News for Thursday, December 1, 2011

Jefferson City drops basketball opener

At Marquette

CHESTERFIELD — The Marquette Mustangs defeated the Jefferson City Jays 61-47 on Thursday night.

More production from Moore

For basketball Tigers

COLUMBIA — A four-guard attack is largely responsible for No. 13 Missouri’s best start since 2006 under new coach Frank Haith. A not-so-big man off the bench has done his part, too.

Where’s the offense?

Chiefs forgetting what end zone looks like

KANSAS CITY — Chiefs coach Todd Haley doesn’t have the answer for his team’s touchdown drought, perhaps because there is none. It seems almost impossible, after all.

India’s retailers, farmers face uncertain future

Ashok Kokane sits amid his strawberries at Mumbai’s Crawford Market, a handwritten ledger across his knees and a fan of dirty 10 rupee notes at his hand. The lazy, dust-encrusted ceiling fans above are far past cleaning.

Lye attack victim approved for face transplant

A woman who was burned and disfigured when her ex-husband doused her with industrial lye four years ago has been approved for a rare face transplant.

Earnhardt again named NASCAR's most popular driver

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been named NASCAR's most popular driver for the ninth consecutive year.

US report: Foster kids get high rate of psych meds

Federal health officials are failing to monitor how state agencies are doling out powerful psychotropic drugs to foster children, according to a comprehensive investigation released Thursday showing foster kids are being prescribed the drugs at rates 2.7 to 4.5 higher than non-foster children and often at much higher doses.

NJ Guard chief to quit over conduct with aide

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The longtime commander of New Jersey’s National Guard is resigning after being caught having a physical relationship with a woman who works for him, government officials told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Obama lawyers: Citizens targeted if at war with US

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. citizens are legitimate military targets when they take up arms with al-Qaida, top national security lawyers in the Obama administration said Thursday.

Giordano denies involvement in Aruba disappearance

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defiant and combative, an American businessman suspected in the presumed death of his traveling companion in Aruba said Thursday that he had nothing to do with her disappearance.

Police: Father killed 2 kids, wounded 2 and wife

BAY CITY, Texas (AP) — A man who shot his wife and four young children, killing two of them in an attack that spilled onto their front lawn, was accused last week of assaulting her but she declined to press charges, police said Thursday.

Police: NY trio stole toys in 91-store spree

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A very naughty list is at the center of a three-state, 91-store shoplifting spree that landed three people behind bars in western Pennsylvania for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars in toys.

NBA players authorize return of union

NBA players have authorized the return of the players' association, with more than 300 submitting the necessary signatures to a third-party accounting group.

After tent cities fade, Occupy turns to specifics

For more than two months, they were open-air communes where people came to rebuild society and start a nationwide discussion on how to close the wide gap between the rich and the poor. But as Occupy Wall Street tent cities fade away, a growing number of protesters are pushing to put a clear message ahead of the movement.

For Herman Cain, the campaign all but over

Herman Cain is still campaigning for president. But by most measures, his White House bid is all but over.

Sarkozy: Paris, Berlin to push for treaty changes

France and Germany plan to push for fundamental changes to the European treaty governing the euro in order to save the currency, President Nicolas Sarkozy said Thursday.

Big border drug tunnel highlights seasonal trend

The secret passage linking warehouses in San Diego and Tijuana highlights an emerging seasonal trend. For three years, authorities have found sophisticated tunnels on the U.S.-Mexico border shortly before the winter holidays in what officials speculate is an attempt by drug smugglers to take advantage of Mexico's fall marijuana harvest.

Chilly November? Not for US car sales

DETROIT (AP) — People are finally replacing the cars and trucks they held on to during the economic slump, giving a big boost to U.S. auto sales in November.

Stocks waver, a day after biggest rally in 2 years

NEW YORK (AP) — A rally that drove major stock indexes up 7 percent this week stalled Thursday. Stock indexes ended slightly lower, a day after the market posted its biggest gain in two and a half years.

Asia pilot gap grows as airlines order new jets

Fast-growing Asian and Middle Eastern airlines have signed orders recently for hundreds of new airlines — now they face the problem of finding enough pilots to fly them. For safety-conscious travelers, that means sticking with the big, well known airlines who can afford to lure the best staff as the scramble to fill the cockpit intensifies.

Mo. lawmakers start filing bills for 2012 session

Missouri lawmakers have proposed shortening their annual legislative session and changing how voters elect governors and lieutenant governors.

Rep. McNary to run for Mo. treasurer’s office

A state House member from Chesterfield is the first Republican to officially enter the Missouri treasurer’s race.

KC mayor proposes taking control of schools

The mayor of Kansas City has proposed to state education officials that he take control of the troubled Kansas City School District.

Casting Crowns continue to top Christian charts

Four times a week, Mark Hall ministers to youth at a suburban Atlanta megachurch, working from an office where the walls are lined with vintage Marvel comic books and that also houses a stone-like desk decorated with symbols from “The Avengers.”

Christmas season begins in Jefferson City

Traditional area events get under way

As December begins, so do Christmas season celebrations in Jefferson City.

Helias presents original take on ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Helias Catholic High School is offering the community a unique opportunity to see an old classic in a new way.

Inspector highlights psych drug use among elderly

Government inspectors told lawmakers Wednesday that Medicare officials need to do more to stop doctors from prescribing powerful psychiatric drugs to nursing home patients with dementia, an unapproved practice that has flourished despite repeated government warnings.

McCaskill: Move funds from Afghanistan to US roads

Sen. Claire McCaskill is proposing to shift money from development in Afghanistan for roads and bridges in the U.S.

Your Opinion: Another deceptive call to war

It seems to me I’ve heard that song before: For the past decade, Seymour Hersh has been reporting on Iran’s nuclear program and the continuing lack of evidence that they have been working on a nuclear bomb.

Your Opinion: Fair Tax could create jobs, cut AFDC

As I have intimated previously, I personally am not confident that all legislation enacted in the past is either good or necessary.

Your Opinion: Diatribe against NRA full of mistruths

I always read the editorial page of the News Tribune with interest.

Our Opinion: Community gifts to be unveiled

An ongoing series of Christmas gifts to the community will be available beginning today and continuing into the weekend.

Missouri House Speaker Tilley endorses Romney

Another prominent Missouri Republican is endorsing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the GOP presidential race.

Strong winds down trees, power lines in Southwest

Some of the worst Santa Ana winds in years blasted through California, toppling trees and power lines and delaying flights as a low-pressure front threatened bring fierce gusts throughout Southwestern states, authorities said Thursday.

Grape tomatoes recalled over salmonella concern

A St. Louis-based produce company is recalling some grape tomatoes that could potentially be contaminated with salmonella.

KC diocese hires leader of child protection dept.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has picked a leader for a new child protection department created in response to concerns about church leaders’ handling of abuse claims.

State salaries committee leaning toward more detailed study

After several years of a detailed study, Kansas officials are implementing a new, statewide pay plan for state employees.

Christmas parades announce choices for grand marshals

Parade watchers may spot some well-known figures leading the Callaway County Christmas parades this year.

FDA examines level of arsenic in apple juice

The Food and Drug Administration is considering tightening restrictions for the levels of arsenic allowed in apple juice after consumer groups pushed the agency to crack down on the contaminant.

Romney to air Iowa ad, signaling play for caucuses

Shifting his Iowa campaign into a more aggressive final phase, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is launching his first TV ads in the state with a spot in which he declares, "I've learned something about how it is that economies grow."

Driller to stop water to families in Dimock, Pa.

Families in a northeastern Pennsylvania village with tainted water wells will have to procure their own water for the first time in nearly three years as a natural-gas driller blamed for polluting the aquifer moves ahead with its plan to stop paying for daily deliveries.

New state legislative maps mean myriad changes

Cole, Moniteau, Miller and Morgan counties remain in the 6th Senate district, in the new legislative maps drawn by a six-judge panel, and Boone County still anchors the 19th District.

Fed survey: Most areas see slow to moderate growth

The economy expanded at a slow to moderate pace over the past two months in most areas of the country, but overall hiring was weak, according to a Federal Reserve survey released Wednesday.

Lawmakers criticize Missouri River flood response

Lawmakers and congressional witnesses on Wednesday criticized the response of the Army Corps of Engineers to this year's devastating flooding along the Missouri River and said they were concerned existing problems won't be corrected.

Training center being built at Cole County fire station

A new training center and administration office is being built next to Cole County Fire Protection District Station 4 on Monticello Road.

Crews finishing lake road extension

The new two-mile extension to the Horseshoe Bend Parkway (Missouri 242) at the Lake of the Ozarks will officially open to traffic 10 a.m. Dec. 13.

Dollar General to add 50 employees to Fulton plant

Fulton received some good economic news Wednesday when Dollar General announced it plans to hire 50 employees at its regional distribution center in the city.

Honda worker cited under Alabama law

A Japanese man temporarily working at Honda’s car factory in east Alabama became the second foreign auto worker charged under the state’s law on illegal immigration, the company said Wednesday.

Kanye gets 7 Grammy noms; Adele, Mars, Foos get 6

Adele scored six Grammy nominations on Wednesday, including for record, song and album of the year, but the owner of the 2011’s best-selling album with “21” wasn’t the night’s top nominee — and that wasn’t the evening’s only surprise.

Report: US agency erred on United pension values

A watchdog report says the agency that insures pensions for millions of U.S. workers made serious errors in valuing pension plans for United Airlines employees and as a result some retirees may have received less than they were due.

GOP bill would force action on Canada oil pipeline

Angered by President Barack Obama’s delay of a proposed oil pipeline from Canada, Senate Republicans are moving to force him to act.

Jays set for opener under new coach Thompson

The slate’s been wiped clean. Going into Blair Thompson’s first year as head coach of the Jefferson City Jays basketball team, that’s just how he wants it.

Obama: ’Massive blow’ if GOP blocks payroll tax

Blending governing with re-election politics, President Barack Obama roused a cheering northeast Pennsylvania crowd Wednesday as he warned of a “massive blow to the economy” if Republicans block a payroll tax extension because of his insistence on a millionaires’ tax.

Holts Summit man arrested for DWI in Maries County

Maries County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Holts Summit man on Wednesday night after investigating a report of an intoxicated driver traveling down Ball Park Road just outside of Vienna.

Iberia woman dies in Miller County crash

An Iberia woman died in a two-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon in Miller County.

Data shows robust start for holiday retail sales

Retail sales for the four-day holiday weekend, starting with Thanksgiving Day, rose 8.7 percent from a year earlier, a key data service said Thursday.

Man killed on Thanksgiving suspected in 3rd death

Kansas City police believe a man who killed his wife and her teenage goddaughter before officers fatally wounded him in a Thanksgiving Day shootout might have killed a third woman in a quest to get money to buy crack cocaine.

Slowdown sparks scramble to shore up China growth

Chinese leaders are scrambling to shore up flagging economic growth as exports weaken, abruptly reversing course after they spent two years struggling to cool an overheated expansion and surging inflation.

Barrington Broadcasting announces tender offer

Press Release

Barrington Broadcasting Group LLC announced Wednesday the commencement of a cash tender offer for all of its outstanding 10 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014.

Spotify expands into apps to expand music service

Online music provider Spotify is adding free apps to its service to broaden its reach and expand what people can do with its vast trove of digital tunes.

McCready talks to police; must return son Thursday

Country singer Mindy McCready, who had been reported missing, spoke with Florida authorities Wednesday and is aware of a court order to return her 5-year-old son by Thursday afternoon, police said.

Indian drugmaker OK’d to launch generic Lipitor

India’s largest maker of generic drugs won approval late Wednesday to sell a generic version of cholesterol blockbuster Lipitor. The world’s top-selling drug ever lost U.S. patent protection earlier in the day.

Gulf harvesters offered more money for BP damage

Gulf of Mexico shrimpers and crabbers, who have reported diminished catches since the BP oil spill, are being offered a more generous settlement package because of lingering uncertainties over the safety of their seafood.

2 RI men plead not guilty to $25M investment fraud

A Rhode Island estate planner and one of his former employees pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges they orchestrated a $25 million swindle of insurance companies and brokerage houses by stealing the identities of terminally ill and elderly people, including some they met by advertising offers for a $2,000 charitable gift in a Catholic newspaper.

American could bulk up through US Airways merger

American Airlines, which is slipping farther behind beefed-up rivals United and Delta, could bulk up through a merger with US Airways.

Home market held back by wary first-timers

This should be a great time to buy a first home. Prices have sunk to 2002 levels. Sellers are waiting anxiously as homes languish on the market. Mortgage rates are their lowest ever.

Mo. judge gives deadline on murder-for-hire claims

Federal prosecutors in Kansas City have until Dec. 19 to decide whether to present evidence at trial that a man accused of sex trafficking tried to hire someone to kill a top prosecutor.

‘Hedy’s Folly’ bares a most improbable inventor

“Hedy’s Folly: The Life and Breakthrough Inventions of Hedy Lamarr, the Most Beautiful Woman in the World” (Doubleday), by Richard Rhodes

It’s always sounded like a joke in search of a punch line: Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr helped develop the technology that would make cellphones, Wi-Fi and GPS possible.

Spence gives $2M to his Mo. governor's campaign

Republican businessman Dave Spence has contributed $2 million to his own campaign for Missouri governor.

Tim McGraw wins ruling over recording career

Country music superstar Tim McGraw won a court ruling Wednesday allowing him to keep recording while a lawsuit against him by Curb Records makes its way through the courts.

Action Comics 1 sells for $2.16 million in auction

A rare and pristine copy of the first issue of Action Comics, famed for the first appearance of Superman, has set a record Wednesday for the most money paid for a single comic book: $2.16 million.

San Francisco law leads to charge for Happy Meal toys

A new San Francisco city law aimed at making fast food for kids follow nutritional guidelines won’t be making Happy Meals healthier, just more expensive — if you want a toy.

Reports: Blackstone, Bain mulling joint Yahoo bid

The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital are discussing whether to team up with two major Asia companies in a bid to buy Yahoo for more than $25 billion.

Audio helped sway judge to give Jackson doc jail

The voice of Michael Jackson helped put the man who killed him behind bars. It wasn’t the familiar voice of hits such as “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” but the slow, slurring recording of the singer that was found on his physician’s cell phone that helped convince a judge to sentence the doctor to jail for four years.

Tyler Perry offers support to boy in Penn St case

Filmmaker Tyler Perry is expressing his support for an alleged victim in the Penn State child sex-abuse case.

LA condoms in porn measure gets 64,000 signatures

A group hoping to place a measure before Los Angeles voters that would require porn actors to wear condoms during film shoots said Wednesday it has gathered more than 64,000 valid voter signatures, about 23,000 more than the law requires for the June ballot.

Pa. spruce shines in NYC’s Rockefeller Center

Mayor Michael Bloomberg helped light the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree on Wednesday night, putting a spotlight on a small-town spruce from Pennsylvania and ringing in the holiday season.

Google exec: Online piracy bills in Congress wrong

Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said Wednesday that it would be a mistake for Congress to approve Hollywood-backed legislation meant to combat online piracy because it would be ineffective and could fundamentally alter the way the Internet works.