Print edition for June 28, 2002

Editorial: Judge right to toss state law for police: Under the law, citizens could be charged with a misdemeanor if they filed a report against a police officer and a subsequent investigation revealed that their report was in error. The law was intended to be an additional weapon against people who knowingly and maliciously file false charges. But cases in Northern and Southern Nevada demonstrated that people who file complaints presumably in good faith could also be threatened with criminal prosecution if their version did not ultimately square with the official version. All it would take for honest citizens to fear filing legitimate complaints against police officers would be ...

Letter: GOP against drug program that would work: In a nutshell, the Bush plan is absolutely worthless when you get past all the drug-industry written rhetoric.

Plea deal made over mail threats: Milton Thomas Black, 62, plead guilty in U.S. District Court on Thursday to two counts of mailing a threatening communication, and the government agreed to drop three additional threatening communication charges.

Letter: Anti-dump effort waste of money: I can't understand why our leaders think it's OK to waste millions of dollars on a grass-roots ad campaign against Yucca when we have so many more urgent needs.

Lied exhibit is beholden to a motion: What: "Bodies in Motion: The Physics of Human Movement."

Killer loses appeal but may get parole soon: CARSON CITY -- Calvin Thompson, serving a life term for the slaying of a rival gang member in Las Vegas, has lost his appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court, but he may be getting out of prison soon anyway.

Ex-Penthouse Pet writes Yucca article: Lori Wagner, a former Penthouse Pet who dances part-time at the Crazy Horse Too, said she decided to write the article after President Bush -- whom she voted for -- accepted Spencer Abraham's recommendation to move forward with Yucca.

Community briefs for June 28, 2002: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes, walks and programs free of charge, but reservations are required. To make reservations or for more information, call 363-1922. Some upcoming programs:

Crows still counting on Duritz as chief visionary: Kirk Baird; Duritz and his folksy-rock band from San Francisco just returned from a series of concert dates in Europe. During the interview he could be heard unzipping luggage and clothing bags.

John Entwistle: 'Ox' remembered as quiet, but powerful force: Kirk Baird; The dynamics of mike-swinging frontman Roger Daltrey. The guitar thrashing of Pete Townshend and his trademark windmill playing style. The wild pounding of late drummer Keith Moon, whose legendary on and off stage antics earned him the nickname "Moon the Loon."

Goodman wants answers on hockey team's future: Diana Sahagun; Mayor Oscar Goodman planned to ask some "tough questions" of the owner of the Las Vegas Wranglers on Thursday during a meeting to discuss a proposed downtown arena, but he has yet to hear from the man himself.

PCL box: Las Vegas - Oklahoma: Time -- 2:55. Attendance -- 2,622. Umpires: HP-- Hamilton, 1b-- Chittenden, 3b-- Gonzales.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:15 p.m.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Bush right on target: THE MIDDLE EAST POLICY of President George W. Bush shows that he has been giving more than a little thought to the Israeli-Palestinian problems. He knows the bad guys and recognizes that Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat and his gang of thieves and killers must go if the Palestinian people are to be served.

Lawsuit filed over rate hike: CARSON CITY -- State Consumer Advocate Timothy Hay has sued to challenge the $485 million rate increase Nevada Power Co. was allowed to charge its customers in Clark County over the next three years.

Rebels' Ahmad Miller signs with Texans: White was Houston's first selection in the seventh round and the 229th player picked overall. Miller was the overall 261st and last pick in the draft and the Texans' second in the round.

Pledge debate hot topic at UNLV: Jennifer Knight; As the nation waits for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance, the issue is already being debated in college law and political science classes at UNLV.

'Broadway' back on Las Vegas stage: What: "Broadway Meets the Movies"

Marquette's Blankson transfers to UNLV: Blankson, a 6-foot-7 sophomore from suburban Chicago, has to sit out the coming season, per NCAA transfer rules, but will be eligible for two seasons beginning in 2003. He will get UNLV's only remaining scholarship this year, so any other additions will be walk-ons.

Life-saving information can be kept in patient's refrigerator for emergency: With that in mind, officials at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson, along with KLAS Channel 8, Longs Drugs and Signature Lincoln-Mercury, have kicked off a program they hope will save lives by making information about each patient's blood type, emergency contacts, chronic ailments, medications and allergies more readily available.

Defense spending bill includes Yucca funds: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Thursday approved a bill that maps out a defense spending policy for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 that includes money for Yucca Mountain.

Aladdin prepped for best of the 'West': Marilyn LaRocque; What: "West Side Story."

Columnist Dean Juipe: It's a shame but the D.I. closes today: Dean Juipe; Of all the landmarks Las Vegas has lost in the past few years, none was as beautiful nor as meticulously groomed as the one that will be abandoned today.

Vegas sports on TV/Radio: Friday

Volunteers not forgetting pets made homeless by fire: Stephen Curran; As rescue personnel from throughout the Southwest descend upon Arizona, eight Las Vegas men are joining the fight to save pets displaced by the worst wildfire in the state's history.

Senate recess means action on Yucca Mountain delayed: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Senate was scheduled to recess for a weeklong holiday today, which means senators delayed action on Yucca Mountain until they return July 8.

Supreme Court grills Binion case prosecutors: CARSON CITY -- Nevada Supreme Court justices Thursday raised several concerns about the prosecution's case against Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish in the 1998 slaying of Ted Binion.

Powerball debuts in Pennsylvania: Joann Loviglio; PHILADELPHIA -- Pennsylvanians no longer have to drive to adjacent states to indulge their fantasy of becoming a Powerball millionaire, as the state on Thursday became the latest to add the mega-jackpot lottery game to its lineup.

Council will address selection of city manager: During Wednesday's council meeting, the members are expected to discuss how to proceed with the selection of a new city manager, following last week's release of the list of interested candidates.

Pro tourney future to be discussed: Victoria Sun; Organizers of the World Pro Basketball Challenge will meet Monday to evaluate whether to hold the eight-team basketball tournament again next year.

Doctors who treat workers injured on the job may be in for fee raise: CARSON CITY -- While physicians have been hit with big increases in medical malpractice insurance premiums, doctors who treat workers injured on the job may be in for a fee raise.

Obituaries for June 28, 2002: Margot W. Beuthin, 86, of Marietta, Ga., died Tuesday in Marietta. She was born Nov. 29, 1915. A former Las Vegas resident for many years, she was a former purchasing agent for the Las Vegas Convention Center, past president of St. Jude's Auxiliary, a member of the Mesquite Club, a volunteer at Sunrise Hospital and she and her husband were founders of the Christ Church Lobster Fair.

Blood drives: Tuesday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Suncoast.

Political notebook: Theories abound over burglary at Herrera home: Erin Neff; With this month's marking of the 30th anniversary of Watergate, people nationwide began remembering Deep Throat and a third-rate burglary.

Famous Washington portrait on display at LVAM: When: Saturday through Oct. 27.

Clapinski comfortable in No. 2 slot at 2B: Victoria Sun; Shortstop Chris Clapinski didn't play in the 51s' 10-9 victory over the Oklahoma Redhawks at Cashman Field on Thursday night.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: Saturday's card

County hopes plan keeps UMC open: Adrienne Packer; Jennifer David checked into a University Medical Center for outpatient surgery two years ago and ended up wheelchair-bound for life.

Flying casinos grounded: The specially fitted planes would have taken gamblers for four-hour spins for gambling outside Israeli airspace, circumventing Israel's antigambling laws. It received initial approval from Transportation Minister Ephraim Sneh a month ago.

Activist: Schools violate hiring statute: By Emily Richmond; A labor union says Clark County School District officials are violating a state statute by not ensuring that contractors hire veterans and residents of Nevada first for work on lucrative construction projects.

Official wants slots at tracks: Electronic gambling would relieve the state's projected $1 billion budget deficit and shore up a racing industry crippled by the growth of casino gambling, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said.

Firm violated tax shelter rule: However, the firm neither admitted nor denied violating the regulations, which it promised to obey in the future.

Titus criticizes Apex proposal: CARSON CITY -- Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus has criticized a proposal to locate a planned residential community at Apex, "home of hazardous industry."

Vegas resorts continue paying travel agents: By Liz Benston; Shunned by major airlines, travel agents are finding they are still appreciated and respected by the Las Vegas casino resort industry.

Fans mourn death of Who's Entwistle: Stephen Curran and Keith Paul; For information on refunds for tonight's canceled The Who concert, ticketholders should go to where they bought their ticket, or call the Hard Rock at693-5000.

Misspelled street sign becomes a royal pain: Every time native Nevadan and Italian Count Robert Deiro drives past "Count Diero Drive" south of Sahara Avenue at Hualapai Way, he shakes his head.

Culinary, hotels 'miles' from deal: Culinary Union leader said today the chances of reaching contract agreements with Boyd Gaming and Fitzgeralds before this weekend's strike deadline are threatened because the union is "miles apart" in talks with other downtown casinos.

Spirit planning to add second flight in November: Spirit Airlines, which inaugurated nonstop air service between Las Vegas and Detroit Thursday night, will add a second round-trip flight in November.

Hearing set on builders' liability insurance: The hearing is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at the Legislative Counsel Bureau offices in Las Vegas at the Sawyer Office Building, 555 E. Washington Ave., rooms 4401 and 4412, and in Carson City, 401 S. Carson Street, room 4100.

Executives continue to weigh Internet gaming: By Liz Benston; A Federal Trade Commission investigation of online gambling sites has become the latest piece of evidence in a vocal debate about how to control this largely unregulated frontier.

News briefs for June 28, 2002: North Las Vegas Police are searching for suspects in a drive-by shooting Thursday that left a 22-year-old man dead.

Municipal leaders won't stop prayer: Jeffrey Libby; John Bagwell, pastor at Giving Life Ministries Christian church in Henderson, says he will listen for God's inspiration Tuesday before he leads the Henderson City Council and residents in prayer.

'The other' Parks ruled off ballot by judge: Erin Neff; Although new evidence emerged Thursday linking an assembly challenger to anti-gay operatives, it was David Parks' own testimony that got him thrown off the ballot.

Housing director Brown dies at 57: Diana Sahagun and Erin Neff; Frederick Brown, the embattled executive director of the Las Vegas Housing Authority, died this morning of apparent heart failure at a local hospital. He was 57.

Hotel sues LV over roller coaster: Attorney John Moran Jr. said in the lawsuit that the city council's June 5 decision was "arbitrary and capricious."

Vegas airline capacity boosted by Spirit: A new airline entered the Las Vegas market Thursday night, bringing McCarran International Airport one step closer to pre-Sept. 11 capacity levels.

Speculation arises over casino gambling merger possibilities: By Liz Benston; Riverboat casino operators Hollywood Casino Corp. and President Casinos Inc. say they are interested in selling their assets to potential buyers, a move that may spark interest from larger competitors interested in gaining a foothold in these markets.

Expert says credit card ban can be overcome: By Liz Benston; Moves to halt online gambling transactions using credit cards won't significantly affect major gambling sites, which are already using or exploring alternate technologies to avoid the potential pitfalls of credit card processing, a payment expert told a group of Internet gambling executives and suppliers at a conference Wednesday.

Uniforms may be required at three elementary schools: By Emily Richmond; Students at three Henderson elementary schools could be facing a mandatory uniform policy as early as this fall if the Clark County School Board approves a pilot study of the policy.

Murder suspect pleads guilty to avoid execution: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man facing the death penalty for the slaying of an elderly woman pleaded guilty Thursday in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could bar three-judge panels from sending him to death row.

Editorial: Embracing secrecy is bad start: Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., was alarmed by the emphasis on secrecy: "The administration is asking us to put this new department above the law and outside the checks and balances these laws are put there to ensure." Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the ranking Republican on the committee, was particularly concerned about the lack of whistleblower safeguards: "Any bill to create a new agency without whistleblower protections is doomed to foster a culture that protects its own reputation rather than the security of the homeland."

Columnist Jerry Fink: Dance party at Gold Coast is Taylor made: For the past 15 years Larry Taylor has been having a ball.

NEVADA FOCUS: Town's 'armpit' title may be opportunity knocking: AP; Reacting to the Washington Post Magazine article, the community is holding a "Festival in the Pit" - with new events such as a deodorant toss replacing the old-fashion egg toss.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Pledging to take a closer look: Dang.

Camp can lead to a positive outlook: A 12-year-old boy has had a rough year. He was unexpectedly moved from his home and school. Despite that, he has worked hard to maintain a positive outlook, his father says. He is a student in the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Family Court looks for orderly transitions: Sandy Thompson; He was elected to the post in a split vote last week at a special judges meeting. The meeting originally was scheduled to be a closed session, but Chief District Judge Mark Gibbons and Family Court Presiding Judge Dianne Steel agreed with a request by the Sun that it should be open.

Kruseman here for LVMS sprints: Kruseman, of Ventura, Calif., is the Sprint Car Racing Association's all-time leading in main-event wins with 56. He topped Rip Williams' record last Saturday by winning the feature at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Staying safe on the Fourth: WEEKEND EDITION: June 29, 2002

'Soul of Magic' is an entertainment bargain at New Frontier: Joe Delaney; "Soul of Magic," starring Victor and Diamond, with special guest star comedy/magician Ray Shank, is being performed at 2 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays (dark on Fridays) at the New Frontier.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Burton banks his sixth year at Monte Carlo: Joe Delaney; Belated bests, Lance Burton, personal manager Peter Reveen and all concerned at Monte Carlo ... Burton was feted backstage between shows Friday on his sixth anniversary at the hotel, and was wished best wishes for the next seven years ... We were there at the start of the 1980s when Burton made his debut as a featured act in the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere."

On Display for June 28, 2002: Gilbert Stuart's portrait of "George Washington: A National Treasure," from the Smithsonian Institute, will be on display through Oct. 27 at the Las Vegas Art Museum, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. Call 360-8000.

Editorial: Let's not rush into vouchers: Now that Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court decision removes constitutional obstacles to school voucher programs, state legislatures throughout the nation will receive proposals to approve this option for parents. The Nevada Legislature should show restraint as advocates come forward because we see vouchers creating more harm than good.

Maurer, Branco made formidable team: WEEKEND EDITION:June 30, 2002

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: R-J blinded by greed: Since I may be the only person in this state who actually reads the editorial page of the Review-Journal -- most Nevadans have better things to do than waste their time traveling back to the Neanderthal Age -- I will take a moment to describe an editorial that appeared there last Sunday.

DAHLBERG on boxing: Tyson reserving rights to rematch with Lewis, but who will watch?: AP; Mike Tyson is reserving his right to fight Lennox Lewis again. What remains to be seen is if anyone wants to see it again.

Editorial: Sign, sing, sgin, whatever, fix it now: Normally, it's an honor to have a street bear your family name. For Italian Count Robert Deiro, however, the street named after him has become an embarrassment. Fifteen years ago developers of the street south of Sahara Avenue at Hualapai Way mapped out their street as "Count Diero Drive." The signs went up that way but were later fixed by the city. Afterward, the county lengthened the street and made the same mistake the city had originally, inversing the two letters on the signs along the portion it maintains. That caused the city to paste over its correct spelling to ...

Letter: Mayor awakens the worst in his constituents: It encourages the worst in his followers. It offers no real solutions to the problem -- blaming the victim never does. The acceptance of personal responsibility has to come from within.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Canadians' nuke waste bid a long shot: Benjamin Grove; Officials with the secretive company called Securad Inc. say the safest place to bury nuclear waste is not the desert mountain 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, but in an uninhabited, Texas-size area of northeastern Canada.

Cheap Thrills: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION: June 30, 2002

Performing arts for June 28, 2002: Plays staged

Datebook for June 28, 2002: The July Fourth "Star Spangled Spectacular" will feature the Las Vegas Philharmonic conducted by Harold Weller in a program of patriotic music. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Hills Park, 9100 Hillpointe Road, Summerlin. Tickets are $10 to $15 and children younger than 5 are free. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for picnicking and fireworks follows the concert. Call 895-2787.

Doctors' mistakes are source of controversy: WEEKEND EDITION: June 30, 2002

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Colicchio crafts a food winner at MGM Grand: Tom Colicchio, owner of Craftsteak, the new American steakhouse restaurant at MGM Grand, was watching the bar being stocked when I arrived for our meeting. It was a special time for Colicchio. Everything was finally in place for Tuesday's opening, and now he had the time to appreciate what he had created. The lounge and bar are beautiful.

Columnist Erin Neff: Richard Stands' republic becoming invisible: Erin Neff; To hear political candidates talk about Wednesday's federal court decision that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional, you'd think America the beautiful had been attacked again by terrorists.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Upgrades a tough sell on Fremont: City officials blocked off Fremont Street on Tuesday for a ceremonial sprucing up of an area where they hope to lure taverns and blues clubs.

Lawyers want medical records to be accessible: WEEKEND EDITION: June 30, 2002

Uncovering a crime wave: Agents hit pay dirt with investigation: WEEKEND EDITION: June 30, 2002

Letter: Is United States a theocracy?: Just wondering -- when did we become a theocracy?

Columnist Jon Ralston: Big Dog was big hit in Nevada: Lurie and Dondero possessed political bases and Stupak had money and was willing to do anything to win. Wiesner seemed the odd man out. I mused in a column that if he had known Dondero was going to run, Wiesner probably wouldn't have filed.

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