Local

Tree trimmer from Independence works his way to top of competitive climbing

Matt Starks, 34, of Independence, is a professional tree trimmer whose lemurlike ability to hop from limb to limb or scale a trunk are so superior that he will be one of 61 contestants to compete in the International Tree Climbing Championship on March 21 and 22 in Tampa, Fla.

Royals

Royals hope new addition Alex Rios helps outfield defense remain baseball’s best

Out of faith in new right fielder Alex Rios, KC Royals manager Ned Yost says he won’t use Jarrod Dyson as a late-game defender at the start of the regular season. That’s one reason the Royals believe Rios will be a defensive upgrade over Nori Aoki.

Jeneé Osterheldt

Videos of police shootings and the color of a dress are all a matter of perception

Science explains why some of us see a blue and black dress, while other see white and gold. But a history of racism and privilege shades the light in which we view the police killings of unarmed black people.

Sam Mellinger

Failure to lock up Justin Houston last year is John Dorsey’s biggest misstep with Chiefs

A year ago, the Chiefs could have saved themselves a lot of time, trouble and money by signing linebacker Justin Houston to a long-term contract. Had they done so, they’d today have more cap space, longer control over a premier pass rusher and more flexibility to fill other needs on their roster.

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Newest St. Louis stadium plan tweaks TVs, keeps biker bar

Mon 8:38 PM

Woman admits digging up dad's grave in search of 'real will'

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Massive Iraqi assault begins to retake Tikrit from Islamic State

Mon 4:33 PM

DA to seek death penalty in North Carolina triple murder

Mon 7:33 PM

More federal workers moving to Kansas City’s downtown

Mon 6:35 PM

Kansas lawmakers to focus on resolving budget, tax issues

Mon 8:51 PM

Missouri lawmaker seeks clean politics after auditor's death

Mon 8:59 PM

$4.8M in gold bars stolen in armored truck heist on highway

Mon 8:34 PM

KC school district and ACLU settle free-speech case over Ferguson demonstration

Mon 7:04 PM

Kansas Citian in prison for one 1987 rape charged in second case from the same year

Mon 6:42 PM

At preliminary hearing, witnesses to Jewish center shootings recall gunfire, aftermath

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Frequent fliers can enroll at KCI for security precheck program

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University of Kansas

KU’s Big 12 title streak in basketball is one for the ages

The Jayhawks’ conference championship winning streak has taken on a life of its own. The players change, but the one constant is coach Bill Self, who manages to get Kansas to the top every year.

Back to Rockville

Rob Zombie, Tech N9ne on Rockfest lineup

Organizers of Rockfest 2015 have announced their lineup and it includes Rob Zombie and hometown hip-hop hero Tech N9ne.

Business

Five KC area billionaires on Forbes’ list

Bill Gates again topped the magazine’s list of 1,826 billionaires, up from 1,645 in 2014. Koch brothers are ranked sixth.

Stargazing

William Shatner turns Leonard Nimoy debacle into amazing tribute

After the New York Daily News blasted William Shatner as “Captain Jerk” for not attending Leonard Nimoy’s funeral, Shatner used Twitter to host a touching Q&A.

Editorials

Schweich’s death casts harsh light on bullying within Missouri GOP

Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich’s suicide last Thursday has prompted an outpouring of grief and remorse. But if the Missouri Republican Party sincerely wants to honor Schweich’s memory, beginning with his funeral on Tuesday, it will take a hard look at the way it conducts its business.

Performing Arts

Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s ‘Angels in America’ is a new take on a bold classic

Development

Kansas City streetcar construction is on pace for passengers in early 2016

Local Columnists

Dave Helling: For the starship Government, bipartisan politics is the final frontier

Chow Town

The Roasterie’s Simeon Bricker takes second at 2015 U.S. Latte Art Championship (with video)

Gregorian Chants

Oklahoma enables a bittersweet realization of Reat Griffin Underwood’s dream

Chiefs

Chairman Clark Hunt says Chiefs want to be ‘a smart player’ in NFL free agency

Local

Traffic concepts such as crisscross overpasses may annoy drivers, but experts say they work

Development

Stoney Creek lodge opens in Independence, sparking development hopes

Government & Politics

Justice Department to fault Ferguson police for racial tensions

Technology

Wireless show highlights: New phones, new ways to connect

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Play the Price Chopper Snack Bracket Challenge to win a $250 Price Chopper Party Pack! Plus, weekly winners will receive a $50 Price Chopper Gift Card.

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Blogs & Columns

Local Columnists

Dave Helling: For the starship Government, bipartisan politics is the final frontier

After his six years in office, we know President Barack Obama is Mr. Spock: detached, information-driven and undoubtedly big-eared. For the last six years, Republicans have taken Capt. James T. Kirk as their model: rash, emotional, passionate. But the best way forward, “Star Trek” told us, is to use the head and the heart.

Local Columnists

Dave Helling: For the starship Government, bipartisan politics is the final frontier

The K Zone

Video: Ned Yost on Royals’ rain-shortened workout, Luke Hochevar

Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost talked about Monday’s rain-shortened workout, Alex Gordon, Sean Manaea and Luke Hochevar.

Back to Rockville

‘Piece by Piece’ is more of the same Kelly Clarkson but with some twists and turns

Despite her new status as a wife and mother, the former “American Idol” hasn’t discarded the formulas that have made her a multi-platinum star for more than a decade. But she has tweaked them a bit.

Back to Rockville

Alabama Shakes coming to Starlight Theater with Father John Misty

Alabama Shakes have announced their 2015 tour and it includes a stop at Starlight Theater on May 29, a Friday. Also on the bill: Father John Misty.

Stargazing

William Shatner turns Leonard Nimoy debacle into amazing tribute

After the New York Daily News blasted William Shatner as “Captain Jerk” for not attending Leonard Nimoy’s funeral, Shatner used Twitter to host a touching Q&A.

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