February 1, 2007

_____

The new issue of The Nevada Observer is now up and ready for reading.  Our webmaster is back and will start on the Nevada News Digest feature tomorrow morning.

==========================================

February 2, 2007

[2:50 PM]

St. Groundhog Day

_____

__________

Nevada Government

Nevada State Flag, 1905 [click on image to enlarge]

State Government

Drug testing of most new state employees proposed (Associated Press article)

Nevada's Wretched Campaign Finance Laws

ERIN NEFF: Disclosure loopholes (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

District 36 candidates spent $7.97 per registered voter (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

Is there life after Question 5? Steiner's Pubs hopes to answer 'Yes' with new gambling promos (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Legislative committee to consider district's teen smoking bill request (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada should get tough on teenage smoking (Nevada Appeal editorial)

The Nevada Legislature

It's lawmaking time! We look ahead to the Legislature and ask, 'Who are these people?' (Las Vegas CityLife article)

In Business Q and A: Warren Hardy, State senator, R-Las Vegas (In Business Las Vegas interview)

Anti-Immigrant Legislation: If You're Serious, Go After Their Employers

A quick analysis on Ty Cobb's bill (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Dead Kids

Hiding The Truth

Cases kept secret ... to 'protect' them: Information about troubling child welfare cases withheld (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Unconscionable actions: County censors a report that details a child welfare system that fails to protect children (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

FAMILY SERVICES: County's actions defended -- Spokeswoman says department followed up child safety concerns (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Child welfare panel makes recommendations (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The censored material, obtained by the Review-Journal Tuesday, included eight pages of case details that illustrate why independent reviewers for the county were doubtful about the safety of more than one-third of the children in 1,352 cases reviewed by consultants."

DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES: Child abuse report censored -- Report's missing pages listed examples of county agency's failures (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Untrained Child Welfare Workers

Child welfare training pushed: Gibbons criticized for rejecting funding (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Lucrative Scamming Opportunities

State Can Seize Your Children But Can't Audit A Business

"The Real Estate Division does not have the authority to conduct an audit of the books (at Southwest Exchange)," Gail Anderson, administrator of the Nevada Real Estate Division, said in an e-mail. "Our jurisdiction is limited to the registration of the qualified intermediary and the security deposit or bond they are required to hold."

SOUTHWEST EXCHANGE CASE: Investors lament missing funds -- Officials say losses could reach hundreds of millions of dollars (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

With A $50,000 Bond You Too Can Hold Scores Of Millions Of Dollars From Trusting Citizens

"Southwest Exchange and companies like it hold money for real estate investors who want to delay paying capital gains taxes from the sale of real estate, as allowed under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Service Code."

Company closes, draws investigation: At least $22 million of investors' money unaccounted for (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada's Sleazy Predatory Lending Industry

"Carson City's low-income residents claimed $6.2 million last year in a tax credit that is an easy target for predatory lenders."

Keep your money, avoid costly tax refund loans, officials say (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada Tourism

"Using an online survey, and buzz words like "wide open" and "pioneering," economic officials will lay the foundation for a national ad campaign to attract high-paying companies."

Define Nevada, create a brand: In this "wide-open" state, residents "work smart, play harder" (Nevada Appeal article)

State Department Of Motor Vehicles

Knapp survives the DMV! (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nevada Highways

School district seeks state funds for busy intersection (Lahontan Valley News article)

Mail service interrupted by tribal road conditions (Lahontan Valley News article)

State Taxation

Gibbons' tax cut mere appetizer for banks (In Business Las Vegas article)

The State Judiciary

"It's been a trying year for the Nevada court system."

Law and Small Business: Nevada's judiciary takes on increased caseloads (In Business Las Vegas article)

Local Government

"Most every government in Nevada has been living high on the hog over the past 15 years, blissfully fattening their budgets at rates that dwarf economic growth in the private sector."

Belt tightening (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

City And County Of Carson

Looking Up

Let's hope for a year free of boom and busts (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Going Down

City's community support grants to be cut (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Land And Housing

"The demand for land has softened in the Las Vegas Valley as property owners continue to hold out for prices that speculators and developers, especially homebuilders, are finding less and less palatable."

Real Estate and Development: Land owners remain unwilling to drop prices (In Business Las Vegas article)

REAL ESTATE: Price of land jumps 78 percent -- Speculation, interest rates help spark increase (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Running Problems Of The Las Vegas Monorail

Get real about the monorail! (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

For LV visitors, monorail is a train to nowhere: Strip route has been losing riders since peaking in mid-2005 (Las Vegas Sun article)

Douglas County

Keep It Down

Douglas to debate growth cap (Nevada Appeal article)

Elko County

City Of Wells

Wells councilmen paid about $1.30 a day (Elko Free Press article)

Wells seeks change in election date (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin 

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

Just Say No To Pier Pressure

"California Lt. Governor John Garamendi expressed concern this week over the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's proposed Shorezone program, adding his voice to a number of state agencies that have criticized the plan."

Shorezone plan scrutinized again (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Incline Village General Improvement District

Government-Chartered Monopolies

IVGID board talks of trash contract, workforce housing (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Residents to weigh in on garbage (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Onward to matters of garbage (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Trash talking (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Lyon County

County Affairs

County Commission duty entails lots of committee time (Nevada Appeal article)

Developing Stories

Mound House master plan amended to allow multiple uses: Developers plan to pay for sewage facility (Nevada Appeal article)

Nye County

County Affairs

"Nye County will examine the cost of building a federal detention center and renting beds to the U.S. Marshals Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service."

County may submit detention plan (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Town Of Pahrump

"Pahrump Town Manager Dave Richards recommended Saturday the town board sever ties with the Economic Development Authority of Esmeralda and Nye Counties, or EDEN, and do its own economic development."

Tense Discussion -- Richards: Cut ties with EDEN (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Property owners prefer commercial zoning (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Session eyes Calvada 'center' (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

Inequitable Taxation

"Incline's tax revolt group is recoiling in the wake of recent news that the county may continue the fight against a wholesale property tax rollback."

Tax revolters continue fight (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Your Tax Dollars At Work

Public agencies give to Gibbons' inaugural ball (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

City Of Reno

Councilman wants last chance to save downtown Reno YMCA (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Plight Of The Homeless

Washoe homeless numbers move up (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

Who Was Behind That Last-Minute Slime Job?

Books closed in Mazzeo incident -- Roger: Insufficient evidence to back cover-up claims (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Not enough evidence to prove charges: Many questions still remain about Oct. 13 incident (Las Vegas Sun article)

Cocktail waitress considered cutting off group's alcohol (Las Vegas Sun article)

State Democratic Party

Democratic presidential forum has few takers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Big states might follow Nevada's lead up presidential calendar (Las Vegas Sun article)

Richardson meets the locals: A group of Nevadans gathered in Reno to meet Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson and decide whether to back him (Reno News & Review article)

Q+A: Bill Richardson -- Candidate for '08 stays true to Western roots (Las Vegas Sun interview)

General Political Commentary

Two states of the state (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Can anyone explain what's going on in the county? (Michael Green column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Equality for women starts here: Today’s young women don’t know what’s at stake with the whittling away of reproductive rights (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)

Democrats' narrow view of bipartisanship: Don’t expect bipartisanship from Democrats (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

Soon To Walk Among Us

'Red' Dyer free; wife still missing: Administrators were originally facing 30 counts (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Big Raise

LOOKING IN ON: HIGHER EDUCATION -- Chancellor, donor push through big raise for head of gaming institute (Las Vegas Sun article)

UNLV's Mystery Institute

Rogers sees no problem with Research Foundation's costly move: Regents still awaiting answers from counsel (Las Vegas Sun article)

Foundation's move to new office sets off alarms for regents: Sisolak says some items 'a little lavish' (Las Vegas Sun article)

Sierra Nevada College

Seniors go back to school at SNC; young students benefit (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Public Schools

Public schools seek $5.2 billion: Lawmakers seek specifics on governor's education plan (Nevada Appeal article)

"Under the new math practiced by the state teachers union, this represents a "cut." Is it any wonder that so many Nevada students struggle with basic numerical concepts?"

Does anybody have the answers? The state teachers union has questions -- so do we (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Some empowering advice: Governor should listen to his education expert regarding all-day kindergarten: It works! (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Jon Ralston on how a teachers union poll might play to lawmakers in Carson City (Las Vegas Sun article)

Jon Ralston on Politics: Stealing from the poor (In Business Las Vegas column)

Churchill County School District

School district to offer training on bullying to staff, students (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County School District

"There were so many "egregious" violations of regulations, the Dec. 22 audit found, the district must return $5.5 million of the $12 million it received from the state in Medicaid funds in 2003 and 2004, said Chuck Duarte, administrator of the state Division of Health Care Financing and Policy."

School district overbilled Medicaid, state official says: Federal audit finds improper claims (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The decision to plan for more kindergarten space was made Monday as School Board members discussed asking voters to extend a multibillion-dollar bond measure in 2008 to finance school construction."

Tailoring a new blueprint for growth: Full-day kindergarten adds new wrinkle to schools (Las Vegas Sun article)

Schools feel staffing shortage in security department: Biltmore, Washington Continuation schools share one police officer (Las Vegas Sun article)

Par for the course (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nye County School District

School board will meet across county (Pahrump Valley Times article)

School trustees agree: Pechstein offers $50,000 in lieu of land (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

University Medical Center Scandal

Incompetence may be main reason for UMC's woes (Las Vegas Sun article)

Tainted vote demands action: Clark County Commission needs to rescind vote approving a UMC medical contract (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"The recommendations to commissioners are the first moves by county officials to turn around Southern Nevada's only public hospital after larger-than-expected financial losses and the departure of its three top executives two weeks ago amid a criminal investigation."

COUNTY HOSPITAL: UMC leaders seek to kill contracts -- Former chief accused of steering deals (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Casting aside criticism they were signing off on a bad deal, commissioners in December hired a new group of cardiologists to treat University Medical Center's patients at five times the public hospital's current cost for heart specialists."

Atkinson Gates requests reconsideration of pact (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates bid in September to have her home construction company build a house for a prominent Las Vegas cardiologist. Three months later, while her bid was still pending, Atkinson Gates cast one of the four votes needed for the county to award a lucrative contract to the doctor's cardiology group."

Atkinson Gates' bid, vote raise questions (Las Vegas Sun article)

Pregnant. In Las Vegas.

Mood killer: It sucks to be pregnant in Las Vegas, says a survey by FitPregnancy Magazine (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Nevada Health Care

Health Care and Workplace: Companies eye fallout from contract expiration (In Business Las Vegas article)

"Like the nightmare of many a small-business owner, it starts with a notice from the IRS."

The perils of payroll (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada Energy

Going Up Another 11 Percent

"Nevada Power Co. lowered its general rate increase request by a fraction of a percent in a filing with state regulators on Thursday."

Nevada Power shaves rate request (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A Fountain Of Mist

Geo-fountain picks up steam (Elko Free Press article)

State Energy Policy

Nevada should focus on home-grown energy (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Conoco's looking for love: Oil company execs get in touch with Reno citizens (Reno News & Review article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

$kindustry Regulation

"Mayor Bob Cashell said he has asked City Manager Charles McNeely to see if the licensing process can be shortened."

Dancers, strip club officials ask city to ease licensing rules (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Ex-Crazy Horse worker gets probation in scheme (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

THE INTERSECTION: What comes next -- Tommy Rocker ponders the eternal question: To strip or not to strip (Las Vegas Weekly article)

Stopping the slave trade: New Las Vegas task force joins the federal push to crack down on human trafficking (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Do we have a human trafficking problem? Justice Department names Las Vegas among 17 most likely destinations (Las Vegas Sun article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

"Should felons test positive for meth, their parole or probation officers will likely conduct an immediate search of their cars, and subsequent search of their houses. These immediate searches are new, a second prong of parole and probation's anti-meth initiative."

Parole officers step up efforts to detect drugs: Methamphetamine abuse is called 'the scourge of the Earth' (Las Vegas Sun article)

"Flavored methamphetamine is the newest metamorphosis of the dangerous street drug made from ephedrine and toxic chemical such as lye and battery acid."

Strawberry meth seized in search (Nevada Appeal article)

Mobile meth lab found in Fernley (Nevada Appeal article)

Sparks: Guns For Gangsters

"Sixteen guns used in crimes committed by gang members or other criminals in Compton, Calif., during 2006 were traced to the store. Another 65 guns recovered by police in Los Angeles last year were traced to the store. And an additional 285 guns recovered by police nationwide were also traced to that same store."

Loophole in gun sales: To combat crime, background checks should be required for all gun purchases (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

__________

Nevada's Weather

Has El Niño lost sense of direction? Regional Climate Center calls unusual warmth 'anomalous' (Nevada Appeal article)

"Greenlee measured about 2.5 feet of snow at Mount Rose, compared to roughly 15 feet he said was found there this time last year."

Dismal season leaves area starved for snow (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Squeezing moisture from the clouds (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Western scientists frustrated as quagga mussel takes hold (Las Vegas Sun article)

Biologists forming message about containing mussels: Boating public must comply to avert spread (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Black Nevada

"Unfortunately, the black community leaders who trumpeted the idea tossed up an air ball. The proposed concert fizzled out, the victim of skepticism, a lack of leadership or simple disinterest, depending on whom you ask."

Proposed benefit concert for youth programs fizzles: Event to be held in tandem with All-Star game lacks support (Las Vegas Sun article)

"The president of the Caucus of African American Nevadans said in an interview that blacks don't feel they have enough influence with Gov. Jim Gibbons."

CRITICIZING GIBBONS: Blacks say dialogue lacking -- Group's head says governor must 'build that bridge' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry

Poetry gathering’s keynote speaker addresses children in nature (Elko Free Press article)

Cowboy poets, fans ride into town (Elko Free Press article)

The Pastoral Arts

"They don’t need no stinking ropes."

French cowboy demonstrates ‘tripping’ method (Elko Free Press article)

Ely !!!

"Ely is a hoot and a holler on Saturday night."

JOHN L. SMITH: Small-town feel makes Ely home, sweet home (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

JOHN L. SMITH: Nothing illustrates the value of water like the Ely Ice Fishing Derby (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Yucca manager defends expense to restore project: Porter calls $25 million price tag 'throwing good money after bad' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Questions still remain for Yucca Mountain (Per F. Peterson column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Agencies to spend $25 million retracing key Yucca research (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Test Site

Government's fallout prediction inaccurate, Divine Strake foes say (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

From The US Congress

Senators revive bills to remove benefit barriers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Global Warming

Don't blame, prepare: Scientists can argue about root causes, but mankind must concentrate on solutions (Reno News & Review editorial)

Immigration Reform

"'It's a common misconception that marrying a U.S. citizen will give you citizenship,' said Sharon Rummery, a regional immigration services spokeswoman."

Muddled masses: Couple navigating immigration system in Nevada learns the international language of headache (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Freedom And The Federal Government

National Identity Cards

Real ID is a masquerade (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Regulating Gamblers

"For years, Stanley Ho has fought allegations that his Macau casinos have been involved with organized crime triads engaged in money laundering, loan sharking, drug trafficking and prostitution."

Macau partnership subject of hearing: Regulators will hold suitability hearing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"With little fanfare last week, the Nevada Gaming Commission approved the suitability of a director for MGM Mirage last week who eventually will lead the company in an extraordinary direction."

Tourism and Gaming: MGM Mirage blazes trail with committee (In Business Las Vegas article)

Moving on to bigger and better offices: Technology puts burden on gaming regulators (Las Vegas Sun article)

Home Means Nevada

"Just when everything was looking hunky-dory for U.S. companies moving into Macao, who should pop out of the woodwork but the son of wastrel North Korean despot Kim Jong-il."

Trouble in Macao (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)

"Those invited to Deloitte's CEO Lunch in Davos heard that less than half the executives of major corporations that are operating in emerging markets were happy about the way things were going."

The writing is on the wall in Asia (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)

The Folks Who Build Casinos

2006 California Problem Gambling Prevalence Survey (California Office of Problem Gambling website)

Something Odd About It

Hooters sale called 'curious' (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Lizard Hall

Dayton artist's home makes history: Robert Caples' Silver Street home added to Nevada Register of Historic Places (Nevada Appeal article)

==========================================

February 3, 2007

[7:40 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

"It's time again. That four-month period that occurs every two years when state lawmakers reconvene in Carson City. The time when no Nevadan's liberty or wallet is safe."

Restricting damage in Carson City: Legislature set to reconvene on Monday (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The Budget Game (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)

Typical: Punishes Parents But Exempts Saloons And Casinos

"Under Senate Bill 7, which is scheduled to be heard Thursday by the Judiciary Committee, a person who serves, sells or furnishes alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age would be civilly liable for damage caused by the underage drinker - in addition to facing the current criminal penalties for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. (The civil liability would not apply to people licensed to serve or sell alcoholic beverages, or their employees.)"

Teen boozing reflects on parents: Bill seeks to increase penalties for those who let children drink (Las Vegas Sun article)

Dead Kids

"'The Department of Family Services needs to be as transparent as possible if we are to enact meaningful change that will better protect children that are placed in their care and that of the state,' Reid said."

Family Services review sought: Child safety report red-flagged 55 cases (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Bills seek more disclosure on child deaths in Nevada (Associated Press article)

Nevada's Sleazy Predatory Lending Industry

"Those new contracts allow borrowers to make weekly payments, while charging interest of up to 900 percent, Buckley said."

Legislator looks to close loan loophole: Buckley says some companies evading law by charging high rates (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Highways

Residents voice traffic concerns (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

From The Office Of The Governor

Skolnik named to replace Whorton as director of corrections (Nevada Appeal article)

The State Judiciary

Here came the judges -- to Beatty conference (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Park only one of the many projects on tap: Funds come from park taxes paid by developers (Nevada Appeal article)

Douglas County

Developing Concerns

Picketers gather at growth meeting (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

"But there is a question as to what growth pays for when dealing with other services, such as law enforcement, firefighting, parks and social services."

Sometimes growth pays (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Elko County

County Affairs

Child advocates sworn in (Elko Free Press article)

City Of Elko

Argent Avenue meeting (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

Lyon County consolidated tax revenues expected to decline (Nevada Appeal article)

Lyon master plan consultants assure all facts considered before addressing communities (Mason Valley News article)

County Commission to discuss future jail location (Mason Valley News article)

District Attorney seeks more legal support staffing (Mason Valley News article)

City Of Yerington

City PlanCom to consider land use change for North West Street property Monday (Mason Valley News article)

Mason Valley Fire Protection District

Fire District Board elects officers (Mason Valley News article)

Fire Board approves two grant applications (Mason Valley News article)

An Attack Truck?

Fire District awards bid for new rescue/attack truck (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County

Town Of Beatty

"As the Beatty Town Advisory Board responded to advice from Paula Elefante, director of Economic Development Authority of Esmeralda and Nye Counrties, of EDEN, at the Jan. 24 meeting, it became more and more apparent that the members are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in the development of a master plan for the community."

EDEN chief offers master plan advice (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Town Of Pahrump

"An extremely agreeable meeting of the Pahrump Town Board was held last Tuesday with every action item on the agenda passing unanimously."

Board charges through agenda (Pahrump Valley Times article)

"The group, which observes and channels information to immigration authorities, denies allegations about its makeup and it's purpose."

Minutemen organize Pahrump chapter (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

New road needed yesterday (Bruce Van Dyke column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

City Of Reno

Big Spenders

Dave Aiazzi and Bob Cashell Fight for Bigger Government (Eric Odum column, Battleborn Opinion News)

NICPAC urges Reno and Sparks to drop call for more taxes (Todd Zuccato column, Silver State Libertarian Leanings)

My Letter to the City Councils (Todd Zuccato column, Silver State Libertarian Leanings)

Social v. Economic Costs

Costs a concern in hotel fire safety (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

If You Say It, Then Do It

Pride, practicality in finished projects (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

White Pine County

City Of Ely

George Chachas faces ethics hearing Feb. 13-14 (Ely Times article)

"The city council has already directed Chachas to refrain from taping his conversations inside city hall. In addition, it has censured the mayor for intimidating city workers, partly through the use of his tape recorder."

Chachas continues to defy no-recorder ban (Ely Times article)

Mayor and Bybee clash over snow pile in lot (Ely Times article)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

Candidates split on Iraq war: Vilsack, Thompson participate in panel discussion at convention (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

'Rock solid,' not rock stars: Vilsack, Thompson tout Midwestern values during presidential debate (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Embarrassed By The Community

Name change would raise WNCC's image (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Public Schools

Churchill County School District

Video of school board meetings will be available via the Internet (Lahontan Valley News article)

Committee to study school transportation policy (Lahontan Valley News article)

Lyon County School District

School District makes switch to high-speed wireless internet service (Mason Valley News article)

School District representative again to attend four job fairs (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County School District

Health advisor lists main goals in schools (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Women's Health

"Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus plans to introduce a bill this legislative session that would require certain Nevada health insurance plans to cover Gardasil, the world's first vaccine proven to prevent cervical cancer."

Titus to introduce bill requiring insurers to cover Gardasil (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A Step in the Right Direction (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)

South Lyon Medical Center

HVAC a four-letter word in SLMC renovation (Mason Valley News article)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

Monthly survey shows dismal snowpack in Sierra, NE Nev. (Associated Press article)

Snowpack at 50 percent; irrigation outlook dismal (Elko Free Press article)

"Newly-appointed State Engineer Tracy Taylor said his meeting with representatives of Pahrump's three private utility companies Thursday went 'better than anyone could've expected,' to get them working together on water issues."

Dry winter continues in Pahrump (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Water providers meet state's new engineer (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Wish There Was

"We hear there's snow up in Carson City."

Quick program note (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Grand Sierra Resort

Proposal flowing in Reno: Resort to build large indoor water park (Associated Press article)

Walker River Irrigation District

WRID Board elections on tap this year (Mason Valley News article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

"Elk-shed collectors and others, who drive on water-saturated dirt roads, or off the established roads and trails, are steering the habitat toward disaster, cautions a manager for the Bureau of Land Management."

BLM: Stay off muddy roads (Ely Times article)

__________

Nevada Mining

The Johnnie Mine

Support sought for sale of mine site (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Ghostly Taylor

Canadian company may mine silver at Taylor; mill still in good shape: Mine not to reopen for several years (Ely Times article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry

Author warns of disconnect with nature (Elko Free Press article)

The End Of The Trail

Laughter begins at Trail’s End (Elko Free Press article)

Folklife Center

Group dedicates Folklife Center’s Wiegand Gallery (Elko Free Press article)

On The Comstock

JANE ANN MORRISON: Friendly characters make their homes in Virginia City and Gold Hill (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Northern Nevada Railway Museum

At the Throttle: Museum success creates toilet gap (Mark S. Bassett column, Ely Times)

The Forward-Looking Carson City Library System

"There's a whole group of people who don't realize what the library can do for them," said Susan Antipa, reference librarian. "You can look up information from home in your bathrobe, or from your office."

Library expands electronic offerings: More electronic reference sources, wireless Internet access now available (Nevada Appeal article)

Northern Nevada Children's Museum

"The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada has lost another executive director - its third in about two years."

Children's museum director leaves after six months: Krupicz resigns to work on projects with local community groups (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

'Emailgate' probe could cost $25 million (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Yucca Mountain Project: Information on Estimated Costs to Respond to Employee E-Mails That Raised Questions about Quality Assurance GAO-07-297R, January 19, 2007

National Nuclear Security Administration: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Management of the Nation's Nuclear Programs GAO-07-36, January 19, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

National Nuclear Security Administration: Security and Management Improvements Can Enhance Implementation of the NNSA Act GAO-07-428T, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

From The US Congress

Reid helps resurrect closed Goldfield radio station (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Global Warming

Global warming will strike us first: Scientists say Southwest is at particular risk (Las Vegas Sun article)

United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Public Lands

Supports BLM: Judge upholds horse, burro gather (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Our Bloated National Budget

Testimony on the Budget and Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2008 to 2017, January 30, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Fiscal Stewardship: A Critical Challenge Facing Our Nation GAO-07-362SP, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Our Nation's Economy

Testimony on Economic Volatility, January 31, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Homeland Security

"First responders, state, local, tribal and federal emergency officials, utility workers, ambulance drivers, hospital personnel, forest fire fighters, federal law enforcement agents, the National Guard, and members of all branches of the military are among those who might respond to an emergency and need to be equipped to communicate among themselves and with each other."

RL33838 - January 30, 2007 Emergency Communications: Policy Options at a Crossroads (Congressional Research Service Report)

Rail Safety: The Federal Railroad Administration Is Better Targeting Its Oversight, but Needs to Assess the Impact of Its Efforts GAO-07-390T, January 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

"The intent of the Improper Payments Information Act (IPIA) is to improve accountability in administering federal tax dollars and to reduce wasteful spending."

RS22587 - January 30, 2007 Improper Payments Information Act of 2002: A Brief Introduction (Congressional Research Service Report)

Government Auditing Standards: January 2007 Revision GAO-07-162G, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

High Risk Series: An Update GAO-07-310, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Relief: Prevention Is the Key to Minimizing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Recovery Efforts GAO-07-418T, January 29, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Science And Politics

Removing scientific oversight: President's directive gives White House the power to taint federal regulations (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Iraq Contracting Practices

Mission not accomplished: Group says Iraqi police training program needs an overhaul and new leadership (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"In terms of the overall performance of contractors in Iraq: There are now 78 active criminal investigations into cases centering primarily on bribery and kickbacks, including 23 cases awaiting action by the Justice Department."

The Greening of Iraq? (Desert Beacon)

RL33834 - January 26, 2007 Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Soldier with Valley connection killed by roadside bomb (Associated Press article)

Contract Management: Proteges Value DOD's Mentor-Protege Program, but Annual Reporting to Congress Needs Improvement GAO-07-151, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Defense Logistics: Preliminary Observations on the Army's Implementation of Its Equipment Reset Strategies GAO-07-439T, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Military Base Closures: Opportunities Exist to Improve Environmental Cleanup Cost Reporting and to Expedite Transfer of Unneeded Property GAO-07-166, January 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Military Personnel: DOD Needs to Provide a Better Link between Its Defense Strategy and Military Personnel Requirements GAO-07-397T, January 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Reserve Forces: Actions Needed to Identify National Guard Domestic Equipment Requirements and Readiness GAO-07-60, January 26, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Unwarranted Surveillance

Health Information Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed for National Strategy GAO-07-400T, February 1, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Health Information Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed for National Strategy GAO-07-238, January 10, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Passport And Visa Restrictions

RL33844 - January 29, 2007 Foreign Investor Visas: Policies and Issues (Congressional Research Service Report)

Border Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Strategic, Operational, and Technological Challenges at Land Ports of Entry GAO-07-378T, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Fate Of Persons Detained By US Authorities

Australians Ask U.S. to Aid Gitmo Inmate (Associated Press article)

New Charges for 3 Guantanamo Detainees (Associated Press article)

A Federal Reader

RS22585 - January 26, 2007 - WIPO Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS22589 - January 29, 2007 Possible Small Business Issues in the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

"The economic substance doctrine is a judicially developed doctrine that has become one of the IRS's primary tools in fighting abusive tax shelters."

RS22586 - January 29, 2007 The Economic Substance Doctrine: Recent Significant Legal Decisions (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33845 - January 29, 2007 Retirement Savings: How Much Will Workers Have When They Retire? (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33830 - January 30, 2007 District of Columbia Voting Representation in Congress: An Analysis of Legislative Proposals (Congressional Research Service Report)

State Department: State Has Initiated a More Systematic Approach for Managing Its Aviation Fleet GAO-07-264, February 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Health Careers Opportunity Program: Process for Awarding Competitive Grants Included Independent Review GAO-07-137, February 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Children's Health Insurance: State Experiences in Implementing SCHIP and Considerations for Reauthorization GAO-07-447T, February 1, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Food Stamp Program: Payment Errors and Trafficking Have Declined despite Increased Program Participation GAO-07-422T, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Tax Policy: New Markets Tax Credit Appears to Increase Investment by Investors in Low-Income Communities, but Opportunities Exist to Better Monitor Compliance GAO-07-296, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Wildland Fire Management: Lack of a Cohesive Strategy Hinders Agencies' Cost-Containment Efforts GAO-07-427T, January 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Recycling: Additional Efforts Could Increase Municipal Recycling GAO-07-37, December 29, 2006 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Foreign Policy

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Estimated Costs of Increasing U.S. Forces in Iraq, February 1, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

"The situation in Iraq has focused attention on whether Congress has the constitutional authority to legislate limits on the President's authority to conduct military operations in Iraq, even though it did not initially provide express limits."

RL33837 - January 29, 2007 Congressional Authority To Limit U.S. Military Operations in Iraq (Congressional Research Service Report)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Home Means Nevada

Station unit to buy land for tribal casino (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Pizen Switch Centennial

Yerington relative to attend Centennial Celebration (Mason Valley News article)

Children In Days Gone Bye

"In contrast to decades past, the majority of Americans currently seem unwilling to contribute more than a bare minimum of effort and resources toward creating the best possible future for our children."

Nevada used to take better care of its kids (Bob McCracken column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Nevada used to take better care of its kids (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

==========================================

February 4, 2007

[4:30 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

2007 Nevada Legislature convenes Monday (Associated Press article)

"The juxtaposition is stark and awkward as legislators and many times more lobbyists invade the quiet of Carson City every other year: Las Vegas legislators, so steeped in growth and glamour, in the new and the fashionable, living part time in a small city with history and a love of community and stability."

Capitol reluctantly awakens: Carson City adjusts as lobbyists and lawmakers make biennial trek north (Las Vegas Sun article)

Legislators' decisions will affect all our lives (Nevada Appeal article)

The Legislators

The State Assembly (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

The State Senate (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

Committees of the 74th Session of the Nevada Legislature (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

Assembly

Senate

THE PLAYERS: Your guide to the 2007 Legislature (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Legislative Fast Facts (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada leadership, committees (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Public

HOW TO PARTICIPATE (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

How CITIZENS CAN CHANGE state LAW (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Changes or proposed changes in Nevada law driven by citizens (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

ADVICE FOR CONCERNED CITIZENS (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Lobbyists

Nevada Lobbyists (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

Group's forum will define legislative goals (Nevada Appeal article)

The Legislation

Pre-Filed Bills Of The 74th Session (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

74th Session Bill Information (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

Starting Monday, lawmakers to weigh a wide range of bills (Las Vegas Sun article)

The Major Issues

Education

K-12 EDUCATION: Full-day kindergarten takes spotlight in education debate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"'Shortly into the 20th century American schooling decided to move away from intellectual development or skills training as the main justification for its existence and to enter the eerie world of social engineering,' Mr. Gatto explains, 'a world where 'socializing' and 'psychologizing' the classroom preempted attention and rewards.'"

VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: The social pathologies of all-day kindergarten (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

HIGHER EDUCATION: Health Sciences Center at forefront of higher education issues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Dead Kids

CHILD WELFARE: Inaction on problems with child welfare system unacceptable, assemblywoman warns (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JOHN L. SMITH: Need for more statewide funding for child welfare caseworkers is obvious (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

"The mere suggestion that child welfare caseworkers pay for even a portion of their training is shocking to social service bureaucracies."

Caseworker training (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Nevada Highways

ROADS: Funding shortfall drives urgency on road work (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The transportation infrastructure that feeds Las Vegas' tourist economy, the life blood of the state, is disgracefully outdated."

TOP PRIORITY: Getting rid of gridlock -- Clark County lawmakers are on the spot to fund highways (Glen Cook column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Prisons

PRISONS: 'Three red flags' signal prison crisis (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

DEALING WITH ADDICTION: Meth punishes users' mouths -- Dentists work to correct devastating, unique oral effects of drug (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Health Care

HEALTH CARE: Proposal for small businesses could cause rift (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Public Employees

LONG-TERM LIABILITY: Options limited for meeting health care liability (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The State Judiciary

Study appeals court plan (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Eminent Domain

EMINENT DOMAIN: Lawmakers scheduled to debate 11 separate eminent domain proposals (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Auto Repair Ratings

Right idea, wrong method: Quality of work at private businesses should be rated, but not by state agencies (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Illegal Immigrants

IMMIGRATION: Issues simmer on lower heat after boil of campaign season (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Governor's Proposed Budget

State of Nevada Executive Budget 2007-2009 Biennium (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

The Journalists

"To be sure, I haven't given Gov. Jim Gibbons a honeymoon. But his recent choice for a Clark County Commission appointment is not reason for criticism."

ERIN NEFF: When the right skin color is still viewed as the wrong choice (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: The 2007 Legislature as entertainment (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

"It may be that we have been penny-wise and pound-foolish for far too long."

Brian Greenspun on growing up and paying our public servants (Las Vegas Sun column)

Jon Ralston counts down the top 10 questions that face the Legislature and Gov. Jim Gibbons as the 74th session begins Monday in Carson City (Las Vegas Sun column)

From The Office Of The Governor

Governor Gibbons Names Howard Skolnik Corrections Director (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

Local Government

Clark County

Spin Control

THOMAS MITCHELL : Just setting the record straight (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Elko County

The Cattle Industry

"While the number of cattle in Elko County has followed a downward trend since the historic highs of the 1970s and 1980s, it has leveled off since the middle 1990s, according to an economic impact study by the University of Nevada, Reno."

Economic impact of Elko cattle turns ‘linear’ (Elko Free Press article)

University of Nevada Reno Center for Economic Development

Grazing fees on public land dropping (Elko Free Press article)

The Railport

Sale of Railport parcel comes before County Commission (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

Silver Springs has second effluent leak in a month (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

The great state debate: Nevada or New Hampshire: Who's on first? (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry

Home on the Stage: Cowboy Poetry Gathering hears Montana voices (Elko Free Press article)

Cowboy poets write from experience (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Native American Market

Great Basin Native American market (Elko Free Press article)

Fleet And Family

Support center aids military families (Lahontan Valley News article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada Test Site

Nevada governor urged to request public hearings on explosion (Associated Press article)

Global Warming

Urgent response is required: Because White House underplays warming report, hope now lies with Congress (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Shifting into neutral: Celebrity-driven plan to fight global warming shouldn't overshadow other ways (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Our Nation's Environment

Opponents of industrial civilization: Greens don't like oil, nuclear, coal ... (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada's Past

Beatty And Its Mining Camps

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Beatty area provides lots to see for history buffs (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Preserving The Past

How to treat old buildings (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

==========================================

February 5, 2007

[9:35 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Session begins (Associated Press article)

"For the first time, a woman will be standing at the podium in the state Assembly chambers, when the 74th session of the Nevada Legislature is gaveled into session at noon today."

First 140 of an estimated 1,100 bills introduced today (Nevada Appeal article)

Buckley set to make Nevada history (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lawmakers bring bustle back to town (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

"Lawmakers must make this issue a priority and, in addition to whatever is spent on the criminal justice system, they must create aggressive education and treatment programs. Ending a scourge takes more than just prisons."

Facing a health crisis: Lawmakers need to act to fight the pervasiveness of methamphetamine use in Nevada (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

From The Office Of The Governor

"His plan would expand the state's homestead exemption law to one that is the most liberal in the nation."

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: Gibbons plan could hit home -- Declarations would protect more equity from creditors (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Access Carson City will broadcast state government programming (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

County Affairs

Community is his No. 1 priority -- Q+A: Lawrence Weekly (Las Vegas Sun interview)

City Of Las Vegas

Battle over speech on Fremont continues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lyon County

New jail to be located in Stagecoach or Silver Springs (Nevada Appeal article)

Washoe County

Government-Approved Developments On A Flood Plain

Don't compromise flood project (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Politics

For Liberty And Limited Government

Group organizes to Take Back Nevada: Conservatives to promote amendments (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

The Millennium Scholarship Program

Saving a scholarship: Money from tobacco settlement won't help students attend Nevada colleges in a few years (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

SNWA The Water Moloch: The More It Takes, The More It Needs

Las Vegas & The Groundwater Development Project: Where does it start? — Where will it end? (Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Report)

Water in the Urban Southwest, An updated Analysis of Water use in Albuquerque, Las Vegas Valley, and Tucson (Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Report)

Nevada Water Issues 2006 A Handbook for Public Officials, the Press, and the Public (Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Report)

__________

Nevada's Environment

The Eagles Soar

'Good year' for bald eagles at lakes Mead and Mohave: Annual midwinter survey documents 87, highest on record (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Utilities

White Pine County Coal-Burning Power Plant Project

Public meetings set on power plant: Clean energy group opposes coal-fired plant (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry

"The poetry gathering, first started in 1985, began primitively, but two decades later, it's a polished professional show. Events celebrate not only the American West, but also cowboy life around the world."

JANE ANN MORRISON: Cowboy poets take on professional polish, attract passionate following (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

$kindustry Regulation

"Nearby residents, who see nothing little or darling about the proposed sign, fret about the possibility of hundreds of square feet of salacious images eight stories in the air creating an X-rated gateway to their community. City officials and others worry about distracted drivers plowing into each other."

Signs of trouble looming over big sign: Some city officials worried that content might distract drivers (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lecture explores history of world's oldest profession (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada Test Site

No more mushroom clouds over Nevada (John Hadder column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Reid up to the challenge as Rancho students question him (Las Vegas Sun article)

Global Warming

We must stop polluting (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Monopoly Capitalism

"Exxon Mobil has again reported record profits -- and with gasoline prices still hovering around $2.50 a gallon, that has already renewed calls for government intervention."

Evil profits (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Bureaucratic Bungling

"Maybe somebody didn't have the wisdom to realize that the original tapes might be valuable some time in the future. Certainly, we can look back now and wonder why we didn't have better foresight about this."

Moon footage? Oops -- we lost it: NASA searching for footage of first lunar landing (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada's Past

1957: Reno's Explosion And Fire

Survivors remember Reno's downtown inferno (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

==========================================

February 6, 2007

[10:55 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Nevada's First Female Speaker Of The Assembly

First woman Assembly speaker sworn into office in Nevada (Associated Press article)

"Moments after being elected 41-1 Monday as Nevada's first female Assembly speaker, Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, called on legislators to approve funding to establish full-day kindergarten classes in every elementary school in Nevada."

State lawmakers start with a first: On opening day, Assembly elects Buckley first female speaker (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Legislators and legislative watchers with institutional memories going back 30 years couldn't remember a single nay vote against a speaker."

GOP freshman casts lone vote opposing Buckley (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"'If Assemblyman Cobb wants to break 165 years of tradition and not reach across the aisle for the betterment of the state in the opening ceremonies, that is his right,' Buckley said."

Buckley takes oath as first woman speaker (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

"On the wall outside the Assembly chamber stood 76 bills -- an amount unheard of for opening day -- all pre-filed and ready to give the committees something to do this morning."

ERIN NEFF: Buckley's big debut (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Buckley's ceremony will carry Day One at Legislature (Ray Hagar column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

The First Day

2007 Legislature opens for business (Nevada Appeal article)

Highlights from opening day (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Session's Prospects

Lawmakers expect need for compromise as 74th session begins (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Rural lawmakers eye key issues: Carpenter discusses upcoming session (Elko Free Press article)

Rural lawmakers eye key issues: Rhoads gives perspective on 2007 session (Elko Free Press article)

"It's a bill draft request cloaked in secrecy. Few involved, including Cox Communication and Embarq, seem willing to talk about what will be in it when it arrives on the floor of the Nevada Legislature."

Proposed bill could give Cox access to telephone lines (Las Vegas Business Press article)

The Legislature And The Governor

Governor Welcomes 74th Session of the Nevada State Legislature (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

Round-up at the Carson City corral (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Public Participation

Q&A Tuesday: Have your say while lawmakers are in town (Nevada Appeal article)

Accessing the Legislature (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Dead Kids

"'They'd better get moving,' Gerhardt said of Family Services latest effort to assemble data on endangered children. 'As a legislator and the vice chair of the Assembly's Health and Human Services Committee, I want that information.'"

Family Services, consultant trade blows over case review (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Escrow Firms

State Can Seize Your Children But Can't Audit A Business

"Nevada law only requires that qualified intermediaries give the Real Estate Division the name and address of the financial institution and current balance of all accounts at the time of application. Beyond that, the division does not regulate the company itself nor where it deposits its funds."

State suspends Southwest: Official cites threat to public welfare (Las Vegas Business Press article)

"Terry Coffing of the Las Vegas law firm Marquis & Aurbach said he has been told the loss may total $83 million, although he could not verify that number. An attorney for the top executive at Southwest Exchange, whom Coffing declined to identify, estimated the company has less than $1 million in assets to cover those losses, Coffing said."

Attorney fears huge losses: $83 million could be gone from exchange (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Taxation

THE STATE OF BUSINESS: Taxes main concern of businesses -- Local leaders question need for levies imposed in 2003 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Bank tax repeal not a done deal (Ian Mylchrest column, Las Vegas Business Press)

"So the $7 billion question for fiscal conservatives is this: If then-Rep. Gibbons found and called for substantial cuts in government spending four years ago, why didn't Gov. Gibbons propose those same spending cuts now?"

Are we spending our way to fiscal conservatism? (Chuck Muth column, Las Vegas Business Press)

"A problem that will hit home much harder is the lack of personal savings that will leave many people scraping to get by well after normal retirement age."

Money woes to create a bleak future for Nevada (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Saving graces: Americans put away minimum (Nevada Appeal article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

"Slot route operators are taking a hit as their gamblers say "no thanks" to no-smoking rules in convenience and grocery stores."

Up in smoke? Slot route revenues drop as smoking ban takes hold (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Jones says stores' slot revenue will bounce back (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

"The idea is to provide better visibility of the shopping center from the freeway while providing the same amount of protection the wall already provides to its neighbors, he said."

Part of freeway sound wall might be modified for shopping center (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Real Estate Market

Industrial supply dwindles in fourth quarter (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Boulder City

"A plan to protect some Boulder City land from development - and in so doing help out the Mojave Desert tortoise - is going to take the political equivalent of a five-cushion billiards shot to achieve its twin purposes."

Tortoise may want vote on land deal (Las Vegas Sun article)

City Of Las Vegas

$kindustry Regulation

Sex and the city: Strip club's mammoth sign inappropriate for neighborhood residents and I-15 drivers (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Condo Views

"Residents said they realize they aren't entitled to views, but that it's just not neighborly for a next-door developer to block views and sunlight."

LOOKING IN ON: REAL ESTATE -- Even from top, view not so good (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lyon County

Stagecoach developer turned down for master plan amendment (Nevada Appeal article)

North Lyon County Fire Protection District

Fire Board looks at ways to improve District's image (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

__________

Nevada Politics

That Last-Minute Slime Job

"'On almost every step of the way, Mazzeo changed her story and appeared totally confused,' Karstedt wrote."

PARKING GARAGE ALLEGATIONS: Mazzeo's story changes in tapes -- Gibbons' accuser shows confusion about locations (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Questions remain about Gibbons case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

The University Medical Center Scandal

Police unsure how long it will take to finish UMC probe: New leads lengthening Thomas investigation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Colleges may see more funds (Elko Free Press article)

Chief legal counsel weighs in on regents, foundations (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

All-Day Kindergarten Proposal

"The U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics has concluded that full-day kindergarten was beneficial to students in first grade, although it showed no positive effects after the end of third grade."

Kindergarten study debated: Analysis supports full-day program (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Millennium Scholarship Fund

Lawmakers hope to extend Nevada scholarships (Associated Press article)

Millennium Scholarship should be preserved (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Cutting is not the answer: Lawmakers need to keep spirit of the Millennium Scholarship alive by funding it (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Churchill County School District

School board meets to discuss trust issues (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County School District

Honeymoon is just beginning for Rulffes: School chief is popular pick a year later (Las Vegas Sun article)

Washoe County School District

School district devotes time to development (Paul Dugan column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

School designing Nevada solar system (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Mesquite hospital parent to go private (Ian Mylchrest column, Las Vegas Business Press)

__________

Nevada's Environment

The Sun Also Rises

"Solargenix Inc. can now hire workers from El Salvador and Mexico, as well as out-of-state workers at less than the union pay scale. The company will also get to keep its $15 million tax-incentive package from the Nevada Commission on Economic Development."

Disgruntled unions drop solar lawsuit (Las Vegas Business Press article)

The Whispering Wind

"Bush's $2.9 trillion budget proposal released Monday includes no funding for geothermal technology, a prominent industry in Nevada, or for hydropower research and development."

Bush plan cuts funds for wind technology (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry

Another big success (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

"'To ask for an additional dime for this doomed project is not only fiscally irresponsible but an insult to the residents of Nevada,' Porter said."

DOE requests reduced Yucca Mountain budget (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Ensign Calls Budget A Positive Step Toward Fiscal Discipline: Fight Against Yucca Funding Remains Top Priority (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Porter Calls Yucca Budget Proposal “Reckless Waste of Taxpayer Funds” (Rep. Porter Press Release)

Why not just burn it? The money budgeted for Yucca Mountain - hundreds of millions - is just a waste (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada Test Site

State should assess blast safety (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

"This is the right thing to do for Nevada Test Site workers who have become ill as a result of their work. These are atomic energy veterans who deserve nothing but the best in return for the contributions they made to protect our country."

Reid bill to assist test site workers: Compensation for exposure at issue (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Public Lands

Ensign Renews Commitment To Keep SNPLMA Money In Nevada (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Veterans Affairs

"The project carried a $286 million price tag in 2005, which grew to $406 million by last February. The newest estimate is $600.4 million, according to the VA budget."

VA medical center cost soars (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Ensign: Full Funding For Southern Nevada Vets' Hospital Included In Budget (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Substance Abuse And Native Americans

"Our federal guvmint, specifically its Office of National Drug Policy, had awakened to the problem of drug, alcohol and substance abuse in the Native American community."

Better Late Than Never; "Insider" snoozes (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Harrah's World

Harrah's sends mixed signals: Experts predict stagnation in U.S., growth overseas (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Hard Rock Expansion

New tower, more convention space planned for Hard Rock: Sale of surplus land characterized as difficult (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Betting Kiosks

We're becoming mechanical animals (David G. Schwartz column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Internet Gambling

"The chips are down for principals in online gambling operations, and the cyberspace scenario is probably going to get worse."

Is online gambling a terrorist front? To some, government's tactics smack of Prohibition, religious mania (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Slot Music

They write the songs: Meet some of the men behind the music of slot machines (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada's Past

V&TRR

V&T will speed through Gold Hill, not stop: Commissioners split on proper use of taxpayers' money to rebuild historic right-of-way (Nevada Appeal article)

Operation Haylift

"The winter of 1948-1949 was one of the harshest in Northern Nevada history, and many local residents still remember the extraordinary "Operation Haylift" undertaken to ensure the survival of cattle, sheep and even deer in remote areas of the state."

Remembering Operation Haylift (Lahontan Valley News article)

==========================================

February 7, 2007

[10:35 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

The Legislators

New speaker shows vision: Energy, education and health care are some of the issues on Barbara Buckley's plate (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Rubber Stamp Republicans Strike Again (Muth's Truth's)

Senator Bob Beers and the Blogosphere (Sen. Bob Beers/ Eric Odom correspondence, Battleborn Opinion News)

Sen. Beers' Blog

Dead Kids

CLARK COUNTY FAMILY SERVICES: Foster case review surfaces -- State official, attorney say they were told file never existed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Of all the reasons for child welfare agencies to withhold records regarding children killed through abuse and neglect, the idea that keeping such information secret somehow "protects" dead kids is the most offensive, absurd and unacceptable."

No more secrecy in child death cases: Snake-pit bureaucracy requires legislative intervention (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Lawmakers get briefing on impacts of meth (Nevada Appeal article)

The State Budget

"'It shouldn't be that we're at your mercy, you need to be at our mercy,' Arberry said. 'It's our budget. We own this budget now.'"

ASSEMBLY WAYS AND MEANS: Budget off to rocky start -- Arberry cautions Gibbons about changes to document (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Arberry warns executive branch over last-minute budget changes: Budget director's revisions catch lawmakers by surprise (Nevada Appeal article)

Jon Ralston on Gov. Jim Gibbons' low status as the Legislature starts (Las Vegas Sun column)

Ways and Means Republicans (Eric Odom column, Battleborn Opinion News)

National Identity Cards

"A coalition of national government groups estimates the cost to all the states will total more than $11 billion and double the wait times for those seeking the new licenses."

State resolution would oppose national ID law: Lawmakers to ask Congress to scrap Real ID Act (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Concerns Of Nevada Businessmen

Businesses troubled by traffic: More than half of survey respondents fear road clog may impede prosperity (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Worker availability tops list of possible obstacles: Communications, construction, financial services see hiring struggles (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Elections

County officials ask Nevada legislators for election-law changes (Associated Press article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Escrow Firms

"Southwest Exchange is a so-called accommodator or qualified intermediary that enables investors to delay paying income taxes on the profit they made by selling real estate. Investors are allowed to delay paying capital gains taxes if they use the money from the real estate sale to buy another piece of real estate, but they cannot touch the money while looking for another property. So investors often rely on companies like Southwest Exchange to hold their money before closing on a new property purchase."

Southwest Exchange put into receivership (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Judiciary

DISTRICT JUDGE: Bonaventure to step down -- 28-year stint as a jurist about to end (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Contract opening for freeway work postponed (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County

The Importance Of Modern Roads

"One of the most important developments in the economic future of Fallon and the Lahontan Valley begins this week with the final phase of the Highway 50A expansion."

Highway 50A expansion will boost local economy (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Clark County

Soaring Tourism

McCarran passenger traffic rises to 46.2 million in 2006 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Real Estate Market

Home sales start slowly in 2007 (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Developing Stories

Vote on 'Midtown' project postponed: Commissioners to look at traffic before narrowing the parkway to four lanes (Las Vegas Sun article)

Douglas County

Developing Problems

Another episode of 'The Edge of Redevelopment' (Jack Van Dien column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Let's let people have a chance (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Lake Tahoe Basin

US Forest Service

"The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service seeks public comment on the comprehensive evaluation report for its forest plan revision."

Forest Service invites public comment (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

The Q & A on the Shorezone plan (John Singlaub column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Tahoe Vistas

Webcams monitor weather, traffic and views of Tahoe (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Sign Ordinances

"Ask anyone who has waded through the 40 pages of regulations concerning the placement of advertising signs on the North Shore, and you are guaranteed to find an advocate for revision."

Warning: signs ahead (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Lyon County

City Of Fernley

Wal-Mart, new I-80 exit on Fernley city agenda (Lahontan Valley News article)

Fernley power substation vandalized (Lahontan Valley News article)

Washoe County

City Of Reno

Is Reno responsible when it comes to spending? (Eric Odom column, Battleborn Opinion News)

And Then There Was Silence (Todd Zuccato column, Silver State Libertarian Leanings)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

Hillary Clinton coming to Carson City (Nevada Appeal article)

Democrats racing to Carson City (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

10 Questions With Democratic Presidential Candidate Sen. Mike Gravel (Dullard Mush)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada

The University Medical Center Scandal

Company owner claims innocence in UMC probe (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Meanwhile, Back At The Clark County Commission . . .

UMC contract gets second OK: Vote is 4-1, with Atkinson Gates abstaining (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

UMC debate shaped by tenure: Controversial deal OK'd, but with new promises of reform (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

Lack of fresh snow puts resorts in slump (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Coming storms bring possibility of flooding (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Douglas County School District

Children learn to be bully-proof (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Washoe County School District

Special Legislation

School funding is unfair (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Murderous Mischief

School bus vandals (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Sabotage; four students arrested in school bus vandalism (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Nevada Women's Health

Calling for better prevention: A vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer is still too expensive for most patients (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Birdflu

No bird flu reported in Nevada (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Mental Health

Coping with anxiety in troubled times (Lisa Keating column, Nevada Appeal)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Traffickers In Human Flesh

"'It's hard to believe in this day and age that there are still forms of legal slavery, but it does exist, and it's occurring in Nevada,' state Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said at a news conference Tuesday unveiling the creation of the Anti-Trafficking League Against Slavery, also known as ATLAS."

Task force started: Joint effort targets human trafficking (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Administration Purge Of Anti-Corruption US Attorneys

NEVADA'S U.S. ATTORNEY: Ensign at odds with 'reasons' for firing -- Senator seeks replacement (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Auto Arsons

Illegal ignition: Vegas car owners set fires to end payments they can't afford (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada's Workers

The Culinary Workers' Union

"The corporate landscape has changed dramatically in the five years since representatives of Culinary Workers Local 226 and Las Vegas' hotel-casino industry sat down to reach collective bargaining agreements in 2002."

Different times, new contract talks: Pacts for 50,000 Culinary workers will expire June 1 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Intelligent Management

Business: Don't toss out our boomers without picking their brains (Nevada Appeal article)

Local businesses urged to build loyalty, mentors (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital

 Nurses, hospital reach labor agreement (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Different Latitudes, Different Attitudes

We are SO Backwards (Reno and Its Discontents)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Nuclear official's stark farewell: Scrap Yucca -- Member of regulatory panel says it 'may be time to stop digging' (Las Vegas Sun article)

Agency seeks budget hike to block Yucca plan (Associated Press article)

Nevada Test Site

"Last week, the National Nuclear Security Administration released a report that said the square footage and number of workers in the nuclear weapons complex, which includes the test site, could be reduced by as much as one-third each by the year 2030."

Official: Test site's future hazy -- Changes in works for U.S. weapons complex (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Global Warming

The gloomy global warming gang (Ed Iverson column, Lahontan Valley News)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

Billions out the door: Questions are long overdue about why billions in Iraq vanished with no accounting (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The archeological sites, lost of knowledge and treasures (McClatchy News article, via Desert Beacon)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Airport director delayed trying to get through security (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Home Means Nevada

"A Macau company filed a federal lawsuit in Las Vegas Monday against Las Vegas Sands, Venetian Venture Development, Venetian President Bill Weidner and LVS board assistant David Friedman. The suit alleges Macau officials rigged the 2001 bidding process in favor of Sands and that the latter dropped a Taiwan bank from the deal to appease Communist officials."

Macau casino concession rigged, suit alleges: Venetian president, board assistant accused of misusing insider information (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Ho's tentacles dragging successors down? (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Enter Iacocca

BILL ROBERTS: Big news in small world of rural gaming (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

__________

Nevada's Past

The First Sheriff In Nevada

Museum lecture features Ellison (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

==========================================

Update for February 7, 2007

[5:50 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Cobb won't back down from 'nay' vote against Buckley (Ray Hagar column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Corn off the Cobb (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

State Department Of Corrections

Wrangling over WINGS: Program director fires back at prisons chief (Elko Free Press article)

Local Government

Elko County

City Of Elko

Annexation issue faces another delay (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Nevada Mining

GOLD in the Pequops: Hot on the trail of Elko County’s next big discovery? (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada Test Site

Reid Announces New Effort To Help Nevada Test Site Workers (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Congressional Debate Over Iraq

More Iraq Resolution Stall Ball (Desert Beacon)

Ensign: Iraq Too Important An Issue To Limit Debate (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Democrats And Veterans Demand Accountability On Iraq Escalation (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid: Iraq NIE Offers No Support For Escalating The War (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid: By Voting Against An Iraq Debate, Senate Republicans Vote In Favor Of Escalation (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid: Senate Republicans Owe It To America Not To Block Iraq Debate (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid: Congress Will Give President Bush's Iraq Funding Request The Highest Scrutiny (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid: Senate Republicans Oppose Accountability In Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid: NIE A Sobering Look At The Reality In Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Other Congressional Matters

Reid Prioritizes Legislation To Protect Privacy And Security Of Nevadans (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Pelosi and Reid Urge Bush to Prioritize Spending for SCHIP [State Children's Health Insurance Programs] (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid Joins Two House Members In Promoting Prevention First Act: Legislation provides women with the tools they need to prevent unintended pregnancies (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Heller named Ranking Member to Small Business Subcommittee (Rep. Heller Press Release)

Global Warming And The Environment

Reid: The World Needs Urgent Action On Global Warming (Sen. Reid Press Release)

RL33846 - January 31, 2007 Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bills in the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS22571- January 22, 2007 The Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve in the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R.6) -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33831 - January 25, 2007 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legislation in the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

Environmental Information: EPA Actions Could Reduce the Availability of Environmental Information to the Public GAO-07-464T, February 6, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Our Bloated National Budget

Statement By Senator Harry Reid On Release Of President Bush's FY2008 Budget (Sen. Reid Press Release)

RL31590 - January 25, 2007 The Federal Government Debt: Its Size and Economic Significance -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL31235 - January 24, 2007 The Economics of the Federal Budget Deficit -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33850 - January 31, 2007 The House's "Pay-As-You-Go" (PAYGO) Rule in the 110th Congress: A Brief Overview (Congressional Research Service Report)

Alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms Shakeup

ATF Replaces 2 Top Officers (Associated Press article)

Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys

Deputy Attorney General Defends Prosecutor Firings (Washington Post article)

"Is the DOJ Politicizing the Hiring and Firing of U.S. Attorneys?" (US Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, with links to testimony)

Terrorists And Terrorism

RL33600- January 3, 2007 International Terrorism: Threat, Policy and Response -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

Homeland Security

RL33847 - January 31, 2007 Chemical Facility Security: Regulation and Issues for Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33858 - February 2, 2007 The Department of Homeland Security's Risk Assessment Methodology: Evolution, Issues, and Options for Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

Homeland Security: Management and Programmatic Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security GAO-07-398T, February 6, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Homeland Security: Management and Programmatic Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security GAO-07-452T, February 7, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Homeland Security: Applying Risk Management Principles to Guide Federal Investments GAO-07-386T, February 7, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Federal Actions Could Enhance Preparedness of Certain State-Administered Federal Support Programs GAO-07-219, February 7, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Passenger Rail Security: Federal Strategy and Enhanced Coordination Needed to Prioritize and Guide Security Efforts GAO-07-442T, February 6, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

RL32839 - January 24, 2007 Border Security: The Complexity of the Challenge -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL31381 - January 25, 2007 U.S. Immigration Policy on Temporary Admissions -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities

Investigator Didn't Interview Any Of The Alleged Victims

Military: No Gitmo Guard Abuse Evident (Associated Press article)

Foreign Affairs

RL33821 - January 22, 2007 U.S. Strategic and Defense Relationships in the Asia-Pacific Region (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33803 - January 16, 2007 Congressional Restrictions on U.S. Military Operations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Somalia, and Kosovo: Funding and Non-Funding Approaches (Congressional Research Service Report)

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

RL33851 - January 26, 2007 Afghan Refugees: Current Status and Future Prospects (Congressional Research Service Report)

Bangladesh

RS22591 - January 31, 2007 Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh (Congressional Research Service Report)

Canada

RL33853 - January 31, 2007 U.S.-Canada WTO Corn Trade Dispute (Congressional Research Service Report)

Iran

RS22323 - February 2, 2007 Iran's Influence in Iraq -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Building Without Blueprints? (Desert Beacon)

Estimated Funding for Operations in Iraq and the War on Terrorism, February 7, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Testimony on Estimating the Costs of Military Operations in Iraq, February 6, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

RL33837 - January 29, 2007 Congressional Authority to Limit U.S. Military Operations in Iraq (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33835 - January 26, 2007 Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

Iraqi Reconstruction: Reliance on Private Military Contractors (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearings)

Officials Indict 5 in Iraq Contract Scam (Associated Press article)

Blackwater E-Mail Outlines Gear Shortage (Associated Press article)

RL32105 - January 22, 2007 Post-War Iraq: Foreign Contributions to Training, Peacekeeping, and Reconstruction -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS21968 - January 26, 2007 Iraq: Elections, Constitution, and Government -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33139 - February 1, 2007 Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

Mexico

Drug Violence Threatens Mexico's Tourism (Associated Press article)

Mexico's high court to probe police allegations of brutality, sexual abuse (Associated Press article)

Mexico: Criminal justice system in crisis (Amnesty International Press Release)

Injustice and impunity: Mexico’s flawed criminal justice system (Amnesty International Press Release)

Laws without justice: Human rights violations and impunity in the public security and criminal justice system (Amnesty International Press Release)

North Korea

RL33590 - January 3, 2007 North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Development and Diplomacy -- Updated (Congressional Research Service Report)

A Federal Reader

RS22590 - January 31, 2007 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Overview and Selected Issues (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33855 - February 01, 2007 Child Welfare: Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits for Children in Foster Care (Congressional Research Service Report)

Office of Special Trustee for American Indians: Financial Statement Audit Recommendations and the Audit Follow-Up Process GAO-07-295R, January 19, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Home Means Nevada

Las Vegas Sands expected AAEC suit five years ago (Las Vegas Business Press article)

==========================================

February 8, 2007

[10:32 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Targeting drug use: Lawmakers told of anti-meth tactics -- Restricting access to ingredient in many cold medicines called key (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"A nationally known expert on combatting the methamphetamine crisis told Nevada lawmakers Wednesday that, contrary to popular belief, the addiction is treatable and both the use and availability of meth can be reduced."

Expert urges legislators to fund anti-meth programs (Nevada Appeal article)

"Acknowledging that Nevada holds the dubious distinction of leading the nation in per capita methamphetamine use, first lady Dawn Gibbons pledged Wednesday to focus her energy on prevention programs, while the state's attorney general said treating addicts is a key element in the battle against the drug."

First state hearing tackles meth problem (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Voices from meth hearing (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Live blogging: Meth hits the Legislature (Assemblyman David Bobzien, via Reno and Its Discontents)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Escrow Firms

"Stunned by news that a failed financial company owes real estate investors millions of dollars, a legislative panel Wednesday discussed ways to regulate firms that help real estate investors delay paying capital gains on property sales."

Officials seeking tighter controls: Loss of millions prompts discussion (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

National Identification Scheme

Real anger: Officials of the Department of Motor Vehicles, never a popular place to stand in line, are dreading the lines that will be generated by a new federal law (Reno News & Review article)

Nevada Taxation

"The early consensus among the state's big spenders is that despite nearly $1 billion in proposed new general fund spending, there simply isn't enough tax revenue to give every Nevada agency what it requires to meet its most basic obligations."

Taxation on top (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

State Prisons

Surge in prison violence predicted: Overcrowding seen as root of problem (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Legislators

Legislative session opens for experienced Lyon legislators (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

"Prior to the election, we already had a pretty nice, simple system in place. It's called the law of the marketplace."

Could you repeat the question? With Question 5, we just passed a law that makes it tougher for the little guys to get by and easier for the fat cats to fatten up (Bruce Van Dyke column, Reno News & Review)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

N. Nevada put out welcome mat for legislators (Marv Teixeira column, Nevada Appeal)

Clark County

City Of Las Vegas

Las Vegas to pursue changes in charter: Ability to buy, build affordable houses one concern (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Effort to alter council fails: Petition to add two seats lacks signatures (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

Manager In Trouble Again

Lyon manager to face second termination showdown (Nevada Appeal article)

Dropping Revenue

County could face $780,000 shortfall (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Unemployment

County unemployment on the rise (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

New Jail

Split Commission vote tabs Silver Springs/Stagecoach for future jail site (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Newest Developments

City Of Fernley

Vonnie Lane residents to fight for property again (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Dayton

DRAC meets tonight to tackle hefty agenda (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Mound House

MH property approved for multiple use master plan amendment (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Washoe County

Urban Renewal And Government-Subsidized Corporations

Pavilion is down, ballroom to be built (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

"By choosing when and where to regulate or subsidize, government decides which businesses survive--and whether a nice little business area remains a nice little business area."

Risky business: Supporting business doesn’t just mean supporting big business (Reno News & Review article)

Fire Codes

Fire danger must be taken seriously (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Politics

Sen. Reid

Southern Nevada property deal: Reid hires L.A. attorney -- Senator irked about stories on land sale (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A Capitol Affair

ERIN NEFF: Cobb must learn to bite his tongue (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

State Democratic Party

Leaving the glitz out: Democrats issue a G-rated informational booklet for presidential candidates (Las Vegas Sun article)

Hillary's coming to town, and that's a good thing (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Informing the voters (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Edwards to attend presidential debate (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Ex-Regents

"State law forbids public officials from using their office for personal gain, but only the Public Utilities Commission and Gaming Control Board have explicit cooling-off periods forbidding former board members from applying for jobs."

Ex-regents can now work for system (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Not Getting The Job Done

"Asked if local schools and universities are properly preparing students for today's work force, 70 percent of respondents said, 'No.'"

STATE OF EDUCATION: Workers just don't cut it -- Businesses say work force uneducated, ill-prepared (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Clark County School District

School going up near pig farm: North Las Vegas criticizes district, allows construction (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lyon County School District

School District makes switch to high-speed wireless internet service (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Washoe County School District

UNR teams with Hug to get kids into college (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

University Medical Center

Top doc might lose duties, keep pay: UMC hospital administrator also chief of staff (Las Vegas Sun article)

County owes explanation: Report should be prepared stating precisely what went wrong under hospital contract (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Medical Malpractice

"The bill is expected to fuel a new round in the debate over Nevada's medical malpractice law between attorneys for victims injured by doctors and, on the other side, insurance companies and physicians."

Patients may hear more sorrys from doctors (Las Vegas Sun article)

Mental Health

Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services

DUAL ASSIGNMENTS: Mental health agency changes -- Duties divided for inpatient, outpatient care (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Health Care Plans

Health plan settled: Agreement opens door to services (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Global warming comes home (Reno News & Review article)

Lyon approves Question 1 grant for Carson River streambank restoration (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Where Reality Is A Way Of Life

"If you're not upfront and honest in how you deal with people, it doesn't take long before everybody knows it."

JANE ANN MORRISON: Even in midst of gold-powered boom, Elko retains aura of accountability (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

"Over 200 years, it would be cheaper by $24.1 billion to store waste at reactors than to build the Nevada repository, the study concludes."

Report to show Yucca plan too costly: Nevada raising questions about repository (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Waste dump loses support: Nuclear regulator says government should scrap Yucca Mountain dump and start over (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorney

"We've done more gun cases, drug cases, gang cases, child exploitation cases, identity theft cases than any office has done in any five year period of time," Bogden said. "There are a lot of things we've done in this office, and it's a tribute to our employees."

U.S. attorney rebuts claim performance led to firing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Public Lands

Interior's habitat restoration funds called diversions: Oil, gas drilling hikes in West part of budget (Las Vegas Sun article)

"The administration's proposal is designed to provide a source of funding to rural schools in areas where timber sales receipts previously paid for education. That funding dried up in the 1990s when timber sales dropped sharply."

Land sales plan revived to help fund rural schools (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

In The US Congress

House approves meth-cleanup bill: Legislators seek decontamination guidelines (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Our Nation's Environment

Whatever happened to the ozone layer? A couple of decades ago, we were frantic about ozone depletion. We passed some laws, and the problem went away. Right? (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)

In Defense Of Cartel Capitalism

Profit numbers can be deceiving (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Regulating Gamblers

Regulators recommend land swap (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

==========================================

Update for February 8, 2007

[4:50 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

The Sense Of The Assembly

$kindustry Kickbacks Unanimously Approved In Lockstep Vote

Cab bill dead after Nevada Assembly vote (Associated Press article)

Journal of the Nevada Assembly - 4th Day (see pages 3-5)

A Complete Reversal Of Position

Bill Disapproving $kindustry Kickbacks Was Unanimously Passed By The Assembly In 2005

The Bill In Question

AB505

Assembly Speaker Buckley

The right (wo)man for the job (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Regional Transportation

Elko-Reno air service bill well received (Elko Free Press article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

Nicotine fit: Inmates and corrections officers alike are feeling the pinch of the smoking ban in state prisons (Las Vegas CityLife article)

State Judiciary

Judge criticized for handling of condemned Nevada inmate's appeal (Associated Press article)

Local Government

Clark County

Bad Driving

Why can't Las Vegas drive? A quest for a grand unified theory of bad behavior on valley roads (Las Vegas CityLife article)

A Spin Of Their Own

Turning the tables: Clark County's new web page calls attention to mistakes made by the media (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Setting the Record Straight (Clark County website)

Upcoming Las Vegas City Council Elections

Mr. Sacco goes to council: The Ward 3 City Council race is shaping up to be a classic David-and-Goliath tale (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Elko County

City Of Elko

Solutions eyed at busy intersection (Elko Free Press article)

City Of Wells

Wells: Chamber review, ‘state of city’ combined (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

Too Busy

Obama passes on northern Nevada presidential forum (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Clark County School District

Letter to Walt Rulffes (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Valley Health System, SEIU Health Care Workers Reach Agreement for New Contracts (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

Valley Health System, SEIU nurses reach contract agreement: Phil Satre called ‘courageous,’ ‘tireless’ in successful effort (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Rehabilitation Of Burnt Lands

Barrick donates $75,000 to wildfire fund (Elko Free Press article)

Heller announces fire rehab awards (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Ensign Introduces Bill To Split Ninth Circuit: Court's Enormous Size, Inability to Handle Caseload Top Concerns (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Ensign, Reid, Heller Announce Nearly $300,000 In Funds For Schurz, Carson City, Fire Departments (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys

"It might be useful to look for any common denominators among those who were let go. As it turns out, most of them were hot on the trail of political corruption cases."

Firing of Bogden part of larger pattern (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Senate Panel Reacts to Attorney Firings (Associated Press article)

U.S. Attorney: 'I Was Ordered to Resign' (Associated Press article)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

Bush Uncle Profits From Options Scheme (Associated Press article)

Hearing Questions Waste, Fraud, and Abuse In Iraq Reconstruction (US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearings; links to witness statements)

The Impact of CPA Decision-making on Iraq Reconstruction (US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearings; links to witness statements)

Dollars, Not Sense: Database of Wasteful Contracts (US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform database)

Federal Oversight of Food Safety: High-Risk Designation Can Bring Needed Attention to Fragmented System GAO-07-449T, February 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Serious Economic, Fiscal, and Accountability Challenges GAO-07-436T, February 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Homeland Security

Hearing Questions Management of Homeland Security Contracts (US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearings; links to witness statements)

Homeland Security Grants: Observations on Process DHS Used to Allocate Funds to Selected Urban Areas GAO-07-381R, February 7, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Waxman Raps Coast Guard's Upgrade Effort (Associated Press article)

Homeland Security: Observations on the Department of Homeland Security's Acquisition Organization and on the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program GAO-07-453T, February 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

The Right To Privacy

Private Health Records: Privacy Implications of the Federal Government's Health Information Technology Initiative (US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs hearings; links to witness statements)

Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities

Secret Detentions: Used Exclusively By Totalitarian Dictatorships And Absolute Monarchs Until 2002

"Lettres de Cachet -- Letters issued and signed by the kings of France, and countersigned by a secretary of state, authorizing the imprisonment of a person.  Under them, persons were imprisoned for life or for a long period on the most frivolous pretexts, for the gratification of private pique or revenge, and without any reason being assigned for such punishment.  They were also granted by the king for the purpose of shielding his favorites or their friends from the consequences of their crimes. . . . Abolished during the revolution of 1789." -- Black's Law Dictionary

U.S. Declines to Join Accord on Secret Detentions: 58 Nations Sign Separate Pact On Child Soldiers (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)

Held For Five Years Without Trial

Australia to Pressure U.S. on Gitmo Inmate (Associated Press article)

Proceedings Of Military Tribunals

Lawyers for 3 Gitmo Detainees Slam Rules (Associated Press article)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Senate Approves Casey for Army Top Post (Associated Press article)

Military Personnel: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Oversight of Reserve Employment Issues GAO-07-259, February 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

__________

Nevada's Past

Northeastern Nevada Museum

Museum meets goal (Elko Free Press article)

==========================================

February 9, 2007

[10:00 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

The Problem Of Roads

"Telling fellow Nevadans they have to get used to a two-hour commute is just not acceptable," he said. "Do not be afraid to vote for a tax increase. At some point you have to pay, now or later."

Highway funding proposal revealed: Two legislators want state voters to decide (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada lawmakers urged to raise gas tax, driver license fees (Associated Press article)

Assembly Ignores $kindustry Kickbacks In Lockstep Vote

Guinn veto upheld: Assembly keeps cabbies' tips in place -- Critics call payments from strip clubs a form of extortion (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Freshman And The Speaker

"You would have thought he'd danced naked into the chambers, painted blue and started slaughtering livestock."

Mr. Cobb's 'inappropriate' vote: Freshman Republican makes waves! The horror! (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

"Incline's Assemblyman Ty Cobb (R- Reno) made headlines this week by casting the only "no" vote on a motion to seat Barbara Buckley (D - Las Vegas) as speaker. For all the furor that caused he might as well have bitten her on the rear end."

Cobb's move while token - a good one (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Ty Cobb: Is He For Real? (Robert Murawski column, Battleborn Opinion News)

National Identification Scheme

"Interestingly, the bulk of the criticism ignores legitimate concerns about the law's privacy ramifications or whether it leads us closer to the creation of a national identification card. Instead, many state officials complain that compliance with the law will impose a financial burden."

Papers, please (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

"Not only is the Real ID Act intrusive and unnecessary, it crosses the line into the realm of paranoia."

Real ID Act an outlandish, bureaucratic boondoggle (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Nevada's Sleazy Predatory Loan Industry

Payday loan sharks: Assembly speaker says some short-term lenders have found ways to circumvent the law (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada Taxation

"Nevada businesses with big payrolls could save a lot of money this year if a tax cut is approved by the state."

Business could look forward to a tax cut: High school vocational programs could be increased, lobbyist says (Nevada Appeal article)

Typical: Punishes Parents But Exempts Saloons And Casinos

Teen drinking bill endorsed by Senate committee (Associated Press article)

Problem Gambling

Nevada lawmakers want more info on problem gambling program (Associated Press article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

"Officials involved in the juvenile court process told a state Senate panel Thursday that they are not interested in taking on the added cost and burden of supervising minors found in possession of tobacco, as proposed in a bill by Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon."

TOBACCO POSSESSION: Juvenile smoking bill opposed -- Court officials say Senate bill too burdensome (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Guinn's Legacy Of Petty Spite: Wouldn't Let Incoming Governor See Proposed Budget

"One obstacle his administration faced, Gibbons said, was not being allowed to see the budget that former Gov. Kenny Guinn was drafting during the transition period before he took office Jan. 1."

Gibbons has a plan, he says, and he's working on the details (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Governor seeking child welfare funds: Budget adds $2.6 million to train caseworkers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Minimum Wage Initiative

"Nevada workers, employers and legislators are waiting for answers on how an expected change to the federal minimum wage will affect the state."

State officials wait for more answers on boost in wage: Federal opinion expected sometime in March (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Labor commissioner seeks legal opinion on minimum wage (Associated Press article)

The Lieutenant Governor

Lake Tahoe resident becomes Nevada's lieutenant governor (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Bypass takes another step toward completion (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County

The Problem Of Illegal Dumping

Dumping task force formed (Lahontan Valley News article)

Community, governmental partnerships show promise (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Clark County

Boulder City

Councilwoman to carry on: Boulder City official says DUI charge doesn't change plans (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Growing Problems

"The financial and service impacts to the county caused by the property tax law changes together with growth control are daunting. No doubt that we will have to come to grips with reduced levels of service, higher user fees, and perhaps even a higher level of growth than proposed by SGI. With that in mind, I urge the commissioners to give the county the flexibility to use all the available tools to deal with growth and budgets, which in Nevada are inexorably tied together."

Pick a growth plan that works for the future (Keith Ruben column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

"Traveling through Carson Valley isn't going to get any easier in the foreseeable future if our past is any indication."

Route to future a crowded one (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

Shorezone plan delayed one more time as concerns voiced (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

"We were surprised to hear that once again Lyon County commissioners will consider firing manager Donna Kristaponis after a similar attempt in September was headed off by an incredible show of support from county residents and employees."

Time for Lyon commissioners to offer answers (Nevada Appeal editorial)

"The bridge at Dayton Valley Road is the only way for residents living south of the Carson River to get home."

Dayton Valley residents pack meeting to demand centrally located bridge (Nevada Appeal article)

Washoe County

City Of Reno Approves More Taxpayer-Subsidized Development

"With 5,609 acres still in play, elected regional officials Thursday approved adding 2,807 acres to Reno's annexation territory -- including half of the Ballardini Ranch, land in Warm Springs and high in the Virginia Range."

2,807 acres OK'd for annexation territory (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Some Don't Like Homeowners Association Reform

Caughlin Ranch board members face recall (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

Clark County Commission Corruption Cases

"An international developer promised former Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone and an indicted Las Vegas businessman a quarter-million dollars in exchange for Malone's vote in favor of a neighborhood casino proposed for Spring Valley, prosecutors allege in a report filed this week in federal court."

MALONE PRESENTENCING MEMO: Report details corruption -- Ex-commissioner, lobbyist discussed bribe (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

University Medical Center Investigation

"Before joining UMC, all three executives hailed from Chicago. The Windy City also serves as the base for most of the companies police say Thomas awarded contracts to based on his friendships with owners or executives rather than merit."

Two UMC executives gone: Suspended officials accept severance offers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

Obama declines Carson forum (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

U.S. Sen. Biden to speak at UNR (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

"You can either be as stubborn as granite or be less than hawk-eyed - or you could face reality. You are the past, and we are the future of the Democratic presidential nominating process."

Jon Ralston has a message for Iowa and New Hampshire - our time is now (Las Vegas Sun column)

State Republican Party

State GOP accepts chairman's resignation: Gibbons seeks former state senator's appointment (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Sierra Nevada College

SNC out of mountain campus (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Public Schools

Churchill County School District

Administrators' contracts on school board agenda (Lahontan Valley News article)

Washoe County School District

Join Hug mentor program (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

Not Much Help For Harvey

State rules on Nevada developer's water plan (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

The End Of The Nurses Union Strike

Nurses, two Las Vegas hospitals reach agreements after mediation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

In the end, both sides of labor dispute give a little: Nurses get more money, but patient care measures still fall short, union says (Las Vegas Sun article)

___________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys

"Conflict between Democrats and the Justice Department intensified on Thursday when the agency was accused of cronyism in the firing of at least seven U.S. attorneys including Daniel Bogden of Las Vegas."

Senators react to ouster of U.S. attorneys: Administration accused of cronyism (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"What has happened in my town in Nevada is ... distasteful to say the very least,' Reid said. 'We want to know what's going on.'"

Reid criticizes dismissal of federal prosecutors (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Troubled Teenagers Show A Taste For Terrorism

Underground newspaper recipe for disaster (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Teens accused of detonating bomb in car (Lahontan Valley News article)

Four bus vandals released on house arrest (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

The Return Of The American Eagle

Bald eagles may lose endangered status (Nevada Appeal article)

Tale Of The Phantom

Horse advocates save white, wild stallion: Wandered too far near Dayton (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry Festival

Cowboy Poetry (Andy Whyman column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Churchill County Libraries

Library continues to pursue expansion (Lahontan Valley News article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Happy At Harrah's

Big payday for Harrah's chief (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Harrah's CEO to get $94 million from buyout (Associated Press article)

A Strange Transaction

Hard Rock bets on a three-way deal: Arrangement lets new owners buy before getting license (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Freighting Route

"Most of the freight route activity took place from 1873 to 1882 and saw 16- and 20-horse wagon teams haul salt, supplies and borax approximately 130 miles from Wadsworth south to the town of Columbus, located between Mina and Tonopah on the edge of the Columbus Salt Marsh."

Local archaeologist details historic freight wagon route that ran through the area (Lahontan Valley News article)

Our Gangster Heritage

JOHN L. SMITH: Late Ed Becker shared vast knowledge of mob, Las Vegas history (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

There But For Fortune

"The honored UNLV history professor, and until late October a columnist for the Las Vegas Sun, is in the late stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease."

Betrayed by his body, LV historian keeps fading (Las Vegas Sun article)

==========================================

February 10, 2007

[8:55 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws -- Will They Be Replaced With Newer Jokes?

Democrats introduce key ethics reform bill (Associated Press article)

'3 strikes' rule for politicians introduced (Nevada Appeal article)

The "Three Strikes And You're Out" Bill: Why Not Send Crooked Politicians To Prison?

AJR1

Bill To Make Embezzlement Of State Resources An "Ethics Violation": Why Not Prosecute Public Officials Like Every Other Thieving Felon?

AB79

Bill Requiring Campaign Finance Disclosure By Limited Liability Companies

AB80

Assistance, With Strings And A Urine Test Attached

"The state of Nevada ranks No. 1 in drug use," he said. "We can get them help in the beginning before they become criminals. It will save the state money and ensure our tax dollars do not go for illicit purposes."

Bill would include drug testing in applications for state aid (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

AB86

Jury Duty

"AB49 is special-interest legislation, and a step backward. Let's hope the Legislature can see that."

Jury service: Lawmakers want more exemptions (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

AB49

Emergency Responder Benefits

Police, firefighter benefit plan advances (Associated Press article)

Olympic Funding

Funding sought to keep Olympic dreams alive: Northern Nevadans set sights on hosting 2018 Winter Games (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Assembly's New Speaker

Dini says election of Legislature's first woman Speaker 'long overdue' (Mason Valley News article)

Coming Attractions

2007 Nevada Legislature starts second week (Associated Press article)

"Like a bad horror movie series with all those false endings, the Legislature, despite so many deadlines, has one hard and fast rule: Nothing is ever dead until the final gavel falls sine die. And, alas, sometimes there are sequels called special sessions."

Jon Ralston on Politics: Capital survival (In Business Las Vegas column)

The Recommendations Of The Governor's Transition Teams

What the Jim Gibbons transition team proposed (Vegas Pundit)

The Escheating Game

Unclaimed property totals $1.3 million (Elko Free Press article)

The State Budget

Won't Admit It; Gets Irked

Guinn questions new governor's comments (Associated Press article)

"It's a matter of the difference between a two-page rough overview and three large binders."

GUINN IRKED BY GIBBONS' BUDGET LINE (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Our State Budget: Have A Look For Yourself

2007-2009 Executive Budget

Introduction to State Budgeting

The State Judiciary

Lawsuit

Job Discrimination Lawsuit: Most Memeo charges dismissed (Elko Free Press article)

Judicial Discipline

Judge reprimanded by state commission (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

In The Matter of the Hon. George Assad

White Pine County Courthouse

"Efforts to obtain legislative funding for a new White Pine County judicial complex received another boost last weekend when two key figures voiced their support for the $14 million proposal."

White Pine adds allies for new judicial complex (Ely Times article)

Local Government

Churchill County

Every Move You Make

So Why Are There Cameras?

Traffic light cameras are turn-lane sensors (Lahontan Valley News article)

Latest Developments

City approves maps for 640 new home lots (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

The Real Estate Market

"More than 19,000 Las Vegas Valley homes entered foreclosure in 2006, and the filings show no signs of subsiding."

LV foreclosures spike in 4Q (In Business Las Vegas article)

"It's not the burst housing bubble that some doomsayers have predicted, but Las Vegas homeowners are cutting prices to sell their homes in this soft real estate market."

Home prices heading south (In Business Las Vegas article)

Real Estate and Development: For a true picture, look past the statistics (In Business Las Vegas article)

In Business Q and A: Tony Dazzio, President of the Southern Nevada NAIOP chapter (In Business Las Vegas interview)

Elko County

City Of Elko

Elko City Council: Brothel license application faces financial difficulty (Elko Free Press article)

Air service also on city council agenda (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

"With talk of reduced revenues from the state in other areas, the Lyon County Regional Transportation Commission directed Lyon County Road Superintendent Gary Fried to reduce the proposed road projects for 2007-08 by 20 percent."

RTC Board asks for trimmed project list (Mason Valley News article)

Split Commission vote tabs SS/Stagecoach area for future Lyon jail site (Mason Valley News article)

Check It Out

Lyon officials spend time in Carson jail: Goal is to find out what Lyon will need in its new jail (Nevada Appeal article)

Mason Valley

Residents' appeal of south valley parcel map denied (Mason Valley News article)

Willowcreek General Improvement District

Steps for financing of Willowcreek GID sewer project taken (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County

Illegal Dumping

A plague of dumping (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Pahrump resident tracks dumpers (Pahrump Valley Times article)

White Pine County

City Of Ely

"Mayor George Chachas faces two competitors for his job."

Ely primary election set for April 3 (Ely Times article)

"We believe the burden is on Mayor Chachas to explain his dismal record, and offer something... anything positive for the future of the community."

As We See It: It's time to fix the city council (Ely Times editorial)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

Not Corruption But Sympathy

"Developer Eskander Ghermezian offered former Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone money and a job as a kind gesture after Malone cast a controversial vote in 2000 that torpedoed his political career, Malone's attorneys say."

Attorneys: Malone offered aid, not bribe (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

Partisan Politics Won't Get Rid Of Nevada's Corrupt Bipartisan Machine

Political Commentary

JANE ANN MORRISON: Score one for Buckley, zero for Gibbons in first week of new job (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Transportation: Show us the money (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

The Governor's Inauspicious start (Desert Beacon)

That Garage Tale: Still Working The Tailings

"Criminal justice experts told the Sun this week that Young should have severed contact with Rogich during the investigation."

Young, Rogich in regular contact during Gibbons probe (Las Vegas Sun article)

Mazzeo: 'If he had apologized ... it would have been done' (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Gibbons promises better education without breaking the spending cap (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County School District

"Churchill County School Board members held off approving contract renewals for central office administrators Thursday amid concerns about possible violations of the Nevada Open Meeting law."

Meeting law concerns derail school contract renewals (Lahontan Valley News article)

Elko County School District

Board to rename Elko Junior High (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

Not Much Help For Harvey

"The state has rejected the bulk of a request to supply water to Coyote Springs, but the ruling will not dry up plans to build Nevada's largest master-planned community 60 miles north of Las Vegas."

Coyote Springs development: State rejects most of water request -- Lincoln County cleared to pump 1,000 acre-feet a year (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Northern Nevada Ground Water

Nevada Division of Water Resources to make annual water level measurements in Northern Nevada wells (Mason Valley News article)

The Walker River

WRID awards controversial bid for Topaz project (Mason Valley News article)

WRID's Topaz project will be ongoing for many years (Mason Valley News article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

University Medical Center

"In an abrupt about-face, University Medical Center will allow other cancer specialists to compete for a contract held by Dr. John Ellerton that has become the latest controversy at the troubled hospital."

UMC changes tune on top doctor's contract (Las Vegas Sun article)

Brain Institute

Ground broken on medical facility: Lou Ruvo Brain Institute first project on Union Park parcel (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Emergency Care

Health Care and Workplace: Hospitals meeting valley's trauma-care needs (In Business Las Vegas article)

__________

Nevada's Energy Resources

Geothermal Power

Nevada utilities to increase geothermal energy usage (Associated Press article)

That White Pine County Coal Burning Power Plant

"The first phase of the project would cost an estimated $3.8 billion and would include two 750-megawatt units. Construction could begin in 2008 following the ongoing permitting and approval process."

BLM conducts meeting on SPR power plant (Ely Times article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Nevada plan to save deer, restore habitat faces challenges (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada's Workers

"The Culinary Union began preparing for labor talks last week, four months away from deadlines on contracts covering 50,000 maids, food-service workers and cocktail waitresses."

Hotel workers gearing up for tough contract talks (In Business Las Vegas article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Black History Month

Display provides perspective during Black History Month (Nevada Appeal article)

The Best Kind Of Visitor

Law and Small Business -- Unilever: The best kind of Las Vegas visitor (In Business Las Vegas article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Fund cuts won't hinder county oversight (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid: Bush's Budget Fails Rural Nevada (Sen. Reid Press Release)

"An article Friday that quoted Karl Rove got the attention - and the goat - of Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, D-Nev."

An open letter to Karl Rove (Las Vegas Sun article)

Rep. Heller names district director (Nevada Appeal article)

Global Warming

The Lost Colonies Of Greenland

Norse saga of climate change (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Private Equity Acquisitions

Nevada gambling regulators say private equity oversight adequate (Associated Press article)

When Will Gambling Corporations Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

Nevada casinos set records: Elko County’s December win up a whopping 26.7 percent (Elko Free Press article)

NEVADA ECONOMY: Casinos post record win -- Gambling revenues rise to $12.6 billion in 2006 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Gaming wins up in December (Nevada Appeal article)

Sports Betting Kiosks

Banking and Marketing: Advertisers gain access to casino floor via sports-betting kiosks (In Business Las Vegas article)

__________

Nevada's Past

NNRy

"If you think you were born one hundred years too late to witness the glory of steam railroading, then I have good news for you: You weren't. There still exists a place where time stopped."

At the Throttle: Time Warp Photography (Mark S. Bassett column, Ely Times)

Central Nevada's Mining Camps

Columnist eyes Manhattan, Round Mountain (Bob McCracken column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Historic Reno

Downtown bridge fix would cost $40 million (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Resource commission accepting nominations (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

==========================================

February 11, 2007

[2:00 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

"'To say there are 63 conflicts is an understatement,' said Mark Amodei, R-Carson City, and the president pro tem of the state Senate. 'Everybody's got something. It's just now that the political stakes are higher that people are noticing.'"

ERIN NEFF: THE 2007 LEGISLATURE: A state of conflict -- Lawmakers often vote to benefit their interests (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Legislature starts second week focusing on state workers' health benefits (Associated Press article)

Dead Kids

"If the recent revelations about the child welfare system in Nevada don't finally persuade the Gang of 63 - and the local folks, too - to take sweeping action, I am not sure what will."

Jon Ralston puts traffic, health care and education into proper perspective for the Legislature - after child welfare (Las Vegas Sun column)

Governor Gibbons Announces Child Welfare Training Funding Plan (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

"The task force, and lawmakers, need to look beyond the numbers and address methamphetamine not just as a problem of crime or public health, but also as the epidemic it has become."

Methamphetamine's toll: Attorney general's statistics show the need to address the pervasiveness of the drug (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"Bet on it, 10 years from now, illegal drugs will be greater - make that worse - than what they are now. And we need to continue to fight on. But again, a historical lesson in war is that the fight cannot fully stop, this side of mass destruction. No war should end at the first sign that the coast may be clear."

Carson City's drug war will be long and deadly (John DiMambro column, Nevada Appeal)

Girl Scouts to present meeting on meth abuse (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada Highways

"Freeway gridlock is already costing the Las Vegas Valley economy untold millions of dollars every year in lost productivity and wasted fuel, and is no doubt driving away tens of thousands of California tourists who'd love to vacation here but don't want to spend half their trip stuck in traffic on Interstate 15."

Ready to punt on highway funding: Days into session, lawmakers already want voters to decide (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Nevada Taxation

"For far too long and from far too many people, the clarion call in Southern Nevada, and throughout the state for that matter, has been 'do whatever you want but don't raise my taxes.'"

Brian Greenspun on how our tax savings bought us a dead end (Las Vegas Sun column)

Don't Look Back - Something Might Be Gaining

"It began with protocol and pomp, and a history-making woman. By the end of the week, though, it was down to the laborious and sometimes dull work of hashing out legislation."

CARSON CITY: THE WEEK IN REVIEW (Las Vegas Sun article)

Legislative Art

Exhibition spotlights Nevada artists at Legislature (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

From The Office Of The Governor

Transition papers made public (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Energy and Natural Resources Work Group Report

Health Care Working Group Report

Transportation Working Group Report

Water Working Group Report

Transition Teams Web Page (Nevada Governor's office website)

State Department Of Corrections

"Instead of planning - and paying - for incremental expansions of the prisons, the state procrastinated and now there is a crisis that demands immediate alleviation through less-secure temporary buildings."

Overcrowded prisons a crisis: The state will have to go beyond temporary cell blocks to fix this growing problem (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"The inmate population is growing faster than anyone had predicted (the female inmate population rose 18 percent last year alone) and it may cost billions of dollars in the next decade to house them all."

Fixing problems with Corrections will be tough task (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Why Howard Skolnik is a great choice to lead Corrections (Bob Thomas column, Nevada Appeal)

The State Judiciary

The Practice Of Sealing Cases

"As if written with invisible ink, dozens of lawsuits filed in Southern Nevada courts virtually have disappeared after judges decided they should be hidden from the public."

UNDER WRAPS: The case of the missing suits -- Nevada judges claim the right to seal lawsuits from view, leaving public in the dark (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Keeping from the public information about judicial colleagues or their relatives is among the uses Clark County judges have found for their authority to seal civil cases, given them by a Nevada Supreme Court decision 12 years ago."

Jurists seal cases of colleagues: Litigants include relatives of those with ties to court (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Since details of sealed lawsuits are not available to the public or media, it's unclear whether settlements were reached and what price was paid to resolve three lawsuits that followed a deadly car accident and two fatal shootings."

Some cases matters of life, death: Outcome unclear in three lawsuits involving fatal crash, two shootings (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Whitehead ruling set precedent: Controversial Nevada Supreme Court decision articulated power of judges to seal civil cases (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

NRS Chapter 239 (Public Records)

NRS 239.010

111 Nev. 70 (Whitehead IV decision)

Documents And Pleadings From "The Whitehead Case" (Whitehead v. Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline and Attorney General v. Steffen)

"'Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice,' wrote Lord Acton, a 19th century historian. 'Nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.'"

Secret justice (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

RJ throws a fit: Privacy at Risk? (Desert Beacon)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Spending more than time in the capital city: Local businesses look forward to legislators coming to town (Nevada Appeal article)

City offers lower-cost trees - and help to make them grow (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

The Flip And The Whip

"Mayor Oscar Goodman long has pushed and prodded downtown developers to hurry up with their plans for high-rise condominiums. Now he's taking out the whip."

Council pressures downtown builders: Developers have two weeks to show construction progress (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Districts planning for widespread retirement (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

"Representatives from at least three of the North Shore's casinos and one bar will attend the first meeting of the anti-DUI panel founded by Capt. Steven Kelly of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Incline Village Substation."

DUI panel to meet this week (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Chamber merge touted as success (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Hard-line program considered to slow graffiti (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Washoe County

City Of Reno

"Reno Mayor Bob Cashell is pushing a plan in the Legislature that would give the cities of Reno and Sparks a quarter-cent hike in sales tax to build three new police substations in Reno and add police and fire personnel in both cities."

Cashell looks to curb meth abuse, treat addiction (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

"During an early debate among Democratic presidential hopefuls in Carson City on Feb. 21, we'll have a firsthand opportunity to hear what they say about Yucca Mountain and other western regional issues, and we should rule out any of them who don't know how to pronounce the name of our state."

In search of Western Democrats (Guy W. Farmer column, Nevada Appeal)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

Just Hold Still -- It's Good For You!

"Given the direction this country has moved in the past decade, it seems inevitable that some day all public spaces will be smoke-free."

Smoking ban in N.J. bears watching (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

General Commentary

Handicapping the 2008 Republican presidential race (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)

Gibbons: Paragon of Inconsistency? (Desert Beacon)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

"'As I heard my Democratic opponent say, Nevada students are usually at the bottom of every good list and the top of every bad list,' Gibbons told the Carson City Republican Party Lincoln Day dinner crowd of about 250 people Friday. 'We need to change that. We can no longer accept the status quo.'"

Gibbons has Titus flashback: Speech on education quotes Democratic foe (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

All-Day Kindergarten

Kindergartens As Government Homogeneity Camps

VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: 'Few show effects by the third grade' (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Churchill County School District

Choosing new attorney topic of special school board meeting (Lahontan Valley News articles)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

Not Much Help For Harvey

"What's obvious is that water is a finite resource in Nevada, a resource that is especially precious here because it is so limited. That's a reality that we ignore at our own peril and an important reason for the state to move ahead with caution as new applications for importation projects are submitted."

Caution is appropriate (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

University Medical Center

Put contract to the test: Allow all cancer specialists to have the chance to provide care at public hospital (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada Health Centers

Nevada Health Centers slated to take over Children's Cabinet clinic (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Caregivers

Caregivers fill a void for people in need of help (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

National Health Care

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: Universal health care goes mainstream (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Alternative Energy

"The No. 1 single thing Nevada can do to engage in the fight to end it is to renew our commitment to energy conservation programs and develop our state's renewable energy resources."

Gibbons' coal-to-liquid fuel plans not without problems (Las Vegas Sun article)

"When asked why Nevada Power wasn't planning to build a solar plant on mostly uninhabited rural property instead, Sims said a solar plant with the same power generation capabilities would take up 30 square miles, displacing animal and plant life across White Pine County."

Coal-fired plant near Ely draws protest: Environmentalists, residents cite pollution, wildlife effects (Las Vegas Sun article)

"Geothermal, also called heat mining, taps into 300-degree to 400-degree water beneath the Earth's crust, and uses its steam to power turbines that produce electricity."

Bush budget skips geothermal: If developed, an enormous amount of energy could come from this renewable source (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The Problem Of Trapping

"'This has been the worst year I've had for complaints about trapping in my 28 years with the agency,' said Patula, a former trapper himself."

TRAPPED: Has Northern Nevada's population outgrown state trapping laws? (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Black Nevada

Modern urban challenge: bringing up black males (Las Vegas Sun article)

Black History Month

Display provides perspective during Black History Month (Nevada Appeal article)

Reno's first black firefighters recall challenges they faced as pioneers (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Everybody's Gone Surfin'

Locals living the high life in a wireless world (Nevada Appeal article)

My wireless world (Nevada Appeal article)

'Free wireless for customers': brilliant hook (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

"Nevada Sen. John Ensign doesn't like to think about it this way, but a Senate vote expressing opposition to President Bush's planned surge of troops in Iraq could have cost his party money."

Ensign must keep his party together (Las Vegas Sun article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

If you can't win the war you're in -- try attacking someone else? Fool Me Once (Desert Beacon)

"Victory, as the president sees it, requires a stable liberal democracy in Iraq that is pro-American. The NIE describes a war that has no chance of producing that result. In this critical respect, the NIE, the consensus judgment of all the U.S. intelligence agencies, is a declaration of defeat."

Victory Is Not an Option: The Mission Can't Be Accomplished -- It's Time for a New Strategy (Lt. Gen. William E. Odom, ret. column, Washington Post, via Desert Beacon)

Between the Lines of the Iraq Intelligence Estimate (Washington Post article)

Accusations of "Twisted Intelligence": Defense Dept. Inspector General Tom Gimble told lawmakers that Pentagon officials manipulated data before the invasion of Iraq (Business Week article)

Review of Pre-Iraqi War Activities of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (US Defense Department Inspector General's Executive Summary)

"Many of the Iraqi forces whom the U.S. is counting on to defeat Sunni Muslim insurgents, disarm Shiite Muslim gunmen and assume responsibility for keeping the peace have been infiltrated by sectarian militias and are plagued by incompetence and corruption."

Corruption, incompetence plague Iraqi forces, reporter finds (McClatchy News Service article)

RS22598 - February 07, 2007 Iraq: Milestones Since the Ouster of Saddam Hussein (Congressional Research Service Report)

A Federal Reader

RL32929 - February 08, 2007 Nuclear Weapons: The Reliable Replacement Warhead Program (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33870 - February 08, 2007 The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act: Reauthorization and Appropriations (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS22597 - February 06, 2007 Global Climate Change and Wildlife (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33872 - February 08, 2007 Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR): New Directions in the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33868 - February 06, 2007 Medicare: FY2008 Budget Issues (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS22602 - February 08, 2007 Public Health and Medical Preparedness and Response: Issues in the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS22600 - February 07, 2007 The Federal Food Safety System: A Primer (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33867 - February 05, 2007 Tariff Modifications: Miscellaneous Duty Suspension Bills (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS22601 - February 08, 2007 Serbia: Current Issues and U.S. Policy (Congressional Research Service Report)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Internet Gambling

"American Gaming Association President Frank Fahrenkopf told me last week that if online poker players are confident they can persuade Congress to pass a law that would define poker as a game of skill, they're sadly mistaken."

Jeff Simpson on why it's unlikely the online gambling ban will be reversed (Las Vegas Sun column)

__________

Nevada Journalism

"Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it."

THOMAS MITCHELL: Insisting on liberty before peril strikes (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

==========================================

February 12, 2007

[3:15 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Our Legislature Today

Budgets, Performance Bonds, Protection of elders, and Education on tap today (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)

Why They Hold Hearings

"Frustrated by the lack of details about a growing number of new and expanded programs, Nevada's Assembly Democrats including Speaker Barbara Buckley are warning the administration they cannot process budgets without knowing how the money will be spent."

Frustration grows with undefined programs (Nevada Appeal article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Anti-meth task force is good strategy (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Those $kindustry Kickbacks That The Assembly Unanimously Ignored

Topless bars and Taxi cars (Richard Abowitz column, Los Angeles Times)

From The Office Of The Governor

Gibbons Announces Changes to Transportation Services Authority (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

The State Judiciary

Court-Ordered Secrecy: LVR-J's Continuing Series

Sealed case, second suit tied to hospital: Filing alleges worker had sex with patient (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Voting

"Whatever policies that lawmakers dream up to secure the system must be carefully evaluated from all sides to be sure the process remains as fair and accessible as possible."

Keep voting fair, accessible (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

It's not difficult to find varying opinions about Carson City's open-space program Carson City's wild west side. (Nevada Appeal article)

Carson City's economy struggling; officials hopeful (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

The Clark County Commission Corruption Cases

JANE ANN MORRISON: Malone sentencing hearing will remind us about values, or lack of them (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Judges say sentence delays not unusual: Courts often cut white-collar criminals slack (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Alleged Nonprofit Scam

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH: Fraud case trial set to start -- Three face charges tied to nonprofit (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

Securing Nevada's spot: Carson City forum for candidates gives Nevada a head start in nominating process (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada Is The Anna Nicole Smith Of The 2008 Democratic Caucuses (Reno and Its Discontents)

Look For Anything, But Find Something

Kick 'Em When They're Up, Kick 'Em When They're Down

"Clinger said last week that Gibbons inherited those increases from former Gov. Kenny Guinn's draft budget and sought to remove other proposed fee increases in Guinn's budget."

Tax questions: Gibbons budget contains fee increases -- Official says Gibbons inherited increases from former governor (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Ethics And The Regents

"According to the opinion of two lawyers, members of the Nevada Board of Regents don't have to abide by the 2005 rule they adopted that requires former regents to wait one year before taking jobs with the university system."

Failing the smell test: When university regents adopt an ethics policy, all should be willing to follow it (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Public Schools

Want More Money

LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Educators to make case for $1 billion for schools (Las Vegas Sun article)

Clark County School District

Principal departures: Clark county district faces mass exodus of experience (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Fallon's dialysis center expected to open in April (Lahontan Valley News article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

DWINDLING HERD: Mule deer feel big squeeze -- Wildlife officials try to counter loss of habitat from fires, other causes (Associated Press article)

Protection or shell game? Interior Department's paltry proposed habitat restoration funding worth grousing over (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

__________

Our Beautiful Region

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Rich array of rocks and gems found in region (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Corporate Fun In The Sun

LOOKING IN ON: TOURISM -- Las Vegas increasingly attractive for corporate functions (Las Vegas Sun article)

Bowling Mecca

Reno transforms into nation's bowling mecca (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Cultural Discoveries

Setting off for 'Spanishland': Carson City woman loves the language, teaches it to her kids and others (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Global Warming

GOP still cool on global warming (Las Vegas Sun article)

Porter loves Exxon Mobil, Ensign wants to talk, and Heller's AWOL (Desert Beacon)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Sell Out, Sell Off

Harrah's real estate will help finance buyout (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Rumors Of Triads

Billionaire Stanley Ho opens new casino in booming Macau (Associated Press article)

==========================================

February 13, 2007

[10:35 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Nevada legislators debate elder abuse, overcrowded jails (Associated Press article)

Nevada Elections

"Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon, said Monday he has already encountered opposition to his bill to make many local government races nonpartisan, including county commission races."

Backer of election changes struggles (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Department Of Redundancy Department: Nevada's Two Taxicab Authorities

"Once an agency has been established, it takes more than an act of Congress -- or in this case, an act of the state Legislature -- to change its status. It takes political will and an ability to bring together groups with conflicting points of view."

JOHN L. SMITH: Bill another long shot aimed at eliminating bureaucratic overlap (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Stern Laws For Citizens . . .

Stronger Criminal Penalties For Graffiti Offenders

"The Las Vegas Democrat told Assembly Judiciary Committee members that taggers often get off with a slap on the wrist because judges refuse to levy fines and sentences permitted under the law."

Assembly leader urges tough stance on taggers: Bill makes those who cause at least $5,000 in damage felons (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Nevada graffiti laws have failed to adequately punish taggers who painted, scribbled and etched more than $2 million worth of damage in Reno and Sparks last year, a legislative panel heard Monday."

Taggers could face harsher penalties (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Criminal Penalties Proposed For Ballot Petition Fraud

"Bills designed to change Nevada's initiative petition process were introduced Monday in the Senate, including one which would make petition fraud a felony."

Bills to modify petition process introduced in Senate (Nevada Appeal article)

Bill Would Regulate Price Gouging

Titus introduces bill to ban price gouging (Nevada Appeal article)

And Lax Laws For Public Officials. 

Three Chances To Violate State's Wretched Ethics Law, No Criminal Penalties

"If there is truly an interest in restoring public trust in government, politicians on the state and national level should err on the side of overshooting the target on ethics reform."

Ethics rules for politicians will help restore trust (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Escrow Firms

"Part of the problem may lie with Southwest's misappropriation of funds. An intermediary normally makes its money from a flat transaction fee, as well as a portion of the interest. But there are no state guidelines governing how funds are to be invested. In other words, the company could be playing craps downtown with its client's money and it would be perfectly legal."

Southwest Exchange closure exposes regulatory flaws (Las Vegas Business Press article)

"A Clark County district judge on Monday rejected a request from Silver State Bank for protection against claims related to the failure of Southwest Exchange, a financial company that held an estimated $87 million for real estate investors."

Bank is denied bid for shield: Lender denies liability case against Southwest Exchange (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

From The Office Of The Governor

Governor Gibbons Requests Federal Assistance to Implement Real ID Act (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

First lady turning attention to autism: Gibbons got high marks for methamphetamine presentation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Lieutenant Governor

Wants More Money

"Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki told the Assembly Ways and Means Committee on Monday his staff is paid as much as 40 percent less than comparable positions in other constitutional offices."

Krolicki seeks pay raises for his staff (Nevada Appeal article)

The State Judiciary

Court-Ordered Secrecy: LVR-J's Continuing Series

Judges sealed four lawsuits involving drug company (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Proposal would increase handicap-parking fines in Carson City (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Developing Stories

Luxury condo market softens in fourth quarter: Number of canceled or suspended units passes the 12,000 mark (Las Vegas Business Press article)

"Majestic Realty is the silent giant of Vegas real estate. It has quietly developed over 5.7 million square feet of office and industrial space in Southern Nevada over the last 15 years, making the firm one of the region's biggest players."

Walk softly, carry big blueprints: Majestic Realty unveils development plans (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Urban Redevelopment: It's Been A Long Time Coming

LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL -- West Vegas expands options for new grocery (Las Vegas Sun article)

City Of North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas officials choose new city attorney to replace late McGowan (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Elko County

City Of Elko

"Elko Administrative Services Director Dawn Stout said the city budgeted for $6.3 million, but projected by the end of this fiscal year more than $8.9 million in sales tax collections."

City eyes unexpected sales tax revenue (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

Possible interim county manager a hush-hush issue (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

Stephanopoulos to moderate Feb. 21 forum (Nevada Appeal article)

Political Commentary

"Lobbyists will dominate the legislature. Billy Vassiliadis, Sam McMullen and company will call the tune, and legislators will dance accordingly. No one will ever see anything like it."

The 2007 Legislature: Round up the usual suspects (Michael Green column, Las Vegas Business Press)

ERIN NEFF: Hit the road (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Keep law's original intent: Gov. Jim Gibbons goes way too far with his proposed changes to homestead protection (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

The Clark County Commission Corruption Cases

"One of the most significant issues will be whether the government can prove that Triple Five Development co-owner Eskander Ghermezian promised Malone and Las Vegas businessman Donald Davidson $250,000 for Malone to vote in favor of the controversial Spring Valley casino."

Second sentencing for Malone on tap: 'I'm sorry,' ex-commissioner writes to judge (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Alleged Nonprofit Scam

"McTheron Jones, named in late 2005 in a federal indictment that alleged misuse of $330,000 in grant funds meant to help former felons, has recently entered a guilty plea, the terms of which are sealed."

Community is torn apart by a court case involving a Second Baptist Church's pastor (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Congressional "Earmarks" And UNLV

"Nearly 40 percent of the $94 million in grant money the university took in for research, education and outreach initiatives in 2006 came from earmarks."

Reform hurting UNLV's coffers: Reid puts damper on earmarks or pet projects slipped into budgets (Las Vegas Sun article)

CCSN's Landlord Partnership Plans

"CCSN's joint venture with the Molasky Group to create a nonacademic building on campus strictly for use as a revenue stream is the first of its kind for the college, and is expected to create a template for future construction on the college's campuses."

CCSN plan sparks concern: College officials want to allow developer to build apartments (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Public Schools

In The Legislature

Want More Money

"Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley said Monday her party cannot support Gov. Jim Gibbons' plan to spend $60 million on an education empowerment program because it would take funds from an existing program that rewards some teachers."

PUBLIC EDUCATION: Schools proposal criticized -- 'New money' needed, say Democrats (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Andrew Clinger, Gibbons' budget director, told the Associated Press school districts have told the Gibbons administration that the incentive plan was not working."

Gibbons' education plan under attack (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Starting at the top: To improve education, lawmakers need to invest in principals by boosting pay and support (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Regulating Student Smokers

"Trustee Lou Buckmaster said the Philip Morris Co., a tobacco manufacturer, is in favor of Senate Bill 14, a bill sponsored by Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon, on behalf of the school district."

Ironic ally joins school district in smoking bill (Lahontan Valley News article)

Carson City School District

Let's talk about (the cost of) sex: National speaker talks to Carson High students about choices, consequences of sex outside of marriage (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Coal Burning Generators

Hearings under way on coal-fired power plant: BLM encounters opposition from environmental groups in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Biodiesel Production

Second biodiesel plant proposed for Hazen (Lahontan Valley News article)

Traps And Trappers

Review trap regulations (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Growth of local health care facilities deserves support (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

__________

Native Nevadans

"The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe volunteer fire department was disbanded Sunday by the tribal chairman after the fire chief attempted to conduct a day of training, the chief said."

Paiute tribe's volunteer fire department disbands (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Nevada State Museum and Historical Society

Museum on the move: Search for new director begins amid arduous task of preparing for a new home (Las Vegas Sun article)

Bowling: The Sport Of Rip Van Winkle

Reno event proves bowling is alive (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

"To conduct an independent review of the troubled nuclear waste dump, the Energy Department has hired a firm whose staff and board include past Yucca Mountain officials."

Old Yucca firm joins new review: Nuclear waste dump foes say 'rubber stamp' effort waste of taxpayer dollars (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada Test Site

Nevada agency is reviewing blast plan (Allen Biaggi column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Our Massive Federal Deficit

"All this should be a reminder that spending restraint and pro-growth tax policies must play a vital role in any serious effort to attack the deficit."

Money rolling in (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Congressional Ethics

A gift by any other name: Lawmakers use loophole to accept lobbyists' gifts, violating the spirit of new ethics rules (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Congressional Pay Raise

Wage hike (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Entitlement Program Reform

'More interested in the next election': Democrats again scuttle entitlement reform efforts (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The US Supreme Court

Now starring: the Supreme Court: Senator wants arguments to be televised (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

From The Neon Empire

Harrah's World

HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT ACQUISITION: Buyers attempt 'creative' funding -- Equity firms will borrow against land for financing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MGM Mirage Project

New 166-acre development planned for Jean (Las Vegas Business Press article)

"MGM Mirage announced Monday it entered a joint-venture partnership with two Las Vegas-based developers to turn undeveloped land on both sides of Interstate 15 into a community that features affordable housing, commercial businesses, shops and a new hotel-casino."

Nevada Landing about to sink: Jean casino set to close in April to make way for a master-planned community (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Home Means Nevada

"It didn't take long for a tiny enclave off the coast of mainland China to eclipse Las Vegas as the world's most profitable gambling mecca."

A tough crowd to please (Las Vegas Business Press article)

"Triads, unlike American organized-crime syndicates, operate loosely. Members switch sides when it's advantageous."

Macau's shadowy past (Las Vegas Business Press article)

The other American export: Problem gambling in Macau (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada's Past

That Old Silver City Schoolhouse

"On July 7, 2004, the historic Silver City Schoolhouse community center, built in 1867, burned in a fire believed to be sparked by county employees using welding torches to install air conditioning."

Bid on new Silver City schoolhouse to be selected (Nevada Appeal article)

==========================================

February 14, 2007

Valentine's Day

[10:44 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Nevada Highways

"If the public wants to implement a tax on themselves, that is up to the voting public. A vote of the public will supersede a governor's reluctance to raise taxes."

Gibbons OK with road tax ballot question: Governor not opposed to letting citizens decide issue (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"If states pursue these deals, the national highway system could wither as "each state will act in its own interest," Busalacchi told members of the House highway and transit subcommittee."

Public-private road deals can backfire: expert (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, said the unfinished bridge looks like an aqueduct -- an ancient symbol of government waste."

Lawmakers take trip to the bridge to nowhere (Ray Hagar column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Nevada ranks No. 2 for highest gas prices (Nevada Appeal article)

State Employment Benefits

"The cost of the health insurance for retired state employees is currently divided with 41 percent coming from the retiree and 59 percent from the state subsidy."

Health benefit liability reviewed: Retired state workers' insurance at issue (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Prison System

"An independent report released today confirms what Nevada lawmakers have been told: The state's prison population is expected to skyrocket over the next decade, with a 58 percent increase in male inmates by 2016."

Nevada prisons : Report projects inmate growth -- Prisons budget has to grow, officials say (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

National Identification Card System

"I think there's a sentiment across the country that this is an unfunded mandate,' said Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas. 'Do we build highways or give everybody a Real ID card?'"

Legislators protest Real ID requirements (Nevada Appeal article)

Eminent Domain

Bills would limit eminent-domain seizures: Proposed bills are less strict than voter-approved initiative (Nevada Appeal article)

Anti-Immigrant Measures

Beers touts English only legislation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Motorcycle Helmet Law

"Two men who suffered serious injuries in motorcycle accidents led a chorus of witnesses Tuesday who told legislators it would be a mistake to repeal the state helmet law."

Helmet law supported: Beers proposes repealing requirement (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Vetoed Prevailing Wage Law Fails

Veto of bill to widen prevailing wage law upheld (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Judiciary

Court-Ordered Secrecy: LVR-J's Continuing Series

Porn star bares all except lawsuit against ex (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada's Population

"That means the state finished the year with 104,181 more residents than the year before - a total of 2.6 million - according to estimates prepared by the State Demographer's Office."

Nevada's population growth slows, but still above 4 percent (Nevada Appeal article)

Labor Unions

"Labor disputes ultimately come down to a single union demand: more money."

'Show me the money' (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Local Governments

City And County Of Carson

Open house will celebrate new city health headquarters (Nevada Appeal article)

Feds possible source of funding to improve walkways (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Developing Stories

Union Park starts to shape up: Big economic boost predicted (Las Vegas Business Press article)

"A $6 billion project in downtown Las Vegas that includes everything from 50-story towers to storefront shops is key to reviving the city's struggling core, planners and city officials said Tuesday."

Officials say Union Park will change face of LV (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Affordable Housing

Affordable no more (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

A better way of looking at housing for all (Ivet Contreras column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Nye County

Town Of Pahrump

Back To Normal

Pahrump repeals its English language ordinance (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Washoe County

County Affairs

"Washoe County commissioners Tuesday approved a $10 million cutback in general fund spending over the next six months to get expenses in line with a drop in sale tax revenues and property tax losses in Incline Village."

County spending cutback approved (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

New guide provides county information (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

Clark County Commission Corruption Cases

FORMER COUNTY COMMISSIONER: Case against Malone grows -- Prosecutors assert he was corrupt while in office (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

University Medical Center Investigation

Massive Losses Reported

"'We lost $34 million in the entire last fiscal year, and we've already lost $29 million in the first half of this year,' Stevens said."

Red ink swelling at UMC: Six-month number exceeds budgeted loss (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The hospital wrote off $223 million in outstanding bills in the first half of fiscal 2007, compared with $205 million in all of 2006, he said."

Bad news mounts at public hospital: UMC losses for first half of fiscal year near last year's total deficit (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

$kindustry Sentencings

Former topless club shift manager sentenced to 41 months (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"'Basically, he gave Kirk a life sentence in a wheelchair, and in 41 months he gets to walk out of prison,' Amy said, the emotion flowing."

JOHN L. SMITH: Crazy Horse Too thug D'Apice apologizes to everyone but his victim (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Woman police believe ran bordello gets probation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Hells Angel's Sentencing

"A plea agreement ended the trial in its fourth week, but not before Mahan threatened to prohibit the government from presenting two key witnesses. Mahan was angry that the government had failed to give the defendants videotapes of federal agents interacting with the bikers."

Three bikers get sentences: Hells Angels members punished (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Northern Nevada Police Intelligence Unit

"Using $1.58 million in federal money, the Washoe County Commission on Tuesday approved the creation of an intelligence network for Northern Nevada to fight terrorism."

Northern Nevada to build anti-terrorism network (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

School Bus Saboteurs

Vandals must face consequences (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

"Earmark" Dependency

Alternatives to earmarks: With earmarks on hold due to ethical concerns, UNLV vows to be more competitive (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Public Schools

Want More Money

Gibbons says his education plan followed officials' advice (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Jon Ralston on how Barbara Buckley and Bob Beers are filling the void left by Jim Gibbons on the education debate (Las Vegas Sun column)

Don't hamstring schools (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Clark County School District

Enrollment keeps passing projections: School District struggles as explosive growth hits campuses (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lyon County School District

Lyon County schools to consider redistricting (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

SNWA The Water Moloch: The More It Takes, The More It Needs

"The Utah Legislature on Monday unanimously declared that Utah needs to gather all of the facts before signing away rights to ground water in Snake Valley on the Nevada/Utah border."

Utah turns spigot off for Nevada: Lawmakers: State not ready to sign away water rights (Las Vegas Sun article)

Northern Nevada Water Moloch Proposal

"'It's 100 percent new growth at the expense of existing rate payers,' said Margaret Rhinehart of the Sun Valley General Improvement District. 'It's the worst piece of legislation that's come along in the 50 years I've lived here.'"

Commissioners to vote on regional water authority (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Mercury And Mining

"A UNR study being released today says airborne mercury is present around Nevada's gold mines at much higher levels than previously thought - in some cases on par with the nation's dirtiest industrial plants."

Nevada's gold diggers mucking up the air: UNR study finds high levels of airborne mercury near mines (Las Vegas Sun article)

Wild Horse License Plates

Chance to support wild horses (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Native Nevadans

Wadsworth volunteer fire department disbanded (Lahontan Valley News article)

Paiute leader says fire department still exists (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

REID STATEMENT ON "INDEPENDENT" REVIEW OF YUCCA MOUNTAIN (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Conflicts in Yucca review: 'Independent' analysis is sought from firm where many employees have Yucca ties (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

ENSIGN, PORTER, HELLER: DEMS CONTINUE TO SHUT DOWN DEBATE, BLOCK GOP ALTERNATIVES: Funding for Our Troops Overseas Remains Critical Issue (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

REID CONTINUES FIGHT TO BRING IRAQ DEBATE TO THE SENATE (Sen. Reid Press Release)

REID: A DAY TO OBSERVE NEVADA'S SAFETY NET PROVIDERS (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Porter Statement on Public Private Partnerships (Rep. Porter Press Release)

__________

From The Neon Empire

When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

New Reno Casino Planned

"At least two developers are considering building a hotel-casino at the northeast corner of Keystone Avenue and Fifth Street, which would be allowed under zoning changes that the Reno City Council will consider today"

Developers consider new casino west of downtown (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Home Means Nevada

MGM doubles down in Macau: Second project with Pansy Ho (Las Vegas Business Press article)

"The regulators want to be assured that her business interests are separate from those of her 84-year-old father, who owns several gambling halls in Macau and has fought allegations that his casinos have been involved with organized crime triads."

GAMBLING BEYOND NEVADA: Company expanding in Macau -- MGM Mirage planning to construct second casino (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Past

The Old Overland Emigrant Road

Construction progressing at California Trail Center (Elko Free Press article)

==========================================

February 15, 2007

[1:05 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Legislative Session 2007 Off To Fast Start: But Is The Idea Really To Introduce As Many Bills As Possible? (Nevada Observer article)

Dead Kids

Children's Safety At Risk In Clark County: Report -- Portions Of Child Death Report Censored, Family Services Division Under Fire (Nevada Observer article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Gov. Gibbons lists members of meth group (Elko Free Press article)

"Most meth, about 80 percent, comes from "super labs" in Mexico, he said, but small-time users can take two to three dozen boxes of the cold medication and make a half ounce to an ounce of meth, he said."

Restricting the supply of meth ingredients: Lawmakers want prescriptions required for cold remedies (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Drug Addiction; Who, Why, What, And When (Bob Bennett column, The Nevada Observer)

National Identity Card System

Governor Continues To Support Real ID Law: Wants Federal Help To Pay For Expensive Project (Nevada Observer article)

Our Sleazy Predatory Lending Industry

Payday Loan Loopholes To End: Speaker Buckley: The Unscrupulous Always Look For That Easy Buck (Nevada Observer article)

Corporate Price-Gouging

"The role of price is to match supply and demand," Ross said. "This is going to create an enormous price-control bureaucracy."

Price-gouging plan kindles debate among lawmakers: Measure would target 25 percent price jumps (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Gambling Corporations And Free Speech

"Nevada Resort Association lobbyist Morgan Baumgartner testified that sidewalks in front of hotel-casinos had been private property from which easements were granted to local government for use as sidewalks. The association views the bill as an infringement on their private property rights, she said, and a law broadening permitted uses could be considered a "taking" of private property."

Free speech at heart of plan: Lawmaker's proposal targets regulations for signs carried on sidewalks (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Bill would protect rights to protest on sidewalks (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada legislators debate free speech, signs on sidewalks (Associated Press article)

Nevada Highways

Galena road trip cancelled; $80 million bridge will have liquid de-icing system (Ray Hagar column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Passing The Buck

Tax vote would take officials off hook (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Jurors And Public Service

"Nevada lawmakers heard two seemingly contradictory bills dealing with jury pools Wednesday, with one measure seeking to exempt many law enforcement officials from serving on juries and another seeking to widen the selection process for juries by using utility bill information."

Assembly committee work: Bills alter rules for jury duty -- Disparate proposals aim to widen selection pool, increase exemptions (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Prisons And Prisoners

"Hardesty pointed out that if only half of the 1,039 illegal immigrants in the prison were released to the federal government to deport, the state could save $10 million."

Cutting prison expenses could help education (Las Vegas Sun article)

State prison population expected to jump (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Reform sentencing policies (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Alternative Sources Of Energy

Ripple effect for solar: Government at all levels should take lead in stimulating demand for solar energy (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Citizen Lobbyists

"Not all lobbyists have the moral flexibility that simplifies selling services to the highest bidder."

Citizens, try a little DIY lobbying (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)

Nevada Elections

"On two recent occasions in rural Churchill County, voters sortieing to the polls on the day of the general election found races had already been decided in the primaries, reports state Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon."

Of babies and bathwater (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Hold Still. It's Good For You.

Using common sense: Bill that would overturn the state's motorcycle helmet law should be rejected (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The Legislators

Goedhart settles in as legislature convenes (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Legislative Bloggers

Dina Titus is a Blogger? (Jack Woods column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Dina Titus blog

Dina Titus website

Bob Beers blog

David Bobzien blog

Nevada's Governor

Report: Nevada governor facing FBI probe of eTreppid contacts (Associated Press article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Escrow Firms

Another Company Related To The Mortgage Industry Shuttered: Possibility Of Large Losses According To Some With Closure Of Southwest (Nevada Observer article)

The State Judiciary

Court-Ordered Secrecy: LVR-J's Continuing Series

"Having never been told how or why her sister died, Tammy Reed turned to the Internet for answers until she was slapped with a lawsuit and warned to keep quiet."

Deceased's relatives face sealed lawsuit (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Economic Diversity

Economic Summit In Reno Highlights Diversity: Economic Forecast Shows Slight Softening, Still Very Strong (Nevada Observer article)

All Economic Associations Not Equal: Think Nye County -- Web Site Appears To Be Recruiting Effort For New Business (Nevada Observer article)

Nevada License Plates

Those cardboard plates (Reno News & Review article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Convention center for Carson ... wishful thinking? (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Churchill County

City Of Fallon

City likely to change election ward boundaries (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

Boulder City

A Passion For Politics

Democratic process: Faced with big-time issues, many Boulder City residents decide to run for office (Las Vegas Sun article)

City Of Las Vegas

Animal Shelter Problems

Review animal shelter contracts: 'It's not a good situation' (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Animal shelter to do about-face on its policy on pet adoptions (Las Vegas Sun article)

Elko County

City Of Elko

City orders automated airport parking system (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Incline Village General Improvement District

"The beach issue is a volatile issue and in order for us as a board to make appropriate decision for the community," Epstein said. "There are times when we have to go through the process of hearing what the community feels."

Beach access issue is back on board (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Nye County

County Affairs

Richards is hopeful for county slot (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Nicholson applies for nuke office slot (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

County Recalcitrance

"None of us taxpayers want to pay the court fees for a group that used its authority to exact retribution against a citizen who was only doing his duty."

Apology time: The Washoe County Commission should apologize to Gary Schmidt (Reno News & Review editorial)

City Of Reno

City Council Gives Up Attempt To Nullify Election Results

"Bowing to public pressure, the Reno City Council wants a public vote written into a state bill enabling the city to raise the sales tax to pay for three new police stations and more police and firefighters."

Reno wants another tax vote (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Controversial New Head Of Reno Redevelopment Agency

New city official has known triumph, controversy (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Thanks For Thinking Of Us: Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority Will Allow The Public To Be Heard

"The board was set to approve sweeping changes promoted by RSCVA President and Chief Executive Ellen Oppenheim last month, but called off the vote and ordered a special meeting with event organizers to gather their feedback."

RSCVA eyes special events (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Want To Be Green

"The council wants an inventory of the use of alternative fuels, energy-conserving lights and other conservation efforts by the city and other work that could be done."

Reno council wants to hold green summit (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Leftover Money

"The Reno City Council has approved spending $1 million to rebuild Neil Road with money left from street repairs in the southeast sector."

Council OKs $1 million to rebuild Neil Road (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

The Clark County Commission Corruption Cases

A Hammer Against Corruption

"'If there ever needs to be a message on political corruption, it is this case that outlines all the reasons and need to create a deterrence to public officials and would-be public officials,' Hicks said."

POLITICAL CORRUPTION SENTENCE: Six years in prison for Malone -- Judge also levies $100,000 fine against Galardi bagman (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JANE ANN MORRISON: Lance Malone paves his road to prison with his family's heartache (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Ex-commissioner, strip club 'bag man' gets 6 years in Las Vegas (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada Politics

The Presidential Candidates And Nevada

"Gibbons' open letter to candidates from both parties asks them to take public positions on the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, sales of Nevada federal lands and homeland security funding for Las Vegas."

Gibbons to candidates: Address Nevada issues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The State Democratic Party

Candidate forum is a sell-out (Nevada Appeal article)

Presidential candidates to greet public at Appeal (Associated Press article)

Former Nevada party official signs on to Obama campaign (Associated Press article)

ERIN NEFF: It's all about Obama (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Better Know a Candidate - Health Care (Blue Lyon)

The State Republican Party

Republicans say McCain has a date in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Governor, Lincoln impersonator highlight GOP dinner (Lahontan Valley News article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

In The Legislature

Want More Money

Education study prompts criticism from conservative think tank (Associated Press article)

"A study of how much money is needed to make Nevada students proficient under federal legislation was castigated by critics Wednesday as being created in a fantasy land without regard to costs."

Critics: Funding report unreal -- Other legislators back education study (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

SNWA The Water Moloch: The More It Takes, The More It Needs

Water Rights In Utah Are Basis Of Bi-State Talks: SNWA Continues To Extend Borders, Desires, Needs (Nevada Observer article)

Corporate Water Profiteers

Lincoln County, Whittemore Lose First Major Water Battle: Coyote Springs Development Not In Peril, Says Nevada Lobbyist (Nevada Observer article)

The Truckee River

You Do The Math

"For the agreement, water rights are being valued at $26,000 an acre-foot. To buy these rights, developers would be charged a water fee of $4,355 for every acre-foot of Truckee River water rights dedicated for their projects."

Reno agrees to help provide 6,700 acre-feet of water rights for Truckee River operating plan (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

$kindustry Racketeers

"Rizzolo's ties to organized crime, including his longtime friendship with mob associate Joey Cusumano, began attracting the attention of law enforcement years ago. Rocco "Rocky" Lombardo, the brother of reputed Chicago mob boss Joseph "Joey the Clown" Lombardo, worked as a shift manager at the Crazy Horse Too."

Ex-club official sentenced: Troubles blamed on friendship with Rizzolo (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Alleged Nonprofit Scam

Attorney withdraws from case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Counterfeiting And Meth

Counterfeit ring broken, linked to meth (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Our New State Culture Chief

Life's love led to this: Gardnerville cowboy tapped to wrangle state's cultural past and present (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada's Fire Festival: A Depressing Story

The mystery of La Contessa: A galleon destroyed by fire. An expensive missing statue. Welcome to one of the great mysteries of the Burning man festival (Reno News & Review article)

NRS 205.0832 Actions which constitute theft.

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Yucca Costs Not Reality, Say Nevada Officials: Harry Reid Looking To Shut Off Funding For Nuke Dump (Nevada Observer article)

Nevada Test Site

Hard of hearings: Northern Nevadans get involved in the effort to stop the “Divine Strake” simulated nuclear explosion in Southern Nevada (Reno News & Review article)

Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys

Firing Of U.S. Attorneys Brings Congressional Reprisal: Nevada's Bogden Among Seven Fired By Bush Administration (Nevada Observer article)

"For instance, Daniel Bogden, the U.S. attorney in Nevada, was described in his last job performance evaluation in 2003 as being a "capable" leader who was highly regarded by the federal judiciary and investigators."

5 ousted U.S. attorneys received positive job evaluations (McClatchy News article)

Why Isn't There A Federal War On Fraud?

"Last Friday, the commission filed a little-noticed brief in the Supreme Court urging the adoption of a legal standard that would make it harder for shareholders to prevail in fraud lawsuits against publicly traded companies and their executives."

S.E.C. Seeks to Curtail Investor Suits (New York Times article)

Identity Theft

Keeping track of data: Bungling continues as the FBI loses laptops and guns and the VA loses more computer data (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Control Over Weapons and Laptop Computers Follow-Up Audit, Audit Report 07-18, February 2007 (US Department of Justice Inspector General's Report)

From The US Congress

The Debate Over The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Nevada lawmakers to vote along party lines on Iraq: Resolution supports troops, opposes buildup (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Freedom And The Federal Government

"The report defines extraordinary renditions as instances where 'an individual suspected of involvement in terrorism is illegally abducted, arrested and/or transferred into the custody of US officials and/or transported to another country for interrogation which, in the majority of cases involves incommunicado detention and torture'."

EU endorses damning report on CIA: The European parliament has approved a damning report on secret CIA flights, condemning member states which colluded in the operations. (BBC News article)

CIA activities in Europe: European Parliament adopts final report deploring passivity from some Member States (European Parliament Press Release)

__________

From The Neon Empire

When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

MGM-Mirage

MGM Mirage profits double in 4th quarter: Resort giant moving into United Arab Emirates, mainland China (Las Vegas Business Press)

MGM Mirage's profits surge: Casino operator's quarterly results top analysts' forecasts (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

More Reno Casinos?

"The Reno City Council backed away Wednesday from two proposed extensions of gaming in the city to give residents another chance to speak up on a possible hotel-casino at Park Lane Mall and whether a hotel-casino on Keystone Avenue fits with a new master plan for downtown."

Reno council delays consideration of hotel-casino at Park Lane Mall (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Lunar New Year

"When Palace Station wanted to expand its Asian gambling pit, a consulting feng shui master said separating it into two sections would bring bad luck."

For casinos, Chinese New Year behind only Super Bowl: Extra steps taken to welcome Asians (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada's Past

History And Slot Machines

Slot Machines: The Fey Collection On Display At The Nevada State Museum -- Formerly On Display At Liberty Belle Saloon And Restaurant In Reno (Nevada Observer article)

__________

Nevada Journalism

"Online writers may never meet those they write about. So the public dialogue will probably continue to deteriorate. And there will be a cost to us."

We talk to each other in zealotry (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

==========================================

Update for February 15, 2007

[10:24 PM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Lawmakers want plan for rural Nevada mental health clinics (Associated Press article)

Some love was in the air (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Gibbons Announces Members of Methamphetamine Working Group (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

National Identity Card System

“You’re going to need this ID if you ever want to get on an airplane, so I don’t know why the government is calling it voluntary.”

Legislative Update: ‘Real ID’ creates stir in Carson City (Elko Free Press article)

The Governor Of Nevada

Disturbing

Nevada Governor Faces FBI Probe (Wall Street Journal teaser; subscription required)

Feds confirm Gibbons FBI probe (Associated Press article)

Gibbons' ties to tech firm scrutinized (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Can you say Gov. Krolicki? (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Background

The Montgomerys' Certification of Interested Parties (Reno Gazette-Journal feature)

Congressman's Favors for Friend Include Help in Secret Budget (Wall Street Journal article, November 1, 2006)

The State Judiciary

Clinical Social Workers Can Perform Psychosexual Evaluations In Sexual Seduction Cases

Austin v. State (Nevada Supreme Court website)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Escrow Firms

"'The people that I bought the home from want their funds,' said Wallace. 'And now I'm getting sued because I'm unable to pay them.' He still owes taxes on the money as well."

License to steal: Southwest Exchange bilks investors out of millions of dollars and gets the hell out of town (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Another Mortgage Firm Bites The Dust

Silver State Mortgage closes: Company follows nearly two-dozen other defunct lenders nationwide (Las Vegas Business Press articles)

Local Government

Clark County

$kindustry Regulation

Nude girls in the sky? That's the fear of residents opposing a giant strip club billboard. But isn't this Vegas? (Las Vegas Weekly article)

Elko County

Peace Park: Project gets $464,000 boost (Elko Free Press article)

Washoe County

But We'll Have More Casinos!

Washoe tourism still declining (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

The Clark County Commission Corruption Cases

"Malone's wrongdoing is made all the worse because he served first as a police officer, swearing an oath to protect the city from crime. And when he got elected to the commission, he swore an oath to uphold the constitution of Nevada and of the United States. In the end, both oaths were wastes of breath."

Corrupt Malone gets off light (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Letter to the Judge (Richard Abowitz column, Los Angeles Times)

The Letter (Las Vegas Review-Journal feature)

University Medical Center Investigation

"My guess is that Thomas can talk until he is blue in the face, he is not going to convince the police he's an honest executive who is being persecuted because of his race."

Keep talking, Lacy (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Clark County School District

"According to local newspapers, a few politicians and TV, apparently teachers don't do much. They don't teach content knowledge or how to pass tests; they don't teach job skills; nor do they teach good old-fashioned American values anymore."

What teachers (really) do (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

REID PRAISES SENATE PASSAGE OF CONTINUING RESOLUTION (Sen. Reid Press Release)

REID INTRODUCES TWO BILLS TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE IN NEVADA (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Heller and Porter: Silly Syllogisms and Horned Dilemmas (Desert Beacon)

A Week Late, But Better Late Than Never

Yucca Mountain Costs Continue To Soar As Berkley Questions Growing Price Tag For Proposed Nuke Dump: DOE Secretary Says $20 Billion Now Projected in Construction Costs Alone (Rep. Berkley Press Release)

An Open Letter to Karl Rove (Rep. Berkley Press Release)

House Passes Berkley-Backed Bill To Help Communities, Law Enforcement Battle Meth Labs (Rep. Berkley Press Release)

Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys

Republicans Block Bill on U.S. Attorneys (Associated Press article)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Our Secretive Government

Congress Eyes Getting More Info Released (Associated Press article)

Freedom of Information Act: Processing Trends Show Importance of Improvement Plans GAO-07-491T, February 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Identity Theft

Latest Breach Compromises Veterans Data (Associated Press article)

Homeland Security

Coast Guard: Coast Guard Efforts to Improve Management and Address Operational Challenges in the Deepwater Program GAO-07-460T, February 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Coast Guard: Preliminary Observations on Deepwater Program Assets and Management Challenges GAO-07-446T, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Expenditure Plan Needs to Better Support Oversight and Accountability GAO-07-309, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Homeland Security: Planned Expenditures for U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Program Need to Be Adequately Defined and Justified GAO-07-278, February 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Aviation Security: Progress Made in Systematic Planning to Guide Key Investment Decisions, but More Work Remains GAO-07-448T, February 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Passenger Rail Security: Federal Strategy and Enhanced Coordination Needed to Prioritize and Guide Security Efforts GAO-07-459T, February 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Selected Agencies Use of Criminal Background Checks for Determining Responsibility GAO-07-215R, January 12, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Preparing For Natural Disasters

Small Business Administration: Additional Steps Needed to Enhance Agency Preparedness for Future Disasters GAO-07-114, February 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Small Business Administration: Response to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes Highlights Need for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness GAO-07-484T, February 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Defense Logistics: Improved Oversight and Increased Coordination Needed to Ensure Viability of the Army's Prepositioning Strategy GAO-07-144, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

REID AND PELOSI DEMAND ADEQUATE ARMOR AND EQUIPMENT FOR TROOPS IN IRAQ (Sen. Reid Press Release)

REID: THE SENATE WILL VOTE ON IRAQ THIS SATURDAY (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid and Pelosi send Not-A-Valentine to the White House (Desert Beacon)

Auditors: Billions Squandered in Iraq (Associated Press article)

Supplemental Information on Iraq Reconstruction Contracts (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform website)

Committee Holds Hearing on Iraq Reconstruction Overview (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform website)

• Chairman Waxman's Opening Statement

• Testimony of Stuart Bowen

• Testimony of David M. Walker

• Testimony of William H. Reed

• Testimony of Kiki Skagen Munshi

Rebuilding Iraq: Reconstruction Progress Hindered by Contracting, Security, and Capacity Challenges GAO-07-426T, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

A Federal Reader

The Drug Enforcement Administration's International Operations (Redacted), Audit Report 07-19, February 2007 (US Department of Justice website)

Testimony on Future Medical Spending by the Department of Veterans Affairs, February 15, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Children's Health Insurance: States' SCHIP Enrollment and Spending Experiences and Considerations for Reauthorization GAO-07-501T, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Health Care Spending: Public Payers Face Burden of Entitlement Program Growth, While All Payers Face Rising Prices and Increasing Use of Services GAO-07-497T, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Deposit Insurance: Assessment of Regulators' Use of Prompt Corrective Action Provisions and FDIC's New Deposit Insurance System GAO-07-242, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: Human Capital and Risk Assessment Programs Appear Sound, but Evaluations of Their Effectiveness Should Be Improved GAO-07-255, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Financial Audit: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Funds' 2006 and 2005 Financial Statements GAO-07-371, February 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Risk-Based Capital: Bank Regulators Need to Improve Transparency and Overcome Impediments to Finalizing the Proposed Basel II Framework GAO-07-253, February 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Federal Aviation Administration: Challenges Facing the Agency in Fiscal Year 2008 and Beyond GAO-07-490T, February 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

___________

Journalism

Fear And Loathing Revisited

The Thompson Papers: For good or ill, Hunter S. Thompson wrote the book on Vegas. (Las Vegas Weekly articles)

Angry for all the right reasons: A conversation with John Lombardi, the friend and editor who brought Hunter Thompson to Rolling Stone

Left behind: Behind the drug fiend was an angry man who couldn't write fast enough to keep up

Smiling through the apocalypse: How Hunter Thompson came to Rolling Stone

Sucking pennies in the seventies: Notes on the good old daze and what Hunter Thompson got wrong

How Vegas Views Hunter Thompson (Richard Abowitz column, Los Angeles Times)

==========================================

February 16, 2007

[10:50 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

"And be warned. Next time, we name names of those who confuse Nevada's black lawmakers."

Up North, a game of mistaken identity: Black legislators mostly laugh it off (Las Vegas Sun article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Mortgage Escrow Firms

"Under current law, intermediaries are required to obtain a $50,000 bond and to register with the Nevada Real Estate Division. The division, however, lacks authority to investigate intermediaries or to examine their books and records."

Official sees rules to shield exchange investors ahead: Southwest Exchange incident inspires move (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Eminent Domain And PISTOL

"'I don't trust these legislators as far as I can throw them,' he said."

Official, PISTOL co-author strike eminent domain deal (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lawmakers have to act (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

State Auto Tax Cut Proposed

"Senate Bill 93 would eliminate the revenues from what is called the Basic Governmental Services Tax that now go to counties, cities and other local government agencies across the state. The equal share that goes to local school districts would remain."

Beers wants 'car tax' cut in half: Bill would erase local government revenues, keep share of motor vehicle fees for schools (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Efforts to double cap on damages opposed: Nevada considers higher limit on lawsuits against government (Associated Press article)

Higher payouts on suits against government mulled (Associated Press article)

Rural Mental Health Clinics

Lawmakers seek staffing plan for rural mental health clinics: Financial incentives don't work, they say (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Governor Of Nevada

Governor Strongly Denies Charges

"'The story in The Wall Street Journal is full of lies, and I'd like them to retract it,' Gibbons said during an interview with reporters in his Carson City office."

UNREPORTED GIFTS: Gibbons denies FBI probe -- Report: Investigation focuses on military contractor friend (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The Gibbons-Trepp saga is cinematic and knotty and much of it contained in an explosive civil lawsuit filed against Trepp by his former business partner Dennis Montgomery, who alleges that Trepp tried to steal sensitive software highly sought after by the U.S. government in the war on terrorism."

A tale told by their e-mails: Trepp's wife: Don't forget money you promised Jim and Dawn (Las Vegas Sun article)

"'He's trying to make Trepp look bad and in the process he's trying to make the governor look bad,' List said of the business partner, Dennis Montgomery."

News of FBI probe hits along party lines (Las Vegas Sun article)

"Peek, Trepp's lawyer, said his client denies such e-mails exist."

FBI checks on gifts to Gibbons (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

"I am very concerned about the authenticity of those e-mails, and the reason I am concerned is that because in the dispute between Mr. Trepp and the other gentleman who is on the other side of the litigation, they are very intelligent people with very savvy computer backgrounds. But I have no way of checking or verifying those."

Governor was 'troubled' by Wall Street Journal article (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Jon Ralston on how Nevada's reputation as the Great Rotten Borough is being reaffirmed (Las Vegas Sun column)

"We find it terribly unfortunate that all this controversy, which may last some time, is swirling around the governor at a time when education, transportation, public safety and other state services are underfunded and need the governor's full attention."

More distraction for Gibbons: Front-page story in The Wall Street Journal adds to controversy surrounding governor (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The Failure Of Silver State Mortgage

"Silver State Mortgage made so-called exotic alternative mortgage loans such as loans that involved no down payment or required payments only on interest in initial years. Another variety of these high-risk loans were called "stated income" mortgages because the broker required no proof of income."

State looks into closing of company (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Collaboration key to successful rec center project (Helaine Jesse column, Nevada Appeal)

Clark County

City Of Las Vegas

Big League Franchise

Oscar goes on the offensive: Mayor tackles two NBA issues: sports books and a Las Vegas franchise (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Big league dreams: Las Vegas' hope of landing a pro sports team closer to reality with Stern's change of heart (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Animal Shelter

Protecting the unwanted: Animal Foundation faces tough choices as abandoned animals outnumber adoptive families (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Douglas County

Growth And Government

"One writer states, 'There is ample evidence in the United States that growth now makes us poorer...' Please cite one piece of evidence showing growth makes us poorer or, better yet, one piece of evidence showing that, under Nevada tax law, growth makes us poorer."

Opinions on growth full of errors and half-truths (Lynn Hettrick column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

"According to these sources, Clark County's population grew by 51 percent from the beginning of fiscal 1997-98 to the beginning of fiscal 2005-2006. The county's budget more than doubled growing by 134 percent the same period and the resulting budgeted cost of local government per resident grew by 59 percent.

For the same fiscal years, Douglas County's population grew by 28 percent and the budget grew by 56 percent. The resulting budget per resident grew by 22 percent. This figure may be misleading since the budget growth in the first two years of the period I looked at were unusually low, Beginning with fiscal 1999-2000, the Douglas County budgets and the resulting budget per resident began to grow substantially faster even after adjusting for inflation.

Washoe County's population for the period grew by 24 percent, its budget more than doubled, growing by 109 percent and the Washoe county budget per resident grew by 69 percent.

White Pine County experienced a 9 percent decline for this period, a 31 percent increase in total budgeted expenditures and a 43 percent increase in the calculated budget per resident."

What does history say about growth paying? (John E. Carne column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

"There's a picture of Carson Valley we all carry around in our heads. In the foreground is green grass with cows placidly standing about. In the background, blue and white mountains reaching for the sky. Above it all, a bright blue sky."

Picturing the Valley's future (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Douglas County Master Plan

Douglas County Growth Scenarios: The Fiscal Impact (Coalition for Smart Growth website)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

TRPA efforts important to Carson, supervisor says: Lake Tahoe safeguards do have an impact here (Nevada Appeal article)

Incline Village General Improvement District

26 hours for access to beaches discussion (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Affordable Housing

Solving the turnover riddle (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

"Despite a mostly supportive crowd and veiled warnings of recall, Lyon County Commissioners voted to fire Lyon County Manager Donna Kristaponis Thursday in a 3-2 vote before a standing-room-only audience."

Lyon County manager fired (Lahontan Valley News article)

County Commission lists committee assignments (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

City Of Fernley

City Council appears to support Aqua Trac proposal (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Council approves Vonnie Lane planned development with conditions (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

City getting closer to hiring staff attorney (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Community Of Dayton

County shares bridge, alternate route options at DRAC meeting (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Silver Springs General Improvement District

GID reports third effluent spill (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Washoe County

Inequitable Taxation

"John Sherman, Washoe County finance director, on Thursday told the Nevada Board of Equalization that the county is preparing to issue $12 million to $13 million in tax refunds to 9,000 Incline Village property owners for the current 2006-07 tax year to comply with the county Board of Equalization decision to roll back those property values to the 2002-03 level."

Millions in tax refunds still undecided (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Corruption? In Nevada?

The Clark County Commission Corruption Cases

"The judge deserves commendation. By doling out a harsh sentence to Malone, the judge has sent a signal to other local politicians who might be tempted to wallow in the cesspool."

Prison time (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

JOHN L. SMITH: With Malone heading to prison, will the rat be rearing its head? (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)