KC News Trail: Crafty Locals, Protest Postscript & MAGA Tests Nukes

Lots of things to consider for late night & early morning readers as we share our reading and invite your insights by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Jamaican Me Sentimental 

Kansas City metro nonprofit helps Jamaica recover from hurricane

A nonprofit with ties to the Kansas City metro survives the massive hurricane that pummeled Jamaica.

Cowtown Crafts Solution 

Kansas City mom's 'KartWheel' invention created to improve safety at grocery stores

The KartWheel is designed to stop shopping carts from rolling away.

Dressing Up New Arrivals

NICU babies celebrate Halloween at Kansas City area hospitals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Tiny Chiefs players, condiments and video game characters filled area NICUs this week as some of Kansas City's smallest patients celebrated their very first Halloween. Parents were able to pick out a special costume for their baby to celebrate the holiday.

Maybe Solidarity

Kansas congressional delegation refuses pay during government shutdown

U.S. lawmakers who represent Kansas are withholding salaries in solidarity with federal workers.

Local Celeb Gear Up

Swifties made her work famous; Now this KC maker has opened a fourth retail shop

Sales jumped after Taylor Swift was seen wearing one of EB and Co.'s rings at a key moment in the popstar's high-profile romance with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The jolt of exposure helped propel the brand's expansion - most recently the opening of a fourth shop in downtown Lee's Summit.

Alleged Soundtrack . . . 

Luigi Mangione is listening to Taylor Swift and Charli XCX in prison

In a newly released letter allegedly sent to a fan by Mangione, he said he'd given Swift and Charli XCX a listen in the prison yard - until a fellow inmate stepped in.

Fast Deal For Far East?!?

Trump-Xi meeting wraps up in less than two hours

Trump described Xi as a "friend" and "great leader" whom it was an "honor" to meet.

MAGA Levels Up Flex

Trump directs Pentagon to 'immediately' start testing US nuclear weapons

US president references China and Russia in Truth Social post shortly before meeting with President Xi Jinping

Vlad Dives Deep

Putin hails successful test of nuclear-powered underwater torpedo

Putin announced successful Poseidon nuclear drone testing as President Donald Trump urged Russia to end the Ukraine war instead of testing missiles on Monday.

GOP Crosses Aisle Amid Trade War

Four Republicans vote with Democrats in effort to end Trump tariffs on Canada | CNN Politics

The Senate passed a resolution aimed at ending President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, with four Republicans joining Democrats to rebuke the administration's trade policies a day after they voted to terminate tariffs on Brazil.

Deuce Debates NextGen

Vance spars with college students at Turning Point USA event

Vice President Vance on Wednesday went toe-to-toe with college students at the University of Mississippi in a nod to his friend and the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Vance and Erika Kirk addressed thousands of students at an arena on the university's campus as part of a Turning Point USA tour.

J6 Turnabout At DOJ

US prosecutors suspended after calling January 6 defendants 'mob of rioters,' sources say

The U.S. Justice Department placed two prosecutors on leave on Wednesday, hours after they referred to Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, as "a mob of rioters" in a sentencing memo, said four people familiar with the matter.

Protest Charges Against Contender

Democratic House candidate Kat Abughazaleh indicted over ICE confrontation

The 26-year-old called the indictment "a political prosecution and a gross attempt at silencing dissent."

Scare Around The World

Sudan war: WHO chief hits out over reports of mass killings in el-Fasher hospital

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was "appalled" by reports that 460 civilians had been killed in el-Fasher.

TV Glory Daze Return?!?

Christina Applegate to Join 'Married With Children' Stars In One-Night-Only Cast Reunion Event That Won't Be Televised

"An Evening with The Bundys: The Married With Children Cast Reunion" will take place at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

Struggle Against End Game

How Manhattan-sized 3I/ATLAS comet could actually help protect Earth from future asteroids

Contrary to allegations that 31/ATLAS is potentially hostile alien tech, the Manhattan-size comet could provide invaluable intel on other potentially hazardous objects.

Election Power Rises

As a voter, you'll never be more powerful than in the Nov. 4 election

If you do the math, the Tuesday, Nov. 4, election for city and school offices is when you'll have the most clout in deciding the outcome.

Crafting Local Tribute

Movie based on America's first Black female millionaire premiers in Kansas City

The true story of Sarah Rector, a young Black female millionaire who lived in Kansas City in her later years.

Weekend Planning Already

Thirteen Things To Do In KC This Weekend, October 30-November 2

Here are thirteen things to do in KC this weekend, October 30-November 2 including Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Lakecia Benjamin and Dracula.

Tribute To Local Hero

Residents honor Liberty firefighter who died of cancer

The Liberty community came together Wednesday afternoon to remember the life of Raymond McElwee.

Pumpkin Spice Forecast Tonight

Cool and dry for the next few days; frost advisory issued for Kansas City metro overnight Thursday

After several days of clouds and off-and-on rain, clouds will start to thin out over the next few days.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.