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Chiefs release Larry Johnson

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:46 CST

The Chiefs released running back Larry Johnson on Monday, his first day back from a two-week suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Roeder confesses to shooting abortion doctor

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:19 CST

Scott Roeder has confessed to the shooting of a Kansas abortion provider. The 51-year-old Kansas City man told The Associated Press in a telephone call from jail Monday that he plans to use the so-called necessity defense at his trial.

Teacher says he warned about E. coli in southwest Missouri county five years ago

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:52 CST

CARTHAGE, Mo. | The reaction was dramatic after state officials learned that bacteria levels at Lake of the Ozarks made beaches there unsafe for swimming over the Memorial Day weekend. True, much of the response stemmed from the fact that the information was withheld until July by state officials, some of whom may have believed that the revelation would hurt business at the lake during the first holiday of the summer.

Death penalty cases in Kansas take time

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:52 CST

WICHITA | Larry Williams expected to wait 10 years to see the death sentence carried out for his daughter’s killer. Now, 13 years later, Williams said he may have to wait another decade before Gary Kleypas exhausts his appeals. Lawyers understand the need for such scrutiny in death penalty cases, but others like Williams wonder whether the execution chamber in Lansing will ever be used.

KC, Blue Springs among Missouri communities to get $266 million for drinking water projects

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:27 CST

JEFFERSON CITY | Dozens of Missouri communities will get $266 million for wastewater and drinking water improvements. The money for the projects is to be split, with $146 million coming from the federal stimulus and $120 million from the state. Gov. Jay Nixon announced the construction plan Monday. Nixon, a Democrat, said it will improve important infrastructure and put people back to work.

Kansas-Missouri TV, kickoff time set

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:58 CST

The Border War football game between Missouri and Kansas has drawn the 2:30 kickoff slot and will be telecast by ABC from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Nov. 28.

CEO of casino operator resigns after confrontation with St. Louis County Council member

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:17 CST

ST. LOUIS | Casino operator Pinnacle Entertainment Inc.’s CEO and chairman resigned Monday, less than a week after allegedly telling a St. Louis County Council member that voting in favor of another company’s casino was the worst move of the council member’s career. Pinnacle said in a statement that Daniel R. Lee resigned “to pursue other business interests.”

Third-quarter report card: Grading the top 10 wireless carriers

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:51 CST

With earnings season over for the nation's top wireless carriers, Fierce Wireless has compiled an interesting chart on the ten largest companies.

Two credit unions join Credit Union of Johnson County

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:49 CST

Two small Kansas City area credit unions are folding into the $232.8 million Credit Union of Johnson County.

Arvest Bank enters KC market and is hiring

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:32 CST

Arvest Bank, the $10.7 billion profitable Arkansas-based lender owned chiefly by the Walton family of Wal-Mart Stores fortunes, completed its entry into the Kansas City market over the weekend.

Capitol Federal Financial reports 30 percent jump in year-end profits

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:27 CST

Capitol Federal Financial earned $66.3 million in fiscal 2009, a 30 percent increase from the $51 million profit in 2008. The Topeka-based organization attributed the $15.3 million improvement to the lower interest rate environment.

Photos | Miss World contest

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:12 CST

Star Shots | Health care clears House, Lisa Long, Independence clean up, Project Warmth

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:45 CST

Germany celebrates 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:22 CST

Sesame Street celebrates 40th

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:30 CST

The Kansas City Star Magazine | Harvest gold: A Missouri winery goes for the grapes

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:53 CST

Man charged with statutory rape in ‘marriage' to 14-year-old girl

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Vincent Mosby signed a marriage contract and paid a dowry in a religious ceremony in August, police said. Mosby, 23, of Kansas City didn’t legally wed his 14-year-old bride, however, because Missouri law won’t allow it without a judge’s order.

Iraq's Parliament quells ethnic dispute, sets elections for Jan. 23

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

BAGHDAD | After nearly a dozen delays, Iraq’s Parliament on Sunday passed a law setting national elections for January, averting a political crisis that threatened the country’s progress toward stability. Approval of the law after a final rowdy session eases a growing source of concern for the Obama administration. President Barack Obama is considering sending 34,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, and successful elections in Iraq are key to a major reduction in U.S. combat forces in the country by next summer.

Senators prescribe different remedies for health care

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

WASHINGTON | The glow from a health care triumph faded quickly for President Barack Obama on Sunday as Democrats realized that the bill they fought so hard to pass in the House has nowhere to go in the Senate. The sticking point is the government health insurance plan included in the bill, which is unacceptable to a handful of lawmakers who hold the Senate’s balance of power.

A quarter-century after it began, the Parents as Teachers program has spread far beyond Missouri

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The news was spilling from journals on neuroscience: Children were born to learn from the cradle. Their brains thirsted, and parents had to be their first and best teachers.

Donation drive hopes to collect 7,000 diapers for needy families

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Angi Hejduk has taken a common dilemma of parenting and created a nonprofit program that has helped more than 600 area youths already this year. And this week the Give What You Got program is launching a donation drive called Happy Bottoms in hopes of collecting 7,000 diapers in seven days.

At Sally Ride Science Festival, astronaut Linda Godwin tells girls to aim for the stars

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

It was a starstruck moment — their first autograph — but it wasn’t a pop idol who excited these Overland Park girls. It was a small-town Missouri woman who worked in space.

Chiefs get going too late in 24-21 loss to Jaguars

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. | The Chiefs spent two weeks working on tweaking the offense, working on fine-tuning, working on improvement. The play calls and approach looked different. The result did not. Kansas City lost again Sunday, and it did it the same old way: poor pass protection, questionable play calls, and the appearance of a disorganized unit that couldn’t adjust quickly enough.

Chiefs' defense gives up too many big plays

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. | His coach and teammates wanted a look at the video before assessing the big plays that cost the Chiefs dearly on Sunday, but safety Mike Brown had no need for that. Brown played them over and over is his mind and was clear about what happened on the plays that stood out in the Chiefs’ 24-21 loss to the Jaguars.

Royals covet a catcher as the next step in offseason overhaul

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The next step in the Royals’ offseason makeover is to acquire a catcher before Dec. 12 and therefore provide an alternative to offering a contract to arbitration-eligible John Buck.

Gourmet burgers are a booming trend

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Americans have long craved the humble burger — turning it into a sizzling $100 billion dining category annually. But in these bleak economic times, it turns out consumers are shelling out more for higher quality, bulkier burgers that go beyond the traditional toppings.

Deal for new Honeywell nuclear weapons plant in KC advances

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

A $650 million development agreement to build a new nuclear weapons plant for Honeywell is bound for the Kansas City Council after being endorsed Friday by a development agency. The board of the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority of Kansas City voted unanimously to approve the plan, which calls for a private developer, CenterPoint Zimmer LLC, to build a 1.4 million-square-foot campus at Missouri 150 and Botts Road.

Putting limits on speculative investing appears to be dimming

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

A chance to rein in speculative investments that could be pushing up energy prices appears to be fading in Washington. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission held hearings in the summer on limiting the investments in commodity index funds, and the Obama administration’s choice to lead the commission was in favor of following through.

A case of the Mondays | Jaclyn Frankenberg is quite the Angel (unless you chew loudly)

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

People frequently misspell and mispronounce Jaclyn Frankenberg’s first name. “We laugh about it when people call me JacQUEline. It sounds so formal,” says Jaclyn, 22, who lives in Prairie Village. Her mom borrowed the name from Charlie’s Angel Jaclyn Smith, but most everyone calls her Jac.

An upholstered headboard adds a focal point to the bedroom

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:10 CST

Watch TV's “Mad Men” and you may notice the upholstered headboard in the bedroom of Don Draper and his wife, Betty. Soft, plush headboards were popular in the 1960s timeframe of the show, and they're making a modern comeback.

Stargazing | Lansbury honored; Dolly and Tony talk faith

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Dolly, Tony get religious They say politics makes strange bedfellows.

NY Senate could vote on same-sex law

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:03 CST

Advocates for same-sex marriage are hitting New York's state capital hard, trying to sway the few votes needed for final legislative approval of the bill in a special session Tuesday.

Families: Iran's accusations against hikers untrue

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:58 CST

The families of three American hikers accused of espionage by an Iranian prosecutor say the allegations are untrue and that their loved ones should be freed.

Federal judge asked to end Yellowstone bison kills

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:53 CST

A coalition of environmental and American Indian groups say they have filed a suit against two federal agencies to stop the mass slaughter of bison that migrate outside Yellowstone National Park in search of food.

Judge hears arguments on Smart case witness list

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:18 CST

Defense attorneys for the man charged in the 2002 abduction of Elizabeth Smart say testimony by experts in Mormon fundamentalism and religious extremism is irrelevant and shouldn't be allowed at a hearing to decide his mental competency.

Tighter security at Fort Hood after deadly rampage

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:58 CST

Routine daily visits by the public at Fort Hood, Texas, have been suspended as the post tightens security following a deadly shooting spree.

Rachael Ray helps reeling Ohio town

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:37 CST

WILMINGTON, Ohio — Television cooking star Rachael Ray is boosting the local food supply for a struggling Ohio town.

50 years: Kan. town grieves 'In Cold Blood' deaths

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:29 CST

HOLCOMB, Kan. — It's one of America's most haunting crime stories: four members of a Kansas family brutally murdered on Nov. 15, 1959, at their rural farmhouse.

HBO's 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' coming to basic cable

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:19 CST

NEW YORK — TV Land and TV Guide Network say they are jointly acquiring basic cable rights to air "Curb Your Enthusiasm," the HBO comedy series produced by and starring "Seinfeld" co-creator Larry David.

Carrey's 'Christmas Carol' wraps up $31M weekend

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:21 CST

Jim Carrey's Scrooge collected holiday donations from movie fans with his new take on "A Christmas Carol," which took in $31 million to open as the weekend's top movie.

Police: LA celebrity burglaries led by 19-year-old

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:53 CST

A 19-year-old woman was the driving force behind a youthful burglary ring that preyed on Hollywood's rich and famous, often brazenly walking into unlocked homes to make off with cash, jewels and family heirlooms, authorities said.

19th Annual DeLaSalle movie benefit

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:00 CST

19th DeLaSalle Annual Movie Benefit Slated Nov. 12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: KANSAS CITY, MO. (November 2009) — On Thursday, November 12th, the media is invited join Kansas City society for the 19th Annual DeLaSalle Movie Benefit presented by AMC Entertainment at their flagship property AMC Town Center 20 located at 119th and Nall. read more

Adrenalin junkies don't want socks for Christmas!

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:54 CST

Adrenalin is a lifesaving Christmas gifts resource for anyone struggling to choose an original present for their loved one this year. Offering access to hundreds of adventures worldwide, from kayaking to rally cars and skydiving, you’re guaranteed to give them an experience that they’ll never forget. read more

UHF Gen 2 designs RFID tag for laundry applications

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:54 CST

Toronto, Canada - GAO RFID Inc. (www.GAORFID.com) has rolled out a Gen 2 passive RFID tag specially designed for laundry applications. It is used where a rugged RFID transponder able to withstand harsh environments is required. This RFID tag meets all endurance requirements in terms of heat, pressure and chemical resistance and performs contactless tracking of garments in the textile rental and laundry industries. The Gen 2 passive RFID laundry tag, model 116413, is made of sealed PPS and epoxy materials which allow the tag to withstand harsh treatment including sterilization. It is a perfect solution in laundry applications and is a flexible option in process and factory automation. Non-line-of-sight data transmission allows the laundry tag to be identified without the need for visual contact. This contactless RFID tag has a flexible read/write range from 0.5m to 1.5m depending on the reader. Visit http://www.GAORFID.com for more information. For any sales inquires please contact: 1-877 585-9555 ext. 601 - Toll Free (USA & Canada) 1-416 292-0038 ext. 601 - All Other Areas sales@gaorfid.com About GAO RFID Inc. GAO RFID Inc. (www.GAORFID.com) is a leading provider of RFID Readers, RFID Tags and RFID software providing cost saving solutions to end users worldwide. GAO offers all RFID technologies: Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF, Gen 2) as well as Active and Semi-Passive. GAO RFID's products and services are easily customized for use in asset tracking,healthcare, supply chain & logistics, event management, access control, livestock tracking, inventory control & management, field service maintenance and document authentication. read more

13.56MHz RFID paddle reader with Bluetooth

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:36 CST

Toronto, Canada -GAO RFID Inc. (www.GAORFID.com) has launched its high frequency RFID paddle reader with Bluetooth. This portable reader provides a smart combination of interfaces for enterprise IT managers to conveniently integrate RFID technology into their systems.It is an ideal tool for mobile workforce to track and monitor mobile assets and can be easily integrated with a wide variety of wireless handheld PDAs. This HF Bluetooth reader, model 223004,features high portability, light weight and a high impact plastic housing. It offers both read and write capabilities for compatible tags. Furnished with a class 2 Bluetooth interface, it is a perfect retrofit for businesses to add value to their handheld products.The handheld RFID reader is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. In addition, the paddle reader can be used in conjunction with Bluetooth GPS locating devices for asset mapping. Visit http://www.GAORFID.com for more information. For any sales inquires please contact: 1-877 585-9555 ext. 601 - Toll Free (USA & Canada) 1-416 292-0038 ext. 601 - All Other Areas sales@gaorfid.com About GAO RFID Inc. GAO RFID Inc. (www.GAORFID.com) is a leading provider of RFID Readers, RFID Tags and RFID software providing cost saving solutions to end users worldwide. GAO offers all RFID technologies: Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF, Gen 2) as well as Active and Semi-Passive.GAO RFID's products and services are easily customized for use in asset tracking,healthcare,supply chain &logistics,event management, access control,livestock tracking, inventory control & management, field service maintenance and document authentication. read more

Photos | Visage Macabre fashion show

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:40 CST

Visage Macabre offered a display of local designs that incorporated sculpture and fine art at the Emerald Space.

Framed for child porn � by a PC virus

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:21 CST

Of all the sinister things that Internet viruses do, this might be the worst: They can make you an unsuspecting collector of child pornography.

Photos | KU's Bill Self through the years

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:22 CST

He makes everyone at ease with his politician's charm, but not everything he touches turns to gold. That's the Bill Self paradox: He has used his extraordinary people skills to build a basketball program that rivals any in America — and is the favorite this year to win Self's second national title.

Royals trim 40-man roster by sending pitcher John Bannister to Omaha

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30 CST

The Royals created an additional space on their 40-man roster Monday afternoon by sending right-handed pitcher John Bannister to Class AAA Omaha on an outright assignment after he cleared waivers.

Photos | What happens when the breathalyzer test is intoxicated?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:12 CST

So a guy decides to dress up as a breathalyzer test for Halloween... He's in our memorable mug shots gallery, so you can guess where this story goes next. Check out some of the booking mugs of the famous and infamous.

Photos | Kids costume contest winners

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:01 CST

We are pleased to announce the winners of our kids Halloween costume contest. The grand prize of a $1,000 gift card goes to the Salmon Nigiri With Wasabi, and five runners-up each won a $100 gift card. Take a look at our winners.

Photos | Germany celebrates fall of Berlin Wall

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:26 CST

With prayers, music and pomp, Germany on Monday remembered the 20th anniversary of the day the Berlin Wall fell, sending East Germans flooding west and setting in motion events that soon led to the country's reunification.

‘A Christmas Carol': Jim Carrey is a memorable miser | 3 stars

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:15 CST

There are a few moments in Disney’s computer-animated “A Christmas Carol” when director Robert Zemeckis seems bent on re-imagining the yarn as a theme park thrill ride. But despite these lapses into unnecessary and unwelcome audience pandering, this “Carol” delivers. And Jim Carrey gets most of the credit.