Selling Guns To Kansas City Ladies

Let's face it . . . Most gun shops are gross. They're awash in stupid lit and a few hate tracts and the customer service is almost always comprised of a great many dudes who, ironically, look as if they suffer from lead poisoning.

However, because gun rights are becoming increasingly important to both ladies and fancy boys, take a look at the upscale trend that caters to the money crowd who are more willing to drop big bucks for pricey weapons. Take a look:

Kansas City Gun Store Courts Women Shoppers With 'Nordstrom' Approach

It isn't every day three women in their seventies walk into a gun store. Stephanie Nugent is the rookie, a first-time shooter who before today had never held more than a water gun. Mary Knox is proficient: Two years ago she was "petrified," but overcame arthritic hands and bought her own pistol for self-defense.

Kansas City NextGen Smokes A Lot

Trendy journalism tidbit and something else to nag youngsters during their visits from college and/or prison. Read more:

Vaping becomes health concern surrounding Kansas City teens

FAIRWAY, KS (KCTV) -- Vaping is becoming the new dangerous trend among teens. Right now it isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Vaping is now the second most-used substance used by teens, second to only alcohol. Tuesday, the U.S. Surgeon General is expected to address the problem and the negative health consequences associated with the products.

TKC TUESDAY CRIME REPORT: SEMIAUTOMATIC GUNFIRE RINGS OUT IN MIDTOWN AS KANSAS CITY CHRISTMAS VIOLENCE SPIKE WORSENS!!!

Quick quote sent our way from one of our AWESOME READERS that deserves just a bit of attention this morning . . .

"Hey TKC, just wanted you to know it's amazing how much crime stays OUT of the news. This afternoon at a BOX STORE parking lot off Linwood & Main and I heard the very distinct sounds of semi-automatic gunfire in the parking lot along with sirens following soon after. A few people around me ducked. Those who knew the sound of gunfire got out of there in a hurry and some of the commuters either ignored it or were unaware. Just thought you might want to run a cross check because I looked for it on the news and there was NOTHING. I guess there's a lot of gunfire and shooting incidents we don't here about in KCMO because it's so commonplace."

And so this quick slice of life inspires a quick collection of news links concerning metro crime . . .

Double Trouble: McCaskill Predicts Health Care & Border Wall Impasse For Prez Trump

Thinking that the former Senator might have won her challenge if she was this open and forthright the media during her FAILED campaign . . . OR here's a political lady who has a seemingly endless array of parting shots. This extended interview is her latest:

As she wraps up life as senator, McCaskill forecasts deadlock over health care, border wall

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill predicts there won't be any congressional action - beyond symbolic votes - to protect or replace the Affordable Care Act before she leaves office. And she's not sure whether a government shutdown can be avoided, if President Donald Trump wants it. McCaskill, a Democrat, said in an interview for St.

Kansas Turning Purple?!?! Senator Pat Roberts Next Target For Democratic Party

A preview and struggling national media being used as a presser outlet for a very powerful dude who wants to take his game back to the beltway via the blue wave trend. Checkit:

Barry Grissom weighs Senate run against Roberts in Kansas | McClatchy Washington Bureau

The Kansas City Tuesday Morning Link Pool

We start the day with a bit of lady biz advice and hottie inspiration from the MSM news cycle:

Daily Mail: Inside Kimberley Garner's £2.5 million home as she launches property development career

SunUK: Kimberley Garner wows in a sexy photoshoot as she promotes her own bikini line

Ent: Why Women Entrepreneurs Have Such a Hard Time Building Big Corporations

Closer to home, these news links are worth checking right now:

Bad Kansas City Example

Can Kansas City's Power and Light venue be a model for Parcel 5 in Rochester?

CLOSE What if Midtown's Parcel 5 was a year-round festival site - partially covered, equipped for live performances, with pop-up space for local restaurants and breweries alike? Or what if the venue was encircled by two levels of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and a massive projection screen for the big game or outdoor movies?

Snail Mail Spy Cam Report

Golden Ghetto Handout Tradition

Anonymous Shawnee resident continues Secret Santa campaign

Breaking News For the fourth consecutive year a Shawnee resident has anonymously donated $10,000 in $100 bills to be handed out by the city's police officers. He or she simply calls the program Secret Santa. Police officers take bills on their beats and give them to people who appear to need a hand up.

Head Check Life Lesson

Teacher inspiring self confidence with hair cuts for students for Christmas

Students at an alternative high school in Kansas City, Kansas were given a present to help inspire confidence for Christmas. At Fairfax Learning Center classes were invited to get their hair cut free of charge. Barbers and hairstylists worked for free on Monday to make a group of kids feel special.

Help M&M Local Stars

Pairs figure skating team from KC qualifies for nationals

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - A figure skating duo training in Independence could bring a national championship back to Missouri. Michael Poland and Morgan Hilbrich are "Team M and M." They are one of 12 teams to qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, a national competition being held in Detroit next month.

Rebuilding Meth Town

After nearly seven months, a new Crysler bridge

The Missouri Department of Transportation opened the new Crysler Avenue bridge over Interstate 70 shortly after noon Monday.A MoDOT spokesperson said the Phelps Road bridge, the last of the three new bridges over I-70 in the area, will likely reopen Tuesday.

Second Spring Forecast

First Alert: Temps could come close to 60 degrees Tuesday

Look for another mild day in Kansas City. We'll see temperatures climb to near 60 degrees for your Tuesday.

Ava Max - Sweet but Psycho is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .

WELCOME BACK BUBBA!!!

The home town hero gets what might be his last chance in 2019. Here's a glimpse at the Royals offering just a bit of forgiveness after disappointment in what must be a holiday season reprieve. Read more:

Royals' Bubba Starling: Returns to Royals

Kansas City Crossroads Hipster Hangout Earns Holiday Cheer Mention

Just a bit of glory for the local drinking elite who continues to pretend they're living in Midtown Manhattan thanks to a bevy of City Hall tax breaks. Read more:

Crossroads pop-up bar nabs national attention for its holiday spirit(s)

A Downtown Kansas City holiday pop-up bar is featured in a national story featuring "Bars that really get into the holiday spirit." The Daily Beast pointed its national spotlight last week on festive pop-up bars, which "have officially taken over America."

Kansas City Tourism Hacks Revealed

A national site that was once part of the Gawker empire now slums the world of clickbait with local guide that is still more fun and useful than most. Here's a look at an outsider guide to cowtown attractions:

Tell Us Your Best Kansas City Travel Tips

This city can't even fit in one state. Kansas City MO, Kansas City KS, and a handful of other cities make up the Kansas City metropolitan area, wrapped around the junction of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. Now, when I hear "Kansas City" I think "Kansas City Stockyards," but I'm ready to hear just how urbane this urban area can be.

AFTER LATEST KANSAS CITY SHOOTING AND CULTURE WAR ON COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA: TOMFOOLERIES CALLS IT QUITS!!!

One of the oldest and most beloved shopping and entertainment districts in Kansas City suffers another setback.

Checkit:

Fox4: Longtime Plaza restaurant Tomfooleries relocating to downtown under new name

Deets:

A manager at the restaurant tells FOX4 their last day at the Plaza location will be Dec. 29. The popular restaurant will re-open around Feb. 1 at 10th and Broadway, in the space currently occupied by The Garmet House.

When Tomfooleries moves to its new location, the restaurant will re-brand under a different name.

Tomfooleries has been a Plaza staple since opening there in 1992. It’s unclear if a new restaurant will occupy the space at 612 W. 47th Street after Tomfooleries relocates.

Moreover . . .

THE TOMFOOLERIES SHUT DOWN COMES AFTER TURBULENT CUSTOMER DISPUTES AND A NEARBY SHOOTING OF AN INNOCENT GIRL THIS MONTH!!!

First, the culture war fight.



Here's a look at management having trouble dealing Plaza clientele in the Summer of 2018:

Video shows Tomfooleries employee yelling at customer

And then a couple of weeks ago, police are still looking for suspects in a shooting that took place on 47th & Jefferson on the street right outside of the the beleaguered Plaza bar & grill.



KCPD looking to speak with individuals seen in surveillance video just before Plaza shooting

An innocent young lady suffered gunfire during the incident which was in plain view of the Tomfooleries bay windows.

And so, during this Christmas shopping season that is typically one of the busiest time of the year for Plaza merchants . . . Another biz decides to end their affiliation with this embattled party district.

Developing . . .

Kansas City 'Queer Eye' Junket Paid For By Taxpayer Funded Incentives

Just a bit of behind the scenes news on this promotional tour paid, in part, by City Hall and their artsy endeavors. Read more:

Tax incentive helped KCMO land 'Queer Eye'

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - They had their "eye" on Kansas City thanks in part to a tax incentive program. The Netflix TV show "Queer Eye" wrapped up production of its third season in Kansas City last month after applying for a film tax incentive rebate before shooting started.

Newsflash: Chamber Supports Silly Mayor Sly Regressive Tax On Urban Core

A not so surprising revelation from the newspaper . . . A local biz association comprised mostly of wealthy denizens of JoCo are encouraging the Mayor to continue to wage an economic war upon the lower income residents of Kansas City's urban core . . . This time disguised as an education effort that will only duplicate services already provided.

Read more propaganda here:

Kansas City chamber endorses Sly James' pre-K proposal | The Kansas City Star

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce on Monday endorsed Mayor Sly James' proposed sales tax increase to fund early childhood education. Kansas City Public Schools and other districts oppose the plan.

The Kansas City News Line Monday Night

A quick survey of "news" regarding the greatest cultural force of this generation . . .

HT: Porn Star Kim Kardashian Is Building A Following

Cosmo: Kim Kardashian Has Had It With Kanye West's Tweeting and Reportedly "Just Wants Him Off Twitter"

Peeps: Kim Kardashian -- From High on Ecstasy at Her First Wedding to Basically Sober

Closer to home, here are the local news links we're checking tonight . . .

Kansas City Internets Winning

Local Turkey Surprise

Wild turkey smashes into Kansas City home

Kansas City Police say a turkey died over the weekend in an unusual accident. Police tweeted out a photo of a home with its window broken and features inside. They say officers called to a home after a report of a prowler, possible burglary in progress over the weekend.

Kansas City Tax & Spend Newspaper Picks Up TKC Leftovers From Last Month

Should KC raise property taxes to boost affordable housing? | The Kansas City Star

Kansas City Councilman Scott Wagner has proposed a property tax increase for affordable housing programs. It may not be the perfect approach, but it's a start toward an important decision for the city.

Local Doggie Biz Booming

Woof's dog spa wags into new markets with startup mindset, owner says

It's a classic startup tail: Disillusionment with corporate life sends a would-be founder fetching for fresh ideas and more innovative inspiration. Woof's Play & Stay provided Andy Wiltz the opportunity to scratch that itch, the dog spa owner said.

Happy Rock Helping Hand

Neighbors look to help fire victims in Gladstone

GLADSTONE, MO (KCTV) -- Most people walking or driving by a home in Gladstone are slowing down and stopping to take it all in. "Just to come down and kind of reflect on what happened last night," said Kaci Groves. Groves and her roommate Sarah Little Sun live down the street.

Kansas City Welcomes Mumble Rapper

Will Kansas City Chiefs Overcome Injuries Amid Playoff Fight?!?!?

Chiefs injury updates: Kendall Fuller likely to play against Seattle after successful surgery

Reports that Kansas City Chiefs starting cornerback Kendall Fuller would have hand surgery surfaced Friday morning, and although Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed those reports Monday, it does not appear Fuller will miss much time, if any at all. " Kendall Fuller did have surgery on his hand, he's doing well," Reid told the local media on Monday.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for tonight . . .

Kansas City Solider Shout Out Tradition

Despite our mostly skeptical community of bloggy critics, the KC MSM allowing troops to have a moment of air time for their families is one of the best local traditions for this time of year.

Related reading -- Foreign Affairs: Can Congress Stop the Forever War?

Check the link:

Remembering those deployed: Local Soldiers deliver holiday greetings to loved ones

U.S. Army Major Shawn Walsh sends a holiday greeting to his family while deployed overseas.

This Is The Last Christmas For Sprint

The Golden Ghetto HQ is going the way of the Dodo and local media is terrified of what that means for thousands of good paying JoCo jobs . . . Sadly, the march toward ACQUISITION (not merger) continues . . . Checkit:

T-Mobile and Sprint merger officially cleared by US national security panel, still needs FCC & DOJ approval - 9to5Mac

It was reported on Friday that T-Mobile and Sprint would likely receive approval from U.S. national security officials for their $26 billion merger. The Wall Street Journal reports that T-Mobile was granted approval for its takeover of Sprint today after "several months of negotiation with company representatives."

Diploma Mill Shut Down In Kansas City Metro

Bigger part of why the NextGen is saying no to the liberal arts college scam. Read more:

Vatterott College abruptly shuts down, including Kansas City area locations

BERKELEY, MO (KMOV/KCTV) - Vatterott College has shut down nationwide, including its Kansas City office, effective December 17. The for-profit college, which has several locations in the Kansas City area, closed effective at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Students at the North Park Campus, which is in Berkeley, arrived Monday afternoon to find a sign on the door announcing the closure.

TKC BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS!!! ACTIVISTS WARN: HISTORIC GRAVE SITE AT NEW KANSAS CITY AIRPORT WILL FURTHER DELAY STALLED CONSTRUCTION!!!

The airport debacle grows worse every day and thanks to our KICK-ASS TKC BLOG COMMUNITY we've got FIRST word of the next impending crisis.

Checkit:

KANSAS CITY ACTIVISTS WARN OF CONTINUED DELAYS BECAUSE THEIR CONCERNS WERE OVERLOOKED!!!

Really important, EXCLUSIVE and detailed statement sent our way recently . . .

"We've been closely following KCI's environmental troubles for a decade, beginning with a 2008 court case involving historic cemeteries and unmarked graves on the airport's 53-square-miles of land. 

The environmental issues confronting the new terminal have never been as simple as the airport would like everyone to believe. As supporters of the new airport, we cautioned airport management and city council members two years ago that issues related to archaeological and historical sites on airport property could cause expensive delays, if not addressed quickly and carefully. We were ignored. 

We have now learned that the FAA is preparing a Programmatic Agreement for dealing with airport historic and archaeological sites. Preparation of a PA is generally undertaken in cases that are considered unusually complex, where the FAA wants to customize compliance with federal laws to the local situation. We don't know all of the provisions in the forthcoming PA or when it will be released. 

We do know that will it contain provisions that require the airport to prepare a plan for handling unanticipated archaeological discoveries, including human remains, before construction can begin. How much delay his the PA caused or will it cause in the future? We don't know until we see the document. One thing seems clear, however. The airport's own figures suggest that new airport cost is inflating by millions of dollars for each month construction is delayed. Add the PA to the list of potential costly delays the airport and city are not talking about."
#######

Developing . . .

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Cashing In On Fanboys Before Playoffs

Back in November we warned you d-bags that all of the fake news about this local QB sensation was really just promotional sponsored contend foist upon the plebs.

As always, it's great to secure endorsement deals BEFORE it's time to show and prove on the field when it really counts.

Here's PROOF that we were right about the money behind the mania . . .

Patrick Mahomes to launch his own 'Patty Flakes' cereal, working on deal with ketchup company

Ready for a bowl of Patty Flakes? The new cereal - and more - is in the works, according to the agent of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Leigh Steinberg, who represents Mahomes and many other high-profile NFL players, told the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast his client will soon be getting more national, commercial exposure.

Mission, Kansas Apartment Fire Proves Fatal

Tragic followup on a valiant rescue effort and then the sad conclusion of this local blaze story. Read more:

Victim in Mission apartment fire dies

More Mizzou Money For Kansas City Scholars

Educational opportunity that just might make your drunk uncle mad after racial drama fallout, here's good news for KC students looking at a state school. read more:

MU, KC Scholars announce $40M in scholarships to KC students

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - High school students in the Kansas City area could be eligible to participate in a new $40 million scholarship program, the University of Missouri - Columbia announced Monday. The program ties into the KC Scholars program, which launched in 2016 and had already been providing scholarships for 500 students from the Kansas City area.

The Kansas City Afternoon Roundup

As always, panty news comes first . . .

Saw1st: Lorena Rae lingerie photo shoot

Guardian: Underwear revolution- how lingerie grew up and put women’s comfort first

Maxim: 5 Great Lingerie Gifts For Her

Closer to home, here are the news links that count . . .

Kansas City Hipster Agenda For Christams

The Rieger and Crane Brewing Company celebrate anniversaries, 'phish tacos,' and more: KC's food and drink events for December 17-23

April Fleming Monday, December 17 Culinary adventurers Elise Landry and Adam Wagner (formerly of Ça Va, the Antler Room and more) have spent the past couple of years traveling the world and learning about different cuisines. The couple have returned to Kansas City for a brief spell, and while they're here they are hosting a multi-course, specialty pop-up dinner at Bluestem (900 Westport Road).

Fear The Future In KCMO

Seg. 1: Stories From Solitary Confinement. Seg. 2: Will Social Security Be There For You?

The punitive practice in the United States of placing prison inmates in solitary confinement is being challenged as a moral and civil rights issue. The punishment where convicts are isolated with minimum human contact has been viewed by those fighting to end it as cruel, inhuman, and unnecessary.

Local Foodie Pr0n Celebration & Suburban Store Grand Opening

St. Louis chain Mission Taco Joint opens second KC site - Kansas City Business Journal

St. Louis-based Mission Taco Joint has opened its second Kansas City location in the South Plaza area at 5030 Main St. The first Mission Taco Joint opened in 2013 in St. Louis' Delmar Loop. The chain now has six locations, all in St. Louis and Kansas City, featuring West Coast-style street tacos.

Cowtown Doggie Tech Winning

Best-in-show FitBark pet tech now groomed for 2019 launch on FitBit

Kansas City-bred FitBark is set to unleash a new partnership with industry-leading fitness wearable FitBit in early 2019, the company announced Monday. "For many of us, happiness is about helping others achieve their goals," said Davide Rossi, CEO and co-founder of FitBark.

Kansas City Giveaway Redux

KC Council takes up KCATA River Market project - Kansas City Business Journal

The Kansas City Council on Thursday is scheduled to take up a long-discussed project that would turn a block of surface parking in the River Market into a transit-oriented development. On the council's agenda is an ordinance authorizing the city manager to to negotiate a development agreement with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) and Briarcliff Development Co.

Local X-mas Good Deeds

Kansas City-area business donates $12,000 in mattress sets to kids in need

LIBERTY, MO (KCTV) -- Crowley Furniture and Mattress donated $12,000 worth of mattresses on Monday to help Kansas City area children and families in need. The company delivered 60 brand new mattress sets on Monday to Sleepyhead Beds' facility near 56th Street and Troost Avenue.

Kansas City Destiny???

Chiefs playoff picture: Steelers beat Patriots edition

It's been a long few days for Kansas City Chiefs fans. Following their 29-28 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, the Chiefs (and their fans) had to wait almost three days to get any good news about their hopes for the postseason.

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

The Kansas City Crime Roundup

Sad news regarding our favorite lady drama: Orange is the New Black star Yael Stone accuses Geoffrey Rush of sexual harassment

Closer to home, these crime links are worth a look right now . . .

Kansas City Homicide Postscript

Acrobatic Crook In Golden Ghetto

Suspect jumps over hotel clerk counter in Lenexa robbery

Lenexa Police have released surveillance video of an armed robbery Friday, Dec. 14 in an attempt to catch two suspects.

Happy Rock Consequences

Kansas City man sentenced to 30 years for fatal shooting

LIBERTY, MO (KCTV/AP) -- A Kansas City man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the shotgun killing of another man. Kevin Michael Moore was sentenced earlier this month for the January shooting death of Jacob Wood in Gladstone.

Hard Time After Tragedy

Kansas man gets 109 years for abuse and killing toddler before encasing body in concrete

WICHITA, Kan. - A Kansas man convicted of abusing and killing his girlfriend's 3-year-old son before encasing the boy's body in concrete in their rental home's garage was sentenced Monday to more than 100 years in prison.

Naming The Dead In KCK

KCK police identify 15-year-old found slain in Sunday morning shooting

The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department identified the 15-year-old boy shot and killed early Sunday morning as Taveon Brooks. KCK police said five teens were in a car when someone shot at it around 2:45 a.m. at 52nd Street and Georgia Avenue.

Golden Ghetto Lady Gone

Inmate dies after being found unresponsive in Johnson County jail

OLATHE, KS (KCTV) -- A 48-year-old woman from Overland Park was the inmate who died in her cell at the Johnson County Detention Center last month. A spokeswoman for the sheriff's office says Laura Shaw was found unconscious on Nov. 30 in the afternoon. Medical staff tried to resuscitate her but couldn't.

EPIC Survivor Story

Police: Infant saved after father reports trying to drown her in Greenwood pond

GREENWOOD, MO (KCTV/AP) -- Police say an infant is recovering after a man walked into police station and said he had drowned his 6-month-old child. The man made the report at the Greenwood police station about 10 a.m. Monday. Greenwood police Cpl.

Developing . . .

Local Crime Low Expectations: Stolen Tiny House Could Be On The Way To Kansas City

A reminder the robots and more efficient outsourcing is coming for your job:

PBS: How technological innovation could amplify income inequality

Meanwhile, here's a more practical implication of hipster po'folk life:

Jack Cashill Proves Himself To Be An Old Fogey But Probably Somewhat Correct

A prudish rebuke of the sexual revolution and feminism still manages to reveal some salacious deets from a recent Kansas sex crime case. Kansas City's leading conservative might have also inadvertently reminded us that not all soldiers are heroes. Read more:

Kansas Arrest Suggests How Sexual Revolution Has Gone Awry - The Sentinel

Behind the arrest Saturday of 31-year-old Andrew Mitchell O'Brien, a soldier on active duty at Fort Riley, there is a story that needs to be told, the story of how the often praised "sexual revolution" is costing lives and dollars on a grand scale.

Show-Me Bambi Lesson For Missouri Poacher

A nearby scofflaw just endure the propaganda of a Nazi-sympathizer for his misdeeds. Read more on a judge who wanted to make the news:

Missouri poacher ordered to repeatedly watch 'Bambi'

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri poacher has been ordered to repeatedly watch the movie "Bambi" as part of his sentence for illegally killing hundreds of deer. The Springfield News-Leader reports that David Berry Jr.

TKC MONDAY MUST SEE!!! COUNCIL LADY JOLIE JUSTUS MAKES HER QUICK PITCH FOR KANSAS CITY MAYOR!!!

A quickie interview is a good starting point for Monday if only because it offers us a glimpse at all manner of media playing nice with politicos instead of asking any real questions about their record.

For the uninitiated . . .

- Council Lady Jolie Justus is the prime mover for Council support for the new single-terminal airport. Thanks to our blog community she was caught in some tough ethics questions about potential conflicts and she eventually got on board the 2nd choice effort to push through a developer with a troubled past. The current delay and STALLED negotiations remain a public embarrassment for #BetterKCI as she heads the embattled and overtly political airport committee.

- She served as chair of the Mayor's task force on violence during one of the bloodiest years in Kansas City history. This town currently ranks among the top 10 in most violent cities in the nation.

- The Council lady jumped in and out of the Mayoral race and her fundraising and the perception of her strength as a candidate still hasn't recovered.

More interestingly . . .

CHECK COUNCIL LADY JOLIE JUSTUS PLAYING THE TOURISM CHEERLEADER IN THIS CRINGE-Y CLIP!!!

It's a new role for the Council lady who has heretofore touted her work as a social justice advocate and continues to bill herself as a "progressive" in between pushing local restaurants and the arts.

Take a look:



You decide . . .

WILL PREZ TRUMP BORDER WALL GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN RUIN CHRISTMAS IN KANSAS CITY?!?!

More importantly . . . Is it worth it?!?!

Just a quick Monday reminder, here's a fun fact that's always lost on local media noobs when talking about impending government shut downs . . .

"The federal government is the largest employer in Kansas City. In the wider metropolitan area, the federal government, either directly or through contracts, employs 41,500 people. The combined annual payroll of these jobs is more than $3 billion."

And so, the impending government shut down is more important to local than the rest of the nation.

Check the links:

Time: Trump's Demand for Border Wall Could Lead to Government Shutdown

NPR: Trump Threatens Partial Shutdown Over Border Wall Funding

538: Americans Don’t Want A Government Shutdown Because Of The Border Wall

Vox: Stephen Miller says Trump is “absolutely” willing to shut down the government over border wall funding

Chicago Tribune: White House, Democrats dig in as fears of partial shutdown intensify

You decide . . .

GOLDEN GHETTO RETAIL ENDURES?!?!

Selling to the middle-class who don't enjoy searching for bargains but instead prefer merchants offer a bit of booty-smooching customer service with their goods is the new hotness according to this hopeful "buy local" report:

Holiday Sales Falter But Specialty Shops Thrive In Johnson County, Kansas

Sales tax collections for the early part of this year's holiday season are down across Kansas, and that includes Johnson, Wyandotte and Douglas counties. But some local shops are having a great year, by selling experience as well as stuff. November sales taxes collections fell off 6% in Johnson County, and almost as much across Kansas.

Kansas City Chiefs Publish Calendar With Alleged Lady Punter Kareem Hunt

The holidays has everybody playing fast and loose with the details of their jorb and this update reminds us that the X-mas rush has even confused one of the biggest and most beloved local institutions. Checkit:

Kareem Hunt featured on Kansas City Chiefs 2019 calendar

Well, this is awkward. Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt is no longer with the team. However, his name and photo have already been printed on the Chiefs' 2019 calendar. Hunt is the featured Chiefs player in the month of October.

Kansas City Newsie Report Calls Out Alleged 'Con Man' In Very Public KCPD Arrest

OR weekend "dinner and a show" news . . .

KCPD arrests notorious con man arrested on JoCo warrants

Kansas City, Missouri, police arrested a notorious con man - who has operated in Johnson County, Kansas, for nearly a quarter-century - at a Northland sports bar on Saturday afternoon. John Dewey Lim, 55, has a lengthy criminal record and had two outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Kansas City 'Missing' Lady Calls Out Local News Coverage And Her Fam!!!

A weekend warming was a false alarm and here's the update and a money quote that should help local prioritize their news coverage:

"I just wanted to let everyone know.. I was never missing. My phone is just off. I've talked to my parents, the police, and left a message for fox. They won't take the post down though. Y'all can stop sharing it now! Share this one instead! Comments WILL be deleted! No point in looking for someone not missing when there are thousands of people ACTUALLY missing!!"

Read more: Family says they have received call from woman missing since Wednesday

You decide . . .

One More McCaskill Blame Game Moment: Voters In The Stix Love Prez Trump

This political lady says she's staying "active" in politics which seems to mean that she'll blame everybody else for her loss for as long as newsies will pay attention. Here's another money quote that kind of ignores the dearth of big city excitement she created as the urban core didn't really turn out for her. Read more:

McCaskill on campaign loss: Rural Missouri in love with Donald Trump

Sen. Claire McCaskill sat down for a candid weekend interview with KMBC Channel 9 News after her scathing speech on the Senate floor on Thursday in which she railed about political dysfunction and hyper-partisanship. McCaskill said she hated losing to Republican Josh Hawley, the current Missouri Attorney General.

Kansas Granny Kelly Seyz Kansas Is Worse Than She Thought . . .

More context on this political conversations that seems to be most effective at lowering expectations. Take a look:

My Fellow Kansans: Live With The Governor-Elect

With the election of Democrat Laura Kelly as governor, it appears Kansas is trending back to the center. But voters sent a mixed message as conservatives regained control of the Legislature. To cap off this season My Fellow Kansans, the incoming governor sat down with Jim McLean of the Kansas News Service and took questions from a live audience at Washburn University in Topeka.

Show-Me Guv Parson Plan For Missouri

A practical but still ambitious guide to the Guv's agenda that focuses on revenues and budgeting. Read more:

Parson's agenda: Bolster job development and find money for roads

After roughly six months as governor, Mike Parson is not only settling into the job - he's charting out an ambitious policy agenda. In a wide-ranging interview with St. Louis Public Radio, Parson laid out his priorities. Much of his agenda centers around developing jobs and finding more money for roads and bridges.

The Kansas City Monday Link Pool

AND WE'RE BACK!!!

We start the work week before Christmas with an important consideration of the female form . . .

Saw1st: Vida Guerra Booty in Swimsuit Photoshoot 2018

Health.com: The Soy Sauce Colon Cleanse That Left a Woman Brain Dead Shows How Dangerous Viral Internet Trends Can Be

Guardian: Butt seriously - how bottoms became a fitness obsession

Closer to home here's a comprehensive collection of local links we're checking right now . . .

Inside The Loop This Week

Holiday arts and lights shine bright in Downtown this week

From the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train at Union Station to the final week of the Kansas City Ballet's performances of T he Nutcracker; from the Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival to The Elders at Knucklehead;s; and from Harry Connick Jr. at the Midland to, well, could it get any better than that?

Local Health Check

Mom shocked to find metal in toddler's gummy vitamins: 'I feel like I have failed'

A Kansas mom was stunned to find what she says were metal shavings in her toddler's gummy vitamins. The 3-year-old was taken for X-rays and though technicians didn't find "large amounts of metal," they did identify metal in her intestines, mom Samantha Andersen of Overland told Fox 4 Kansas City.

Morning Blaze Aftermath

JOCO officials respond to fire in Mission

MISSION, KS (KCTV) - Johnson County firefighters responded to a fire at an apartment complex in Mission. Sunday evening, Johnson County firefighters responded to a fire at an apartment complex at the 6000 block of 51st street at FoxRidge. Officials say that one person has been reported as not breathing.

Morning Crash Report
Pedestrian hit along 71-Highway has serious injuries


Harsh Times In Happy Rock

Two families lost everything in duplex fire

GLADSTONE, MO (KCTV) - A duplex is a total loss after a fire. Flames could be seen shooting out the roof of the building near 67th terrace and Askew, just before 7 p.m. Sunday. Part of the roof collapsed at one point. Luckily, no one was home at the time, but two families lost everything they had inside.

Kansas City Newsie Tradition
The 6th annual Lighting of the Joe
Community Outreach
Families have Christmas party with KCPD
The Kansas City Forecast

More sun on Monday, Tuesday

Christmas looks warm, maybe some rain

Kansas City End Game

Arrowheadlines: Goal remains same for Chiefs, "win and be rewarded"

AFC playoff picture shaken up, but goal remains same for Chiefs: win and be rewarded | The Kansas City Star Two weeks remain in the NFL season and the Chiefs, who visit Seattle on Sunday Night Football, can still choose their own playoff adventure.

The Chainsmokers - Hope ft. Winona Oak is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .

ANTIOCH PARK TRIPLE SHOOTING!!!

Gunfire erupts in the nice part of the Golden Ghetto as this Merriam, Kansas locale is mostly peaceful but provided the setting for a horrific shooting last night. Here's the aftermath. Take a look:

Authorities investigating triple shooting at Antioch Park

Jaromir Chalabala / EyeEm SOURCE: Jaromir Chalabala / EyeEm The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that occurred at Antioch Park on Sunday that injured three people. Johnson County Park Police officers were dispatched to the park around 7:45 p.m. in response to a disturbance involving a weapon.

REPORT: COP SHOT & CREEPER SUSPECT KILLED IN KCK CONFRONTATION!!!

More local violence and a quick peek at the danger confronting police this holiday season. Checkit the aftermath of this INDECENT EXPOSURE CALL:

KCK police officer shot, suspect killed in officer-involved shooting

KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -- Two police officers are injured Sunday morning, one shot another hurt. Kansas state police are investigating. It all started because officers were called to a neighborhood because someone said the suspect was exposing himself. It happened near Orville and 18th Street. The suspect is dead.