Print edition for March 26, 2004

Attorney general questions Rosemont decision: Maura Kelly; CHICAGO -- Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Thursday threatened to stop a proposed deal that would put the state's 10th casino in Rosemont, saying the suburb and its mayor may have mob ties.

Albertson's looks Northeast: David Altaner; J Sainsbury Plc, the U.K.'s third-largest food retailer, said it will sell the Shaw's Supermarkets unit to Albertson's Inc. for $2.48 billion to exit the U.S.

Judge: Jury not deadlocked: The jurors, who are also weighing criminal charges against Kozlowski's top lieutenant, Mark Swartz, told the judge in three notes yesterday that their deliberations had become "poisonous" after one juror, favoring acquittal, had stopped deliberating "in good faith."

Obituaries for March 26, 2004: Dolores Beniquez, 97, of North Las Vegas died Monday in North Las Vegas. She was born April 20, 1906, in Puerto Rico. A resident for 18 years, she was a floor manager for the Textile Industry.

Police putting pressure on auto thieves in county: Jen Lawson; Crooks in Las Vegas routinely steal cars for transportation while committing other crimes -- robberies, burglaries, shootings, drug offenses, Metro Police said.

Hewlett-Packard sues Gateway: Rachel Konrad; SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Hewlett-Packard Co. filed a patent infringement lawsuit Thursday against Gateway Inc., alleging its rival refused to pay licensing fees on six HP patented designs.

News briefs for March 26, 2004: A California man was killed Thursday when his vehicle flipped on U.S. 95, about 10 miles northwest of the Mount Charleston exit, the Nevada Highway Patrol said.

Fishing report: Fishing on rise at Overton Arm: The better fishing appears to be coming from the Overton Arm where boaters have been having fair success for largemouth and striped bass, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

Community briefs for March 26, 2004: LVRocks.com is putting on the "Show Some Love" concert from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday at the Beach, 365 Convention Center Drive, to benefit Tim and Geralyn Roberts, the parents of 5-year-old brain cancer patient, Kelsey Jane Roberts.

Stars gather for fun, awards: Ken Miller; A multitude of Hollywood's biggest stars swooped into Las Vegas on Thursday night to honor and be honored at this year's ShoWest Convention.

Arts Society tackles 'Judas Maccabaeus': George Frideric Handel wrote "Judas Maccabaeus" in 1746. It was first presented in April 1747. Handel conducted more than 30 performances of "Judas Maccabaeus" before he died in 1759.

Letter: Sheik was a mass murderer: On his Judgment Day, perhaps Sheik Yassin will be forgiven for his sins, but more likely he will be consigned to an Islamic version of Hell for his flouting of the Koranic principles by which he was expected to lead his life and his people.

He's Covered: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION

Performing Arts for March 26, 2004: April Fools concert

Enduring 'Folies' keeping step with the times: The production surgeons at the Tropicana from time to time give their classic "Folies Bergere" a little cosmetic surgery to keep the nation's oldest continuously running show looking young and fresh.

NBT's techniques examined in 'Class': The production is among Nevada Ballet Theatre's three-part program "Classic Crossings" opening tonight at Judy Bayley Theatre on the UNLV campus.

Where I Stand -- Columnist Brian Greenspun: Banish the ghosts: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jerry Fink: Liso's show is water tight at Capozzoli's: For the past month the Vegas newcomer has been entertaining fans at Capozzoli's with his vocal renditions of standards by such legends as Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin.

Date Book for March 26, 2004: Author Paul Bodner will discuss and sign copies of his newest book, "Teaching With Love, Laughter & Lemonade," from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Borders Book Shop and Cafe at Decatur Boulevard and Sahara Avenue. Admission is free. 364-8787.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: UNLV wine-tasting event has aged well: Las Vegas was a different place when UNLVino was conceived in 1974.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Long-absent band returns with Stereo sound: Spencer Patterson; Look for savvy local music fans to work their way to main stage two around 1 p.m., however, to catch Stereo Quatro, formerly 12 Volt Sex.

Letter: U.N. should probe corruption: When I was a teenager I remember getting up very early to watch the two special trains pass by carrying delegates to the founding meeting of the U.N. in San Francisco. The U.N. birthplace at the Opera House was a "must see" on my first visit to San Francisco.

Editorial: Make life safer for pedestrians: The driver was not charged with any offense, pending review of the police report by the district attorney's office. If her case is treated as other auto-pedestrian tragedies have been, she will face only a light penalty if any at all. Last October, for example, another 24-year-old woman struck and killed two 13-year old girls who were crossing a street near Robindale Road and Torrey Pines Drive. At the time of the accident, she, too, was passing a driver who had seen the girls and slowed. More than a month after the accident, she received two misdemeanor tickets -- for ...

Health District budget up 9 percent: The Clark County Health District Board on Thursday approved a tentative budget that is nearly 9 percent higher than last year's "tightest budget" ever, but got little financial help from the state in achieving that boost.

Blake defense closes with psychologist's testimony: Erica D. Johnson; Attorneys for Alf onso "Slinkey" Blake wrapped up their defense on Thursday with testimony from a psychologist who claimed the aspiring R&B singer was temporarily insane when he shot three women, killing two.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Cell issues tower over neighborhoods: Anybody who has a cellular phone can pinpoint at least one spot in the Las Vegas Valley where the signal disappears, and the call might as well be placed from Mars.

Letter: Cap growth and find other ways to use less water: In the battle to save water, we should be putting a cap on growth. The carrying capacity of the area was exceeded long ago, but that doesn't mean we need to ignore it now. No more permits to build should be issued until we get a handle on the water crisis.

Editorial: Will the slipper fit?: UNR students, alumni and Northern Nevadans will have to excuse those of us from Southern Nevada if we can't get rid of that look of disbelief on our faces. For years now -- no, decades -- the men's basketball team from Reno has been overshadowed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, particularly during the Jerry Tarkanian years. Even in the 12 years since Tarkanian's departure, as UNLV's program has fallen on hard times, UNR still has been an afterthought in comparison to UNLV. But no more.

Charter school proponent will appeal to state board: Dan Kulin; After being turned down by the Clark County School Board on Thursday, State Board of Education member John Hawk said he will take his application for a new charter school to his fellow state board members.

Twin's 'Works' challenging but rewarding: Spencer Patterson; Warning: Aphex Twin's "Selected Ambient Works Volume II" will break up your party in a hurry.

Hotel cleaning up after virus outbreak: Cleanup continues in the wake of a norovirus outbreak at the California hotel and at a charter airline that brought passengers from Hawaii to the downtown resort in December.

The $2.1 million question: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Susan Snyder: Accident is a tragic educator: WEEKEND EDITION

About SafeNest: The agency's domestic crisis hotline is 646-4981 or, in rural Clark County, (800) 486-7282.

Columnist Jeff German: Biker gangs may cause courthouse turf war: WEEKEND EDITION

On Display for March 26, 2004: Cirque du Soleil presents "The Russians Emerge," a photographic display by Montreal-based photographer Heidi Hollinger, from Monday to April 31 at The Arts Factory, 103 E. Charleston Blvd. A reception will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the gallery. Admission is free.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Comedy career is a walk in Park for Whang: Lisa Ferguson; For the past four years, she has served as the pleasant, soft-spoken, well-mannered host of "House Hunters," the top-rated show on cable's HGTV (Cox cable channel 64). Each week she leads viewers on a fly-on-the-wall tour following potential home buyers as they endure the processes of locating and finally purchasing their dream homes.

N.E.R.D. members expand horizons: Spencer Patterson; "First and foremost I was always a performer, playing instruments onstage," Hugo said in a phone interview from his dressing room prior to taping Monday's appearance on "Late Night With David Letterman."

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Wynn is ahead of the curve: WEEKEND EDITION

Safe at home: Vegas entertainers put on benefit for SafeNest: "A lot of our family back East was in law enforcement," Frankie Scinta noted. "Our brother, Tony, was in law enforcement for 30 years, so we got to see firsthand what spousal abuse is."

Letter: Bush's stand-up act is not funny: March 27 - 28, 2004

Columnist Jon Ralston: James leaves a sad legacy: WEEKEND EDITION

Move over, Mozart: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION

Casino workers urged to donate to April Foods Day drive: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Turning a blind eye to terrorism: March 27 - 28, 2004

Editorial: A medical 'Catch 22': March 27 - 28, 2004

Letter: Preteens taught to hate and discriminate: March 27 - 28, 2004

State dropping one suit against Hansen: CARSON CITY -- The state is dropping one of its lawsuits against Joshua Hansen, a candidate for Clark County Commission for the Independent American Party.

Lawmakers look at reining in rates for cable television: Senators said Thursday they will consider new regulations for cable television unless the industry addresses soaring prices and allows consumers more channel choices.

New Hughes Center owner announces expansion plan: Jennifer Shubinski; Crescent Real Estate Equities Co., which bought the Hughes Center office park in midtown Las Vegas last year, announced Thursday that it plans to build two new mid-rise office buildings at the complex.

Neonopolis gets new manager: Richard N. Velotta and Sito Negron; Neonopolis has a new boss.

EOB child care aid threatened: By Timothy Pratt; Those changes include the state taking steps in the next month or so to see, for the first time since the program began in 1991, if new agencies have better ideas for running all or part of the program.

51s forced to up ticket prices by $1: Nick Christensen; When Las Vegas 51s single-game tickets go on sale Monday, fans will have to pay a little more to watch a baseball game at Cashman Field.

Newcomer Ealy expected to offer defensive options: Steve Guiremand; Following his senior year at Palisades High School in Pacific Palisades, Calif., Charles Ealy was selected to play for a California All-Star team that faced Florida's best in the annual Cali-Florida Game in Southern California.

Police officer shoots knife-toting LV man: Dan Kulin; A Las Vegas man armed with a knife who police say was suicidal and threatening to harm others was shot by a Metro Police officer Thursday morning when the man charged at the officer, police said.

Lady Rebels sent on road to Iowa State for semis: A few minutes after the Lady Rebels defeated Western Kentucky at Cox Pavilion Wednesday night to advance to the Women's National Invitation Tournament final four, an enthusiastic UNLV supporter made her way down to the press table.

E-mail threat against LV called not credible: Jace Radke; FBI and homeland security officials are calling an e-mail threat against Las Vegas hotels not credible and nonspecific.

Police targeting auto thieves: Jen Lawson; Crooks in Las Vegas routinely steal cars for transportation while committing other crimes -- robberies, burglaries, shootings, drug offenses, Metro Police said.

Kruger refutes rumor of Texas A&M transfer: Steve Guiremand; New UNLV head basketball coach Lon Kruger was busy getting ready for a recruiting meeting with his coaching staff on Thursday afternoon. But despite published reports to the contrary, one of the names not being brought up was that of Texas A&M swingman Antoine Wright.

Gladiators' fate lies in another 'must-win': Adam Candee; Saturday, 4:30 p.m., T.D. Waterhouse Centre TV: None. Radio: ESPN 920-AM

Spoon refreshed after time in Florida: More than five weeks after retiring from the coaching profession, Charlie Spoonhour had a message Thursday for everyone who has wished him well in his recovery and retirement.

Bypass could end traffic over dam for good: The managers of Hoover Dam are considering closing the top of the dam to all motor vehicles once the alternate route over the Colorado River is completed.

Full courts: Adam Candee; Why will three major prep basketball tournaments be fighting for dollars and attention over the same five-day stretch this summer in Las Vegas?

First Kerry rally energizes party: At the first Las Vegas rally for presidential nominee John Kerry, the Democrats weren't the only ones fired up to defeat President Bush.

Aladdin reports profit in February: The property's improved performance was largely caused by the absence of a depreciation credit, because the property's asset writedown will be finalized in March, the filing noted. In January the property claimed $5.4 million in depreciation, which added substantially to expenses. In February 2003 the depreciation expense listed was $4 million.

Columnist Jeff German: Judge smashes barrier: Inevitably, comparisons are made to the great Jackie Robinson, who paved the way decades ago for blacks in major league baseball.

Another claim settled for downtown casino: Alana Roberts; As part of a move by Harrah's Entertainment Inc. to settle all pending claims against Binion's Horseshoe, Harrah's has paid a former dealer who alleged wrongful firing $25,760 in backpay.

Mayor won't reveal answer to ethics charge: Sito Negron; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is refusing to release copies of his response to an ethics complaint filed against him for his role in a party meant to promote his son's and Councilman Michael Mack's business.

Mills, ex-U.S. attorney, dies: Lamond Mills, a colorful U.S. attorney for Nevada who during the 1980s oversaw the convictions of crooked politicians and considered himself just "a good ol' country boy," died today of cancer at his Las Vegas home. He was 62.

Banker embezzler sentenced: Darlene Gentry, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Garrett E. Brown Jr., in Trenton, N.J., to 57 months earlier this week for mail fraud and tax evasion.

Debate on fliers distributed on Strip becomes heated: Jace Radke; The latest case in the ongoing battle over the distribution of fliers for adult entertainment and escort services along the Las Vegas Strip has been submitted to a federal judge.

Prosecution doctor says Blake knew right from wrong: Erica D. Johnson; Prosecutors called their own doctor to the stand this morning to rebut the findings of an expert witness for the defense of Alfonso "Slinkey" Blake, who claimed the aspiring R&B singer was temporarily insane when he shot three women, killing two.

Charter plan appealed to state: Hawk, a regional trainer for the school district, and his wife Wendi Hawk, an assistant principal at Keller Middle School, are trying to open the Nevada State High School, which would offer college-level courses to high school juniors and seniors.

Woman who died in fire ID'd: Roche and another resident, Warren Melius, 59, were killed when a fire started in the living room of the home, located on Holly Hill Avenue near St. Louis Avenue and McLeod Street.

Malpractice carrier wants to raise rates: CARSON CITY -- An insurance company that provides medical malpractice coverage for about 200 doctors in Nevada is asking for a 24 percent rate increase.

James calling for government reforms: Outgoing Clark County Commissioner Mark James said Thursday he believes reforms are necessary at the state and county levels of government, including better pay for lawmakers.

Police look at teen in rash of ID thefts: Jen Lawson; Metro Police are investigating whether an 18-year-old man arrested Thursday in connection with an identity theft operation was involved in a recent rash of thefts of computer hard drives from medical offices and insurance companies.

Southwest to expand flights to Philadelphia, challenging US Air: PHILADELPHIA -- Southwest Airlines said Thursday that it will double the number of flights it operates in and out of Philadelphia, raising the competitive stakes with US Airways, the dominant carrier in the city.

Sports briefs for March 26, 2004: Boxing promoter Cedric Kushner, who once handled the fights of ex-heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, was sued Thursday in New York by federal securities regulators for certifying a false company financial statement.

Recruiting a priority in LV soccer exhibitions: At first glance, it would appear that two soccer exhibition games featuring the women's national team from Mexico is UNLV's way of reaching out to Las Vegas' abundant and growing Spanish-speaking community.

Nevada treasurer among nominees to NYSE board: The six nominees have all been active with the group's committee on corporate governance, said Nevada Treasurer and association President Brian Krolicki.

Soldiers make the long trip home: A single tear rolled down the cheek of Army Reserve Staff Sgt. James Smith as he gazed into the brown eyes of his 8-month-old-son, Malik.

Killer jittery as death nears: CARSON CITY -- As his execution nears, condemned killer Lawrence Colwell Jr. appears to be more jittery, and he has asked to see a federal public defender who could ask for a stay of the death penalty, officials said.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Helldorado Days returning to calendar: Barb Henderson; Grab your cowboy hat, slip on those boots and saddle up the horse, partner, for the Helldorado Trail Ride.

Harrah's puts on a really big 'shoe: With the sports book gutted, its boards wiped clean and old hotel-room mattresses on their way out, workers are bustling to get Binion's Horseshoe prepared for its Thursday re-opening.

Medical school planned for Henderson: By Emily Richmond; Officials of a new medical school planned for Henderson said they intend to provide a much-needed infusion of new physicians into Southern Nevada as well as more diverse health care options for residents.

Downtown Las Vegas was potential site for campus: Sito Negron; A medical school that is to formally announce the opening of a new campus in Henderson on Monday tried for months to find a place in downtown Las Vegas.

Nevada reps fight Yucca funds: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The annual battle for Yucca Mountain money continued in Congress Thursday, with the nuclear energy industry and the Energy Department pleading for $880 million and more control over the budget, while critics questioned the need.

Excitement building for workers, officials: Alana Roberts; Optimism and excitement permeated a catered luncheon attended by Binion' s Horseshoe employees, Mayor Oscar Goodman and other community leaders at the former Race Rock Restaurant at the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas on Thursday.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Johnson enjoys being Pro Stock's 'hunter': One might think Kurt Johnson would be getting frustrated running second to NHRA Pro Stock rival Greg Anderson the way he has the past 12 months.

Douglas named to high court: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn today named District Judge Michael L. Douglas of Las Vegas to the Nevada Supreme Court. Douglas is the first black to be a member of the court.

New service planned for Vegas, Quad Cities: The late-night service will operate four times a week, beginning June 17, with flights to and from Quad Cities International Airport, serving the cities of Rock Island and Moline, Ill., and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, on the Mississippi River.

Siegfried & Roy to be cut from Mirage's marquee: By Liz Benston; The names of Siegfried and Roy -- Las Vegas icons known for their white tigers and elaborate performances -- will be stripped from The Mirage's marquee next week.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Gamblers' betting being tracked? You bet: At least one Las Vegas casino has installed a high-tech computer system to help ensure that patrons are gambling enough before the hotel offers comps.

Court to decide separate powers debate: CARSON CITY -- The question about whether government employees can serve in the Legislature is headed to the Nevada Supreme Court.

Gaming briefs for March 26, 2004: SINGAPORE -- MGM MIRAGE and Caesars Entertainment Inc. are among the U.S. casino companies interested in potentially building a casino in Singapore, should the government approve, the Business Times reported, citing company officials.