Kansas City Star: News

McCaskill introducing line-item veto bill

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00 CST

WASHINGTON | Sen. Claire McCaskill plans on Friday to introduce a companion bill to legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that would give President Barack Obama - and future presidents - line-item veto power.

Liberty play pays tribute to educator who overcame racism, segregation

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Dressed impeccably in a dark gray suit and blue sweater vest, Shelton Ponder walks slowly onto the stage of the old Garrison School, a building constructed more than 100 years ago to educate African-American students in Liberty.

Jury finds cousin guilty of first-degree murder

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

That Reyes E. Olivas killed his young cousin with a butcher knife while the two were home for a snow day at Harrisonville schools was never in dispute. The entire argument at his murder trial was whether Olivas acted with "cool deliberation" when he stabbed Katie Rios, 14, to death two years ago.

Gardner woman delivers baby, is improving after hit-and-run

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

A pregnant Gardner woman injured Wednesday in a hit-and-run collision with a semitrailer is improving at a hospital and has delivered a healthy baby girl, her husband said.

Kansas abortion hearing gets testy

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

A Kansas abortion debate turned nasty Thursday when the leader of a women's group pulled out a rubber stamp and accused a House panel of routinely approving bills restricting the procedure.

Missouri House passes voter photo ID bill

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Nearly six years after the Missouri Supreme Court threw out a law requiring voters to show a government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot, the Missouri House has passed the bill once again.

Johnson County Library branches off closings list for now

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

The Johnson County Library system's latest budget reduction scenario for 2013 and 2014 no longer has three libraries on the chopping block.

Teacher evaluation plan removed from Kansas education bill

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

A proposal from Gov. Sam Brownback to post teacher evaluations on school district websites was removed Thursday from a Kansas House education bill after it sparked outrage.

Predatory plants: Is that a reach?

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

My wife's flower room doubles as my home office, which is a bit like saying a bathroom might double as a kitchen. Some improvisations just don't quite work.

Backlash against Kris Kobach on immigration is growing

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00 CST

Backlash built this week against Kris Kobach for gallivanting state-to-state, drumming up support for laws bent on driving illegal immigrants out. But the rebukes aren't coming from his usual critics. Supporters of the Kansas secretary of state are barking back now.

McCaskill introducing line-item veto bill

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:43 CST

WASHINGTON | Sen. Claire McCaskill plans on Friday to introduce a companion bill to legislation passed by the U.S

Kansas abortion hearing gets testy

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:46 CST

A Kansas abortion debate turned nasty Thursday when the leader of a women's group pulled out a rubber stamp and accused a House panel of routinely approving bills restricting the ...

Missouri House passes voter photo ID bill

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:46 CST

Nearly six years after the Missouri Supreme Court threw out a law requiring voters to show a government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot, the Missouri House has passed the ...

Governor: Tolls on I-70 in Missori should require voter approval

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:38 CST

JEFFERSON CITY | Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said Thursday that before any toll booths could open on Interstate 70, voters first should agree to the idea

Dave Helling | Be both wasteful and efficient

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Tuesday's weird, doesn't-really-count Missouri presidential primary came in the middle of Missouri's weird, doesn't-really-count winter, two facts that help illustrate Helling's first axiom of politics and government, which may be stated thus: Most government endeavors are wasteful. Until they're essential.

Steve Kraske | Missouri primary debacle is costly

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Missouri, we look like fools. We have a presidential primary on Tuesday that doesn't matter, but it's going to cost taxpayers millions.

Joe Robertson | Chronicling lives brings rich rewards

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

My father proposed to my mother on an October night in 1951 bearing seemingly heavy news. "I want you to marry me," he said. "But before you answer me, you need to know we'll never have a place to call home."

Dave Helling | KC faces a taxing decision

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00 CST

We're going to spend this year arguing over government spending and taxes. As the discussion moves ahead, though, we may want to talk about how we collect our money, as well as how much.

Apartment explosion injures man in Overland Park

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

An apparent explosion and fire in an Overland Park apartment complex Thursday night sent one man to a hospital but in good condition.

Not so fast, Eddie: Fugitive in British heist arrested in Missouri

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

He gave it a good run, but not even "Fast Eddie" could elude the law forever.

Alan Bavley | Numbers make you wonder

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

How is a proposed oil pipeline like a cancer research center? They both come with glowing predictions of bountiful jobs and economic development -- predictions that may come from the very same people.

Governor: Tolls on I-70 in Missouri should require voter approval

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

JEFFERSON CITY | Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said Thursday that before any toll booths could open on Interstate 70, voters first should agree to the idea. The governor did not say whether he supports putting tolls on one of the state's most important highways.

Nixon proposes grants for fast-track college degrees

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

JEFFERSON CITY | Gov. Jay Nixon likes a fledgling program at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg so much that he wants to offer it statewide.

Supporters of Missouri sales tax plan committed to November vote

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

JEFFERSON CITY | A group wanting to replace Missouri's income tax with a higher and broader sales tax said Thursday that it is committed to getting the initiative on the November ballot, but declined to say how many millions of dollars it is willing to spend to try to persuade voters to support it.

Kansas public employees work against 401(k) measure

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

TOPEKA | Teachers, other school workers and public employee groups tried Thursday to build pressure on legislators to abandon a proposal to create a 401(k)-style pension plan for new school and government hires.

Online teacher rating proposal removed from Kansas education legislation

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

TOPEKA | A proposal from Gov. Sam Brownback to post teacher evaluations on school district websites was removed Thursday from a House education bill after it sparked outrage.

Missouri to get $161M from national mortgage settlement

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

JEFFERSON CITY | Missouri will receive more than $196 million from a national settlement over home foreclosure abuses among most states, the federal government and mortgage lenders.

KC mayor wants $1 billion for street repairs, other maintenance

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Kansas City Mayor Sly James called Thursday for a $1 billion infusion of new spending on the city's crumbling streets, sidewalks and other infrastructure.

Big truck driver Becky McDonough shows off her ride

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:53 CST

El Toro Loco is driven by Becky McDonough and is part of Monster Jam at Sprint Center this weekend.

Blair's law aims to halt needless tragedy

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Blair Shanahan Lane knew for a long time exactly what she wanted to be when she got older.

Ex-congressman Dennis Moore opens up about Alzheimer's battle

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

On Wednesday, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, 66, revealed publicly that he was in the "early phases" of Alzheimer's disease following what he called a final diagnosis in June.

A wild herd is no place for tame horses

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00 CST

Small herds of wild horses roam through part of the Ozarks, facing challenges from man and nature. Now, some recession-pressed people are turning their domestic horses loose, hoping the former pets will survive along with the wildlings.

Union Station ends another year in the black

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Union Station finished out a second year with an operating surplus, underscoring the financial turnaround for the historic depot that was on the brink of disaster as recently as 2009.

Lawsuit accuses priest of abuse in 1970s

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

A man who alleges that a Catholic priest sexually abused him decades ago filed a civil lawsuit Wednesday against the priest, his religious order and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Tribute | Betty Moses had a big heart and a quick wit

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00 CST

Who: Betty Moses of Overland Park.

More students accuse Grain Valley teacher of sexual abuse

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00 CST

Four new victims have reported sexual abuse allegations against an already accused Grain Valley elementary school teacher, prompting authorities to file additional felony charges Wednesday. Matthew H. Nelson, 33, now faces eight felony charges.

Locker room sexual assaults alleged in Hardin

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Two students at Hardin-Central High School in Ray County are charged with forcible sodomy for assaults on two other students in the locker room.

Chief warns cutbacks could hurt firefighting efforts in KC

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

City Manager Troy Schulte has recommended cutting 105 firefighters, saying that Kansas City has far fewer fires now and can save $7.5 million without compromising public safety. Such a reduction would force the Fire Department to change deployments and force reductions to its pumpers, Fire Chief Smokey Dyer said Wednesday.

Missouri, Kansas like chances of shedding No Child Left Behind

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

The prospects that Missouri and Kansas schools may soon escape the tightening grip of the No Child Left Behind Act brightened greatly Thursday.

What the $25 billion mortgage settlement means to you

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Mortgage relief will go to homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth and are current on payments, as well others who are similarly underwater but not current on their payments. Cash will go to former owners who lost their homes in foreclosures. The question no one seemed able to resolve: Who qualifies for a slice of the pie?

$25B settlement reached over foreclosure abuses

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:01 CST

A landmark $25 billion settlement with the nation's top mortgage lenders was hailed by government officials Thursday as long-overdue relief for victims of foreclosure abuses. But consumer advocates countered that far too few people will benefit.

Lotteries | Thursday, Feb. 9

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Thursday's winning numbers:

Blasts hit security HQs in Syrian city Aleppo

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:26 CST

Two explosions targeted security compounds in the Syrian city of Aleppo on Friday, state media reported, saying 25 people were killed and 175 wounded in a major city that has so far largely stood by President Bashar Assad in the nearly 11-month-old uprising against his rule.

Report says 2 Tibetans killed by security forces

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:31 CST

Chinese security forces shot dead two Tibetan brothers who had been on the run since taking part in anti-government protests two weeks ago in southwest China, a U.S.-funded broadcaster reported Friday.

UN official meeting with top Maldives leaders

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:51 CST

A top U.N. official was meeting Friday with the current and former presidents of the Maldives, trying to end the political stalemate that has gripped this Indian Ocean nation.

Pets in need of loving homes

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:12 CST

Meet Sheldon, who was abandoned out in the country and found his way to the shelter. He's now in a foster home, where he gets along great with people and other dogs. Find out more about Sheldon and other pets in need of good homes in our gallery.

Community Faces | March for Babies Corporate Kickoff

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:28 CST

The Greater Kansas chapter of the March of Dimes welcomed national and local sponsors to the Overland Park Marriott as the organization kicked off their 2012 campaign to recruit walkers and sponsors for this year's March for Babies.

Community Faces | Daddy-daughter night at Cinderella's Ball

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:09 CST

The Shawnee Parks and Recreation Department held its 12th annual date night Friday at the Shawnee Civic Centre, with dinner, dancing, and music.

Your Photos | How do you picture love?

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:51 CST

Children, chocolate, pets, friends -- what says "love" to you? Valentine's Day is coming up soon, and we want to see what love looks like. Take a look at reader submissions, and send us your own. The deadline for print publication has passed, but it's never too late to add to the online gallery.

Community Faces | Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:20 CST

The American Heart Association's Midwest affiliate invited women and men to don red dresses Friday evening for a short dash across the Plaza. The event marked National Wear Red Day, held to raise awareness of women's heart disease.

52-year-old man killed in rollover crash in rural Clay County

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

A 52-year-old Altamont, Mo., man died Tuesday evening in a one-vehicle wreck in rural Clay County.

The Watchdog | Retriever needed for utility flags

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00 CST

Moms everywhere tell their kids to pick up after themselves. And we all know what dog owners are supposed to do after we canines … oh, you know. So why, asks Janet Karr of Leawood, do utility flags dot the landscape long after construction crews are gone?

The Watchdog | Entrance ramp is no place to stop

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

It's hard enough to merge safely onto a freeway, but when people stop ahead of you on the entrance ramp, the anxiety intensifies. Wendy Maupin of Kansas City says that happens frequently at Vivion Road and Interstate 29.

Google to start hanging Internet cables today in KCK

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Google Inc. will begin construction today in Kansas City, Kan., on its long-awaited, much-coveted ultrafast Internet service. The company planned to make the announcement this morning in a blog post by Kevin Lo, the Google executive heading up the project.

Google, Unified Government set fees for pole use in KCK

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00 CST

Google Inc. will pay $10 a year for every utility pole it attaches cables to in Wyandotte County.

Women at war: Pentagon is easing its job limits

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:31 CST

New orders from the Pentagon: The military on Thursday formally opened thousands of jobs to women in units that are closer to the front lines than ever before, reflecting what's already been going on as female American soldiers fight and die next to their male comrades.

2 men, boy plucked from Pacific in dramatic rescue

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:11 CST

West James beamed as he showed off a new entry in his journal: "I survived a dangerous rescue."