Kansas City Wrap: East Side Saint Nick, Global Culture War & Holiday Sex Uptick

For right now, and just for local shoppers in their last few moments of Christmas panic-buying. We take a quick peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .


Local Rudolph Driving Advice 

Drivers urged to use low beams, maintain distance during foggy conditions

Drivers faced reduced visibility on area roads Wednesday morning as fog conditions created hazardous driving situations.


Community Reclaims Kringle

Black Santa exhibit celebrates representation, holiday tradition

A Black Santa exhibit at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in Kansas City, Missouri, is reimagining the holiday's favorite figure to better represent the community it serves.


Foodie End Game Redux

These 64 Kansas City restaurants closed in 2025. Why each said goodbye

A popular bar, an Italian restaurant and more closed in 2025.


Tumbling Precautions

2 Kansas City-area gymnastics coaches suspended by U.S. Center for SafeSport

The U.S. Center for SafeSport suspended two well-known Kansas City-area U.S. Gymnastics coaches on Monday, Dec. 22.


South Side Sad Tradition

Vacant house near Schumacher Park catches fire again

The house was reported as one that had been a previous burn.


Future Tech Freak-Off

AI sex bots can fuel your kinks and freaky fantasies faster than a human partner: new study

Researchers and therapists found that AI companions are rewiring humans' sexual desires and behaviors, owing to the fast, judgment-free, adaptable nature of the programmed romantic partners.


Dox Implicate Elite

The president, the plane and the prince: Top takeaways from the 3rd Epstein files release

The Justice Department on Tuesday released a new batch of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, a wide array of documents that shed light on alleged co-conspirators and the late sex offender's ties to the former Prince Andrew.


Economic Debate Doesn't Convince Low-End 

Americans End Year in Gloomy Mood

Americans usher out 2025 with low approval of their leaders, worsening economic views, and sharp partisan divides after the shutdown.


MAGA Powers Workforce

Obama Judge Hands Trump Victory In Battle Against H-1B Pipeline

A federal judge Tuesday night handed President Donald Trump a major victory in his effort to rein in the massive flow of cheap, foreign labor into the U.S.


Dividing Lines Debated

Where the national redistricting fight is heading in 2026

At least two major states are expected to try to enact new congressional maps - and a looming Supreme Court decision could open the door for more to enter the fray.


Another Tragic Culture War Crime

Woman fatally stabbed at Barnes & Noble store in Florida in apparently unprovoked attack: Police

The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on Monday at a Barnes & Noble store in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, according to police.


MAGA Offers Weed Freedom

Trump's marijuana order throws lifeline to hemp industry

President Trump threw the hemp industry a lifeline with his order to speed up marijuana rescheduling and launch Medicare coverage of CBD, giving more strength to a significant lobbyi...


Euro Concedes To Vlad

Latest peace plan offers possible withdrawal from east Ukraine, Zelensky says

On the key question of Ukraine's eastern Donbas, Zelensky says a "free economic zone" was a potential option.


Media War Across Pond

EU warns of possible action after the US bars 5 Europeans accused of censorship

France, Germany, the European Union and the United Kingdom are hitting out at a U.S. decision to impose travel bans on five Europeans the Trump administration accuses of pressuring tech firms to censor or suppress American views.


Actually, She Might Pick Up More Fans . . . 

Nicki Minaj rents out what's left of her cultural capital to Turning Point USA

Nicki Minaj's recent AmericaFest appearance was less "free thought" than full-on brand decay-confirming her transformation from pop provocateur to grievance influencer, trading artistry for outrage.


Santa's Sexy Time Starts

Merry XXX-mas! Here comes the 'holiday sex spike' - and why it happens every Christmas

Research shows that interest in sex peaks during the holiday, and insiders attribute the spike to the stress that often comes during Christmas due to high costs, problematic family dynamics and anxiety.


Labor On Ice . . . 

Kansas City Mavericks games at risk with threat of ECHL player strike

The Professional Hockey Players' Association announced Monday that its ECHL membership has served a strike notice that would be effective Friday, when play is scheduled to resume following the holi...


Crafting Local Flavor

Baker's Artistry Recreates Corinthian Hall in Gingerbread - Northeast News

A scale model on display at the Museum of Kansas City smells good enough to eat. From stately columns to "stained glass" windows, baker Michelle Tobiason has recreated Corinthian Hall entirely from edible components -- flour, eggs and sugar.


Taxing Dreams Fade . . . 

Kansas City Mayor Lucas expected sales tax question for Chiefs on April ballot

Mayor Quinton Lucas says he was expecting a big announcement regarding the Kansas City Chiefs after New Year's Day, until news got out of the team's commitment to Kansas.


Local Wrap Up Guide . . . 

5 Local Spots To Stock Up on Tamales This Winter

Here are a few spots to snag tamales, from classic pork with red chile sauce to sweeter masa-wrapped fillings like strawberry and pineapple.


One Foggy Cowtown Christmas Eve . . . 

Kansas City weather: Mild Christmas Eve; near-record warmth possible on Christmas Day

Drizzle and fog are possible early Wednesday, but sunshine will take over later in the day.

Kacey Musgraves - Ribbons And Bows is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.

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