WEEK IN REVIEW: Top News
What was supposed to be a sun-kissed afternoon of racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway turned to tragedy Sunday when two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died in a horrific, 15-car crash only 11 laps into the IZOD IndyCar World Championships.
Wheldon, 33, died at University Medical Center, where he was taken shortly after the fiery crash with what IndyCar chief executive Randy Bernard described as "unsurvivable injuries."
Wheldon's wife, Susie, and two sons, Sebastian, 2, and Oliver, 7 months, reportedly were at the hospital at the time of his death.
The race was canceled after the crash, but about half the field took to the track for a five-lap tribute to Wheldon.
Monday
Congressional clash
Two state senators will square off in the Democratic primary in Nevada's new 4th Congressional District.
State Sen. John Lee of North Las Vegas announced his candidacy a few days after Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford of Las Vegas confirmed his long-rumored bid to become the first African-American from Nevada to be elected to Congress.
Tuesday
That's debatable
A verbal boxing match broke out at the GOP presidential debate in Las Vegas -- or maybe it was the debate that broke out during the boxing match -- as Mitt Romney and Rick Perry got personal on illegal immigration.
The two stood face-to-face on stage and angrily interrupted each other during the two-hour CNN debate, which was more animated and full of sharp exchanges than the four previous debates since Perry joined the field in August.
The Texas governor clearly came to Las Vegas on his first campaign visit to Nevada to make a mark after turning in four poor debate performances that allowed Herman Cain to overtake him as the No. 2 threat to Romney.
Wednesday
Sanctuary in the city
The Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary has finally become part of the city of Las Vegas, but only after a contentious process that took months.
The City Council voted unanimously to annex the 9.3-acre site, a move sanctuary operators say will help them redevelop the northwest Las Vegas neighborhood attraction that is home to thousands of birds and other exotic animals.
The approval followed months of public bickering between current and ousted members of the sanctuary's board of directors.
Thursday
Implosion imminent?
The Nevada Supreme Court has ended a nearly yearlong delay in a lawsuit between developers of CityCenter and Perini Building Co., potentially setting the stage for implosion of the Harmon tower.
The ruling came in a case that will determine whether Perini or MGM Resorts International is financially responsible for damages to the troubled building.
While limited, the decision clears away an issue that has delayed resolution of the legal battle and, ultimately, the fate of the building.
Friday
Jobless rate holds
With seven of 11 key employment categories adding jobs in September, the jobless rate held steady statewide and fell in Las Vegas, state officials reported.
Across Nevada, unemployment stayed at 13.4 percent from August to September, the first time in four months it didn't rise.
The Las Vegas Valley's jobless rate fell to 13.6 percent, down from 14.3 percent in August and 15.6 percent in September 2010.
More than 175,100 Nevadans, including 129,400 Las Vegans, were out of work and looking for a job in September.
QUOTES
"It's going to be a phenomenal event and day of racing everyone will never forget."
Dan Wheldon, days before the 33-year-old IndyCar driver was killed in a fiery crash Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
"Hard to believe, isn't it? It's freakish."
Wesley Warren Jr., a 47-year-old Las Vegas man whose scrotum has swelled to 100 pounds. He might need a $1 million surgical procedure to correct the condition.
"I wish I was not here. I wish those kids were still alive and I would fade into anonymity."
Quentin Aukeman, one of 11 Everyday Heroes honored Thursday by the American Red Cross. In February, the off-duty firefighter rushed into a burning home in Pahrump to try to save three kids.
"I've heard what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas. May I say that what happens in New Hampshire impacts the world."
Jon Huntsman, at an event The Presidential Candidate held in New Hampshire Tuesday instead of joining the GOP debate in Las Vegas.
NUMBERS
60
Total members in the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce when it was formed 100 years ago in the midst of economic turmoil. It has 6,000 members today.
3.55 million
The number of travelers who passed through McCarran International Airport in September, an increase of almost 9 percent over the same month last year.
37
How many feet of water Lake Mead has risen over the past year. The reservoir is expected to rise another 20 feet by the end of February.
729
Days since the UNLV football team's last win on the road, a 34-17 victory over New Mexico on Oct. 24, 2009. The Rebels next chance: Nov. 12 at winless New Mexico.
MULTIMEDIA
lvrj.com/multimedia
SLIDE SHOW: Agassi defeats Sampras for Championship at the Thomas & Mack Center
SLIDE SHOW: GOP presidential debate in Las Vegas
VIDEO: What's Hot This Weekend 10/21/11
SLIDE SHOW: Dan Wheldon dies after fiery crash at IndyCar race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
VIDEO: Five questions with Mitt Romney
SLIDE SHOW: Rebels run at Scarlet & Gray basketball scrimmage
VIDEO: Gov. Rick Perry talks about jobs and the economy
VIDEO: Man with 100-pound growth on his testicles seeks treatment
