First, a crackdown on work-at-home schemes, then other consumer fraud problems. A special task force has been formed in St. Louis to attack the growing problem of consumer fraud, especially the scams that promise fortunes to those working at home. It uses the Attorney General offices in both Missouri and Illinois as well as the federal prosecutor’s office in St. Louis, the Federal Trade Commission, the US Postal Inspection Service and the Better Business Bureau. St. Louis Better Business Bureau President Michelle Corey says the initial work of the task force will focus on employment opportunity scams, the number one source of consumer complaint to her agency. Corey says all the agencies involved have reported an increased number of complaints about fraudulent employment schemes, especially the get-rich-quick schemes that promise a lot of money without a lot of work.
Interstate Accident Seen as Good Test
State officials breathed a sigh of relief when a tractor-trailer truck wreck on a St. Louis interstate was determined to be an accident, not an act of terrorism. Still, they say the wreck of a Federal Express truck on I-270 that scattered packages across the interstate and backed up traffic for hours provided a good test for homeland security efforts. State Homeland Security advisor Tim Daniel says he acted quickly after being notified about the accident that at first appeared to resemble an act of terrorism. He notified the governor’s office, then the White House. Daniel says the biggest problem was losing contact with emergency personnel at the scene who could give him better information. Investigators ruled out terrorism as they determined a guard rail ripped open the gas tank, causing it to catch fire, making it appear the trailer exploded.
Blues Win 6th With 7
The Blues topped the Predators 7-0 to win their 6th straight. Reed Low snapped a scoreless tie at the 8:22 mark of the 2nd period. The Blues led 4-0 before the period was over. They were 3-8 on the power play. Meanwhile, they held Nashville 0-8 on their man-advantage. Al MacInnis, Keith Tkachuk, Pavol Demitra, Petr Cajanek, Shjon Podein, and Dallas Drake also scored. MacInnis, Tkachuk, and Demitra also had an assist. Mike Eastwod, Doug Weight and Tom Koivisto had two helpers apiece. In goal, Fred Brathwaite stopped all 19 shots he saw for the shutout. It was his first game back since injuring his groin. The Blues try to make it seven straight when they visit the Islanders.
Off-Season Pitching Moves Begin For Cards
One of the biggest challenges the Cardinals will face this off-season is figuring who to keep and who to let go from their pitching staff. The decision-making process has apparently begun. They’ve decided not to exercise the $5.25-million dollar option on reliever Dave Veres contract. They’re expected to do the same with Andy Benes and then try to sign him to a smaller one-year contract. Seven Cardinal pitchers are expected to announce their intention to become free agents. Two of them already have. Yesterday reliever Rick White and Woody Williams filed.
Maslowski AFC Defensive P.O.W.
Chiefs linebacker Mike Maslowski accomplished something a lot of people didn’t thinks was possible. He won AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. The Chiefs defense has been the worst in the league this year, but Maslowski’s performance was rather impressive against the Raiders on Sunday. He made seven tackles, but his most important contribution came in the fourth quarter when he caused and recovered Jerry Rice’s fumble. Kansas City topped Oakland 20-10.
