Kansas City Star: Front Page

Hollywood hat craze

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:16 CDT

Check out our photo gallery of 10 stars who inspired a hat revival.

Top chefs' favorite road food

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:36 CDT

What sorts of informal and inexpensive-yet-tasty treats are top chefs and celebrated calorie-counters grabbing on the road during this recession-ridden summer?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:08 CDT

Mickey Gilley suffers from fall, cancels Branson shows

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:43 CDT

BRANSON, Mo. | Country music star Mickey Gilley is recovering from surgery after a fall he suffered over the Fourth of July weekend.

Cottleville wants Missouri to legalize medical marijuana use

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:40 CDT

COTTLEVILLE, Mo. | The little St. Charles County community of Cottleville is encouraging the state to legalize the use of medical marijuana.

KC hearing to focus on streetcars

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:37 CDT

About a month ago, consultants told area transit planners that light rail would probably be too expensive with too few riders to ever qualify for federal funding. They strongly suggested that Kansas City find a way to cut transportation costs to make rail work, even possibly turning to modern streetcars.

Kearney man sentenced to 18 years in prison for molesting girl, 6

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:55 CDT

A Kearney man who told authorities that a 6-year-old girl he was accused of sexually assaulting “was built like she is 13” was sentenced today to 18 years in prison. Mark Schmollinger, 55, pleaded guilty in Clay County Circuit Court to one count of first-degree statutory sodomy for felony criminal charges stemming from an incident involving a child on Aug. 15, 2008.

Surveillance photos of Shawnee robbery released

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:51 CDT

Shawnee police today released surveillance photos of an armed robber who held up a convenience store Thursday evening.

Ford to GM: Move over

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:45 CDT

Here's a sales race to watch the latter half of this year: Will Ford become the top-selling automaker in the U.S. this year for the first time since 1931?

Parent of area Uno Chicago Grill stores seeks Chapter 11

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:49 CDT

The owner of the three Uno Chicago Grill restaurants in the metropolitan area has sought Chapter 11 protection, listing assets of $3.4 million and debts of $5.48 million.

GM's Fairfax plant to play key role

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:31 CDT

Now that a new General Motors has emerged today from bankruptcy,the story line is whether the company can make the most of its second chance.

Analysts weigh in on Sprint deal

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:20 CDT

Leave it to Wall Street analysts, of course, to pick apart the Sprint-Ericsson deal. From scanning media coverage, Sprint Connection has compiled some of the feedback from the so-called experts.

Garmin GPS products get the once-over from Consumer Reports

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:30 CDT

Consumer Reports magazine recently tested a batch of Garmin GPS navigational devices. Among the products reviewed were the Nuvi 1200 and Nuvi 1300 series.

KC driver emerges uninjured after crash sends SUV rolling

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

Kansas City Barbecue through the years

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:32 CDT

Bacon Explosion goes on sale

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:16 CDT

Entertainment | Paris Hilton, Harry Potter, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Adrian Grenier

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:45 CDT

Stage 7 Tour de France | July 10, 2009

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:06 CDT

Recession forces more older workers to put off retiring

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

The recession is keeping some older workers on the job beyond the time they intended to retire. In some industries, such as nursing, that's a good thing — it's helping ease worker shortages. In other workplaces, the lack of turnover is keeping younger workers from landing jobs.

Truck-only lanes for I-70? Missouri says it's possible

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

All the asphalt in the world can’t repair a heart. Three years ago, James Garrett lost his mother and grandmother in a fiery crash on Interstate 70 when a tractor-trailer rammed a line of cars from behind.

Tour of Missouri may lose state funding, which may cancel this year's race

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

JEFFERSON CITY | Responding to a request from Gov. Jay Nixon for budget cuts, the Department of Economic Development this week moved to freeze $1.5 million in state funding for the Tour of Missouri, a weeklong bicycle race scheduled to spin through Kansas City.

Sprint contracts Ericsson to handle networking operations

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Sprint Nextel is transferring the day-to-day operations and maintenance of its networks — along with 6,000 Sprint employees and up to $5 billion — to a Swedish telecom company.

Department of Justice to investigate KCPD hiring practices

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

The U.S. Department of Justice plans to investigate whether the Kansas City Police Department discriminates against blacks and Hispanics in hiring and promotions, according to a letter released Thursday.

State says KC School District's turnaround plan shows improvement

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

After the Kansas City School District’s second quarterly report to the state Thursday, this much can be said about its critical turnaround plan: The setup is good.

City withdrawing its support from Bartle Hall spiritual conference

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Kansas City officials said Thursday that they would pull city support from a large spiritual conference planned at Bartle Hall this month. The action came after Kansas City Council members expressed concern about a scheduled preacher who has condemned homosexuals.

Greinke deserves to start All-Star Game

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Start with this: Zack Greinke absolutely should start the All-Star Game on Tuesday in St. Louis. Year after year, the All-Star Game starters have been those pitchers who had the best first half. Period.

Royals rally from four-run deficit for 8-6 victory against Red Sox

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

BOSTON | Well how about this one? The Royals spotted the Boston Red Sox a four-run lead Thursday night at Fenway Park and, somehow, goosed their production-challenged attack into a rousing comeback for an 8-6 victory.

Doubters motivate former MU quarterback Daniel

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Don’t bother going to Facebook to check out the latest in the life and times of former Missouri star quarterback Chase Daniel. “My Facebook name is not under Chase Daniel,” Daniel said. “I’m in there under an alias.”

YRC, Teamsters reach tentative pact on concessions

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Once again, drivers and dock workers at YRC Worldwide Inc. will be asked to accept cuts in their national contract to help keep the struggling trucker on the road. Overland Park-based YRC and the Teamsters union announced a tentative agreement Thursday on further concessions, although details won't be released until next week.

Sprint CEO says company is in position to be more innovative

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Sprint Nextel is No. 3, and that's fine with CEO Dan Hesse. Sprint's position in the telecom industry — behind AT&T and Verizon, which have large land-line businesses — allows it to be more nimble and innovative in wireless service, Hesse said Thursday in Kansas City.

‘Bruno' review: Laugh. Wince. Repeat. | 2 ½ stars

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

“Bruno” contains moments of explosive, outrageous, I-can’t-believe-what-I’m-seeing hilarity. At the same time, the second feature (after “Borat”) from satiric agent provocateur Sacha Baron Cohen points out the limits of his guerrilla comedy style.

Stargazing | Joyce DiDonato, Real World in D.C., Michael Jackson

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

On Saturday night during a performance of Rossini’s “Barbiere di Siviglia,” American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato slipped and fell and, unbeknownst to her, fractured her right fibula on a London stage.

‘Food, Inc.': A horror movie with a message | 3 ½ stars

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

I’m happy to have any appetite at all since watching “Food, Inc.” Director Robert Kenner’s documentary is powerful. Maybe even life-changing.

Coast Guard cutter makes drug bust off Guatemala

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:55 CDT

The Coast Guard says a cutter based in Alameda has seized two speedboats, recovered a bale of cocaine and detained four suspected smugglers off the coast of Guatemala.

Poor leave Calif. at higher rate than rich

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:05 CDT

A report from the Public Policy Institute of California shows the poor are more likely to leave California than the wealthy.

Prosecutor says foreign students neglected in Pa.

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:42 CDT

A California nonprofit placed foreign exchange students in deplorable conditions in Pennsylvania, with some becoming malnourished or living in homes strewn with dog feces, and a prosecutor said the neglect merits criminal charges.

Cemetery workers made $300K in gravedigging scheme

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:32 CDT

Four former employees accused of digging up bodies and reselling plots at a historic black cemetery near Chicago made about $300,000 in a scheme believed to have stretched back at least four years, authorities said Friday.

Iranian-American academic detained in Tehran

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:52 CDT

An Iranian-American scholar whom Iran once accused of fomenting political unrest has been arrested by authorities there for the second time in two years, his family said Friday.

David Arquette to live in a box for hunger

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:40 CDT

NEW YORK — David Arquette is going to live in a box in New York City to raise money for the hungry.

Wanna-be actor Levi Johnston: Sarah Palin resigned over money

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:29 CDT

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The former fiance of Gov. Sarah Palin's 18-year-old daughter says he thinks he knows why the Alaska governor is resigning _ concerns over money.

LAPD investigating Michael Jackson's drug history

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:19 CDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Detectives investigating the death of Michael Jackson are looking at his prescription drug history and trying to talk with his numerous former doctors, the Los Angeles police chief said.

Britney Spears threatened with Swedish boycott

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:13 CDT

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Four major Swedish newspapers have threatened to boycott a Britney Spears concert in Stockholm because of restrictions imposed on their photographers. Spears is scheduled to perform in the Swedish capital on Monday.

Blind contestant on Australian 'Dancing With the Stars' wows crowd

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:29 CDT

Do we have another Susan Boyle on our hands here?

Art of the Car Concurse winners named

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:19 CDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 9, 2009) –– Five “People’s Choice” awards were presented to top vote-getters at the third annual Art of the Car Concours, held June 27 on the campus of the Kansas City Art Intitute. The winners: read more

A Night in Sports Honoring Outstanding Athletes

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:59 CDT

(July 2009) – The SportKC PROPS Award Show (Party Honoring Outstanding Athletes of Sports), hosted by the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation (KCSC&F), will be held this Thursday, July 16 at the Midland Theatre. read more

Swingin' blues FREE July 16th at the Tuileries

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:41 CDT

"Young Dancers" Courtesy of John PolzinCourtesy of John Polzin: Crowd Shot read more

Camp Guardian Media Day

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:58 CDT

EVENT: Camp Guardian Media Day DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23, Noon to 9 p.m. LOCATION: Camp Farwesta 6091 SW Highway 36 Stewartsville, MO 64490 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Each summer, Missouri Guard members join dozens of children and adults with special needs are treated to a taste of the great outdoors, courtesy of a week-long, action-packed recreational camp. read more

Royals acquire shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt from Mariners

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:27 CDT

BOSTON | The Royals pulled off a major trade today when they acquired shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt from the Seattle Mariners for two minor-league pitchers.

Bruno punks KC's Hotel Phillips

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:13 CDT

KC hotelier Blaine Proctor makes his screen debut in “Bruno.” Involuntarily. “We signed a waiver under false pretenses,” he explained.

Photos | Deadly running of the bulls

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:30 CDT

A charging bull gored a young Spanish man to death today at Pamplona's San Fermin festival, the first such fatality in nearly 15 years. Take a look at images from the chaotic event.

GM emerges from bankruptcy as CEO vows better performance

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:17 CDT

A leaner General Motors arose today, making an unusually quick exit from bankruptcy with ambitions of making money and building cars people are eager to buy.

Photos | Bacon Explosion for sale

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:03 CDT

Remember the bacon belly bomb that became a hit recipe around Super Bowl time? Well, if you don't want to assemble the 2 pounds each of bacon and sausage yourself, the Bacon Explosion just went up for sale today at The Kansas City BBQ Store, 11946 South Strang Line Road in Olathe.

Photos | Mug shots to remember

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:30 CDT

Former "Three's Company" star Joyce DeWitt's bug-eyed booking photo is just the latest mug shot to make the rounds on the Internet. Check out other celebrity mug shots, plus more memorable booking photos from all over the country.

Kansas City man faces murder charges in Raytown quadruple homicide

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:05 CDT

Jackson County prosecutors charged a 24-year-old Kansas City man with murder today in four March homicides that shocked Raytown and the entire community. Under an indictment returned about 9:30 a.m., Gevante D. Anderson was charged with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of burglary and five counts of armed criminal action.

Local designer Ari Fish to compete on 'Project Runway'

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:52 CDT

Starting in August, you can see Kansas City designer Ari Fish, 26, compete on the sixth season of "Project Runway." You may have glimpsed the Kansas City Art Institute grad's garments on the runway at the West 18th Street Fashion Show and in fellow designer Peggy Noland's shop in the Crossroads Arts District.