Kansas City News Alley: Crashes, Tax Fight & MAGA Melania Moment

Special thanks for early birds and night owls joining us as we take yet another peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Driver Damages The Dotte

"It was insane to see": Owner reacts after car crashes into Kansas City, Kansas, business

A car crashed into a Kansas City, Kansas, business Thursday morning, sending debris across the block and leaving the storefront boarded up.

Local Protest Postscript

Kansas City nurses, healthcare workers hold vigil for nurse killed during ICE operation in Minnesota

Dozens of members of the nation's largest union of registered nurses gathered for a vigil on Thursday night for Alex Pretti in Kansas City.

Newsie Follows Activist Story

This former Kansas City reporter is now covering immigration enforcement in Minneapolis

Now based at the Minnesota Star Tribune, Allison Kite describes the demands of covering immigration enforcement activity while being encouraged by her community's response.

Mayor Q Doubts MAGA

Lucas says Trump's threats to move World Cup games out of Democrat-run cities doesn't worry him

Trump cited cities like Seattle and states like California during his comments Monday about potential issues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lesson In Local Winning

'It took a minute to sink in': Group of Kansas City-area teachers share Powerball prize

A group of 27 teachers in the Kansas City area won $50,000 from a Powerball ticket purchased in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Our Favorite German Hottie Stays Winning

Heidi Klum Shirtless Under Fur Coat Teasing New Song With Diplo

Heidi Klum never met a top she didn't want to immediately take off ... and she's using her love for the nude to push a new musical venture.

First Lady Film Debut

At 'Melania' premiere, Trump talks Tim Cook and Fed chair nominee

President Donald Trump joined First Lady Melania Trump at the premiere of her self-titled documentary, answering questions from NBC News as they walked into the event Thursday evening.

White House Starts Tax Trouble

Trump files $10B lawsuit against IRS over alleged tax return leaks to major news outlets

President Donald Trump sues IRS for $10 billion over alleged illegal disclosure of his private tax information by a "rogue, politically motivated" employee to news organizations.

Assisting Suspected Assassin

Man accused of impersonating FBI agent to free Luigi Mangione

He allegedly told jail officers that he had paperwork "signed by a judge" to free the accused killer, a complaint states.

Brinkmanship Updated 

Senate reaches deal ahead of shutdown deadline to fund government, continue ICE talks, source says

The deal comes ahead of the Saturday shutdown deadline, but it will also need the approval of the House, which isn't scheduled to return until Monday.

Pricey Deployment Exposed

The American taxpayer spent nearly half a billion dollars deploying federal troops to U.S. cities in 2025, CBO finds | Fortune

Trump's federal troop deployment to U.S. cities is costing about $93 million a month, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Iran From MAGA

Trump looks ready to bomb Iran again. Why?

This Iran war may not end as quickly as the last one.

Old School Fight Cont'd

Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba

Cuba was previously importing about 35,000 barrels of oil a day from long-time ally Venezuela.

Nanook Endures

Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving: "A fat bear is a healthy bear"

After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.

About Our 2nd Favorite Band

The Power Station's Cocaine-Fueled Chaos Left an '80s Masterpiece Still Revered 40+ Years Later - SPIN

It began, like so many memorable music stories do, with a British icon and the younger upstart who loved his style. The icon was one Robert Bassist John Taylor and collaborator Guy Pratt remember the rock-funk hybrid that defined a decade and the brilliant, enigmatic frontman who walked away from it all.

Celebrate Old School Display

At 94, this Jewish New York artist paints herself naked

In Her Later Years, Joan Semmel Has Seen Success Like Never Before. At 93, With a New Exhibition at New York's Jewish Museum, This Expert on Feminine Sexuality and the Male Gaze Tells Us How It's Best to Accept Yourself at Any Age

Cowtown Questions Everything

This Kansas City 'Jeopardy!' winner got to compete in the 'Tournament of Champions'

After winning four straight games, and more than $70,000, in April 2025, Kansas City resident Bryce Wargin appeared in the annual "Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions" last week.

Search For Baller Solutions

Exploring the Chiefs' options at right tackle this offseason

Here is a preview of the Kansas City Chiefs' one decision to make on the starting offensive line.

Tonight's Teachable Moment

New exhibit lets you ask Sonia Warshawski questions using tech and her own words

Inside the Museum of Kansas City, you'll find an interactive exhibit where you can ask questions answered by Sonia Warshawski.

From EPIC Local Photog

Frozen In Time; January 6, 2005

Photography Blog

More Arctic Weather Arrives

Bitterly cold in Kansas City metro for the next few days

Hang on to your coats, scarves, hats and gloves! It'll be a frigid few days in Kansas City.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.