Kansas City News Lounge: Holiday Hype, Round World Debate & Another Vlad Attack

This morning author, actress, fashionista & Insta hottie Emrata inspires our peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines:

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Holiday Spirit Endures

'I was almost in tears': Kansas City toy store owner thanks viewer for helping toy drive

The owner of Brookside Toy & Science is crediting a KSHB 41 report for one shopper to make a big difference in this year's toy drive.

Cowtown Marketing Cont'd

Local, international communities celebrate as countries from Argentina to Germany could play in Kansas City

The Argentinian community in Kansas City is buzzing with excitement after learning their national team could play in Kansas City during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Crafting Green Canopy

Evergy wraps up tree-planting project to reduce heat around Kansas City

Have you ever heard of the urban heat island? It's something we experience here in Kansas City, and companies like Evergy are trying to mitigate its negative effects by planting trees.

Tech Scare Beware . . . 

$5K KC Airbnb 'nightmare' could be cautionary tale before World Cup, family warns

"I really don't want other families, or visitors coming into town, to go through what we went through," said Rebecca King of Overland Park of her short-term rental fiasco.

Real Thing Revival

'Living' Christmas trees? Some people are choosing evergreens they can replant after the holidays

Some tree farms in the central U.S. are selling more potted Christmas trees as people seek out an eco-friendly option or look to get more than one use out of their evergreens.

Todays' Fashion Statement

Emily Ratajkowski In G-String Bikini Highlights Her 'Coconuts'

Emily Ratajkowski is stunning in her cheeky bikini in Brazil as she hits the beach in Rio to promote her swimwear collab.

MAGA Moves To Consolidate 

The Supreme Court weighs another step in favor of broad presidential power sought by Trump

Chief Justice John Roberts has led the Supreme Court's conservative majority on a steady march of increasing the power of the presidency.

Right-Wing Fears Euro Rules

Marlow: UK Officials 'Orchestrating a Massive Anti-Speech Campaign to Silence' Breitbart

Thursday on Real America's Voice's "Stinchfield Tonight," Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow detailed the British government's anti-speech campaign to silence Breitbart and other American news outlets. | Clips

Former Prez Struggles Amid Friendly Crowd

Biden suffers brutal gaffe while trying to pronounce 'America' at LGBTQ conference in DC

Former President Joe Biden suffered a humiliating gaffe while trying to pronounce "America" as he criticized the Trump administration at a forum on LGBTQ rights in Washington, DC, Friday afternoon.

Obamacare Stays Winning?!?

Republicans have a mess on their hands over health care subsidies

It looks increasingly likely that the health care fight will continue into next year.

About The Files . . . 

US federal judge orders release of Epstein grand jury materials

Ruling compels unsealing of documents from 2006-2007 federal investigation into Epstein in Florida

Conservative Talker Turnabout

Milo Yiannopoulos regrets 'mainstreaming homosexuality' in GOP: 'I feel ashamed'

Conservative political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos recently expressed regret for mainstreaming homosexuality in the Republican Party a decade ago, and claimed hidden homosexuality is rampant in

Auteur Offers Awful Critique

Quentin Tarantino controversy explained: Why the director is criticizing beloved actors (and who came to their defense)

More than three decades into his career, Quentin Tarantino can still make folks hopping mad. His recent remarks about Paul Dano sent several A-listers to the actor's defense. Let's break down the controversy.

Vlad Doubles Down On War

Russia unleashes massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine as diplomatic talks continue

Russia has launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine, coinciding with ongoing U.S.-mediated peace talks.

About Bygone Builder

Architect Frank Gehry dead at 96

Gehry was known for his experimental metallic designs.

Well-Deserved Tribute For Hero

88-year-old Army veteran working at grocery store receives over $1.7M in donations after viral video

An 88-year-old Army veteran Edmund Bambas working at Meijer supermarket in Michigan receives over $1.7 million in GoFundMe donations after his story goes viral online.

EPIC Origin Story

I went from being the 'chubby friend' to a proud bimbo after losing 10.7st

A SURGERY fan has revealed that she went from being the "chubby friend" to a proud bimbo. Mandy Martin, a content creator from Queensland, Australia, lost over 10 stone and has since had seven roun...

Last Words To Hipsters

Beloved Crossroads bookstore-bar Afterword Tavern & Shelves losing its home

Afterword Tavern & Shelves, a beloved bookstore-bar in the Crossroads, will soon lose its home as the building's new landlords plan to take back the space when the lease ends.

Newspaper Shares The Love

KC designer's Afrocentric fashion, liked by NYC buyers, shows alongside fine art

Local designer Kenya Martin crafts vibrant Afrocentric fashion with kente cloth and handmade detail, aiming for global reach while supporting local creatives.

Weekend Forecast Near Winter 

First Warn Forecast: Few showers Saturday ahead of Sunday's cool down

Increasing cloud cover will only allow us to reach the upper 30s and low 40s for our high temperatures today.

Gorillaz - The Happy Dictator ft. Sparks is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.