Stories published May 22, 2000Las Vegas Sun

First trial in Illinois driver's license scandal nears court: Mike Robinson; So, federal prosecutors say, the hundreds of license seekers paid bribes to state workers who in return coached the applicants or just filled in answers for them.

Democrats adopt platform, blast GOP, wrap up state convention: Brendan Riley; The 29 delegates and superdelegates to the national session, being held in Los Angeles, are solidly behind Vice President Al Gore in his battle against George W. Bush for the presidency. But they're all over the map on who they'd like Gore to pick as his running mate.

Militiamen flee to Israeli border; two Lebanese killed: Stuart Pendleton; Witnesses said the civilians died when Israeli tanks and gunships opened fire on the crowd, while Israel said fire from its allied militiamen was apparently responsible.

Lazio overcoming obscurity with whirlwind tour: Beth J. Harpaz; So the Long Island Congressman hit the ground running Sunday in a whirlwind tour, determined to overcome the biggest immediate obstacle in his quest to beat Hillary Rodham Clinton: his own obscurity.

Nordstrom to come to Fashion Show Mall: Brooke White, a company spokeswoman, said a three-level, 200,000-square-foot department store would open in fall 2002 or spring 2003. It would be the company's first store in Nevada.

Minister apologizes for remarks on Germany's Nazi past: "My analysis was too contracted ... it obviously has nothing to do with the caricatures and provocations that it has triggered," Chevenement said, adding that he "likes Germany a lot" and "bases the future of Europe on French-German relations."

Columnist Ralph Siraco: Winged horse was but a myth in Preakness: Ralph Siraco; Saturday's Preakness Stakes was supposed to have been a jaunt around the oval for Fusaichi Pegasus, this year's Kentucky Derby winner.

12,000 to pay tribute to the master fund-raiser: John M. Broder and Don Van Natta Jr.; The record-setting gala, a salute to Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, will draw thousands of small donors who bought $50 tickets, but also a large number of mega-givers, including 15 to 20 people who have raised or pledged at least $500,000 each. Some of these big givers will share a private dinner with the president and vice president the night before the gala at the BET Jazz club in downtown Washington.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Hughes makes the right call: Dean Juipe; It was a quick and decisive verdict, the type that leaves every impartial observer feeling justice was served.

Stars halt losing streak vs. Calgary: Meanwhile, the Stars (23-17) finally found a way to score some runs off Calgary starter Jason Grilli (1-4).

Guinn may have jumped at wrong gun on education budget: Jill Derby said the governor's criticism appears to stem from a misunderstanding.

Rebels skip first talks on freedom for hostages in Philippines: Jim Gomez; Chief negotiator Robert Aventajado waited for 4 1/2 hours at a table on the lawn of a dilapidated elementary school, surrounded by coconut palms and 10 members of the elite presidential security detail armed with assault weapons.

Russia says strikes on Afghanistan possible: Andrew Kramer; Sergei Yastrzhembsky, the presidential spokesman for the Chechnya war, said Russian intelligence had learned that the Taliban, which rules 90 percent of Afghanistan, signed an agreement with Chechen envoys to assist the rebels by providing fighters and weapons.

Sierra Leone welcomes release of U.N. peacekeepers: Tim Sullivan; Information Minister Julius Spencer said there was "no connection" between Sankoh's fate and the release of the hostages. He said the government has not yet completed its investigation to decide whether to prosecute Sankoh, who was captured last week.

Three American teens formally charged in German highway killings: The teens, ages 14, 17 and 18, are accused of throwing large stones from a bridge onto a busy highway in Darmstadt on the night of Feb. 27. Two women were killed when stones crashed through the windshields of the cars they were driving, and four other people in passing cars were injured.

Actor John Gielgud dead at 96: Matt Wolf; Gielgud died peacefully at home Sunday near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire west of London, his former agent, Laurence Evans, said today.

House passes Ali Boxing Reform Act; Bryan, Reid praise move: Joseph White; WASHINGTON - The proposed Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, a first step in Congress' attempt to bring financial reform to the sport, passed the House by voice vote Monday.

PCL Box: Stars 3, Cannons 1: E--Rolison, Radmanovich. DP--Calgary 3, Las Vegas 1. LOB--Las Vegas 9, Calgary 8. 2B--Newhan, LaRocca, Gulan. 3B--Allen. HR--S. Martinez (3). S--Grilli. SF--Darr. SB--Gulan.

Serb court sentences 143 Kosovo Albanians to prison: Dragan Ilic; The court in Nis, about 120 miles south of Belgrade, ruled that the group, all from the southeastern Kosovo town of Djakovica, took part in attacks against Serb police during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia last spring.

Appeals court sends casino lawsuit back to Cook County: The developers, known as Lake County Riverboat L.P., allege lawmakers violated the constitution by changing state gambling law to make sure operators of a defunct East Dubuque riverboat could move their dormant gambling license to Rosemont. The Lake County developers want a chance at the license.

Justices bar epithets as on-the-job free speech: Richard Carelli; The justices left intact a ruling in which the California Supreme Court said an Avis Rent a Car service station manager who harassed co-workers with bigoted words could be ordered to stop using such language at work in the future.

LVMS 3/8-mile paved oval results: NASCAR Late Models

Diplomatic efforts intensify to end Horn of Africa war: Craig Nelson; Reno Serri, the European Community's special envoy to the Horn of Africa, met today with President Isaias Afewerki, who hasn't appeared in public since the fighting flared.

Court throws out restrictions on sex-oriented channels: Laurie Asseo; The 5-4 decision said Congress went too far when it required cable TV systems to restrict sex-oriented networks to overnight hours if they do not fully scramble their signal for nonsubscribers.

Australian trade minister: China confident on U.S. Congress vote: "They don't think the PNTR vote is in the bag," Vaile told reporters afterward. He said Shi realized the Clinton administration was working hard to win support ahead of Wednesday's vote.

Democrat says labor could retaliate for pro-China vote: David Koenig; "My guess is when it's over, people who wind up voting for it, there will be some international unions that will not be active in their campaigns," Frost, the third-ranking House Democrat, said in an interview.

Church rules out new Shroud of Turin exams for the moment: The shroud bears a faded image of a bearded man and what appear to be bloodstains that coincide with Christ's crucifixion wounds. But Carbon-14 testing has suggested that the cloth dates to the 13th or 14th century. Some argue that the test results may have been skewed by contamination.

Snow Dance will come again to Incline Village: Plans call for the tone of the event to change from entertainment to education as Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno chairs it.

Internet shopping a hot topic as shopping center industry meets: Robert Macy; But dire forecasts have turned to upbeat predictions as retailing giants forge partnerships with Internet companies, sharing expertise that can generate new customers and retain old ones.

Iranian president attacks hard-liners, saying nobody has monopoly on Islamic views: Ali Akbar Dareini; In a speech to mark the third anniversary of his election in 1997, President Mohammad Khatami condemned the people behind the shooting of his close associate, Saeed Hajjarian, a Tehran city councilor.

Sun Valley man charged with sexually molesting children: Washoe County sheriff's deputies earlier responded to a complaint of a man who had been supplying liquor and cigarettes to juveniles.

Outside repairs finished, astronauts ready to head inside space station: C. Bryson Hull; Astronauts James Voss and Jeffrey Williams finished the first day of work on the 200-mile-high outpost during 6 1/2 hours outside space shuttle Atlantis. With the outside tasks finished, the crew of six Americans and one Russian will crack open the hatch to the space station tonight to begin 3 1/2 days of more repairs inside.

Female NRA members try to counter gun-control voices: Scott Mooneyham; He also told reporters he expected the NRA to grow from its present 3.6 million members to 4 million by election day.

Durango could challenge decision in court: Spencer Patterson; Three weeks ago, Nevada's prep baseball playoffs began in court, as several Reno-area schools battled over the issue of academic eligibility.

Reno pays tribute to fallen officers: Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Paul Wheeler remembered Officer Charles Simon III, who died six months ago while directing traffic during an evacuation at Nellis Air Force Base prompted by a suspicious device at the main gate.

Spring State playoff results: 4A STATE TOURNAMENT

For Atlantic City high rollers, casino charters have been sure bet: John Curran; In twin-engine commuters and big-body 737s, more than 1,000 high rollers a day fly in or out of Atlantic City International Airport.

Former military intelligence officer sentenced on espionage charges: Monika Scislowska; Chief Judge Maj. Miroslaw Jaroszewski said the defendant damaged Poland by passing secret information to the KGB between 1988 and 1993.

Baseball sets record with six grand slams: It was a grand day to be hitter with the bases loaded.

Correction for May 18, 2000: Correction for May 18, 2000

Columnist John Katsilometes: Changes at Palace not so grand: The hallway leading to the executive offices at Arizona Charlie's is adorned with posters of the famous, semi-famous and infamous performers who once graced the Palace Grand Theatre stage.

Wrapping up work on first three fee-collection stations at Lake Mead: Construction crews have targeted June 15 as the completion date for the three stations, according to agency spokesman Bert Byers.

Circus-like sideshow surrounded trial figures: The sideshow outside the Ted Binion murder trial was almost as sensational as the fireworks inside the courtroom.

Legends of the fall: Stunt shows come to Las Vegas: Kirk Baird; Where: Northeast parking lot of the Boulevard mall (near Marshalls).

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Trends, May 22, 2000: Lisa Ferguson; Whew, it's getting warm out there. Summer is definitely around the corner.

Famous isolated phone booth removed: However, Pacific Bell and National Park officials said they had to remove the phone Wednesday because it attracted too many curiosity seekers.

AL Roundup: Rigdon makes memorable debut, Henderson homers again: Ben Walker; Rookie Paul Rigdon got off to a great start. And once again, so did Rickey Henderson.

Wild horses to be auctioned via satellite: Sandra Chereb; Expecting a scruffy, short-legged nag, the Bloomington, Ill., native said she got much more. "I was surprised at the quality," she said. "This is a very elegant, beautifully built little horse."

House to consider NCAA betting ban: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The bill that would ban betting on college sports in Nevada casinos may be moving in the House, despite reports that the Republican leadership had little desire to act on the bill this year.

Hotel-casino auction delayed yet again: Following a 5 p.m. hearing, a lawsuit against Maxim owner Premier Interval Resorts and Maxim mortgage holder Meralex was sent back to state court. Plans to hold an auction May 15 were delayed when the case was sent to federal court at the request of AE Marketing, a company controlled by Premier controlling shareholder Gary Kornman.

Garcia wants say in plan to break up school district: Valerie Miller; Incoming Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia would like an opportunity to work out some solutions to the school district's problems before a breakup of the district is considered.

Study cites legislators' gaming ties: CARSON CITY -- Nevada ranks near the middle of states in requiring state legislators to make public their financial ties, says the Center for Public Integrity, which singled out five lawmakers-attorneys for their association with the gambling industry.

Republicans defend effort to recruit candidates: "We filled 33 seats with Republicans. I think they started at 28 and fielded five or six more," Hettrick said, adding that Gov. Kenny Guinn and Senate candidate John Ensign helped with recruitment.

Edwards has pre-sentence meeting with investigator: Kevin McGill; "It's just part of the process of acquiring information about where I was born, family relationships, that sort of thing," Edwards said afterward.

Vegas malls, power centers at saturation level in areas: Phil Levine; The neon-drenched retail of the Las Vegas Strip is renowned around the world.

TRPA renews search for executive director: Greg James, director for the water department in Inyo County, Calif., surfaced as the top candidate after more than 100 people applied, but turned down a $100,000-a-year pay offer.

Trash haulers reject new contract: Jace Radke; Nearly 500 union trash haulers for Republic Services of Southern Nevada sent negotiators back to the bargaining table after rejecting a new contract offer Sunday from the garbage giant.

Officer quits before ruling in shooting: Keith Paul; A North Las Vegas Police officer has quit the department before completion of an internal investigation into his shooting of a man in March.

Turmoil within defense team: There were more signs of upheaval within the defense camp this morning as convicted killers Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish prepared for Tuesday's penalty phase in Ted Binion's slaying.

Upcoming business events for May 22, 2000: Women Business Owners -- Local chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners luncheon with Dee Clarke discussing leadership training. Tuesday. 457-8373.

Strip fireworks may return for New Year's: The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is planning for a New Year's celebration that may include pyrotechnics with the unanimous approval of its $153 million spending plan for 2001.

TV sports/Radio for May 23-27: TV sports/Radio for May 23-27

Hilton may buy parcel on Strip: David Strow; Hilton Hotels Corp. is eyeing a long-vacant land parcel at the northernmost tip of the Strip for what could be its third time-share development in the Las Vegas area.

Deadly DUIs: Keith Paul; Metro Police have made 1,223 driving under the influence arrests so far this year, and those suspected drunken drivers have been involved in 389 accidents.

$23 million expansion under way: The expansion includes more casino space, new elevators and escalators, a better system to handle cigarette smoke and other improvements.

Strip retail centers tout expansion plans: Phil Levine; Globalization and e-commerce will be among the topics discussed as retailers from around the world gather for the International Council of Shopping Centers' first Las Vegas conference of the new millennium.

Herbalife founder dead at 44: Hughes was found dead Sunday in his Malibu mansion, said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Sgt. Norine Plett. He died of apparent natural causes but an autopsy will determine the cause of death, she said.

Las Vegas air travel numbers up again: The airport reported 3.1 million arriving and departing passengers last month, up from 2.8 million for the same month in 1999.

Mississippi casino study, tax analysis expected this summer: For the past 10 months, state revenues have been $38 million behind expectations. Some lawmakers are anxious to find money to fund a teacher pay raise approved this spring.

Wynn is in line for more art tax exemptions: David Strow; When first enacted three years ago, Nevada's law on tax breaks for art collections was designed to help bring works of fine art to the state.

Local news briefs for May 22, 2000: A man was killed Sunday morning on the east side of Las Vegas when the car he was driving collided with a pickup.

NL roundup: Dodgers slam Marlins on grand day in majors: Josh DuBow; The Los Angeles Dodgers were the biggest contributors to the biggest day for baseball's biggest hit.

Private detective shrugged off attacks by defense team: Defense attorneys portrayed Tom Dillard as a villain in the Ted Binion murder case.

Obituaries for May 22, 2000: Darleen J. Gager, 74, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospital. She was born Aug. 6, 1925, in Kansas. A resident for 20 years, she was a retired beauty salon owner-operator.

Gambling experts: Mississippi casinos to increase in numbers, size: Matt Moore; Industry analysts say there are already plenty of casinos in the state, but there is room for more.

Letter: Gaming industry unfairly feeds off taxpayers: GEORGE P. DIX

Letter: Scenery hurt by billboard ads: In my state of Florida, more than 220 Florida communities have passed laws prohibiting the construction of new billboards. In Jacksonville, more than 800 billboards have actually been removed over the past 5 years, and the city is far more beautiful and attractive today.

Conviction slashes Murphy from Binion's lucrative will: Now that Sandy Murphy has been convicted of killing Ted Binion, state law prohibits her from inheriting any portion of his $55 million estate.

Area's top student-athletes honored: Spencer Patterson; Even to the most casual prep sports fan, some of the names in this year's Southern Nevada Top 10 student-athlete list are bound to ring a bell.

Silverado savors unlikely championship: Spencer Patterson; Brian Whitaker was fast asleep when his phone rang late Friday night. When his wife gave him the news, he thought he was still dreaming.

Red Rock Canyon offers variety of programs: The park offers a series of hikes and walks for children and adults free of charge, but reservations are required for all programs.

Community news briefs for May 22, 2000: The Southern Nevada Alzheimer's Association is seeking participants for an art contest and cookbook project that coincide with the 2000 Memory Walk to be held in October.

Letter: 'Homosexual' is correct term: LEO D. TAFOLLA

Baseball Today: Tuesday, May 23

Former Las Vegas Hilton president dies: He was 71.

Editorial: Last word on death of Binion: In the end, though, the only opinion that mattered was that of the 12-member jury. Finally, after eight days of deliberations in the 2-month-old trial, and more than 1 1/2 years after Binion died, on Friday afternoon the jury returned its verdict. At that moment it seemed as if much of Las Vegas came to a halt. Those who were not in Judge Joseph Bonaventure's packed courtroom instead huddled around television sets in homes and businesses throughout the valley, watching live as the jury foreman declared that Tabish and Murphy were guilty of first-degree murder. Even after so many bizarre ...

Engineers say steel cables failed in pedestrian bridge, unsure why: Jenna Fryer; More than 100 people were treated for injuries after falling 17 feet to the highway at the close of the NASCAR Winston stock car race Saturday night. About half of them remained hospitalized early today; two in critical condition.

Neal wins one, loses at state labor convention: CARSON CITY -- Union leaders in Nevada support Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, for re-election, but they don't like his plan to raise the tax on casinos by 80 percent.

Lawmakers suggest raising limit on awards in suits: CARSON CITY -- A legislative committee, despite the misgivings of some members, is recommending an increase in awards given in lawsuits against government entities.

Columnist Richie Hearn: Fresh engine could make a difference: Richie Hearn; Our week of practice was really difficult because we struggled to get up to speed. I really didn't get up to speed until Friday. We went from a 210 (mph lap) on Thursday to a 218 on Friday.

Metro approves payout to couple forced into sex act: Keith Paul; Metro Police's fiscal oversight board this morning approved a $100,000 payout to a couple forced by a then-Metro officer to perform sex acts.

Cobb wins at LVMS: Cobb wins at LVMS

Jury's decision shatters families of defendants: Greg Tuttle; Kenneth Murphy stood alone on the curb in front of the Clark County Courthouse, his face still as blank as it was when, minutes before, guilty verdicts were read against his daughter.

Tahoe beaches continue to wash away due to high lake level: "My beach washed out a while back," Chuck Bluth, owner of the Cal-Neva Resort here, told the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza. "My neighbor's beach, which never washes out, is gone.

Baden awaits jury's feelings about the evidence: Dr. Michael Baden, the prosecution's star medical witness in the Ted Binion murder case, refused Sunday to take credit for the jury's return of guilty verdicts against Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish.

State gas tax plan splits rural, urban county officials: After four years of debating the issue, the panel voted to base the distribution two-thirds on population and one-third on road miles, the Nevada Appeal reported.

Ray on Indy 500 pole: Kite qualified a G-Force/OldsmobileV8 purchased Saturday night from Chip Ganassi at 220.718 mph and became the 26th driver to qualify for the 500. The original Blueprint Racing entry sustained heavy damage in a crash Saturday. Kite was not injured.

Court to take on air rules: WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court, stepping into an enormous environmental battle, today agreed to decide the fate of tougher federal regulations for curtailing smog and soot nationwide.

Cram warns against district split: Valerie Miller; Nearing his last full month as Clark County School District superintendent, Brian Cram says the community should consider the long-term effects of a breakup of the school district.