Nation IN BRIEF : FLORIDA : Smith Rape Case Set for Trial on Jan. 13

The judge in the William Kennedy Smith rape case set Jan. 13 as the starting date for the trial in West Palm Beach, Fla., saying that she wanted to avoid conflicts with holidays while trying to seat a jury. Circuit Judge Mary Lupo denied state motions for a more speedy trial and a change of venue. She also rejected efforts by Smith’s attorneys to exclude TV cameras from the courtroom, to seal further court filings and to impose sanctions on prosecutors for releasing allegations by three other women who said they were attacked by Smith, the 30-year-old nephew of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.)