Kansas City Lights: Corporate Hit, War Tech & Goodbye Al Fitzmorris

We're playing catch-up for the late night & early morning and sharing local news items that are worth consideration for our fellow news junkies but didn't get a chance to make it to the front page as we ponder pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Legend Leaves

Former Kansas City Royals pitcher Al Fitzmorris dies at 78

Al Fitzmorris, a former Kansas City Royals pitcher celebrated for his contributions both on and off the field, has died at the age of 78.

Journalism Glory Captured

CNN names KC photojournalist's Mahomes photo among best of 2024

An iconic shot of Patrick Mahomes' cracked helmet snapped by a local photographer is being acclaimed as one of the top photos on the planet in 2024.

Show-Me Decision To Watch

Planned Parenthood and Missouri attorney general expect judge to rule soon on abortion restrictions

After voters approved Amendment 3 in November, Planned Parenthood attorneys want to overturn a number of Missouri laws that regulate abortion services and providers. A court decision on the lawsuit could come soon.

Rock Chalk Unearthed

Soil health is big business, but KU researchers say many fungal products don't work as promised

There's no shortage of products designed to grow beneficial fungi that will help your crops or garden. Whether they actually do that, though, is a different matter.

Local Old School Dox Resurface

Antique desk found to hold documents dating back to the 19th century

Other entries had rhymes and poems, all addressed to Dollie, and all from the 1800's.

Hollywood Legacy Stumbles

Francesca Eastwood FALLS OVER outside Chateau Marmont after wild night

Francesca Eastwood tumbled to the ground outside Chateau Marmont in LA on Tuesday, days after it was revealed she won't be prosecuted following her domestic violence arrest .

MAGA Means Business

Trump Sends Clear Message To Big Tech With His Pick For Top DOJ Spot

Trump announced he will tap economic policy adviser to Vance, Gail Slater, as assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division at the DOJ.

Progressive Hysteria Recalled

Guest's Anti-Hegseth Rant Is So Far Over The Line Even 'Morning Joe' Hosts Condemn It

MSNBC guest - and staff writer at The Atlantic - David Frum stepped far enough over the line on Wednesday that even the hosts of "Morning Joe" balked, condemning his comments as "too flippant" for the current climate. Frum compared Hegseth to a nominee put forward years ago by the late President George H.W.

Corporate Hit Suffered

Shocking video shows UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson gunned down on NYC street

Video obtained by Fox News Digital shows the suspect wanted for the shooting death of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan savagely gunning him down.

Legal Definitions Determined?!?

Takeaways from the Supreme Court arguments on transgender health care ban: Conservatives skeptical

The conservative-majority Supreme Court appeared likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming health care for transgender minors as it heard the most high-profile case of its term on Wednesday.

Axis Observes Far East Crisis

North Korea, Russia and China watch on as crisis unfolds in key US ally South Korea | CNN

A night of political upheaval in South Korea has upended stability in a key democratic US ally - sending shock waves through the region and Washington at a moment of acute global tension.

War Tech At Work In Holy Land

Israel showed the 'power' of F-35s in destroying nearly all of Iran's air defenses without a loss, UK admiral says

The UK's chief of defense staff said Israeli F-35s took out "nearly the entirety" of Iran's air defenses in a single mission.

Xi Serves Phone Check

Many Americans' cellphone data being hacked by China, official says

Cyber-espionage group 'Salt Typhoon' targeting 'at least' eight US telecom and telecom infrastructure firms

Latest Surrender Reported

French government collapses in no-confidence vote

Michel Barnier's ousting over a budget bill deepens France's current political crisis.

Comedian Suffers Salary Joke

Pete Davidson reveals his 'Saturday Night Live' salary - and it's less than you'd think

Pete Davidson has revealed how much "Saturday Night Live" stars are paid - and your jaw will likely drop in disbelief.

Passionate MAGA Memoir

I Was Having Sex With An Old Hookup. Midway Through, I Discovered He Was A Trump Supporter.

"In a way, it felt like he was trying to impress me. In another, it felt like he was baiting me."

Suburban Kitty Extinguished

Cat perishes in Grandview house fire Wednesday morning

A cat perished in a Grandview house fire early Wednesday morning. Emergency crews were called to the 13000 block of Fuller Avenue shortly after 8:30 a.m.

Talking Local Centerstage

5 Questions: Lindsey Rood-Clifford of Starlight Theatre

Lindsey Rood-Clifford is the president and CEO of Starlight Theatre in Kansas City's Swope Park. She caught up with KCUR's Steve Kraske as part of Up To Date's new series "5 Questions."

Enjoying Urban Artsy Moment

355: Northeast Arts KC Prepares for 3rd Annual Open Studio Tour - Northeast News

On this week's Northeast Newscast, Julia Williams is joined in the studio with local artist, owner of Back Door Pottery and Northeast Arts KC Treasurer, Rebecca Koop to introduce a new segment - highlighting preparations for Northeast Arts KC's third annual Open Studio Tour this weekend, from 10 a.m.

Square Pizza Is ACTUALLY One Of KC Metro Best

Is restaurant featured in KC Chiefs Hallmark movie real? Yes, but it doesn't sell BBQ

"They're coming from all over," the owner said. "I think yesterday we had somebody from Oregon, and somebody from Montana the other day, and it's really cool."

Local Chill Arrives Overnight

Kansas City weather: Wind chills near zero on Thursday morning

A quick-moving cold snap sets in, bring some of the coldest temperatures of the season.

The Jacksons, Mick Jagger - State of Shock was a 1984 Billboard Hot 100 hit, right now serves as oure #TBT song of the day and this is the early morning OPEN THREAD.