Kansas City Sparkle: World Cup Postscript & Iran From $37.5 BILLION War Bill

Recently, 28-year-old actress and Insta hottie Ariel shared a bit of Y2K nostalgia with her fans and that inspires us to reach back and pick up a few more stories to share with our constant readers.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Cowtown Tech Cash Infusion

Kansas City's biotech industry gets boost with $38.1M in federal funding

The Kansas City region's biotech industry learned Monday that a regional consortium earned $38.1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Locals Run On Fumes 

Hazy skies expected over Kansas City metro after wildfire smoke spreads

The National Weather Service (NWS) is monitoring air quality in the Kansas City metro after wildfire smoke from Canada pushes further into U.S.

Traditional Home Team Bounce Amid Busted Season

Royals continue second-half roll with win over Giants

Your best source for quality Kansas City Royals news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

Historic Remodel

Frank Lloyd Wright house in Kansas City undergoes major renovation. See the details - AOL

"I want it to be taken care of for the next 20 or 40 years. I'm just the steward at this time," said Sondern-Adler house owner Tom Axtell.

Working-Class Cowtown Celebrity Emerges After World Cup

Kansas bus driver's heartfelt letter to England's Jude Bellingham becomes a global sensation

What started as a simple driving assignment during the FIFA World Cup turned into an unforgettable friendship and a heartfelt message that has now been seen by millions around the world.

Celeb Fashions Sneak Peek

Beachside Baddie -- Guess The Hot 'Modern Family' Actress!

Can you guess which Hollywood hottie put her hot summer bod on full display in this eye-popping selfie?! We got you covered with a few clues then it's on you to score!

Prez Double Take Far East Fight

Trump plays down China election claims: 'It's not a one-way street'

President Trump appeared to play down his own claims of Chinese election interference in U.S. elections on Tuesday, telling reporters "it's not a one-way street." "Well, we're going to...

MAGA Still Trending

Ex-NFL star backed by Trump wins battleground state primary: 'True America First Conservative'

Ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely won the GOP nomination for Arizona's 1st District, setting up a high-stakes general election fight for a competitive Phoenix-area House seat.

NYC Against Dem Elites

Mamdani calls Democratic Party 'well-paid consultants and big money interests'

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told Rolling Stone that the Democratic Party is now effectively run by "well-paid consultants and big money interests."

Beltway Begins Midterm Prep

House votes to extend government funding, aiming to avoid an election year shutdown

Lawmakers are hoping to avoid a third shutdown since last September. The stopgap funding measure now heads to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.

Iran From Wartime Bills

Pete Hegseth puts cost of Iran war at $37.5 billion as the Pentagon seeks more money from Congress

The defense secretary's estimate, revealed at a combative Senate hearing, is up from the $25 billion Pentagon officials gave in late April. NBC News has reported the amount is much higher.

Latest Euro Power Move

Ukraine's Zelenskyy fires his commander in chief after protests and major rift

The firing caps a major crisis for Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Ukrainians took to the streets to call for Oleksandr Syrskyi's resignation.

War Turns Biblical . . .

Houthis threaten to attack shipping tankers if they use Saudi Arabian ports on Red Sea

Warning to shipping companies, on top of Iran's chokehold on strait of Hormuz, may severely affect Saudi oil exports

Cinematic Considerations

A Homerist Reacts to Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey"

"This is a tale of a man affected by trauma, but without any sense that it changed him at all."

Hands Off & On . . . 

Lesbians masturbate less, but likely because they're more satisfied with partners, study says

Researchers surveyed a group of 1,500 people about their solitary sexual activity.

Kansas City Nightcap

A Cocktail With Heart: Fountain City Chrome

Inspired by the artwork, Loews has introduced the Fountain City Chrome, the latest offering from its Alchemy by Loews Hotels cocktail program.

Summer Sizzle Pause . . .

Our Refreshing Reset Peaks Wednesday, The Most Comfortable July Day in Years

Despite highs still above 90°, a major weather shift is underway starting today, with a much more pleasant feel and a huge drop in humidity.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.