The University of Southern California has opened an investigation into allegations that Paige Laurie hired another student to do her classwork for her for more than three years. The new basketball arena at the University of Missouri in Columbia is named for her, although she never attended that University. A USC spokesman says the investigation stems from last Friday night’s report on the ABC newsmagazine 20-20 that featured Laurie’s former college roommage, who says she was paid $20,000 for the work. The Laurie family has refused to comment on the allegations.
Kansas City To Vote on Banning Smoking
November 23, 2004 By
The Kansas City Council is to vote today on a ban on smoking in public places, but critics say the ordinance has been watered down so much by those it would have affected that it’s almost worthless. The ordinance bans workplace smoking, except in designated areas that are well-ventilated. Hotels must ban smoking in 75% of their rooms unless they need those rooms for conventions. The ordinance originally would have banned smoking in bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. But those groups complained, so the ban will go into effect for them only after cities containing 85% of the population in the six county metro area adopt similar bans.
Nothing Resolved in School Funding Dispute
November 23, 2004 By
An argument about whether a lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of how the state currently funds education should be dropped to allow the legislature to act remains unresolved. During a brief court hearing, Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan questions the premise upon which the state has based its argument; that any legal action should be sidelined to give the new legislature an opportunity to fix the school funding formula. He asks Assistant Attorney General Jim McAdams why the legislature would act, if a court hasn’t found the formula unconstitutional. Callahan scheduled another hearing for next week at the end of the court apperance in Jefferson City. Afterward, McAdams reiterated the stance. He says the legislature is likely to address the problems raised by the lawsuit whether or not a court rules on the current formula. He argues the legislature should be given a chance to address the concerns raised in the lawsuit before it is allowed to proceed. The legislature opens its new session in January. It will convene in mid-May. More than 250 school districts have challenged the state school funding formula, claiming it is unfair and inadequate. Their attorney, Alex Bartlett, says Callahan’s action means the case moves on. The school districts have indicated they’ll agree to delay their lawsuit, if a judge first declares the present system unconstitutional.
Kruse Speaks About Decision to Withdraw from USDA Consideration
November 23, 2004 By
For most of last week, Missouri Farm Bureau President Charlie Kruse’s name was kicked around as a possibility to become the next United States Secretary of Agriculture. On Friday, he issued a statement saying he had asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration. In his first interview since his decision, Kruse tells the Missourinet several reasons played a role, but the most important was family considerations. Kruse says he needs to be with his family as it continues to deal with the death of his son. Kruse’s son Ben died this past summer in an A-T-V accident. Ben was 27-years-old. Kruse says the USDA post was never directly offered to him, but he does understand he was at least very seriously considered. Kruse says it’s flattering to be considered for a cabinet post, but he wanted to stay in Missouri. Kruse says he talked it over with his family and people he trusts before reaching his decision. He tells the Missourinet, “It’s very clear, that again, at this point in time I’m right where I need to be.” Kruse adds it’s important for President Bush to nominate someone as Agriculture Secretary who understands production agriculture. Kruse is president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, headquartered in Jefferson City. He farms corn and soybeans in Dexter, located in southeast Missouri. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman has announced she will leave the Bush Administration.
Chiefs Lose Game, Likely Playoff Chances
November 23, 2004 By
If the Chiefs had any hope of playing in the post season this year, that hope wafted away with the barbecue smoke at Arrowhead Stadium Monday night. Kansas City fell to 3-7 after a 27-19 loss to the Patriots. Trent Green hooked up with Eddie Kennison in the first quarter for a 65-yard touchdown—it’s the Chiefs’ longest pass of the season. The extra point from Lawrence Tynes gave Kansas City a 10-7 lead, which was their only advantage of the evening. In the second quarter, New England took the lead back for good when Corey Dillon capped a 10-play, 75-yard drive with a one yard touchdown run. Adam Vinatieri hit a 37-yard field goal before the half to make it 17-10 Patriots. Despite a late comeback in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs failed to get much closer. Trent Green finished with 382 yards passing, with two touchdowns and an interception. Derrick Blaylock had just 58 yards on 19 carries. The Chiefs set a team record with at least 400 yards of offense for the fifth straight week. They won just two of those games.
