Toriano Porter

How did a Valentine’s Day dispute over dinner reservations lead to an interracial married couple from Kansas City being banned from the Wandering Vine at The Castle restaurant in Shawnee?

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A few thoughts on a proposed bill that would eliminate mandatory vehicle safety inspections in Missouri.

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It pinches the purse, but Missouri needs vehicle inspections | Opinion Toriano Porter just shelled out hundreds to get his son’s car ready to pass, but he still believes in mandatory inspections. | Opinion

Anyone concerned about road safety around the state should contact their representative and oppose a bill that could conceivably lead to more road deaths. www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...

If Terri Golding of Kansas City can prove she’s lived in unhealthy conditions since Day 1, she should be reimbursed.

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Blayne Newton quits Kansas City police but keeps peace license — for now | Opinion Newton’s departure from the Kansas City Police Department didn’t include surrendering his license. Stakeholders can report him to Missouri POST. From Toriano Porter:

Anyone with a vested interest in the Kansas City community can file a complaint against Newton with the Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Traning program, the agency that handles disciplinary issues involving law enforcement officers and their license.

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A few thoughts on the resignation of former Kansas City Police Officer Blayne Newton, a former cop who fatally shot three people, injured another with gunfire and brutalized two women while in uniform. I will share more thoughts in an upcoming column for The Kansas City Star... #staytuned

Got a phone call from my oldest daughter on Thursday. She's a sophomore at Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL.

Victoria: Dad, something really cool just happened to me. Kamala Harris was on campus today and I shook her hand.

Me: Awwwww, baby, that's super dope.

In Missouri, there is no state law that automatically revokes a convicted police officer’s license.

That must change.

I explain why in my latest column for the Kansas City Star Editorial Board. To read the piece, click on the link below.
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Hanging with the big dogs tonight...

Program: COLLIDE Series-Across State Lines: Power, Opportunity, and the Cost of Being a Border City
Format: Moderated Panel
Date: Thursday, February 12. 2026
Panel: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Kansas City Museum, 3218 Gladstone Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 6123

Two days in and three pieces already written. To read my musings on recent developments in Missouri and Kansas, click on the links below or visit kansascity.com and #subscribe.

1. www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...

2. www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...

3. www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...

Let MSHSAA members run the nonprofit, not politicians with axes to grind | Opinion Missouri state Sen. Jason Bean backs a bill that critics say would politicize interscholastic sports in the state. From Toriano Porter:

An ongoing crusade by Missouri Republicans to take over the board that governs high school sports is on hold, for now.

First, Andrew Bailey: Is new MO AG auditioning for Trump administration? | Opinion Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway has wasted little time picking up the culture war shtick Bailey used to raise his profile. From Toriano Porter:

Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway has wasted little time picking up the culture war shtick former AG Andrew Bailey used to raise his profile in the Trump administration.

OP police can release body camera video, but under too many restrictions | Opinion Overland Park adopts new body camera policies to boost transparency and accountability. Good idea, but limiting. From Toriano Porter:

The discretion to release BWC footage should be left to Overland Park officials and not to others, including Johnson County DA Steve Howe, who failed to bring charges in two high-profile police accountability cases, including the fatal shooting of a teen.

Quick update on a column I recently wrote: The Kansas City Council approved the American Jazz Museum's $3.2 million funding request to revamp the historic venue...

Much needed renovations are coming to the American Jazz Museum — if the Kansas City Council approves the museum’s $3.2 million funding request, that is.

In my latest column, I lay out reasons why the Council should approve funding for the renovations.

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www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...

Local elections matter.... #butfirstcoffee

In light of credible evidence that a KCPD officer brutalized a local resident— we should not ignore the fact the officer's actions were recorded — city prosecutor Linda Miller should reconsider the city’s position and drop the case against altogether.

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A few thoughts on the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort...

David Hudnalll, my new colleague on the @kansascity.com editorial board penned this beauty. It sizzles.

Prosecutor says KC cop is a ‘public safety threat.’ He should be fired | Opinion KCPD must create systems to take disgraced police officers like Blayne Newton off the street. From The Star Editorial Board:

From The Kansas City Star Opinion team: Kansas City police officer Blayne Newton is a “threat to public safety.” We strongly believe that Newton should no longer be a Kansas City Police Department officer.

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Another American killed in Minnesota ICE crackdown. Kansas City leaders must act | Opinion The shooting of Alex Pretti proves KC officials should continue moratoriums, sever ties and resist federal immigration detention plans. From Toriano Porter:

After seeing what has played out in Minneapolis this month, no one could ever convince me that Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration should be welcomed here in Kansas City.

A few thoughts on the Kansas high school basketball official accused of flopping.
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We don’t know what happened, but refs shouldn’t take a beating after video | Opinion A viral video of a Kansas high school basketball official led to review, criticism and more name-calling. It’s not fair. From Toriano Porter:

Officiating sports is a tough gig. This is especially true at the high school and youth sports level.

In my latest column, I write: One bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch.

To read the piece, click on the link below.
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This KC-area school district has no choice but to close school, cut jobs | Opinion Hickman Mills School District Board of Education and Superintendent Dennis Carpenter have to fix the budget shortfall. From Toriano Porter:

I would hate to be in the predicament facing the Hickman Mills School District Board of Education and Superintendent Dennis Carpenter. A major reorganization that includes a school closure and the loss of jobs is imminent.

www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...

A proposal that would gut the Missouri State High School Activities Association was referred to the state Senate’s education committee for further discussion.

Anyone concerned about this potential development — I know I am — should take note.

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This bill would put Missouri high school sports in politicians’ hands | Opinion A law in Jefferson City would dissolve the state high school activities association and replace it with a governor-appointed board. From Toriano Porter:

Anyone concerned about this potential development — I know I am — take note: Just this week, a proposal that would gut the Missouri State High School Activities Association was referred to the state Senate’s education committee for further discussion.

Woman with KC ties didn’t deserve to die at the hands of ICE agent in Minn. | Opinion A review of video and policy after an unarmed mother with Kansas City ties was shot by ICE in Minnesota, prompts questions about accountability and transparency.

If the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good was so terrified of being struck by the slow moving vehicle he should have exercised better judgment and simply moved out of harm’s way.

www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...

Audit urges Independence police to stop chasing nonviolent offenders | Opinion We agree that Independence police should limit high-speed pursuits, and have said so. Is 2026 finally the year? | Opinion

Independence police should limit its high-speed pursuits. An external audit agrees. Is 2026 finally the year?

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I’m from St. Louis. I feel your pain at the Chiefs’ move, Kansas City | Opinion Toriano Porter, a St. Louis native who lost two NFL teams to other cities, remembers how it feels to lose a team. | Opinion

I’ve never been a fan of tax subsidies and incentives for wealthy sports owners. I’ve always felt if they wanted a new stadium, they should build one on their own dime. I fully supported Jackson County voters rejecting a $1 billion sales tax to help keep the Chiefs and Royals in Kansas City.

I’m from St. Louis. I feel your pain at the Chiefs’ move, Kansas City | Opinion Toriano Porter, a St. Louis native who lost two NFL teams to other cities, remembers how it feels to lose a team. | Opinion

Chiefs fans, I feel your pain. As a native of St. Louis, I’ve lost two NFL franchises to other states.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...