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Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys

The Boy Scouts of America threw open its ranks Thursday to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders — a fiercely contested compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors. Of the roughly 1,400 voting members of the BSA's National Council who cast ballots, 61 percent supported the proposal. The policy change takes effect Jan. 1.

Chiefs

Husain Abdullah, who gave up football to take Muslim pilgrimage, is back in NFL with the Chiefs

New Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah, a practicing Muslim, elected not to return to the Minnesota Vikings last season and instead took his wife, parents and two older brothers on a monthlong pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia last October. “To get back out here and to have a second chance, not a lot of people get one,” Abdullah said. “So this is a blessing.”

Royals

Dayton Moore vows recent slide won’t cause Royals to panic

The question was simple and basic to Royals general manager Dayton Moore prior to Thursday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. What are the Royals going to do to get out of a 4-12 slide? Moore starts by saying what they won’t do.

Chow Town

National foodie website picks Oklahoma Joe’s ribs as 'America’s Best'

Oklahoma Joe’s is smoking out its barbecue competition: The local joint’s ribs were just named America’s Best by The Daily Meal. “In a city renowned for its pork ribs, the ones at Oklahoma Joe’s are simply the best,” proclaims the national foodie website, which gushes about the ribs’ “deeply burnished shade of red” and “picture-postcard-perfect” looks. Do you agree? Vote in our poll for your favorite KC ribs.

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Business

Sprint suitor addresses cybersecurity concerns

SoftBank Corp. has agreed to appoint a U.S. government-approved “security director” to the wireless phone company’s board to address national security concerns. It made the unusual commitment to several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, as it presses for federal approval of its agreement to buy 70 percent of Sprint for $20.1 billion.

Entertainment

Summer events: A day-by-day list of activities

OK, so you have relatives coming in from out of town this summer. You want to show them what a neat place Kansas City is, but there are so many things to do, and you’re not sure how to pick and choose. Save this list, and you’ll have a perfect itinerary no matter when or how long the interlopers stay.

Barbara Shelly

Kathleen Sebelius and the ‘fourth scandal’

One can envision the hearings. The outraged congressmen and the pompous senators grilling the secretary, with no answer likely to satisfy. The TV lights and live coverage on Fox. A new revelation (or non-revelation) popping up every couple of days. Is it any wonder good people are reluctant to go into public service these days?

Caption Contest

Focus on writing a winning entry

Hmmm. Why does that guy look familiar? And why do all the paparazzi seem so interested in him? Anyway, reality matters not when it comes to the caption contest. You could score a $25 gift card if you write the winning caption.

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Epic’ isn’t epic, but it is gorgeous | 3 stars

The action sequences are frequent and exceptional, from zooming aerial battles to comedic chases involving Bomba’s three-legged pet pug. It’s also one of the year’s most visually distinctive movies. All this is thrilling enough to divert viewers from the formulaic elements.