Print edition for October 28, 2004

World Series Sweeps: AP; 1999-New York (AL) 4, Atlanta (NL) 0

Southern Nevada welcomes rainfall, snow: Eric Leake; Just because it rained Wednesday and last week, don't let people tell you the drought is over.

Third-quarter profit jumps: The Las Vegas-based company reported profit of $16.6 million or 60 cents per share compared with profit of $11.9 million or 45 cents per share for the third quarter of last year. The company beat analysts' estimates of 52 cents per share.

New Big Lots stores open: Big Lots, a closeout retailer, is based in Columbus,Ohio, and sells everything from dining room sets to diapers. The company operates about 1,500 stores nationwide.

World Series Champions: AP; 2003-Florida (NL) 4, New York (AL) 2

Two killed in collision: Another California man, Phillip Kim, 43, and 19-year-old Las Vegas resident Danny McGraw remained in moderate condition this morning after the 2004 Lexus IS300 driven by Kim was struck by another car that failed to stop at the intersection.

Man kills self after shooting ex-wife: Jen Lawson; A man shot his ex-wife at a northwest Las Vegas Wal-Mart this morning before shooting and killing himself in her vehicle in the parking lot, Metro Police said.

Deal signed to allow valley to bank water: The Bush administration's point man for Colorado River water issues signed the interstate agreement between Southern Nevada and Southern California in Las Vegas Wednesday.

Lawyer recounts why he cut Murphy out of will: By Matt Pordum; A longtime lawyer for Ted Binion testified Wednesday that he took one of Binion's alleged killers, Sandy Murphy, out of Binion's will after receiving a phone call from Binion the day before his death.

Survey reveals big drop in smoking: CARSON CITY -- A combination of educational programs and a tax increase on a pack of cigarettes have helped reduce adult smoking in Nevada to its lowest rate in the last 10 years, a state health official said this morning.

Boggs McDonald surpasses $1 million in funds raised: Clark County Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald shattered the $1 million mark in campaign cash in support of her drive for election to the county board.

Feds' help sought in voter fraud allegations: Sito Negron; The Nevada advisory committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is asking the U.S. Justice Department to investigate allegations of voter fraud in the state, while the FBI says it is still reviewing the case.

Candidates pull out of contention for college chief: Uncertainties surrounding Nevada State College's future funding and concerns about system leadership have led several potential presidential candidates to pull their names from consideration, an outside consultant told a Board of Regents search committee today.

Police officer's wife arrested in alleged drug sale: Jen Lawson; Metro Police arrested the wife and daughter of a police lieutenant for drug trafficking and placed him on administrative leave while internal affairs officials investigate whether he was involved in an alleged methamphetamine operation.

Lawmakers speak out in favor of Proposal 1: The lawmakers sought to counter Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm's claim the proposal would hurt the state lottery and funding for public education. The measure is on the Tuesday's general election ballot.

Prudhomme's legend is all about winning: ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway TODAY 7 a.m. -- Pit and spectator gates open 8 a.m. -- Sportsman qualifying 1 p.m. -- Comp Eliminator qualifying 4 p.m. -- Comp Eliminator qualifying

Delta, pilots deal helps avoid bankruptcy; shares increase: Lynne Marek; Delta Air Lines Inc., the third-largest U.S. carrier, may avert a bankruptcy filing after winning $1 billion in wage, pension and other concessions from its pilots union. The shares surged as much as 27 percent.

States look to gambling in tough economic times: Rebecca Cook; SEATTLE -- California and Washington state are in the midst of a high-stakes, election-year showdown with American Indian tribes over casino gambling.

Sports briefs October 28, 2004: Angered by a local politician's use of her photo that she says implies her endorsement of his candidacy, Martina Navratilova has sought out the man's opponent in next week's election to offer her support.

Letter: Respect is lost in mudslinging: Civilized people do not attack or insult each other, damage each other's property or reputation, scorn each other's religion or way of life or lie and cheat in order to win.

Letter: Columnist is wrong about early voting: He says important information might come out in the next few days to change a voter's mind. We're voting for a president, not buying a cell phone. We've had at least a year to hear the policies of each candidate. Those who have not made up their minds by now really don't value their vote that much.

Commission candidates stick to issues in debate: Six of the most prominent candidates for Clark County Commission gathered at KLVX Channel 10 studios Wednesday, and their discussion was as notable for what it wasn't as for what it was.

Friday's horse racing entries: Post Time 2:30 p.m.

It's a long way from 51s staff to a World Series: Nick Christensen; It wasn't that long ago that Brad Mills and Ron Jackson would jog out to Cashman Field's third and first base coaches boxes, respectively, leading that year's Las Vegas 51s to a franchise-best 85-59 record.

Weekend Time Schedule: AP; No. 2 Oklahoma at No. 20 Oklahoma State, Noon

Obituaries for October 28, 2004: Darlene Sharon Back, 56, of Las Vegas died Oct. 19 in Las Vegas. She was born Dec. 9, 1947, in Canada. A resident for 11 years, she was a retired custodian for the Clark County School District.

Fear factor keeps business booming at haunted houses: For the next four hours, Olaer, in a dim room next to a closed casket, will intimidate his victims, moving through the nightmarish rooms and corridors.

Official offers hands-off approach to flu season: Eric Leake; In this season of a flu vaccine shortage and norovirus outbreak, the Clark County Health District has told people over and over again to wash their hands. On Wednesday Dr. Donald Kwalick went further.

Two of 11 tribes show for casino talks with governor: He called Wednesday's meeting "encouraging" -- even though only two of the 11 invited tribal leaders attended -- and said "a lot of action" on the issue is expected in the next 90 days.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Las Vegas braces for Dead show: And anyone interested in just what Day of the Dead is all about ought to cruise past the Life in Death festival at Las Vegas' Winchester Cultural Center on Monday and Tuesday.

Editorial: Drought plan saving more than water: Early results are now in and this fact is clear: When residents, the water authority and local governments cooperate, conservation works. At a meeting of a water authority advisory committee this week, it was learned that water use in 2003 decreased 20 percent from 2002 -- enough to fill 2,300 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This rate of reduction is holding steady for 2004.

FCC chief urges entrepreneurial freedom amid tech advances: Kevin Rademacher; The nation's top broadcasting and telecommunications regulator made two stops in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning speaking about the rapid changes taking place in those industries.

Blair is urged to cut plan for U.K. casinos: Reed V. Landberg and Robert Hutton; U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair's government may scale back plans for U.S.-style super-casinos after some lawmakers in the ruling Labour Party joined the opposition in demanding changes to proposed legislation.

Editorial: Perplexing taxi rule: What worries us about the adopted regulation, however, is that it will permit the companies to install cameras that also record sound. We wouldn't be surprised if the companies were to use this to eavesdrop on their drivers' conversations. Also, the privacy rights of passengers could be violated if audio recordings are allowed, especially since state law requires consent before a conversation can be recorded. Why the Taxicab Authority would permit conversations to be recorded, and invite opposition to the regulation, is beyond us. It's almost as if the Taxicab Authority wants a regulation that will upset taxi customers, inviting ...

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Controversy brews in Bud Shootout: Drag racing's long-standing "beer war" may come to a head tonight during the draw party for Saturday's Budweiser Shootout all-star Top Fuel race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Unemployment claims jump by 20,000 last week: The bigger-than-expected increase pushed total new claims to 350,000 last week and provided fresh evidence that the labor market is still under pressure even though the economic recovery is about to celebrate its third anniversary.

Holiday closings: Safety: Police and fire emergency services as usual. Administrative offices closed.

Georgetown County gives initial approval to casino boat rules: Under the rules approved Tuesday night, Wallace Cheves, president of Palmetto Princess LLC, would be barred from docking his casino boat at Voyager's View Marina and Capt. Dick's Marina in Murrells Inlet.

Kruger's court is a classroom: Never one to temper his words or pull a punch, Odartey Blankson responded bluntly to an inquiry on the difference in current UNLV practices under new coach Lon Kruger compared to last season under Charlie Spoonhour.

Forum Shops owner reports earnings jump: Jennifer Shubinski; Simon Property Group, the world's largest owner of shopping malls and the owner of the Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas, reported Wednesday that third-quarter earnings grew because of strong leasing activity and sales.

Jury sees tape of meeting on alleged Angelil extortion: Molly Ball; In a meeting in January 2003, lawyers for a woman now charged with extortion said she would orchestrate "a bombardment in the mass media" to destroy Rene Angelil's reputation with a rape allegation unless Angelil gave her and her husband $13.5 million.

Attack on Gallagher condemned: Kirsten Searer; Members of Democratic congressional candidate Tom Gallagher's old law firm are condemning a political ad that suggests Gallagher was involved in shredding documents while at the firm.

Gladiators get early acid tests: Adam Candee; 2005 Gladiators (all times Pacific)

Nugget promises to produce test results on garage concrete: Sito Negron; The Golden Nugget has promised to produce test results of concrete panel walls in its garage by Nov. 3, leading the top building safety official at the city of Las Vegas to drop his demand for a comprehensive safety review.

Profit rises on CBS advertising: Profit rose to $722.6 million, or 42 cents a share, from $647.9 million, or 37 cents, a year earlier, Viacom said in a statement. Those results exclude a loss from the Blockbuster Inc. video chain, which the New York-based company spun off on Oct. 13. Viacom's sales rose 4.3 percent to $5.48 billion.

Columnist Nick Christensen: Collision courses: Nick Christensen; Two teams look for redemption tonight as they try to force three-way ties for first place in their divisions.

Community briefs for October 28, 2004: The Las Vegas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will recognize six local individuals and organizations for their contributions to philanthropy during its 13th annual Southern Nevada Philanthropy Day luncheon 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Bally's Skyview Room.

Super Freak: During season of fright, Freakling Brothers founder is a real scream: "I like this."

Gallagher loans campaign $100,000: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Tom Gallagher, candidate for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, wrote himself a check for $100,000 Monday, and Senate Republican candidate Richard Ziser gave himself $20,000 last week, according to campaign finance records.

Former employee testifies against ex-boss in drug case: Jace Radke; A federal jury on Wednesday heard from the former employee of a Las Vegas man accused of illegally distributing prescription drugs over the Internet.

Hard Rock says settlement won't affect its operations: By Liz Benston; A settlement and fine levied by Nevada regulators against the Hard Rock to settle a dispute over the casino's advertising policy isn't expected to change the way the property conducts business, a top Hard Rock executive said Wednesday.

Lincoln County officials plan use for land-sale money: Stephen Curran; Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday outlined plans for the county's share of more than $1 billion in federal land sales.

No firm date for Augustine hearing: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn has not set a firm date for the Legislature to start the impeachment process for state Controller Kathy Augustine, but it could be either Nov. 8 or Nov. 10 and the trial could extend into December.

Rogers offers a deal to Nevada business leaders: If Nevada lawmakers will cough up the extra $9 million needed to construct Nevada State College's first liberal arts building, Interim Chancellor Jim Rogers says he'll be able to work with UNR and UNLV to raise $300 million privately.

Fight-fixer implicates boxer, promoter in bribery trial: Jace Radke; Convicted fight-fixer Richard Mittleman took the stand in a federal sports bribery trial Wednesday and testified that a fight at Paris Las Vegas on Aug. 12, 2000, was rigged.

Isle of Capri ordered to detail complete plan to board: The state attorney general has told the company to have all aspects of the plan -- including traffic studies and the names of consultants -- ready for gambling regulators to consider next month.

Soldier assures mental health as U.S. troops train Bulgarians: Dick Benoit; The son of a Las Vegas resident recently assisted in an effort to help military forces of a new NATO ally learn to fight alongside U.S. forces to thwart threats in 21st century war on terrorism.