Print edition for November 26, 2003

Letter: Fetus deserves 'right to choose': On one hand, Ms. Eggers is thankful that America may get "back on the road to the land of the living." On the other hand, Mr. Mundy is upset that a female's "right" to kill a fetus may be eliminated.

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- RAZIK -- Late for second in last, Fernando back aboard, gets up in time here. REALITY CHECK -- Smith scales here, draws good post for sprint claimer, Reality may be Check in opener. Value Play -- BETTOR ROYALTY

Editorial: More progress needed: The Legislative Committee on Persons With Disabilities is conducting hearings on the state of accessibility and heard testimony this week from Quinn and Guinn. The two were complimentary toward the progress but noted the extensive work that yet needs to be done. The committee members concluded that accessibility is a "major" issue and vowed to hear more complaints at a formal hearing in the future. What's really needed is for the state to budget money for the improvements. The Americans With Disabilities Act applies mostly to buildings constructed after 1990. No such rule governs common courtesy, however. Accessibility issues should ...

Convicted killers' pleas for clemency to be heard: CARSON CITY -- Ten convicted killers, including seven from Clark County, are among 19 prisoners whose requests for clemency will be heard by the state Pardons Board on Dec. 12.

Thursday's horse racing entries: Post Time 11 a.m.

Obituaries for Nov. 26, 2003: Richard Lee Bilbro, 57, of Las Vegas died Sunday in a local hospital. He was born Oct. 4, 1946, in Old Hickory, Tenn. A resident for eight years, he was a retired Air Force chief master sergeant and a Vietnam War and Desert Storm veteran.

Wildcats were inspired by Gomez: Adam Candee; In the rare quiet moments Jacob Robertson has spent by himself since Sunday night, he never felt really alone.

NIAA's power to enforce its rules now in jeopardy: Adam Candee; You're still wrong, but today, you win.

Palmeri seasons reputation with Las Vegas restaurant: Ken Miller; Talk to its owners for a few minutes, and it becomes clear that pride is a driving force in their lives.

USO urges support for Phone Home: Dick Benoit; The United Services Organization (USO) recently announced it is working with Reader's Digest in an effort known as "Operation Desert Smile," which it hopes will bring 5,000 gift bags to troops in Iraq in time for the holidays.

Teen arrested in fire that destroyed 349 apartments: By Timothy Pratt; A 17-year-old teen was arrested Tuesday morning in connection with what officials called one of the worst fires in Clark County history, officials said.

Letter: Public employees can be trusted in elective offices: Public servants are naturals for public office. Public servants are drawn to what they do by a commitment to the common good and elected office is an extension of that commitment. Public servants are well aware that the private sector pays better.

News briefs for Nov. 26, 2003: Former assemblywoman and lobbyist Debbie Smith of Sparks has announced she will run for the Democratic nomination next year in Assembly District 30 to try to unseat four-term Republican Assemblyman Don Gustavson.

Protesters condemn president, Yucca dump: Jace Radke; The songs of gondoliers were drowned out Tuesday by the voices of hundreds of protesters who marched in front of The Venetian carrying placards and signs decrying the Bush administration and the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository.

Editorial: Marijuana group: No means no: We opposed the foundation's premise that marijuana should be legalized. The foundation's out-of-state political strategists, however, were welcome to campaign here, get their question on the ballot and hear from the voters. But now that they have their answer, we're irked that they won't accept it. They're determined to have Nevada vote their way so they can use the victory to stimulate campaigns in other states.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Students get boost from art community: Elizabeth Foyt; The "Art for Education" event, sponsored by the Anthony L. Pollard Foundation, was held Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 in the Palm Room, and art was provided by Gallery thirty nine 17 of Houston.

Audience responds (even at wrong times) for 'Rising Stars': Marilyn LaRocque; A sparse but enthusiastic audience heartily applauded violinist Judith Ingolfsson, her accompanist, Ronald Sat, and the Miami String Quartet at Friday night's "Rising Stars" concert at Artemus Ham Hall at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

High school students debate America's role as a super power: Ed Koch and Heather Rawlyk; Nov. 27, 2003

Maryland officials propose slot center: Tom Stuckey; ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The new chairman of the Maryland Stadium Authority suggested Tuesday that downtown Baltimore would be a good location for a combination slot-machine facility, entertainment complex and racetrack.

Community briefs for Nov. 26, 2003: To meet the demand for blood in the Las Vegas Valley, northern Arizona and parts of Southern California, United Blood Services says all five of its Southern Nevada centers will be open Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Columnist Peter Benton: Watson takes honor named for Stewart: Peter Benton; We, and by that I mean all avid golfers, are fully aware that at this time of year many awards are given out to achievers extraordinaire.

Alex Bayless, a student at Eldorado High School, speaks during a session of the Sun Youth Forum at t

Students don’t shy away from the hot issues: By Heather Rawlyk; High school students tackled some of the hottest national and local topics during the Tuesday morning sessions of the Sun Youth Forum. Topics ranging from same-sex marriages to the legalization of prostitution sparked heated discussions among the teens, who fought to have their voices heard. The students couldn’t seem to agree on how to go about ensuring human rights without stepping on some toes.

Letter: Don't support pro-Yucca Bush: Where are our Republican congressmen and state office holders? Why is it more important to look good in Washington than to make a statement of principle for Nevada?

Bush lauds Medicare changes: By Emily Richmond; The passage of legislation to overhaul Medicare will ensure the system "will be modern and it will be strong," President Bush told an audience at a Las Vegas hospital Tuesday.

LV's Marnell retires from NHRA Pro Stock: Citing a lack of sponsorship and increased costs relating to recent NHRA rules changes, George Marnell of Las Vegas said he is retiring from Pro Stock competition.

The Doctor is 'In:' Dr. Seuss remains one of the world's favorite children's storytellers: Kirk Baird; See Spot run.

Online travel IPO set: Orbitz, based in Chicago, plans to sell as many as 12.65 million shares at between $22 and $24 a piece, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The airlines would sell up to 8.65 million shares, while Orbitz would sell up to 4 million shares. The company will use the proceeds to fund its business.

Students don't shy away from the hot issues: Heather Rawlyk; High school students tackled some of the hottest national and local topics during the Tuesday morning sessions of the Sun Youth Forum.

Union protests hospital owner's practices: Michelle Swafford; Members of the Service Employees International Union Local 1107 say local hospital operator Universal Health Services Inc. does not do its fair share of treating uninsured patients in the Las Vegas Valley.

Motorcade caused few delays: Metro traffic Lt. Wayne Petersen, who rode in the motorcade, said that overall the motorcade moved very well.

This Casey doesn't strike out often: Whether or not UNLV can win its season finale and salvage a 6-6 season may depend on weather or not.

Insurance firm fined for Nevada sales: CARSON CITY -- An Indiana insurance company and its officers have been fined $180,000 for selling health insurance over the Internet in Nevada without a license, state Insurance Commissioner Alice Molasky-Arman said Tuesday.

Settlement clears way for permanent casinos: David Runk; DETROIT -- The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians has agreed to settle a lawsuit against two Detroit casinos for $79 million, paving the way for the construction of permanent casino-hotels in the city in time for the 2006 Super Bowl.

Hospital planned for northwest LV: The King of Prussia, Pa.-based company, which operates locally as Valley Health System, plans to build an acute care hospital at the intersection of I-215 and U.S. 95 in the Montecito Town Center.

Rhode Island appealing order on Indian land: Richard C. Lewis; PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Saying it fears the Narragansett Indians could use the land for a casino, the state plans to appeal a recent court order that puts at least 31 acres of tribal land in federal trust, a lawyer said Monday.

Local hobbit shows video skills: Heather Rawlyk; For most families, the day after Thanksgiving is a restful day, dedicated to lounging and polishing off leftovers.

Council tees off on Boulder Creek: By Timothy Pratt; The city's two public golf courses seemed headed in decidedly different directions at the end of the Boulder City Council meeting Tuesday night, as the golf professional's contract was extended at the municipal course while cutbacks were announced for the Boulder Creek course.

Chancellor, regent run into a fiery college faculty: Jennifer Knight; University system Chancellor Jane Nichols and Board of Regents Chairman Stavros Anthony took to the campuses of the Community College of Southern Nevada Tuesday to try to soothe faculty angered by the removal of their president.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Athens is an inviting target: Dean Juipe; When the 2004 Summer Olympics were awarded to Athens, there was a romantic quality to it. As the perceived home of the Olympics and the site of their modern revival in 1896, the ancient city in Greece is, in theory, the caretaker of such cuddly values as peace, understanding and friendly competition.

Troops coming home for holiday: Jace Radke; Dana Keithley was ecstatic when she learned that her husband was on his way back to the United States from Iraq, but she was disappointed because she thought he would have to spend Thanksgiving alone on Washington's Puget Sound.

DeGuerin lead counsel for Murphy's second trial: Well-known Houston lawyer Dick DeGuerin said today that he will be Sandy Murphy's lead counsel in the second trial involving the murder of wealthy gambling figure Ted Binion.

Bush touts economy, avoids Yucca mention: By Steve Kanigher; Republican President Bush made his first Las Vegas visit a lucrative one, taking in more than $1.2 million for a re-election campaign that is far outpacing its Democratic rivals at the cash register.

LV Council settles little at Williams hearing: Sito Negron; Nobody was fired or exonerated and no policies were adopted in a special meeting Tuesday to discuss the pay-for-legislators scandal, but the Las Vegas City Council did set in motion a series of events that could have profound implications.

N.Y. company in big Vegas deal: The company paid $10.4 million for the contracts, which generate about $360,000 a month in revenue, IASG said in a statement. The contracts will be managed from service centers in California, Minnesota and New Jersey, said Joseph Reinhart, a spokesman for the company. IASG has no Las Vegas-area employees, he said.

Bermuda firm takes over Sierra workers' comp subsidiary: Michelle Swafford; Sierra Health Services Inc. of Las Vegas announced Tuesday it reached an agreement to dispose of its workers' compensation insurance subsidiary, a deal leaving about 50 employees in Las Vegas and California without jobs.

DOE predicts nuke reactions in casks: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Energy Department predicts up to 60 uncontrolled nuclear reactions would take place inside nuclear waste casks stored at power plant sites should the casks corrode, according to a department study obtained by Nevada officials.

Nevada taxable sales up 13.2 percent for September: CARSON CITY -- Propelled by sales of building materials and cars and the brisk business in bars and restaurants, Clark County merchants posted a 13.2 percent increase in taxable sales in September, the biggest percentage gain in more than four years.

Iraq combat roles to change: Robert Burns; WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon's plan for replacing the 130,000 American troops in Iraq with a fresh contingent early next year will shrink the force by 20 percent, change its makeup and place more of the combat burden on the National Guard and Reserve.

Gaming briefs for Nov. 26, 2003: Media company SportsLine.com Inc. has reached an agreement to sell its bookmaking subsidiary to a group of Las Vegas-based investors.

Valley seniors skeptical about Medicare plan: Suzanne Struglinski and Christina Littlefield; Las Vegas area seniors were skeptical Tuesday about whether the new Medicare plan approved earlier in the day by the Senate would do any of them any good.

Universal Health to build hospital in northwest LV: The King of Prussia, Pa.-based company, which operates locally as Valley Health System, plans to build an acute care hospital at the intersection of the Las Vegas Beltway and U.S. 95 in the Montecito Town Center.

Report details potential rupture of casks: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Nuclear waste storage containers inside Yucca Mountain could corrode and break, based on conditions inside the mountain, the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board told the Energy Department again Tuesday.

Prosecutor wants teen fire suspect tried as adult: Timothy Pratt and Jace Radke; The 17-year-old Henderson boy arrested Tuesday in connection with setting a devastating fire at the unoccupied Firenze apartment complex should be tried as an adult, the prosecutor handling the case said this morning.

Ruling doesn't settle DI Estates battle: Erica D. Johnson; A District Court judge's ruling on Tuesday left unresolved much of the debate between homeowners at Desert Inn Estates and casino mogul Steve Wynn regarding golf course views.

Teens agree: 311 Boyz overplayed: Some of Las Vegas' brightest young minds say they are tired of hearing, watching and reading about the 311 Boyz.

Tax panel OKs live entertainment regulation: By Liz Benston; After months of testimony involving regulators, lawyers and taxpayers, it took less than 30 minutes Friday for the Nevada Tax Commission to approve a regulation governing live entertainment taxes in casinos as well as non-gaming venues new to the tax.

Sports briefs for November 26, 2003: Valencia beat out three other European candidates today: Lisbon, Portugal; Marseille, France; and Naples, Italy.

Columnist Jeff German: Spahn a true sports hero: His death this week in Oklahoma at the age of 82 brought back fond memories of visits to Milwaukee County Stadium when the legendary left-handed pitcher and the rest of the dominant Milwaukee Braves were in their prime. Life was so much fun when Spahn, with his unusual wind up and high leg kick, was on the mound giving fits to the opposing team's batters. Spahn would befuddle the opponents with his array of pitches while the likes of Eddie Mathews, Hank Aaron and Joe Adcock would dazzle them with their bats.

Program puts recipients to work in welfare offices: Looks of bewilderment and desperation line the faces of people standing in line at the state Welfare Division office in Henderson, a dilapidated old warehouse of a building in a rundown shopping center on Boulder Highway near Basic Road.

Retailers expecting strong holiday season: Jennifer Shubinski; Loading bags into the back of her car Tuesday, Las Vegas resident Jennifer Zelma said she was getting a jump-start on her holiday shopping.

Icahn may be looking at LV Hilton: In a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this month, American Real Estate Partners LP -- of which Icahn owns about 86 percent -- intends to "further explore investments in the casino and entertainment sectors" as well as the energy industry and other real estate opportunities.

Killer avoids death penalty: Erica D. Johnson; A Clark County jury on Tuesday spared the life of a man convicted of gunning down a young couple, despite a taped conversation in which he said his victims "got what they deserved."