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The National Football League won't be rushed, Doug Dowie decides the best defense is no defense, and the role of labor in the May 1 marches. Those news tidbits and more after the jump, along with the front pages of a bunch of newspapers and websites.
♦ NFL: A decision on whether to place a team or two in southern California (and where) may not come this month, says commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Times, Daily News, AP
♦ Dowie rests: Former Fleishman-Hillard boss Doug Dowie rested his defense case without calling any witnesses or testifying. John Stodder called just two witnesses—one of them ex-Hahn deputy Matt Middlebrook—and is expected to rest today. Times, Daily News, Copley. From the LAT story:
Dowie's lawyers contend that subordinates padded bills without his knowledge, and Stodder said he did nothing wrong. The defense is expected to contend in closing arguments this week that government witnesses did not conclusively show the men acted with the intent to defraud the city and other clients. Dowie's lawyer, Thomas E. Holliday, told the court he was resting the case "based on the state of the evidence." Stodder's attorney, Jan Handzlik, said outside court: "The government has failed to prove that Mr. Stodder acted with a wrongful intent."
♦ Today in Pellicano: Jude Green says the PI tried to physically intimidate her during her divorce case.
♦ No accident: Union "money, muscle and mobilizing expertise played an instrumental role" in managing the May 1 marches in Los Angeles.
♦ Needed a column: Steve Lopez goes bike riding with Richard Riordan and Ed Begley Jr.
Some of you may recall that the last time I did any serious bike riding I ended up in the hospital with a banged-up head and no idea what had happened. Still, I figured I ought to be able to keep up with a 76-year-old guy with a fresh zipper down the middle of his chest. But there were two very important things I failed to consider. First, Riordan is athletic and competitive. Second, he's had a few issues with my columns over the years.
♦ Got the message: About half the students at Hart High in Santa Clarita stayed home after racial fights and a message posted on MySpace that declared "bring your weapons to school day."
♦ Special Order 40: Judicial Watch filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court trying to block the LAPD order that lets illegal residents report crimes without being asked about their immigration status.
♦ Fresher look: Today's New York Observer is narrower with a different design format on the front page.
♦ Free day: The Wall Street Journal is free online today.
♦ Leaving the scene: The Conga Room on Wilshire will close, perhaps to reopen downtown when the L.A. Live complex debuts.
♦ Playoffs: Lakers don't get it done.