Kansas City Arrangement: Political Leverage & Hard Landings

A quick roundup of stuff we're thinking about for the late night & early morning by way of pop culture, community news and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Sour Note Still Resonates

A Black rising star lost his elite orchestra job. He won't go quietly.

Josh Jones thought he was unfairly let go from the Kansas City Symphony and went public about a system some think hobbles the careers of promising musicians.

Drive Safely This Weekend

Scooter driver ejected, critically injured in crash Friday afternoon in Kansas City

A scooter driver was critically injured in a crash Friday afternoon in Kansas City, Missouri, police said.

JoCo Deep Dive

New $15 million Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center opens Saturday in Lenexa

Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center, formerly Indian Trails Aquatic Center, will open Saturday. The pool was closed for a $15 million renovation last year

Hard Landing In Northland

Practice flight ends with emergency landing in Kansas City field

The Clay County Sheriff's Office responded to an emergency landing in a field near Liberty Thursday afternoon.

Baller Fame Awaits

Hollywood Brown could be looking at a serious payday for the Kansas City Chiefs

Marquise

Diva Shares Bathing Beauty Moment

Demi Lovato in a swimsuit in Hawaii with fiancé Jordan Lutes

Demi Lovato posted some vacation snaps from the Hawaiian island of Kauai. She captioned the post: 'Kauaiiiiii,' and added a palm tree, wave and pink flower emoji.

Grumpy Old Men Campaign 2024

Biden campaign plans to get more aggressive once Trump trial ends

With a verdict in Donald Trump's hush money trial set to come as soon as next week, President Joe Biden's campaign is exploring a shift to a new, more aggressive posture, according to two people familiar with the strategy.

MAGA Man Of The People?!?

Trump appeared on stage at his Bronx rally with two rappers charged in a felony gang case

Former President Donald Trump invited two rappers on stage at his recent rally who have been charged in a sweeping gang case.

Today's Congressional Buzz Kill

Amendment killing nationally legal cannabis makes it into House farm bill

A ban on intoxicating hemp products has made it into the House version of the farm bill. If the amendment makes it through a polarized House and divided Congress, it would end America's brief...

Rumors Of War

Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskiy says Kyiv's forces have taken control of Kharkiv border area

President's comments at odds with Russian claims over Vovchansk border town; US announces new $275m aid package for Ukraine. What we know on day 822

No Ceasefire On Other Side

Hezbollah barrages deal heavy damage in northern Israel

A momentary shriek presages a bone-juddering blast, followed by a plume of thick black smoke.

Far East Flex Fades

China ends war games, Taiwan details warplane, warship surge

China ended two days of war games around Taiwan, in which it simulated attacks with bombers and practiced boarding ships, and Taiwan's defence ministry detailed on Saturday the surge of Chinese warplanes and warships involved.

Tech Blame Game After Tragedy

Uvalde families sue Instagram and Call of Duty maker over deadly school attack

'Unholy trinity' of Instagram, Activision and Daniel Defense accused of 'working to convert alienated teenage boys into mass shooters'

Friday Photography End Game

Walking Through Elmwood Cemetery

Photography Blog

Forecast For Now . . . 

Kansas City weather: Quiet Friday, but a noisy weekend

It will be clear and quiet Friday night in the metro, with temperatures falling to the low 50s.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.