Nation briefs

Tribes to square off against Schwarzenegger

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In a direct challenge to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Indian tribes that own major casinos are embracing what could be a $50-million initiative war to gain casino expansion rights without his consent, tribal representatives said Friday. The initiative, if passed, would unravel deals struck last month by Schwarzenegger and five tribes authorizing them to expand their gambling operations in exchange for large payments to the state. In a decision made public Friday, a trade group representing most gambling tribes is endorsing the November ballot measure. Proposition 70 was launched months ago by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, owners of casinos in and near Palm Springs, who already have spent $6 million on it. The endorsement carries the promise that other big casino owners in Southern California will spend millions more trying to persuade voters to approve the measure.

Man charged for swinging pet alligator at girlfriend

PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- A man hit his girlfriend with a 3-foot alligator and threw beer bottles at her during an argument in the couple's mobile home, authorities said. David Havenner, 41, was scheduled for a bond hearing Saturday on misdemeanor charges of battery and possession of an alligator. The alligator, which Havenner had been keeping in his bathtub, was turned over to Florida wildlife officials. Nancy Monico, 39, told investigators that Havenner beat her with his fists, then grabbed the alligator and swung it at her as she tried to escape, sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. She said the animal hit her at least once. She also told authorities that Havenner threw empty beer bottles at her, Davidson said. Havenner's version of the story differed. He told investigators that Monico bit his hand because she was upset that they had run out of alcohol.

Groups blast new cholesterol guidelines

TRENTON, N.J. -- Most of the heart disease experts who urged more people to take cholesterol-lowering drugs last week have made money from the companies selling those medicines. Consumer groups on Friday blasted the new cholesterol guidelines as being tainted by the influence of major pharmaceuticals that make blockbusters such as Lipitor and Pravachol. Last year, drug makers earned $26 billion worldwide on cholesterol-lowering medicines, the top-selling class of drugs. The new guidelines issued Monday were aimed at preventing heart attacks. They were written by nine of the country's top cholesterol experts. At least six have received consulting or speaking fees, research money or other support from makers of the most widely used anti-cholesterol drugs. The new guidelines would add about 7 million more Americans to the 36 million already encouraged to take the pills to lower their cholesterol.

-- From wire reports