The Kansas City Saturday Night News Smile

Tonight we celebrate Alexis hotness as the SI Swimsuit rookie of the year and on the streets as we round-up some of the top news links today. Checkit:

Today's KCMO Budget Debate

Public safety and infrastructure huge concerns for KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sewers, increased crime and property value were all brought up at the first public budget hearing on Saturday. A room packed with community members explained the issues they want addressed in the $1.66 billion budget.

Another KCK FAIL Today

7,400 customers in KCK lose power when transmission lines catch fire, BPU says

The Board of Public Utilities said 7,400 customers in Kansas City, Kansas, were affected by a power outage Saturday morning. A BPU spokesman said transmission poles caught fire at a substation between 30th and 55th streets, causing the outage. Utility crews were working to switch loads in an effort to restore power.

Celebrate Sunflower State Free Speech

Bill Promises To Make Kansas Campuses Welcome The Left And The Right

No restricting free speech, no matter the perspective. A bill backed by Republican lawmakers intends to send that message to college campuses in Kansas. The Campus Free Speech Protection Act would insist that universities make clear that all of their outdoor spaces, not just "free speech zones," embrace political outlooks and events regardless of how they fit with trends in academic thought.

Another KCMO Corpse Discovered

Firefighters discover body in burned home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Firefighters have found a body outside of a burning home in Kansas City. They were called out to a home at 41st and Garfield just after 7:00 Saturday morning. Firefighters found the man's body after putting out the fire.

Inpiring Fanboy Tribute

Supergirl, Thor, 1,000 more raise Comicon swords for Kansas boy who died a superhero

Just like Superman, the child's home was Kansas. For three years, 9-year-old Gabe Marshall, a lover of all things Comicon, battled like a true superhero against a real supervillian. The supervillian, a cancer named anaplastic astrocytoma, had infiltrated his brain when he was 7 years old. Gabe battled it through surgery.

The No-So-Great KC Mulch Fire

KC firefighters battle large mulch fire off U.S. 40

Kansas City firefighters are battling a large mulch fire Saturday afternoon at a compost facility on U.S. 40. The fire was reported about 3:30 p.m. at Missouri Organic Recycling, which is located at 7700 East U.S. 40. The smoke plume can be seen for miles around.

Hosmer Talks Restart

MLB: Padres Want Eric Hosmer To Move Wil Myers To Outfield

Eric Hosmer is one of the top MLB free agents that remain unsigned as spring training is fast approaching. The San Diego Padres have reportedly resumed negotiations to sign Hosmer at first base. The Padres are positive they have a big chance of winning Hosmer, per The Kansas City Star .

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