Kansas City Flare: Prepping 4th, China Fear & Volunteer Army

Given that it kinda sounds like WWIII outside this evening . . . Tonight we take a moment to share yet another glimpse at pop culture, community news and top headlines for our late night denizens.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Bloody Tradition Cont'd

Meat sales soar despite searing prices ahead of Fourth of July

A big cost of of the Fourth of July will be on the table this year - or perhaps the grill. According to the Farm Bureau, this is the second-highest cookout cost on record.

Trading Critical Info Amid Crisis

'Help them': Real estate professionals provide guidance to Jackson County homeowners

Real estate professionals are helping Jackson County homeowners facing enormous tax bills

Insight Amid Crackdown

Local transgender woman speaks out about lack of transparency around gender identity law

A local transgender woman speaks out about the complexities of getting her gender marker changed in the state of Kansas.

Show-Me Book Debate

A conservative pastor is trying to unseat a gay library board member in St. Joseph

The push to remove Brian Kirk is being led by a conservative pastor in the same city. The conflict has already prompted St. Joseph to change how it appoints members of city boards.

Party Planning

Preps underway for Stars and Stripes Picnic, KC's official Independence Day celebration

Final preparations are underway for Kansas City's official Independence Day celebration at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. KCTV5 News is the official television and streaming media partner for the Stars and Stripes Picnic.

Striped Down Sound Debuts

A Kansas City musician returns with a new album and a venture with Playboy

Cassie Taylor is set to debut her new record, "Desire," this fall. The release comes after taking a break from music and finding her true identity in different professions such as songwriting, photography and now modeling for Playboy.

White House Double Down

Student-loan borrowers who qualified for the first debt relief plan are not yet guaranteed relief under Biden's new route

The Education Department said it'll "explore policy options" to help "as many people as possible" after the Supreme Court struck down Biden's relief.

Power Play Redux?!?!

"Ominous sign": Legal experts say Jack Smith "closing in" after piercing Trump's "inner circle"

"I would say we are getting closer and closer to another federal indictment," former Watergate prosecutor says

Red Army Retrospective

Never underestimate Russia, top NATO military official warns

The military committee's chair spoke ahead of a key gathering in Vilnius next week.

Officials Flex On Far East

US warns Americans against traveling to China

The U.S. recommended Americans reconsider traveling to China because of arbitrary law enforcement and exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Protesting Privilege

Minority Groups Challenge Harvard's Legacy Admissions-Days After Affirmative Action Struck Down

The groups argue Harvard violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through its legacy and donor-related admissions policy, which overwhelmingly admits white students.

All About Troops

America Celebrates 50 Years of Volunteer Force, But Faces Tough Recruiting Environment

The anniversary of all-volunteer forces comes amid the toughest military recruiting environment in decades.

Home Team Overpowered

Garcia, Pratto smash home runs but eighth inning meltdown sinks Royals 8-4

Royals hitters did well, but their pitchers...not so much

Ozone Alert Amid Freedom Fest

FORECAST: Hot temperatures out there for the 4th of July, air quality alerts are in place for the metro

Toasty temperatures invaded Monday afternoon, with most of us in the upper 80s and lower 90s.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.