the coronavirus.Officials said the individual was admitted to the KCVA on April 1. The veteran, a patient in their 60s (the patient's gender was not identified), had reported being exposed to COVID-19 and began to feel symptoms approximately 10 days before hospital admission.The hospital said the individual died on Sunday.

Seven COVID-19 Victims Dead In The Dotte

Update from the Kansas side urban core and nearby nursing homes that have been hit hard. Checkit:

Seven people have now died in Wyandotte County due to COVID-19

WYANDOTTE COUNTY, Kan. - Wyandotte County health officials are reporting their seventh death related to COVID-19. As of Monday morning, Wyandotte County has 172 confirmed cases with 50 patients hospitalized. The health department has not released any details about the patient or what part of the county they lived in.

Heartland Coronavirus Apex?!?!

Quick stat look from a local expert as everybody plays epidemiologist for the next 10 days. Read more:

New projections show Kansas and Missouri coronavirus fallout peaking on same day-and there's good news

A graph shows resource use in Kansas during the coronavirus pandemicUp-to-date protections for the fallout of the coronavirus projection now show Kansas and Missouri both reaching "peak resource use" on the same day: April 19. The good news? The curve has been flattened.

SHOCK!!! REPORT: KCPD OFFICER ACCIDENTALLY SHOOTS NEIGHBOR!!!

Call it freak accident our just more bad luck during the coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home order . . .

REPORT: THIS MORNING KCPD SHOT SOME INNOCENT GUY IN HIS HOME BY WAY OF A MISTAKEN GUN DISCHARGE!!!

This one is exceptionally troubling given that police have more training than most people with guns and still this horrific incident lands a guy in the hospital at a time when EVERYBODY wants to stay out of the hospital.

Checkit:

Investigators: Kansas City Police Officer Accidentally Shoots Neighbor

"Police investigators said the off-duty officer was inside his house when his gun discharged unintentionally.

"Police said the bullet went into his neighbor's home, striking a man inside 

"The victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to the hospital for treatment."

More:

Officers were called just before 12:30 a.m. to a homes in the 5600 block of North Richmond Avenue on a shooting call in the Northland.

"Police said a preliminary investigation appears the off-duty officer was inside his residence when his duty weapon discharged unintentionally. The discharged round exited the officer's home and entered the home immediately to the south, striking the victim.

"Police said numerous other residents were inside the victim's home, but only one woman was in proximity of the victim.

"The officer, a 24-year veteran, is assigned to the Metro Patrol Division. The officer will be on administrative leave during the course of the initial investigation."

The victim is reportedly in stable condition.

Developing . . .

DISGRACE!!! KANSAS CITY STILL NOT KEEPING DISTANCE AT PARKS!!!

Repeated warning persist as the American pandemic death toll continues to climb and locals FAIL to follow any precaution that isn't forced. Meanwhile double talk on masks and the argument over the rate of contagion still have leaders unsure of how to prepare for the future when, inevitably, stay-at-home and social distancing rules are no longer viable.

Read more:

KC Parks are still challenges for social distancing

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Cars and people packed Loose Park on a beautiful Sunday. The only thing that would make it better is more distance between members of larger groups. Mayor Quinton Lucas says a little distance will go a long way against COVID-19.

Kansas City Testing For Coronavirus Vaccine Starts: Will You Volunteer?!?!

From the AP:

"The study is a first step to see if the vaccine appears safe enough for larger tests needed to prove whether it will protect. Even if the research goes well, it is expected to take over a year before any vaccine could be widely available."

Read more:

Company poised to start COVID-19 vaccine safety test with Kansas City volunteers

KANSAS CITY, MO (AP) -- A second U.S. company is poised to begin a small safety test of a vaccine against the new coronavirus. Inovio Pharmaceuticals said Monday that it has Food and Drug Administration permission for the study in 40 healthy volunteers in Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri.

Double Johnson County Coroanvirus Death Monday As Pandemic Worsens

So far here's the best write-up and overview of a metro hot spot. Read more:

Coronavirus death toll in Johnson County, Kansas, climbs to 9 with more than 200 cases confirmed

The expectation is the death toll will spike, catching up with the case total and rivaling some of america's darkest days..

Kansas City Political Consultant Group TJP Strategies Stays Winning Pollies

Quick peek at a rising star in the local political game and competition among the industry that actually determines how messages are communicated with the public before policy is crafted . . .

TJP Strategies Wins Pollie Awards for Direct Mail

Kansas City, MO. – TJP Strategies, a Democratic consulting firm based in Kansas City, received three Pollie Awards for direct mail, national honors awarded by the American Association of Political Consultants at their annual awards ceremony on Friday.

The Pollie Awards highlight the most creative work in politics, awarding the best firms for creativity and effectiveness in campaign advertising. TJP brought home three Pollies for its work during the 2019 election cycle, including work for the Carpenters Regional Council of Kansas City and St. Louis:

Best Use of Slate Mail – Endorsed by the Carpenters (Silver Pollie Award)
Best Use of Slate Mail – Vote Column 1 (Bronze Pollie Award)
Direct Mail, Candidate Division (PAC/Super PAC) – Murder Bus (Bronze Pollie Award)

Earlier this year, TJP Strategies was recognized as a Reed Award winner by Campaigns & Elections for “Best Mail Piece for County, Local, or Judicial Campaign (Democratic)” for Mary Kuhn’s county legislative race in Onondaga County, NY. TJP was also honored as Reed Award finalist in several other categories.

“Our team is honored and incredibly excited to have won these awards,” says Patrick D. Shami, Managing Director and partner of TJP Strategies, “We really have a diverse and talented creative team to thank for this. Under the direction of Mike Hardin, our Creative Director and fellow partner, we have been able to win several awards over just the last couple of years.”

Recycling & Kansas City Trash Talk

Actually, a very smart report and insight into one of many ways that coping with China is creating more local challenges . . . Checkit:

curiousKC: Turning Trash Into Treasure Isn't Getting Any Easier

Glass. Cardboard. Plastic. Paper. It may feel great to toss that stuff into our blue recycling bins, but is it as effective as we hope it is? And if it isn't, should we even bother?

Kansas City Still Connected To STL By Rail Transit Despite Coronavirus Pandemic

A glimpse at an essential mode of transit that only makes one trip a day . . . Read more:

"Amtrak has not canceled its Missouri River Runner route, which travels from Kansas City to St. Louis, but it is now only running one round trip per day, starting and ending in Kansas City."

Read more:

Public transit faces changes amid COVID-19

Public transportation is one of the essential services the Department of Homeland Security has outlined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though transit is still operational, it is facing significant changes amid lower ridership and tighter scrutiny on sanitation during the outbreak.

Coronavirus Pandemic Killed Kansas City Real Estate Selling Season 2020

Our readers can only hope that a decline in property tax assessments will also result in this OBVIOUS downgrade . . . Take a look:

Kansas City's Spring Parade of Homes postponed

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- The Spring Parade of Homes has been postponed due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. It was scheduled to run April 25 through May 10.

Kansas City Monday Back To The Grind

AND WE'RE BACK!!! SORTA!!!

Back only by way of acknowledging that Monday doesn't mean much to a country suffering about 1/3 of all workers unemployed.

Still we're inspired by pr0n cross-over hottie Sophie as the "adult industry continues to confront challenges during the lockdown . . . Moreover, we also consider community news, pop culture and info from across the nation and around the world.

Blaze Starts Monday

Crews battle Monday morning house fire in KCMO

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City, Missouri, fire crews extinguished a house fire near East 9th Street and Benton Boulevard early Monday morning. The call for the fire went out around 7 a.m. It was out by the time 41 Action News crews arrived around 7:30 a.m.

Mechanics Keep KC Moving

Everyday Heroes: Auto body shops still doing business during coronavirus pandemic

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Typically, when you come into a shop like Hafkemeyer Motors, mechanics will have grease on their hands. But now, they're trying to wash and sanitize more often to prevent the coronavirus from forcing them to close.

Local Lockdown Impact

Hospital patients can't see loved ones during COVID-19 pandemic

With the coronavirus keeping visitors out of hospitals, many people are worried for their loved ones who are there alone. KMBC 9 spoke with an Excelsior Springs man about the struggle his family is going through.

Pr0n Game Is Cruel

How Big Porn Is Making The Coronavirus Crisis Even Worse

The Wuhan coronavirus epidemic has turned the lives of most Americans completely upside down. As social distancing practices have been adopted nationwide, many have found themselves isolated from everyday human interaction, suddenly cut off from extended family and friends, and - if they're lucky enough still to be employed - forced to work from home.

Tragic American Milestone As Coronavirus Pandemic Worsens

U.S. Coronavirus Deaths Near 10,000 Amid Warnings of Bad Week Ahead

Health officials warn of a difficult week ahead as the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus nears 10,000. Leading infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said this will be a "bad" week, noting that "we should hope that within a week, maybe a little bit more, we'll start to see a flattening out of the curve and coming down."

Debate Over Treatment Ecapsulates MSM Antipathy Toward Prez Trump

'He's answered that question.' Trump interrupts when reporter asks Fauci about hydroxychloroquine

WASHINGTON - A reporter's question about hydroxychloroquine led to a testy moment at Sunday's White House briefing. Anthony Fauci was asked his thoughts on the effectiveness of the anti-malaria drug in treating coronavirus patients, and President Donald Trump interrupted before the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases could answer.

BORIS STILL BOSS!!!

Boris Johnson 'remains in charge' after coronavirus hospital admission, UK government says

A senior British government minister said Boris Johnson was able to continue running the country despite being admitted to a London hospital for persistent coronavirus symptoms.

COVID-19 Sparks Beat Downs

Global Lockdowns Resulting In 'Horrifying Surge' In Domestic Violence, U.N. Warns

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, citing a sharp rise in domestic violence amid global coronavirus lockdowns, called on governments around the world to make addressing the issue a key part of their response to the pandemic. Speaking late Sunday, Guterres said, "violence is not confined to the battlefield."

Talking Point Push Back

Washington governor slams Trump administration for comparing coronavirus' grim outlook to Pearl Harbor

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee decried the surgeon general's comments on Sunday comparing the anticipated swell in the coronavirus crisis to Pearl Harbor in light of the President's prior comments on qualifying federal support to states struggling to fight the outbreak.

Local Internets Cringe

Local woman writes parody song about quarantine life

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With so many people staying home, one local woman got creative with her free time. Stefanie Stevens is a performer, but with many theaters closed and shows postponed or canceled, she brought the performance to her living room. Stevens wrote parody lyrics to "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid."

Kansas City Booze Hospitality

Kansas City Breweries Join in Worldwide Beer Collaboration to Support Hospitality Industry

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several Kansas City-area breweries are joining All Together, a worldwide beer collaboration that will raise funds and awareness for the hospitality industry. Other Half Brewing, based in Brooklyn, New York, launched the project that has quickly garnered interest from breweries around the globe including the acclaimed Side Project Brewing in St.

Cloudy Monday Forecast

Warm, windy Monday ahead

Hide Transcript Show Transcript THROW A LOT OF SCIENCE OUT THERE FOR KIDS AND THE KIDS ALIKE. 55 DEGREES WITH A BREEZE OF 10 MILES PER HOUR. YOU CAN ALMOST SMELL THE MOISTURE IN THE AIR THIS MORNING, IT ALMOST SMELLS LIKE RAIN. MOSTLY DRY AND CLOUDY FOR TODAY.

Mustafa - Stay Alive is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .

Coronavirus Pandemic Reveals College Entrance Exams Where Never Essential

Reality check for local student life and MSM finally admitting that, for the middle-class, college is mostly just advanced daycare and another way to secure class divisions against the working poor.

Checkit:

SAT and ACT college tests canceled because of virus fears

KANSAS CITY, MO (AP) -- Spring dates for college admissions tests are being rescheduled or postponed amid concerns about the coronavirus, while high school seniors may be allowed to take Advanced Placement exams to earn college credit from home. The groups that give both the ACT and SAT tests are putting off the next nationwide examinations.

Kansas City Chiefs Played Money Ball Amid Super Bowl Championship Season

Salary analysis and probably a reason that a repeat will be harder IF the season ever starts . . . Read more:

Arrowheadlines: The Chiefs had the cheapest roster in 2019

Low budget champs: Super Bowl 2020 winning Kansas City Chiefs among thrifty titleholders | USA Today 2. 2019 Kansas City Chiefs * Payroll: $167.0 million * Payroll rank: 32 out of 32 teams The Kansas City Chiefs won their first Super Bowl in 50 years thanks to their core group of young stars.

Kansas City Ballers Give Back

Quick rundown of local pro-teams and their coronavirus charity efforts that might or might not match the MILLIONS in taxpayer funds which municipalities send their way. Read more:

KC sports teams lend a helping hand

By Sam Kombrink I want to start off by wishing all readers and residents of south KC good health during these troubling times. We will overcome this pandemic, and our communities will emerge victorious, like the sports teams that represent our town. Kansas City Sports teams have decided to lend a helping hand during this COVID-19 pandemic.

KANSAS CITY STRONG: UNION STATION TURNS ON BLOCH FOUNTAIN WITH BLUE LIGHT SHOW AS TRIBUTE TO HEALTHCARE WORKERS & FIRST RESPONDERS!!!

A hopeful note for Sunday late night readers as Kansas City tribute to workers on the front-lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Checkit:

In the Spirit of KANSAS CITY STRONG: Union Station to turn on Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain along with Building Light Show to Salute Healthcare Community and First Responders

Kansas City’s historic home, Union Station -- nearly a year since the passing of Henry Bloch and as an extension of its KANSAS CITY STRONG campaign -- will turn on the majestic Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain followed by a spectacular blue light display beginning Monday, April 6th at 7:45 PM.

“As Mr. Bloch stood for determination and a strong sense of community purpose, it seems most appropriate to time the fountain season to coincide with our weeklong salute to our brave healthcare community and first responders,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. “Union Station and the Bloch fountain will shine in a stunning blue as a salute to those on the front lines of our battle with COVID-19. Last week, we saluted our fearless healthcare community. This coming week, we add the remarkable men and women of our first responder family. This will be done in solidarity with the national #LIGHTITBLUE campaign kicking off this Thursday across the country.”

Every April, the City of Fountains Foundation recognizes the important role Kansas City’s fountains play across our metro landscape. This year, to celebrate the spirit of KANSAS CITY STRONG, Union Station will kick off the fountain season with a building and fountain light show beginning at 7:45 PM Monday, April 6th.

Iconic Outburst Of Kansas City Royals Manager Hal McRae Well Remembered: Put That In Your Pipe And Smoke It

Real Kansas City baseball fans remember the bad times with even more detail than fleeting glory. This tirade we one of the best in MLB history and offers some real emotion and insight into passion for the game . . . Checkit:

VIDEO: Remembering Hal McRae Destroying a Phone in His 'Put That in Your Pipe and Smoke it' Meltdown

Even though an injury robbed him of his speed, Hal McRae was one of the most consistent outfielders in baseball in the 1970s and 80s. While he made three All-Star teams during his 19-year career, 15 years of which were spent with the Kansas City Royals, he was less successful as a manager, winning just 46% of his games in charge of the Royals and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Show-Me 'Stay-At-Home' Order For Missouri Residents Starting Monday

Quick guide to these rules that have already been in effect for KCMO for more than a week . . . Read more:

Missouri's new stay-at-home order has provision to limit business occupancy for social distancing

Missouri's new stay-at-home order requires people to avoid leaving home unless necessary, and to practice social distancing.That means no gatherings of more than 10 people, and keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from others.The state order has similar provisions to Kansas City's order regarding schools, childcare and restaurants, but the state allows many businesses to remain open as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.

Esquire: AOC's Biggest Mistake Was Battling Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids

A local note in this progressive think piece . . .

"The real mistake AOC made was opposing Sharice Davids’s campaign in Kansas. She and Sanders lined up behind Brent Welder, a former Sanders staffer, against a gay Native American woman running on a shoestring. One of AOC’s major political talents is that she learns from mistakes and never makes the same one again."

That would be nice but it's really not accurate . . . Remember that team AOC also attacked Rep. Sharice when the Kansas Rep. didn't want to jump on board a doomed immigration bill. Fair play, eventually AOC booted the staffer that picked the fight.

Still, the local mention was nice as progressives contemplate moving forward without the leadership of Senator Bernie Sanders. Read more:

AOC Isn't 'Breaking' With Bernie, She's Evolving Beyond Him-as Progressive Politics Must

In the realm of ordinary politics in extraordinary times, this story about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is causing no little buzz in and around the Intertoobz. Ever since she backed Nancy Pelosi for the speakership in the newly elected Democratic-majority House of Representatives, I've been telling people that she has natural political chops that it's dangerous to underestimate.

Missouri & Kansas Coronavirus Stat Roundup As Nation Preps For Worsening Pandemic

At last report KCMO counted 154 COVID-19 cases & 2 deaths.

Right now we're sharing health update numbers links and more reader suggestions for Sunday . . .

Fox4: Missouri reporting 76 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, bringing total to 2,367, including 33 deaths

WIBW: 747 positive coronavirus cases in Kansas, 22 deaths

KSHB: With Dozen More Cases Confirmed Totaling 161 -- Wyandotte County, Unified Government stiffen penalties for stay-at-home order violations

CNN: Fauci -- US is 'struggling' to get coronavirus under control and to say otherwise would be wrong

Fox News: Fauci warns coronavirus could become 'seasonal' illness if not controlled soon

CNN: The mystery of why the coronavirus kills some young people

New York Post: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hospitalized for coronavirus

Developing . . .

TKC READER: CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC JUST PROVED ARGUMENT FOR AMERICAN SINGLE-PAYER HEALTHCARE!!!

Quick note with facts to back it up from one of our BEST & BRIGHTEST TKC READERS:

Citizens who lost health coverage in past 2 weeks due to economic collapse:

USA 3,500,000
Australia 0
Belgium 0
Canada 0
Chile 0
Denmark 0
Finland 0
France 0
Germany 0
Greece 0
Hungary 0
Italy 0
Japan 0
New Zealand 0
Norway 0
Portugal 0
S Korea 0
Spain 0
Sweden 0
Turkey 0
UK 0
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You decide . . .