Blue Springs gymnast makes history at Auburn by performing historic stunt
From the time Sophia Bell was 3 years old, she was jumping off banisters onto couches. Her parents found her a simple solution: gymnastics. “I was actually not very good at all,” Bell told The Star with a laugh. “I was very bubbly, very powerful still, but my form was not necessarily there, and I also just did it.”...
‘This is our seat:’ Ruby Jean’s owner launches bid for KC City Council
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The owner of Ruby Jean’s Kitchen & Juicery is officially entering the race for Kansas City’s 3rd District at-large seat, adding new energy to a contest that’s still more than a year away from the primary. Chris Goode announced his candidacy this...
Kansas City sweeps homeless encampments as part of Zero KC initiative
— Trash and debris cover areas where homeless encampments once stood before the city dismantled them. With neighborhoods of homes and cars sitting nearby, Kansas City, Missouri, officials say they're working to clean up the camps as part of their efforts to address homelessness. "It's just not right," said Anton...
KCATA says bus fares return this summer after years of free bus rides
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority bus riders will start paying a $2 fare in June. While some riders say they're comfortable with the change, others worry about the impact on their budgets.
Icy roads cause chaos overnight on I-35 in Olathe, with multiple vehicles spinning out
Late-night snow squalls and plummeting temperatures caused untreated roadways in Johnson County to rapidly freeze overnight into Saturday morning. High temperatures on Friday reached the low 40s, and pavement temperatures across Johnson County ranged from 42 to 48°F around 4 p.m. By 11 p.m., repeated bursts of heavy...
Slain KC 15-year-old was a ‘goofy, hardworking kid,’ mom says
A Kansas City mom said she remembers her son for his goofy personality, and how he always wanted to take care of people. Qu’Sha Barbee, 35, said there was never a time her son Lucas Long struggled to make friends. “He loved people,” Barbee said in a phone call Friday. “He was very protective of them.” Long, 15, was...
Jackson County Executive promises to clean up Tarsney Lakes
In August, I reported on the lily pad problem at Tarsney Lakes in eastern Jackson County. I learned about it after a viewer at our “Let's Talk” event in Grain Valley asked me to come see the problem.
Kansas City man injured after being struck by two vehicles in Moniteau County
A Kansas City man was injured after being struck by two vehicles in Moniteau County on Friday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported the crash happened at 4:13 p.m. on I-70 at the 169 mile marker. According to the crash report, the 29-year-old man entered the roadway into traffic,...
Wayside Waifs holds first adoption event of the new year
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Wayside Waifs is kicking off 2026 with a new adoption special, giving people an affordable opportunity to welcome a new furry friend into their family this year. This week, the shelter is hosting $25 adoptions for all of its dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and small...
Food recs: Kansas City’s best new restaurants
As Kansas City grows and changes, so does its restaurant scene. The region welcomed at least 50 new restaurants in 2025, and said goodbye to more than 60 others, according to the Kansas City Star. The new spots filled a variety of niches: star-studded steakhouses, intimate dining experiences, cafes, ice...
