Health & Science News

Study finds signs of brain changes in casual pot smokers

A small study of casual marijuana smokers has turned up evidence of changes in the brain, a possible sign of trouble ahead, researchers say. The young adults who volunteered for the study were not dependent on pot, nor did they show any marijuana-related problems. "What we think we are seeing here is a very early indication of what becomes a problem later on with prolonged use," things like lack of focus and impaired judgment, said Dr. Hans Breiter, a study author.

JCC Shootings

Records suggest that F. Glenn Miller Jr. was once in witness protection program

In 1987, he reached a plea bargain with federal prosecutors on weapons charges, agreeing to testify against associates in paramilitary and white supremacist movements. The 1987 sentencing memorandum recommended witness protection for Miller, according to Chris Shields, a domestic terrorism researcher.

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Many factors determine if shows like Miley Cyrus’ are canceled or postponed

Thousands of fans who were disappointed by the cancellation of the Miley Cyrus show on Tuesday can hope she will return on another date, but as of now, no plans have been announced to reschedule the Sprint Center show or tonight’s show at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

Nation & World

Check out these baby white tiger triplets

The Buenos Aires Zoo is showing off its latest brood of white tigers — Bengal triplets with piercing blue eyes and a playful attitude. The two female cubs have prominent black stripes and tawny white coats, while the male is nearly pure white.

Yael T. Abouhalkah

Kansas City is living down to its high crime reputation

The recent highway shootings are among the grim reminders that Kansas City’s unacceptably high rates of violent crime and murder affect its reputation. It’s essential that leaders keep trying to reduce these rates. They are bad for businesses, bad for tourists and especially bad for residents.

Politics

Judge hears arguments on proposed streetcar taxing district

Lawyers for supporters and opponents of Kansas City’s streetcars sparred at a hearing to determine the legality of a new taxing district that could help fund extensions to the downtown starter route. Meanwhile, Trucks began unloading rail for the Kansas City streetcar project on Wednesday in downtown Kansas City.

News

Cancer doctor and clinic agree to pay $2.9 million to settle federal whistleblower lawsuit

Raj Sadasivan did some of his most lucrative work altering medical records with a paper cutter and scissors, some of his former employees contend. Those records at the Hope Cancer Institute in Kansas City, Kan., became the key to an alleged attempt to bilk Medicare and other government programs out of millions of dollars — the largest federal health fraud case in the Kansas City area in recent years. Government claims against Sadasivan and the clinic amounted to $31.7 million.

Nation & World

283 missing, 4 dead in South Korea ferry disaster

A ferry carrying 462 people, mostly high school students on an overnight trip to a tourist island, sank off South Korea's southern coast on Wednesday, leaving more than 280 people missing despite a frantic, hours-long rescue by dozens of ships and helicopters. At least four people were confirmed dead and 55 injured.

Royals

Yordano Ventura gets first big-league win as Royals beat Astros 4-2

Yordano Ventura picked up his first big-league victory as the Royals beat the Astros 4-2 on Tuesday night in Houston. Ventura limited Houston to a pair of runs in seven innings. He struck out seven. He threw 101 pitches. It was the fifth start of his career, and yet another example of the dynamic potential that so tantalizes this organization.

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