Hearts open for young victims of Oklahoma tornado

Despite the violent upheaval that Moore, Okla., endured Monday afternoon when a monstrous tornado slashed through the city, many of the people who lost much insist that their worries pale in comparison with the sadness they feel for the innocents whose young lives have come to define the town’s tragedy.

Ten of the year’s best local music releases (so far)

Enough worthwhile albums are being made by bands from Kansas City and Lawrence that it’s worth keeping track of them on a regular basis. It’s not even the end of May, but already a significant number of new recordings have been released this year from local bands. Here are 10, plus recommendations for seven more.

Top photos and video

Editor's Picks

New civil suits are filed against priest, bishop and KC diocese

They allege that Bishop Robert Finn and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph aided and abetted the Rev. Shawn Ratigan as he sexually abused and engaged in “child pornographic offenses” with two young girls while Ratigan was employed as a priest. Last week the diocese settled a similar case for $600,000.

Six new books capture the best grilling recipes and techniques

Cooking with fire may be in our DNA, but as our palates evolve, so does grilling. Whether your style is fast and furious grilling or low and slow barbecue, 2013’s top crop of guide books includes clever tips and mouthwatering recipes from serious competitive cookers, gourmet-driven and trend-setting staffs of food magazines, and professional chefs with a bent for fine dining.

Ray Merrick: Speaking for the outsiders

While Kansas House Speaker Ray Merrick’s sphere of influence is dryly — and fondly — referred to as “Raymerricka,” it connotes an image in the statehouse of the Johnson Countian’s conservative leanings and his ability to build a life for himself out of poverty.

A party bus that flouted the rules

The recent death of a young woman who fell from a party bus is a vivid reminder for the public, other party bus operators and government officials that strict rules exist for good reasons.

Judges should be picked on merit

“The Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan belongs to the people of Missouri,” writes Missouri Bar President Patrick B. Starke of Lee’s Summit, “and we must not let politicians and out-of-state special interests with big money steal it.”

Woofstock 2013 at Zona Rosa

The Northland Animal Welfare Society’s sixth annual “festival for dogs and people” was held Sunday at Zona Rosa. In addition to a 5K run and 1-mile Woof Walk, many other activities and and vendor booths were spread around the Town Square.