Mark Phelps: Tigers ‘easily a top 20 program’

That’s why the former Drake head coach, who was introduced as the Tigers’ newest men’s basketball assistant on Tuesday, said he didn’t need to do a whole lot of soul searching when Missouri coach Frank Haith first offered him the chance to replace Rick Carter, who left to take a similar position at Xavier last week.

Best-selling author Vince Flynn dies at age 47

Best-selling author Vince Flynn, who wrote the Mitch Rapp counterterrorism thriller series and sold more than 15 million books in the U.S. alone, died Wednesday in Minnesota after a more than two-year battle with prostate cancer, according to friends and his publisher. He was 47.

Royals Q&A: Tuesday’s giveaway loss blunts fans’ enthusiasm

While the Royals are on an impressive run — 11-3 over the last two-plus weeks — beat reporter Bob Dutton’s latest Twitter question-and-answer exchange suggests many fans aren’t quite ready to buy in completely. Among the questions: Is third-base coach Eddie Rodriguez — who held up David Lough on the potential tying run — awful at his job or was this just an aberration?

Leawood Italian restaurant Mio adds a pizzeria

The new business -- named Mio, An Italian Pizzeria -- opened at 4800 W. 135th Street, a few doors down from its sister restaurant Mio, An Italian Trattoria. Both Mios share appetizers, soups and salads. But the new pizzeria has a build-your-own bruschetta bar ($6) and a wide selection of customizable pies with thin, chewy crusts.

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.

FBI ends Michigan search for Hoffa's remains

Beneath a swimming pool, under a horse farm and now a weed-grown field north of Detroit: For at least the third time in a decade, FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss.

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."