Jacobs works an ‘Extra’ shift today

Alicia Jacobs, the entertainment reporter with NBC affiliate KVBC-TV, Channel 3, makes her debut tonight on "Extra" (KTNV-TV, Channel 13, 7 p.m.) with a three-part Michael Jackson blockbuster report.

"It's the biggest story of my career," said Jacobs, who has developed an impressive network of Hollywood contacts over the years.

The unusual arrangement, with her reports airing on a rival station, gets even odder this fall when Fox affiliate KVVU-TV, Channel 5, gains rights to the nationally syndicated show.

Other local media developments:

■ Lorraine Blanco, who left KVVU last fall after 6½ years as weekend anchor and reporter, is moving to ABC affiliate KXTV in Sacramento. She will be weekend evening anchor and the new feature morning show personality on weekdays.

Blanco and ESPN Radio 1100 program director/talk show host Mitch Moss were married March 27 in Malibu, Calif. He will continue to work in Las Vegas. Because both have "great career opportunities," she said they will commute "to support each other's endeavors." The move puts her closer to her family in northern California.

■ Deejay Duke Morgan, a mainstay at KJUL for more than a decade, was among several recent budget-related cuts at the adult-standards station. Co-owner Scott Gentry, president of Summit American Inc. and an on-air personality, said he's down to a skeleton crew until the economy turns around.

"I told (Morgan) the minute we get our finances back to where I can afford it, you will be the first call I make." Gentry added, "It's like having a boat that can only float with 12 people and you have 14. Two of you have to go overboard for us to survive."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Luxor headliner Criss Angel can coast for the next 90 years. He's wrapped up the "Magician of the Century" award, which was presented to him after Angel's second "Believe" show Tuesday by Tony Hassini, founder of the International Magicians Society. Hassini was at the center of a controversy last year when questions arose after his society reportedly honored three different female magicians as the top female magicians of the year for 2008, including former Las Vegas headliner "Scarlett -- Princess of Magic." ...

Chef Curtis Stone, currently a contestant on "Celebrity Apprentice," and NBC's Natalie Morales, a correspondent and co-host of "Today," will co-host the 59th Miss USA Pageant on May 16 at Planet Hollywood Resort. Country music superstar Trace Adkins and pop rock band Boys Like Girls (BLG) will perform during the two-hour show. Color commentary will be provided by Joan and Melissa Rivers, who will be backstage. ...

Some seats are still available to see former "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien this weekend at the Palms' Pearl concert venue. Ticket information: 702-944-3200. ...

Palms owner George Maloof and chef Kerry Simon are throwing out the first pitches tonight before the Los Angeles Dodgers-Pittsburgh Pirates game at Dodgers Stadium. ...

Latin music legends Emilio and Gloria Estefan, in town for the Las Vegas Walk of Stars induction today, also pick up a ceremonial key to the city from Mayor Oscar Goodman. The star ceremony starts at 2 p.m. at Rio's Crown Theater. The public is invited.

SIGHTINGS

At N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Tuesday: UFC President Dana White and at another table, Chris Hansen of NBC's "To Catch a Predator" segment on the "Dateline" show ... At the Palms Pools & Bungalows: former NBA player Scot Pollard.

THE PUNCH LINE

"You're saying 'fraud' like it's a bad thing." -- From David Letterman's "Top Ten Goldman Sachs Excuses"

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.