James Gandolfini, star of HBO’s ‘The Sopranos,’ dies at age 51

James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's "The Sopranos" helped create one of TV's greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51. According to reports, the actor died of a suspected heart attack.

Royals let early chances slip away in 6-3 loss to Indians

The potential consequences of the Royals’ still-sputtering attack came into harsh review Wednesday for a second straight night in a 6-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians. If the club’s pitching and defense slips just a bit, as it did again at Progressive Field, then their impressive June surge suddenly resembles their ruinous May swoon.

Neighbor of Westboro Baptist aims to ruffle church’s feathers, raise awareness

The Westboro Baptist Church has long used boisterous pickets to bring attention to its anti-gay stance. But for the last few months, a group across the street from the church’s compound has been using its own high-profile stunts to gain attention for its causes. For example, a 5-year-old girl sold ‘Pink Lemonade for Peace.’ On Saturday, they’ll host an outdoor same-sex marriage.

Editor's Picks

Men's Wearhouse ousts founder, pitchman Zimmer

Apparently, Men's Wearhouse doesn't like the way its founder looks. In a terse release issued Wednesday, Men's Wearhouse said it has fired the face of the company and its executive chairman, George Zimmer, who appeared in its TV commercials with the slogan "You're going to like the way you look. I guarantee it."

Party Pics: Summer Beer Festival at McCoy's

Westport's Summer Beer Festival, presented by Sporting KC, took place in the street right outside the doors of McCoy's where patrons got to sample nearly 100 beers from 37 breweries.

Service with a smile: The Cassie Wang story

One of Johnson County’s stellar students, Olathe Northwest High School's Cassie Wang is now headed to Harvard, but Harvard is getting more than a scholar. It is getting a philanthropist, an athlete and a young woman who is on a mission to make the world a better place.

KU heptathlon champion springs from unlikely roots in Hamilton, Mo.

On the surface, the antiquated gravel track and absence of field amenities at Penney High School in Hamilton, Mo., make baffling what blossomed from here earlier this month in Eugene, Ore: Lindsay Vollmer, a sophomore at Kansas whose hometown training hinged on what she playfully called “strange stuff,” won the NCAA heptathlon championship to help stake the Jayhawks to the first women’s national title in school history.