J.K. Rowling plans Umbridge short story for Halloween

It’s no Halloween trick: There’s more witchcraft and wizardry in store for “Harry Potter” fans, who can expect a new tale from author J.K. Rowling on Oct. 31.

Watt, Texans too powerful for Titans

Houston has holes — particularly quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. But the running of Arian Foster and a defense led by J.J. Watt should be enough to cover against a Titans team led by rookie Zach Mettenberger.

Ethics panel ‘never received’ complaint against Reid

The Senate Ethics Committee “never received” a complaint filed almost a year ago against Sen. Harry Reid by a conservative watchdog group that said it has receipts showing it was delivered.

 
Suspect arrested in death of 2 Calif. deputies

A man armed with an assault rifle shot three sheriff’s deputies and a civilian, killing two of the deputies and leading dozens of police officers on a wild six-hour chase and manhunt Friday that spanned two Northern California counties before the 34-year-old suspect was taken into custody.

Royals take 2-1 World Series lead with win in San Francisco

Jeremy Guthrie pitched shutout ball into the sixth inning, Lorenzo Cain drove in an early run off Tim Hudson and made a pair of nifty catches, and the Kansas City Royals beat the San Francisco Giants 3-2 Friday night to take a 2-1 World Series lead.

Nevada puts stop to ridesharing Uber for now

It didn’t take long for Uber to come to a screeching halt in Nevada. Carson City District Court Judge James Russell on Friday afternoon blocked Uber from offering any rides in the state through at least Nov. 7. A hearing is set for Nov. 6.

Remains believed to be of missing ‘Into the Wild’ teen

Remains found by a hunter this month in the rugged outback of southeast Oregon appear to be those of an Oklahoma teenager who went missing last year after telling his parents he wanted to test himself against the wilderness, like in the movie “Into the Wild.”

Kobe: Lakers need to regroup

Kobe Bryant said he’s sad that Steve Nash won’t play but he’s not giving up on the Lakers’ upcoming season. Bryant didn’t suit up for Friday’s preseason finale in Las Vegas.

Ski season getting underway in Colorado

Ski season officially started in Colorado a week ago with the opening of Arapahoe Basin. Other ski areas plan Halloween-themed openings next weekend.

Halloween treats at local restaurants

A number of local businesses are offering Halloween-themed treats and Halloween specials.

Friday Football Showdown: Oct. 24

Each Friday throughout the football season, two handicappers go head to head in a bracket contest with a $50,000 prize pool.

US women beat Mexico 3-0, qualify for World Cup

Carli Lloyd scored a pair of goals in a 3-0 semifinal victory over Mexico on Friday night, securing the United States a trip to next year’s World Cup and a spot in the CONCACAF Woman’s Championship match on Sunday.

Nothing fluky about Ole Miss

The Rebels have risen into national title contention for the first time since the ’60s with a great quarterback and a stingy defense. Take them to cover against LSU.

 
Wash. school shooter was homecoming prince, police say

A student shot dead a female classmate and wounded four others when he opened fire in the cafeteria of his Washington state high school on Friday, apparently after a fight with fellow students, authorities said.

Man shot by trooper in Jean has died

The man who was shot by a California Highway Patrol trooper after a nearly 200-mile chase that led to Nevada has died, Las Vegas police said on Friday.

 
Police in Ariz. fatally shoot man with machete

Police in a Phoenix suburb fatally shot a machete-wielding man Thursday after he rammed a patrol car in a stolen truck, injuring an officer.

Judge blocks start of sports betting in New Jersey

A federal judge has granted a request from the four major U.S. professional sports leagues and the NCAA to at least temporarily stop New Jersey from allowing legalized sports betting.

NFL Week 8 predictions

Previews and predictions for every game. Know the key matchups before kickoff.

PGA president fired for ‘insensitive’ social media post

PGA of America president Ted Bishop was removed from office on Friday by his board of directors for “insensitive gender-based statements” posted on social media at the expense of English golfer Ian Poulter.

Fitness area opened at Mountain’s Edge

Clark County opened up the 18-acre Mighty Mountain Fitness area at Mountain’s Edge Regional Park on Friday.

Officer arrested in attempted sexual assault

A Bullhead City police officer was arrested in connection with an attempted sexual assault that occurred outside a Laughlin bar on Wednesday, Las Vegas police said.

 
Human remains ID’d as those of missing UVA student

A Virginia medical examiner has identified human remains found last week as those of missing University of Virginia student Hannah Graham, police said on Friday.