Kansas City Read: Local Study, More Fights & MAGA Crackdown

This morning we celebrate the body of work of author, celeb, model, fashionista and Insta hottie Emrata as she inspires the latest check of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Cowtown Catalog Debuts

Book recs: Kansas City readers and bookstore owners share their 2025 favorites

Looking for a powerful memoir, a cozy bedtime story, a creepy collection - or all of the above for a potential holiday gift? KCUR's Up To Date invited a librarian, professor and bookstore owner to offer the favorites titles they read in the last year.

Street Life Worsens

I-70 in MO, KS make list of most dangerous roads in US for winter holiday travel

Thanks to messy weather, extended darkness and an annual surge of travelers, driving can be dangerous around the holidays - but some sections of highway are especially perilous, according to a new ...

Golden Ghetto Good Times Brewing

New Johnson County cafe coming soon, with vintage vibe. 'Think '70s ski lodge'

Its owners worked at and helped found other popular KC coffee shops.

Dead-Tree Jumps Aboard Hype Machine

New KC Black-owned media hub uplifts promising creatives: 'You have no excuses'

The Grammy-nominated producer behind the project believes "Kansas City has the most talented people in the world."

Honoring Local Helpers

These 2 Kansas Citians were awarded for creating a ripple of good in the community

One person's drive to make a difference can create a positive ripple effect throughout the community. This year, The Pinnacle Prize recognized the progress and dedication of two Kansas Citians with a passion for helping people find safety and healing.

Fashion Statement Winning

Emily Ratajkowski Wears Nothing but a Tiny Red Lace Thong and a Matching Cutout Bra

Emily Ratajkowski stripped down to a cutout red thong and a plunging lace bra in a new series of photos. Find out more here.

Third World Fight Coming Soon

Trump says airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela is to be closed in its entirety.

Tragic Story Ignored By Most Major American News Outlets

WTC worker who 'narrowly escaped' Sept. 11 terror attacks beaten to death by 3 teens: cops

A former World Trade Center worker who "narrowly escaped" the 9/11 attacks before losing his wife in a separate horrific attack was beaten to death by three Florida teens.

Update After Tragedy

Where things stand with the National Guard shooting in D.C.

The Trump administration has halted the processing of immigration requests from Afghans and the president vowed to tighten his immigration crackdown after the shooting of two National Guard members.

Iran From More War

Hezbollah leader leaves open possibility of new war with Israel

The head of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on Friday it retained the right to respond to Israel's killing days ago of its top military commander and left open the possibility of a new conflict with Israel.

Vlad Ramps Up Attacks

Russia-Ukraine war: Drone strike hits Kyiv residential areas despite peace moves

The attack on Ukraine's capital early on Saturday killed one person and injured seven, city officials said.

Building Wall After Tragedy

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to 'Reexamine' Every Green Card from Countries of Concern

There will be a "rigorous reexamination" of every Green Card for every alien hailing from countries of concern, USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said.

Legal Weed Limits

What to know about the looming federal ban on THC-infused drinks and snacks

Buried in the bill that ended the federal government shutdown this month was a provision to ban impairing beverages and snacks made from hemp, which have proliferated across the country in recent years.

Actually, AI Can Totes Replace Pop Stars & Nobody Would Notice

Jenna Ortega Says It's 'Very Easy to Be Terrified' of AI: 'It Feels Like We've Opened Pandora's Box,' but 'There's Certain Things It's Just Not Able to Recreate'

Jenna Ortega sounded off on artificial intelligence at the Marrakech Film Festival, saying "it's very easy to be terrified" of it.

Really Is Good For The Skin

I masturbated my way to better skin, because the orgasm g...

Sorry, mom.

Mayor Q's Moment

Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off a month of lights at Crown Center

Crown Center has been the site of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting for 53 years now, but the event is evolving to become a national draw.

Local Cold Shoulders

Cold rain moves into KC area Friday evening; some travel impacts possible this weekend

Cold rain showers move into the area in the evening and continue overnight. Saturday is an Impact Day due to these cold rain showers and the chance for snow.

no na - the one is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.