Print edition for June 4, 2004

Arum, Oscar at peace: Dean Juipe; Unfathomable as it seems today with each man coming across as perfectly content with the other, Oscar De La Hoya and Bob Arum are less than four years removed from a legal skirmish and verbal donnybrook that was edgy and sophomoric, as if it had been scripted for perverse display.

MLB insider: Process a lot of guesswork: Major League Baseball continues to be vague about when its owners and commissioner Bud Selig will reach a decision on the relocation of the Montreal Expos.

Hopkins late with ref protest: Dean Juipe; Bernard Hopkins missed his chance to oppose the assigning of referee Joe Cortez to his fight Satuday against Robert Allen, Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Marc Ratner said today.

Race books pull out all stops with Belmont props: A proposition that combines boxing and horse racing -- a rarity in the realm of betting -- is among the offbeat wagering opportunities available on the Belmont Stakes in Las Vegas race and sports books.

Mandalay stock jumps 9 percent: By Liz Benston; Shares of Mandalay Resort Group jumped more than 9 percent this morning following the company's announcement Thursday that first quarter profit hit a record, nearly doubling from a year ago.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Ladman on the lookout for new career options: Lisa Ferguson; Cathy Ladman's hands are stirring so many professional pots these days, she might want to consider adding an entry for "chef" to her resume.

Obituaries for June 4, 2004: Matthew Boles, 56, of Las Vegas died May 25 in Las Vegas. He was born April 23, 1948, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. A resident for 33 years, he had a landscaping business.

Tenet shakeup not likely to affect Gibbons' post: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The shuffling expected to occur as a result of CIA Director George Tenet's resignation is not likely to result in Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., moving up to chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, at least not in this Congress, Gibbons' spokeswoman said this morning.

Low-cost housing the victim in land sale: Jennifer Shubinski; The sale of 1,940 acres for $557 million Wednesday eliminated the chance that work force housing would be incorporated in a separate 115-acre parcel bought by Kimball Hill Homes at a federal auction last year.

Grant aims to get more Nevada students into placement testing: AP; In announcing the funding in Carson City, Gibbons, R-Nev., cited a tenfold increase in the number of students across the state taking advanced placement courses since 2001. High school students taking certain higher level classes can earn college credit if they score well enough on the advanced placement tests.

Interim chancellor asserting authority: ELKO -- Interim Chancellor Jim Rogers has been on the job less than a month but is already asserting his authority, rankling at least one regent of the University and Community College System of Nevada.

Lawmakers cover Medicaid shortfall: The state-run Medicaid program to provide the poor with health care received a $61.5 million shot in the arm Thursday from the Legislature's Interim Finance Committee.

Carpenter named CCSN president: ELKO -- With one dissenting vote, the regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada on Thursday approved the selection of Richard Carpenter as the new president of the Community College of Southern Nevada.

Without Congress, state won't get more Yucca funds: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Nevada will not get the additional $4 million for Yucca Mountain oversight it requested from the Energy Department, unless Congress approves a change, a department official said Wednesday.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Summer heat brings fishing tournament to California, free fishing in Nevada: 1. Clint Johanson, Washington...310 2. Steve Sapp, California...295 3. Dee Thomas, California...290 4. Bill McAninch, Arizona...285 5. Kent Brown, California...280

Vegas Beat -- Timothy McDarrah: Body English members on $25,000 pyramid: How much can it cost to sit in a nice comfy both at a trendy Las Vegas club you have joined and drink a bottle of booze?

Federal report criticizes Nevada child welfare: Dan Kulin and Cy Ryan; Child welfare and foster care programs in Nevada do a poor job of consistently and quickly responding to reports of abuse, are inconsistent when it comes to removing children from their parents' homes, and then when they do, often fail to maintain strong relationships between children and the parents they are removed from, according to a federal report released Thursday.

Misrepresenting Vegas is a sign of the Times: WEEKEND EDITION

DMV's kiosks greeted with mixed emotions: Lynn Doan; In the corner of the Henderson DMV offices, hidden from the lines of customers enduring an estimated two-hour wait, two newly installed self-service kiosks stood largely unused Thursday.

Datebook for June 4, 2004: First Friday, a celebration of Las Vegas' arts community, will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today on Colorado Avenue from 3rd Street to Main Street. Admission to most events is free. For maps or more information, call 384-0092 or go online to www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org.

Moving targets: Molly Ball; WEEKEND EDITION

Performing Arts for June 4, 2004: 'Gilbert & Sullivan'

Fishing report: Lake's water dropping, but fishing on the rise: Fishing continues to improve throughout Lake Mead and there are signs that 2004 is shaping up to be the third consecutive year of good fishing for striped bass and channel catfish, despite the dropping water level.

Activist pushes changes to drunken driving legislation: WEEKEND EDITION

Panel calls for prison takeover: Stephen Curran; Saying it will ensure "parity in treatment" with men's facilities, a legislative subcommittee on Thursday recommended the state's Corrections Department go ahead with plans to take over the women's prison in North Las Vegas.

Judge blocks harassment of petition group: By Matt Pordum; District Judge Kenneth Cory on Thursday ordered several state agencies to not harass or restrict people who are attempting to gather signatures to get two referendums on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Houdini controversy getting hairy: A Las Vegas magician says Harry Houdini is still fooling the masses, despite claims this week by Wisconsin museum officials who say they have unveiled the secret behind the Houdini's hallmark "Metamorphosis" trick.

Schimmel in full recovery mode in return to Strip: Who: Robert Schimmel.

Columnist Jeff German: Bashing of Times shows our hypocrisy: WEEKEND EDITION

Medical board looks at regulations: Beth Slovic; Under the direction of a new administrator, the state Board of Medical Examiners began a public meeting today to discuss and vote on a range of topics concerning the board's regulation of doctors and doctor assistants in the state.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Las Vegas feeding hunger for new restaurants: Once again Las Vegas is on a restaurant roll. From now through the fall a flurry of new restaurants will be opening almost weekly. Much of the action is taking place at MGM Grand properties.

Downtown a good fit for Gordie Brown: Where: Golden Nugget's Theatre Ballroom.

Dead C scrolls a list of unrelenting tunes: Spencer Patterson; The cover artwork for the Dead C's 1992 album "Harsh 70s Reality" speaks volumes about the music housed inside.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Focused Kweli preaches hip-hop quality: Spencer Patterson; Most articles about Talib Kweli describe the rapper's music as a socially conscious alternative to mainstream hip-hop.

Sacca helps D.C.-bound singers: What: "Las Vegas Sings for America."

Letter: Save gasoline by sequencing traffic lights: June 5 - 6, 2004

Editorial: Yucca Mountain lies: June 5 - 6, 2004

After-School All-Stars builds kids' confidence: Caitlin Hudgins; WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: We're already buying security: June 5 - 6, 2004

Editorial: The mogul myths: Act I: The stage version of this scene was played out Wednesday when the armies of Steve Wynn and the armies of Sheldon Adelson clashed in glorious fury before the gods on Mount Olympus (recast for modern audiences as commissioners of Clark County). The script was a little changed. There was no beautiful Helen weeping as a thousand ships were launched. There was no ancestral sword with the power to preserve a nation. Rather, the theme was parking, with the forces of almighty gaming mogul Wynn rising in fury against those of almighty gaming mogul Adelson. How dare he build a new ...

LV man to stand trial in death of boy at bus stop: By Matt Pordum; The man charged with crashing his truck into a Las Vegas bus stop on May 3, killing a 4-year-old boy and hospitalizing the child's mother, will stand trial, Justice of the Peace Robert Walsh ruled on Thursday.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Bricker & Co. turn Spanky's into Liar's club: Betty Bricker is a large woman who belts out classic rock and blues for Betty and the Liars with intense feelings.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Las Vegas stars draw a Walk: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jon Ralston: Times' look at Vegas is lacking: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Susan Snyder: Inmates locked up in many ways: WEEKEND EDITION

Nomo feels good after rehab outing with 51s: Nick Christensen; Hideo Nomo had a chance Thursday to be the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the National League, the American League, and the Pacific Coast League.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:50 p.m.

Editorial: Life to death in an instant: June 5 - 6, 2004

Children's safety issue divides bike experts: Molly Ball; WEEKEND EDITION

On Display for June 4, 2004: An exhibit of photographs by Kathleen Laraia McLaughlin, "The Color of Hay: Ancient Peasant Ways in Transylvania," will be on display until July 11 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center Gallery, 800 S. Brush St. Admission is free. 229-4674.

Community news briefs for June 4, 2004: The Jewish Community Center Summer Bowling League will begin at 6:20 p.m. Thursday at the Suncoast Bowling Center.

Editorial: President's bad week: For starters, serious allegations were made that Ahmad Chalabi, who played a pivotal role in leading the United States to invade Iraq, had told Iran (part of Bush's Axis of Evil) that the U.S. intelligence agencies had broken Iran's secret communications codes. If true, it would be a terrible breach of security, especially since the FBI is investigating whether a U.S. official disclosed this highly classified information to Chalabi, ostensibly a friend of the United States.

Misdemeanor manslaughter law sought: WEEKEND EDITION

Students to give physicals at mental center: Beth Slovic; Third-year medical residents from the family practice program of the University of Nevada School of Medicine may soon be licensed to perform routine physicals at Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services, 6161 W. Charleston Blvd.

Seasoned Pro: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION

Shaw Time: Jazz great treats adopted home to free performance: Spencer Patterson; When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Where I Stand -- Columnist Brian Greenspun: More than a 'Dream': WEEKEND EDITION

Traffic safety solutions in the works: Molly Ball; WEEKEND EDITION

Summer fun: WEEKEND EDITION

Garfield slot recommended despite objection: CARSON CITY -- The Garfield cartoon character was recommended Thursday as a theme for a new slot machine by casino regulators after a lawyer for the slot manufacturer insisted the new device would appeal to adults and not children.

Airline execs testify on effects of higher fuel costs, fees: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The airline industry has done all it can to try to return to its pre-Sept. 11 financial standing, but some obstacles are still in its way, top airline executives told the House Aviation Subcommittee on Thursday.

Consumer news briefs for June 4, 2004: TROY, Mich. -- Home Depot Inc., the world's largest home-improvement chain, agreed to buy as many as 24 stores for about $365 million from Kmart Holding Corp., which closed locations to exit from bankruptcy last year. Shares of Kmart rose.

Nuclear waste vote divides Nevada senators: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Senate voted Thursday to give the Energy Department authority to reclassify nuclear waste in South Carolina, a move that has split Nevada's senators and has some state officials concerned about the precedent set by the decision.

Two recommended for Nevada 'black book': Brendan Riley; CARSON CITY -- Two men involved in sophisticated slot-cheating scams that cost Las Vegas resorts millions of dollars were recommended Thursday for "black book" listings to keep them out of any Nevada casinos.

Gaming news briefs for June 4, 2004: The family of a 16-year-old Las Vegas boy who jumped to his death from the Stratosphere Tower two years ago has sued the Stratosphere hotel-casino.

Split ruling issued in Aladdin labor case: Alana Roberts; A National Labor Relations Board administrative law judge has ordered the Aladdin hotel-casino to pay one worker back pay and full benefits after finding he had been fired because of his support of Culinary Union Local 226.

Teamsters denounce Republic Services: Alana Roberts; Leaders of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who are involved in a web of litigation over labor disputes with Republic Services Inc., announced at a news conference Thursday a campaign to expose what they call abuses of workers, safety violations and violations of the union's contract with the company.

Doctor's case might be dismissed: Beth Slovic; The state Board of Medical Examiners, the regulatory agency that governs doctors and others, is expected to dismiss its disciplinary case against Kurt Buzard during its meetings today and Saturday.

Fast boats hit river: Joe Pacheco; Five classes of boats, including the high-powered Superstocks, will take to the Colorado River near Laughlin for the Laughlin River Days races Saturday and Sunday. The racing will be at Davis Camp, just north of the bridge.

Trooper's response credited with containing Kyle fire: Heather Rawlyk; A fire believed to have been caused by human carelessness spread through 6 acres alongside Kyle Canyon Road Thursday afternoon.

Letter: Uniforms aid in preparation: I do not hire those with rings in their nose, lips, eyebrows, etc. Over-extended fingernails interfere with speed on a computer. It has nothing to do with civil rights, race, First Amendment or whatever. It has everything to do with running a business efficiently and profitably. Many companies don't want workers who may look like they are from outer space, as it could scare away business.

Charter school's license threatened: By Emily Richmond; Keystone Academy, a charter high school in rural Sandy Valley serving students at risk of dropping out, could be forced to shut its doors for failing to meet state requirements for record-keeping.

Letter: A curriculum fit for Fido: I don't fault the instructor for shortcomings in his education because she produced detailed lesson plans with required benchmarks and objectives clearly outlined and cross referenced. Lessons were taught in a manner to ensure the student would be successful in passing the course standards and the final achievement test.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Body English members on $25,000 pyramid: How much can it cost to sit in a nice comfy both at a trendy Las Vegas club you have joined and drink a bottle of booze?

Community briefs for June 4, 2004: The man who was shot to death early Thursday at the graffiti-marred Wood Lake Villas, 4747 Pennwood Ave., was 21-year-old Jeron S. Ishmael of Las Vegas, the Clark County coroner's office said.

House passes Porter's unemployment bill: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The unemployed could be able to access $3,000 in federal funds to help pay for job training, child care and other services as they look for work, based on a bill passed in the House Thursday.

Regents get first look at new budget: ELKO -- Regents want Nevada's higher education priorities placed on getting more students to graduate from colleges and universities and on training more nurses and doctors.

Kerry hopes to recruit vets: Kirsten Searer; Presidential hopeful John Kerry told a conference call of veterans this morning that he has coordinators who will focus on the veteran vote in all 50 states, including Nevada.

Columnist Jeff German: Apparently, Wynn wins a round: So who won the latest round in the epic battle of casino titans at Wednesday's County Commission meeting?

Placement test funds boosted: By Emily Richmond; Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., and federal education officials will be in Carson City today to announce $585,000 in funds to help boost the number of students who take Advanced Placement tests.

Education initiative first to be submitted: Kirsten Searer; The Education First initiative could be the first proposed amendment to the state constitution to be placed on this November's ballot.

40 percent fail last math test: By Emily Richmond; Nearly 40 percent of the high school seniors who needed to pass the controversial math proficiency test to earn a diploma failed at their last chance in May, school district officials said.

Hot weather prompts pool warnings: Lynn Doan; In seven of the past nine years, young children have drowned in Clark County at more than twice the average rate of the nation as a whole.

Downtown stream is expected to flow again: "Oscar's River," a block-long trickling stream downtown opened by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman in 2002, was left high and dry last year like other water features in the region because of the drought.

Wal-Mart approval may spur changes: Clark County commissioners said they will likely change the way leases for county land are handled after being caught off guard by a proposal to build a 200,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter at Russell Road and Eastern Avenue -- a lease that they unknowingly approved in March.

UNLV's Moore grabs lead at NCAAs: Adam Candee; His hand is steady through the first three-quarters of his task, but could Ryan Moore possibly feel some nerves carrying a two-shot lead into today's final round of the NCAA championships?

Columnist Dean Juipe: Sturm, Allen just might provide some competition: Dean Juipe; The wild card is Felix Sturm. Is he a chump or a man who is about to change the face of boxing?

Rebels relish role of 'dog: STANFORD, Calif. -- Contrary to what you may have read or heard, the UNLV baseball team won't be trying to shake up the world in tonight's NCAA regional first-round game against No. 1 Stanford, just its side of the bracket.

Smarty Jones eyes spot in history books: Ralph Siraco; Smarty Jones has a date with destiny on Saturday in the Belmont Stakes.

Sports briefs for June 4, 2004: Gaston Gaudio briefly lost track of the score but knew when to celebrate after he reached the French Open final by beating Argentine compatriot David Nalbandian 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-0 today.