October 8, 2003

North Newton (Kan) police chief Ray Classen travels to New York City for first time to retrieve stolen American Indian war club, which had been missing for nine years and became town's most significant crime in small town's recent past; photo (M)

Citicorp report says World Rugby Cup will expand Australia's economy by about one billion Australian dollars, about $685 million; competition will take place in 10 cities (S)

Growing of rice in California has become $500 million industry, second only to Thailand in exports of premium rice; 500,000-odd semi-arid acres in Sacramento Valley make up a microclimate, one of three in world, where japonica rice flourishes; rice production is considered one of most environmentally wholesome agricultural endeavors in California; California's short- and medium-grain japonica, unlike long-grain fluffy rice that feeds most of world, cooks up moist and sticky, perfect for sushi; photos; recipes (L)

Connecticut agrees to share responsibility for state child welfare system with federal court monitor in wake of lawsuit against state for negligence and mismanagement (M)

Asst Dist Atty Kenneth Chalifoux attacks Tyco International's former chairman L Dennis Kozlowski and former chief financial officer Mark H Swartz during opening statement at their trial in Manhattan for looting $600 million from company; lawyers for Kozlowski and Swartz outline their defense for first time, saying money defendants took was authorized by board and approved by company's auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers; photo (M)