KC Side: Local Cosplay, Pool Party Politics & Iran War Redux

Just a few more things to consider as we take a peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines for our most loyal weekend readers.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Larping Tradition Cont'd

Kansas City Renaissance Festival hosting auditions, job fair ahead of September opening

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is prepping for its 50th season with auditions and a job fair.

Northland's Most Wanted

Clay County Sheriff's Office looking for Smithville Lake robbery suspect

The Clay County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 21-year-old suspect allegedly involved in a robbery and assault at Smithville Lake.

Gunfire Postscript

Lawsuit claims KCPD officer shot man in the back with rifle as he ran away

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against two Kansas City police officers following the fatal shooting of Rodney Aubrey in July 2025.

Show-Me Legal Clap Back

Ousted Ray Co. Prosecutor Camille Johnston removed from Missouri Prosecutor's Association

The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys sent a letter to former Ray County prosecutor Camille Johnston informing her the board terminated her membership.

Midtown Tour

Things to Do in Westport, Kansas City - IN Kansas City Magazine

Westport filled with historic charm while still maintaining an edge with its bustling nightlife scene. Here's where to eat, shop, and play.

Angel Hotness Endures

Heidi Klum, 53, flaunts her fabulous curves in tiny thong bikini

The supermodel, 53, who has been vacationing in the Caribbean with her family and her little dog Fritz, had fun splashing around the waves while clad in a barely-there thong bikini.

Iran From MAGA Attack

Trump considering strikes on Iranian energy targets within days

A new bombing campaign would be aimed at trying to get the Iranians to agree to the United States' terms in ongoing negotiations.

Debating Broadcast Politics

Watch: FCC's Branden Carr Exposes Disney's 'The View' Repeatedly Urging Its Audience to 'Vote Democrat in November'

Federal Communications chief Brendan Carr posted a video montage to social media of some of ABC daytime talk show "The View's" most biased, left-wing chatter and electioneering for Democrats as the agency considers whether the show has broken federal equal time rules.

Swamp Stays Winning?!?

Prosecutors move to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism case, saying 'botched installation' to blame

The government had accused David Hearn of ripping a piece of sealant after a $14 million renovation. Hearn has repeatedly said that he simply touched the water in the pool out of curiosity last month.

NYC Overlooked?!?

Exclusive | Fuming Mamdani blocked from speaking at fallen NYC soldier's funeral despite writing speech: 'He was never called'

Mamdani was spotted reviewing his planned speech on iPad, before angrily shooting daggers at his staff when it became clear he wouldn't be called to speak.

Euro Deescalation 

Trump backtracks from promise to let Ukraine build Patriot missiles

US president tells reporters during Camp David cabinet meeting technology 'a hard thing to give away'

Comical Envy

Chelsea Handler Challenges Joe Rogan's $82 Million Podcast Estimate With One Blunt Question

Chelsea Handler had one immediate question after seeing Joe Rogan placed at the top of Forbes' 2026 ranking of the highest-paid podcasters: who is paying ... Read More

Activists Share Choices

📰 America's Most Important Election? The People's Ballot Is Here.

The Defender's Missouri election guide covers every amendment, every race, and every dollar, in plain language, before Tuesday.

Weekend Forecast

Kansas City will see overnight storms move out

Early morning storms will move out soon. Things will be noticeably cooler today. We are tracking the estimated rainfall we received overnight.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.