.jpg)
Nevada's Online State News Journal
|
|||||||||||||||||
December 2004-June 2005; July-September 2005; October-December 2005; January-March 2006; April-May 2006; July 2006; August 2006; September 2006; October 2006; November 2006; December 2006; January 2007; February 2007; March 2007; April 2007; May 2007; June 2007; July 2007; August 2007; September 2007; October 2007; November 2007; December 2007
==============================
January 1, 2007
New Year's Day
[6:00 PM]
The new TNO issue is up and ready for reading -- check the center column for stories, features and articles. Happy New Year from all of us at TNO!
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Early Swearing-In
Governor Gibbons Takes Office: Makes Two Immediate Appointments (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Nevada governor, other officials sworn in (Associated Press article)
Oath of office sets tone (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
First lady intends to tackle drug use, encourage reading (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Tuesday To Be Day Of Honoring And Remembrance Of President Ford (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
The Departing Governor
Governor proud of work he's done for Nevada (Nevada Appeal article)
Guinn to skip inauguration ceremonies (Associated Press article)
The State Judiciary
The Idea Of Judicial Reform In Campaign Contributions Avoided: Judicial Commission’s First Meeting Primarily Informational (Nevada Observer article)
Dead Kids
Part One in a Week-long Series: Children in Peril — They can’t be helped if you don’t report it (Elko Free Press article)
"Ask any licensed social worker in the employ of the state Division of Child and Family Services what aspect of their job is most dangerous and the answer will likely be immediate and emphatic: parental use of the crude street drug methamphetamine."
Today’s social worker also must be part narcotics detective (Elko Free Press article)
Who is responsible for reporting child abuse? (Elko Free Press article)
The mission of Child Protective Services (Elko Free Press article)
Nevada’s Child Welfare System Under Fire And Scrutiny: Lawsuits Have Been Filed Dealing With Deaths In Clark, State (Nevada Observer article)
Nevada Highways
What About Those Roads? Developers Won’t Pay: Should Those That Create The Problem At Least Help Finance It? (Nevada Observer article)
Taxation
Tax Assessments Canned For Incline Village Residents: Assessment Methods Criticized, Order May Include Entire Community (Nevada Observer article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
New campus location planned for rec center project (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County
Homes sales, prices take a dip in 2006 (Lahontan Valley News article)
Signals on Williams to undergo upgrades (Lahontan Valley News article)
Douglas County
Tax decision shouldn't hurt Douglas (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Elko County
Condos on planning agenda (Elko Free Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
"'There hasn't been anything here under $6 an hour for years,' Diamond Peak Ski Resort general manager Ed Youmans said."
Business affected by wages (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Storey County
VC resident to head Storey Public Works (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
Developing Fears
Residents fear costs of Reno's planned expansion (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
City Of Sparks
Sparks City Attorney Under Investigation: Allegations Of Lying To City Council At Issue (Nevada Observer article)
Adams recall effort is a failure (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada Politics
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Libertarians eye oddsmaker for top of ticket -- Root schedules meeting with party officials (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
JANE ANN MORRISON: Students return from Washington brimming with optimism and cheer (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine Awareness Spreads Slowly In Nevada: Police Agencies Have Backs To Walls While Citizens Ignorant (Nevada Observer article)
The End Of Denial
Druggie Radio Personality Headed To The Big House: Eddie Floyd Pleads Guilty To Drug And Money Laundering Charges (Nevada Observer article)
The Garage Tale
Gibbons incident not over: While battery charge against woman is dropped, DA investigates possible cover-up (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Health Care
HEALTH COVERAGE: Insurer, provider cut ties -- Sierra Health Services, Sunrise Health end 17-year relationship (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Mental Health
Psychiatric Problems (Bob Bennett column, Nevada Observer)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Carson River
Hearings to be held on Carson River plan (Associated Press article)
Lessons from 'Flood of the Century' relevant 10 years later (Nevada Appeal article)
Lake Tahoe And The Truckee River
More rain, snow is needed to ensure Lake Tahoe stays full (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Sold Ferrari Ranch keeping tradition (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Our National Symbol
UPDATE: Number of bald eagles seen in Lake Mead Recreational Area on rise (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Avalanche!
Daily solution to avalanche danger (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Trouble On The Green
Solargenix Coming Under Fire From Unions, State Regulators: Company Being Challenged On Hiring Workers From Out Of Country (Nevada Observer article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Nevada State Museum
An Opportunity Knocks, Can You Hear It? You Can Help Preserve, Educate And Have Fun Too (Nevada Observer article)
Shakespeare Festival
2006 Shakespeare Festival sets new attendance record (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Pageantry And Hypocrisy
Second chance (Glen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)
__________
Federal Nevada
Government Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Kill The Messenger
Investigators become targeted: In 2006 the federal government's watchdogs found themselves under attack (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Fat Kids
Battling the bulge: Federal research shows our kids are losing the obesity fight, and society must help them win (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
The nation state (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
State of the nation (Andy Whyman column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
U.S. Death Toll in Iraq Reaches 3,000 (Associated Press article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Ameristar Administration
LEADERS: Carrying on a legacy -- Executive aims to keep Ameristar going forward as late founder had (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Historic Cal-Neva Lodge
Tahoe casino once owned by Frank Sinatra to undergo big facelift (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Nevada’s History Comes Alive: Nevada's "Silver" Capitol "Dome" (Guy Rocha column, Nevada Observer)
__________
Nevada Journalism
When Editors Dream
Happy New Year!! Our Wish List For All: Equal Representation Is Not A Dream --- It Can Be Reality (Nevada Observer article)
Welcome 2007! What Have You For Us? Common Sense? Wisdom? Or Political Posturing? (Nevada Observer editorial)
2006 Retrospectives
Remembering the year 2006 -- Let's put taggers in public stocks! (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
2006: THE YEAR IN REVIEW: The good, the bad -- From Frank Gehry to Michael Galardi, the Sun analyzes the Las Vegas Valley's high notes, low notes and a lot of notes in between (Las Vegas Sun article)
==========================================
January 2, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Governor Gibbons, State Officers Sworn In
Former Governors List, Bryan And Miller Attend Inauguration
State's constitutional officers sworn in (Nevada Appeal article)
NEW GOVERNOR: Gibbons sworn in twice -- Takes oath minutes after midnight, then again with others (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gibbons starts early as new Nevada governor (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The Nevada Legislature
Administrative Overhead
State faces growing expenses without new taxes (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Dead Kids
Children in Peril — Part Two: Going to Court — Safety is top priority in child welfare cases (Elko Free Press article)
Caseload strains funds, nerves (Elko Free Press article)
Meth complicates state agency’s role (Elko Free Press article)
Identity Theft
Sensitive personal data tossed in the trash: Financial records found on busy street (Las Vegas Sun article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Carson City's newly elected officials Ready to go to work (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County
Fallon has a chance to blossom in 2007 (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
Clark County
The People's Money
Neonopolis
Developer has history of failed projects (Las Vegas Sun article)
Another Monorail Problem
Whoops (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Elko County
Officials sworn in (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Anointment Nostalgia
Guinn book offers a record of his tenure (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
JOHN L. SMITH: Governor might take some cues from plain old Kenny (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
The Gift Of Prophecy
ERIN NEFF: The crystal ball (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Don't Like Him
Gibbons repeats his oath in public (Anjeanette Damon and Ray Hagar column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Nevada's new governor sneaks in a swearing in (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Pseudo Live Blogging Gobvernor Jim Gibbons' Inaugural Speech (Reno and Its Discontents)
Gibbons' brush with historiography (Hugh Jackson column, Las Vegas Gleaner)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
UNR
Work to turn University Inn into student housing (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Public Schools
Clark County School District
LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Pay hike pays off for School Police's recruitment effort (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Not Reassuring: UMC Stopped Filing Financial Reports 8 Months Ago
10 MONTHS BEHIND: UMC skips insurance payments -- Hospital owes $14 million to county's self-funded plan (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Sounds Like Nevada's Legislature
"It is well known that many congressional bills containing dozens, hundreds or even thousands of pages are often churned out in the hours or sometimes minutes before they are voted upon."
Voting with eyes open: Proposed change would allow House members time to actually read bills before voting (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
"Already, authorities have established that at least $1 billion in taxpayer money has been squandered on fraudulent disaster aid since the storm devastated the Gulf Coast in August 2005."
Sniffing out waste in Katrina relief: Federal auditors can't ignore role of judiciary in blowing aid (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Freedom from fear: The greatest gift (Andy Barbano column, Barbwire)
National Identification System
"'It is a very large step toward a national-identification, you-have-to-have-your-papers type of world,' said Melissa Ngo, staff counsel of the Electronic Privacy Information Center."
Where rubber meets the road in privacy debate: New federal requirements for driver's licenses rev up the arguments (MSNBC News article, via Desert Beacon)
Unwarranted Surveillance
Localities Operate Intelligence Centers To Pool Terror Data: 'Fusion' Facilities Raise Privacy Worries As Wide Range of Information Is Collected (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
NSA Spying on Americans Is Illegal (ACLU Press Release, via Desert Beacon)
Treatment of Persons Detained By US Authorities
FBI Reports Duct-Taping, 'Baptizing' at Guantanamo (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
Outsourcing Police Powers
The Private Arm of the Law: Some Question the Granting of Police Power to Security Firms (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
__________
Nevada's Past
The 140 Year Old Tunnels Of The Comstock Lode
Q&A Tuesday: Mine tour guide says it's not really work (Nevada Appeal article)
==========================================
January 3, 2006
[1:15 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Inauguration Of Nevada's New Governor
Gibbons pledges cooperation: In inaugural address, governor stresses importance of bipartisanship (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gibbons embraces bipartisan harmony (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Hundreds brave cold for greeting (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Inauguration scene (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The Nevada Legislature
Identity Theft
Treating privacy like trash: State and federal authorities should investigate documents found in trash bin (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The State Judiciary
State Supreme Court has two new members (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
River rec trail a natural fit for Carson's future (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Churchill County
"Fallon and Churchill County have been woefully lacking in attracting and/or growing their industrial base. Even at the modest rate of 1.8 percent per year, population growth has outstripped job growth by a 5:1 ratio ... a statistic that spells big trouble for the economy over the long haul."
Housing slump portends need for job creation (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
TCID renews Lions Club lease for one year (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Clark County
County Affairs
Maverick gets commission off to 6-1 start: Giunchigliani casts sole vote against airport director's 35 percent pay raise (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gillespie sworn in as sheriff: Former undersheriff thanks predecessor, Young, for being mentor (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
North Las Vegas
Council members face single-ward campaigns: North Las Vegas voters approved change for 2007 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Douglas County
Dozen apply for 3 planning spots (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
New law: Plastic grocery bags must be recyclable (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
Lyon commissioners cancel facilitator in county manager dispute (Nevada Appeal article)
"After running a milling operation on his gypsum mine in Mound House for the past 14 months, owner Art Wilson has to start all over from scratch."
Mound House gypsum mine turned down for special-use permit (Nevada Appeal article)
Town Of Dayton
New DRAC scheduled to meet tonight, elect officers: Two apply for vacant District 4 seat (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Washoe County
Washoe County officials sworn in (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Unequal Taxation
Tax revolters plan next steps (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
What Now? (Nevada Property Tax Revolt website)
To the victors... (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
__________
Nevada Politics
A Droll Piece
Jon Ralston conjures up a collection of events that he wishes had made it into the list of Top 10 stories of 2006 (Las Vegas Sun column)
A Call For Civility
Just Say No To Churls
A time to speak out... with civility (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Sierra Nevada College
Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences: Newest addition to SNC campus doing well since October opening (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Public Schools
The Problem Of Quality
Salaries make a difference: Just as it did for school police, higher pay for teachers would alleviate problem (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
All-Day Kindergartens
Gibbons, lawmakers differ over all-day kindergarten (Nevada Appeal article)
The Problem Of Violence
Pistol-packin' teachers ... imagine the possibilities (Marilee Swirczek column, Nevada Appeal)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Carson River
Rising Prices In Carson City
"Two 14 percent hikes are being sought: One would begin in February and the other in July."
Supervisors to consider water rate hike (Nevada Appeal article)
Silver Springs Spill
50,000 gallons of treated effluent spills near SSGID plant (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
The Truckee River
"Former Truckee-Carson Irrigation District Ditch Rider Ed Brush recalled having to drive from the ditch rider’s house eight miles in rainy weather to the Gilpin Spill to manually open the gates to allow a surge of flood waters to drain into the Truckee River."
TCID’s automated Gilpin Spill is dedicated (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Lake Tahoe
"Though the unassuming pond at the southern end of Village Green looks like a neglected eyesore, it is actually a sophisticated, well-maintained and closely monitored filter designed to keep nutrients out of the local watershed, and help regenerate the nearby fields."
Incline Village's ugly little pond that could (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Labor Unions And Health Care
"For months, the local Service Employees International Union has tarred Universal Health Services, the Pennsylvania-based corporation that owns Valley and Desert Springs hospitals, as an evil entity that preys upon the misery of Nevadans to enrich East Coast executives."
Out-of-state evildoers (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Mental Health
Dayton Mental Health Center won’t be consolidated: To remain operating in Dayton (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Mercury Emissions
Group calls for scrutiny of mercury emissions (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Ursine Marauders
Smarter than the average human (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)
__________
Nevada Culture
The Ancient Basques
Basque club seeks new members (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
From Ranch to Development
Rhoda Chichester: A life on the land (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Always A Gamble
JOHN L. SMITH: Bookstore owner would go all in if somebody deals him the perfect hand (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
Bomb test at NTS remains explosive: Divine Strake plans moving swiftly (Las Vegas Sun article)
Nevada's Representation In Congress
One More
Nevada in line for a seat: Growth could lead to more clout in House (Las Vegas Sun article)
Couldn't Make It
Nevada's congressional delegation not at Ford's funeral (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
From The US Congress
Ethics Reform
Nevada Has The Same Problem, But Worse
"Some Republicans and voters already are saying the new Democratic Congress, before it is even seated, is backing down on promises to reform ethics on Capitol Hill."
Be ready to fight for ethics reform (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
What One New Governor Is Doing About It
Spitzer Signs Series of Ethics Measures (Associated Press article)
Executive Order No. 2 Eliminating Politics From Government Decisionmaking (Office of the Governor of New York website)
Executive Order No. 3 Promotion Of Public Access To Government Decisionmaking (Office of the Governor of New York website)
Executive Order No. 4 Establishing Judicial Screening Committees To Ensure That Judicial Officer Appointments Are Of The Highest Quality (Office of the Governor of New York website)
The Principle Of Equal Protection
That no one is above the law: Four cases that highlight the strength of our justice system (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Lessons Of The Ford Administration
Lessons from the Accidental President (Kirk Caraway column, Lahontan Valley News)
From Our Nation's Armed Forces
CENTCOM Electronic Newsletter - Week of January 1, 2007 (US Department of Defense website)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Muslim couple's trip to California, Nevada turns into nightmare: Undefined security precautions send husband home via NLV jail (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada's Past
In Historic Austin, Citizens Work To Preserve A Church
BILL ROBERTS: Historic church finds a few saviors (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
==========================================
January 4, 2007
[9:10 AM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The New Administration
The Governor
Governor finds tremors annoying, not debilitating: Gibbons reveals he has neurological disorder (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
JANE ANN MORRISON: There's a personal, tragic reason behind the first lady's booze ban (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Department Of Public Safety
Gibbons defends new director of public safety: Galeoto under fire for 1999 police probe (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Questions raised on Gibbons appointee (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Last-Minute Appointments Of Gov. Guinn
'CHANGES ARE POSSIBLE': Gibbons eyes Guinn picks -- Governor might oust gaming appointee (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
New Nevada governor reviewing former governor's picks (Associated Press article)
State Employees' Salaries
"While the total increase over the biennium still comes out to 6 percent, holding back that extra percent the first year saves the state about $31 million."
Gibbons changes proposed pay raises (Nevada Appeal article)
The Nevada Legislature
Bill Draft Requests
State legislature to address sales tax, 'perfusionists' (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Dead Kids
Children in Peril — Part Three: After the Rescue — The side of child services nobody hears about (Elko Free Press article)
Social work: Not just a job — it’s a calling (Elko Free Press article)
CADV assists in preventing child abuse (Elko Free Press article)
New Program Seeks Volunteers (Elko Free Press article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Carson Parks and Recreation examines cost-cutting measures (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County
Lingenfelter takes over as county road supervisor (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
Waiting For Ivanpah
Council taking battle over flight path to federal court (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Developing News
MIDTOWN UNLV: Project stirs worries -- Many fear development plan will lead to traffic congestion (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
North Las Vegas moves into world of Strip development (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Union Influence
FLASHPOINT for Jan 04, 2007 (Jon Ralston feature, Las Vegas Sun)
Elko County
John Ellison heads county commission (Elko Free Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Quarry conundrum: Road improvement projects will place a big burden on local mining (Sierra Sun article)
Nye County
County Affairs
Commission defers truck request (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Town Of Pahrump
More Developments
Going Up: Pahrump building could accelerate (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Washoe County
Public Subsidies For Private Enterprise
Governor clears way for bonds for Legends at Sparks Marina (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Politics
State Democratic Party
Edwards not polling well in Nevada (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Nevada Education At The Bottom Of The Barrel
Quality Counts 2007 Study
Nevada ranks 43rd in preparing students for success in school, careers (Associated Press article)
Nevada ranks at No. 44 in U.S. education survey (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Education in top states compared to Nevada (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Where does Nevada rank in K-12? (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Quality Counts 2007: From Cradle to Career Connecting American Education from Birth Through Adulthood (Education Week website)
Nevada 2007 Page (Education Week website)
Want More Money
"These are indicators that we have a dysfunctional education system," Beers said. "In order for us to change those rankings, we must change the way we educate. We can't continue doing what we've always been doing and expect better results. Unfortunately, we have a long history of that."
Educators have some studies for lawmakers: Low rankings might prove need for funds (Las Vegas Sun article)
Kindergarten plan fails: Nevada's new governor mistaken to drop proposal to expand full-day program (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Clark County School District
"Not since Lynette Boggs McDonald cast Las Vegas City Councilman Larry Brown into the fires of hell has a local elected body shown as much dysfunction as the Clark County School Board trustees did at their most recent meeting."
ERIN NEFF: Cat fights, not kids, on School Board agenda (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Washoe County School District
No New Taxes Means No New Taxes (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Carson River
Carson River Nevada Regional Recreation Steering Committee (TravelVideo.TV Press Release)
Carson City Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Carson City website)
The Truckee River
TCID foregoing water diversions from Truckee (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Labor Unions And Health Care
Labor board accuses hospital of anti-union firing in Las Vegas (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Mercury Emissions
Strong reasons to regulate emissions (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
The Sheriff Of Clark
Q+A: SHERIFF DOUG GILLESPIE -- New top dog at Metro shows he has bite to go with his bark (Las Vegas Sun article)
Police Shootings And Coroner's Inquests
"The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada is accusing Clark County officials of spreading "inaccurate and misleading" information about efforts to reform the Clark County coroner's inquest process."
Inquest reform questioned (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Cold Case Files
Filling in blanks from 1979: Millionaire charged with murder; police dig for body (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Three women -- including Morgan's sister and sister-in-law -- told police David Morgan had confided to them he had killed Marie Morgan, according to court records."
Police believe missing woman killed (Las Vegas Sun, February 27, 2001)
North American Missing Persons Network - Diana L. Leone
Metro Report On The Garage Tale
Everything you wanted to know about Friday the 13th.... (Vegas Pundit website)
Stealing From The State
Former public safety officials get probation for stealing from state (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County Commission Corruption Case
Judge rejects Herrera delay: Ex-commissioner must surrender on Jan. 12 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
$200,000 Bail On Misdemeanor Charges
High graffiti bail is justified (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Police Union Land Swap
Police union swaps land with city: Appraisals show city got less-valuable property but may reap more in taxes (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Nice To See
Las Vegas Art Museum enters big leagues regarding donations (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
Test is a real bomb: Officials pushing for Test Site explosion trot out old data and take cover from the public (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
Reid shifts course on troop 'surge': Senator slams door on possible support (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The man who defies description: The unpolished but shrewd Reid becomes a quiet insider amid some unflattering portrayals (Las Vegas Sun article)
Rep. Porter Named To House Ways And Means Committee
Nevada beefs up presence on key House panel (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
It's Secret
More secrecy: Bipartisanship and openness turn out to be mutually exclusive, according to both parties (Reno News & Review article)
The President And The Congress
Bush Seeks Cooperation From New Congress (Associated Press article)
Bush: Congress Must Limit Pork Spending (Associated Press article)
Bush Wants Balance Budget by 2012 (Associated Press article)
Ethics Reform
Lawmaker to Repay Cost of Abramoff Trip (Associated Press article)
Fuel Prices
Gasoline price trend uncertain up for now trend (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Federal Bench
A constitutional crisis? Federal judges have their hands out (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Department Of Homeland Security
Nevada Scores Well In Emergency Communications Systems
Emergency Communications Upgrade Promised (Associated Press article)
DHS Releases Nationwide Interoperable Communications Assessment (US Department of Homeland Security Press Release)
Tactical Interoperability Communication Scorecards Description (US Department of Homeland Security Press Release)
Tactical Interoperability Communication Scorecards Report (Las Vegas Urban Area Scores at pp. 78-79)
Department Of Justice
Audit: Crime-Fighting Funding Delayed (Associated Press article)
The Justice Department's Grant Closeout Process (US Department of Justice Inspector General's Report)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Protect liberty: Americans must fight to keep this country true to its founding principles (Gary Schmidt column, Reno News & Review)
Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities
Comments Of Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Incoming Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On Department Of Justice’s Response To Request For Documents Relating To Bush Administration’s Interrogation Policies January 2, 2007 (Sen. Leahy Press Release)
FBI 2004 Guantanamo Bay Inquiry Documents (FBI website)
From Our Nation's Armed Forces
"Only 35 percent of the military members polled this year said they approve of the way President Bush is handling the war, while 42 percent said they disapproved."
Down on the war: The American military — once a staunch supporter of President Bush and the Iraq war — has grown increasingly pessimistic about chances for victory (Army Times feature)
The Poll Results
Iraq, Afghanistan and President Bush (Army Times feature)
Space Radar Systems Deployment
Alternatives for Military Space Radar - January 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report - 5.45 MB pdf file)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Aztar Acquisition
Columbia completes acquisition of Aztar for $2.1 billion (Associated Press article)
Tip Pooling
NLRB files complaint against Wynn Las Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nightclub Shills
Honest Advice for Britney (Richard Abbowitz column, Los Angeles Times)
__________
Nevada Journalism
A Memory Of President Ford
How to behave without the public's votes (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)
==========================================
Update for January 4, 2007
[8:00 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Our New Governor
New Appointments
Governor Gibbons Appoints Director of Business and Industry (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Governor Gibbons Appoints Director of Department of Information and Technology (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Gov. Gibbons Dumps A Last-Minute Appointment Of Gov. Guinn
New Nevada governor cancels governor's picks (Associated Press article)
Attorney General's Opinion Requested By Gov. Guinn
AGO 2005-09 (pp. 47-53)
Inheriting Economic Problems
255 Percent Spike In Nevada Mortgage Foreclosures
Productivity in the real world? (Desert Beacon)
Don't Like Him
Take a chill pill, governor! (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)
At Least Three Other Governors Were Also Sworn In Immediately. So What?
New York
Spitzer takes oath of office: ''Day One has begun,'' governor declares (Albany Times-Union article)
New Mexico
Richardson takes oath of office (KOB-TV Report)
Idaho
Otter Takes Oath of Office (KMVT-TV Report)
The Nevada Legislature
Dead Kids
Kids, meth don’t mix: One parent’s nightmare journey through addiction (Elko Free Press article)
Schools play role in preventing child abuse (Elko Free Press article)
Child tragedies shared across state (Elko Free Press article)
State Contractors Board
Water Fight: It's pool builder vs. contractors board – but is it a fair match? (Las Vegas Weekly article)
Local Government
Clark County
City Of Henderson
Toxic Acres Is The Place To Be
Noxious neighbor (Las Vegas CityLife article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
College Athletic Departments
Crime And Taxpayer Subsidies
'No UNLV scandal here ... move along please ...' (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Fear Factor: Are the chancellor's harsh words behind the Rebels' winning streak? (Las Vegas Weekly article)
Public Schools
Anointment Nostalgia
After 8 Years Of Having One Of The Worst Public Education Systems In The Nation
Guinn and bear it: Nevada's education governor leaves after 8 years (Las Vegas CityLife article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Labor Unions And Health Care
NLRB slaps Valley Hospital with complaint (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Drug Prices
Prescription Drug Pricing in the Private Sector - January 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Police Shootings And Coroner's Inquests
The right to ask: Upcoming meetings on coroner's inquest promise lots of conflict and little compromise (Las Vegas CityLife article)
Autopsying the Inquest: Asking the public for input into a misunderstood cop-judging process might make matters more confusing (Las Vegas Weekly article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Pageantry And Hypocrisy
Can I Try Again? Partying Miss Nevada USA isn't the only one who sought a second chance (Las Vegas Weekly article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
Dismissed Over Security Breakdowns At Nuclear Weapons Facilities
Head of U.S. Nuclear Agency Leaving Post (Associated Press article)
From The US Congress
Ensign Will Continue To Fight For Nevadans In Second Term (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Unwarranted Surveillance
Bush Signing May Change Mail Laws (Associated Press article)
A Government Of Spooks
Negroponte Stepping Aside As Top Spy (Associated Press article)
Bush to Name Retired Admiral As Top Spy (Associated Press article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Another One Bites The Dust
Harrah's loses senior exec (Las Vegas Business Press article)
==========================================
January 5, 2007
[11:20 AM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Office Of The Governor
The Problem Of The Budget
STATE BUDGET: Gibbons to try to cut liability -- Future pension, health care costs looming (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gov. Guinn's Last-Minute Appointments
"Mr. Gibbons feels that moving forward with Keith Munro's politically motivated appointment would be undermining the tradition of the Gaming Control Board being apolitical," she said. "That would be moving back to the dark ages when politics and personal interests ruled the Gaming Control Board. This administration is not for sale."
Gibbons trumps Guinn's choice: Gaming board has two men for one seat (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"'Guinn did something that you don't see every day, so it is not surprising that Gibbons tried to get that guy out of there,' Damore said."
Gibbons replaces Guinn appointee to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Homeland Security
TERRORIST TARGET LIST: LV again deemed high risk -- Area eligible for millions more in aid (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Governor's Call For Cooperation And Unity
Let's cross that bridge (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Taking a look at Gibbons during his first days (Ed Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
No Press Honeymoon For Nevada's New Governor
Don't Like Him
It's a question of trust: New governor's disingenuous effort to oust Guinn appointee wrong (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Gibbons gone wild (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press article)
The Nevada Legislature
Couldn't Make It
JOHN L. SMITH: Mabey takes heat for attending his patients instead of the inauguration (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
We'll Take Yours
"Check out his idea, to be memorialized, we hear, in a bill to soon be introduced in the Nevada legislature, which would tax unused/expired dollars left on all those gift cards you just bought for friends and family."
The latest, novel ... and very bad tax idea is dissected (Jeff Quinn column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
Smoking ban is ignored by many: Enforcement becomes a confusing issue (Las Vegas Sun article)
Our State's Economy
State report predicts strong employment outlook (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Nevada's Burning Hills
"A lawsuit filed by a former Nevada Division of Forestry helicopter pilot claims that state and federal officials conspired to pull Nevada out of the business of fighting fires from the air."
Lawsuit challenges state's firefighting commitment (Gardnerville Record-Courier)
Douglas Fire Safe Councils receive $81,000 (Gardnerville Record-Courier)
Fire district's new board to convene; budget talks planned (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
What The Future Holds
Jon Ralston predicts what will happen on the political scene in Nevada (Las Vegas Sun article)
Local Government
Churchill County
Ecstasy use rising among Fallon kids (Lahontan Valley News article)
TCID seeks to recover range management costs (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
An Obnoxious Citizen
Goodman nemesis was thorn in the side of Washoe officials (Las Vegas Sun article)
Douglas County
Coalition: Keep airport weight limit in place (Gardnerville Record-Courier)
Douglas grand jury deferred until summer (Gardnerville Record-Courier)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Shorezone, environment to be hot topics for '07 (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
New leader for Tahoe City business association (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
South Lake Tahoe Increases Revenue Harvest
City Council hikes parking fines (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Washoe County
Another Developing Story
"Dennis said the sewer plant will need more places to dispose of reclaimed water because of growth in the North Valleys. A pipeline is being built to import 8,000 acre-feet of water from the Honey Lake Valley basin, enough to build up to 16,000 homes."
Swan song might be imminent for lake's ecosystem (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Inequitable Taxation
The $80,000 question is the answer (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
"It is time for state leaders to agree that it is unacceptable for Nevada to rank so poorly and take the appropriate steps to educate our children."
State schools in a deep hole: Another study shows why education needs to be a priority for Nevada (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Carson City School District
Carson school board members prepare for first meeting (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Not Reassuring
More bad news at the county hospital: UMC way behind on insurance payments (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada's Environment
When The Earth Moves
Earthquake threat cause for concern in Incline (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Auditioning For The Thin Blue Line
Poise of an officer: Police wannabes learn about what it takes to get hired (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Getting Better
A New Year's resolution to use your local library system (Amy Levy column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Wild Horse Children's Theater
New company takes the stage (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Saying Goodbye To Broadway
What plays in Las Vegas, doesn't stay in Las Vegas: 'Mamma Mia!' and Celine Dion's show to close (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
Downwinders call for more Divine Strake public hearings: Meetings criticized as 'dog and pony show' (Associated Press article)
Public Lands
"Conservationists and lawmakers are concerned that a federal plan to overhaul how the government manages its premier wild West real estate could spell trouble for the 27 million-acre system that includes the Red Rock National Conservation Area."
Overhaul of management of federal land criticized (Las Vegas Sun article)
From The US Congress
Senate gavel goes to Reid: Despite his pledges, partisanship arises (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Reid goal: government, not politics (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Showing a stubborn streak: President Bush promises cooperation but doesn't seem willing to yield on taxes or war (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Fuel Prices
Bills trail natural gas price drops (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Minimum Wage
Wages should provide more than poverty (Unsigned column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities
Writes, But Apparently Doesn't Read Much
"On Tuesday, for instance, The Washington Post breathlessly reported that newly released documents reveal, "FBI agents witnessed possible mistreatment of the Quran at the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, including at least one instance in which an interrogator squatted over Islam's holy text in an apparent attempt to offend a captive." Oh my!"
Prisoner abuse (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
"on several occasions, witness ("W") saw detainees ("ds") in interrogation rooms chained hand and foot in fetal position to floor w/no chair/ food/water; most urinated or defecated on selves, and were left there 18, 24 hrs or more. Once, the air conditioning was so low that the barefoot d was shaking with cold. Another time, it was off so the unventilated room was over 100 degrees, d was almost unconscious on floor with a pile of hair next to him (he had apparently been pulling it out throughout the night). Another time, it was sweltering hot and loud rap music played - d's hand and foot was chained and he was in a fetal position on the floor. Upon inquiry, W was told that interrogators [military contractors] ordered this treatment. Took place in Delta Camp
d was kept in darkened cell in Naval Brig at GTMO, then transferred to Camp Delta where he gave no info. Then taken to Camp X-Ray and put in plywood hut. Interrogators yelled and screamed at him. One interrogator squatted over the Koran. Another day a German Shepherd was commended to growl, bark and show his teeth to the prisoner. Subsequently someone laughingly told the W "you have to see this" and took him to an interrogation room where W saw a d with a full beard whose head was wrapped in duct tape.
civilian contractor asked W (an FBI SA) to come see something. There was an unknown bearded longhaired d gagged w/duct tape that covered much of his head. SA asked if he had spit at interrogators, and the contractor laughingly replied that d had been chanting the Koran nonstop. No answer to how they planned to remove the duct tape."
FBI incident synopsis (1st three paragraphs; FBI website)
The 2004 FBI Investigation (FBI website)
The Washington Post article
FBI Reports Duct-Taping, 'Baptizing' at Guantanamo (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
A Question For Our Readers: What Provision Of The US Constitution Empowers Federal Officials To Treat People Like This?
US Constitution (National Archives And Records Administration)
US Constitution (US Congress website)
America's Historical Documents (National Archives And Records Administration)
Core Documents of U.S. Democracy (US Congress website)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Raking In The Profits
Nevada casinos report $2.1 billion in '06 profits (Associated Press article)
Casinos keep diversifying (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
2006 Annual Nevada Gaming Abstract (Nevada Gaming Control Board website; 6.34 MB pdf file)
Annual Nevada Gaming Abstract Reports (Nevada Gaming Control Board website)
The Cal-Neva Lodge
Bluth hands over keys to Cal Neva (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Chollar Mine
Mine building destroyed by fire in Virginia City (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Unhappy News
"The 76,000-square-foot museum to replace the old one at Lorenzi Park was to be funded with a $35 million bond measure approved by voters in November 2002. But officials now say the cost of the museum will be $46.5 million."
Funds for new state museum fall short: Gibbons: No decision on providing money (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
A Mental Chew Toy
Free will - is it an illusion or a perception? (McAvoy Layne column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
==========================================
Update for January 5, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Nevada Legislature
Dead Kids
Children in Peril — Part Five: Families that Care — Providing a safe haven for children (Elko Free Press article)
Children in Peril — Part Five: Classes help build parenting skills (Elko Free Press article)
Stressed? Family services available 24/7 (Elko Free Press article)
Nevada Highways
Goedhart suggests NDOT laundry list be prepared (Pahrump Valley Times article)
State Economy
DETR Forecasts Strong Job Market for 2007 (Nevada Department of Employment Press Release)
Homeland Security
Las Vegas Returned to the Department of Homeland Security's List of High-Risk Urban Areas - Gibbons Commends DHS for Thorough Assessment and Evaluation of Risk (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Local Government
Elko County
County Affairs
Missing Evidence: New sheriff calls for audit (Elko Free Press article)
County seeks more land for railport (Elko Free Press article)
RTC contributes $28K for busses (Elko Free Press article)
City Of Elko
City planners reject cell phone tower on Grammar School No. 2 grounds (Elko Free Press article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
Judge swears in Lyon County officials (Mason Valley News article)
Commission opts for retreat with county manager (Mason Valley News article)
Wabuska biodiesel facility permit request headed to Lyon PlanCom (Mason Valley News article)
City Of Yerington
City arterial, collector street concept has PlanCom support (Mason Valley News article)
County approves Willowcreek, City interlocal agreement (Mason Valley News article)
Nye County
County Affairs
Fortunately There's A Cap
"Richard Lowe, of 770 W. Gally St., got an unwelcome present in the mail three days before Christmas: an assessment notice from Nye County informing him the value of his land had gone up 79 percent, while the value of land with improvements rose 19.5 percent."
Assessor admits notices confusing (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Yipes! Stripes!
Striping should improve Homestead Road maze (Pahrump Valley Times article)
The Zephyrs Of Nye
Big wind in Beatty blows out '06 (Pahrump Valley Times article)
White Pine County
County Affairs
Sheriff says department must prepare for growth (Ely Times article)
Eldridge voted county commission chairman for 2007 (Ely Times article)
As We See It: Contentious new year ahead of us (Ely Times article)
City Of Ely
City attorney warns Chachas about open meeting law violations (Ely Times article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Desert View Regional Medical Center
”The difference between perception and reality is: You can change reality; it is very difficult to change how something is perceived."
ER staff has faith in hospital (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
The Walker River
"'The bottom line with the fish is the ancient Lahontan cutthroat trout is extinct,' DAWG President David Haight told the Mason Valley News of his group's latest action."
DAWG petitions for de-listing of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Mason Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Annual party proves sheepherders a fun bunch (Ely Times article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
Test site meeting set for Wednesday (Pahrump Valley Times article)
The Public Lands
Wild Herds
Burro gathering proceeds rapidly (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Fuel Prices
Cooler weather, refinery cuts blamed for gas price hike (Ely Times article)
Housing Prices
Background Paper: Housing Wealth and Consumer Spending, January 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)
Low Interest Loans Available For Rural Residence Purchases
USDA drops home mortgage interest rate (Ely Times article)
National Health Issues
Childhood Obesity: Factors Affecting Physical Activity GAO-07-260R, December 6, 2006 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Medical Devices: Status of FDA's Program for Inspections by Accredited Organizations GAO-07-157, January 5, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
==========================================
January 6, 2007
[6:00 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Office Of The Governor
A Burly Budget
Nevada governor completing $7 billion budget (Associated Press article)
Gov. Guinn's Last-Minute Appointments
Battle escalates over gaming appointment: Gibbons names Randall Sayre to post also held by Keith Munro (Nevada Appeal article)
Dispute won't disrupt meeting: Gaming panel might gather minus two appointees (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"For the good of Nevada, Munro should resign gracefully, and this grudge match needs to be called a draw."
JANE ANN MORRISON: Graceful action needed to end ugly Gibbons-Guinn grudge match (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"This appointment should have been Gov. Gibbons' to make. Mr. Munro could clear things up quickly by resigning his post. He does not have the confidence of the governor of Nevada."
Cancel this appointment: Guinn's pick for Gaming Control Board should call it quits (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Nevada Legislature
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Nevada declaring war on meth (Sparks Tribune article)
Every segment of society feels effects (Sparks Tribune article)
Secret Tax Breaks: Not Good Enough
"Commission Chairman Thomas Sheets said he was not certain whether the regulation permits him to identify a taxpayer receiving a confidential hearing or how much of a tax break or additional tax assessment that party received as a result of the closed-door deliberations."
CONFIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT APPEALS: Tax panel OKs closed-door rules --Commission must reconvene in public (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The State Judiciary
LOOKING IN ON: THE COURTS -- Former justice in discussion with DA office for position (Las Vegas Sun article)
New Judge Melissa Saragosa: Position Questioned By Many (Las Vegas Tribune article)
Nevada Business
Health Care and Workplace: Expanding online network links businesspeople (In Business Las Vegas article)
Law and Small Business: The dark side of holiday spending (In Business Las Vegas article)
An Interesting Idea For Affordable Housing
Real Estate and Development -- Developer: Cargo containers can be a quick fix for housing (In Business Las Vegas article)
Local Government
Carson City
Onwards And Upwards
Carson City supervisors approve two water-rate increases (Nevada Appeal article)
Not In My Neighborhood
East side residents do not want workforce housing (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
Developing Stories
Center of action: CityCenter condos fueled by Strip location, amenities (In Business Las Vegas article)
Southern Highlands developer gets busy in NLV (In Business Las Vegas article)
Waiting For Ivanpah
Las Vegas airport fifth busiest in 2006 (Associated Press article)
Capital Ideas
In Business Q and A: Wayne Tew, Chief executive, Clark County Credit Union (In Business Las Vegas feature)
The Gay Life
Tourism and Gaming: Las Vegas deemed a gay-friendly destination (In Business Las Vegas article)
The Plight Of The Homeless
Closed Circle Park never looked better (Las Vegas Sun article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Existing-home sales fall at Lake Tahoe, while prices rise (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Money And Politics
"But speaking of motorists, traffic in Southern Nevada may be the issue that irks and afflicts residents more than any other. And with Gibbons already invoking his no-new-taxes pledge to reject the taxing recommendations of a transportation tax force, the South may fall again - fall prey, that is, to the needs of the few in the North outweighing the needs of the many in the South."
Jon Ralston on Politics: Harmony, for now (In Business Las Vegas column)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Death On An Icy Road
UNR journalism dean dies in rollover accident (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Public Schools
All-Day Kindergarten Proposal
Gibbons cuts proposal to expand full-day kindergarten programs (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Sierra, Sunrise take impasse in stride (In Business Las Vegas article)
__________
Nevada Utilities
Public Utilities Commission
Another Reason Why Members Should Be Elected, Not Appointed
"The proposed order declares that the Ely Energy Center and transmission line are so-called critical facilities. Because the Ely plant and power line are critical facilities, Nevada Power could later qualify for bonuses in the form of higher profit on the Ely project."
Regulator's order would address utility profit bonuses (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Native Nevadans
Western Shoshone keep fighting for 1863 treaty property rights (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Clark County Commission Corruption Trials
"According to the motion, some of the secretly recorded conversations will be introduced at the related trial of developer Don Davidson, which is scheduled for March 26."
Galardi sentencing delayed until March: Motion filed to unseal intercepted recordings in case against Herrera, Kincaid-Chauncey (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
That Garage Tale: In Search Of Credibility
Alleged assault: Garage confusion -- Lawyer speculates that Mazzeo identified wrong structure (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
A Matter Of History
Who made history first? Two pioneering women joined Las Vegas police force in 1940s, but who came first is not clear (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
Diamond Peak, where national fame doesn't matter: Incline Village's playground for the rest of the snowsporters (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
"The Reno attorney representing downwinders in a case to thwart the massive, non-nuclear Divine Strake blast planned for the Nevada Test Site claims the government agencies behind the experiment are admitting for the first time that radioactive particles in the test site's soils will be transported by the blast's mushroom cloud."
Foe of test site blast: Agencies admit displacement of radioactive particles (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
Reid: It Is Time For The US Senate To Get To Work (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Reid, Ensign Victorious In Fight To Strengthen Nevada's Homeland Security (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Reid Calls for Improving Relations with Communists (Associated Press article)
Heller votes for ethics reforms in the House (Las Vegas Tribune article)
The Entire Congress
Senate Keys on Ethics, Lobbying Overhaul (Associated Press article)
House Approves Changes to Budget Rules (Associated Press article)
The Public Lands
Managing land in secret: Questions linger and fears abound as changes to conservation program remain under wraps (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Global Warming
Stacking the warming deck: ExxonMobil should adapt to the saying, 'the future ain't what it used to be' (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Recognizing The Achievements Of Women
Women's History Month: March 2007 (US Census Bureau Press Release)
Department Of Energy
NRC commissioner stepping down (Associated Press article)
Bush Picks New Head of Nuclear Agency (Associated Press article)
Identity Theft And Slovenly Credit Rating Practices
"That credit bureaus do not have a quick and effective way of restoring the financial lives of innocent people in this age of identity theft is outrageous. Federal regulations governing credit bureaus should spell out clear and speedy procedures to take when people report that they have been victimized."
Compounding identity theft: Honest consumers trying to restore their credit can be financially hobbled for years (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
From The Office Of The President
Jan. 5, 2007 Press Briefing by Tony Snow (White House website)
Jan. 4, 2007 Press Briefing by Tony Snow (White House website)
Jan. 3, 2007 Press Briefing by Tony Snow (White House website)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Gambling Halls Hauling It In
State's casino income passes $2 billion in 2006 (Nevada Appeal article)
Tip Pooling
Wynn Dealers' Tips Subsidizing Encore (Las Vegas Tribune article)
==========================================
January 7, 2007
[3:05 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Office Of The Governor
Crafting A Budget
Good first step on unfunded liabilities: Now Gov. Gibbons needs to stay the course (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
No Press Honeymoon For Nevada's New Governor
Behind the smiles, a rough start for the new governor (Las Vegas Sun article)
Gibbons wraps up a hectic first week (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Q&A with Gov. Jim Gibbons (Reno Gazette-Journal interview)
GEOFF SCHUMACHER : Gibbons' inaugural address dashes new year's flimsy optimism (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
ERIN NEFF: Jimbo in limbo: How low can he go? (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Jon Ralston on the deceitful, conniving, hypocritical start to Gov. Jim Gibbons' term ... and that's just the first minute (Las Vegas Sun column)
Jeff Simpson on how to fix the mess that allowed both Guinn and Gibbons to make appointments to the Gaming Control Board (Las Vegas Sun column)
Gibbons' midnight inauguration based on a lie (Nevada Appeal editorial)
"This is VERY dangerous ground for the new governor to be treading. The one thing a successful politician cannot afford to lose is his or her credibility. Just ask Al Gore. Gov. Gibbons is in serious danger of losing his, which has been built up over years of public service. He needs to get his credibility groove back…fast…or it’s going to be a long and painful four years."
In the Midnight Hour (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Off to a rocky start? (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
Nevada's Newest Ex-Governor
Guinn rode ups, downs (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
The Nevada Legislature
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
‘Crystal Darkness’ airs Tuesday (Elko Free Press article)
ANTI METH: Campaign urges public, parents to fight drug threat (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
'Kids need the truth about meth' (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
How to watch METH FILM with your kids (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Meth-related bills (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws
Strong Criminal Sanctions Needed To Effect Any Real Change
"'The public's hunger for change remains unfulfilled,' he said, saying the commission is seen as toothless and doesn't have enough resources."
CLEANING UP GOVERNMENT: Panelists exchange ethics perspectives -- Lawmakers lament prevalence of gray areas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Incremental Ethics? (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
The Assemblyman And His Water Bill
Carpenters will get hearing on ‘corrected invoice’ (Elko Free Press article)
Couldn't Make It
Definitively Mabey (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Coming soon: Access Carson City (Nevada Appeal article)
Computer-savvy sergeant named chief deputy (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Rec Center Blues (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Clark County
$kindustry Problems Out Of Control
"Las Vegans may not want to acknowledge that a dark side has come with the city's long-standing, de facto acceptance of adult prostitution."
Teen prostitution scourge grows: Special court tries to help youngsters, not punish them (Las Vegas Sun article)
"What seems harmless - telephone chat lines as tete-a-tetes for strangers and conference calls for the anonymous - can become the low-tech version of that familiar cyber threat: pedophiles or predators manipulating blind chat mediums to woo younger victims."
CHATS THAT RING OF DANGER (Las Vegas Sun article)
Waiting For Ivanpah
"The City Council's decision to spend taxpayer money to fight the FAA is not an astute expenditure of public funds. Rather, it is a thinly veiled effort by politicians to placate a vocal constituency. Nothing more, nothing less."
Playing politics on the flight path: Council moves forward to fight FAA departure decision (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Developing Discontent
Lee Canyon, Deer Creek residents seek voice (Las Vegas Sun article)
A Preacher In Babylon
Keeping the faith in neighborhood (Las Vegas Sun article)
Civic-Minded
Guardian Angels watching out for downtown crime: Coordinator plans meeting with sheriff (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Douglas County
Ursine Marauders
Resident input sought on bear-proof trash cans (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Elko County
City Of Elko
The12th Street question: How long before improvements? (Elko Free Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Planning agency opens Tahoe City office (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Incline Village General Improvement District
IVGID welcomes new parks and rec director (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
IVGID welcomes 'recycled' material girl (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
IVGID's candidates; part II (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
All-Day Kindergartens
Kinder-Scam (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Gun-Toting Teachers
Another salvo on Beers' proposal to arm Nevada teachers (John DiMambro column, Nevada Appeal)
Churchill County School District
Cameras installed at CCHS (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Colorado River
Lake Mead under siege: Water level is dropping, pollution is rising and drought is projected to persist for years (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Young eager to find new challenge after four years as sheriff: Those who disagreed with him praise his integrity, hard work (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Cowboy Poetry
Time for Cowboy Poetry volunteers to sign up (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
SHERMAN FREDERICK: Harry skips Ford's funeral -- Bolivia couldn't wait? (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"Who knew Harry Reid was such a hipster?"
One wild and crazy guy: Don't let Harry Reid's reserved demeanor fool you; this dude can get down (Las Vegas Sun article)
The Congressman’s “Job” (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Heller announces backbencher status? (Desert Beacon)
Nevada Congressional Reps show their partisan flair (Desert Beacon)
FLASHPOINT for Jan 07, 2007 (Jon Ralston feature, Las Vegas Sun)
Ethics Reform
Fast action on ethics: In its first hours under Democratic control, the House passes long-overdue reform (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Democratic House Targets the Deficit and Earmarking (Jack Woods column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
More Secrecy
White House Declares Visitor's Log Secret (Jack Woods column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Foreign Affairs
A rebuttal to Bonanza columnists' Middle East take (Sid Bekowich column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
In hindsight, the Iraq dilemma is not a surprise (Guy W. Farmer column, Nevada Appeal)
What is winning, and can we accomplish it in Iraq? (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)
Another Way Backward? (Desert Beacon)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Wynn sues dealers for legal fees (Las Vegas Business Press article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Town Of Dayton
Transforming a quiet old-town street: For 10 years, bar owners have thrived in old Western downtown (Nevada Appeal article)
Old Dayton hotel to have a new life (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
THOMAS MITCHELL: The wonderful world of reader feedback (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Liberal With the Truth (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
==========================================
Update for January 7, 2007
[8:30 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Reno leaders try to tackle meth problem with TV documentary (Associated Press article)
Additional Resources On The Methamphetamine Problem
Tips for Teens: The Truth About Methamphetamine (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
Methamphetamine Update (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
Methamphetamine Jeopardizes Children's Welfare (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
Methamphetamine Abuse Rises (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
The DASIS Report: Methamphetamine / Amphetamine Treatment Admissions in Urban and Rural Areas, 2004 (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
The DASIS Report: Trends in Methamphetamine / Amphetamine Admissions to Treatment, 1993-2003 (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
Methamphetamine: The Child Welfare Impact And Response (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
The DASIS Report: Smoked Methamphetamine / Amphetamines, 1992-2002 (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
The NSDUH Report: Methamphetamine Use, Abuse, and Dependence: 2002, 2003, and 2004 (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
The DASIS Report: Primary Methamphetamine / Amphetamine Treatment Admissions, 1992-2002 (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website)
__________
Federal Nevada
A Federal Reader
RL33749 - December 16, 2006 The No Child Left Behind Act: An Overview of Reauthorization Issues for the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Office Report)
RL33761 - December 19, 2006 Rebuilding Housing After Hurricane Katrina (Congressional Research Office Report)
RL33332 - December 21, 2006 USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005: A Legal Analysis -- Updated (Congressional Research Office Report)
RS21125 -December 21, 2006 Homeland Security: Coast Guard Operations - Background and Issues for Congress -- Updated (Congressional Research Office Report)
RL31925 - December 13, 2006 FCC Media Ownership Rules: Current Status and Issues for Congress -- Updated (Congressional Research Office Report)
==========================================
January 8, 2007
[10:35 AM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
'Crystal Darkness' a can't-miss program for families (Nevada Appeal article)
Homeland Security
Las Vegas back on list for funds to fight terror (Las Vegas Sun article)
It is about time: Homeland Security officials come to their senses, put Las Vegas on list (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The State Judiciary
"A Las Vegas insurance defense attorney who alleged that campaign contributions influence judges has drawn the wrath of the Nevada Supreme Court. But not for that."
JANE ANN MORRISON: High court sends strong message on wrong way to argue insurance cases (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
2006 good year for judge (Nevada Appeal article)
Local Government
Clark County
Clark County Commission
Man of purpose: Can Rory Reid's inner strength produce the charisma needed for political future? (Las Vegas Sun article)
The Housing Market
Quick rebound for housing (Las Vegas Sun article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Lake Tahoe shore-zone plan remains controversial (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Lyon County
Silver Springs General Improvement District
Airport, utility to receive Lyon grants (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
Saved By The Tax Cap -- For Now
"'I think the county wants to have a lot of land of their own. They are going to tax people out of their homes,' said Thayer, who retired from Southern California. 'They scare me.'"
Property owners still wary despite tax cap (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Insufficiently Prestigious "Brand"
CCSN: Students want name change -- 9,000 sign petition to drop stigma-causing 'community' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Police Academy
WNCC exploring POST Academy in Fallon (Lahontan Valley News article)
Public Schools
Education Scam, Leadership, & Resources (Joe Enge column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Clark County School District
SEPARATING THE SEXES: Students do better in classes divided by gender (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Avalanche!
Avalanche forecasters find funds are harder to predict (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Trail Of The Cat
Scientists tracking mountain lion to find out impact on wild horses (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Wash-Watchers
LOOKING IN ON: THE SUBURBS -- Preservationist group forms to protect Upper Las Vegas Wash (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Good Cause Needs Money
Public's assistance sought in AIDS fight: Support agency needs help to fund programs (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Reid lets others celebrate -- Senate majority leader passes on Democrats' victory parties (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Our National Budget
"The solution to balancing the federal books, The Wall Street Journal notes, 'is restraint and reform, not higher taxes.'"
Federal revenues and Bush's tax cuts (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
"When members have been unable to find a private way around the restrictions that they've publicly supported, they've simply ignored the law."
A little budget discipline (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
The Social Security System
"The agreement would drain more billions from a system that already lists a $14 trillion liability and assets of only $3.5 trillion, according to a 2003 report by the Center for Immigration Studies. And it's worth noting that virtually none of those $3.5 billion in "assets" consists of gold bars or even bundled greenbacks sitting in some vault. Rather, $1.4 trillion exist in the form of IOUs from congressmen who have spent the money as it came in but promised to replace it in the "trust fund" when needed, whereas the remaining $2.1 trillion in "assets," the TREA League points out, are merely a bookkeeping entry representing 'the present value of the taxes that current workers will pay for the rest of their working lives.'"
Illegals drawing Social Security: And the federal government approves (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
US Department Of Energy
Keeping the nation secure: Firing the head of the U.S. nuclear weapons program should not deter congressional probe (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Not Working Out Well
Some Immigrants Are Re-Arrested 6 Times (Associated Press article)
Cooperation of SCAAP Recipients in the Removal of Criminal Aliens from the United States (US Justice Department website)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Secret Laws
Supreme Court Won't KO Airport ID Policy (Associated Press article)
Gilmore v. Gonzales: Legal Documents (papersplease.org website)
Gilmore v. Gonzales (US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals website)
Unwarranted Surveillance
"With a few strokes of his pen last month, President Bush signed a new U.S. Postal Service law and added a statement that says the government can open U.S. citizens' mail without first obtaining a search warrant."
Snooping without a warrant: President Bush rewrites a law on the fly, allowing mail searches without warrants (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Travel Restrictions
New passport rules in effect soon (Associated Press article)
Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities
"Since the first shackled prisoners arrived on the dry and dusty base in southeast Cuba, more than 770 captives have been held there and about 395 remain.
Only 10 were ever charged with crimes."
US close to charging Guantanamo prisoners (Sidney Morning Herald [Australia] article)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
It's up to us to stop the Iraq war (Unattributed column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Thanks Everybody. Here, Have A Banana Republic!
Casino industry to broadcast a 'thank you' to Nevadans (Las Vegas Sun article)
Nevada Needs Economic Diversification Even More Than Our Gambling Halls
"Offer the customers more and that's what they'll come back for."
Diversification is good for casinos (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada's Past
Downtown Vegas plans history you can walk on: Sidewalk medallions depicting city's colorful past part of beautification project (Las Vegas Sun article)
==========================================
Update for January 8, 2007
[5:10 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
From The Office Of The Governor
Governor Gibbons Reappoints Director Of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Nevada's Newest Ex-Governor
"In 2003, as in many, many earlier sessions of the Nevada Legislature, our representatives cobbled together an odd package of tax increases and new taxes that made no sense to anyone. The only organizing principle was unprincipled horse-trading. Everyone could say they got something and there would be enough money to pretend that the budget would be balanced."
We can learn from Guinn's big plan (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)
The Nevada Legislature
What Is The Sound Of One Hand Jerking?
Legislators look set to play trivial pursuit (Chuck Muth column, Las Vegas Business Press)
The State Judiciary
Court overturns NLV decision on payday loan stores: Ruling also kills "one appeal" rule (Las Vegas Business Press article)
City of North Las Vegas v. District Court (122 Nev. Adv. Op. 102; Nevada Supreme Court Website)
Nevada Taxes
A Slight Consolation
Tax verdict? Nevada bad but California worse (Howard Winters column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
Layoffs mount as kitchen closures begin: Smoking ban forces bars to choose (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Local Government
Clark County
Developing News
Another Lucky Land Deal: 20% Of Value And 5 % Down
"More than a year after the City of Mesquite agreed to sell 132 acres of city-owned land to a partnership between a Las Vegas casino operator and a commercial real estate developer, some city officials and business people say a foul odor still lingers around the deal."
Mesquite deal draws criticism, questions: No progress 14 months after land sale (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Other Developments
South Beach developer sets sights on Paradise (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Waiting For Ivanpah
Berkley Calls on FAA to Fully Staff Air Traffic Control Operations at McCarran Airport: Congresswoman Seeks to Ensure Continued Safety at Nation’s 5th Busiest Airport (Rep. Berkley Press Release)
Elko County
ECVA releases Visitors Guide (Elko Free Press article)
City Of Elko
City may shrink (Elko Free Press article)
City master plan up for discussion (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Democrats in the wild wild West (Inside Nevada Politics, Reno Gazette-Journal)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Elko County School District
Southside preschool program in the works (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Centennial Hills
New northwest hospital to open in late 2007: Valley Health System project could add 800 jobs to area (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Profitable
Workers' comp insurer set to go public (Las Vegas Business Press article)
__________
Nevada Culture
The Velocity Sutra
The Fast and the Furious, Pahrump style: Car club attracts local enthusiasts, quenches need for speed (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Cattlemen's Update
Cattlemen gather this week in Elko (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
Ensign Calls For Oversight Before Social Security Benefits Are Sent To Foreigners (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Berkley Again Tapped by House Democrats to Serve as a Senior Whip: Nevada’s Senior Congresswoman Part of Newly Announced Majority Whip Team (Rep. Berkley Press Release)
Congressman Porter Assigned to Ways and Means for the 110th Congress (Rep. Porter Press Release)
Just Want To Look Reformed, Not Be It
Senate Torn Over Ethics Panel Measure (Associated Press article)
Our National Budget
Monthly Budget Review - January 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)
Native Americans
Indian Issues: The Office of the Special Trustee Has Implemented Several Key Trust Reforms Required by the 1994 Act, but Important Decisions about Its Future Remain GAO-07-104, December 8, 2006 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities
More Gitmo Detainees Join Hunger Strike (Associated Press article)
"In June 2003, as the case was nearing trial, the government abruptly changed course, taking Mr. Marri out of the criminal system and moving him into indefinite military detention. That means, Mr. Ashcroft later wrote, that Mr. Marri can be held 'at least until the war against Al Qaeda was over.'”
In War of Vague Borders, Detainee Longs for Court (New York Times article)
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
New Spy Chief Inherits a Work in Progress (Associated Press article)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Avalanches in snow and sand (Desert Beacon)
U.N. Refugee Agency Says Iraq Needs Aid (Associated Press article)
Poland
Deal With The Devil: Priests And The Communist Secret Police
Lessons from an Archbishop’s Fall: To take control of its own history, the Catholic Church in Poland needs to vet miles of communist-era police records (Newsweek article)
Head Priest of Krakow Cathedral Resigns (Associated Press article)
Poland's Chief Roman Catholic Criticized (Associated Press article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Don't Look Back -- Something Might Be Gaining
This was the gaming year that was: Implosions, online-betting ban and Harrah's buyout defined 2006 (David G. Schwartz column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Harrah's Acquisition
Observers unfazed by resignations at Harrah's (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Fortune And Men's Eyes
Long-stalled casino project catches Station's eye (Las Vegas Business Press article)
==========================================
January 9, 2007
[7:00 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Nevada Legislature
Nevada's Wretched Campaign Finance Laws
Ballot Initiative May Be Necessary If Legislature Doesn't Act To Curb Corrupt Practices
"My personal favorite is the lawmaker who says, 'Time is limited, and we have more pressing priorities.' This is the Carson game's ultimate end run."
JOHN L. SMITH: Watch for the massacre when dream of ethics reforms hits Legislature (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"For several months last year an Interstate 15 billboard trumpeted the benefits of juice - with a wink and a nod to Las Vegans who know it isn't just for breakfast anymore."
Politicians meet in Las Vegas for symposium on ethics: Some cities breed scandals, prof says (Las Vegas Sun article)
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Meth documentary to air tonight (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
It's family programming (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Justices reject sentencing arguments from methamphetamine-addicted inmates (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's New Governor
Governor Gibbons Appoints Director of Department of Cultural Affairs (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Gibbons' Cabinet worries lawmaker: Arberry says too many of the appointees live in Northern Nevada (Las Vegas Sun article)
State Administration
Nevada Highways
Galena bridge back on track (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Employees' Salaries
State worker salaries gain ground: But survey shows 19.2 percent lag in comparison to selected employers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The State Judiciary
High court's version of lawyer discipline: Attorney sanctioned for uttering the truth (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Retiring justice hangs up robe, 18 years experience (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Family Court judge bars media from neglect case: German woman was to be tried in absentia in injuries her daughter suffered in August (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
Clark County
Real Estate Prices
REAL ESTATE: Las Vegas home prices drop -- Median dips 2 percent in December; inventory falls for second straight month (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Assessed value of many homes being reduced: Cycle of rapid appreciation has ended, according to new figures for Clark County (Las Vegas Sun article)
An Obnoxious Citizen
Council critic faces criminal complaint (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Washoe County
The Price Of Government Overcharging Citizens
Incline tax ruling could cost the county (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
City Of Sparks
Sparks panel says outside lawyers OK (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Airport Access
Stead airport growth soars (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The history of the Reno-Stead airport (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
All-Day Kindergarten
Kindergarten decision disappoints (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Clark County School District
Activist takes oath, joins School Board: Three incumbents are also sworn in, one via hospital teleconference (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Private Schools
CONTRIBUTING ALUMNI: Ex-students teach at school where they learned trades (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Native Nevadans
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
Tribal council to hold new elections (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Mental Health
"Despite the recent opening of a 190-bed mental hospital, the state's mental health administrator said Monday that another hospital must be built in the Las Vegas area unless private hospitals begin taking more mental patients."
BED SPACE: Mental health concern aired -- Official says need persists despite hospital (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Labor Unions And Health Care
Nevada Mediator Named To Oversee Nursing Talks (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Labor negotiations could get fresh start: Valley Health System, union to accept new mediator (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Utilities
Nevada Power And The White Pine County Coal-Burner
"The state's top regulator lost a fight to keep profit incentives for Nevada Power Co. on Monday when the two other utilities commissioners said they would vote to strip two paragraphs from a previous decision relating to the $3.7 billion Ely Energy Center, a wind power plant and a natural gas power plant."
Profit incentives cut from Ely plan: Clauses that would provide benefits for utility challenged (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Earthquake!
The ultimate 'what if': Weather Channel show focuses on effects of a quake in the valley (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Reid: The Senate Is Committed To Tough New Ethics Reform (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Reid: Congress Has An Opportunity To Improve No Child Left Behind (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Official calls for more LV air traffic staffing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Minimum Wage
Response to a Request by Senator Grassley About the Effects of Increasing the Federal Minimum Wage Versus Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, January 9, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)
Federal Taxation
AMT, Tax Gap Called Gravest Tax Problems (Associated Press article)
IRS Gearing Up to Process Tax Breaks (Associated Press article)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Ex-Official Sentenced for Abramoff Gifts (Associated Press article)
Department Of Justice
Recidivist illegals (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
From The Office Of The President
Bush Judicial Nominees Ask to Withdraw (Associated Press article)
Bush Lifts Alaska Oil, Gas Drilling Ban (Associated Press article)
Veteran Washington Lawyer Named Counsel (Associated Press article)
What are the odds? Fielding hired as WH Counsel (Desert Beacon)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities
Italian Lawyer in CIA Case Withdraws (Associated Press article)
Human Rights Groups Plan Gitmo Protests (Associated Press article)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Guard member recounts attack: Truck in convoy hit by roadside bomb (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Reid: Democrats might try to deny funding for troop surge (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
ERIN NEFF: Harry's flip-flop (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Ominous plan for Iraq: By supporting an escalation, Bush will show that he is not listening to voters (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Iraq and GOP Politics: Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (Desert Beacon)
New Wave of Troops Set for Iraq (Associated Press article)
Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight GAO-07-308SP, January 9, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
__________
Nevada's Past
The Streets Of Las Vegas
Marking time downtown: East Fremont Street plan to bronze Las Vegas' entertaining past is as good as gold (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Melvin And Howard
Judge tosses lawsuit over Hughes will (Associated Press article)
==========================================
January 10, 2007
[2:35 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
"It is appropriate under the circumstances that newly elected Gov. Jim Gibbons has decided to wage an all-out war on meth. If he accomplishes nothing else but is successful in this initiative, his first term will be an unqualified success because lives will be saved, family relationships salvaged, crime victims spared and productivity, health and happiness restored."
Let Nevada's war on meth begin (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
Meth problem worth all the attention it receives (Nevada Appeal editorial)
"In the last decade, the price of an ounce of meth plummeted from $10,000 to $600."
County cracks-down on meth (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Broadcast brings meth tragedy home for viewers (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Appointments And Disappointments
Cultural Affairs
Local dentist appointed Cultural Affairs director (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Dentist named Cultural Affairs director (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gaming Control Board
Latest News
Controversial Nevada appointee takes new position (Associated Press article)
Neilander asks AG to resolve appointment fight (Nevada Appeal article)
JOHN L. SMITH: Gibbons vs. Guinn spat aside, one of the appointees really is better (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Nevada Highways
Transportation director commits to LV projects (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
U.S. 395 extension on track, again (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
TRAFFIC SAFETY STUDY: Nevada's ranking lowered -- Group cites state's lack of progress in three areas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
New Study Finds Mounting Deaths and Minimal Progress as Key Highway Safety Laws Hit Roadblocks in Most State Capitals (Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety Press Release)
2007 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws (Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety Report)
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
Consumer Scams
"Local consumer advocates say Gov. Jim Gibbons' planned radical reorganization of the state's consumer affairs duties should be good news for Nevadans victimized by unscrupulous business practices."
Changes for consumers: State reorganizing to avoid duplication (Las Vegas Sun article)
Man who cried prejudice is arrested: Golf club could use arrest in defense against lawsuit (Las Vegas Sun article)
Plight Of The Homeless
"The information compiled by the National Alliance to End Homelessness puts the Silver State's figure at more than double the national average."
Count ranks Nevada No. 2 in percentage of homeless (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
First Nationwide Estimate of Homeless Population in a Decade Announced (National Alliance to End Homelessness Press Release)
Homelessness Counts (National Alliance to End Homelessness Report)
National Alliance to End Homelessness
State Department Of Wildlife
Game wardens need help: Using a toll-free number could help cut down on the number of poachers in Nevada (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Treadway Park
City considers ensuring public access (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
$kindustry Regulation
Help for teen prostitutes: Support system has improved immensely, but still lacking are secure safe houses (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Housing Prices
Home sales limp through 2006 (Las Vegas Business Press article)
City Of North Las Vegas
NLV outgrowing its reputation: Rich and poor divided in city, but bad image is transforming (Las Vegas Sun article)
Elko County
City Of Elko
Fall was busy building season (Elko Free Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
TRPA's shorezone plan under scrutiny this month (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Incline Village General Improvement District
Board selects new trustee today (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Is it a Locke? "Government has no other end but the preservation of property." - John Locke, 1690 (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Around The Lake
Eminent domain, round two (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Local companies would pony up big bucks under proposed diesel rules (Sierra Sun article)
Hazardous waste discovered near Truckee Regional Park (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
South Lake Tahoe Airport
Resorts give Tahoe airport a lift (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
Two current members, commissioner appointed to RTC (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
County approves business licenses in Dayton, Mound House (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Developer denied master plan amendment request for Mound House project (Nevada Appeal article)
Commission denies Linehan milling permit (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
North Lyon County Fire Protection District firefighters form a union (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
City Of Fernley
Fernley adopts bill to establish primary elections (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Mayor tells Lyon commission he wants to work with county (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
County Sheriff's Two Hats
Veil appointed Fernley chief of police (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Town Of Dayton
New Dayton Regional Advisory Council holds first meeting (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Silver Springs General Improvement District
Silver Springs GID to seek legal opinion on board member's status (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
County Affairs
County Seats
Larkin, Weber keep posts on commission (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
2 officials take charge of public works (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Mysterious Limitation On Public Comment
Commission reconsiders time limit (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Things To Do
Washoe approves action plans for new year (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Pleasant Valley
County to seek grant for trailhead (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
City Of Reno
Scarlet Letter Proposal: Why Not Try It Out On Topless Bars And Rowdy Taverns First?
Comments to be heard on party ordinance (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Fuel Shortage
"A wood pellet shortage has hit the Reno area, leaving people to pay more than double for the environmentally-friendly fuel than they did a year ago."
Wood pellet shortage heats up prices (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Tax Revolt And Solidarity
"Recall that several years ago IV/CB property assessments suddenly started to ascend to the heavens, seemingly out of all proportion to other property in Washoe County, elsewhere around the lake and in the state. When efforts to reason with county officials about these spectacular tax increases proved useless, "the people," in the form of a small group of conscientious, devoted, deliberative, and determined citizens banned together and quite properly sought legal redress."
Incline, now it's time for change (Andy Whyman column, Nevada Appeal)
__________
Nevada Politics
Governor Gibbons' Health
Jon Ralston on why Gov. Gibbons would have best been served by openness (Las Vegas Sun column)
BILL ROBERTS: Despite lack of disclosure, Gibbons deserves chance to lead (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Late Congressional Candidate
Hafen takes job with Health Sciences Center (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Community College Of Southern Nevada
A college by any other name may be sweeter (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Public Schools
National education survey puts Nevada near bottom (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
President Bush Marks Fifth Anniversary of No Child Left Behind (White House Press Release)
Fact Sheet: The No Child Left Behind Act: Five Years of Results for America's Children (White House Press Release)
Churchill County School District
New school board members will be sworn in Thursday (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County School District
Volunteers work to make life better for poor students (Las Vegas Sun article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Big money makes a difference for Tahoe area schools (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
SNWA's Suction Scheme
Utah 'optimistic' about water agreement with Nevada (Associated Press article)
There's Only So Much Water In The Ground. When It's Gone There Won't Be None Around.
Spring Creek
"The PUC previously approved sewer rate increases of between 1,789 and 3,246 percent, which was recommended by Nevada’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. The recommendation was lower than the 3,525 percent increase requested by Spring Creek Utilities, which is a subsidiary of Northbrook, Ill.-based Utilities Inc."
State approves sewer rates for Spring Creek (Elko Free Press article)
New sewer rates (Elko Free Press article)
City Of Fernley: Developing Costs -- Other Wells Drying Up
"Reeder told the Council last summer he had to deepen his well at a cost of $9,000; further he was told once the cost to abandon the well is about $9,000 as well."
Well water woes on Mesa Drive (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Dayton And Mound House
"The Lyon County Board of Commissioners has proposed an ordinance that would establish new industrial wastewater discharge permit rules and regulation for Lyon County Utilities, which includes the utility systems in the Dayton and Mound House area."
Ordinance proposed to establish new industrial wastewater discharge permit rules (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Labor Unions And Health Care
Leaders ask Satre to mediate union, hospital dispute (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Televised Treatment
Telehealth Clinic: Technology comes to aid of Elko-area veterans (Elko Free Press article)
Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention requires proactive health practices (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Trouble On The Green
AFL-CIO sues state development commission: Suit alleges solar company reneged on promises (Las Vegas Business Press article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Anti-Frump
Mature women fight frump: Blue martinis and hip huggers signs of a new movement (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
It's 2007, and time to give Yucca Mountain a brake (Abby Johnson column, Nevada Appeal)
Nevada Test Site
Scientists fail to sway residents: Doubts persist over safety of non-nuclear blast at test site (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Public Lands
Horse roundup continues: Animals collected so far show significant weight loss, BLM official says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
A Matter Of Honesty
Paying long overdue bill: Government must quickly correct accounting problems that left American Indians unpaid (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Troop surge splits state's delegation (Las Vegas Sun article)
A tall order for Mr. Bush (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
From The Office Of The President
Fact Sheet: The New Way Forward in Iraq (White House Press Release)
Highlights of the Iraq Strategy Review (White House Press Release)
Background Briefing by Senior Administration Officials (White House Press Release)
In Focus: Renewal In Iraq (White House Press Release)
Latest Reports
Bush to Add 21,500 Troops to Iraq Force (Associated Press article)
Analysis: Bush Speech Draws Lines (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada's Past
The Old School
"The Silver City Community Center was housed in the historic Silver City schoolhouse structure, that was said to have been originally constructed in the 1860s."
Silver City Community Center reconstruction out to bid (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
The State Railroad Museum
Railroad Museum seeks $1M in transportation funding (Nevada Appeal article)
Rail cars bought for V&T may only be worth their steel, contractor says (Nevada Appeal article)
Reno's Historic Buildings
Reno seeking nominations for city's historic heritage (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
City Of Reno Historical Resources Commission
The Winter Of '51
"'It just kept snowing and snowing,' McMurray said. 'We dug a path from our service station back to the cabin and the snow was over our heads.'"
Woman recalls harsh Tahoe winters (Nevada Appeal article)
==========================================
Update for January 10, 2007
[9:30 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's New Governor
Nevada governor meets with team leaders, readies for major speech (Associated Press article)
Nevada's Newest Ex-Governor
Governor Guinn looks back (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)
This just in! Governor's legacy in new book (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
From The Office Of The Attorney General
Hawthorne Woman Sentenced To Prison In Credit Union Embezzling Case (Nevada Attorney General Press Release)
Plight Of The Homeless
Nevada coming in second in the wrong race (Desert Beacon)
Local Government
Ban Local Government Lobbyists
Taxpayers Paying to Pick Own Pockets (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Clark County
Appraiser Cleared In High-Profit Land Swaps, Flips
"The state has closed the book on the airport land swap scandal. The Real Estate Division has completed its investigation of appraisals of land conducted by Tim Morse and has found that “there is insufficient evidence to substantiate any allegations of misconduct,” according to a letter Morse produced Wednesday at a news conference."
State finishes airport land investigation: Appraiser claims exoneration (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Sorry, TNO readers. The report of the Attorney General's Real Estate Division is not available on the AG's website.
For Our Readers
Inspector General's Handbook of Fraud Indicators
Dept of Aviation CMA Land Exchange Final Report (12/5/05)
Dept of Aviation Management Responses & Appendices (12/5/05)
Dept of Aviation CMA Land Exchange GKT 16 and 19 (7/10/05)
Elko County
City Of Elko
City agrees to extend water line, if properties annexed (Elko Free Press article)
Nye County
Town Of Pahrump
"'It seems that most of the boards are rubber stamp committees and in place only to provide a scapegoat in case of discovery of possible backdoor actions of the town board,' Baker wrote."
Baker leaves Public Lands Advisory Board: Wouldn't wish job on anyone (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Other Matters
Rural Nevada Development Corporation
"RNDC is a private non-profit development corporation serving 15 rural counties and 27 Native American tribes of Nevada, as well as rural portions of Clark and Washoe counties."
RNDC helps rural buyers (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Scavengers
Copper wire stolen from VEA facility (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Nye County School District
Keating Appointed President: New trustees get their feet wet (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
SNWA The Water Moloch: The More It Takes, The More It Needs
Reid’s ‘earmark’ gets veto of home county (The Hill [Washington DC article])
Invasive zebra mussels found in Lake Mead (Associated Press article)
Nye County Water Authority
"Nye County commissioners Friday hammered out revisions to a proposed bill draft for the Nevada Legislature that would create a Nye County Water Authority, overcoming concerns it would create too large a bureaucracy or setting the stage for a future water grab in northern Nye County."
Water panel may have wide powers: Eminent domain seen as protective in some instances (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Looking Deep Inside: ‘Revolutionary’ CT scanner is twice as fast (Elko Free Press article)
Labor Unions And Health Care
Speaker Barbara Butt-insky (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Ensign Leads Medical Liability Reform Effort (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
The Public Lands
Round-up opponents make voices heard (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Unwarranted Surveillance
ACLU Urges Congress To Clean House; Calls on Lawmakers to Restore and Protect Civil Liberties (ACLU Press Release)
Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities
CIA Defends Document Secrecy at Trial (Associated Press article)
Declaration of the Central Intelligence Agency on Secret Interrogation Techniques (ACLU website)
Department of Defense Declarations on Secret Interrogation Techniques (ACLU website)
“'Through these memos, the president and Office of Legal Counsel created a legal framework that was specifically intended to allow the CIA to violate both U.S. and international law,' said Jameel Jaffer, Deputy Director of the ACLU’s National Security Program. 'While national security sometimes requires secrecy, it is increasingly clear that these documents are being kept secret not for national security reasons but for political ones.'”
CIA Provides Further Details on Secret Interrogation Memos: August 2002 Memo Discussed “Alternative Interrogation Methods” (ACLU website)
Torture Documents Released Under Freedom Of Information Act (ACLU website)
Foreign Affairs
Iran
U.N. Nuclear Inspectors Arrive in Iran (Associated Press article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Bush Takes Blame in Iraq, Adds Troops (Associated Press article)
Text of Bush's Address to the Nation (Associated Press article)
Troop Boost Will Mean Longer Tours (Associated Press article)
Iraq Policy Splits Presidential Hopefuls (Associated Press article)
War-Weary Americans Weigh New Bush Plan (Associated Press article)
Mexico
Mexican Military Readies Drug Crackdown (Associated Press article)
Tijuana police abandon posts: After federal agents confiscate the force's weapons, officers decide going back on patrol would be too risky. (Los Angeles Times article)
Somalia
U.S. Special Forces in Somalia (Associated Press article)
U.S. Reportedly Targeted 20 in Somalia (Associated Press article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Nevada gambling regulators OK's Iacocca casino (Associated Press article)
==========================================
January 11, 2007
[11:24 AM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
"The only real criticism we've heard about Tuesday night's broadcast of "Crystal Darkness: Meth's deadly assault on Nevada's Youth" is that it was not long enough."
Don't let film's anti-meth message disappear (Nevada Appeal editorial)
200 call help line after film on meth (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
"Now it's not just smoke free, it's completely empty. The filled shopping carts with melting frozen goods are no longer parked behind the machines."
ERIN NEFF: When the slots went silent (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
State Consumer Affairs Shake-Up
"The bottom line is that we need beefed-up consumer protection in the state, not less, and we hope that Gibbons agrees."
Consumer agency in flux: Gov. Gibbons' plan to change needed state agency deserves careful scrutiny (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The State Judiciary
Rose's legacy is a respected court (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Local Government
Clark County
County Affairs
AIRPORT LAND DEALS: Probe: Appraiser followed rules -- Public property swaps made millions for broker (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Hearing focuses on coroner's inquests (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
City Of Las Vegas
"As has been the case for several years, nearly his entire speech was devoted to rattling off downtown projects under construction, such as high-rise condominiums; the planned development for the Lou Ruvo Brain Center; and reinvestment that downtown casinos are making in their properties."
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS: Mayor calls gains 'amazing' -- Goodman touts downtown advances, wants pro sports team (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nye County
Town Of Pahrump
Pahrump moves toward repealing ordinance (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Washoe County
Hang On To Your Wallets -- Developers' Day At Planning Commission
"The Regional Planning Commission on Wednesday night unanimously endorsed adding 8,442 acres to Reno's annexation territory, including 2,438 acres on Peavine Peak the city doesn't want."
Planning commission endorses Reno annexation (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
State Democratic Party
Early buzz for caucus eludes Nevada: As a newcomer, state has much to figure out (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Students face tougher scholarship standards (Lahontan Valley News article)
"Could it be that teacher salaries suffer because education unions insist that tax dollars be spent on too many bells and whistles that have no discernible relationship to student achievement?"
Education resources (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Frozen Assets: Rethinking Teacher Contracts Could Free Billions for School Reform (Education Sector Press Release, with links to report)
"The law must be less punitive, set a straightforward national academic standard and be adequately funded. Congress cannot change this failing education program fast enough."
Leave behind a bad law: Congress must revise the No Child Left Behind law before another year passes (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Clark County School District
JANE ANN MORRISON: Day in classroom confirms urgent need to upgrade school safety (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Colorado River And Lake Mead
"Twenty years ago the tiny zebra mussel was unknown in North America. But somewhere the tenacious invader hitched a ride on a boat from Europe and settled in the Great Lakes."
Zebra mussel's arrival threatens Lake Mead's ecosystem (Las Vegas Sun article)
Nevada Groundwater
Shortfall answer may lie below: Gibbons considers selling water rights beneath highways (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
City Of Fallon
City water deemed clean after positive test for coliform bacteria (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Labor Unions And Health Care
Union, hospital return to table but neither side caving (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Old-Time Nevada
Documenting history by taking the back roads (Nevada Appeal article)
Fire Festival
Burning Man co-founder files lawsuit over name (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The Velocity Sutra
Racing for a finish: Contractor confident speedway will be ready by March 9 (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
Utahns oppose 'Divine Strake': Meeting crowd small but vocal (Associated Press article)
From The US Congress
Rep. Heller's New Website
FLASHPOINT for Jan 11, 2007 (Jon Ralston feature, Las Vegas Sun)
Rep. Heller's Congressional website
Office Of Management And Budget
OMB Risk Assessment Plan Called Flawed (Associated Press article)
Report Recommends Withdrawal of OMB Risk Assessment Bulletin (National Research Council Press Release)
Scientific Review of the Proposed Risk Assessment Bulletin from the Office of Management and Budget (National Research Council Report - scroll down for Table of Contents)
From The US Supreme Court
Labor Unions Dues And Fees
"At issue are the fees collected by Washington state's teachers union, the WEA. If you want to be a teacher in Washington, you have to pay a fee to the union, even if you aren't a member."
Political activity and union dues: Court hears arguments in Washington state cases (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Supreme Court Hears Union Fees Lawsuit (Associated Press article)
Oral Arguments in Davenport v. Washington Ed. Assn. (US Supreme Court website)
Pharmaceutical Patents
Court Rules in Favor of MedImmune (Associated Press article)
MedImmune, Inc. v. Genentech, Inc. (US Supreme Court website)
Foreign Affairs
Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
NATO: 130 Fighters Killed in Afghanistan (Associated Press article)
Insurgents Play Role in Bin Laden Escape (Associated Press article)
Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Hardly the way forward: President's decision to send in 21,500 more U.S. troops to Iraq is a terrible one (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Some in Reno not optimistic after speech (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Step two: Peace protesters seem ill-equipped for the next stage of ending the war (Reno News & Review article)
Each death diminishes us all (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)
Troop Boost Plan Draws Fierce Opposition (Associated Press article)
Gates: Timetable for Troop Boost Unclear (Associated Press article)
Iran, Syria Denounce Bush's Iraq Plan (Associated Press article)
Iraq PM Cracks Down on Shiite Militiamen (Associated Press article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Gambling Regulation
GAMING CONTROL BOARD: Panel of two gets to work -- Regulatory board still without third member (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Home Means Nevada
News sends Sands surging: Research note says company gets OK to build resort in China (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
MGM Mirage compliance heads in new direction: Panel members independent of company (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Past
The State's First Governor
Gibbons swears (Reno News & Review article)
For more on Gov. Blasdel and his administration, see these articles by Gov. James G. Scrugham in TNO's Reading Room:
==========================================
Update for January 11, 2007
[7:25 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
No Press Honeymoon
Born in deceit and chaos (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)
Local Government
Clark County
State finishes airport land investigation: Appraiser claims exoneration (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Appraiser Tim Morse cleared in airport cases (Vegas Pundit website)
__________
Nevada Politics
Predilection And Politics
The Difference Between Liberals And Conservatives (Reno and Its Discontents)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Why Don't Nevada Students Do Better?
Questions persist on all-day kindergarten (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)
More Kids ‘On Track’ at School — 1 in 4 Gifted — According to Census Bureau Report on ‘A Child’s Day’ (US Census Bureau website)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
Second possible route for Yucca Mountain rail line to get study (Associated Press article)
NOTICES Withdrawal and reservation of lands: Nevada, 1235–1239 [E7–84] (Bureau of Land Management notice, Federal Register)
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
Reid Cosponsors Bill To Provide A Permanent Sales Tax Deduction (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Porter Votes In Favor of Small Business (Rep. Porter Press Release)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Ex-Interior #2 a Target in Abramoff Probe (Associated Press article)
Guide to Earmark Reform (Citizens Against Government Waste website)
Government Waste Watch (Citizens Against Government Waste website)
Our National Budget
Long-Term Budget Outlook: Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today GAO-07-342T, January 11, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Medicare Reform
Prescription Drugs: An Overview of Approaches to Negotiate Drug Prices Used by Other Countries and U.S. Private Payers and Federal Programs GAO-07-358T, January 11, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
CBO Faults Medicare Drug Plan (Associated Press article)
GOP: Bush Would Veto Medicare Reforms (Associated Press article)
FDA Proposes Hike in Drug Industry Fees (Associated Press article)
Drug Program Enrollment Increases (Associated Press article)
Government Secrecy
Group Sues Archives Over WH Visitor Logs (Associated Press article)
CREW Sues NARA For Information About Classification of White House Visitor Logs (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Press Release)
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Organized Crime
Luis Posada Carriles Indicted on Criminal Immigration Charges (US Justice Department website)
Luis Posada Carriles: The Declassified Record (National Security Archive)
The War On Terrorists
Negroponte: al-Qaida the Biggest Threat (Associated Press article)
Annual Threat Assessment of the Director of National Intelligence (Director of National Intelligence website)
U.S. Hunts for Key Terrorists in Somalia (Associated Press article)
9/11 Bill May Face Scrutiny in Senate (Associated Press article)
RS21021 - December 5, 2006 "Terrorism" and Related Terms in Statute and Regulation: Selected Language -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)
Spy Coins
Defense Workers Warned About Spy Coins (Associated Press article)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Pentagon Abandons Active-Duty Time Limit (Associated Press article)
US CENTCOM Newsletter, week of January 8, 2007 (US Department of Defense website)
RL33757 - December 20, 2006 U.S. Army and Marine Corps Equipment Requirements: Background and Issues for Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)
Foreign Affairs
Recent Events Fuel Arab Ire Toward U.S. (Associated Press article)
RS21745 - December 11, 2006 Islam: Sunnis and Shiites -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Comments Of Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Ensign Comments On The President's Iraq Speech (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Democratic Leaders: 'Escalating Our Military Involvement in Iraq Sends Precisely the Wrong Message' (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Congressman Porter Statement on the President’s New Strategy in Iraq (Rep. Porter Press Release)
Nevada members of Congress react, except one (Desert Beacon)
Nevada Commentary
The unthinkable: Why would the President widen the war? (Desert Beacon)
Support the Troops: A Strange Way to Show It? (Desert Beacon)
The Presidents Plan: The Great IF (Desert Beacon)
Why Does the US Want a Permanent Presence in Iraq? (Jack Woods column, Nye - Gateway To Nevada's Rurals)
National Reactions
Poll: Americans Oppose Iraq Troop Surge (Associated Press article)
Congress Divided Over Bush War Plan (Associated Press article)
Analysis: Democrats' Delicate Strategy (Associated Press article)
Lawmakers Grill Rice Over the Iraq War (Associated Press article)
Mexico
U.S. praises Mexico drug sweep, promises more help (Reuters article)
Prepared Statement of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales on Law Enforcement Cooperation Between the United States and Mexico (US Justice Department website)
Mexican troops roll into resort town Acapulco (Associated Press article)
DEA seeks to increase its presence in Mexico: U.S. wants OK to place more agents in 3 cities with burgeoning drug trafficking (Houston Chronicle article)
In Mexico, ruling party members linked to killing of state legislator (Associated Press article)
A Federal Reader
RL32048 - January 5, 2007 Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)
RS22562 - January 5, 2007 Russian Natural Gas: Regional Dependence -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)
RL33037 - January 3, 2007 Previewing a 2007 Farm Bill -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)
RS22370 - December 22, 2006 U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)
RS22556 - December 15, 2006 Incapacity of a Member of the Senate (Congressional Research Service Report)
RL33758 - December 15, 2006 U.S. Arms Sales: Agreements with and Deliveries to Major Clients, 1998-2005 (Congressional Research Service Report)
RL32730 - December 19, 2006 Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)
RL31555 - December 11, 2006 China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Gamblers Still Taking In Their Winnings With A Big Spoon
November gaming win close to state record (Las Vegas Business Press article)
November 2006 Nevada Gaming Revenues and Collections (Gaming Control Board website)
Acts Of The Regulators
Golden Gaming gets early OK to run Hard Rock casino (Associated Press article)
Indiscreet
Kerkorian tagged in Pellicano scandal (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Unhappy
Casino mogul sues Lloyd's of London in NYC over damaged Picasso (Associated Press article)
==========================================
January 12, 2007
[10:30 AM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Budget
"Gibbons' sweeping statements came as a shock to a top Democrat in the Legislature, who said a wholesale overhaul was not what was expected from the budget the new governor is scheduled to present in his State of the State address on Jan. 22."
NO BUDGET DETAILS: Gibbons plans spending changes -- Governor pledges 'big difference' from past (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
"Your community is so far ahead of every other community in the state," she said to members of the coalition gathered at the Carson Nugget on Wednesday. "Most people would rather not get engaged. They'd rather the government just take care of it - without using tax dollars."
AG praises Carson City's anti-meth coalition's efforts (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
Smokers flock to no-food bars (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Appointments And Disappointments
Sectional Representation
"Here is one way how "one Nevada" is playing out - of the 16 state department heads in the governor's Cabinet, only one is from Southern Nevada."
Advice from the north: Clark County doesn't have much representation in the new governor's Cabinet (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
All's Well That Ends Well
"Randy Sayre, who was named to the panel by Gov. Jim Gibbons on Jan. 4, will get the seat after Keith Munro, who was appointed to the position by former Gov. Kenny Guinn, stepped away from the job and took a job as chief of staff to the attorney general."
Sayre to get spot on control board: Dispute over third position appears resolved (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gaming board appointee Battle concluded (Nevada Appeal article)
The State Judiciary
No right to bear arms: Courts in Clark County consider zero-tolerance policy on weapons of any kind (Las Vegas Sun article)
Local Government
Churchill County
CEDA, Chamber assess challenges facing Fallon (Juliette Taylor and Eric Grimes column, Lahontan Valley News)
"Friday morning's agenda includes an overview of the Carson River regional water plan, a discussion on conservation easements and three breakout sessions covering the Yerington creamery, weed control and demand for local beef."
Newlands Ag Expo offered Jan. 19-20 (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
Coroner's Inquests And Police Shootings
"Distrust of the police and the process that reviews deaths at the hands of officers was evident Thursday night as dozens of people denounced in-custody deaths and a "broken" coroner's inquest process."
Public hearings on coroner's inquest system come to end: Many wonder about police accountability (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Disaster Planning
On the road to disaster readiness: Officials discuss how to be prepared for any calamities (Las Vegas Sun article)
Affordable Housing
Low-rent project has neighbors crying foul: Aesthetics, property values among concerns (Las Vegas Sun article)
Family Services
"Among bills that state lawmakers will consider during the upcoming legislative session is a requirement that Child Haven be licensed by the state and a ban on housing children under age 6 at the facility."
Proposals leave Child Haven officials uneasy: Emergency shelter may face new licensing, capacity rules (Las Vegas Sun article)
City Of North Las Vegas
Montandon bullish on NLV: Cites big master-planned communities as transforming the city (Las Vegas Business Press article)
"North Las Vegas, during the past year, has celebrated its 60th birthday, been promoted from third to second fastest-growing large city in the nation, and announced development of its biggest-yet master-planned community."
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS: Mayor thinks big in North Las Vegas -- Montandon hails 'exciting time' of explosive growth (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Douglas County
BLM Diversion Of Funds
"County officials feel duped by a Bureau of Land Management decision to fund conservation easements in Washoe County with money they feel was meant for Douglas County, and they're ready to fight back."
County officials outraged over easement choices (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Growth Cap
Growth cap proposal gets lukewarm reception (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Elko County
Peace Park advances one ‘piece’ at a time (Elko Free Press column)
Ranchers want more input on permits (Elko Free Press column)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Incline to blame for DUIs (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Shorezone plan questioned by the public at N. Shore forum (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Incline Village General Improvement District
New IVGID board member sworn in (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Lyon County
Keeping the water flowing smoothly (Nevada Appeal article)
Repair of Six Mile intersection a good turn (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Jon Ralston on the resolution of the Gibbons appointment fiasco, the ironic twist to the scapegoating of an appraiser and the mayor's continuing dream of a pro sports team (Las Vegas Sun column)
__________
Corruption? In Nevada?
Clark County Commission Corruption Cases
Prison terms begin today: Disgraced officials scheduled to report (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Home Means Nevada
"Is this an appropriate activity for CCSN given CCSN's mission?" Wixom said. "Clearly the fact that it's in Macau raises questions."
CCSN sets sights on Macau campus: School president sees venture as promising source of revenue (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Western Nevada Community College: Helping Out Local Businessmen
WNCC offering independent study safety courses (Lahontan Valley News article)
Public Schools
Clark County School District
School Board adds year of science, math (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Clark County Schools Superintendent Walt Rulffes told Gov. Jim Gibbons this week that higher teacher salaries could help the district fill some of its 527 vacant teaching positions."
LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY -- Rulffes recommends pay raises for teachers (Las Vegas Sun article)
Washoe County School District
"Your student achievement is far surpassing other areas of the state," Snowbarger told a roundtable of 11 Washoe County School District teachers. "We want to find out what you're doing."
U.S. education official picks up answers from Washoe teachers (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
The Colorado River And Lake Mead
Get control of mussels: Discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Mead requires proper budget for all-out assault (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Nevada's Burnt Hills
Habitat restoration daunting after fires (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Heller says he's pleased with panel assignments (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Federal Taxes
Here we go again ... it's that time of year for taxes (Jeff Quinn column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Today's Youth: America's Future
Seeing what's next: Today's young adults may bring about an age of tolerance - after making that first million (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
A Portrait of "Generation Next": How Young People View Their Lives, Futures and Politics (Pew Research Center Survey)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Bush's 'new' Iraq plan (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Talk more about politics (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
A columnist's rebuttal to a rebuttal (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Internet Gamblers
"It sounds as if officials at Pinnacle are hearing the same well-sourced rumors I've heard: that the federal government's tolerance level with island sports books playing footsie with our country's laws is diminishing by the minute."
JOHN L. SMITH: Internet bookmaker dumps U.S. market before FBI heat gets too intense (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Monthly Gamblers' Haul
"Sparks, North Lake Tahoe and unincorporated Washoe County casinos all grew revenue from November 2005, but Reno and Stateline both saw revenue decline more than 6 percent."
Reno casino revenue dropped in November (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Artist's Cottage
"Artist Robert Caples' residence in Dayton is new addition to the Nevada State Register of Historic Places, state historic preservation officer Ron James announced Thursday."
Dayton house deemed historic (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
==========================================
January 13, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Wretched Campaign Finance And Ethics Laws
Nevada lawmakers to deal with ethics legislation (Associated Press article)
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Local officials tout Crystal Darkness anti-meth documentary (Mason Valley News article)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
COURT CHALLENGE: Smoking ban order official -- Health district still studying judge's ruling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Tomorrow, The World
After Nevada win, anti-smoking advocates set sights on the nation (Associated Press article)
Domestic Violence
"Why do animals get more rights and protection than a human life? Is an animal's life more important than a human being's."
Tribe hosts domestic violence seminar (Lahontan Valley News article)
From The Office Of The Governor
Appointments And Disappointments
Governor to Re-appoint Pete Bernhard Chair of Nevada Gaming Commission (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Governor to reappoint Pete Bernhard head of Nevada Gaming Commission (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Nevada Gaming Commission chairman reappointed (Associated Press article)
Sayre unfazed by delayed appointment: Military veteran lands on Gaming Control Board (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
No Press Honeymoon
Another lie? But why? (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Nevada's Newest Ex-Governor
"This book is the ex-governor's campaign for his legacy. And unlike the ones he ran twice to get elected, this one was wholly unnecessary."
Jon Ralston on Politics: Guinn, not forgotten (In Business Las Vegas column)
From The Office Of The Attorney General
Attorney-General Catherine Cortez-Masto Appoints Keith Munro As Chief Of Staff (Attorney General Press Release)
JANE ANN MORRISON: After further review: Cortez Masto not guilty of conflict of interest (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
The Nevada Legislature
At home or at the Capitol, legislators lay down the law (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
BDR filed to seek electrical cost relief for farmers (Mason Valley News article)
The State Judiciary
Judge's yard judged a mess: County says 'junk, trash and debris' make Halverson's house a nuisance (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
Clark County
Tourism
Convention gains nudge November visitation into the plus column: Golden Nugget leads record number of Four Diamond winners (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Housing Market
Real Estate and Development: Homebuilder hopes for an improving market (In Business Las Vegas article)
Banking and Marketing: Economist: Real estate slump only temporary (In Business Las Vegas article)
Assessed home values dropping (In Business Las Vegas article)
Elko County
BLM Easements
Million-Dollar View (Elko Free Press article)
Spring Creek
"Could Spring Creek benefit from a change in its form of government? The debate is on whether the community should move from a property owners association to a general improvement district."
Spring Creek looks at tax district (Elko Free Press article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
Proposed ordinance would establish utility development standards for county (Mason Valley News article)
Biodiesel plant put on hold to allow Fire District review (Mason Valley News article)
City Of Yerington
Alternate route not pinned to timeline, could become part of City master plan (Mason Valley News article)
Luzier subdivision has City OK in Willowcreek interlocal agreement (Mason Valley News article)
City turns 100 on March 14 (Mason Valley News article)
Town Of Dayton
New Advisory Council ready to represent Dayton's interests (Mason Valley News article)
Nye County
Town Of Pahrump
New town board hits the ground running: To little reaction, panel begins process to get rid of so-called "English Ordinance" (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Richards overruled: Board sets own course on agenda prep (Pahrump Valley Times article)
New town board backs Boys and Girls Club (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Home Depot taking aim at Pahrump (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Zoning snafu won't ensure Lewis Equipment expansion (Pahrump Valley Times article)
White Pine County
County Affairs
County tables DA contract with city (Ely Times article)
Public Lands
Ranger seeks public comment about proposed Ice Plant Trail modifications (Ely Times article)
__________
Nevada Politics
State Democratic Party
Convention decision is just the beginning: Western states key part of Democrats' strategy in '08 (Las Vegas Sun article)
Democrats plan for early caucuses (Ely Times article)
__________
Corruption? In Nevada?
Clark County Commission Corruption Case
Duo's prison terms begin: Kincaid-Chauncey, Herrera turn selves in (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"For valley residents, who've come to expect their representatives to reap personal gain from elected office, there is now a measure of satisfaction that a blow has been struck for honesty and integrity in local government."
Ex-commissioners face justice: Herrera, Kincaid-Chauncey report to prison (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Chancellor Rogers Gets Rude With Regents
University system: Chancellor urged to step down -- Call by two regents follows scathing letter from Rogers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Rogers-regents rocky marriage hits a wall (Las Vegas Sun article)
James Dean, James Dean.... (Vegas Pundit)
Public Schools
Clark County School District
LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Community ready to pitch in for schools (Las Vegas Sun article)
Elko County School District
Open Meeting Law: School board cited for violation (Elko Free Press article)
Lyon County School District
LCSD could be ready to sell first 'rollover' bonds in September (Mason Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Carson River
River riders have high hopes about plan (Nevada Appeal article)
The Colorado River And Lake Mead
Lake's invasive mussel ID'd as quagga: Creature similar to zebra mussel, just as vexing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Lake Mead mussels identified as quagga, not zebra: Freshwater mollusk has characteristics that may prove even more harmful (Las Vegas Sun article)
The Truckee River
Officials: Budget includes flood aid (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The Walker River
Walker snowpack at less than half of average (Mason Valley News article)
___________
Nevada Health Matters
Health Care
Health Care and Workplace: Industries gear up for expansions, more disputes (In Business Las Vegas article)
"The major concerns for businesspeople in 2007 are health care, energy costs and the cost of doing business, according to Kara Kelley, president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The same concerns trouble small businesses across the nation, according to the Small Business Index, released by the House Small Business Committee's ranking Democrat, Nydia Velazquez. Those concerns took a toll in 2006, Velazquez said."
Law and Small Business: Entrepreneurship apparently 'getting even harder' (In Business Las Vegas article)
Labor Unions And Health Care
Satre to mediate Valley-nurses deal (In Business Las Vegas article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Fire rehab taking huge effort (Elko Free Press article)
Mule deer plan to stabilize herds, reverse downward trend (Ely Times article)
Dirty Anaconda
Several mine site updates expected at Tuesday meeting (Mason Valley News article)
Community Action Group meeting cancelled in light of stakeholder gathering (Mason Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Hell's Angels Trial
Don't Mention It -- Strange Rulings From US District Judge
Hells Angels member sentenced to 51 months (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Real Bars Are Behind The Eyes
Art finds a place at county detention center (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Retiring Officers
Lawmen bid farewell to Romero and Francone (Ely Times article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
2nd Yucca Mountain rail route considered (Ely Times article)
Nevada Test Site
Opponents vow to prevent Divine Strake blast (Pahrump Valley Times article)
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
Seniors to Save on Prescriptions: Berkley Votes to Give Federal Government Authority to Negotiate Lower Drug Prices Under Medicare Part D (Rep. Berkley Press Release)
Congressional Freebies
House Members Disagree on Ethics of Trip (Associated Press article)
White Pine County Land Bill
"We hope the new commissioners will be more careful: keep their tempers and tongues under control."
As We See It: The hurt that keeps on hurtin' (Ely Times editorial)
Special Counsel
U.S. Office of Special Counsel's Procedures for Assigning Incoming Cases to and within Organizational Units GAO-07-263R, January 12, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
__________
From The Neon Empire
It's A Wonderful Town
In Business Q and A: Lorenzo Creighton, President of New York-New York (In Business Las Vegas interview)
Acquisition And Exodus
Harrah's … and then there were 14 (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)
__________
Nevada's Past
NNRy
At the Throttle: A journey with Outfit Car 06 (Mark S. Bassett column, Ely Times)
==========================================
January 14, 2007
[1:40 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
IDENTITY THEFT: WEB OF CRIME -- Police find investigations of one fraud often uncover evidence of some other kind of law breaking -- with meth always the common denominator (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Documentary missed out on the shock value of meth victims (John DiMambro column, Nevada Appeal)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
"But there are six video poker machines built into the bar that make more money than hamburgers. On a recent afternoon, the Ryan's bar was full of customers eating and drinking. Nobody was smoking, or playing the poker machines."
Taverns trying to comply with new law (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Nevada Highways
Problem: Local Governments Approve Developers' Projects Without Getting NDOT Input
SHERMAN FREDERICK: It's hell on Vegas roads -- People die; Carson yawns (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Department Of Motor Vehicles
DMV helping to shorten its lines (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
State Gaming Control Board
Jeff Simpson applauds Guinn appointee Munro's decision to do right thing, step aside (Las Vegas Sun column)
Nevada's New Governor
He can make headlines; we'll see if he can lead (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Big or Small, Gibbons Changes Scare Left (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
The State Judiciary
Jury Nullification Arguments
THOMAS MITCHELL: When judges can't handle the truth (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Lioce v. Cohen (Nevada Supreme Court website)
A New Judge
New Justice of the Peace learns the ropes (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Plight Of The Homeless
Record-setting cold snap fills homeless shelters in Nevada (Associated Press article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
The Housing Market
2006 foreclosure rates hint that it could get worse (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
County Land Sales And Swaps At Below-Market Prices
Cortez Pays The King's Representative [detail of Diego Rivera's mural, From the pre-Hispanic Civilization to Conquest] (click on image to enlarge)
"Morse says he believes Walker was intimately familiar with the land sales process and the dangers of rapidly exchanging and bundling so many parcels.
It was also no secret that the appraisals were getting stale in a booming real estate market, which meant buyers were bound to get a bargain, he says. Morse adds that some of his appraisals were allowed to sit as long as 14 months before a land deal closed. With values rising up to 5 percent a month, that delay alone conceivably gave a land-flipper a 70 percent discount. Add to that the incompetence of two former county employees, whose fumbling arguably cost taxpayers many millions, and you have an invitation to a scandal."
JOHN L. SMITH: Disgraced appraiser aims to take others down as he raises himself up (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"It's been two years since the Review-Journal exposed a fleecing that tested the gag reflexes of even the most hardened government critics. McCarran International Airport's land swap program, which hemorrhaged millions of dollars worth of taxpayer assets over several years, represented one of the valley's greatest failures of public trust."
Valuing county real estate: Investigation says appraiser adhered to standards on land swaps (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Conspicuous By Absence
YVONNE ATKINSON GATES: Official's absences add up -- Commissioner misses more meetings, votes than colleagues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Coroner's Inquests And Police Shootings
"Metro is intent on doubling in size in the next few years. If the system is not revised, the department can expect a proportionate increase in the number of instances in which the public is uneasy about the vigor and fairness of inquests into fatal police shootings."
Coroner's inquest of police shootings out of step (Las Vegas Sun article)
Hispanic community left out of talks on police shootings (Las Vegas Sun article)
The Housing Market
HOUSING: RUN OF THE MILLIONS -- Despite housing slump, sales of seven-figure homes grow (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Civic Action
Is Pathway 2007 still on track? (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Incline Village General Improvement District
Did board fumble process? (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Nye County
Town Of Pahrump
Town wise to back down (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada Politics
State Democratic Party
Dems gear up for 2008 Nevada caucus (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Reid offers insights on Nevada caucus (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Nevada Democrats are excited.... (Vegas Pundit)
UNLV to host presidential debate, Democrats announce (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Reno to get Democratic presidential primary debate (Inside Nevada Politics)
Upcoming State Of The State Address: A Partisan Parody
Jon Ralston imagines what Gov. Jim Gibbons' State of the State speech will sound like, assuming it matches his campaign actions and rhetoric (Las Vegas Sun column)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Chancellor Rogers Resigns
Rogers quits as chancellor of Nevada System of Higher Education (Associated Press article)
Jim Rogers says two words to the regents..... (Vegas Pundit)
Saving Private Hafen (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Public Schools
"Another reason for our poor showing is that Clark County's low test scores constitute a drag on the rest of the state's school districts. For example, while only 20 percent of Clark County fourth-graders meet national math and reading standards, that figure is closer to 70 percent in Carson and the rest of Northern Nevada."
Is "No Child Left Behind" passing the test five years later? (Guy Farmer column, Nevada Appeal)
State is 43rd in preparing students; official says that results are skewed (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Clark County School District
"The process of "toughening up graduation requirements" can seem to resemble a slow walk up the "down" escalator. But the School Board is to be congratulated for continuing to try. It's an increasingly competitive world out there, and the excuse that "I had an at-risk childhood" doesn't go very far."
Graduation requirements (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Washoe County School District
Washoe schools profile reveals progress, projects (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
Regaining lost faith: Fallout from 1950s atomic bomb tests includes a deep, ongoing mistrust of government (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
Heller Off to Good Start (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Subsidies, Tariffs And Free Trade
Major Farm Bill Divides Lawmakers, Bush (Associated Press article)
The 2002 Farm Bill: Provisions and Economic Implications (US Department of Agriculture website)
The 2002 Farm Act: Provisions and Implications for Commodity Markets (US Department of Agriculture website)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Unwarranted Surveillance
Military Is Expanding Its Intelligence Role in U.S. (New York Times article, via Desert Beacon)
Officials: Pentagon Probed Finances -- Citizens' Records Culled in Expanded Intelligence Efforts (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
Pentagon Viewing Americans' Bank Records (Associated Press article)
Cheney: Credit Checks Aren't Illegal (Associated Press article)
Deletions in Army Manual Raise Wiretapping Concerns (New York Times article, via Desert Beacon)
Wiretapping and Other Eavesdropping Devices and Methods (New York Times index feature)
Surveillance of Citizens by Government (New York Times index feature)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
"Dozens of tractor-trailers, Humvees and other equipment the Nevada Guard needs to do its job have been left in Iraq, contributing to a nationwide depletion of resources that is creating what the Guard's commander in Washington has called a dire situation."
Guard's loss of hardware in war causes dire situation (Las Vegas Sun article)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
"The new strategy arose from a recognition that despite its romantic image, the anti-war movement of the 1960s wasn't always effective and created a backlash against progressive Democrats that lasted even into the 2004 presidential election, activists and historians say."
The silent anti-war protest: Unlike Vietnam-era counterparts, today's activists use party politics (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
Looking Forward To It
"Over the next week, in advance of Gov. Jim Gibbons' State of the State address on Jan. 22, the Las Vegas Sun will publish a series of editorials identifying the most pressing issues facing Nevada and what steps should be taken to rebuild and transform state government and public education."
Creating a better Nevada: Mediocrity can no longer be tolerated if we are to improve our schools, roads, health care (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
==========================================
January 15, 2007
[12:15 PM]
The new issue of The Nevada Observer is now up and available for reading -- check the middle column for our stories and articles!
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Methamphetamine Problem
Working to save kids from effects of meth (Nevada Appeal article)
Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Governor Gibbons' Statement Honoring the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Nevada Highways
Sale Of Permanent Asset For Temporary Advantage
'Water for roads' idea is on the table: Gibbons looks at novel approach (Las Vegas Sun article)
Impose Realistic Impact Fees On Developers
Urgent need for roads: In a few years, gridlock will define the state unless a funding plan is adopted (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The State Judiciary
STATE AGENCIES: Privacy law leads to friction -- Dispute over safeguarding Social Security numbers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Justice Rose says it's time to step aside (Nevada Appeal article)
Local Government
Clark County
County Land Sales And Swaps At Below-Market Prices
LOOKING IN ON: CLARK COUNTY -- Appraiser Morse cleared; wants reinstatement, apology (Las Vegas Sun article)
City Of Las Vegas
LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL -- Goodman hasn't held conference in month (Las Vegas Sun article)
City Of North Las Vegas
"The positions seem to pose a clear conflict of interest, given that Shull's dual roles will result in his serving as the voice of more than 750 people involved in the home building industry at the same time that he makes recommendations on what should or should not be built in North Las Vegas."
Serving two masters: Can Harry Shull be an NLV planning commissioner and home builders chief? (Las Vegas Sun article)
Douglas County
Airport seeks $200,000 NDOT grant (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
__________
Corruption? In Nevada?
Bad News For Nevadans Who Want Corrupt Officials Prosecuted
Nevada U.S. attorney given walking papers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
State Republican Party
GOP’S Assembly Insanity (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
The Resignation Of Chancellor Rogers
RIFT WITH REGENTS: Chancellor Rogers quits -- Two-word memo ends stint atop higher education system (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
University Chancellor Rogers Quits In A Pique: Regents Say Letter Is Power Play, That Rogers Wanted Complete Control (Nevada Observer article)
Rogers quits regents (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Rogers steps down (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
The Battling Board of Regents (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
Battling Board of Regents: Which round is this? (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
Conservative Regents' Coup (Reno and Its Discontents)
Public Schools
Lyon County School District
School trustee in Fernley resigns a second time (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
In Need Of An Audit And Management Change
UMC falls millions of dollars into a financial hole: County hospital has debts going back 17 months (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Utilities
Contractor makes good money on Nevada phone fees (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
BALD EAGLES HANGING ON: Annual survey expected to show birds doing well (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Time and tide and Reid wait for no one -- Some senators object to majority leader's plan to limit voting to 15 minutes, limited grace period (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The National Budget
Nation's Budget Outlook Far Worse Than Claimed
A national security threat? Head of GAO says U.S. needs to put more emphasis on getting rid of ballooning deficit (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The Congressional Hearings
Statement of Hon. David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States (US Senate Budget Committee website)
Sen. Conrad Statement at Hearing with GAO Comptroller General Walker - Jan. 11, 2007 (US Senate Budget Committee website)
Hair-Raising Charts
Charts Used at Hearing with GAO Comptroller General Walker - Jan. 11, 2007 (US Senate Budget Committee website)
Federal Income Tax
New snarls in the rat's nest: Nevadans and the federal tax code (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Home Means Nevada
Indian casinos fuel a rise in gambling (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Harrah's World
Harrah's employees ill at ease: Pending sale causes many to fear for jobs (Las Vegas Sun article)
==========================================
January 16, 2007
[11:40 AM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The Nevada Legislature
Problem? What Problem?
ERIN NEFF: Combatting conflicts (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Nevada Highways
WATER RIGHTS FOR ROADS: Highway finance plan has a few holes -- Gov. Gibbons' idea may not hold water (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Higher water rates not a license to keep messy yards (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
Land Prices
Valley office demand soft in 2006: Rents still increase, despite glut (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Diablo Industrial Center sells for $59.8 million (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Hotel-casino 'Maxim'-izes its seven acres: New projects still value Las Vegas Boulevard address (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Lucrative Concessions
McCarran slot operations up for grabs: Open bidding will be the first in 22 years (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Sex Offenders
Starlets, limos, guns: Sex offender unit doesn't get its wish at adult expo (Las Vegas Sun article)
Elko County
Developing Costs
Feeling the Pinch: Architects, police say new Elko police station needed (Elko Free Press article)
Lyon County
The Specter Of Foreclosure
"The couple's foreclosed Empire Ranch Estates home sold to real estate speculators for less than what the Barretts bought the house for in 2003."
After the default (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
Inequitable Taxation
When Was The Last Time The Assessor "Wrote Off" Taxable Values On Your Home?
"That's a big contrast to the $73 million in casino taxable values written off for eight downtown Reno casinos in the 2006-07 tax year that ends June 30. The revenue loss forced the Reno Redevelopment Agency to extend its life another 10 years to refinance bonds and lower its annual debt payments."
Downtown casinos beat profit slump (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Empty Buildings
Officials see future in vacant buildings (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Corruption? In Nevada?
Bad News For Nevadans Who Want Corrupt Officials Prosecuted
Did Nevada's Congressional Delegation Object?
Ouster of U.S. attorney startling: Roger applauds job done by Bogden (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
No Press Honeymoon
A tough beginning for a new governor (Michael Green column, Las Vegas Business Press)
State Democratic Party
Nevada unique challenge for Dem presidential hopefuls: Democratic debates begin next month in Carson City (Los Angeles Times article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
The Return Of Chancellor Rogers
HIGHER EDUCATION: Rogers keeping his post: After meeting with regent, chancellor voids resignation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Earlier Stories and Articles
Whipple showed leadership in chancellor's resignation (Dan Mooney column, Nevada Appeal)
Fears follow Rogers memo (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Break-up was inevitable (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Hafen says lobbyist job not result of backroom deal (Las Vegas Sun article)
Public Schools
The Pernicious Effects Of Special Legislation
Raggio to introduce tax bill, but he might not support it (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Churchill County School District
School trustees want changes to public comment (Lahontan Valley News article)
Storey County School District
Gallagher principal's resignation causes a stir in Storey County (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Health Care Costs
"It should be clear to Nevada's legislators, whether they're Republicans or Democrats, that people without health insurance must seek medical care in emergency rooms - the most expensive type of treatment there is. Taxpayers and people with insurance are then left to pick up the tab."
Seeking some creativity: Legislature can look to other states for innovations that help residents get health care coverage (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Quit smoking is now part of the company plan (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Labor Unions And Health Care
Satre to mediate hospitals, union dispute: Cooling-off period marked by little progress, more strife (Las Vegas Business Press article)
__________
Nevada Utilities
Eureka County's Dunphy Power Plant Generator And Turbine
"The generator is 267 feet long, 19 feet tall and 20 feet wide and weights about 432 tons, the NHP said. It is pulled by one tractor-trailer rig and pushed by two others. The turbine is about 223 tons and will be pulled by one truck and pushed by another, the NHP said."
Huge shipment to close some highways (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Nevada's Delegation
Reid stumbles in first week: Senate majority leader miscalculates on earmarks and cleaning up Congress (Las Vegas Sun article)
Taxpayer Subsidies To Private Enterprise
"The farm bill -- really a series of federal programs -- pays money directly to farmers and agri-business corporations to "supplement" their incomes, while making sure food prices stay high for consumers by involving Washington in complex schemes to buy and store surplus produce (rather than let it drive prices down), or to pay farmers to destroy food ("undersized" fruit, for instance) or to simply grow less in the first place."
No 'new direction' on farm policy: Taxpayers will continue to be bled dry (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Minimum Wage Legislation
More Hypocrisy
Minimum wage politics (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Foreign Affairs
Rice brings hope to the Middle East (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Russian roulette (Glen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)
__________
From The Neon Empire
Regulation Of Gambling
Private Equity Acquisitions Will Be An Area Of Concern
Bernhard remains chairman of panel: Gaming Commission leader gets new term (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Anniversary Of Acquisition Of Nevada's Bottom
Gained ground: Arizona's loss, Nevada's gain -- Nevada took control of part of Arizona Territory 140 years ago this week (Nevada Appeal article)
The V&TRR
Brakes pulled on development of railroad: Developer says investors bailed because of landfill fears (Nevada Appeal article)
Railway audit clean; revenue exceeds $20M (Nevada Appeal article)
=========================================
January 17, 2007
[1:10 PM]
_____
Corruption? In Nevada?
University Medical Center Scandal
County ousts UMC chief; criminal investigation under way: New report shows losses of $34 million (Las Vegas Business Press article)
"Former COO Blaine Claypool and former CFO Mike Walsh told police that Thomas bypassed them and awarded hospital contracts "to businesses of his friends from the Chicago area." The contracts were all "professional services" contracts not subject to a competitive process in which public agencies must publicize a job offer and accept the lowest bid for the work."
SOUTHERN NEVADA'S ONLY PUBLIC HOSPITAL: UMC raided; CEO fired -- Police seize documents after $34.3 million in losses reported (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Head of emergency services fears investigation will ruin morale (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
THOMAS HIRED AS CEO IN 2003 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
JOHN L. SMITH: UMC's red ink shouldn't surprise anyone; incompetence, lies should (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"Is there no end to what county taxpayers will be expected to shrug off? As outsiders come in and run the tables on us, calling their friends back home to advise them they're making a killing here in the circus of the rubes, reality begins to mirror popular fiction."
An implosion at UMC: And here comes another big taxpayer bailout (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Dismissed Thomas accused of handing out $2.5 million in contracts to help friends (Las Vegas Sun article)
Lack of openness with county was Thomas' undoing (Las Vegas Sun article)
University Medical Center: Losses Twice As Great As Previously Reported Police raid offices at Las Vegas hospital in financial probe (Associated Press article)
How To Detect Looting Schemes
Inspector General's Handbook of Fraud Indicators
$kindustry Corruption
Sentencing postponed for Las Vegas strip club owner (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Government
State Government
Costs Of The 2006 Governor's Race
Gibbons spends nearly $5.7 million to win race (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Sorry, TNO readers. The third Dina Titus campaign finance report is not posted yet on the Secretary of State's website. Her other reports can be seen here.
The Nevada Legislature
LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY: Legislators get orders in for slices of 'pork' (Las Vegas Sun article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Mixed Message
City leaders look at ways to cut costs (Nevada Appeal article)
Carson seeks local control over elected salaries (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County
Watching And Waiting
County prepares to monitor bills in upcoming Legislature (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
County Commissioner Announces Resignation
"Addressing a throng outside the meeting, Atkinson Gates said her decision was not prompted by a Review-Journal story published Sunday. The article revealed that Atkinson Gates had skipped more commission meetings than any of her six colleagues and missed more votes because of tardiness, at five times the rate of anyone else on the board."
Atkinson Gates announces she's resigning in March (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Jockeying begins for County Commission seat: Assemblyman among names mentioned to fill vacancy (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Elko County
The Price Of Development
Cramped: Police outgrow old church building (Elko Free Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Home Sale Prices
Tahoe home sales fall in 2006 as prices rise (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Incline Village General Improvement District
IVGID board needs to restore integrity (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Law Enforcement
Spanish-speaking officers few and far between (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Town Of Truckee
Open space in Truckee: Who will take the lead? (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Storey County
Storey County panel cuts bikeway extension proposal (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Washoe County
Urban Renewal
Downtown's future looks brighter (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada Politics
A Busy Week
Jon Ralston lays out the thickening plot of the Board of Regents, the County Commission and the drama at UMC (Las Vegas Sun column)
State Democratic Party
Preview for presidential hopefuls coming to Carson (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Dem Debates In Nevada (Eric Odom column, Battleborn Opinion News)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Chancellor Rogers' Resignation And Rescission
News Reports
"I think that this was a minor fracas," Rogers said, referring to a clash that led to his temporary resignation. "It's really a firecracker that turned into an A-bomb."
Chancellor, regent smooth over their dispute: Clash led to Rogers' temporary resignation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Five days that rocked higher education system: How tempers flared, starting with Leavitt's phone call and ending with Rogers staying on (Las Vegas Sun article)
Rogers rescinds resignation (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Opinion And Commentary
"Cue the Clash: 'Should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble. And if I stay there will be double.'"
'I quit' -- or not (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
"The chancellor has no business interfering in board matters, as he did when he threatened to quit if Leavitt were elected chairman or vice chairman of the board."
'Never mind' won't work (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Chancellor Rogers’ Neighborhood (Chuck Muth column, Battleborn Opinion News)
Dining for De-Escalation (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
Chancellor Rogers Is Back (Reno and Its Discontents)
Sierra Nevada College
SNC cranks up the hiring (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Public Schools
Clark County School District
NLV to consider proposal for school near pig farm (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Colorado River And Lake Mead
Mussel infestation limited: Invasive species in Boulder Basin, officials say (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Groundwater
A Modern Miracle In The "Loaves And Fishes" Tradition
5,000 Acre-Feet Of Water Multiply To Become 160,000 Acre-Feet
Water project hearings planned (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Should Have Filed Before Leaping
Spring Creek well on agenda (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Utilities
Energy plan long overdue: Comprehensive approach could help Nevada reach its potential for solar and other renewables (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
ENERGY: Proposal would cut rate boost: Nevada Power plan would trim electric-rate bump to 11.7 percent (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"The typical winter bill now runs $83.36 for a Southern Nevada resident using 6,300 cubic feet of gas. As recently as 1999, the typical residential bill for the same amount of gas was less than $40, according to the Public Utilities Commission."
Frigid weather brings boost in natural gas use: Southern Nevadans increase use nearly 90 percent in days (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Incline Village Community Hospital
Big changes on the horizon for IVCH (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Mining
Limestone mine proposed at Rye Patch (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Native Nevadans
Mixing tradition with progress in Washoe Tribe: Tribal administrator aims to balance Washoe affairs (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Ethics Reform
Reid: Accepting corporate travel OK, but looks bad -- Senate majority bows to push by GOP to make disclosure rules tougher than planned (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Senator Reid Wants to Continue Congressional Pork (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway To Nevada's Rurals)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
How Are Porter, Heller and Berkley Doing in Congress? (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway To Nevada's Rurals)
CHANGE AMERICA NOW: Groups launch campaign - Agenda of Democrats supported (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Global Warming
Shiver now, for this summer comes the sizzle (Las Vegas Sun article)
Wrong place to cut the budget: NASA, NOAA need adequate funding in order to analyze true effects of global warming (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Department Of Justice
Purge Underway Of Many Anti-Corruption US Attorneys
Federal prosecutor in Nevada being replaced, officials say (Associated Press article)
Democrats criticize attorney general: Replacement of federal prosecutors at issue (Associated Press article)
U.S. Attorneys Quit; Senator Blames Bush (Associated Press article)
"Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, criticized the “forced resignations” of U.S. attorneys, including Lam and Ryan. U.S. attorneys in California, New Mexico, Nevada, Arkansas, Texas, Washington and Arizona have been asked to step down, Feinstein said, according to Bloomberg News."
U.S. Attorney Lam announces resignation (San Diego Union-Tribune)
"Sources told The San Diego Union-Tribune that superiors in the Justice Department are unhappy with decreased prosecutions for gun and immigration violations."
Senators to seek answers about U.S. attorneys' exits (San Diego Union-Tribune article)
U.S. Attorney for Bay Area resigns: Ryan probed stock options fraud, steroids in sports; his departure comes amid report he and 6 other prosecutors are being forced out (San Francisco Chronicle article)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Unwarranted Surveillance
Finance Tracking System 'Daunting Task' (Associated Press article)
Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities
AG Criticizes Judges for Terror Rulings (Associated Press article)
Prepared Remarks of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales at the American Enterprise Institute (US Department of Justice Website)
Gonzales: Challenges Slowing Gitmo Cases (Associated Press article)
Ex-Guantanamo officer accused of passing secrets to be arraigned (Associated Press article)
Letter Tells of Difficulties in Prosecuting Detainee Abuse (New York Times article)
Denounce Torture: Close Guantanamo (Amnesty International USA)
Foreign Affairs
Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Senator Ensign still wants Tear Gas? (Desert Beacon)
__________
Nevada's Past
Historic Kiel Ranch
"Kiel Ranch, home to one of Nevada's oldest buildings and a former hangout for gunslingers, has been allowed to become a weed-choked blight and sometime homeless camp on the southern edge of North Las Vegas."
North Las Vegas to spend $450,000 to begin preservation of Kiel Ranch (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
==========================================
Update for January 17, 2007
[11:10 PM]
_____
Corruption? In Nevada?
Friends In Chicago
Police: Vegas hospital exec sent 'kickbacks' to Chicago friends (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Government
State Government
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine & Children: Interactive video lecture Friday (Elko Free Press article)
From The Office Of The Attorney General
Nevada State Children's Advocate Returns Missing Child (Attorney General Press Release)
Two Healthcare Workers Sentenced For Medicaid Fraud (Attorney General Press Release)
Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Prison In Securities Fraud Case (Attorney General Press Release)
Local Government
Elko County
Developing Problems
Comments sought on Spring Creek traffic (Elko Free Press article)
Zoning question leads to scrutiny of master plan (Elko Free Press article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
"Saying that 66.5 percent of the population lives in north and central Lyon County, Lyon County Commissioner LeRoy Goodman requested an item on this Thursday's Lyon County Board of Commissioners' agenda to discuss redistricting County Commission seats before the 2008 election."
County Commission to discuss redistricting seats (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Lyon to consider approving new utility ordinances (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Developing Stories
PlanCom recommends denial for Stagecoach master plan, zone change requests (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Julius Lane area master plan amendment denied at PlanCom level (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Commissioners to hear about Mark Twain park master plan (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Change in ownership sees continuance for River Road master plan, zone change requests (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Ace Mini Storage recommended for Rainbow Drive master plan amendment approval (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
City Of Fernley
City to consider annexation fee (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Community Of Mound House
Mound House had its ups and downs in 2006 (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Nye County
Pahrump Left Powerless
Alone, To Freeze In The Dark
"A bullet from a rifle had pierced a 230-kilovolt power line between Goodsprings and Sandy Valley sometime in the last six weeks. Perhaps affected by the very cold temperatures at around 3:45 a.m. Saturday, the line snapped in two and cut off power to 19,000 customers of Valley Electric Association Saturday, a VEA spokeswoman said."
One after the other (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Second blackout strikes Pahrump on Tuesday (Pahrump Valley Times article)
NCSO telephones jammed (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Lyon County School District
School Board endorses iNVest legislative package for public education (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
School District could be ready to sell first 'rollover' bonds in September (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
Planning A Water Moloch For Northern Nevada
The More It Takes, The More It Needs
Nevada lawmakers to focus on big water issues (Associated Press article)
Groundwater
Fernley Suction Scheme
Council to discuss Aqua Trac (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
The Carson River
Water workshop identifies concerns (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Dirty Anaconda
AP Ahead: EPA orders ARCO to begin to clean up toxic Nevada mine (Associated Press article)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
Death Valley
Ranch tours slated (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Robert Caples' Cottage
Artist brings notoriety to home in Old Town Dayton (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Nevada's Fire Festival
10,000 Burning Man tickets go in first 90 minutes of online sales (Associated Press article)
__________
Federal Nevada
From The US Congress
Ensign Supports Adding Tax Relief To Minimum Wage Deal (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Irish-Americans
Irish-American Heritage Month (March) and St. Patrick's Day (March 17) 2007 (US Census Bureau)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Travel Restrictions
No-Fly List Being Checked and Cut (Associated Press article)
Unwarranted Surveillance
Government Wiretapping
Secret Court to Govern Wiretapping Plan (Associated Press article)
Bush seeks court approval for surveillance (Los Angeles Times article)
The Government Is Spying on Americans (ACLU website)
40 Percent Error Rate
"A Defense Department database devoted to gathering information on potential threats to military facilities and personnel, known as Talon, had 13,000 entries as of a year ago -- including 2,821 reports involving American citizens, according to an internal Pentagon memo to be released today by the American Civil Liberties Union."
Protesters Found in Database: ACLU Is Questioning Entries in Defense Dept. System (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
“It cannot be an accident or coincidence that nearly 200 anti-war protests ended up in a Pentagon threat database,” said Ann Beeson, Associate Legal Director of the ACLU. “This unchecked surveillance is part of a broad pattern of the Bush administration using ‘national security’ as an excuse to run roughshod over the privacy and free speech rights of Americans.”
ACLU Report Shows Widespread Pentagon Surveillance of Peace Activists (ACLU website)
No Real Threat: The Pentagon’s Secret Database on Peaceful Protest (ACLU website)
A Federal Reader
National Drug Threat Assessment 2007 (US Department of Justice Website)
Fact Sheet: Department of Justice Efforts to Stop Gang Violence in America’s Communities (US Department of Justice Website)
Agricultural Conservation: USDA Should Improve Its Management of Key Conservation Programs to Ensure Payments Promote Environmental Goals GAO-07-370T, January 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
DOD's High-Risk Areas: Progress Made Implementing Supply Chain Management Recommendations, but Full Extent of Improvement Unknown GAO-07-234, January 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Human Capital: Retirements and Anticipated New Reactor Applications Will Challenge NRC's Workforce GAO-07-105, January 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Hospital Accreditation: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' Relationship with Its Affiliate GAO-07-79, December 15, 2006 (Government Accountability Office Report)
__________
Nevada's Past
Old store moved to Pahrump Valley Museum (Pahrump Valley Times article)
==========================================
January 18, 2007
[11:45 AM]
_____
Corruption? In Nevada?
The University Medical Center Scandal
"Valentine said the police investigation did not prompt her to fire Thomas. She said she ended his tenure because he repeatedly misled or withheld information from county officials about the fiscal health of the hospital, which has hemorrhaged about $50 million during the past two years."
FRAUD PROBE: Investigation widens at UMC -- Two top aides of ousted chief put on paid leave (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Hiring decision recalled: Ex-county manager says Thomas had great credentials (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"But signs that foretold his implosion were present in the first year of his regime as head of the University Medical Center, the county's public hospital. In July 2004, Thomas made threats and shook his fist in the face of Diana Bennett, the chief executive of Paragon Gaming who hails from one of Las Vegas' most powerful families, according to witnesses to the intimidation."
The signs were there: Ousted hospital chief always had uneasy relationship with UMC Foundation (Las Vegas Sun article)
"Disturbed by a University Medical Center contract that seemed to do much more for a private company than the hospital, Clark County Audit Director Jerry Carroll sounded the first alarm that triggered 14 months of heightening scrutiny that culminated in UMC Chief Executive Lacy Thomas' ouster this week."
Thomas first drew auditor's suspicion in 2005 (Las Vegas Sun article)
Departure Of Nevada's US Attorney
Bad News For Nevadans Who Want Corrupt Officials Prosecuted
"Under Bogden, the prosecution of four Clark County commissioners was an unqualified success. One was a Republican. Three were Democrats. His news release Wednesday announcing that his resignation will take effect Feb. 28, summarized the work that his office of 40 attorneys did in prosecuting gang members, gun offenders, 1,067 drug offenders, 163 child sex offenders and more than 1,000 immigration offenders, plus collecting more than $57 million in fines and forfeitures."
JANE ANN MORRISON: Bush administration's ouster of U.S. attorneys an insulting injustice (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the treatment of Bogden was unfair and 'a terrible shame.'"
U.S. attorney confirms he'll be leaving his post: Spokeswoman says reports of Bogden's ouster 'erroneous' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Clark County Commission Corruption Cases
"The indictment said Davidson paid then-Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny $200,000 after she helped push through changes to zoning and sign restrictions on the pharmacy land between 2001 and early 2002."
Federal trial involving developer postponed after attorney falls ill (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state that a state officer or employee and a local governmental officer or employee are encouraged to disclose, to the extent not expressly prohibited by law, improper governmental action, and it is the intent of the Legislature to protect the rights of a state officer or employee and a local governmental officer or employee who makes such a disclosure." NRS 281.621
Atkinson Gates tells why she kept quiet: 'It wasn't my business,' she says of her suspicions (Las Vegas Sun article)
Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Lenders
USA Capital's failure creates painful fallout for investors: No suicides linked to bankruptcy, official says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
$kindustry Regulation
"The Crazy Horse Too Gentleman's Club got an extension on its liquor license Wednesday, even as more questions arose about the topless club's new management and its relationship to owner Rick Rizzolo."
Crazy Horse Too gets extension -- Las Vegas City Council extends liquor license for up to 90 days (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
With friends like these, we don't need enemies! (Steve Miller column, AmericanMafia.com - scroll down for $kindustry coverage)
__________
Nevada Government
State Government
The Nevada Legislature
The 1979 Spending Cap
FLASHPOINT for Jan 18, 2007 (Jon Ralston feature, Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada's Wretched Campaign Finance Laws
"All the figures haven't yet been filed, but the reports released by the secretary of state's office show that Nevada's new state-level officeholders spent more than $10 million to capture their seats, and candidates who lost their bids for a constitutional office spent more than $4 million."
Campaigning is a growth industry (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
The State Judiciary
Add credibility to the bench: Lawmakers must act this year to improve accountability, transparency in judicial system (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Home Mortgage Foreclosures
Problem Acute In Southern Nevada
"Nevada had the second-highest foreclosure rate in the nation in December, according to a report released by a California-based online company that tracks foreclosures."
Home foreclosures spike (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Local Government
Churchill County
County ordinance would address air pollution, dust (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
Commission Vacancy
"Weekly has been criticized in relation to his position as chairman of the Economic Opportunity Board, which stopped providing services after scathing audits and is trying to raise money to pay off debts.
Watson, unknown in political circles, already has been criticized by prominent local leaders such as state Sen. Steven Horsford for a lack of experience and the perceived cronyism of his recommendation for the job.
Arberry has faced questions about his residency. Critics say he lives in a home outside his Assembly district and the commission district. Despite years of rumblings over that allegation, voters continue to re-elect the 20-year legislator."
FOCUS ON THREE: Commission hopeful speaks up -- Planning commissioner says Atkinson Gates backs him (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"The Clark County Commission still has a black eye from the corruption convictions of four former members. And the board has a shoddy record of oversight, stretching from the Regional Justice Center boondo
