Print edition for July 9, 2004

No terrorism threat known: Jace Radke; While Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced that there are reports of possible terrorist attacks designed to disrupt the upcoming elections, law enforcement officials in Nevada said they know of no threats to the state.

College lobbyists will be able to operate with limitations: The university system's ban on college lobbyists is actually more of a restriction, Assistant Chancellor Trudy Larson said Thursday.

Fishing report: Lake Mead boaters finding striped bass: Boaters continue to enjoy fairly good fishing for striped bass on Lake Mead. Shore anglers are struggling to catch stripers but are having some luck for channel catfish.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Tracy confident race will be big success: Chris Powell, the general manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, said he wouldn't know for few days how the addition of the Champ Car World Series would impact attendance for the Sept. 25 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.

Man charged with murder after body found in freezer: Heather Rawlyk; Metro Police arrested a 64-year-old Las Vegas man on murder charges Thursday after a body was found in a padlocked freezer outside a double-wide trailer near Lake Mead and Nellis boulevards.

Cingular pulling poker sponsorship: In a statement, NBC Universal-owned Bravo said it respected Cingular's "point of view" but said the show would go on. The network also was unapologetic about the content of the show.

Gaming briefs for July 9, 2004: Caesars Entertainment Inc. has promoted two information technology executives as part of an effort to put a greater focus on technology and information systems initiatives.

Teens arrested in cab robberies: Lynn Doan; Metro Police officers on Wednesday arrested two teens believed to be involved in a series of cab robberies between June and July, the state Taxicab Authority said.

Columnist Jeff German: Chief judge makes mess, walks away: His decision this week to walk away from those duties, however, is yet another example of the ongoing mess in Justice Court the past three months that can be blamed on Abbatangelo's less-than-stirring leadership.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Epstein basks in riches of Las Vegas: He is one of the world's richest money managers -- he reportedly only handles billionaires as clients.

Regional governments to meet over funding of triage center: The WestCare Community Triage Center, which received a two-month reprieve from closure this week with funding commitments from Clark County and Las Vegas, is not out of the fiscal woods, the nonprofit agency's president warned Thursday.

61 acres about to meet its destiny: Sito Negron; After years of waiting, the countdown to determine who will develop the 61-acre "jewel of the desert" and whether the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic will be part of the city's plans for its land in downtown Las Vegas has begun in earnest.

Drug maker's profit rises: Profit from continuing operations climbed to 40 cents a share from $179.1 million, or 11 cents, a year earlier, when a legal settlement reduced results by 34 cents a share, the Abbott Park, Ill.-based company said in a statement.

Lunch sells for $202,100: A bidder with the user name jchoo9 who is registered in Singapore won the 10-day auction, beating two other contenders who entered multiple bids on EBay's site. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Glide Foundation, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that aids the homeless and poor.

Inconsistency driving 51s' manager mad: Nick Christensen; Just past the midpoint of the season, the Las Vegas 51s' hot-and-cold year was seemingly starting to turn the corner. Eleven games under .500 on June 26, the team won seven of 11 games and pulled closer to breaking even.

Judges push mental health court: By Timothy Pratt; The city's crackdown on downtown crime includes increased jail sentences for people who have been repeatedly charged with misdemeanors, but some say a significant number of those people are the mentally ill homeless -- a part of the growing Las Vegas Valley population for whom care is sparse.

Mount Charleston a hot spot for fires: CARSON CITY -- Mount Charleston is a potential hot spot for range and forest fires this summer because of its dry conditions, a U.S. Forest Service official said this morning.

Armstrong falls, but stays ahead of chief rivals: ANGERS, France -- Lance Armstrong recovered from an early fall today and finished in a pack behind stage winner Tom Boonen of Belgium in the Tour de France.

Giving back from the 'Hart': Baltimore Ravens linebacker Edgerton Hartwell has experienced what can be accomplished with a few goals, some guidance, and generous doses of positive reinforcement.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:20 p.m.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Feds' look at ESPN deals is tip of the iceberg: Dean Juipe; When news leaks out that the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust division is looking into an issue, applause can usually be heard from at least one side of the debate or aisle. Sentiments are inflamed and the impassioned are eager to be heard.

Sports briefs for July 9, 2004: La Salle senior guard Michael Cleaves was charged with sexual assault Thursday, and authorities said they were waiting for a second player to turn himself in in connection with an alleged attack last month.

Union members agree to merger: Alana Roberts; The parents of two Las Vegas unions Thursday agreed to merge, creating an organization with nearly 50,000 local workers.

Tentative deal made with Rhodes on new school: By Emily Richmond; A tentative agreement has been reached for developer Jim Rhodes to provide land for an elementary school within the new Rhodes Ranch community, Clark County School District officials said.

Adelphia's founder, son guilty: David Voreacos; NEW YORK -- Adelphia Communications Corp. founder John Rigas and his son Timothy were convicted of conspiracy, bank fraud, and securities fraud for looting the cable-television company and lying about corporate finances before its bankruptcy.

Adelphia founder Rigas, son guilty of conspiracy: David Voreacos; NEW YORK -- Adelphia Communications Corp. founder John Rigas and his son Timothy were convicted of conspiracy, bank fraud and securities fraud for looting the cable-television company and lying about corporate finances before its bankruptcy.

Nader helper accused of trying to sell signatures: Kirsten Searer; A former supporter of independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader tried to sell 14,456 signatures he had gathered to put Nader on the ballot, state Democratic Party officials said.

Nevada gaming win again up: CARSON CITY -- For the fourth straight month, Nevada casinos registered a double-digit increase in their gross win -- the first time this has happened since at least 1997. And this is helping the state produce an extra $100 million for its treasury.

County's defense of child suspects blasted; ACLU threatens lawsuit: Molly Ball; The American Civil Liberties Union is threatening to sue Clark County, saying the county fails to provide adequate defense to children accused of crimes.

Yucca in for long delay; radiation standard too low: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- A federal appeals court handed Nevada a major victory this morning, ruling that a key standard for the planned Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository was incorrect, which could set the project back indefinitely.

Obituaries for July 9, 2004: Bessie Marie Cardwell, 83, of Las Vegas died Thursday in a local hospice. She was born Nov. 17, 1920. A resident for 38 years, she was a homemaker and a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

News briefs for July 9, 2004: A North Las Vegas Police officer suffered minor injuries Thursday night after his cruiser collided with a car changing lanes, officers said.

Business briefs for July 9, 2004: Marriott Vacation Club International, the vacation ownership division of Marriott International Inc., announced Thursday the start of sales and construction for its first timeshare resort in Nevada.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Stocking at Willow Beach sets off a run of fishing success: Barb Henderson; Anglers of all ages were catching fish over the long holiday weekend.

Initiative to make pot legal may be doomed: Ed Koch and Beth Slovic; The marijuana initiative will fall short in Humboldt County, officials there said today.

Porn evidence in child-sex case: By Matt Pordum; District Judge Stewart Bell ruled on Thursday that child pornography images seized from the home computer of a 40-year-old sergeant stationed at Nellis Air Force Base can be used as evidence at his Aug. 30 trial for allegations of child molestation.

Letter: Declaration was made under God: Their historical document begins, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Columnist Jerry Fink: 'Knots' alum Gian hopes to land in showroom: What he has discovered hasn't sent him packing back to Los Angeles, but neither has it been particularly heartening.

Editorial: Honor the public trust -- or resign: Early Wednesday, however, it became clear that state Attorney General Brian Sandoval was taking the charges more seriously than Augustine. He said then that he was prepared to file a felony charge against Augustine in court. We agreed with this approach, as the Ethics Commission is notoriously weak. Last month, for example, Clark County Recorder Fran Deane negotiated a settlement with the commission. By admitting to just one of several allegations against her, she avoided a hearing that could have resulted in her removal from office. She took a hit for her "willful" violation of an ethics code -- a ...

On Display for July 9, 2004: The Woodturners' Association will hold its second annual exhibit from Tuesday to Sept. 6 at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd. Admission is free. 507-3940.

Fraud reported on voter listings: Kirsten Searer; The Clark County Elections Department is warning residents that some people are forging voter registration documents this election season.

Letter: 'Fahrenheit 9/11' is irresponsible propaganda: The Moore claim in the film that key Saudi royalty and bin Laden family members were given special treatment in the days after 9/11, including private jet access to leave the country when commercial flights were banned, is false. No less than former government terrorism expert Richard Clarke confirmed, before the film's release, that he was personally involved in the matter and that the allegation was false.

Developers vying for Pittsburgh slots parlor: Jennifer C. Yates; PITTSBURGH -- Several groups are vying for an opportunity to build slots parlors in the Steel City, with proposals ranging from a new horse racing track and entertainment complex outside downtown to a new development near the city's sports stadiums.

$389 million in RTC jobs OK'd: Stephen Curran; The Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday gave the green light to more than $389 million in state Transportation Department projects proposed for the Las Vegas Valley next year.

Branson worries about casino plan: Connie Farrow; ROCKAWAY BEACH, Mo. -- Branson's main industry is wholesome, family entertainment. Think Andy Williams and The Osmonds.

CCSN observatory hosting Sky Watch: Weather permitting after evening performances, telescopes at the student observatory will be open for viewing.

Group hosts business seminar: Group hosts business seminar

Bob weaves way through classic material at Stardust: Inside the Stardust's Wayne Newton Theater was button-down Bob Newhart, at age 74 everyone's conservative grandfather, wearing tasteful-if-boring gray slacks, white shirt, red tie, black blazer.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Wheeling and dealing on the Tour: The question is one many Americans are asking this month as U.S. Postal Cycling Team member Lance Armstrong goes for an unprecedented sixth win of the Tour de France.

Lean turnout hears candidates for commission: Fewer than 20 people attended a forum for Clark County Commission candidates in District F, but the forum allowed incumbent Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald to get her message out.

RTC seeks $500 million in credit for new projects: Stephen Curran; The Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday approved a plan to request a $500 million line of credit to pay for future land purchases and infrastructure improvements.

Editorial: It's all about his ego: Nader also doesn't mind getting financial help from Republicans who cynically are trying to get him on as many ballots as possible. They hope he'll drain votes away from Democrat John Kerry, just like he did in 2000 with Al Gore. Although Nader received less than 3 percent of the vote, he still siphoned enough votes from Gore to throw the closest U.S. election in history to George W. Bush. Nader, whose new book has the unintentionally ironic title of "The Good Fight," is willing to cost Democrats control of the White House again in what promises to be another ...

'Axe the Tax' leader says petition drive is 'going strong': CARSON CITY -- Efforts to gather signatures on an initiative petition to repeal the $833.5 million tax increase are "going strong," says a leader of the drive.

Performing Arts for July 9, 2004: Wayne DeSilva Trio

Correction: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Cop's ex pleads not guilty in murder-for-hire attempt: By Matt Pordum; The ex-wife of a Henderson Police sergeant pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to hire a hitman to kill her former husband.

Phish frames 'Picture' with many styles: Spencer Patterson; Critics are fond of writing that Phish has never released an exceptional studio album.

Not-guilty plea entered in singer's death: Joseph C. Suggs is charged with murder with a deadly weapon in connection with the death of Ana Outcalt, a 38-year-old nightclub singer. Suggs is also charged with violating a protective order issued to keep him away from Outcalt.

Letter: Film shines light on crucial issues: I came away with many questions, including: What about no senator being available to sign for the people who wished to contest the handling of the 2000 election in Florida? Who works for whom in this government of the people, for the people and by the people?

Stage Right: The Sun Spots haven't been forgotten in the $82 million purchase of the Plaza and three other downtown casinos by Barrick Gaming Corp. The perennial lounge act from Manila has been performing its popular blend of pop and rock in Las Vegas for more than 40 years, and fans never seem to tire of the band.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Pauly Shore takes 'Dead' aim at Hollywood: Lisa Ferguson; These days the comic -- who rose to stardom during the '90s with his mop-topped, stoner-dude, rodent-nicknamed persona on his daily MTV show "Totally Pauly"; and starred in a handful of good-natured-but-goofy big-screen flicks including "Encino Man," "Son in Law" and "Jury Duty" -- is extremely focused on promoting the forthcoming dark comedy "Pauly Shore is Dead," based not-so-loosely on his fall from pop culture's ranks.

Datebook for July 9, 2004: Author Jennifer Baumer will host a free writing workshop, "Tumblewords," from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Silver Mesa Rec Center, 4025 Allen Lane. Baumer will host a reading later that day from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Las Vegas Library, 2300 Civic Center Drive. 633-1070.

Nevadans told Edwards has changed Yucca stance: Kirsten Searer; Several local Democrats expressed concern Thursday that Sen. John Edwards, the newly minted Democratic running mate, supported a bill that helped pave the way for the Yucca Mountain project in 2002.

Panel to evaluate state's challenge of Yucca database: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- A three-person panel will evaluate the state's challenges to the Energy Department's Yucca Mountain project document database.

Editorial: State draws Yucca blood: July 10 - 11, 2004

Letter: Detainees should get due process: July 10 - 11, 2004

Appeals rejected in two slayings: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court rejected appeals from two men sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for separate murders in Las Vegas.

Director of Natural Resources resigns: July 9, 2004

Letter: Homeless deserve better treatment: July 10 - 11, 2004

Where I Stand -- Columnist Brian Greenspun: Kerry's smart choice: WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Opposing views part of process: July 10 - 11, 2004

Columnist Susan Snyder: Will maggot treatment fly here?: WEEKEND EDITION

Worth It: WEEKEND EDITION

Boy deserves camp experience for good behavior: July 10 - 11, 2004

Community briefs for July 9, 2004: The Nevada State Health Division's Advisory Committee on Arthritis Prevention and Control Program is announcing the placement of arthritis reference books and related educational/informational books at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.

BLM seeks comments on drug enforcement: The Bureau of Land Management, in an effort to provide uniform law enforcement rules for drug and alcohol violations on public lands statewide, has added 90 more days for the public to comment on the proposed rules.