Smart Gun Invented by Colorado Teen Kai Kloepfer

Biometric electromechanical firearm safety is the key behind the new smart gun, invented by Kai Kloepfer, a teen from Colorado who's invention of the smart gun earned him a $50,000 first prize at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Kloepfer will use the prize money to design and develop his new invention which renders a gun useless when in the wrong hands. The new smart gun employs the biometric safety feature, which recognizes the gun owner's fingerprints and "locks" the gun if anyone but the owner tries to use it.

Kai Kloepfer is a Colorado teen who has been a witness to his share of senseless gun violence in his lifetime. Shootings in Kloepfer's immediate neighborhood include the disaster at Columbine that ended the lives of 12 people, and also the movie theater shooting spree in Aurora, Colorado that also claimed the lives of 12 people. At age 16, Kloepfer got the idea to invent a smart gun that would make a serious dent in the amount of wrongful deaths that occur from gun violence. Kai Kloepfer noticed that almost all illegal or accidental gun mishaps occur when the gun is in the hands of someone who is not the owner of the gun. A smart gun that recognized the fingerprints of the user would therefore keep guns in the hands of those who legally own them, and if anyone else tries to use the gun it would not operate. Furthermore the gun will "lock" immediately when the owner removes his hand from the sensor on the handle. The sensor in the gun handle has said to be 99.99% accurate for recognizing fingerprints.

The smart gun would prevent criminals from obtaining illegal firearms and would also prevent children in homes from "playing" with guns and injuring themselves or others. There is also a possibility that the military will take an interest in the smart gun, as the gun would be rendered useless in enemy hands. The gun could also be programmed for multiple users, and the scanner would be able to tell if the fingers on the gun are actually attached and alive (eliminating the possibility of cutting off a finger and using the finger to unlock the gun).



Smart gun inventor Kai Kloepfer by KCMB Kansas City News, official kc news site with breaking stories on The Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, charity events, the 2012 MLB All Star Game, weather, sports, MU, KU, ufo sightings, dui checkpoints, Kansas City neighborhoods, nightlife, concerts, the Sprint Center, the Power and Light District and current Kansas City news articles.

20s for KC New Charity Project in Kansas City Hands out $20 Bills

A new charity group in Kansas City is doing something that has never been done before in KC. 20s for KC, who are self defined as a "non profit Kansas City stimulus project", are placing $20 bills at random places all over the Kansas City area. This past Friday night the 20s for KC Facebook page reported that it was officially "gas pump night" and they placed several $20 bills on the front of gas pumps all over the city. The $20 bills are easily recognizable as they are in nice bill size white envelopes with a decorative red ribbon and a red stamp that bears the logo of 20s for KC in red. There is nothing in the envelope but a nice crisp $20 and the only form of information at all is the stamp that has the logo and also the website - www.20sforkc.com

We interviewed one of the founders of the project recently and this is what they had to say…

KCMB News: So what do you guys have to gain by doling out $20 bills all over the city?

20s for KC rep: We aren't trying to gain anything financially, or even in terms of advertising. We are affiliated with a local Kansas City radio show called The Sunday Jones Comedy Radio Show and when someone finds one of our $20 bills, IF they go to the website stamped on the envelope, then they are asked to simply tell us where they found the $20 and what they intend to do with it or how they spent it. No strings attached. We then read what people wrote over the air on the show, and we place a virtual "pin" on a map on the website showing where $20s were found.

KCMB News: Do you think that some people will be afraid to open the envelope because of suspicion? Or what if they just throw them in the trash?

20s for KC rep: We did take that into account, and that's just a fact of life in today's society. Paranoia is at an all time high, and we know that some people will probably leave the envelopes right where they are, untouched. We have even taken into account that someone may actually turn one in to the police, haha. That being said, a simple glance at the website at www.20sforkc.com will tell you everything about what we're doing and that there is nothing to be afraid of. And if someone throws one in the trash, I suppose that is a shame but it probably won't be the first time a $20 has ended up in the trash.

KCMB News: Have any of the businesses complained about you guys placing them on their property?

20s for KC rep: Not thus far. We have put a lot of thought into that, avoiding government property etc. and hopefully they will realize that it is probably GOOD for business. I mean if people think that there might be a free $20 bill hanging around their property somewhere then that can only be good for business. Heck, they might even find one themselves, or have one turned in to them by a customer who is confused as to what it might be.

KCMB News: Well this certainly is a first for Kansas City, no one has done anything like this here. We know that comedian Jim Carrey is notorious for hiding $100 bills around, and there is another group that does this around Christmas time in New York. How much feedback are you getting? Are people going to the website and telling their stories?

20s for KC rep: At this time we're getting about 25% feedback on the $20 bills that we have put out so far. That's about what we suspected, we were thinking that if we got 20% that we were doing well.

KCMB News: Thank you for your time and good luck with the new project. We will check back in with you guys in a few months and see how it's going. How long do you plan to continue with the 20s for KC project?

20s for KC rep: No problem. We hope to continue through the duration of the radio show's season which ends the Sunday before the first NFL game.

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Scouting 500 2014 at Kansas Speedway Featuring The Zeros by KCMB News Kansas City

This Saturday Richard Petty will be bringing the Scouting 500 2014 to the Kansas Speedway. This event is expected to draw over 12,000 people and started on Friday night with a "camp in" on the infield of the Kansas Speedway race track. On Saturday the action starts with a mock NASCAR race presented by Richard Petty's NASCAR Experience. Drivers will make a 45 lap run around the track in a simulated race. There will be a pre-race flyover by America's finest, similar to what we see at Arrowhead prior to Chiefs games and then the 45 lap race will kick off. There will also be an appearance by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and Christa Dubill from 41 Action News. After the race there will be a concert by Kansas City's favorite 80's band The Zeros, presented by Adam Blue Productions.

The Scouting 500 2014 at Kansas Speedway is meant to raise the awareness and the importance of scouting and it's benefits on the community. Activities during the day will include a NASCAR action challenge, a scuba pool, zip lines, rock climbing towers, a climbing wall and hot air balloons. There will be career training including welding, carpentry, aviation, engineering, architecture, and the KCMO Police Department will also be putting on a seminar and demonstration. And did we mention skydiving? There will also be skydiving. Wait, there's more! There will be sports clinics, Kansas City Chiefs ambassadors, personal training and an obstacle course. Tickets / Visitor Passes will be available throughout the entire day at Gate D.

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Terrelle Pryor Traded to Seattle Seahawks from the Raiders

Today the Oakland Raiders dealt quarterback Terrelle Pryor to the Seattle Seahawks. Pryor often had problems including being late to over 5 meetings and other discipline issues with the Raiders. He was 3 and 6 as a starter in 2013, and was lackluster at best throwing the football.

Terrelle Pryor traded to the Seahawks is no surprise as his shady character dates all the way back to his college days at Ohio State. While attending Ohio State Pryor was accused of selling autographed memorabilia for a booster and accepting a vehicle. Though the charges were never officially proven, Terrelle Pryor officially "withdrew" from the University in 2011 and was subsequently banned from all affiliation with Ohio State. This only made him eligible for the Supplemental Draft in 2011 and the Oakland Raiders selected him in the 3rd round, becoming historically significant in that he was the last pick made by Al Davis before his death.

Terrelle Pryor's first play in the NFL came against the great and powerful Kansas City Chiefs, where Pryor lined up as a wide receiver and drew an illegal motion penalty.

Now that the headline is out - Terrelle Pryor traded to the Seattle Seahawks - it looks like he will be competing with Tarvaris Jackson for the backup spot behind Russell Wilson. The details of this trade have not yet been announced officially.

Check out the Kansas City Chiefs Schedule 2014

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Miley Cyrus Hospitalized in Kansas City at St. Lukes Cancels Concert at Sprint Center

Early this afternoon pop sensation Miley Cyrus was admitted to St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City for an allergic reaction to an unknown medication. Cyrus was slotted to perform a concert tonight at The Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City, and after being hospitalized she has cancelled the show.

Miley tweeted that she was sorry that she was not going to get to perform in "KANSAS" (obviously, she's not even sure where she is) and that not being with her fans made her feel s**tier than she already does. Cyrus has battled illness off and on during her current US tour and it has not been released what the exact medications that caused her allergic reaction were.

We do know that she has recently battled the flu and a few other medical problems including respiratory problems and allergies. The twerk jokes will be flying around in Kansas City tonight for sure as Miley Cyrus cancelled at The Sprint Center due to being hospitalized at St. Luke's for an allergic reaction to medication.

It has not been announced whether Miley Cyrus will be scheduling a make up concert in Kansas City, but ticket holders should expect to get their money back for this cancelled concert in KC.

Attention Miley! You are not in KANSAS, you are in MISSOURI. Feel better soon :)

Miley Cyrus hospitalized cancels Kansas City concert at the Sprint Center by KCMB Kansas City News, official kc news site with breaking stories on The Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, charity events, the 2012 MLB All Star Game, weather, sports, MU, KU, ufo sightings, dui checkpoints, Kansas City neighborhoods, nightlife, concerts, the Sprint Center, the Power and Light District and current Kansas City news articles.

ALS Fundraiser 2014 Starlight Theatre Kansas City

A Night of Hope 2014 ALS Charity Event Starlight Theatre

This Friday the Keith Worthington Chapter of Kansas City's local ALS Foundation held it's 26th annual gala "A Night of Hope". The fundraiser was held at Starlight Theatre and the theme this year was stars of the big screen and theater. Guests dressed up as their favorite stars and walked the red carpet upon entrance to the gala. We spotted Elvis, Ellen, Austin Powers and his "shag girls", Cleopatra and several more great costumes. The guests at the ALS gala seem like one big family, even though there were several hundred in attendance. Many Kansas City charity events and fundraising organizations don't appear to be as closely knit as the ALS group. These kind people are very dedicated indeed to funding ALS research as was marked by the extraordinary length of the auction portion of the night.

A Night Of Hope 2014 at Starlight Theatre started out with a silent auction that included autographed sports memorabilia, and many great donations made by local Kansas City businesses and restaurants. The night then went into a live auction where patrons bid on lavish vacations to different tropical locations, condo stays and packages, and tickets to major sporting events. After that auction was over, they went into an open cash auction - in which bidders simply raised their bidding cards when a dollar amount was announced. The auctioneer would call out to the guests at Starlight Theatre "Ten Thousand Dollars, do we have anyone who would like to donate Ten Thousand Dollars", and on and on it went all the way down to $250. The auction portion of A Night Of Hope 2014 ALS charity event lasted over 3 hours, topping even the most lengthy auction in Kansas City, Children's Mercy Hospital, who are known to have extremely long auctions as well. Their goal was to raise over $50,000 in direct cash donations and they easily topped that number. It was very clear that the ALS chapter in Kansas City are extremely committed to their charity, and this charity event at Starlight Theatre proved their dedication. Awards were given out as well, one award called the Tom Watson Award for Courage, and another award called the George Brett Award for Commitment.

The 2014 ALS charity fundraiser event ended with a fantastic performance by Big Show Dueling Pianos, who got the audience up on their feet and dancing for the remainder of the evening. These guys were incredible, you could tell that they were no average piano bar players like what you see downtown, these dueling piano players were of the highest caliber and the night ended with chants of "one more song, one more song" - simply incredible entertainment from Big Show Dueling Pianos.

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Valentine's Day 2014 Kansas City Events Parties Galas by KCMB News Kansas City

This year is a great year to be in love, or maybe you're looking for that special someone? Either way we've got you covered here at KCMB News with all of the biggest and best Valentine's Day 2014 Kansas City events, parties and galas that are happening around the city.

For 2015 Valentine's Day in Kansas City Go Here

One of the biggest and most popular Valentine's Day galas will be Children's Mercy Hospital's Red Hot Night 2014. This popular charity fundraiser is in it's 10th year and will be held on February 8th, 2014 at Bartle Hall in the Grand Ballroom in downtown KC. This event will feature a gourmet dinner prepared by the Westin Crown Center, a pre-party hosted by Toyota, Silent, Super Silent and Live Auctions presented by Deloitte, and the headline act will be The KC All Stars band presented by Adam Blue Productions. The auction items for Red Hot Night 2014 include trips to Las Vegas, Steamboat Springs, Captiva and Florida, a 2 year lease on a 2014 Avalon XLW Premium, suites to watch The Kansas City Chiefs and The Royals and more exciting items. This year's Honorary Co-Chairs are Dave and Mikel Flickinger and Kevin and Stacie Needham. For information on how to donate to Children's Mercy Hospital visit their main website at www. childrensmercy.org

Valentine's Day 2014 in Kansas City falls on a Friday so it will be a very busy night. Be sure and watch your driving and take a cab if you plan to be drinking as there will be DUI checkpoints everywhere in town that night. KC also offers pedicabs now which is a creative transportation solution as well.

For smaller Valentine's Day 2014 KC plans you might consider dining at one of the classic romantic restaurants like the Melting Pot  at 450 Ward Parkway in the Plaza, be sure and call for reservations asap at 816-931-6358 for the Melting Pot as they will fill up quickly. Another great spot would be Milano at Crown Center, they feature incredible chef prepared italian cuisine and you could also walk around that entire area as it is in the Crown Center shopping center which is attached to the Westin Crown Center who has a great bar in the lobby and you could even jump into the tunnel that takes you over the street to Union Station. Finally one of our favorite secret places to spend Valentine's Day is at our local EBT on 435 and State Line. EBT is an incredible fine dining restaurant and features private elevator car tables that were taken from the original Emery Bird Thayer building downtown and installed into the restaurant as booths! You're literally sitting inside an elevator while you dine - very swank. Reviews of Kansas City restaurant EBT are almost all positive and the service there is the best.

Valentine's Day 2014 Kansas City events, parties and galas by KCMB Kansas City News, official kc news site with breaking stories on The Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, charity events, the 2012 MLB All Star Game, weather, sports, MU, KU, ufo sightings, dui checkpoints, Kansas City neighborhoods, nightlife, concerts, the Sprint Center, the Power and Light District and current Kansas City news articles.

DUI Checkpoints Labor Day Weekend 2013 Aug 31st Sept 1st Sept 2nd Sept 3rd

All the crazies will be out in full force as they have released the masses from work for Labor Day Weekend 2013. There will be plenty of DUI Checkpoints in Kansas City and Lee's Summit for August 31st, September 1st, September 2nd, and September 3rd 2013.

The Checkpoints for Labor Day Weekend will be in the usual suspect areas including but not limited to:

Southwest Trafficway
Beware of checkpoints along Southwest Trafficway in all areas, but especially near the Sun Fresh at around 40th Street. They LOVE to set up a giant DUI Checkpoint complete with large buses to cart people off to jail near that intersection.

Ward Parkway
Watch yourself on any part of Ward Parkway as well, but be especially careful around 78th Street where Ward Parkway splits and all of the Prairie Village people merge over to the right to cross State Line to get home. Often there is a DUI checkpoint set up just as you round the corner on Ward Parkway heading toward that Kansas / Missouri split. If you're headed toward the Plaza on Ward Parkway then beware of a DUI checkpoint as you head down the hill after the light at 51st Street.

Wornall Road
It has come to our attention that not everyone in Kansas City knows the correct pronunciation of the word WORNALL. It is pronounced as if you were saying WORNLE (sounds like NORMAL) - It is NOT pronounced WOR-NELL. There ya go, a little lesson for the day. There will typically be a checkpoint on Wornall Road near 75th Street in Waldo near the Wendy's. They have also been known to set up at 92nd and Wornall, just as you round the corner South of the light at 95th Street.

Lee's Summit
Lee's Summit is NOT the place to drink and drive (nor is anywhere for that matter) but those officers will be checking EVERYONE that they pull over this Labor Day Weekend 2013 on August 31st, September 1st, September 2nd and September 3rd. Get a cab if you're going to drive anywhere in Lee's Scumm-It.

We strongly encourage everyone not to drive if they are going to be drinking this Labor Day Weekend 2013, get a cab or have a sober friend drive. Have a safe weekend from your friends at KCMB News Kansas City.

DUI checkpoints in kansas city, lee's summit labor day weekend 2013 august 31st, september 1st, september 2nd, september 3rd by KCMB Kansas City News, official kc news site with breaking stories on The Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, charity events, the 2012 MLB All Star Game, weather, sports, MU, KU, ufo sightings, dui checkpoints, Kansas City neighborhoods, nightlife, concerts, the Sprint Center, the Power and Light District and current Kansas City news articles.

Franchise Mode Madden 25 for Loners Once Again in 2013 - Kansas City News

That's right kids, once again the folks at EA Sports have let us down. The Franchise Mode in Madden that we all loved so much until they took it away in Madden 13 is still not complete in the new release of Madden 25 in 2013. Once again, they have built the game for LONER geeks who play by themselves with the little headsets on online. Here at KCMB News in Kansas City we will break it down for you.

There is a franchise mode in Madden 25 as many will argue, but it's FOR LONERS only. You can only play by yourself! That's fine for the little 13 year olds sitting in their mother's basement, ok, and also the 27 year old loser geeks that are also sitting in their mother's basement, but not for those of us who like go grab some beer and a few friends and play a franchise mode season to it's finish.

This should not be such a major request from EA Sports to put the franchise mode in Madden 25 just the way it was for the last 15+ years. Why they would make this a LONER'S game we have no idea. Metacritic has Madden 25 at an 81 approval rating among players. That's pretty mediocre for one of the hottest video game franchises in history.

Without question, some dork got his foot in the door and is now at the controls in the design room for the Madden franchise. He is no doubt a loner dork, who plays online by himself with the little headset on. Well, congratulations dumb ass, your nerdy manipulation of the game has once again ruined it by taking away the franchise mode in Madden 25. We will continue to play our Madden 12 game until they fix this problem. We like to take over The Kansas City Chiefs, put ourselves in the game as players and rock out vs the computer. Then we save our progress and come back another night to continue the season. We don't anticipate this problem being fixed with the release of PS4 either, as the same dork designer will have his hands on it. We will check back with you guys in 2014! LOSERS.

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Charity Event for Kids TLC - Pour for More at The Guild

Kids TLC, a Kansas City charity organization that provides care for children and families in a disaster, is hosting it's first annual Kansas City charity event "Pour for More" this Friday. The first annual fundraiser will take place at The Guild, a new Kansas City event venue located at 1621 Locust in the Creative Crossroads District. Pour for More will feature a VIP Patron's Party, a silent charity auction, complimentary valet, party games and live entertainment by Big Show Dueling Pianos produced by Adam Blue Productions.

Info on Pour for More 2014

Kids TLC is a Johnson County charity organization that was founded in 1972 and provides services and counceling for children and families that are in a state of disaster. The Kansas City charity event "Pour for More" will help raise funds for many different facets of Kids TLC and the services that they provide. The Big Show Dueling Pianos will be donating all of their tips to the charity.

Prices are $100.00 per ticket, $75.00 per ticket for attendees 35 and younger, and sponsorships range from $250.00 each up to $10,000.00. To register for a corporate sponsorship, or to purchase individual tickets visit www.kidstlc.org

Silent auction items for Kids TLC Pour for More will include items from Doug Frost's personal wine collection, several items from local Kansas City restaurants including Spin Pizza and Thirsty Palette and other donated items.

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Elton John Spotted at Royals Home Opener 2013

As we were heading into the VIP entrance at The Kansas City Royals home opener on Monday we barely had time to get our camera out as none other that Sir Elton John himself and his entourage of about 15 people were heading to their private box. We were fortunate to catch him at all as he was quickly whisked off from his car service into the K.

Shown here wearing this Royals cap, Elton was ready to watch the Royals take on the Minnesota Twins in a great home opener for 2013 in which the Royals bested the Twins 3-1. It is not known whether or not Elton John stayed for the entire game, although usually when celebrities this large come to events they wait until the crowd dissipates before attempting to get them back into their car service.

It was great to see Elton John in a Kansas City Royals hat, hopefully that will be some kind of a sign of good luck for this season.  If anyone else was able to nab a photo of Elton John coming into or leaving the game, please email them to us. Our photographer had her camera packed away as we hadn't planned on taking any photos until the opening ceremony began, and BAM! - here comes Elton John. So, before we could get our good cameras out, our only resort was to snap a good old iPhone shot which you see here. It was without a doubt Sir Elton, however and security around him was tight.

The Kansas City Royals will face the Twins two more times before ending the week playing The Blue Jays - and Elton John, who just came from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will head to Las Vegas to begin a string of performances at Caesar's Palace that starts on April 20th.

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The Children's Place Gala 2013 - Scott Pioli - Darrell Hammond - The KC All Stars

Looking for the 2014 Angels' Gala?

A star studded night to be sure this Friday at the downtown Marriott when The Children's Place "Angels' Gala" will take place. One of the largest events in Kansas City so far this year, the Children's Place Angels' Gala will feature an appearance by honorary Chairs Scott Pioli and his wife Dallas Pioli, followed by keynote speaker Darrell Hammond from Saturday Night Live who is famous for his impressions of Bill Clinton and Dick Cheney.  Darrell Hammond will talk to The Children's Place 2013 Gala patrons about growing up with an abusive mother. Hammond's performance will be followed by Kansas City's Hottest Dance band The KC All Stars.

Sponsorship levels for The Children's Place Angels' Gala 2013 are as follows:

$150.00 per individual ticket
$2500.00 - $35,000.00 for corporate sponsorship

The Children's Place has been active in the Kansas City charity community since 1978 providing care for young children who have been the victims of abuse, neglect and other trauma related issues. Their continued success relies upon many generous charity organization supporters and their donations. The Children's Place Angels' Charity Event is one such function that supports this wonderful charity organization.

The Children's Place Angels' Gala 2013 charity fundraiser event info by KCMB Kansas City News, official kc news site with breaking stories on The Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, charity events, the 2012 MLB All Star Game, weather, sports, MU, KU, ufo sightings, dui checkpoints, Kansas City neighborhoods, nightlife, concerts, the Sprint Center, the Power and Light District and current Kansas City news articles.

Kansas vs. Michigan Sweet 16 Preview

The Kansas Jayhawks overcame some sluggish play in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament to once again make the Sweet 16 – the fifth time in the last six years the program has made it this far. If the top-seeded Jayhawks want to make a second consecutive Final Four, they will first have to get past the fourth-seeded Michigan Wolverines.

Michigan may be young, but the team is loaded with talent. The Wolverines are led by sophomore point guard Trey Burke, who averages nearly 19 points and seven assists per game. Michigan also gets a lot of scoring from Tim Hardaway, Jr., who averages 15 ppg. Michigan relies heavily on shooting threes for their success, with Hardway and Nik Stauskas both shooting over 40% from beyond the arc.

Kansas’ offense has been extremely unpredictable this season, but one consistent the Jayhawks have had is an outstanding defense. Anchored by the nation’s best shot-blocker in Jeff Withey and one of the best perimeter defenders in Travis Releford, KU has one of the top-rated defenses in the nation.

On offense, the Jayhawks will have to find a way to get Ben McLemore going. The redshirt freshman is predicted by most to be the top pick in the 2013 NBA draft and leads Kansas in scoring; however, he has been a no-show in March so far. McLemore went 0-9 from the field against North Carolina and scored only two points. He has eclipsed the 30 point mark several times this season, and may be due for a breakout game against Michigan’s suspect defense.

Tonight’s game will be a true clash of styles, as Michigan has a great offense while Kansas has a great defense. With Withey in the paint, Michigan will likely rely heavily on three point shooting. If the Wolverines aren’t on fire from beyond the arc, and the Jayhawks can counter with some threes of their own, KU could find itself closer to another Final Four.

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Two Charged In Murder Of UMKC Student

Two Kansas City residents have been charged with the murder of Aaron Markarian, a senior baritone student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance. Prosecutors have charged Alonzo D. Ruff, 20, and Anthony J. Williams, 21, of Kansas City with 10 felonies. The pair are charged with second-degree murder, robbery, three counts of assault and five counts of armed criminal action.

Markarian performing

Williams and Ruff decided to rob the college students’ home located at 4900 Brookside Boulevard after Williams had visited the home earlier in the evening. Williams and Ruff then visited the home, armed with a machete and gun, barging inside when Markarian opened the door. The UMKC student and his friends had gathered for a birthday celebration.

After forcing all of the students in the house to sit on a couch, Williams and Ruff stole $400, cellphones and marijuana. After the robbery, Ruff turned and opened fire at the students on the couch. Markarian was fatally wounded during the shooting, while three other victims survived after being hit.

Alonzo D. Ruff and Anthony J. Williams

One of the survivors recognized Ruff from high school, and believes he opened fire on the group out of fear of being recognized. Williams wore a ski mask during the robbery, however it appears that Ruff did not attempt to conceal his identity. Both were arrested Tuesday evening.

Markarian had been set to graduate from UMKC in May with a bachelor’s degree of music in vocal performance. Tony Williams was a graduate of Archbishop O’Hara High School in 2009 and was unemployed. He had met Ruff when the two worked together at a bagel restaurant, and Williams’ family had recently allowed Ruff to move into the family’s home with them.

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Luis Mendoza Wins Final Spot In Royals’ Starting Rotation

After a tough battle with Bruce Chen, Luis Mendoza has been named the fifth starter in the Kansas City Royals’ starting rotation. Chen will be moved to the bullpen.

Mendoza had an impressive spring for Kansas City, allowing only one run in 11 innings pitched. Chen struggled in spring ball, giving up 13 runs and 16 hits in 13 and 2/3 innings. Mendoza also had an impressive showing in the World Baseball Classic for his native Mexico. As a result, Mendoza will be joining James Shields, Ervin Santana, Jeremy Guthrie and Wade Davis in the Royals’ starting rotation.

Chen could be a valuable asset to what is already a strong bullpen, and the veteran provides Kansas City with some nice insurance should one of the starters get hurt or struggle. Chen has won 35 games over the past three seasons and has been very reliable for the organization.

The Royals will have to make several other roster decisions in the near future. The team must decide between Brett Hayes and George Kottaras in the battle for the backup catcher position, and between Miguel Tejada and Irving Falu for the utility infielder spot. Kansas City will also have to settle on its bullpen, where pitchers such as J.C. Gutierrez, Francisley Bueno, Louis Coleman, Dan Wheeler and Donnie Joseph are all competing.

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Royals Win Club Record 22nd Spring Game, Make More Roster Moves

Following an impressive 8-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Kansas City Royals made several more roster moves last night. The team optioned outfielder David Lough to Class AAA Omaha and released infielder Xavier Nady and relief pitcher George Sherrill.

The release of Lough comes as a surprise, as the 27-year-old has put together an impressive spring. Lough is 20 for 44 in 24 spring games, and many felt he could be a replacement for the struggling Jeff Francoeur. The team currently plans on having four outfielders on its major league roster: Francoeur, Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain and Jarrod Dyson.

Many Kansas City fans have voiced their displeasure with Francoeur, who struggled from the plate last season and has had a poor spring. If the veteran gets off to another slow start this season, Lough could be brought up to replace him. Lough also provides some nice insurance should one of the team’s other infielders suffer an injury.

The decision to release Nady and Sherrill rather than assigning them to the minor leagues makes both veterans free agents, however Kansas City is expected to attempt to re-sign the pair. Sherill is recovering from Tommy John surgery and has yet to pitch this spring. The Royals are hopeful that he could return to game action sometime in May. Nady has battled a foot injury this spring, and saw limited action in 13 games.

The win over the Dodgers gave the Royals a club-record 22nd spring win. Kansas City has been impressive all of spring training, compiling a 22-6-1 record fueled by strong hitting from several young players and impressive pitching from its off-season acquisitions. The team will face the Seattle Mariners at 3:05 p.m. today. Bruce Chen will get the start for Kansas City – his last chance to impress the coaching staff in his battle for the fifth starter spot with Luis Mendoza. Mendoza will be starting for Kansas City on Wednesday.

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Kansas Defeats North Carolina, Advances To Sweet 16

As usual, the Kansas Jayhawks are the only Big 12 team left in the NCAA tournament. KU overcame a poor first half on Sunday to eventually take down UNC 70-58. The win advances the Jayhawks to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year.

The first half couldn’t have gone worse for Kansas, as the team continued the sluggish play it showcased in its narrow round one victory over Western Kentucky. The Jayhawks constantly turned the ball over and failed to make several layups. Some timely baskets by Travis Releford and solid defense kept Kansas in the game, and the Jayhawks entered the break down by nine.

The second half was a completely different story for KU, as the Jayhawks ultimately outscored the Tar Heels 49-28 in the period. Kansas finally hit some threes, and Jeff Withey dominated the paint on both ends of the floor. Withey finished with 16 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks, while Releford added 22 points and 8 rebounds in his last college game in his hometown of Kansas City. Naadir Tharpe also finally woke up for the Jayhawks, burying a couple of threes in the second half to help KU secure the victory.

Withey has emerged as a consistent force for Kansas, but Releford may be the biggest X-factor on the team. The fifth-year senior is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country and also an efficient scorer. Often as Releford goes, so does Kansas – the Jayhawks are 26-0 this year when he scores at least nine points and 4-5 when he doesn’t. Given Elijah Johnson and Ben McLemore’s inconsistent play, the Jayhawks will need Releford to continue to produce if they want to make a second-consecutive Final Four.

Up next for Kansas are the Michigan Wolverines. The Jayhawks will play at 6:37 p.m. this Friday in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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NCAA Tournament - Kansas Advances, Kansas State Upset

There is only one Kansas City area team left standing after the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Kansas Jayhawks survived a scare from Western Kentucky in the first round, advancing to face North Carolina on Sunday. Kansas State was not as fortunate, falling to 13-seeded La Salle.

(1)Kansas 64   (16)Western Kentucky 57

The Jayhawks looked flat to start the game, and struggled to score during the first half. The Jayhawks picked things up a bit in the second half, eventually building a double digit lead late. However, the Hilltoppers stormed back, capitalizing on several turnovers by the Jayhawks and knocking down some threes. KU eventually sealed the game at the free throw line.

The Jayhawks’ guard play was extremely poor all game. Naadir Tharpe turned the ball over often while taking bad shots, while Ben McLemore disappeared. Jeff Withey had a big game for Kansas, and Perry Ellis and Keving Young also added some much needed scoring. The Jayhawks’ guard play will have to improve if they want to make the Sweet 16 for the third straight year.

(13) La Salle 63   (4) Kansas State 61

The Explorers jumped all over the Wildcats early, building a 44-26 halftime lead. It looked like K-State was finished, however they had a massive comeback in the second half and eventually took a one-point lead. Kansas State had two chances to win the game at the end but the Wildcats failed to score on their last two possessions.

K-State exceeded most preseason expectations, however three losses to KU and a first-round NCAA Tournament exit have to have Wildcat fans feeling a bit disappointed. 

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Missouri Loses In First Round of NCAA Tournament, Kansas And Kansas State Play Today

The 2013 NCAA tournament is officially underway, and all three local Kansas City schools found themselves in the field of 68. One team is already out however, as Missouri lost to Colorado State yesterday. Kansas and Kansas State will play today.

(8)Colorado State 84   (9)Missouri 72

Colorado State jumped out to an early lead and held Missouri at arm’s length the rest of the way. Kansas native Dorian Green scored 26 points for the Rams, who won their first NCAA tournament game since 1988. The Tigers were led by Phil Pressey’s 20 points, while Alex Oriakhi added 16 points and Jabari Brown contributed 14.

It has been a frustrating last two years for Tiger fans. After a strong regular season last year, Missouri lost as a two seed in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament in one of the biggest tournament upsets of all time. This year, the team played well below expectations. Head coach Frank Haith showed early promise, but Tiger fans have to be disappointed in the team’s consecutive first-round tournament exits and poor 2013 regular season.

(1)Kansas   (16)Western Kentucky – 8:50 p.m.

NCAA tournament fans will recognize the Hilltopers, who have been a regular in the field over the past several years and have sprung a few upsets. WKU won four games in four days to win the Sun Belt tournament title and earn an automatic bid into the tournament.

A one seed has never lost to a 16 seed, and the Jayhawks should take care of business if they focus and avoid looking ahead to a possible second round matchup with Roy Williams and North Carolina. KU won the Big 12tournament with ease, and could be primed for another deep tournament run.

(4)Kansas State   (13)La Salle – 2:10 p.m.

The Kansas State Wildcats have avoided being upset all season, and they hope to continue that trend this afternoon. La Salle is a dangerous team, capable of hitting threes or getting to the rim. This is a game K-State should win, but don’t be surprised if the Explorers give the Wildcats all they can handle.

If KSU advances, they will play the winner of (5)Wisconsin vs. (12) Ole Miss with a rematch against top seeded Gonzaga possibly waiting for them in the Sweet 16.

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Kansas City To Receive Snow Today, This Weekend

The Kansas City metro has already been rocked by two major snowstorms this year, and it appears that the area will be receiving one final snow fall before spring. The KC metro is expected to receive up to three inches of snow today, with more snow coming this weekend.

Today’s snowfall is expected to start mid-morning and end by the late afternoon. Most snow will fall south of a line from Maryville to Sedalia, with little accumulation north and east of that area. The Kansas City area is expected to receive between one to two inches, while cities to the south such as Gardner, Paola, Pleasanton and Clinton will receive two to three inches. There is also a chance that a bit more snow and freezing rain could hit the metro this evening.

The biggest concern is this weekend, when the KC metro may receive upwards of six inches of snow. Meteorologists are expecting freezing rain mixed with snow to start falling from morning to early afternoon on Saturday, with heavier snowfall hitting Saturday night.

After some mild winters over the past couple of years, Kansas City has been hit hard with snow over the past couple of months. While this weekend’s storm won’t be as severe as the previous two, there will likely still be several accidents and closed roads. Kansas City will be hosting several NCAA tournament games this weekend, and the downtown is expected to be very crowded. The hazardous weather conditions and large crowds could make transportation around the metro very difficult this weekend. Kansas City residents heading downtown for the NCAA tournament games need to prepare for difficulty navigating around the metro.

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