Toriano Porter
@torianoporter.bsky.social
Author. Speaker. Mentor. Opinion writer. Kansas City Star Editorial Board. Addicted to books, beer, bourbon, biking and ☕️ beans...
In January, a group of law students at the University of California at Santa Cruz and one from Georgetown University will take a deep dive into Ken Middleton's claims of innocence. The review is part of Georgetown Law’s Making an Exoneree program.
‘Making an Exoneree’ to look into Blue Springs man’s innocence claims | Opinion
Law students to reexamine ruling of ineffective counsel for Ken Middleton, sentenced to life for killing his wife. From Toriano Porter | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:03 PM
In January, a group of law students at the University of California at Santa Cruz and one from Georgetown University will take a deep dive into Ken Middleton's claims of innocence. The review is part of Georgetown Law’s Making an Exoneree program.
To me, perhaps the funniest line of “Stateline” is when Kevin quips to Mitchell: “I ain’t really got no beef with KCK, I just hate the way it smells.”
I love my folks in The Dotte, but that line was pure comedic genius...
I love my folks in The Dotte, but that line was pure comedic genius...
Which barbecue is best, KCMO or KCK? Tasty short film explores biases | Opinion
Directed and produced by a Kansas City filmmaker, ‘Stateline’ playfully probes barbecue and community rivalry. From Toriano Porter:
www.kansascity.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:46 PM
To me, perhaps the funniest line of “Stateline” is when Kevin quips to Mitchell: “I ain’t really got no beef with KCK, I just hate the way it smells.”
I love my folks in The Dotte, but that line was pure comedic genius...
I love my folks in The Dotte, but that line was pure comedic genius...
Who has the best BBQ, KCMO or KCK? Short film "Stateline" explores this very question and in the process checks our biases between the two cities.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
Which barbecue is best, KCMO or KCK? Tasty short film explores biases | Opinion
Directed and produced by a Kansas City filmmaker, ‘Stateline’ playfully probes barbecue and community rivalry. From Toriano Porter:
www.kansascity.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Who has the best BBQ, KCMO or KCK? Short film "Stateline" explores this very question and in the process checks our biases between the two cities.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
I cracked open Michael Watson's book on Myron Piggie book this week and couldn’t put it down. I spent the better part of Monday zipping through the first few chapters of the 326-page book with ease — I only stopped to write this column.
Inside coach Myron Piggie's rise, crimes and legacy, new ‘book goes deep’ | Opinion
UMKC all-time scorer Michael Watson profiles the Kansas City basketball icon whose influence helped reshape basketball. From Toriano Porter:
www.kansascity.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:03 PM
I cracked open Michael Watson's book on Myron Piggie book this week and couldn’t put it down. I spent the better part of Monday zipping through the first few chapters of the 326-page book with ease — I only stopped to write this column.
Here's a clip from my one-on-one interview with Kansas City native Funny Marco, a podcaster and comedian doing his thing on a national level. In this clip, Marco talks about the cancelled show last year in his hometown due to low ticket sales...
Link is here.
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www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
Link is here.
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www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
November 7, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Here's a clip from my one-on-one interview with Kansas City native Funny Marco, a podcaster and comedian doing his thing on a national level. In this clip, Marco talks about the cancelled show last year in his hometown due to low ticket sales...
Link is here.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
Link is here.
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www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
A border patrol officer testified that the sandwich 'exploded all over' his chest and claimed he could smell mustard and onion.🥪🥪🥪
www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/dc-sandwich-guy-verdict-rcna242142
www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/dc-sandwich-guy-verdict-rcna242142
Jury acquits D.C. 'sandwich guy' charged with chucking a sub at a federal agent
Sean Dunn faced a single misdemeanor after federal grand jurors refused to indict him on the felony charge sought by prosecutors.
www.nbcnews.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:14 PM
A border patrol officer testified that the sandwich 'exploded all over' his chest and claimed he could smell mustard and onion.🥪🥪🥪
www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/dc-sandwich-guy-verdict-rcna242142
www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/dc-sandwich-guy-verdict-rcna242142
Funny Marco is a comedian and podcast host from Kansas City. Despite a burgeoning entertainment career, Marco’s stop last year at the Uptown Theatre in Kansas City was canceled due to low ticket sales. Tap in (link⬇️⬇️) to see how the KC native handled the setback.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
Funny Marco didn’t hit the mark in KC, so he turned setback into growth | Opinion
Popular podcaster now has A-list guests and sells out venues. He’s setting his sights back on Kansas City | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Funny Marco is a comedian and podcast host from Kansas City. Despite a burgeoning entertainment career, Marco’s stop last year at the Uptown Theatre in Kansas City was canceled due to low ticket sales. Tap in (link⬇️⬇️) to see how the KC native handled the setback.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
Tuesday’s election results in Independence should serve as a reminder: Local school district matters should be left to duly elected school board members and their patrons.
Independence voters paid no mind to Lucas, confirming 4-day school week | Opinion
KC Mayor Quinton Lucas should have stayed in his own lane, says Toriano Porter. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Tuesday’s election results in Independence should serve as a reminder: Local school district matters should be left to duly elected school board members and their patrons.
Local elections matter... below is a link to The Kansas City Star Opinion's recommendations in the Nov. 4 election...
Link:
www.kansascity.com/opinion/elec...
Link:
www.kansascity.com/opinion/elec...
October 30, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Local elections matter... below is a link to The Kansas City Star Opinion's recommendations in the Nov. 4 election...
Link:
www.kansascity.com/opinion/elec...
Link:
www.kansascity.com/opinion/elec...
On Nov. 4, Wyandotte County voters will choose between a corporate attorney new to politics and a veteran elected official for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City Board of Public Utilities District 2 seat.
The Kansas City Star endorses in WyCo’s BPU District 2 race | Opinion
The Star Editorial Board chooses between attorney Chase Cook and former Piper school board member Neal Palmer. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:42 PM
On Nov. 4, Wyandotte County voters will choose between a corporate attorney new to politics and a veteran elected official for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City Board of Public Utilities District 2 seat.
Hot off the press: Another The Kansas City Star Opinion election endorsement
On Nov. 4, voters in Independence will decide if the school district’s four-day school week will continue for the next decade.
On Nov. 4, voters in Independence will decide if the school district’s four-day school week will continue for the next decade.
The Star recommends whether Independence should keep 4-day school week | Opinion
Is the new schedule in the best interests of students and teachers? | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Hot off the press: Another The Kansas City Star Opinion election endorsement
On Nov. 4, voters in Independence will decide if the school district’s four-day school week will continue for the next decade.
On Nov. 4, voters in Independence will decide if the school district’s four-day school week will continue for the next decade.
In any other election cycle, our recommendation for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, BPU District 1 At-Large seat would be slightly less complicated. But the race is unlike any we’ve seen in recent memory.
The Kansas City Star’s endorsement in the WyCo BPU District 1 At-Large race | Opinion
This is The Star Editorial Board’s recommendation between Gary Bradley-Lopez and Lisa Walker-Yeager in the November election. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:14 PM
In any other election cycle, our recommendation for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, BPU District 1 At-Large seat would be slightly less complicated. But the race is unlike any we’ve seen in recent memory.
The Star’s Editorial Board looks at challengers Jermaine “Jae” Howard and Lisa Walker-Yeager in the Nov. 4 race.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
The Kansas City Star’s endorsement in the WyCo District 1 race | Opinion
The Star’s Editorial Board looks at challengers Jermaine “Jae” Howard and Lisa Walker-Yeager in the Nov. 4 race. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:32 PM
The Star’s Editorial Board looks at challengers Jermaine “Jae” Howard and Lisa Walker-Yeager in the Nov. 4 race.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
On Nov. 4, voters will decide between Carlos Pacheco and LaVert Murray. There are many similarities between the two, but just as many differences.
The Kansas City Star’s endorsement in Wyco District 5 board race | Opinion
The editorial board endorses in the Wyandotte County Board of Commissioners race between LaVert Murray and Carlos Pacheco. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 18, 2025 at 10:15 PM
On Nov. 4, voters will decide between Carlos Pacheco and LaVert Murray. There are many similarities between the two, but just as many differences.
Wyandotte County voters will have a difficult choice to make on Nov. 4. The race between current UG District 8 Commissioner Andrew Davis and challenger Jacob Handy is a tough call as each candidate has attributes that we feel could serve the public well.
The Kansas City Star’s endorsement in Wyandotte County District 8 race | Opinion
The Editorial Board chooses between incumbent Andrew Davis and challenger Jacob Handy to represent the 8th District. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 18, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Wyandotte County voters will have a difficult choice to make on Nov. 4. The race between current UG District 8 Commissioner Andrew Davis and challenger Jacob Handy is a tough call as each candidate has attributes that we feel could serve the public well.
On Nov. 4, Wyandotte County voters will decide between a political newcomer and a sitting commissioner vying for the open at-large District 2 seat on the Unified Government Board of Commission, the primary governing body for KCK and Wyandotte County. www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
The Star’s endorsement in Wyandotte County District 2 at-large race | Opinion
This is The Kansas City Star Editorial Board’s recommendation in the race between Andrew Kump and Philip Lopez. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:32 PM
On Nov. 4, Wyandotte County voters will decide between a political newcomer and a sitting commissioner vying for the open at-large District 2 seat on the Unified Government Board of Commission, the primary governing body for KCK and Wyandotte County. www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
From The Kansas City Star Opinion team: Lance Shockley's jury was deadlocked, so the judge sentenced him to death. That’s not justice.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
Gov. Kehoe, there are too many questions to execute Lance Shockley now | Opinion
His jury was deadlocked, so the judge sentenced him to death. That’s not justice. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:55 PM
From The Kansas City Star Opinion team: Lance Shockley's jury was deadlocked, so the judge sentenced him to death. That’s not justice.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/edit...
The cat is out of the bag: Jackson County Legislature Chairman DaRon McGee wants to replace Frank White as the next Jackson County executive.
DaRon McGee wants to become Jackson County executive | Opinion
The short application process ends Monday, and McGee told The Star Editorial Board he would apply. From Toriano Porter | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The cat is out of the bag: Jackson County Legislature Chairman DaRon McGee wants to replace Frank White as the next Jackson County executive.
That Blayne Newton, an eight-year KCPD veteran, still patrols city streets is unfathomable. Since 2020, he’s fatally shot three people while on duty and injured a fourth with gunfire. He’s been accused of using excessive force more than once.
On-duty killings led to $3.5 million payout. Why is KCPD officer still employed? | Opinion
Kansas City Police Department officer Blayne Newton should be fired. From the Editorial Board | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
That Blayne Newton, an eight-year KCPD veteran, still patrols city streets is unfathomable. Since 2020, he’s fatally shot three people while on duty and injured a fourth with gunfire. He’s been accused of using excessive force more than once.
Kansas City, we have a problem — an overcrowded county jail problem. So what’s the fix?
Apparently portable beds, expanded pods and bond reviews for dangerous criminal suspects.
Apparently portable beds, expanded pods and bond reviews for dangerous criminal suspects.
New Jackson County jail will be over capacity the day it opens | Opinion
Here's what Prosecutor Melesa Johnson and Sheriff Darryl Forte propose to address this critical issue in Kansas City. From Toriano Porter | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
September 30, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Kansas City, we have a problem — an overcrowded county jail problem. So what’s the fix?
Apparently portable beds, expanded pods and bond reviews for dangerous criminal suspects.
Apparently portable beds, expanded pods and bond reviews for dangerous criminal suspects.
"I think that there is a lot of room for improvement in kind of some of the mundane and boring things. But the things that the AG’s office has responsibility for aren’t so boring if they happen to you." - Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway
New Missouri AG breaks from predecessors with different priorities | Opinion
We applaud that she plans to focus on consumer protection, and not spend much time on constitutional issues. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:49 PM
"I think that there is a lot of room for improvement in kind of some of the mundane and boring things. But the things that the AG’s office has responsibility for aren’t so boring if they happen to you." - Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway
Before or after the Kansas City Chiefs take the field Sunday against the New York Giants, Travis Kelce should acknowledge his mistake for wearing a “Free 4” T-shirt last week for suspended teammate Rashee Rice.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
‘Free4’ shirt was wrong. Chiefs players, let’s not see it again | Opinion
People got hurt in the Rashee Rice wreck. Toriano Porter suggests that Travis Kelce should acknowledge the fashion mistake. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
September 20, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Before or after the Kansas City Chiefs take the field Sunday against the New York Giants, Travis Kelce should acknowledge his mistake for wearing a “Free 4” T-shirt last week for suspended teammate Rashee Rice.
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-...
Here's a reminder, folks: Don't fumble the bag. Your opinion on Charlie Kirk and whatever he stood for is simply not worth losing your job.
Charlie Kirk is dead. Is criticism of his message worth losing your job? | Opinion
Missouri and Kansas teachers join those across the country losing their livelihood in the aftermath of negative social media posts about Charlie Kirk. From Toriano Porter | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Here's a reminder, folks: Don't fumble the bag. Your opinion on Charlie Kirk and whatever he stood for is simply not worth losing your job.
If there are any civic organizations out there interested in donating resources and personnel to help clean this property, please email me at tporter@kcstar.com.
City must help Kansas City man surrounded by squatters at his own home | Opinion
The homeowner has a checkered past, but Kansas City and the police department must protect him and his neighborhood. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
September 16, 2025 at 12:56 PM
If there are any civic organizations out there interested in donating resources and personnel to help clean this property, please email me at tporter@kcstar.com.
"I hardly agreed with any of Charlie Kirk’s takes, but my heart goes out to him and his family and the people who love and support him. And that is not just talk. I actually feel for him and his loved ones." - TP
If we can’t speak our differences without fear, how can we move forward? | Opinion
The day before Charlie Kirk was killed, Yvette Walker and Toriano Porter spoke at a public event on DEI. Is conversation doomed? | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
September 11, 2025 at 7:49 PM
"I hardly agreed with any of Charlie Kirk’s takes, but my heart goes out to him and his family and the people who love and support him. And that is not just talk. I actually feel for him and his loved ones." - TP