In the latest roadblock facing an effort to expand Cobo Center, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said Tuesday that no progress has been made and he won't attend a regional summit Friday called by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to work on a plan for Cobo.

Penn tells top director: No moonlighting

As an associate director of MBA admissions at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, Judith Hodara hosts a weekly podcast that dispenses tips for getting into business school. It's not the only place she hands out advice. Recently, she was asked to sit on an advisory committee of a Japanese company that helps Japanese students get into top U.S. programs leading to a master's degree in business administration, including her own. Since 2004, she has also run her own college admissions business, IvyStone Educational Consultants, to guide high school students through the tricky process. While Hodara said her consulting work was "compliant with university policy," some admissions experts questioned her ties and whether there was the appearance of impropriety. Penn agreed with them and pulled the plug on her moonlighting.

Kia Increases NBA Footprint

IRVINE, Calif. — To better reach potential buyers, Kia Motors America announced that it has strengthened its presence with the NBA, as the automaker now has partnerships with more than half of the league's teams. The Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Seattle Supersonics have appointed Kia as an "official partner." Meanwhile, Kia is now a "proud partner" of the Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. Furthermore, the Miami Heat named Kia as its official vehicle. "Kia is proud to be a part of such a distinguished organization that also is a perfect fit for our youthful, energetic brand and our dynamic vehicles," commented Byung Mo Ahn, group president and chief executive officer of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.