Kansas City Late Night News Drive

There's really not a "place" for nicer links on this blog but we try to make room anyhoo . . . Tonight we focus on nicer community based reports that offer a more balanced view of Kansas City and a welcomed alternative from our regularly scheduled news poison.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Thousands of students join Patrick Mahomes for 'Reading Rally'

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - More than 2,000 students joined Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for a "Reading Rally" Wednesday. The rally, at T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, gave students a chance to read alongside the NFL star. "When Patrick Mahomes speaks, people listen, especially children," Lead to Read KC Director of Development Chelan David said Wednesday.

St. Joseph's Day is Sunday, March 19

Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 911 E. Missouri Ave. * St. Joseph's Table Viewing and Blessing with 4 p.m. Masson Saturday, March 18. * Traditional Italian cookies for sale in Priest's Garage, in the parking lot between the church and the credit union building on Campbell Ave.

Johnson County Library fines for overdue books may become obsolete

JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. (KCTV) - Library fines for overdue book returns may be a thing of the past for Johnson County libraries. Johnson County's library board is planning on getting rid of fines. Currently, the library charges 30 cents a day for overdue books - the highest rate in the metro.

KC Footprints' 'Build a Brick' campaign helps local veterans

A Kansas City non-profit "Footprints, Inc." is supporting local veterans with its "Buy a Brick" campaign. KC Footprints is expanding its Heroes Home Gate Program. With a donation of $150-750 or $1,000, you can buy a brick with your name in the new building's courtyard.

New station alert system for Shawnee Fire Department provides a gentler wake up call

The City of Shawnee approved a station alert system for its fire department and now, it's up and running. It's designed to not only keep firefighters healthier, but also the public a little safer.

After postpartum depression, KC-area mom focused on maternal mental health

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - For Jamie Spence, moments with family are truly precious because there was a time when she didn't think she would see them. In 2017, life seemed picture perfect. She and her husband Kevin were expecting two bundles of joy. "My babies and I were healthy the entire way through," she said.

Operation Breakthrough giving young girls opportunity to jump start career in auto industry

KANSAS CITY, MO - Young girls in Kansas City, Missouri, are getting the opportunity to jump start possible careers in the auto industry thanks to Operation Breakthrough. "It's kind of amazing to work on something so huge like this," Destiny Monroe said.

'Abbott Elementary' show gives Kansas City educator, school $1,000

The award-winning ABC comedy "Abbott Elementary" is now making an impact that goes beyond the small screen. The show uses humor to highlight the struggles and creativity of an underfunded school district. This season, ABC wanted to do more, teaming up to give out $1,000 grants to real teachers going above and beyond.

Vocalist Angela Hagenbach's Unity Temple tribute brings the history of Black female voices to life

Angela Hagenbach. // Courtesy of the artist On Sunday, March 19, "A Tribute to Black Composers" concert will take place at Unity Temple on the Plaza to support the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Established by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2019, the Foundation is "dedicated to improving the lives of children supports initiatives that focus on...

Family of legendary William Jewell basketball coach who passed in 2022 complete his unfinished book

Longtime William Jewell College basketball coach Larry Holley unexpectedly passed away in May of 2022.Before he died, he was writing a book about his life and basketball. His family stepped up and finished that book."My dad went to the final four every year, " Holley's daughter Lauren Quint said.

Kansas City jazz owes so much to its women musicians

Kansas City is known worldwide as a jazz town, home to the likes of Charlie Parker, Andy Kirk and Count Basie. But what about the women who helped shape the genre? To celebrate Women's History Month, Up To Date looked at some of the city's most iconic female jazz luminaries.

Christopher Elbow's new project gives a new perspective on chocolate

Renowned Chocolatier Christopher Elbow has been working on a new project to give the public a deeper look into the history and origins of chocolate, The Christopher Elbow Cacao Experience.

Former Councilwoman Mary Williams Neal passes away.

The Northeast News has learned that former Kansas City, MO Councilperson Mary Williams Neal has passed away today. Neal was rushed to the hospital Monday afternoon from the city's Parks Department building on 63rd street after she collapsed during a meeting there.

Rain, sleet and snow all possible Thursday

SO YOU'LL KNOW FIRST THIS IS FIRST ALERT WEATHER. THIS WAS NOT A GOOD HAIR DAY TODAY TELL ME ABOUT IT RIGHT FIRST THING I KNOW ALL OVER THE PLACE IS JUST REALLY WINDY OUT THERE. KELLY AND MATT AND IT'S GOING TO STAY WINDY FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT 36 HOURS.

Hopefully, we'll have more for the morning update . . . STAY TUNED!!!