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Nevada's Online State News Journal
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December 2004-June 2005; July-September 2005; October-December 2005; January-March 2006; April-May 2006; July 2006; August 2006; September 2006; October 2006; November 2006; December 2006; January 2007; February 2007; March 2007; April 2007; June 2007; July 2007; August 2007; September 2007; October 2007; November 2007; December 2007
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May 1, 2007
May Day
The new issue of The Nevada Observer is up and ready for reading -- check our middle column for its articles, features and columns.
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Overviews
Nevada Legislature: Mercury Bills Update (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
That Road To The Hot Spot Is Paved With Good Intentions (Bob Bennett column, Nevada Observer)
Nevada's Wretched, Toothless Campaign Finance Laws
“'What this poll shows is there is an upswing in the amount of attention that voters are paying to campaign financing, and I think that’s a good thing,' said Bob Fulkerson, executive director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada."
Poll: Voters want more disclosure of candidate funding (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Multi-County Youth Prison
New juvenile detention center is in the hands of state legislators (Lahontan Valley News article)
Domestic Violence Against Pets
Domestic animal abuse bill advances: Expert: Some abusers target pets (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Recognition
Lawmakers honor former Assemblyman Hettrick (Nevada Appeal article)
Dead Kids
"'State reviewers determined eight cases needed additional follow up by Clark County Department of Family Services to evaluate the safety of the children,' said the state's final report, which will be posted on its Web site today. Four of the eight cases lacked enough documentation in the information system for the reviewers to determine whether Clark County took appropriate steps to assess the safety of the children, the report said."
Agency questions children's safety (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Children At Risk Says Advocacy Group: Two Reports Point Up Problems Faced By Children In Care Services (Nevada Observer article)
State Judiciary
Nevada lawmakers, judges renew pitch for appeal courts (Associated Press article)
Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry
Mortgage Company Troubles Continue In Silver State: Millions In Investment Funds Found In Overseas Accounts (Nevada Observer article)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
Health district files complaint against Bilbo’s: Bar will fight smoking ban as vague and violating First Amendment (Las Vegas Business Press article)
"When Bilbo's Bar and Grill provides matches and ashtrays emblazoned with the restaurant's name, it's not violating the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act. Instead, it's exercising its First Amendment right to advertise."
ENFORCING THE STATE SMOKING BAN: Public health vs. free speech -- First lawsuit filed against business in valley; bar says ashtrays, matches just advertising (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
State Economy
"Surrounding states are becoming more competitive. If our growth is to continue, state and local governments must ensure enhancements of transportation, education, public safety and other issues bearing on quality of life."
Shots over the bow: Governor, Legislature must stay aware of trends that could affect state's pros (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Economic Figures Labeled Just So-So -- Unemployment Holding Steady, Sales Tax: No Big Increase (Nevada Observer article)
World Trade Day To Be Celebrated May 24: Nevada To Participate With Reno Function (Nevada Observer article)
Regional Economy
Stir an uproar over brand? Can do! (Nevada Appeal article)
A Means Of Raising Perception Of Image: Northern Counties "Brand" Together For Economics (Nevada Observer article)
Local Government
Churchill County
"Churchill County has recently made several steps to ensure the future health, welfare and security of the community's resources and its citizens, county officials say."
County officials say changes to county code, new development standards better the community (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
Social Control
"Let's say you're planning a little party for this Saturday, either for Cinco de Mayo, Derby Day or to watch this year's megafight. And let's say someone gets a little loud cheering for Mexico or Circular Quay or Oscar De La Hoya. The city of Las Vegas just may consider that "unruly" and haul you off to jail."
ERIN NEFF: More unconstitutional rubbish from city (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
City Of Henderson
"Gerri Schroder officially became Henderson's newest City Council member April 17 during a swearing-in ceremony before the regular council meeting. The next morning she went back to work as a staffer for Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., despite having promised during her campaign to make the City Council a full-time job."
LOOKING IN ON: SUBURBS -- Schroder sticks with Berkley - for now (Las Vegas Sun article)
Washoe County
How Taxpayers Are Forced To Subsidize Development Costs
Amodei's Cash Cow, Erik Holland cartoon (click on image to enlarge; click here to see more Erik Holland cartoons)
Reno, Sparks officials seek sales-tax hikes (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Urban Renewal
People looking for peace, quiet should not live in river district (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Fate Of The Y
YMCA supporters have reason to hope (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
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Nevada Politics
National Presidential Primaries
Nevada squarely in candidates' cross hairs: Four presidential hopefuls have stops in Silver State (Las Vegas Sun article)
State Democratic Party
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Obama? (Reno and Its Discontents)
Visit Of Sen. Edwards
Edwards urges tough stance: Congress must confront Bush on Iraq, candidate says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Edwards urges Congress to stand firm on Iraq pullout timetable (Associated Press article)
Visit Of Gov. Richardson
Richardson touts health care: Democrat asks Nevadans to vote for experience (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Richardson talks to CHS students about Darfur and the need for diplomacy (Nevada Appeal article)
Richardson makes the rounds in Carson (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Richardson speaks to packed library at Carson High (Ray Hagar column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Richardson leaves Carson City confident he did a good job (Ray Hagar column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Richardson is up bright and early in Carson City (Ray Hagar column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Richardson focuses on Western issues in Nevada campaign stop (Associated Press article)
In Nye County
Nye Democrats April Meeting (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Local Elections
Carson City Mayoral Recall Movement
Recall efforts not part of Carson's history (Nevada Appeal article)
"The bottom line is the city has other business to attend to and better things to do with the $40,000 it would cost to conduct a recall election."
Voters can have their say on mayor on Election Day (Nevada Appeal editorial)
City Of Elko
Three vie for mayor: Candidates highlight major campaign issues (Elko Free Press article)
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Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
In Washington, DC
Will testimony put Spellings in a School Daze? (Desert Beacon)
Churchill County School District
School district hires Minden woman for her legal services (Lahontan Valley News article)
School district should explain diabetic test kit situation (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
Clark County School District
"Superintendent Walt Rulffes said that although the district could have notified the schools earlier of the changes, and will do so in the future, parents need to understand that the school system's exceptional growth requires that some elementary schools convert to a year-round calendar."
CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT: Nine campuses go year-round -- Growth requires change, officials say (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Legislation that would have required the Clark County School Board to televise its meetings was downgraded to a recommendation by the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday."
LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Televised School Board meetings fade (Las Vegas Sun article)
Elko County School District
Mining Week: Students learn about gold industry’s safety practices (Elko Free Press article)
Washoe County School District
Panel to discuss initiative allowing school choice (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Water Matters
SNWA The Water Moloch: The More It Takes, The More It Needs
Water May Yet Flow South As SNWA Gets Partial OK: Developers Want More, White Pine County Wants To Give Less (Nevada Observer article)
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Nevada Health Matters
Mental Health
Changes In Mental Health Laws Are Overdue: Virginia Tech Student Received Little If Any Help For Problems (Nevada Observer editorial)
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Nevada's Environment
Invasive Species
Threats to Tahoe: Invasive mussels, milfoil under the microscope (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Thinning The Woods
Forest Service plans to thin Tahoe woods (Associated Press article)
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Nevada Utilities
Another Rate Hike
"The odds got better on Monday that the typical residential customer in Southern Nevada will be paying $30 a month more this summer for electricity."
ENERGY: Electric rate boost step nearer -- Nevada Power's general rate case remains to be decided (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Alternative Energy Conference
Renewable Energy Sources Discussed Among States: Reduction Of Greenhouse Gasses At The Head Of Many Talks (Nevada Observer article)
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Nevada Law Enforcement
Royal Links Investigation
Royal Links Investigation At A Standstill? FBI Fraud/Corruption Team Formed In Clark County (Nevada Observer article)
$kindustry Regulation
"Given that the City Council has sometimes shown less flexibility in taking a by-the-book approach to other licensing and zoning requests, its decision last month to essentially cut a troubled strip club a break is perplexing."
American success - Vegas style: Crazy Horse Too granted liquor license despite all that was going against it (Las Vegas Sun article)
Who Is Running Crazy Horse Too? Rizzolo Or Signorelli? Las Vegas City Council Doesn't Seem To Care (Nevada Observer article)
From The Office Of The Attorney General
Internet Payday Lender Leads Global, Inc. Fined $50,000 for Unlicensed lending (Nevada Attorney General Press Release)
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Nevada Mining
Doing Well
"The year 2006 was one for the record books as Nevada’s mining industry set a record for the total value of mined commodities. According to a statement from the Nevada Division of Minerals, roughly $5.1 billion worth of minerals were mined in 2006 — a $1.4 billion increase over 2005 records."
State sets record in mineral values (Elko Free Press article)
Nevada miners set minerals-production record in 2006 (Nevada Appeal article)
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Nevada Culture
Cinco De Mayo
Q&A Tuesday: U.S. parties, Mexico marches to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (Nevada Appeal feature)
Cinco de Mayo; A Holiday Of The Americas: As So Many Others, This Holiday Is One For Both Continents (Nevada Observer editorial)
The Art Of Poetry
Governor Gibbons Appoints Kaye Poet Laureate Emeritus (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Philanthropic Enterprise
"For more than 15 years, Project MANA has put food on the tables of families in need through its weekly food distributions. A new program which may become a model in the region for social services, gets to the heart of the hunger problem."
New Project MANA program offers comprehensive solutions (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
The Return Of The Library
"Half a world away, in a rural community nothing like Incline Village, libraries are reviving towns."
Local organization has a global purpose (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
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From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Riviera Acquisition Efforts
Riviera insurgents gain significant ally (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Station Sale
And now some parting gifts (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Tropicana Troubles
"Those interviewed by the Sun painted a grim picture of a resort that was once known as the 'Tiffany of the Strip.' Cleanliness, safety and service have suffered from the cuts, they say. 'We're worse than Wal-Mart at this point,' said Dennis Dunigan, a utility worker at the Tropicana for 12 years."
New Tropicana owners alarm workers, rivals (Las Vegas Sun article)
Illegal Bookmaking
"The alleged bookmakers in question have money. Lots of money. Millions in cash and traceable assets, to be precise. Expensive cars, nice houses, thoroughbreds, fat bank accounts."
JOHN L. SMITH: Bookmaking bust might bring big bucks to boys in blue (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Cal-Neva Lodge Facelift
Cal Neva to break ground this summer (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
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Nevada's Past
Who's Lyon? A County Named After Him (Guy Rocha column, Nevada Observer)
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Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
"The Energy Department announced Monday it has added 2.1 million documents to a Yucca Mountain electronic database that is available to the public."
Documents added to Yucca database (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Department of Energy's Yucca Mountain Database
"The Energy Department declined to disclose information about Svinicki's work on the Yucca project, such as her dates of employment, her job assignment and whether she worked at the site of the proposed nuclear waste dump, in Las Vegas or elsewhere."
Former aide to Idaho senator to be nominated to NRC post: Svinicki worked as nuclear engineer in connection with Yucca project (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
One Way Blocked, One More Exists For DOE: Northern Route To Yucca Off The Menu, Not Caliente (Nevada Observer article)
Thinking Outside The Yucca Mountain Sandbox: Another Look At Another Way (Bob Bennett column, Nevada Observer)
Letter: CCHS STUDENT CLARIFIES ISSUES ABOUT YUCCA MOUNTAIN TRIP (Lahontan Valley News feature)
Tainted Food
Targeting tainted imports: Use of chemical that poisoned U.S. pets is common among China's animal feed producers (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
FEMA under fire again: Head of union that represents agency's employees alleges gross mismanagement (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Privacy And Access
"Rather than discourage governments from working with Google to improve technology, these critics should instead be asking why governments collect this kind of information in the first place. If data are sensitive enough to enable identity theft or reveal a medical condition, they shouldn't be in the custody of snooping bureaucrats."
Accessing public records: Company setting up system to make information available (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
The US Congress
Reid and Pelosi moving the 110th (Desert Beacon)
The US Supreme Court
"The justices got this one right."
Dangerous chase (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Aviation Safety
Flying the Unfriendly Skies (Desert Beacon)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities
Supreme Court Refuses Detainees' Case (Associated Press article)
AG: Hicks Won't Be Able to Sell Story (Associated Press article)
"Counselors in Saudi Arabia said that the prisoners returning here are broken, humiliated and angry - the perfect prey for militant recruiters. Turki said that many men who rarely prayed before they were detained emerged from Guantanamo with bushy beards and fundamentalist beliefs."
To slow spread of radical Islam, Saudi Arabia woos detainees (McClatchy News Service article, via Desert Beacon)
From The Office Of The President
Apr. 30, 2007 Press Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on the U.S.-EU Summit (White House website)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Nevada Commentary
Pilgrim's Regress (Desert Beacon)
Veto follies (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Congressional Democrats Weakening on Withdrawal from War on Iraq? (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
National Opinion
Campaign '08: Analysis of Key Voter Groups: Solid Majority Favors Troop Withdrawal, But Both Sides Reject Compromise over Iraq Funding (Pew Research Center)
In Washington, DC
Reid: Increase In Terrorist Attacks Underscores Administration's Failed Policy In Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Reid: President Should Listen to Will of People, Sign Bill to Change Course in Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)
From The Battlefield
"Since March 1, at least 16 army and national police commanders have been fired, detained or pressured to resign; at least nine of them are Sunnis, according to U.S. military documents shown to The Washington Post."
Maliki's Office Is Seen Behind Purge in Forces: Some Commanders Had Pursued Militias (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
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May 2, 2007
[2:10 PM]
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Our State Budget
"Nevada's general fund tax revenues for the next two years will increase by $88 million less than originally projected by a panel of fiscal experts, jeopardizing a full-day kindergarten proposal and state lawmakers' pet projects."
STATE REVENUES: New figures equal leaner budget -- Group: Increase to be less than expected (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"A nearly anonymous group of two bankers, two CPAs and a pen company owner make up the Economic Forum, a group which by law since 1995 has determined how much tax revenue will be available for state government to spend."
Small group possesses big voice: Legislature created Economic Forum for objectivity (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Economic Forum cuts state revenues $110 M (Nevada Appeal article)
Nevada Taxation
"So who should pay as services continue to be cut, schoolchildren continue to languish in subpar conditions and many Nevadans and most Southern Nevadans suffer on overcrowded roads."
Jon Ralston explains why it's up to lawmakers to come up with real solutions to real problems: Nevada is broke and no one is fixing it (Las Vegas Sun column)
The Right To Know What You're Paying For
Panel skeptical about closed parole hearings (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
A Little Something For The Insurance Industry
Lawmakers urged to pass insurance rate bill (Associated Press article)
The State Judiciary
Intermediate Appellate Court Proposal
"Nevada's voters may have been born at night. But it wasn't last night."
Another layer of judicial bureaucracy? Or would state appellate court increase efficiency? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
"The projected cost of $1.2 million per year is not too much to pay for a system that truly dispenses justice."
State needs intermediate appeals court (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Your Right To Vote For State Officials
Assembly panel looks at appointing judges: Lawyers, lawmakers express pros, cons of 'Missouri Plan' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The State Bar
"The license of a Las Vegas lawyer who regularly appears on KVBC-TV, Channel 3, was temporarily suspended Tuesday by the Supreme Court, pending resolution of disciplinary proceedings against him."
High court suspends lawyer's license (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Attorney Advertising
"'If the State Bar is allowed to review these ads and say "This is bad or that is bad," it could have a chilling effect on advertising,' said Chad Golightly, a Las Vegas lawyer who often advertises on television."
Court decision to review ads worries some Nevada lawyers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
"Bar and tavern owners have a choice: They can ban smoking or they can close their kitchens. Whatever they do, they need to quit blowing smoke."
Creating a smoke screen: Attempt to circumvent state smoking law laughably rests on the First Amendment (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Washoe County to crack down on flagrant violators of smoking ban (Associated Press article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
"Officials in Carson City and Douglas County have been discussing how to cool off their fiery, protracted competition for sales tax revenue."
Carson, Douglas consider sharing their wealth (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
County Affairs
"Newly elected Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani ruffled feathers right from the start when she voted in January against giving a pay boost to Randy Walker, the powerful aviation director."
Questions, questions, questions: 'commissioner's style ruffles' (Las Vegas Sun article)
Social Control
"After residents and civil liberties advocates expressed concern Tuesday over an ordinance that would make two or more people disturbing the "quiet enjoyment" of others subject to a civil penalty, a city of Las Vegas committee postponed voting on the proposal."
Bid to control noisy neighbors placed on hold: Some say 'unruly gatherings' ordinance would limit more than just loud parties (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Amid complaints that a proposal to crack down on unruly gatherings is unenforceable and probably unconstitutional, a Las Vegas City Council committee Tuesday tabled the controversial plan - for now."
Unruly rulings shelved again for more work (Las Vegas Sun article)
The Real Estate Market
Industrial construction steady as market grows (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Douglas County
Developing Problems
Do homework on issues and let leaders know (Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)
Round two in growth debate (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Another view: Heavenly's Master Plan approved by the TRPA (Heavenly Mountain Resort Press Release)
Incline Village General Improvement District
Cal Neva plan sparks talk of redevelopment in Crystal Bay (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
IVGID promises better customer service (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Nonprofit proposed to reduce DUIs here (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
Lyon looks at utility license fee increase proposal (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
County to hear presentation on water quality workshop (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Lyon County manager candidates looking forward to interviews (Nevada Appeal article)
City Of Fernley
City close to deciding on Community Support funds (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Councilmen to address bill to increase water, sewer rates (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Washoe County
City Of Sparks
Sparks opens new community center (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Politics
State Democratic Party
Visit Of Sen. Edwards
Paging Mr. Mondale (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Visit Of Gov. Richardson
Democrat has different Iraq plan: Richardson wants all U.S. forces out (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Richardson plays to union, Hispanics in Nevada push (Las Vegas Sun article)
Local Elections
Carson City Mayoral Recall Proposal
"Carson City is not just any city. It is the state capital, our state capital. Indeed this proud city is a shrine that should not be diminished and degraded by getting dragged through the mud of a recall effort over the mayor's public drunkenness."
Carson City mayor only beginning to understand price of alcohol abuse (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
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Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Arm workers, regent proposes: University employees could respond to attacks, official says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
A little fatherly advice on college (Stephen McKibben column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Public Schools
In The Legislature
Dems say education a priority in tight budget (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Water Matters
Sierra snow level is lowest since 1988 (Associated Press article)
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Nevada Health Matters
West Nile Virus
Little fish may have big part in West Nile fight (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
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Nevada's Environment
Alternative Energy
"Nevada's state income is $110 million below expectations in part because the Legislature acted myopically two years ago, approving tax breaks for environmentally friendly companies without estimating the revenue loss to the state."
Tax breaks doled out without thought; now we pay: Energy incentives part of $110 million shortfall (Las Vegas Sun article)
Native Trout
"A new genetic strain is helping a Nevada native flourish at the Lahontan National Fish Hatchery in Gardnerville."
It's a cutthroat business (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Blue Butterflies
Sand Mountain Blue Butterfly won't be listed as endangered (Lahontan Valley News article)
The Air We Breathe
Air pollution decreases in region (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The Danger Of Fire
"Reno fire department will increase the number of fire engines that first respond to wildfires this year in selected high-risk areas, 'so we can hit them harder and faster right off the bat,' division chief Marty Scheurman said."
Officials add more firepower (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Utilities
SIERRA PACIFIC'S EARNINGS SURGE: Settlements linked to rate-case appeal said to fuel rise (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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Nevada Law Enforcement
Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys
"Bogden probably 'fell in the cracks' when he was fired on Dec. 7, according to information that House and Senate Judiciary committees gathered from a private interview of Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty, the No. 2 leader in the Justice Department."
Bogden's firing fated after name got on list: No. 2 at Justice Department says he deferred to list (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Bogden firing weighs on Gonzales' No. 2 (Las Vegas Sun article)
Clark County Corruption Cases
"I was also asked questions by Assistant United States Attorney Schiess before the grand jury that did not involve anything to do with Donald M. Davidson or Triple Five Development Corporation or Michael McDonald in any way, but relate to other persons. I am concerned about those matters becoming public and do not waive any rights that I may have to secrecy as to them."
JOHN L. SMITH: Malone comes to defense of friend claiming vindictive prosecution (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Sux Nixed
"On Tuesday, the Clark County coroner announced that one of Higgs' supposed victims, Charles Augustine -- Kathy's previous husband -- died of natural causes and not a lethal drug injection."
Coroner says Augustine died of natural causes (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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Nevada Culture
Bird watching becoming a popular outdoor pastime (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
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From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Gambling Cartels And Labor Unions
UNION NEGOTIATIONS: Culinary contracts expiring -- Workers worried as deadline nears; leaders see slow progress (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Internet Gambling
"The four major professional sports leagues and the National Collegiate Athletic Association are asking members of the House Financial Services Committee to oppose legislation by their chairman, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, that would repeal an Internet gambling ban."
Sports leagues want gambling ban upheld (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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Nevada's Past
Fernley Preservation Society
"A Northern Pacific Railroad caboose will soon head to its new home at the Fernley-Lassen Depot grounds, but after it undergoes some restoration."
Coupula Caboose latest acquisition of FPS (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Desperate Adventure
Believe it or not: New book by Former NLV mayor tells of escape, Mao and rescue (Las Vegas Sun article)
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Federal Nevada
Immigration Reform
Keep families together, marchers say: Thousands of demonstrators rally in downtown Las Vegas, call for immigration reform (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Thousands march in Reno in quest for immigrant rights (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Climate Change And Global Warming
Impasse on climate change: Despite claims of 'common ground,' Bush and European Union remain on opposite sides (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Reactivation creates wing for remotely controlled planes: Ceremony at Creech Air Force Base signals step in spy warfare (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Iraq deployment changed soldier: Post-traumatic stress disorder delays return (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
In Washington, DC
Reid: President's Veto Will Not Deter Efforts To Change Course In Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Reid: Congress Gives President Opportunity To Fully Fund Troops, Change Course In Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)
ENSIGN: PRESIDENT VETOES SURRENDER DATE (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Nevada Commentary
Ensign: The Good Little Soldier (Desert Beacon)
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Update for May 2, 2007
[6:35 PM]
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Our State Budget
Revenue-preserving plan suspends Nevada's 'green' tax breaks (Associated Press article)
Budget report threatens Elko air service bill (Elko Free Press article)
State Prisons And Prisoners
Governor to Evaluate Impact of Overcrowding on Tour of Correctional Center (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Local Government
Clark County
Las Vegas Rolling Out The Red Carpet For Gangsters Again?
"First the City Council goes against the advice of the Special Investigations Unit of Metro Police and the City Attorney to grant a mob straw man a permanent liquor license at the blood soaked Crazy Horse Too. Then last Tuesday, the equally brave Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board were asked to secretly grant preliminary approval of a key employee liquor license for a twice convicted felon about to go prison."
Faraci Secretly Applies for a County Liquor License (Steve Miller column, AmericanMafia.com)
White Pine County
City Of Ely
Newest veto may send the mayor back to Ethics panel (Ely Times article)
Council had a tough time getting started (Ely Times article)
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Nevada Politics
State Republican Party
Visit Of Sen. McCain
McCain: Ready to serve (Ely Times article)
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Nevada Utilities
Mt. Wheeler Power, Inc. beats all-time sales (Ely Times article)
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Nevada Mining
2006 a banner year for Barrick Gold Corp., says CEO (Ely Times article)
Barrick eliminates hedge contracts: Mining company strong despite first-quarter losses (Elko Free Press article)
Bald Mountain: Mine nearly closed, now expanding (Elko Free Press article)
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Nevada Culture
The Online Nevada Encyclopedia
Nevada Humanities launches online encyclopedia (Ely Times article)
Beer !!!
Beer contributes $1.43 billion to Nevada economy (Ely Times article)
Clean Energy From Beer-Making (Associated Press article)
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Nevada's Past
NNRy
At the Throttle: Where's the museum? (J. Joan Bassett column, Ely Times)
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Federal Nevada
In The Congress
House Approves Funding for Head Start (Associated Press article)
Call for Tighter Pet Food Standards (Associated Press article)
RS22651 - April 25, 2007 Financial Services Regulatory Relief: Implementation and Reintroduced Provisions in the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)
RS22654 - April 30, 2007 Veto Override Procedure in the House and Senate (Congressional Research Service Report)
National Health Matters
RL33981 - April 30, 2007 Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act (MDUFMA) Reauthorization (Congressional Research Service Report)
Medicaid: Concerns Remain about Sufficiency of Data for Oversight of Children's Dental Services GAO-07-826T, May 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Nursing Home Reform: Continued Attention Is Needed to Improve Quality of Care in Small but Significant Share of Homes GAO-07-794T, May 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Employer-Sponsored Health and Retirement Benefits: Efforts to Control Employer Costs and the Implications for Workers GAO-07-355, March 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Medicaid Financing: Federal Oversight Initiative Is Consistent with Medicaid Payment Principles but Needs Greater Transparency GAO-07-214, March 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Medicare: Focus on Physician Practice Patterns Can Lead to Greater Program Efficiency GAO-07-307, April 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Nursing Workforce: HHS Needs Methodology to Identify Facilities with a Critical Shortage of Nurses GAO-07-492R, April 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys
The Firing Of Dan Bogden: Who Was His Anointed Replacement?
"One of the eight U.S. attorneys fired last year says he was told his dismissal was necessary to let a Republican lawyer get experience to qualify for a federal judgeship. In written answers to supplement his congressional testimony, ex-U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden of Nevada said William Mercer, acting associate attorney general, gave him that rationale for his firing. Bogden's firing angered Republican Senator John Ensign of Nevada, who joined bipartisan criticism of the way Attorney General Alberto Gonzales handled the dismissals."
Fired Prosecutor Told His Job Needed for a Republican (Bloomberg.com article)
House Judiciary Committee Documents
In Washington, The Plot Thickens
"The inquiry focuses on whether the former adviser, Monica Goodling, sought to determine the political affiliations of job applicants before they were hired as prosecutors — potentially a violation of civil service laws and a break with a tradition of nonpartisanship in the career ranks at the Justice Department."
Justice Dept. Announces Inquiry Into Its Hiring (New York Times article)
Senate Subpoenas Gonzales on Rove E-Mail (Associated Press article)
Subpoena Issued to Attorney General for Karl Rove's E-Mails (New York Times website - pdf File)
"Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) called yesterday on a top Justice Department official to resign his U.S. attorney's post after revelations that he worked to alter federal law so that he and a handful of other senior aides could escape residency requirements that governed their assignments as federal prosecutors."
Tester Calls on Montana U.S. Attorney to Resign (Washington Post article)
New House Judiciary Committee Documents on the Firings
Homeland Security
General Impressed with Agencies’ Collaboration in Homeland Defense (American Forces Press Service article)
Information Technology: Immigration and Customs Enforcement Needs to Fully Address Significant Infrastructure Modernization Program Management Weaknesses GAO-07-565, April 27, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Transportation Security: DHS Efforts to Eliminate Redundant Background Check Investigations GAO-07-756, April 26, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Information Technology: DHS Needs to Fully Define and Implement Policies and Procedures for Effectively Managing Investments GAO-07-424, April 27, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Intellectual Property: Better Data Analysis and Integration Could Help U.S. Customs and Border Protection Improve Border Enforcement Efforts GAO-07-735, April 26, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Maritime Security: Observations on Selected Aspects of the SAFE Port Act GAO-07-754T, April 26, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Unwarranted Surveillance
Senators Wary of Revising Wiretap Rules (Associated Press article)
US Senate Select Committee On Intelligence hearings on FISA
Transmittal Letter, Administration's Proposed Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2008
Statement of J. Mitchell McConnell, Director of National Intelligence
Statement of Kenneth L. Wainstein, National Security Division, Department of Justice
Other Statements Submitted For The Record
James Dempsey, Policy Director, Center for Democracy and Technology
Caroline Frederickson, Director, American Civil Liberties Union
Kate Martin, Director, and Lisa Graves, Deputy Director, Center for National Security Studies
K.A. Taipale, Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Science and Technology Policy
The Right To Privacy
Privacy: Lessons Learned about Data Breach Notification GAO-07-657, April 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Report: Extremist Value Internet As Tool (Associated Press article)
Freedom Of The Press
Lawmakers Try Anew to Protect Reporters (Associated Press article)
From The Office Of The President
May 2, 2007 Press Briefing by Tony Snow (White House website)
Veterans Affairs
Gates Puts Punch Behind Fixing Wounded Warrior Care (American Forces Press Service article)
DoD Press Briefing with Secretary Gates, Mr. West, and Mr. Marsh on the Report of the Independent Review Group Care at Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center (US Department of Defense website)
DOD and VA Outpatient Pharmacy Data: Computable Data Are Exchanged for Some Shared Patients, but Additional Steps Could Facilitate Exchanging These Data for All Shared Patients GAO-07-554R, April 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Veterans Benefits Administration: Progress Made in Long-Term Effort to Replace Benefits Payment System, but Challenges Persist GAO-07-614, April 27, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
New Concept Ensures Latest Technologies Reach Warfighters Quickly (American Forces Press Service article)
Backscatter technology leaves bad guys no place to hide (American Forces Press Service article)
Month of May Dedicated to Appreciating Servicemembers (American Forces Press Service article)
Poor Living Conditions Create Terrorist Threat, Analysts Conclude (American Forces Press Service article)
04/30/2007: DoD Press Briefing with Col. Townsend via Video Conference from the Pentagon (US Defense Department website)
Defense Acquisitions: Missile Defense Agency's Flexibility Reduces Transparency of Program Cost GAO-07-799T, April 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Defense Management: High-Level Leadership Commitment and Actions Are Needed to Address Corrosion Issues GAO-07-618, April 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Defense Inventory: Opportunities Exist to Save Billions by Reducing Air Force's Unneeded Spare Parts Inventory GAO-07-232, April 27, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Defense Logistics: Army and Marine Corps's Individual Body Armor System Issues GAO-07-662R, April 26, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Five Enemy Fighters Killed, Four Captured in Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)
Taliban’s Influence Waning in Southern Afghanistan , NATO General Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Afghan President Decries Civilian Deaths (Associated Press article)
136 Taliban Fighters Killed, Two Detained in Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)
Canadians Reported Afghan Torture Claims (Associated Press article)
04/30/2007: DoD Press Briefing with Royal Netherlands Army Maj. Gen. Van Loon from the Pentagon (US Defense Department website)
NATO Presses Anti-Taliban Drive in South (Associated Press article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Nevada Commentary
"The Democrats have shown their ability to hamstring the president now that they are the majority in Congress. But they've yet to say how they will accomplish the mission -- unless the mission is simply to pull out of Iraq and leave the region to its fate."
As We See It: Same place; different mission (Ely Times editorial)
From Washington, DC
Bush's Veto Survives House Challenge (Associated Press article)
Reid: Congress Will Continue To Work To Change Course In Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Reid: Post veto meeting with Bush ‘amicable’ (Elko Free Press article)
Bush Says al-Qaida Is Top Enemy in Iraq (Associated Press article)
Bush: Al Qaeda Cannot Gain Safe Haven in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)
Bush Vetoes War-Funding Bill (American Forces Press Service article)
Bush: Coalition Standing Strong in Face of Terror, Yielding Results (American Forces Press Service article)
Gates: Officials Expected Rise in Violence as Security Plan Unfolds (American Forces Press Service article)
‘Arrowhead Brigade’ Commander Reports Operation Arrowhead Strike 9 Successes (American Forces Press Service article)
From The Battlefield
Improved Security Helps Iraq’s Political Progress, U.S. Ambassador Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Nearly 100 Detained in Iraq; Weapons Caches Found, Destroyed (American Forces Press Service article)
Five U.S. Servicemembers Killed in Iraq; DoD Identifies Previous Casualties (American Forces Press Service article)
Coalition Forces Kill Seven, Nab 21; Car Bomb, Weapons Destroyed (American Forces Press Service article)
A Federal Reader
RL33980 - April 27, 2007 School and Campus Safety Programs and Requirements in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Higher Education Act (Congressional Research Service Report)
RS22653 - April 26, 2007 Animal Identification: Overview and Issues (Congressional Research Service Report)
RL33979 - April 25, 2007 Universal Service Fund: Background and Options for Reform (Congressional Research Service Report)
Bureau of Justice Statistics: Quality Guidelines Generally Followed for Police-Public Contact Surveys, but Opportunities Exist to Help Assure Agency Independence GAO-07-340, March 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
2010 Census: Census Bureau Should Refine Recruiting and Hiring Efforts and Enhance Training of Temporary Field Staff GAO-07-361, April 27, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Commercial Aviation: Potential Safety and Capacity Issues Associated with the Introduction of the New A380 Aircraft GAO-07-483, April 20, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
============================================
May 3, 2007
[5:50 PM]
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Overview
NV Legislative Hearings: Education, Elections, Ethics (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
"Fortunately, with a part-time legislature, our representatives only get to screw up once every two years."
Government by the people (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)
Our State Budget
"Unlike our lawmakers, the numbers don't lie: $1 billion in new spending. A government growth rate that far outstrips population change and inflation combined. A 16 percent increase in general fund spending over the next two years. Budget growth of more than 60 percent over six years."
Unlike lawmakers, numbers don't lie -- End the talk of 'budget cuts' -- Nevada is awash in revenue (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
"The Legislature and governor cannot wait any longer, pushing off tough choices for another session. Lawmakers should not hesitate to approve important programs, such as all-day kindergarten and highway construction, and pass the fees and taxes to pay for them. Someone in Carson City has to lead."
Doing the right thing: Gibbons' lack of leadership means Legislature will need to step up and fill the void (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Dead Kids
"A bill that would require child welfare agencies to release much more information about children in their care who die or are critically injured appears to be well on its way to becoming law."
Bill opening children's abuse records advances: Child welfare agencies would have to reveal details of deaths (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Folding Green
Nevada Governor not satisfied with bill suspending tax breaks (Associated Press article)
"A tax exemption approved by lawmakers two years ago and now blamed for less-than-anticipated funding for public schools is heading for a temporary suspension by the Nevada Legislature today."
Bill would shelve 'green' tax breaks: Legislators think exemption causing shortfall (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Faced with an unforeseen loss of revenue, the state Senate voted to suspend a law hastily passed two years ago that gave businesses tax breaks for constructing environmentally friendly buildings."
Seeing red, not green: At a loss, lawmakers freeze law that offers breaks for environment-friendly buildings (Las Vegas Sun article)
Senate puts 'green' building tax breaks on hold: True cost not anticipated when bill was OK'd in 2005 (Nevada Appeal article)
Companies in line for 'green' tax breaks (Nevada Appeal article)
Nevada's Predatory Lending Industry
Nevada lawmakers urged to control payday loan abuses (Associated Press article)
Legislators vote for banning universal default clauses (Nevada Appeal article)
Your Right To Challenge Government Misconduct
Nevada bill would restore access to permit hearings (Associated Press article)
National Identity Card System
"While state legislators in Nevada have been reluctant to directly challenge the federal government's requirement for a national identification card, other state legislatures are less timid."
Got your ID right here: Two states tell the feds to stick it on Real ID (Reno News & Review article)
State Prisons And Prisoners
Nevada governor warns against prison overcrowding (Associated Press article)
State Lottery Proposal
"The proposed constitutional amendment to legalize a state lottery apparently will die in the Senate Judiciary Committee without a whimper."
ASSEMBLY PASSED RESOLUTION: Senators decline state lottery vote -- Odds are against proposed change to constitution (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Miscellaneous Passages
Nevada lawmakers give final OK to various bills (Associated Press article)
Unnecessary Measures
Marijuana, alcohol and children are subjects of Nevada bills (Associated Press article)
From The Office Of The Attorney General
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION COUNCIL SEEKS NEW MEMBERS (Attorney General Press Release)
What About Scenes Of Gratuitous And Sadistic Violence?
ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASK MOVIE STUDIOS TO HEED HARVARD’S ADVICE TO END DEPICTIONS OF SMOKING IN MOVIES (Attorney General Press Release)
Law Blog Goes Online
Appealing in Nevada: Discussing the law of Nevada and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Gas Up
"It's official: Never has the average price of gasoline in Reno been higher."
Gasoline prices hit record in Reno (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Local Government
Clark County
Convicted Felon State Park
"Politicians might be thinking, 'there but for the grace of God go I. What if it happens to me?' Green said. 'There might be a precedent set.'"
Council settles on Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Passed The Breath Test
"Mayor Oscar Goodman said this is a 'huge project. It will breathe such energy in Union Park.'"
Union Park hotel backed: Council approves exclusive talks with developer (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
McCarran Totals Up Again
McCarran passenger tally up 4 percent for quarter (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Lyon County
Candidate drops bid for Lyon County manager: A second candidate has been suspended from his Florida job (Nevada Appeal article)
Meet the City Manager hopefuls: Background checks reveal only six candidates remain (Farmington [NM] Daily Times)
Washoe County
Get Out Your Wallets
"'The basic assumptions on which the bridge was built have been shown to be incorrect,' said Naomi Duerr, flood project director."
Center Street bridge may be replaced again (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
State Democratic Party
Sen. Obama
Obama MySpace Controversy: Site Creator Dumped (Dullard Mush)
Gov. Richardson
"Only in the Democratic Party can a presidential candidate who has run a state, cut taxes, led a Cabinet department, served in Congress and engaged in diplomacy around the world be considered 'second-tier.'"
ERIN NEFF: Run, Bill, run! (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
State Republican Party
Nevada woman finally meets McCain after wearing his bracelet (Associated Press article)
Republicans Focus on Iraq in Debate (Associated Press article)
Native Nevadans
Wright wins. Twice: New Pyramid tribe chair is elected (Reno News & Review article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
We'll Take Yours: Northern Nevada Developers Want Their Own Water Moloch
Erik Holland cartoons (click on images to enlarge; for TNO's latest Erik Holland cartoons, click here)
"There are widespread suspicions that one purpose of the legislation is to put more political muscle behind water importation to the Truckee Meadows, an idea that faces deep-seated hostility among residents but is equally deeply desired by developers. The Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada's Bob Fulkerson: 'TMWA doesn't go out and find new water sources. TMWA can't amortize the costs of doing so among existing ratepayers. TMWA can't do eminent domain.'"
Water fight: A proposed new water agency for Reno/Sparks arouses suspicion (Reno News & Review article)
The Carson River
"'We're not pushing panic buttons, but it looks like it's going to be a very dry summer,' said Ken Arnold, the city's public works operations manager. 'We're going to have to be very attentive.'"
City taking measures to cope with effect of dry winter (Nevada Appeal article)
"Supervisors raised water rates by 14 percent, which became effective in February, and another 14 percent increase will kick in in July."
High prices say it's time to start conserving (Nevada Appeal editorial)
__________
Nevada's Environment
It's All About The Sprawl -- And The Tax Increases And Other Problems That Come With It
"Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada director Bob Fulkerson made the point this year, pointing out that the city of Reno's admirable "Green City" program got publicity from reporters who failed to concurrently describe the city 'promoting sprawl from Peavine to Winnemucca Ranch. We need to change growth patterns, not just light bulbs.'"
Shallow coverage: Earth Day news coverage is often shallow (Reno News & Review article)
__________
Nevada Mining
Barrick seeks approval of major mine expansion in northern Nevada (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
"With winds whipping and rain threatening Wednesday afternoon, Sparks Police Commander Gary Potter called for the attention of a group of police officers standing around him in the parking lot of the Silver City RV Park in Indian Hills."
Baton containing names of fallen officers arrives in Carson City (Nevada Appeal article)
"In the wake of a religious discrimination complaint filed by one of its detectives, Metro Police has altered its policies on what types of clothes and service pins officers can wear."
Take your hats and pins off, Metro orders after officer's complaint (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Culture
From Ancient Etruria
"Pictures of the chariot can be seen on Vannozzi's web site or at the museum's web site ."
JANE ANN MORRISON: Las Vegas man wants family ties to Italian artifact recognized (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
The Miracle Of Pasta
Oodles of Noodles Celebrates Dayton's Italian and Chinese heritage (Nevada Appeal article)
The Holland Project Opens Up
From jump ropes to punk puppetry: The Holland Project in Reno promises more than just another all-ages music venue (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Casino Cartels And Labor Unions
"Negotiations between the Culinary Union and MGM Mirage are stalled over just one issue: whether about 800 new jobs at two CityCenter hotels will be covered, sources close to the talks say."
Future weighs heavy in Culinary talks: CityCenter hotels are a sticking point (Las Vegas Sun article)
Wanted More
MGM Mirage 1Q profit misses expectations; CEO blasts NBA (Associated Press article)
Spent It In Macau
Expenses drag down LV Sands earnings: Costs related to new projects affect results (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Newcomers
Casino buyout clears hurdle: Board OKs deal for Laughlin resorts (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Past
The Central Pacific Railroad & The Comstock (Reno News & Review article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
Sophisticated Sophists
"Language is regularly wielded as a weapon, though we may not always be aware of it."
War of words: Sophisticated abuses of language are used to manipulate the public (Reno News & Review article)
Managed Minds
Why Aren't Our Schools Teaching Critical Thinking Any More?
Remedy: There is a way to protect ourselves from manipulation (Reno News & Review editorial)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
"Dr. Battisti wants to educate U.S. citizens about reprocessing spent fuels to reduce nuclear waste by 95 percent and reduce the storage period for the remainder from 10,000 to 300 years. Russia, Britain and France are already reprocessing spent fuels to limit waste and storage."
'Just pick one': A chemical engineer calls for speed in settling the nuclear-waste storage issue (Reno News & Review article)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Sen. Ensign
ENSIGN: WITH PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE, ANIMAL FIGHTING NEARS ITS END (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Sen. Reid
Reid: National Day of Prayer Reminds Us of Shared Values (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Rep. Heller
Dean Heller’s Votes (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Nevada Bloggers Unite to Take on Heller (Helluva Heller website)
Rep. Porter
Porter Protects Children in Head Start Reauthorization (Rep. Porter Press Release)
In The Congress
Lawmakers Fight Power Line Expansions (Associated Press article)
Senate Approves Drug Imports Amendment (Associated Press article)
Climate Change And Global Warming
Intelligence Analysts Eye Climate Change (Associated Press article)
Climate Change: Financial Risks to Federal and Private Insurers in Coming Decades are Potentially Significant GAO-07-820T, May 3, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Crop Insurance: Continuing Efforts Are Needed to Improve Program Integrity and Ensure Program Costs Are Reasonable GAO-07-819T, May 3, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Our Nation's Environment
Interstate Compacts: An Overview of the Structure and Governance of Environment and Natural Resource Compacts GAO-07-519, April 3, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Interstate Compacts: Results of a Survey of Officials from Interstate Compact Commissions That Address Environment and Natural Resource Management Issues (GAO-07-524SP, April 2007), an E-supplement to GAO-07-519 GAO-07-524SP, April 3, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys
Ex-Official Praises Fired Prosecutors (Associated Press article)
Federal Taxes
Tax Administration: Additional Time Needed to Complete Offshore Tax Evasion Examinations GAO-07-237, March 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Tax Compliance: Challenges in Ensuring Offshore Tax Compliance GAO-07-823T, May 3, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Immigration Reform
Report: Immigrants not an economic drain (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Testimony on the Role of Immigrants in the U.S. Labor Market, May 3, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Transcript)
Frivolous Litigation
"If somebody hasn't beaten us to it, we'd like to nominate U.S. District Judge James Robertson for a medal."
Fatty foods (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Turning a blind eye: Administration discarded warnings that student loan industry needed more oversight (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
From The Office Of The President
May 3, 2007 Press Briefing by Tony Snow (White House website)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
America Supports You: Gates Extols Value of Troop-Support Efforts (American Forces Press Service article)
Gates: Department Will Shield Troops from Funding Shortfall (American Forces Press Service article)
Gates Urges Vigilance in Terror War (American Forces Press Service article)
Veterans Affairs
New Names Added to Vietnam Wall (Associated Press article)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Five Enemy Fighters Killed, Four Captured in Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)
Air Force-Led Team in Afghanistan Aims High on Low Terrain (American Forces Press Service article)
Canada Says Deal Prevents Afghan Abuse (Associated Press article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Nevada Views
"Reid's numbers have improved slightly since last year but still put him into the under-50-percent danger zone. He was viewed favorably by 46 percent of Nevada voters, unfavorably by 42 percent. In September, the split was 43 percent favorable, 39 percent unfavorable."
IRAQ WAR: Voters for pullout -- Poll: 52 percent of Nevadans oppose Bush's plan (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada lawmakers differ on shaping Iraq compromise: Republicans insist on no pullout timelines (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The chess game continues: Next move on Iraq is up to Congress, which is not playing from a position of strength (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
With a little help from our friends? (Desert Beacon)
Nevadans want out, Porter flips and flops (Desert Beacon)
From The Battlefield
Coalition, Iraqi Forces Detain 39 Suspects, Discover Weapons Caches (American Forces Press Service article)
Coalition’s ‘Operation Rat Trap’ Targets al Qaeda in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)
Steady Progress Continues Despite Challenges in Iraq, General Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Fallon: Agencies Must Act Now to Move Iraq Forward (American Forces Press Service article)
============================================
May 4, 2007
[2:40 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Nevada's Wretched, Toothless Ethics Laws
Senators consider ethics bills (Associated Press article)
Nevada Highways
"But voters firmly reject further raids on the pocketbooks of everyday commuters via added taxes on gasoline purchases, toll roads or increased auto registration and driver license fees to underwrite such work."
PAYING FOR PAVEMENT: Taxes hit roadblock -- Poll: Make tourists, truckers and casinos pay (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
State Prisons And Prisoners
"Failure to make critical and necessary investment in new prison construction could lead to federal court intervention, he said. 'Then we lose control,' Gibbons said. 'They come in, build the facility and hand us the bill whether we like it or not.'"
TOO MANY INMATES: Gibbons sees prison bind -- Governor visits correctional facility (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"'You put a bunch of rats in a small space and they start to eat each other,' said Skolnik, the new head of the state Corrections Department."
Inmates shoehorned, get creative (Las Vegas Sun article)
"In the next unit, burly tattooed men in white tank tops and prison blue jeans shared stories of being squeezed into 12-foot by 12-foot cells recently transformed into room for four."
Nevada's prisons 'busting at seams' (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Tax Breaks For Green Buildings
"'What this bill may actually do is force some companies who have already taken action to their detriment in reliance on a current and existing law or statute now to be changed in the middle of the stream, causing the state of Nevada to be party to a lawsuit,' he said."
Governor considers vetoing 'green' tax break suspension: Lawmakers sought time to study impact (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Amid conflicting reports whether Gov. Jim Gibbons will veto the bill, the Assembly unanimously joined the Senate on Thursday in suspending the law allowing major sales and property tax breaks for businesses that construct energy efficient buildings."
Assembly halts tax breaks for 'green' business buildings (Nevada Appeal article)
"Over the threat of a veto by the governor, the Nevada Assembly unanimously approved an emergency measure on Thursday that suspends tax breaks for companies that build 'green.'"
Gibbons threatens to veto 'green tax break' suspension (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
"We hope the governor, Legislature and affected builders can work together on reasonable amendments that keep Nevada heading in a green direction."
The greening of Nevada: Onrush of clean building proposals renders 2005 tax incentive law unaffordable (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
"Only in this theater, where there is a fine line between comedy and tragedy and where the absurd is the quotidian, could this production be possible of 'How a bill becomes law - and then is a law no more.'"
Jon Ralston on how the Legislature has turned into a theater of the absurd (Las Vegas Sun column)
"As the 'green' building program demonstrates, the last minute is a poor time to legislate."
'Green' building plan worthwhile (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Dead Kids
"At least 11 children died of abuse while in the protective custody of the Clark County Department of Child and Family Services between 2001 and 2004. We say "at least" because, beyond that finding, a state Department of Health and Human Services analysis found an additional 79 deaths of children during the 2001-04 period should have been investigated by Clark County Family Services, but were not."
Child services (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Illegal Immigrants
"The telephone poll of 625 registered voters found that 72 percent of Nevadans believe illegal immigrants who graduate from Nevada high schools should not be allowed to receive the Millennium Scholarship. Seventy-seven percent feel that ballots and state documents should not be printed in languages other than English. And 81 percent said Nevada businesses should be cited and fined for employing illegal aliens."
Poll respondents: Don't give illegal immigrants scholarships (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Mystery Loophole
"State Sen. Joe Heck, R-Henderson, said he was unaware of a provision that would allow real estate exchange facilitators to obtain a waiver from the requirement that they post a $1 million fidelity bond. Heck said Wednesday he wants to confer with the Nevada Financial Institutions Division about amending the bill."
Official sees flaw in new measure: Lawmaker to confer about amendment (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
A Sociable Lobbyist
"For one day each legislative session, Graham and his family bake more than 1,400 cookies for anybody and everybody who wants one."
Here are 1,400 reasons to befriend a lobbyist (Nevada Appeal article)
The State Judiciary
From The State Supreme Court
"The Nevada Supreme Court upheld a state law Thursday that requires a business to either pay or sign an agreement to pay a tax debt before that business can appeal that debt to district court."
Business tax payment requirement upheld (Nevada Appeal article)
The Right To Elect State Officials
Carpenter against plan to appoint judges (Associated Press article)
Regional Economy
"Can Do."
You don't have to like 'can do,' but you'll probably like what they're trying to do (Barry Ginter column, Nevada Appeal)
Local Government
Douglas County
County Affairs
"There has been a long rivalry between Carson and Douglas, starting the day old Abe Curry decided lots in Genoa were too expensive and decided to build his own town in Eagle Valley."
Deal with Carson not a bad idea (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)
Latest Developments
"Max Baer Jr., entrepreneur, film producer and actor who once played Jethro in the 1960s sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," is bringing his plans to build Jethro Bodine's Beverly Hillbillies Mansion & Casino to north Douglas County - this time, without the flaming oil derrick that was part of a 2003 Carson City proposal."
Beverly Hillbillies could come to Indian Hills (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Baer's vision a good match for Douglas County (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Elko County
County Affairs
Bare-bones road budget for county (Elko Free Press article)
City Of Carlin
Carlin projects plan May 25 groundbreaking (Elko Free Press article)
The Lake Tahoe Basin
Continuing Casino Cartelization
"The Crystal Bay corridor may see a complete overhaul within the next five years as a pending deal to unite all resort, casino and surrounding properties besides the Cal Neva under one ownership umbrella was confirmed Thursday."
Crystal Bay sale - everything must go! (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Looking forward to a new boost for Crystal Bay (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Politics
National Presidential Primaries
Gay rights advocates plan effort in early voting states, including Nevada (Associated Press article)
State Libertarian Party
"But Root, 45, feels the Republican Party no longer represents his ideals of social and economic freedom. He is pro-gay marriage, anti-warrantless wiretapping, anti-tax and anti-regulation. He's also strongly pro-gambling, including Internet gambling."
Libertarian seeks presidency: Root to announce candidacy today (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
State Republican Party
Visit Of Sen. McCain
"Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain, who is beginning to gain on front-runner Rudy Giuliani in most Republican presidential polls, will try to keep that momentum going during his Northern Nevada campaign stop Saturday in Reno."
Momentum a factor in McCain visit (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Municipal Elections
Council hopeful arrested in '98: Domestic violence charges dismissed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
In The Legislature
Regents say voters should decide whether they serve: Measure would make positions subject to appointment by governor (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
UNLV
"As he enters his 11th month on the job, Ashley is asking faculty to redefine which general education courses should be required of undergraduates. It will be a tough undertaking because the importance of some academic departments may be elevated at the expense of others - an adjustment that affects campus egos and department funding levels."
UNLV brushes up on what students should learn: President orders review, more challenging general education classes (Las Vegas Sun article)
Public Schools
In The Legislature
"Buckley contended some inmates might not have ended up in prison if they had received a better start to education with full-day kindergarten."
Legislator voices frustration: Governor's budget shorts public schools, assemblywoman contends (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"The first major budget battle of the session erupted Thursday as Assembly Democrats began positioning themselves to bargain for more K-12 public education money."
Assembly, Senate battle over university budgets (Nevada Appeal article)
Public Sentiment
"The survey of 625 registered voters statewide found 45 percent support funding full-day kindergarten, 48 oppose it, and 7 percent are undecided."
FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN: Poll shows voters split on schools -- Empowerment proposal draws less opposition (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Churchill County School District
New list shows 25 possible budget cuts in school district (Lahontan Valley News article)
Churchill County School District proposed budget cuts (Lahontan Valley News article)
D.A.: more study needed on plan to move Lahontan Valley High School (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County School District
"It's great to see this level of innovation and creativity at the local level that addresses student needs with the resources they currently have," Horsford said. "Given the financial constraints this Legislature is under, to know we can have empowerment, without necessarily increasing funding, is important."
Principal empowers herself, her school (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Carson And Truckee Rivers
"Churchill County is continuing its involvement in multiple water protests involving both the Truckee and Carson rivers, according to county officials."
County continues to file water protests (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Mental Health
"Clark County's Civil Commitment Court is set up to determine whether someone should be involuntarily committed to a mental institution."
Tough choice: Who gets committed, who doesn't -- Court in hospital hears 130 cases a week (Las Vegas Sun article)
Mental Rehabilitation
New Frontier still coping with effects of fire (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Sand Mountain Blues
Off-roaders obliged to be responsible after Sand Mountain butterfly decision (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
The Track Of The Cat
"Last November, Markleeville resident Nancy Thornburg heard a single bark from her Queensland heeler, Joey, and then nothing more. The next morning she found hair and blood where Joey used to be."
Alpine County home to mountain lions (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
The Old Wood-Burners
"Programs to replace old polluting wood stoves and fireplaces in Truckee and the Martis Valley may be extended or expanded."
Putting polluting (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
The Thin Blue Line: They Gave Their Lives To Keep Our Communities Safe
Nevada's fallen officers honored (Nevada Appeal article)
"While many shed a tear on a day of remembrance for police officers who died in the line of duty, this year's Nevada Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony also was a celebration. For the second time in the last eight years, no new names were added to the memorial."
Officers celebrated, honored during day of remembrance (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys
"I thought he was a very good U.S. attorney," Comey said. "He was straight as a Nevada highway and a fired-up guy."
Bogden was 'very good,' ex-official testifies: Reasons for firing unclear, says former deputy attorney general (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Victims Of Human Trafficking
"None of the more than two dozen women found working as prostitutes in Las Vegas brothels during a recent bust will be deported, officials said Thursday."
Women nabbed in raid to stay: Trafficking victims won't be deported (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Religion Is For The Home, The Badge Is For The Street
Upholding the law? Metro leaders say a detective has no right to practice religion, no matter the First Amendment (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
__________
Nevada's Fire-Fighters
BLM calls fire risk meeting Tuesday (Elko Free Press article)
Work begins on Sunridge fire station (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
__________
Nevada Culture
The Predatory Arts
"The Nevada Department of Wildlife is cranking up its programs for late spring and summer."
On the Sidelines - On the wild side (Lahontan Valley News article)
Cinco De Mayo Festivities
Cinco de Mayo gala planned at Victorian Square (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Farmers Markets: The Best Produce For Miles Around
Vendors line up for Minden farmers market (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Tahoe Celebration
Red, White and Tahoe Blue committees call for entries (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
A Great Vintage
New Model A Ford club getting rolling (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)
The Sculptural Arts
"Standing in the Western Salvage yard between Fallon and Silver Springs, most people see nothing but old cars and junk."
Salvaging an inspiration (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
The Valley Of Death
Death Valley, the wasteland national park (Nevada Appeal article)
A Towering Mountain
From depths to the heights (Nevada Appeal article)
The New Tahoe Trail
New trail planned for Reno to Tahoe (Sierra Sun article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Internet Gambling Study Proposed
"In another effort to roll back an Internet gambling ban, Rep. Shelley Berkley on Thursday introduced a bill calling for a one-year study of online wagering by the National Academy of Sciences."
Berkley offers bill on study of Web wagers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Ways Of The Ancestors
"The life stories cover personal joys and sorrows and touch on tribal issues such as placement, the termination of tribal recognition and status by the federal government, later reinstatement of tribal recognition and the Mountain Meadows massacre story from the Paiute perspective."
Paiute Past: Lost City Museum exhibit explores tribal issues, personal stories (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Rich Historical Heritage Of Carson Valley
Historic barn tour and barbecue is Saturday (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
In TNO's Reading Room:
History of Douglas County (1881)
Henry Van Sickle, Utah Desperadoes (c. 1883)
History Of Douglas County (1913)
Chapter III: The Nataqua and Sierra Nevada Territorial Movements (1980)
Chapter V: Rival Governments (1980)
Chapter VI: Nevada Territorial (1980) Movement and Provisional Government (1980)
The Equally Rich Historical Heritage Of Dayton
Dayton area's rich history never ceases to amaze me (Ruby McFarland column, Nevada Appeal)
In TNO's Reading Room:
Fanny G. Hazlett, Historical Sketch and Reminiscences of Dayton, Nevada (1910)
The Contribution Of Nevada's Chinese
City will try to lease land for Chinese Museum (Nevada Appeal article)
Pernod Plus
Absinthe - the aphrodisiac - the American Dream (McAvoy Layne column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Historic Preservation In Markleeville
Historic guidelines topic of workshops (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
The Battleship USS Nevada
USS Nevada, under heavy Japanese air attack and burning, steams past the shattered US Fleet at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941 (US Navy photograph) [click on image to enlarge]
"The captain's log of the USS Nevada battleship that survived the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor will be added to the Nevada State Museum collection in a 3 p.m. Friday ceremony near the Capitol in Carson City."
Museum to add battleship's log to its collection (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Bombing Missions Over Germany
Beginning in May, 1944, the B-17's of the 8th Air Force brought Nazi Germany to its knees (USAAF war art painting by Floyd Davis [click on image to enlarge])
Group helps to keep memory of B-17s alive (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
Manipulation Of The Press
Virginia Tech incident demonstrates how easily press can be manipulated (Rick Swart column, Lahontan Valley News)
Reflection on Virginia Tech - are we safe? (Larry Large column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Reid to attend De La Hoya-Mayweather fight after paying for ticket (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
In The Congress
Bill mandates Head Start record checks: Schools would tap federal data bases to screen job seekers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
"MacDonald resigned Monday under mounting pressure created by an April inspector general's report. That report says she routinely sought to alter U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientific reports and had broken federal rules by giving industry lobbyists access to internal agency documents."
Tampering with science: Federal official's resignation does not mean that all political maneuvering has stopped (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Nevada Commentary
Exclusive Interview: Reid on Iraq (Elko Free Press feature)
"Sen. John Lee, D-Las Vegas, called on fellow legislators Thursday to join his efforts to get Nevada National Guard members out of Iraq."
Senator calls for return of Nevada guard from Iraq (Nevada Appeal article)
Bush, Democrats and Iraq: What happens next? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Democrats made their point; it's all up to the Iraqis now (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
============================================
May 5, 2007
Cinco de Mayo
[7:50 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Our State Budget
"State Budget Director Andrew Clinger said Friday that because property tax revenue projections aren't as bad as feared, the state Legislature will not have to reduce Gov. Jim Gibbons' $6.8 billion budget as much as he anticipated."
TAX REVENUE PROJECTIONS: Report eases budget pressure -- Needed cuts to Gibbons' proposal lower than expected (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Lawmakers consider cost of measures: Open records, sex offender bills mulled (Associated Press article)
Lawmakers struggle in efforts to finish state budget (Associated Press article)
State Prisons And Prisoners
"Nevada currently has a prison population of 13,000. The system is designed to hold around 9,000."
Prison boom: Nevada must look at alternatives to locking up nonviolent offenders (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Tax Breaks For Green Buildings
Gibbons, lawmakers working together on 'green building' law (Nevada Appeal article)
Trying to do right goes so wrong (Las Vegas Sun article)
Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry
"The former chairman of failed Southwest Exchange and his daughter have made their first public statement about the company's failure, saying they will take the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination if forced to testify."
Two say they will not cooperate if called: Some $95 million missing from Southwest Exchange (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Private equity company sues investors after takeover of USA Capital assets (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Legislative Rip-Off: 60-40 Split, And The Consumer Gets Nothing
State would get share of unused cards under bill: Issuers could keep 40 percent of value (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Governor Of Nevada
Spinning The Stats: Where "Fair" Is "Only Fair"
Just 30 % Think Gov. Gibbons Is Doing A Poor Job, But To Molly, That's Not Bad Enough
"Just 1 percent believe Gibbons is doing an excellent job as governor. Twenty-one percent think his performance is "pretty good," 35 percent "only fair," 30 percent say his performance is poor, and 13 percent are undecided."
NUMBER LOWER THAN BUSH'S: Gibbons' support drops -- 28 percent in poll have favorable view (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The State Judiciary
Mandatory Disqualification And Criminal Sanctions Should Solve The Problem
"Requiring judges to disqualify themselves from cases involving campaign contributors could foster the perception of an even-handed judiciary, a UNLV law professor said Friday."
Panel examines judicial conduct: Professor urges judges to recuse themselves in cases involving one of their campaign donors (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Business Concerns
Jon Ralston on Politics: Chamber's horrors (In Business Las Vegas column)
Gas Up
Gas price spike fuels biz concern (In Business Las Vegas article)
Local Government
Clark County
The Mayor Shines On
In Business Q and A: Oscar Goodman, Las Vegas mayor (In Business Las Vegas interview)
The Real Estate Market
Slowdown in housing socks LV Valley's economic index (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Die-hard real estate agents find strength in numbers (In Business Las Vegas article)
Denial: The Ostrich Approach
"The president of the Nevada Development Authority, whose mission is to diversify the economy, said he has no plans to read the white paper released by the Lied Institute for Real Estate Studies."
Real Estate and Development: Sin City image not a relocation deterrent, NDA says (In Business Las Vegas article)
Diversification
Banking and Marketing: Playing up Vegas' economic diversification (In Business Las Vegas article)
Sex Sells
Tourism and Gaming: Showgirls give Las Vegas legs up on competition (In Business Las Vegas article)
Local Law Enforcement: It Helps To Speak Up
"The last four weeks have seen a dramatic turnaround, at least in terms of a police presence in what used to be quiet neighborhoods. I don't know if it's the journalistic power of CityLife or the persistence of some of my neighbors, but it has been flat-out amazing."
Finally, some changes in the 'hood (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)
A Bottoms-Up Look At The Las Vegas Underworld
Notes from underground: Exploring the Las Vegas storm drains (Las Vegas CityLife article)
Poets, artists and madmen: A late-night conversation in a drain beneath the back lots of the Strip (Las Vegas CityLife article)
Lyon County
Lyon manager hopefuls give their best in public interviews (Nevada Appeal article)
Nye County
County Affairs
County will lease more office space (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Perks Of Office: Bet You Wish You Had One
"Four months after taking office, Nye County Commissioners Butch Borasky and Peter Liakopoulos will be driving new 2007 Chevy Silverado half-ton pickups from Pahrump to county meetings in Tonopah."
Commissioners will drive new pickups (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Town Of Beatty
Master plan may have found some traction (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Town Of Pahrump
Incorporation and the secret gift horse (Mark Smith column, Pahrump Valley Times)
Storey County
"Smith, managing partner of Virginia Highlands LLC., presented his case for the second time before the Storey County Planning Commission on Thursday."
Decision postponed again (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Nevada Republican Party
Gov. Romney
Goedhart joins Mitt Romney team (Pahrump Valley Times article)
"To Nevadans, being Mormon is hardly a disqualification for public office. Gov. Jim Gibbons and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid are Mormon, as are Rep. Dean Heller, a number of state lawmakers and four of the seven Clark County commissioners."
Contender's religion: A test run -- How Nevada votes can set the tone on the intersection of Mormon beliefs, Oval Office (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Brain Drain
"Administrators have dropped like flies since Carol Harter left the presidency last summer."
LOOKING IN ON: HIGHER EDUCATION -- UNLV help wanted: Another dean is out (Las Vegas Sun article)
More details on Ringle's TMCC departure (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Great Basin College
GBC: College is earning its own ID (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Public Schools
In The Legislature
Parnell says Gibbons should tour schools too (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County School District
A Teacher Looks At The Hellhole
"SHE WAS ONE OF THE BEST TEACHERS I'D EVER SEEN ANYWHERE, intelligent and passionate about education. She had 19 years' experience in the Clark County School District, plus academic standards higher than the Himalayas. Her accelerated-placement honors science students, who loved her, often graduated from high school with as much knowledge as students in advanced college science programs."
Bite me (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Year-Round Schools
LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Parents gang up against year-round schools (Las Vegas Sun article)
Nye County School District
"The Nye County School District trustees headed up to Beatty for their regular meeting last Thursday, where a variety of business was conducted at the home of the Beatty Hornets."
Energy grant may be good for a windmill (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
About Those Bears
Tips for living in bear country (Nevada Appeal article)
Rest In Peace
Las Vegas woman recalled as activist for environment: Ann Zorn was 'dedicated' to quality of air (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Burning Hills
Wanted: Brave Men And Women For A Dirty, Arduous And Often Thankless Job
Pahrump seeks firefighters (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Knowing Where You Are
"The geography of Nye County is grand and magnificent."
Geography is destiny in Nye, Esmeralda (Bob McCracken column, Pahrump Valley Times)
Straight Shooters
Black Powder: Shootin' to win (Pahrump Valley Times article)
All About Wheels
Pahrump enjoys weekend deluge of classic cars (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Riviera Takeover Attempt
Riviera parent to weigh options: Riviera Holdings says it will hire adviser; profits double during quarter (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Crumbs Up For Grabs
Law and Small Business: Resorts reach out to minority-owned business (In Business Las Vegas article)
__________
Nevada's Past
The USS Nevada
The battleship USS Nevada (far left bottom) at the beginning of the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Immediately to the right of the USS Nevada are the battleship USS Arizona and USS Vestal, followed by the battleships USS West Virginia and USS Tennessee, the USS Oklahoma and USS Maryland, and the tanker USS Neosho and the battleship USS California (captured Imperial Japanese Navy photograph, courtesy of the US Navy [click on image to enlarge])
`
In this captured Imperial Japanese Navy photograph of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, taken shortly after the photograph above, the USS Nevada appears at left. To the right, the battleship USS Arizona has been destroyed by a terrific explosion, which broke the vessel in half. The flames and huge column of smoke from the burning USS Arizona dominate the picture. (photograph courtesy of US Navy [click on image to enlarge])
A piece of history - state receives U.S.S. Nevada logs (Nevada Appeal article)
The B-17: America's Flying Fortress
Aluminum overcast (Sierra Sun article)
_______
Nevada Journalism
The Power Of Fear
More guns on campus? Regent's idea to arm higher education employees is not the way to add security (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Safety first: At UNLV, Phil Burns is keeping watch and trying to keep students and teachers safe (Las Vegas CityLife article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
ENSIGN: WITH PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE, ANIMAL FIGHTING NEARS ITS END (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Reid: Democrats United In Efforts To Change In Iraq, Give Troops Strategy For Success (Sen. Reid Press Release)
PORTER, BERKLEY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION CALLING FOR COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON INTERNET GAMING: Independent Analysis Will Look at Regulation, Technology, Current Ban on Net Bets (Rep. Porter Press Release)
Our National Budget
Monthly Budget Review, May 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)
Climate Change And Global Warming
May 4, 2007 Press Briefing on the Third International Panel on Climate Change Report on Climate Change (White House website)
Mitigation of Climate Change Summary for Policy-Makers (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change III Report)
Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability Summary for Policy-Makers (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change II Report)
Working Group I Full Report "The Physical Science Basis"
Public Needs More Information
Impeachment now, anybody? LOS ANGELES -- SUDDENLY, IMPEACHMENT IS IN VOGUE (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)
From The Department Of Justice
2007 National Money Laundering Strategy Released (US Justice Department Press Release)
2007 National Money Laundering Strategy Report (US Treasury Department website)
From The Office Of The President
May 4, 2007 Press Briefing by Dana Perino (White House website)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
05/04/2007: DoD News Briefing with Assistant Secretary Casscells from the Pentagon (US Defense Department website)
05/03/2007: DoD News Briefing with Brig. Gen. Wiggins from the Pentagon (US Defense Department website)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
From Nevada
Letter on Guard pullout circulated (Associated Press article)
From The Battlefield
Division Targets Flow of ‘Accelerants of Violence’ to Baghdad (American Forces Press Service article)
Two Al Qaeda Leaders, Three Terrorists Killed; 39 Detained in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)
Seven Soldiers Killed in Iraq; DoD Identifies 18 Previous Casualties (American Forces Press Service article)
05/04/2007: DoD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Lynch from Baghdad (US Defense Department website)
A Federal Reader
Food Stamp Program: Use of Alternative Methods to Apply for and Maintain Benefits Could Be Enhanced by Additional Evaluation and Information on Promising Practices GAO-07-573, May 3, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Information Technology: Numerous Federal Networks Used to Support Homeland Security Need to Be Better Coordinated with Key State and Local Information-Sharing Initiatives GAO-07-455, April 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
============================================
May 6-7, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Overviews
Child Paternity and Protection among topics for NV Legislature's Monday Hearings (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
"After 20 years of trekking to Carson City, I feel as if I am suffering from Battered Pundit's Syndrome. I arrive with hope in my heart that things will get better, that statesmanship will supersede showmanship. And I leave, 120 days or so later, bruised by a hurly-burly where much is promised but little delivered."
Jon Ralston tries to figure out why he always gets his hopes up, only to be disappointed time and again by the Legislature (Las Vegas Sun column)
Our State Budget
Nevada lawmakers concerned about new budget figures (Associated Press article)
State Prisons And Prisoners
Ways and Means approves emergency prison funding (Nevada Appeal article)
The Right To Know What You're Paying For
"Ask a government agency for access to public documents and you never know what response you'll get. Some will provide the information immediately. Others may take a few days to comply. And a handful may ignore or stonewall your request altogether."
Timely fashion (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
The Right To Protest Government Actions
Reinstating a public right: Bill to restore the public's access to licensing hearings finally is on its way to approval (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Folding Green
Tax Commission weighs in on green building tax breaks (Associated Press article)
"Lawmakers in Carson City are so desperate for dollars that they're willing to sacrifice green policy for more greenbacks."
Going green (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
The Right To Elect State Officials
Let voters select Board of Regents: Oversight of higher education shouldn't be left to appointees (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Miscellaneous Proposals
Singers lobby Nevada legislature to ban musical impostors (Associated Press article)
From The Office Of The Governor
Governor Gibbons Names New Personnel Director (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Governor Gibbons to Honor Las Vegas Robotics Team (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
From The Attorney General's Office
ATTORNEYS GENERAL PRAISE BEAM GLOBAL FOR ADOPTING STRONGER VOLUNTARY ADVERTISING STANDARD TO REDUCE YOUTH EXPOSURE TO ALCOHOL ADS (Attorney General Press Release)
State Agencies
"Nevada's Department of Transportation, like the Starship Enterprise, is boldly going into a new frontier."
NDOT readies for first design-build highway project: Method was previously employed on the Las Vegas Monorail (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists
"Other cities have successfully implemented smoking bans but the Las Vegas Valley is not making a smooth transition into the smoke-free state authors of the Clean Indoor Air Act originally envisioned."
Where there's smoke there's trouble: Lawsuits, appeals and thousands of citizen complaints mark the six-month anniversary of the Clean Indoor Air Act (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Regional Economy
Can Do!
Before the brand burns, let's make sure it's the one we want in Northern Nevada (John DiMambro column, Nevada Appeal)
Local Government
The City And County Of Carson
Carson, Douglas officials agree to cooperate: Officials seek ways to boost sales tax revenue in both communities (Nevada Appeal article)
"When elected officials talk about plans and priorities, you can never quite be sure whether they have any intention of following through. But budgets don't lie."
City budget carries a positive message (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Area homeowners band together to keep Goni Canyon clean: Handicap-accessible trail to be completed later this year (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
Waiting For Ivanpah
Right turn poses environmental concerns, city says in FAA lawsuit (Las Vegas Sun article)
City says FAA didn't do environmental due diligence (Vegas Pundit)
Airport Concession Contracts
LOOKING IN ON: CLARK COUNTY -- Airport deal awarded, with the promise of a big payoff for the county (Las Vegas Sun article)
Regional Commerce
Locally-owned bank thinks big (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Real Estate Market
April showers dampen home sales (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Developing Stories
ProLogis plans new industrial park in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Emergency Preparation
"It is always important to be prepared for an emergency, but in the mountainous community of Incline Village, it is vital. Is the community of Incline Village and Crystal Bay prepared for an emergency? This is the first in a four-part series about emergency preparedness in this community."
Potential isolation means Incline needs to be prepared (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
What to do in an emergency situation (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
King's Beach
"A harmful American trend has chugged along for the past 60 years. American streets, American automobiles and American waistlines have all been expanding since World War II."
A more livable Kings Beach (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Storey County
Storey cleanup effort looking for volunteers (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
Proposed Tax Hike
"Incline residents bristled this week at the possibility of a sales tax hike here to offset costs to improve public safety and street maintenance in Reno and Sparks."
Sales tax increase not supported here (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Inequitable Taxes
"Tax revolters can exhale and reschedule their Tuesday morning as the state supreme court denied the County Board of Equalization's request to review taxable values on some 8,700 properties in Incline Village and Crystal Bay."
Revolter relief (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Regional Transportation
"Bus company officials are doubling the door-to-door service cost for about a quarter of disabled customers who live beyond the reach of conventional routes."
RTC ups cost for portion of riders (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
City Of Sparks
Sparks dips into reserves to fund public safety positions (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
National Presidential Primaries
"It's Nevada's unique litmus test for presidential candidates: Where do they stand on Yucca Mountain? "
NEVADA'S LITMUS TEST: Scrutiny increases on Yucca -- Review finds presidential hopefuls varied in stances (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
STATEWIDE POLL: Clinton has huge lead in Nevada -- No clear-cut front-runner among Republican hopefuls (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Hispanic Voters
"This is an overwhelming national sentiment. And if supporters of illegal immigration can't recognize this, public opinion polls will soon be the least of their worries."
This is 'not a fringe issue': Hispanic activists in denial over opposition to illegal immigration (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Se habla 'caucus'? Nevada Democrats work to woo Hispanics (Associated Press article)
State Democratic Party
Nevada Democrats look to Iowa expert for caucus help (Associated Press article)
Sen. Clinton
ERIN NEFF: Clinton's star power, organization have built early lead in Nevada (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Gov. Richardson
SHERMAN FREDERICK: This guy's a contender -- The charm of Richardson (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
JANE ANN MORRISON: Richardson sharing glass half-full view on campaign trail (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
State Republican Party
Visit Of Sen. McCain
TOWN HALL TALK: Winning war critical for McCain -- Prospect of Iraq defeat worries Republican presidential hopeful (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Travails Of Sen. Ensign
"'It is a much bigger job than I think a lot of people realized,' the Nevada Republican said last week of leading the National Republican Senatorial Committee. 'There is no question it is a huge job raising $120 million.'"
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Ensign unfazed by GOP fundraising lag -- Nevadan leads effort to elect Republican senators (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Political Ambitions Of Rep. Heller
Heller says he'll eventually run for governor: Lawmaker dismisses low power ranking (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Continuing Identity Crisis
Neo-con led GOP is driving true conservatives away (Ira Hansen column, Nevada Appeal)
Going…Going….Gone (Todd Zuccato column, Silver State Libertarian Leanings)
The Venom of Ty Cobb Jr. (Todd Zuccato column, Silver State Libertarian Leanings)
Local Elections
Council debate May 14 (Elko Free Press article)
From opposite sides of the court: Candidates with different backgrounds up for judge (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
The Lofty Goals Of UNLV's President
"Ashley's vision should spur some positive action toward not only improving the general education program at UNLV, which is the basis of a student's college education, but it should also help accomplish the larger goal of improving the state's education system."
Building on the basics: UNLV president wants to challenge students, strengthen general education classes (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Public Schools
Carson City School District
School district launches survey on its Web site (Nevada Appeal article)
"Recycling doesn't just cut down on greenhouse gases, it can also help fund a playground - at least that's what students at Carson City Montessori School recently learned."
Students create better world, school (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County School District
Alternative high school escapes budget cuts (Lahontan Valley News article)
"Former Churchill County School Board president Debbie Getto-Smith turned herself in at the Churchill County Jail Friday on a warrant for her arrest accusing her of two counts of felony embezzlement."
Getto-Smith arrested on suspicion of embezzlement (Lahontan Valley News article)
Elko County School District
Tech Fair (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Our State's Fire-Fighters
Preparing for 2007 fire season (Elko Free Press article)
BLM advisory council to tour burned areas (Elko Free Press article)
Wild Horses And Burros
BLM’s Selling of Wild Horses and Burros for Slaughter and Food (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Avian Enthusiasts
"And that's just one tour available during the Spring Wings Bird Festival, now in its 10th year. The festival will be held May 11-13 in Fallon, headquartered at the Fallon Convention Center."
Spring Wings celebrates its 10th year (Lahontan Valley News article)
Leopard Frogs
RARE FROGS AREN'T CROAKING: World's only relict leopard frogs in the wild are holding their ground (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Invasive Species
Invasive species seen as threat to Lake Tahoe: Officials pledge to boost efforts to protect area from non-native species (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
State Health Insurance
"With less than a month to go, it hardly is likely that the Nevada Legislature is going to take any sweeping steps toward providing health insurance coverage to the estimated 450,000 Nevadans who don't have any."
A lost opportunity: Nevada Legislature apparently will ignore the state's health coverage needs - again (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
State Health Department
State department of health unveils new Web site (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
State Health Department's New Website
Tainted Food
It's not just about the pet food - a local expert's take (Peter Kovacs column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
University Medical Center
JOHN L. SMITH: Huge advertising budget shows struggling UMC's priorities out of whack (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
UMC service could take brunt of cuts to fix budget (Las Vegas Sun article)
Placenta Pills
"When Anne Swanson gave birth to her first child in 2002, she experienced postpartum depression, that feeling of extreme sadness that researchers believe is brought on by a severe hormonal plunge."
Making pills from placentas: Mom challenges Sunrise Hospital's refusal to give her nutrient-filled sac (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Public Utilities
Rural Nevadans enjoying affordable electricity: Cooperative power associations, a legacy from the New Deal, keep prices low in outlying communities (Las Vegas Business Press article)
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Nevada Mining
Nevada slips in world gold ranks: China bumps Silver State to No. 4 (Associated Press article)
Commentary: Mining Law of 1872 no longer applies to today's world (Mike Kowalski column, Las Vegas Sun)
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Nevada Culture
Another World
The Minx Recommends: The Mystical Arts of Tibet (Reno and Its Discontents)
Cinco De Mayo
Cinco de Mayo (Elko Free Press article)
Truckee River Festival
Tourism officials seeking sponsor for river festival (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Chili !!!
"Obie Oberreuter and Ray Hogand knew they had some stiff competition at the People's Choice Chili Cookoff in Virginia City on Saturday, but it didn't bother them."
Meat, heat and a mess of empty bowls: Teams add spice to People's Choice Chili Cookoff in Virginia City (Nevada Appeal article)
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Our Beautiful Region
The Truckee River
"When a river runs through it, a city gains scenic and recreational advantages. The pioneers settling Reno, early recognized the beauty and commercial potential of the Truckee River on its journey from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. They built mansions overlooking the river and the community that grew up near it. They developed parks along its banks. They used its water to supply city needs, float logs from timber cut in the Sierras and irrigate pastures and crops."
TRIP OF THE WEEK: Reno's river revitalization makes for great recreation (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)
The Other Winnemucca Lake
Laura Mills leads a trip to Winnemucca Lake (Lahontan Valley News column)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Eyes On The Buck
Casino fight goes up in smoke: Gaming industry eases opposition as state after state passes smoking bans (Las Vegas Sun article)
Tip Pooling
Wynn rebuked, by request (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Chinese Gambling Ventures: Handle With Tongs
Las Vegas Sands suits raise more questions: Documents show top executive concerned about Galaxy-Triad ties, fear of perceived Foreign Corrupt Practices violations (Las Vegas Business Press article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
Different Points Of View
"On Thursday, both the Review-Journal and the Sun editorialized on the state of the state's budget for the upcoming biennium. The two points of view fell on opposite ends of the political spectrum."
THOMAS MITCHELL: Two editorial pages never more different (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Who's looking out for you? The R-J! (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
"Both U.S. Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign have recently pushed for more openness in the federal budget process, but neither would disclose his individual funding requests for projects back home."
Nevada lawmakers silent on earmarks (Associated Press article)
In The Congress
Senate Blocks Bid to Allow Drug Imports (Associated Press article)
Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys
Justice to Allow Goodling Immunity Deal (Associated Press article)
Congress Widens Justice Department Probe (Associated Press article)
Government Accountability Office
Many in Watchdog Agency Want a Union (Associated Press article)
Fraud. Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of VECO Corporation Plead Guilty to Corruption and Tax Charges (US Justice Department Press Release)
Three Current and Former Alaska State Legislators Indicted on Public Corruption Charges (US Justice Department Press Release)
Veterans Affairs
Doctors Urge Better Pain Care for Troops (Associated Press article)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
U.S. Army Squelches Milbloggers (Richard Disney)
From The Office Of The President
May 7, 2007 Press Briefing by Tony Snow (White House website)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Taliban Militants Detained; Afghans Report Weapons Cache (American Forces Press Service article)
Report: Afghan Who Shot Soldiers Was Ill (Associated Press article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Nevada Opinion
Victory means exit strategy (Glen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)
Broder needs a mirror: Criticism of Reid reflects media's failure (Michael Green column, Las Vegas Business Press)
GEOFF SCHUMACHER: Impeach Bush? Yep -- and Cheney, too (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Jeff Simpson urges Bush's pals in the business world to convince him of war's folly (Las Vegas Sun article)
Iraqi civil war can be stopped, but not by Bush (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)
Reid needs to rethink stance (Robert Howell column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Iraq: Congressional Democrats Nervously Losing Their Spine? (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
From Washington, DC
GOP Senator: Patience on Iraq Is Limited (Associated Press article)
From The Battlefield
68 Killed or Found Dead in Iraq (Associated Press article)
Petraeus 'Concerned' by Ethics Report (Associated Press article)
Signs of Progress Seen in Anbar Reconstruction (American Forces Press Service article)
Iraqis Can Move Forward as Surge Takes Hold, General Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Institutional Competence Slow, But Growing, General Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Iraqi, Coalition Forces Detain 24 in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)
Three Servicemembers Killed, Two Wounded (American Forces Press Service article)
12 U.S. Troops Die in Iraq; Previous Casualties Identified (American Forces Press Service article)
Pakistan
Suspended Top Judge Attacks Musharraf (Associated Press article)
Venezuela
Venezuela Criticizes DEA As 'New Cartel' (Associated Press article)
============================================
May 8, 2007
_____
Another Nevada Soldier Killed Overseas
Staff Sgt. Coby Schwab, USAR
IRAQ WAR: Family says soldier felt need to help buddies -- Henderson man killed in roadside bombing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Overviews
Taking a closer look: Skipping Community Service and Privatizing the County Jails (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
NV Legislature: Health, Safety, Ethics, Private Jails (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
Dead Kids, And Your Right To Know What You're Paying For
"The hows and whys behind individual cases of child death in Nevada may continue to be withheld from the public."
Child welfare bill may be cut: Official urges panel to scrap open-meeting provision, two others (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
More lip service on child welfare system (Donna Coleman and Toni Isola-Bayer column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Bill would move some children out of group homes (Associated Press article)
Nevada Highways
Panel looks at Spaghetti Bowl to Craig Road project funds: Appeal made for Route 160 improvements (Associated Press article)
Thieving Proposal
"But this bill isn't about consumer protection. It's a money grab, pure and simple."
Gift card grab (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Intermediate Appeals Court Bill
Assembly backs appeals court plan (Associated Press article)
Nevada's Predatory Lending Industry
"Credit card companies' practice of ratcheting up customers' interest rates for seemingly unrelated financial mistakes - such as paying a utility or phone bill late - has recently caught the attention of consumer advocates, journalists and now state Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas."
Rate hikes pique Titus' interest: Banks offer compromise to ease up on cardholders (Las Vegas Sun article)
Ferocious Dina Gets Tired
"Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus says she's tired of the Gibbons administration proposing new spending without the money to pay for it."
LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY -- Governor proposes spending, Titus bares her teeth (Las Vegas Sun article)
Tip Pooling Legislation
Hearing on tip-sharing plan canceled (Associated Press article)
Entertainment Chameleons
Music acts target imposters: Bill would compel full disclosure (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Good Samaritan And DUI Holdover Bills
Governor signs good-Samaritan doctor, DUI delayed-release bills (Associated Press article)
Lobbyists (Or Crypto-Lobbyists)
"In a Nevada political climate dripping with outright corruption and shoddy ethics, Perkins' decision was bound to generate skepticism."
JOHN L. SMITH: For a concerned citizen and police chief, Perkins goes to a lot of trouble (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
State Agencies
Unlicensed Predatory Lenders
Record fine levied against payday lender Leads Global Inc. (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Payday lender fined record $50,000 -- Officials: Woman harassed at home, work (Associated Press article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Residents' thoughts sought at regional transportation meeting (Nevada Appeal article)
"Land owners in Carson City owe $582,627 in property taxes and penalties, according to the Assessor's office."
Carson City's delinquent tax list is out (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County
"The Fallon Tribal Development Corporation, a federally-chaptered corporation, founded in 2005, has two board of director members whose terms have expired and applications for the positions are being accepted."
Tribe accepting applications for two development corporation directors (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
City Of North Las Vegas
"The nation's second-fastest growing city is still using some zoning laws established in the 1960s, when North Las Vegas had 20,000 residents and was largely rural."
LOOKING IN ON: SUBURBS -- NLV rolls up sleeves to innovate away outdated zoning laws (Las Vegas Sun article)
Urban Renewal
Community's views sought on grocery: Developer seeks West Las Vegas site (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Real Estate Market
April home data for LV called 'awful' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Lyon County
It's best to prepare now before an emergency strikes (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
Inequitable Taxation
"The Nevada Supreme Court has issued an order barring a Washoe County tax appeals board from meeting today to list its reasons for reducing property values for 9,000 homes in Incline Village and Crystal Bay this year."
Board ordered to explain reduced Incline values (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Just Don't Forget The Campaign Contribution
"The Reno-Sparks area has held onto its Top 10 status among Inc. magazine's annual list of the best mid-sized cities for doing business."
Reno-Sparks still ranks with Inc. magazine (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Civic Spirit
Area volunteers defy report, groups say (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Local Elections
Voter registration open until May 15 (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
CCSN
Facility comes up short: CCSN project cuts corners, misses its mark of providing state-of-the-art instruction (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
UNR Student Drug Court
"High expectations for the new drug court program at the University of Nevada, Reno, are in order."
Help needed to keep students OnTRAC (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Public Schools
Churchill County School District
High teacher pay cited for salary freeze (Lahontan Valley News article)
District drivers take honors in bus road-eo (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County School District
Grads raise rate in '05-'06: Graduation figure at 63.5 percent (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
University Medical Center
Unthinkable cuts at UMC: Burn center, Quick Care centers, clinics and other major services are indispensable (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Placenta Pills
"Placenta contents are said to provide relief to women suffering from postpartum depression. Swanson had hoped Jodi Selander, a North Las Vegas mother, would have taken her placenta and transformed it into pill form for consumption."
SUNRISE HOSPITAL: Placenta befouled, mom told -- With contamination, plan for consumption forsaken (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
"Washoe County's top law enforcement officials say the methamphetamine epidemic might have peaked, crediting greater community awareness, more arrests and keeping ingredients behind the counter to stemming the illegal drug's use."
Meth use may have hit peak (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Human Trafficking
"The anti-trafficking league's work rests on coordinating law enforcement agencies, often the first to come across foreign women forced into prostitution, with different social services and immigration law agencies."
Where's the help promised for prostitutes, lawyer wants to know (Las Vegas Sun article)
Mysterious Car Bomb Killing On The Las Vegas Strip
LUXOR PARKING GARAGE: Strip blast kills man -- Hot dog vendor dies in bombing; LV police rule out terrorism (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"The study completed last year estimated that coordinated car bombings at the Las Vegas Convention Center could kill up to 10,000 people and cause more than $7 billion in damage."
Blast highlights vulnerability of hotels to terrorism (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
A wagerless trip to Nevada: Tourists take on the great outdoors for third season of 'The Nevada Passage' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Made In Nevada
Joining forces, a Made in Nevada success story (Nevada Appeal editorial)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Station Sells
GOING PRIVATE: Fertittas will cash, take stake -- Those behind Station will get combined $494.8 million for issues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
How To Wynn
Macau success lifts Wynn Resorts' quarter: Revenue, earnings rise; chairman suggests results may foretell success in future periods (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Chinese Gambling Ventures: Handle With Tongs
"Terry Yungjen Wang's day went from bad to worse when he was arrested in Hong Kong a few years ago for attempting to exchange counterfeit dollars manufactured in North Korea and then made an agitated call for help to a colleague - whose husband happens to be a high-ranking member of the Chinese mafia."
LOOKING IN ON: GAMING -- Sketchy episode doesn't keep license from executive's grasp (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada's Past
V&TRR
V&T commission supports documentary on reconstruction effort: Asks producers to come back with more detailed proposal (Nevada Appeal article)
Josephine Baker And Las Vegas
Did Josephine Baker Change Vegas? (Richard Abowitz column, Los Angeles Times)
The Gangster Years
Car bombings once popular mob tactic in Las Vegas: Maneuver efficient, attention-grabbing, retired FBI agent says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
"Once again showing his clout on Yucca Mountain, Sen. Harry Reid helped the Walker River Paiute Indians reach a decision against allowing nuclear waste to be shipped through their reservation to the proposed repository, according to government officials and lobbyists."
YUCCA MOUNTAIN RAIL LINE: Reid steps in, sways tribe -- Senator uses his clout to persuade Paiutes to refuse DOE's rail plan (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
In The US Congress
"Lawmakers in Washington should reveal projects they are planning to earmark in spending bills."
Go the whole way; let voters in on requests for federal funding (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Veterans Affairs
"Donny Fisher learned the hard way on Monday that the company that shuttles patients for free from one Veterans Affairs clinic to another in the Las Vegas Valley has abruptly quit, saying it is owed nearly $600,000 from the federal government."
Veterans stranded, VA accused of not paying fare (Las Vegas Sun article)
============================================
Update for May 8, 2007
Five Members Of The US Navy Killed In Austin Helicopter Crash
Navy helicopter crash kills 5 on training flight in Nevada (Associated Press article)
Reid Statement Regarding Navy Helicopter Crash in Nevada (Sen. Reid Press Release)
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Overview
Taking a closer look: Arms and Reports (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
Actions In The Legislature
New revenue estimates reduce 'hole' in proposed Nevada budget (Associated Press article)
No changes to Nevada bill targeting high credit card interest (Associated Press article)
Phone company executives ask Nevada lawmakers to drop rate caps (Associated Press article)
The Governor Of Nevada
Nevada governor researches bill to erase green building tax breaks (Associated Press article)
From The Office Of The Governor
Governor Gibbons’ Statement Regarding the Death Of Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Coby Schwab (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Governor Gibbons to Attend National Cable and Telecommunications Association's 56th Annual Convention (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Doesn't Like Gov. Gibbons
Monday Quick Hits (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
The State Judiciary
Justices to hold court in Spring Creek (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Local Elections
Carlin candidate event Thursday (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Fallon Cancer Clusters
Study shows high tungsten coincides with Nevada cancer cluster (Associated Press article)
Temporal Variability of Tungsten and Cobalt in Fallon, Nevada (Environmental Health Perspectives Journal website)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
U.S. gambling revenues up 6.8 percent to $32.4 billion (Associated Press article)
Harrah's first-quarter profit rises 2 percent (Associated Press article)
__________
Federal Nevada
In The Congress
Tighter Border First; Immigration Later (Associated Press article)
Highlights of Immigration Proposals (Associated Press article)
House Endorses Renewal of Some Tax Cuts (Associated Press article)
Genetic Discrimination Bills
RL33987 - May 02, 2007 Genetic Non-discrimination in Employment: A Comparison of Title II Provisions in S. 358 and H.R. 493, 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)
RL33988 - May 02, 2007 Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance: A Side-by-Side Comparison of the Title I Provisions in H.R. 493 and S. 358 (Congressional Research Service Report)
The Environment
Panel Approves Fuel Economy Increase (Associated Press article)
RL33982 - May 01, 2007 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE): A Comparison of Selected Legislation in the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)
National Health Matters
RL33986 - May 01, 2007 FDA's Authority to Ensure That Drugs Prescribed to Children Are Safe and Effective (Congressional Research Service Report)
RS22656 - May 01, 2007 Scientific Evaluations of Approaches to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (Congressional Research Service Report)
Medicare Part D: Challenges in Enrolling New Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries GAO-07-272, May 4, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Medicare Part D: Enrolling New Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries in Prescription Drug Plans GAO-07-824T, May 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy: Progress Made in Approving Applications, but Ability to Identify Remaining Individuals Is Limited GAO-07-858T, May 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Hospital Quality Data: HHS Should Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and Submit Data GAO-07-320, April 25, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Global Health: Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria Has Improved Its Documentation of Funding Decisions but Needs Standardized Oversight Expectations and Assessments GAO-07-627, May 7, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Government-Chartered Cable TV Monopolies
Cable execs at Vegas meeting attack government regulation (Associated Press article)
International Organized Crime
"Something strange is going on in the global opium market, and it could spell trouble."
An Opium Market Mystery (Washington Post article)
U.N. Says Colombian Coca Plantation Down (Associated Press article)
U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Interior's Oil Lease Program Head Quits (Associated Press article)
Federal Student Loan Official Quits (Associated Press article)
TSA Loses Hard Drive With Personal Info (Associated Press article)
Employee Misclassification: Improved Outreach Could Help Ensure Proper Worker Classification GAO-07-859T, May 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Satellite Censorship
Curbs on Satellite Photos May Be Needed (Associated Press article)
Veterans Affairs
Information Technology: VA and DOD Are Making Progress in Sharing Medical Information, but Are Far from Comprehensive Electronic Medical Records GAO-07-852T, May 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Defense Department Announces Next Iraq Troop Rotation (American Forces Press Service article)
Pentagon Prepares 35,000 Troops for Iraq (Associated Press article)
Highlights of Possible Iraq Deployments (Associated Press article)
White House Rebuts Guard Shortage Claim (Associated Press article)
Security at Bases at 2nd-Lowest Level (Associated Press article)
Defense Transportation: DOD Has Taken Actions to Incorporate Lessons Learned in Transforming Its Freight Distribution System GAO-07-675R, May 8, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
From The Office Of The President
May 8, 2007 Press Briefing by Tony Snow (White House website)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
U.S. Soldiers Continue to Gain Trust of Afghan People (American Forces Press Service article)
U.S. Commander Expresses Remorse over Accidental Deaths (American Forces Press Service article)
05/08/2007: DoD News Briefing with Col. Nicholson from Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)
U.S. Toll in Afghan Invasion Reaches 319 (Associated Press article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
In Washington DC
Reid: Costs Of War Underscore Need To Change Course In Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Dem Leaders Brief Party on New Iraq Plan (Associated Press article)
Israel
RL33476 - April 30, 2007 Israel: Background and Relations with the United States (Congressional Research Service Report)
Mexico
Mogul Linked to Mexico Bribery Set Free (Associated Press article)
Army kills 4 in shootout in Mexico (Reuters article)
North Korea
Chances Slim for Return of USS Pueblo (Associated Press article)
Pakistan
Taliban Starting To Rule Northwest Frontier Province
Music Crackdown in Pakistani Region (Associated Press article)
United Arab Emirates
RS21852 - May 01, 2007 The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy (Congressional Research Service Report)
A Federal Reader
RL33984 - April 27, 2007 Foreign Direct Investment: Current Issues (Congressional Research Service Report)
Aviation Security: Risk, Experience, and Customer Concerns Drive Changes to Airline Passenger Screening Procedures, but Evaluation and Documentation of Proposed Changes Could Be Improved GAO-07-634, April 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Maritime Security: Opportunities Exist to Further Clarify the Consequences of a Liquefied Natural Gas Tanker Spill GAO-07-840T, May 7, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
============================================
May 9, 2007
[Noon]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Our State Budget
Nevada state budget news better than expected (Nevada Appeal article)
Nevada Highways
"Assembly Transportation Committee members expressed incredulity Tuesday that implementing a bill to allow drivers to make contributions to reduce the state's $3.8 billion highway construction debt would cost $51,000 in computer programming fees."
Legislators question cost of implementing highway fund bill (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Predatory Lending Industry
Close those payday loan loopholes (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Create-A-Crime Seatbelt Stops Bill
"Under the state's current "secondary" seat belt law, a motorist or passengers cannot be cited for failing to wear seat belts unless the police officer pulls the vehicle over and cites the driver for another driving offense."
Mother asks lawmakers to toughen state's seat belt law: Assembly weighs bill already OK'd by Senate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
State Prisons And Prisoners
Money must be spent on prisons, too (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Assorted Bills
"An American Civil Liberties Union lobbyist testified Tuesday that the rich will take advantage of legislation designed to allow people charged with minor offenses to pay a fine in lieu of having to perform community service."
ACLU lobbyist decries bill as 'law for the rich' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Original member of Sha Na Na tells band impostors: Get a job (Las Vegas Sun article)
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Meth's deadly assault (Nevada Appeal article)
The Governor Of Nevada
Problems Created By The Poorly-Drafted, Ill-Considered Green Buildings Bill
"Gibbons has five days starting on the day after receipt of the measure and, not counting Sundays, to sign or veto it. That would make Monday the deadline for action. If he takes no action within the five days, the bill would become law anyway."
Governor concerned state might get sued: Gibbons mulls veto of bill that ends tax breaks (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Some major resort projects have applied for the tax breaks, including the $7.4 billion CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip. Dozens more businesses are interested or have applied, but the regulations are so unclear, few in state government are certain exactly what a business must do to apply for and adhere to the standards."
Shades of gray abound in green law: Gibbons turns to attorney general to unravel the mess (Las Vegas Sun article)
Smoking casinos qualify for breaks as 'green' environments (Las Vegas Sun article)
Our State Judiciary
"A bill aimed at reducing the need for judges to raise campaign funds passed the Senate on Tuesday and goes to the governor."
Gibbons gets bill affecting judge election (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
State Agencies
Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry
"Hearing that the daughter of the former chairman of Henderson-based Southwest Exchange continued to spend potential assets after the company was put in a receivership, a judge Tuesday put related business entities in receivership and froze their assets."
Judge cracks down on more businesses: Assets of entities linked to failed Southwest Exchange are frozen (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Inadequate State Regulation Of Corporations
"Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh of St. Louis ruled that Asset Protection Group of Las Vegas and its partners, Richard Neiswonger and William S. Reed, violated a 1997 order that barred Neiswonger from engaging an a fraudulent asset protection business."
Company found in contempt: LV venture, partners found to violate order (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada Homeland Security
"Authorities in Southern Nevada and Washington believe that the Las Vegas center should be recognized by Gibbons as the state's primary intelligence-sharing hub with the federal government. This is where most of the state's population and threats are and where Nevada has devoted most of its anti-terrorism resources."
Terror fight takes shotgun approach: Concerns raised about governor's strategy causing confusion, delays (Las Vegas Sun article)
Taxicab Authority
"Land was dismissed by Nevada Department of Business and Industry Director Mendy Elliott in a move that neither Land nor the Taxicab Authority board were aware was even being contemplated beforehand."
Taxicab Authority leadership changes: Czehowski replaces Land in a move that comes as surprise to ousted chief (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
Churchill County
Residents sought to serve on advisory panels (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
Urban Renewal
"In an announcement last week that somehow failed to make a Jay Leno monologue, it was revealed at a City Council meeting that the oft-maligned and questionably designed Neonopolis would undergo that most dicey of marketing gestures, a name change."
JOHN L. SMTH: Neonopolis by any other name still has smell of disaster (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
West Las Vegas plans pitched: Several proposals for grocery store made (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
LV CONVENTION CENTER: Authority approves upgrades -- $890 million in work aims to help LV stay top trade-show site (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Waiting For Ivanpah
Making the wrong turn: City should drop its disingenuous - and costly - opposition to the right-turn flight path (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Douglas County
Gardnerville retains Tree City USA title (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Family Support director resigns (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Preparing For Emergencies
Once a disaster occurs, where does an Incline resident go? (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
In case of an emergency: (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Emergency plans for students, elderly (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Seize the opportunity to be prepared (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Best Management Practices
Looking at BMPs and how to achieve Incline's goals (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Consolidated Chambers Of Commerce
Consolidated chamber holds 21st annual trade fair (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Lyon County
"The Lyon County jail was built in Yerington in 1972, and two cell blocks were added later to make it a 54-bed facility. But it averages about 78 inmates a day, Veil said."
Jail overcrowding creates problems for Lyon County officials (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Washoe County
Going Up
"The Washoe County Building Department is preparing to raise building permit fees by 40 percent, about $900,000 more than in 2006, to compensate for the current slowdown in housing construction."
Building permit fees to go up by 40 percent (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority
RSCVA's Unprofitable Golf Courses: Turn Them Into Public Parks Or Sell Them
Merger should be in courses' future (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Alleged Bidding Irregularities
"The controversy is a hot topic in the contracting arena, where construction firms strive to follow each public bid guideline to the letter. Not only do bids have to be delivered to the proper address, but they must meet strict qualifications for how the work will be completed."
Company protesting RSCVA bid (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Living
Mother's Day: May 13th
Mother's most precious gifts are her stories (Marilee Swirczek column, Nevada Appeal)
Made In Nevada
Marketing the home state advantage (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Nevada's Hispanic Vote
Coveted Hispanic vote is state's sleeping giant (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Local Elections
City Of Fallon
Knell wants to take politics to the people (Lahontan Valley News article)
Tedford: There are still things to be done (Lahontan Valley News article)
City Of Las Vegas
Mud's flying fast and furious in Ward 5: Calm of April primary disappears as Barlow, Truesdell campaign (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Schools show appreciation for teachers this week (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Searching for scholarships (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Shenanigans on the school tax front (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Churchill County School District
Budget cuts, student medical equipment on school board agenda (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County School District
"Desert Rose will be demolished in the coming months to make room for a Career and Technical Academy that is slated to open in 2009."
Adult students moving on: School makes way for career academy (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Our State's Firefighters
Commercial jet being converted to use for fire tanker duty (Nevada Appeal article)
Fire district tests its wildfire response (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Lake Tahoe, The Jewel Of The Sierras
Tahoe watershed water quality to be measured this weekend (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Health Care In Our Banana Republic
"It's not going to elevate the state to anywhere near the national average in terms of pre natal care. Nevada lags near the bottom because one-fourth to one-fifth of all Nevadans lack health insurance."
Poles apart on health care, with a gulf between (Las Vegas Sun article)
Mental Health
"There were signs: aggression, isolation and acting out in school. But it wasn't until a police officer showed Cynthia Escamilla a letter written by one of her sons that the mother of seven realized her third oldest was mentally ill."
More care sought for mentally ill children (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Hauling It In
"For the 11th straight time since it began surveying the public's attitude toward legalized gambling, the American Gaming Association said Tuesday the U.S. commercial casino industry took in record revenues."
$32,400,000,000: Record revenue for U.S. casinos (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Casinos in Nevada grow faster than those throughout rest of U.S. (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
State of the States 2007: The AGA Survey of Casino Entertainment (AGA Report)
American Gaming Association Website
Curtailing The Rights Of Free Speech And Assembly
"A federal circuit court on Tuesday ruled The Venetian violated U.S. labor law in March 1999 by trying to prevent more than 1,000 members of the Culinary and Bartenders unions from rallying on a sidewalk outside the casino."
Court finds Venetian violated law by trying to block rally (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Venetian Casino vs. NLRB (Washington DC Circuit Court of Appeals website)
__________
Nevada's Past
The Old Breed
Lawmakers honor former legislators and member of pioneer family (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
A Spring Cleaning Of The Soul
"Carson City's Pride Week has passed. We've employed "spring cleaning" on our yards, maybe our homes. Now it's time to clean out our lives."
This spring, clean up more than just the yard (Nevada Appeal editorial)
__________
Federal Nevada
The US Congress
"If 'it was so, it might be,' said Tweedledee, 'and if it were so, it would be, but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic.'"
Humpty Dumpty on Capitol Hill (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Our Environment
New costs for auto makers -- and consumers: Washington prepared to mandate more fuel efficiency (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Enlightened energy effort: Racing to build a better bulb as Congress discusses setting a lighting-efficiency standard (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
National Health
"A bill introduced Tuesday in the House calls on federal agencies to examine ways that consumers might dispose of unwanted prescription drugs to keep them out of the hands of addicts or children."
Measure introduced on 'take-back' efforts: Bill calls for study of efforts to dispose of medicines (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Veterans Affairs
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS: Panel: Better tests needed for veterans -- Some say those who suffer not evaluated or compensated well (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
PTSD Compensation and Military Service (Institute of Medicine and National Research Council Report)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Navy helicopter crashes, 5 killed (Lahontan Valley News article)
Helicopter crash grim reminder of danger at home and abroad (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
US Agency For International Development
BUSH ADMINISTRATION: Nevadan acting chief of agency -- White House officials say Fore's nomination to follow (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
New pitch on Iraq: With President Bush dropping in polls and war going badly, watch for GOP to change course (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Has Reid truly committed treason? (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
============================================
Update for May 9, 2007
[10:00 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Judges, insurers oppose Nevada bill that would open court records (Associated Press article)
Compromise reached on Nevada open meeting measure (Associated Press article)
Nevada Public Works Board hopes to change green building standard (Associated Press article)
Hearings set for bills dealing with proposed joint juvenile detention facility (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Nevada Senate opens with Sanskrit prayer (UPI article)
The Governor Of Nevada
Dina Titus Asks Governor Gibbons to Bring Nevada National Guard Home (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
GOVERNOR GIBBONS ESTABLISHES RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSMISSION ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)
Local Government
Elko County
"Nearly one mile of new green strip/fire break is being created to protect the northern edge of Elko, through a multi-agency partnership agreement."
Fire Break: Agencies create green strip after Te-Moak ban fireworks (Elko Free Press article)
‘Take Pride in Elko’ cleanup Saturday (Elko Free Press article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
"Public utilities is defined in County Code as: 'All telecommunications companies, electric energy providers, gas providers and commercial mobile radio services.'"
Public utility license fee increased by county (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
City Of Fernley
"If this is benefiting the entire City of Fernley, we're looking at a 400 percent increase on our hook-up fees, $3,600 going up to $12,000."
Developers object to proposed water rate hikes (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
New City Hall to open for business May 14 (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
White Pine County
Blue Diamond residents protest annexation plan (Ely Times article)
As We See It ~ Time to move beyond Chachas (Ely Times editorial)
__________
Nevada Politics
National Presidential Primaries
A Fistful Of Presidential Polls Bring Good News To Clinton, Bad For Obama and Gravel (Dullard Mush)
GOP Presidential Polls Provide Something For Everyone (Dullard Mush)
Top 5 Things Learned So Far In 2008 Presidential Race (Dullard Mush)
Local Elections
City of Elko
Mayor Rusty Tybo runs for third term (Elko Free Press article)
Challenger Jake Robinson (Elko Free Press article)
City Of Wells
Election is June 5: City of Wells in process of switching election cycles (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
Vested water rights workshop set tomorrow in Eureka (Ely Times article)
__________
Nevada Mining
Mining law a dilemma for Sen. Harry Reid (Associated Press article)
China surpasses Nevada as leading gold producer (Ely Times article)
Nevada Copper Shows Promise at Pumpkin Hollow (Resourcex article)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
Cave Lake State Park prepares for expansion (Ely Times article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Lyon County Fly-In slated for May 19-20 (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Riviera Acquisition
One smackdown follows another, at Riviera (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)
__________
Nevada's Past
Fort Churchill
Celebrate Carson River Day on Saturday (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
The Northern Nevada Railway
At the Throttle: The NNRy museum as a duck (Mark Bassett column, Ely Times)
Moms can ride the train for free on Mothers' Day (Ely Times article)
White Pine Public Museum
Museum Day set May 19 (Ely Times article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Energy Policy
ENSIGN: AMERICA NEEDS REAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS -- Democrats Ignore Promises to Deliver More Hypocrisy (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Immigration Reform
Reid Discusses His Commitment to Comprehensive Immigration Reform (Sen. Reid Press Release)
National Health Matters
Food & Drug Administration
Reid: FDA Revitalization Will Improve Access To Safe Drugs (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Drug Safety: Further Actions Needed to Improve FDA's Postmarket Decision-making Process GAO-07-856T, May 9, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Pandemic Preparation
DoD Teams With Other Agencies to Prepare U.S. for Pandemic Flu Outbreak (American Forces Press Service article)
Information Key in Stemming Potential Pandemic Flu Outbreak (American Forces Press Service article)
Homeland Security
Veto Threat Looms Over Security Bill (Associated Press article)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Insider Trading
Insider traders get ready to plead (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Student Loans
Student Loan Sunshine Act Passes (Desert Beacon)
House Passes Rules on College Lending (Associated Press article)
Conflicts Of Interest
Report Details Reading Program Conflicts (Associated Press article)
Falsified Reports
Democrats Criticize Interior Officials (Associated Press article)
Bilking Medicare
Officials Detail Medicare-Bilking Scheme (Associated Press article)
Veterans Affairs
Case Managers Navigate ‘Medical Maze’ for Patients (American Forces Press Service article)
Nicholson Vows to Improve Veterans Care (Associated Press article)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Pilots, attack controllers sharpen war skills in Nevada (US Air Force website)
Defense Officials Announce Next Rotation for Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)
The National Guard
Gates Rejects Emergency Command Proposal (Associated Press article)
Guard Responding to Domestic Crises Nationwide (American Forces Press Service article)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Afghan Lawmakers Call for Cease-Fire (Associated Press article)
France
Getting along with France easy as XYZ (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Nevada Commentary
Iraq Government’s 2 Month Vacation (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
From Washington DC
Dean Heller won't back off on support for Iraq (Ely Times article)
Bush Would Veto Democrats' New Iraq Bill (Associated Press article)
Gates: Early Iraq Withdrawal Would Have ‘Dire’ Consequences for U.S. (American Forces Press Service article)
Gates Urges Congress to Approve Defense Budget, Wartime Spending Request (American Forces Press Service article)
"By rushing into Iraq instead of finishing off the hunt for Osama bin Laden, Washington has unwittingly helped its enemies: al Qaeda has more bases, more partners, and more followers today than it did on the eve of 9/11. Now the group is working to set up networks in the Middle East and Africa -- and may even try to lure the United States into a war with Iran. Washington must focus on attacking al Qaeda's leaders and ideas and altering the local conditions in which they thrive."
Al Qaeda Strikes Back (Bruce Riedel article, Foreign Affairs May/June 2007)
From The Battlefield
Four Servicemembers Killed; DoD Identifies 10 Previous Casualties (American Forces Press Service article)
Two Insurgents Killed, 34 Nabbed in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)
Cheney Notes ‘Greater Sense of Urgency’ Among Iraqi Leaders (American Forces Press Service article)
Cheney: Iraq Still Dangerous (Associated Press article)
General Discusses Milestones for Stability in Iraq’s Anbar Province (American Forces Press Service article)
Iraq Trip Report: 2 – 29 April 2007 (Small Wars Journal)
Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: Coalition Support and International Donor Commitments GAO-07-827T, May 9, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Mexico
Mexico troops comb badlands in drug war (Reuters article)
N.M. governor sends more cops to Mexico border (Reuters article)
Assailants Gun Down Mexico Police Chief (Guardian [UK] article)
Mexico 2nd only to Iraq in journalist slayings (Houston Chronicle)
A Federal Reader
General Services Administration Could Better Manage Unexpended Construction Balances and Make Its Budget More Transparent GAO-07-409R, May 9, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Homeland Security: DHS Enterprise Architecture Continues to Evolve but Improvements Needed GAO-07-564, May 9, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Next Generation Air Transportation System: Status of the Transition to the Future Air Traffic Control System GAO-07-784T, May 9, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
============================================
May 10-11, 2007
-----
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Nevada Highways
HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION: Gibbons has road revenue plan -- Money from room, sales, entertainment taxes would shift (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gibbons' plan for road construction (Nevada Appeal article)
Gibbons lays out transportation funding plan (Nevada Appeal article)
"A poll conducted for the Review-Journal last week found 72 percent of registered voters in Nevada favor dedicating at least some of the current hotel room tax for highway construction. No other tax proposal to fund roads received as much support in the poll."
TRANSPORTATION SHORTFALL: Road funding pursued -- Sources: Gibbons to support using growth in room taxes (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Roads head toward dead end: A big cash infusion looks less and less likely, even as Southern Nevada gets 100 more cars a day (Las Vegas Sun article)
Gibbons road plan: The fallout (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Committee approves $14 million for anti-meth, other drug programs (Nevada Appeal article)
Predatory Lending Practices
Buckley: Close payday loan loophole: High-interest lenders still charging 900 percent or more, lawmaker says (Associated Press article)
Green Buildings
Gibbons seeks legal opinion on tax plan: Liability questions loom on ending break for energy-efficient projects (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"If you were in the casino business, wouldn't you jump in your gondola to make sure the tax break doesn't become a mirage?"
Jon Ralston on the different shades of green in Carson City (Las Vegas Sun column)
Public Employees Retirement System
$50 million to help pay down benefits liability (Associated Press article)
The Right To Know What You're Paying For
Bill would limit ability to close meetings: Amended measure allows closures for confidential reasons (Associated Press article)
Assistance To Impoverished Families
Members of panel back raising grants for needy families: 15 percent rise would give family of three $400 every month in temporary assistance (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Old Crimes And New
Unauthorized cell phones in prisons now a crime (Associated Press article)
State getting not-so-tough on crime: Budget realities force lawmakers to rethink laws passed decade ago (Las Vegas Sun article)
Democracy In Action
Lawmaking absurdities (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)
The State Judiciary
Sealing Judicial Records
Judge says openness 'difficult to deal with': Hardcastle testifies against bill on sealing court cases (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
"Hardcastle asked the committee to kill Assembly Bill 519, which would block judges from sealing court records unless they determine open court records would create a danger to the public."
Judge, prosecutor oppose bill to keep court records open (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Judge Halverson Again
"In an administrative order, Chief Judge Kathy Hardcastle said Halverson jeopardized security at the courthouse this week by bringing her own two bodyguards into the courthouse and allowing them to bypass security checks."
Judge Halverson banned from courthouse (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Wretched, Toothless Campaign Finance Laws
"Secretary of State Ross Miller has taken a hard line on 2006 candidates who refuse to follow campaign contribution and expense reporting laws, fining 118 different people who ran for office."
Former candidates fined for campaign violations (Nevada Appeal article)
"Surely it was mere coincidence that the same week Lynette Boggs was spreading the word about her new Christian ministry, the state Department of Public Safety Investigations Division was presenting its criminal case against her to the district attorney's office for consideration."
JANE ANN MORRISON: Boggs taking it on faith as criminal investigation against her advances (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"State investigators said Wednesday that they have asked District Attorney David Roger to prosecute former Clark County Commissioner Lynette Boggs on charges that she misused political funds and falsified campaign documents."
Felony case weighed against Boggs (Las Vegas Sun article)
State Agencies
The Nevada Tax Commission
"Many of the very same corporate giants who are vying for "green" tax breaks were given a big bag of yummy tax treats during the March meeting of the tax commission. The commission voted on a complicated matter called "remainderments." In the end, their vote received zero media coverage, but it will mean millions of dollars in tax breaks for companies such as MGM-Mirage, Boyd Gaming and Howard Hughes Properties."
Where real tax breaks happen (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)
The Nevada National Guard
"In Nevada, the National Guard has 90 percent or more of its trucks and other equipment on hand, Conway said. That's also true of personnel, with 10 percent of the Guard's 3,500 personnel deployed overseas."
Does Nevada have the resources to handle a disaster? (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Nevada Guard ready to respond: Only wildfire risk worries lawmakers (Associated Press article)
Department Of Motor Vehicles
"If a private-sector worker appeared before his bosses and, upon being asked to follow through on a minor assignment, demanded an exorbitant raise and made up projected costs from whole cloth, he'd probably be fired on the spot."
DMV baloney (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Governor opens $15 million Basalite concrete expansion: Sales of concrete pavers has doubled since 1999 (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
Local Economy
Retail expands, demand slows: Analyst sees signs that consumer spending may dip in next two quarters (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Douglas County
A Developing Stench
Sewer plant expansion concerns neighbors (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Neighbors raise stink over plant (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Incline Village General Improvement District
Crystal Bay resident wants to test his right to Incline beaches (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
"The effort to beautify and create a more functional Crystal Bay by putting utilities underground near the North Shore's stateline has long been a pet project of Washoe County Commissioner Jim Galloway, who represents Incline Village and Crystal Bay."
Crystal Bay gets ready to go 'underground' (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Bright solutions for Incline? (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Emergency Preparation
In case of disaster, is there a plan for your pet? (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Incline Village drill to help disaster readiness (Aaron Kenneston column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Lyon County
History And Commerce
One-way street in Old Town Dayton considered: Suggestion that would alleviate parking problems causing stir in historic area (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
Urban Renewal
"Including land and architect fees and the canopy itself, the city will have spent $18.4 million to buy the former Mapes Hotel, level it and build the plaza."
$3.8 million shade canopy coming to downtown plaza (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Council approves study (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
National Presidential Primaries
What hath Dem wrought? National Democrats try to control proliferating primaries and caucuses triggered by the Nevada caucuses (Reno News & Review article)
Local Elections
Boulder City
Attorney pleads not guilty to DUI for councilwoman: Karla Burton's case unlikely to be resolved before run-off election (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
City Of Fallon
Erickson says he brings institutional knowledge to city (Lahontan Valley News article)
Rick Dentino has a passion for community service (Lahontan Valley News article)
Tony Giove: Change will improve city (Lahontan Valley News article)
Smith hopes to lead through his example (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
UNR
"If raising the grade point average required for admission to the University of Nevada, Reno next year causes a drop in minority enrollment, UNR's president said Wednesday that he will ask to reverse it."
Glick targets UNR diversity (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Up In Arms
Proposals to arm campus workers present challenges (Lahontan Valley News editorial)
Metal school: The specter of guns on campus sends schools into siege mode. But critics say that approach is a dud (Las Vegas CityLife article)
Public Schools
High funding and low dropouts unrelated (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)
In The Legislature
"Hoping to end the session on time for the first time since 1999, legislative leaders huddled behind closed doors Wednesday trying to find common ground on the public schools budget and other spending priorities."
Lawmakers enter beat-the-clock zone: As session's end nears, school funding in focus (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Legislative leaders conduct lengthy closed-door meeting (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County School District
Parents protest year-round school plan: Galloway, other Henderson elementary schools to be converted in the fall (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"RECENTLY, I WROTE A COLUMN ABOUT THE COZY FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP between local businesses and the Clark County School District's four new empowerment schools. Apparently it touched a nerve."
Socratic dialogue (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Colorado River
COLORADO RIVER WATER: Upper basin states take notice -- Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico have much at stake in new guidelines (Associated Press article)
Northern Nevada Water Moloch Proposal
"Critics said the proposal is an unnecessary and developer-driven effort to subsidize growth on the backs of area residents."
Panel debates water agency (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
"See, it's widely recognized that we have already allowed for more homes to be built than Northern Nevada has water to offer. Never mind that building beyond demand has created a housing environment with plummeting sales values."
Water wrongs: Talk about the devil you know versus the devil you don’t: Senate Bill 487 (Reno News & Review editorial)
Plan for Northern Nevada water agency debated (Associated Press article)
The Truckee River
"He said the irony is the bigger cities want to buy water rights in smaller communities, yet want to pollute the water coming downstream to those communities."
Officials differ over revision of Truckee River wastewater levels (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Cancer Clusters
Professor speaks about leukemia cluster findings (Lahontan Valley News article)
Get A Checkup
Healthy exterior can hide terrible surprise (Dave Von Derau column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)
__________
Nevada's Environment
The Threat Of Fire
Week of events to focus on preparing for fire season: Proper landscaping makes homes less vulnerable (Nevada Appeal article)
Mining And Mercury
Tests find three forms of mercury exiting five Nevada mines (Associated Press article)
The Problem Of Illegal Dumping
Trashy work: A community group will be removing waste like abandoned cars and appliances from 15 local wild sites (Reno News & Review article)
Conservation By Exertion
Putting mettle to pedal might be easier than paying at pumps: National Bike to Work Week begins Monday (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Religious Narcotics Traffickers
"Behold the patron saint of Mexican drug traffickers: Jesus Malverde"
Saint's got drug dealers' backs: Cops out to learn about him, make more busts (Las Vegas Sun article)
$kindustry Crackdown
Helping the victims: We must do better to help women allegedly forced into prostitution by human traffickers (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
"Dave Staretz, chief division counsel for the FBI's Las Vegas field office, said none of the 25 women found during the Operation Doll House busts was a victim of human trafficking."
FBI says human trafficking not involved in brothel raids (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gun Registration
"To buy a handgun from a licensed dealer -- or even to reclaim it from a pawnshop -- Nevada residents have to either show they've gone through the rigorous background check required to carry a state concealed firearms permit, or else submit at the time of each acquisition to a new, federally required background check."
Gun registration (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Editors Know Best
Messing with security plans: Governor's proposal is of no value when it comes to planning for security centers (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Off To Prison
"After spending the first half of the decade milking cash from a strip club owner and trying to round up support from Clark County commissioners, Lance Malone could be milking cows or herding cattle for the next several years."
Malone begins time in prison: Six-year term to be served in California (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Culture
From Another World
Tibetan Lamas highlight WNCC's Multicultural Festival (Nevada Appeal article)
Gizmo Allure
How'd we live without it? UNLV engineering students showcase designs and must-have gadgets of tomorrow (Las Vegas CityLife article)
Musical Days
Summer Concert Series commences (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Coming Soon
Carson Valley Days on the horizon (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
The Monthly Take
Soft slot play and calendar problems decrease March gaming win (Las Vegas Business Press)
GAMING WIN: Casinos suffer drop in March -- Slot revenue from final weekend left out of tally (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada gaming win totals slip for the month of March: Profits rise in Carson Valley area as well as in capital city (Nevada Appeal article)
Ups And Downs
Slot maker sees jackpot in China: Reno company's deal could lead to machines across mainland (Las Vegas Sun article)
Station Casinos' earnings fall short of analysts' expectations (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Tougher new laws outlawing smoking in grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants and taverns are squeezing earnings for Herbst Gaming, which operates 7,200 slot machines in those locations, the company said Wednesday."
Smoking ban hard on Herbst: Gambling company says earnings decline (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Jethro's Palace
Traveling Salesman, Erik Holland cartoon [click on image to enlarge; click here for more of Erik's cartoons]
Long road for hillbilly casino (Nevada Appeal editorial)
__________
Nevada's Past
Historic Cemetery
"Founded in 1851 the Dayton Cemetery is one of the oldest, constantly maintained cemeteries in Nevada."
Cemetery keeps Dayton's history alive (Nevada Appeal article)
Carson Valley Courthouse
Jewel in Genoa: Historic courthouse open for season (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Reno's Anniversary
Reno celebrates 139th birthday (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
In TNO's Reading Room
Robert Lewers, Early Emigrants (1913)
Annie Estelle Prouty, The Development of Reno (1924) Part 1; Part 2
Old-Time Journalism
Fourth Ward historic press ready to roll again (Nevada Appeal article)
Tahoe Yachting
Thunderbird yacht will stay home for good (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
"Since 1988, Tahoe has had everything necessary for a world-class maritime museum - historic wooden boats, exhibits on the lake's rich, inland maritime history, and dedicated volunteers - everything, that is, except for a suitable home."
New Tahoe Maritime Museum breaks ground (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Porter brings back bill tied to officer's slaying (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"U.S. Rep. Dean Heller is under attack from the publicist for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) for opposing a "hate crimes" measure."
Heller opposes opinion penalties (Reno News & Review article)
Mining Act Reform
"A new bid to update the federal law that has governed mining on public lands for the past 135 years was launched Thursday by a lawmaker who said he wants to strengthen environmental protections and taxpayer benefits from the extraction of gold, silver and other "hard rock" minerals."
New measure targets hard-rock mining: Challenge to 1872 law raises issue for Reid (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
A golden moment to overhaul mining law (Las Vegas Sun article)
New bill might change face of Nevada mining (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys
Gonzales defends firing, hiring process: 'Nothing improper' with giving others experience (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"For you to come here to say there's nothing wrong with firing a prosecutor to make room for someone else ... I hope you would resign."
Gonzales shrugs off giving away Bogden's job: Attorney general must go, Berkeley and Porter say (Las Vegas Sun article)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Questionable tactics: Some private health plans are taking advantage of older Americans and the Medicare system (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Campaign Finance Reform
"Advocates of campaign finance reform have long insisted that their movement is all about money, not the First Amendment. The reformists continue to maintain that they want to constrain cash, not the campaigns they disagree with."
Stifling political speech: Case highlights dangers of some 'campaign finance' laws (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Win or lose in Iraq, it's time to bring my son home (Warren Sprinkle column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
============================================
May 12-13, 2007
[9:00 AM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Overview
NV Legislative Hearings: AB 115 on mine mercury emissions (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
Nevada Highways
News Reports: Gambling Cartels, Tax Addicts Oppose Governor's Plan
"The diversion of room taxes is already staunchly opposed by various statehouse Democrats, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, the Nevada Gaming Association and the convention authority, among others."
Road plan caveat echoes: Gibbons repeats, 'No new taxes' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Room taxes tempting target (In Business Las Vegas article)
"Gov. Jim Gibbons scored big last week, in the opinion of many here, with a proposal to build roads to ease the state's increasingly congested traffic, without raising taxes."
WEEK IN REVIEW: CARSON CITY -- Gibbons' plan turns friends into enemies (Las Vegas Sun article)
LOOKING IN ON: TOURISM -- If taxes go, so could convention upgrade (Las Vegas Sun article)
"From 2005 to 2006, almost 97,000 people moved into Clark County. In the next 10 years, Clark County anticipates the construction of 45,000 to 75,000 new hotel rooms and that translates to more than 100,000 more vehicles on the clogged freeways, Gibbons said, citing a study by the Regional Transportation Committee."
Gibbons plan shifts tax shares for road crisis (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Opinion
"But lawmakers must consider: What will happen to the Las Vegas tourism trade if they allow already-gridlocked I-15 to become so clogged that visitors from Southern California can't make it here and back in a single weekend?"
Gibbons presents traffic plan: Gamers, tourism officials crying foul (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
GEOFF SCHUMACHER: Gibbons' highway plan is dead on arrival (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"The Republicans, most of whom were by the governor's side Thursday, look as if they are for the little guy and against Big Gaming while the Democrats (obliquely portrayed as the enemy by Gibbons) seem to be casino pawns and taxaholics."
Jon Ralston wonders why the governor waited so late in legislative session to offer a plan to pay for road work (Las Vegas Sun column)
"All it takes for roads to remain clogged is for good legislators to do nothing - or do just enough to make you think they did something."
Jon Ralston on Politics: Look in the mirror (In Business Las Vegas column)
Jon Ralston writes the script for what would be said in Carson City if the capital was injected with truth serum (Las Vegas Sun column)
Gridlock governor rides again: Gibbons' plan for overcoming highway deficit is insufficient and lacks foresight (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Highway plan a bust: Governor would endanger long-term tourism revenue just to keep campaign pledge (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Jeff Simpson proposes a compromise to Gibbons' transportation plan that might make everyone happy (Las Vegas Sun column)
More on road taxing (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Documents
Gibbons-Adelson-RJ roads plan (Vegas Pundit)
LVCVA responds to governor's room tax proposal (Vegas Pundit)
More reaction to the governor's roads proposal (Vegas Pundit)
Galena Creek Bridge
New plan in place for bridge to connect freeway (Nevada Appeal article)
Green Building
Gibbons faces decision on vetoing budget bill (Associated Press article)
Green building tax breaks too costly for state budget (In Business Las Vegas article)
"In Nevada, we still need to do all we can to save energy and water. At this critical time when change is needed now more than ever, we shouldn't fault the tax incentive for its success, but simply restructure it for - coincidentally - more sustainable success."
Commentary: Going green is the only way to go in Nevada (Pamela Vilkin column, Las Vegas Sun)
The rush to build green to make green (Vegas Pundit)
State Prisons And Prisoners
Detention facility to house both sexes (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Public Employees Retirement And Benefits
Assembly OKs bill to exempt unfunded liabilities from cap (Associated Press article)
Unfunded liability: $4.1 billion -- with a 'b': But lawmakers only pay lip service to reform (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
National Identity Card System
DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM: Some suggest wait and see on Real ID -- State lawmakers say act may yet be repealed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws
"Right now, there is no hope that ethically diseased local politicians will behave better so long as good citizens stand by and do nothing."
SHERMAN FREDERICK: Let's get mad as hell: Otherwise nothing changes (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Employment Practices
Unions push for passage of lockout protection bill: Workers' access to unemployment benefits at issue (Associated Press article)
Retail Theft Rings
Crackdown urged on theft rings (Associated Press article)
The State Judiciary
Sealing Court Records
THOMAS MITCHELL: An unfathomable level of hubris (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Judge Halverson Again
"The state Supreme Court on Friday assigned a senior judge to indefinitely replace District Judge Elizabeth Halverson, who court officials say breached courthouse security."
Replacement assigned for Halverson (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"If they truly had the best interests of our beleaguered local judicial system in mind, Halverson would resign from the bench and Hardcastle would step aside as chief judge. Halverson's career is in shambles. Hardcastle has proven she lacks the temperament to lead the court."
JOHN L. SMITH: The Halverson-Hardcastle harangue cries out for a change of venue (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
State Agencies
State Acts Against Mortgage Lender
"An affiliate of Compass Partners, the New York private equity firm that bought the loan servicing business and some assets from bankrupt USA Capital this year, has broken Nevada laws, a state agency says."
Compass Partners accused by state of violating laws: Commissioner issues cease-and-desist order (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Veterans Affairs
"On average, Nevada veterans wait 42 days before meeting with a service officer, compared with one day in Florida and West Virginia and seven days in Georgia and North Carolina, the report by the Division of Internal Audits found."
State's vets missing out on benefits: Audit recommends hiring more service officers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Governor Of Nevada
Of Allegations And Evidence
FBI probes Nevada governor for corruption: Did Jim Gibbons accept cash and gifts in exchange for defense contracts? (MSNBC article)
Accuser recounts Gibbons-Trepp claims on TV: NBC News report includes photos from 2005 cruise at root of allegations (Associated Press article)
Gas Up
Are we headed for $4 gasoline? No, experts say, even as Las Vegas, at $3.17 a gallon, nears a record and the state breaks one (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
State Tax Structure
Is more money really needed? (Nancy Dallas column, Battleborn Opinion News)
"The head of the Nevada System of Higher Education says he's willing to spend his own money to fund an economic analysis of the Silver State's tax structure, a system Rogers believes is out of whack."
Rogers offers to fund tax analysis (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
Clark County
The City Of North Las Vegas
In Business Q and A: Mike Montandon, North Las Vegas mayor (In Business Las Vegas interview)
Urban Renewal
Years of promises, no building and no jobs: Clock ticking on money for West Vegas project (Las Vegas Sun article)
West Las Vegas among potential stadium sites (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Tourist Tally
Visitor numbers stay strong in March (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Las Vegas visitor count up 1.4 percent in March (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Real Estate Market
Valley land prices strong into 2007 (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Nye County
Town Of Pahrump
"The Pahrump Town Board will begin accepting applications from the public for service on a seven-member residents action committee (with two alternates) to facilitate and direct an incorporation study."
Residents' panel taking applications (Pahrump Valley Times article)
"Nye County commissioners are on record supporting the acquisition of a shooting range on Bell Vista Avenue, a landfill site in the Last Chance Basin and land in Ione, but the tabled action on asking for land needed for three sewer plants in southwestern Pahrump Valley."
Nye supports land acquisitions (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Politics
State Democratic Party
Dems get busy, turn state into caucus beehive: Iowa operatives helping turn excited rookies into skilled hands (Las Vegas Sun article)
State Republican Party
2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN: GOP counting on early caucus -- For now, candidates unaware of Jan. 19 date (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Have Republicans absorbed how much trouble their party is in? To the (limited) extent that we do, we tend to attribute everything to Iraq - as if Katrina, the Schiavo affair, corruption in Congress and the intensifying irrelevance of our domestic-policy agenda did not exist. And so we demand from our candidates ever more fervent declarations of fealty to an ideology that interests an ever dwindling proportion of the public."
Republican candidates don't get it, but Nevada can help them: State offers right hope as country moves left (Las Vegas Sun article)
Local Elections
City Of Fallon
Hadsall says he better represents city residents (Lahontan Valley News article)
Nye County Commission
Petell declares for District 2 (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Computer Compromised
FEAR OF IDENTITY THEFT: CCSN warns of computer virus -- Letters to current, former students tell of risks (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Public Schools
In The Legislature
LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Lawmakers give Teachers' Bill of Rights cold shoulder (Las Vegas Sun article)
Petition a last resort: Legislature should head off initiative petition and take the lead on education funding (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
"The problem with America's mediocre, government-run schools isn't a lack of money but a lack of competition."
Give choice a chance (Chuck Muth column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Churchill County School District
School board votes to cut budget (Lahontan Valley News article)
Northside students experience Spring Wings up close (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Colorado River
"Just what happened among the seven states in the Florentine Room that day is a tale of power, cleverly exercised. To understand it is to understand water in the West, and how a gambling metropolis with the smallest allocation of Colorado River water came out not only as peace broker, but the apparent winner in the worst drought of the past 100 years."
DRY SPELL, BEHIND THE SCENES: How west was won, with Nevada water (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
State Of The Fauna
WILDLIFE REPORT: Big game in Nevada doing well -- Mule deer the exception, expert says (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Utilities
Going Up
Senate panel votes to lift price caps on phone service: Cable franchise agreements also addressed (Associated Press article)
So much sun, so little compliance: Nevada electric utilities will again miss solar-power requirement (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Rates have doubled since 1990."
ERIN NEFF: The budget-busting sequel: Attack of the Summer Power Bill VII (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"A proposed power line would run through Storey County, with a substation built at the south end in Mark Twain Estates, but the power would mainly serve Lyon County and Carson City."
The high cost of doing business: Rogers says PUC "overreached" when it denied the utility Merrill Lynch money (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Power line, substation proposed (Nevada Appeal article)
Digging The Scene
Hitting a nerve: Contractors are supposed to call before they dig -- but many don't, pushing service interruptions past the 1,000 mark (Las Vegas Business Press article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
A Day To Remember
"Peace Officer Memorial Day is Tuesday, a day Congress set aside for survivors of police officers killed in the line of duty."
Ceremony Monday to mark Police Day (Elko Free Press article)
$kindustry Crackdown
Doll House case still unclear: Status of 25 women not yet certain (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
IGNORING PROSTITUTION: Human trafficking and Nevada -- State is the country's 'black eye' (Randall Shelden column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Luxor Bombing Case
'COLD, CALCULATED' ATTACK: Two men arrested in Luxor bombing -- Man killed in parking garage caught up in love triangle (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Welfare Fraud
Health Care and Workplace: On a mission to curb unemployment fraud (In Business Las Vegas article)
Clark County Commission Corruption Cases
When is Kenny's turn? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Gambling And Labor Unions
Unionization fight threatens to be a replay of 2001 -- or not: There's strength in numbers ... unless you're a Vegas casino dealer (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Wynn dealers vote on union: Election follows heated tip debate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Moment of truth at Wynn Las Vegas (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)
Steve Wynn, Union Buster (Andrew Barbano column, Barbwire)
Riviera Buyout
Cosmopolitan developer makes bid for Riviera: Share price at new high as market reacts (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Harrah's
Harrah's tops LV public companies (In Business Las Vegas article)
MGM Mirage
MGM Mirage goes far and wide: Casino company varies partners, expands business (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
LOOKING IN ON: GAMING -- Food, entertainment profits pick up slack for MGM Mirage (Las Vegas Sun article)
Stations
Station fast-tracks some developments, postpones others in course of buyout: Castaways project leapfrogs Durango; Palace Station moved to back burner (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Internet Gambling
Utah companies, seven LV residents, face charges in online gambling case (Associated Press article)
An Interesting Study
Does Economic Development Pay For Itself In Nevada? A Research Paper Presented at the 1999 Annual Conference on Economic Development (State Commission on Economic Development, Research Division)
__________
Nevada's Past
California Trail Day: Celebration Saturday in city park (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
Online story comments changing the face of community journalism (Josh Johnson column, Lahontan Valley News)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Sen. Ensign
ENSIGN: HOLLYWOOD DESERVES APPLAUSE FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM SMOKING (Sen. Ensign Press Release)
Ensign and the Patriot Act Games (Desert Beacon)
Sen. Reid
Now Arriving: A New Taxiway at Reno/Tahoe International Airport (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Reid: Democrats Will Fix Immigration System In Tough, Fair, Practical Way (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Rep. Heller
Heller Introduces Legislation for Reno ReTRAC (Rep. Heller Press Release)
Rep. Heller's first bill would transfer federal land to Reno (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Rep. Porter
PORTER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO COMBAT PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE: National study will give law enforcement, elected officials and the private sector direction in combating epidemic (Rep. Porter Press Release)
PORTER INTRODUCES THE “SERGEANT HENRY PRENDES MEMORIAL ACT OF 2007”: Legislation increases penalties for cop killers (Rep. Porter Press Release)
National Health Matters
Better drug oversight: Senate backs bill to give FDA authority to track prescription drugs' marketing and use (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Clandestine Service
"An amendment approved in the House late Thursday aims to lay groundwork for former employees of the CIA's secret airline to collect government retirement benefits."
Benefits for ex-Air America workers to be studied (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
"Between 100,000 and 300,000 barrels a day of Iraq’s declared oil production over the past four years is unaccounted for and could have been siphoned off through corruption or smuggling, according to a draft American government report."
Billions in Oil Missing in Iraq, U.S. Study Says (New York Times article, via Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Corruption in the Student Loan Business (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys
Number of Fired Prosecutors Grows: Dismissals Began Earlier Than Justice Dept. Has Said (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
House GOP Stands Behind Gonzales: New Details of White House Pressure to Fire U.S. Attorneys Do Not Sway Republicans (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Nevada National Guard: Proxy Measures and Subjective Assessments (Desert Beacon)
Armed Forces Day (Johnathan L. Abbinett column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Foreign Policy
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Top Taliban Commander Is Killed in Clash (New York Times article)
05/11/2007: DoD Special Security Operations Briefing with Maj. Gen. Mixon from Iraq (US Defense Department website)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Nevada Commentary
LV clergy call for end of war: 'Our time to get out of Iraq is now' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
GOP must show courage: More members of the Republican Party need to stand up and call for change in Iraq (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
From Washington, DC
Reid: Bipartisan Consensus Emerging To Change Course In Iraq (Sen. Reid Press Release)
House passes new Iraq funding bill: Measure makes $43 billion available now, holds on to $53 billion until later (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
From The Battlefield
Stryker Losses in Iraq Raise Questions (Associated Press article)
"'This fight depends on securing the population, which must understand that we -- not our enemies -- occupy the moral high ground,' Army Gen. David H. Petraeus wrote in an open letter dated May 10 and posted on a military Web site."
Gen. Petraeus Warns Against Using Torture (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
Haditha Deaths Raised No Red Flags: General Echoes Earlier Testimony (Washington Post article, via Desert Beacon)
USMC Iraq Investigations Webpage
============================================
Update for May 13, 2007
[8:35 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The State Judiciary
Holding court: Nevada Supreme Court visits Spring Creek (Elko Free Press article)
Local Government
Elko County
City eyes water, sewer fee hikes (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Climate Change
High and dry: Shorter, drier winters and earlier springs could foretell a future of water shortages, savage wildfires and shorter seasons for the ski industry (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
More fires, larger fires: Sign of things to come? (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Ski resorts look for ways to reduce threat (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The experts (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Invasive Species
Goats sent to devour whitetop at Swan Lake (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Gambling And Labor Unions
Wynn dealers vote for union (Associated Press article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Administration Purge Of Corruption-Fighting US Attorneys
Prepared Remarks of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales at the House Judiciary Oversight Hearing (US Department of Justice website)
Statement of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales at the House Judiciary Oversight Hearing (US Department of Justice website)
Statement of Brian Roehrkasse, Acting Director of Public Affairs, in Response to the Attorney General’s Hearing Today on the U.S. Attorney Resignation Matter (US Department of Justice website)
Friedrich Transcript Excerpt (House Judiciary Committee website)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Commander's slaying a setback for Taliban: Mullah Dadullah is confirmed slain in a U.S.-led operation in southern Afghanistan. The insurgency has adopted many of the brutal tactics he introduced. (Los Angeles Times article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
In Washington, DC
Bush's Relations With Capitol Hill Chilly: Despite President's Efforts to Reach Out, Democrats and Republicans Are Wary (Washington Post article)
Iraq Frustrates Senators (Associated Press article)
Iraqi Officials Discourage U.S. Pullout (Associated Press article)
Ret. Gen: Iraq Straining National Guard (Associated Press article)
Army Career Behind Him, General Speaks Out on Iraq (New York Times article)
From The Battlefield
U.S. Sweeps Iraq Seeking 3 Soldiers Missing in Attack (New York Times article)
General Petraeus' Letter to the Troops (US Department of Defense website)
The Flight From Iraq (New York Times Sunday Magazine article)
Mexico
Constant Violence In The War Against Drug Cartels
Mexico drug war turns historic town into hot spot (Reuters article)
4 government bodyguards killed in Mexico (Associated Press article)
Severed head greets new troops in Mexico drug war (Reuters article)
Body of Mexican Army Captain Found (Associated Press article)
Doctor accused of removing drug dealers' fingerprints (Associated Press article)
Pakistan
Toll Mounts in Pakistan On Second Day of Clashes (Washington Post article)
Pakistani, Afghan Troops Clash at Border (Associated Press article)
Pakistan Opposition Calls Strikes After 40 People Dead in Riots (Bloomberg article)
A Federal Reader
Aviation Security: Foreign Airport Assessments and Air Carrier Inspections Help Enhance Security, but Oversight of These Efforts Can Be Strengthened GAO-07-729, May 11, 2007 (Government Accountability Office)
Defense Health Care: Activities Related to Past Drinking Water Contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune GAO-07-276, May 11, 2007 (Government Accountability Office)
Department of Energy: Consistent Application of Requirements Needed to Improve Project Management GAO-07-518, May 11, 2007 (Government Accountability Office)
============================================
May 14, 2007
[10:15 AM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Overview
NV Public Housing: AB 603 and the Governor's Magic Budget (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
Nevada's Predatory Lending Industry
"Companies have a right to collect interest on their loans, but none should be allowed to charge outrageously high rates."
Closing a gap: Payday loan law has loophole allowing astronomical interest rates to continue unabated (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The Right To Vote
"It might be a good idea for those in Nevada who are interested in free and fair elections to let their Assembly representatives and State Senators know that paper audits, and fair registration requirements are a priority; and, that attempts at voter suppression, as in SB 385 are unwelcome."
Nevada Elections: Vote Suppression Legislation Still Lives (Desert Beacon)
Nevada's Wretched, Toothless Campaign Finance Laws
"A seven-month state investigation found Boggs illegally paid her children's nanny with campaign money and lied in campaign documents by swearing she lived in a home within the commission district she represented, a Nevada Department of Public Safety official said Thursday."
UPDATE: Boggs begins ministry as DA ponders charges -- Ex-commissioner says FaithWorks will help hungry, oppressed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Governor Of Nevada
Of Allegations And Evidence
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: NBC takes look at Gibbons allegations -- Goofy photos main revelation in report aired Friday (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
Clark County
County Affairs
LOOKING IN ON: CLARK COUNTY -- Presidential politics splits commissioners' allegiance (Las Vegas Sun article)
Regional Highways
"Las Vegas traffic authorities are concerned that drivers, particularly taxi drivers, are using technology to turn red lights green, a crime under Nevada law - and a crime where it's practically impossible to catch the criminals."
Behind the wheel, someone messing with stoplights: Vegas out to hunt drivers who use illegal transmitters to turn red lights green (Las Vegas Sun article)
Boulder City
LOOKING IN ON: SUBURBS -- BC might consider annexing industrial land (Las Vegas Sun article)
Developing Stories
"The future of Las Vegas is not the gaming industry as we know it, with slots and table games. Our model is to continue to invest in nongaming amenities and by doing that, we dramatically increase the market, expanding the population of people interested in coming here."
A new way to play the game on the Strip: Growth strategy no longer just quick profits, North Strip vs. South Strip (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Storey County School District
New VC principal moving up to smaller schools (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
SNWA The Water Moloch: The More It Takes, The More It Needs
"Critics insist there isn't enough water available in rural Clark, Lincoln and White Pine counties to justify spending at least $2 billion on the project. Backers argue that Southern Nevada can't afford not to build the pipeline, regardless of the cost."
ONGOING DEBATE: What's the water worth? Critics, backers dispute costs, benefits of proposed pipeline (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
University Medical Center
UMC's choices tough for all: Cutting services could affect doctor training (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Planning For The Future
Planning for future health care is a must (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Climate Change
The Warming Sierra: Water woes ahead -- The April 1 snowpack is 20 percent less on average than it was in the 1950s and 1960s. Less snow means lower water reserves. (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
"Since the 1940s, annual average temperatures have increased by between 1.8 and 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit across much of the West, scientists said."
Ice harvesting a thing of past (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Local acts, even small ones, are needed to fight global warming (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Tax Breaks For Green Buildings
Move to cut 'green' tax breaks has many seeing red (Associated Press article)
Mercury Pollution
"The state's new monitoring process for Nevada's gold mines has shown that three forms of mercury are being emitted by the smokestacks of five of Nevada's biggest mines - including the type that can taint fish populations."
Tests reveal mercury: Results of Nevada gold mines' self-tests could bolster claims of mercury contamination (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Alternative Energy Sources
Oil from algae: Infinifuel biodiesel plant in Wabuska uses geothermal energy and crops to create alternative energy (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Gambling And Labor Unions
CASINO INDUSTRY: Dealers at Wynn resort ratify union -- Vote for TWU representation approved by almost 3-1 margin (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Past
The Pony Express
Pony Express monument has a home (Nevada Appeal article)
Fire !!!
"'We may be the earliest constantly active volunteer fire department in Nevada. A lot of them have been founded, become defunked and then restarted, but we've remained active,' Steinberg said."
A fiery history comes alive in Silver City: Teacher, historian and volunteer firefighter Larry Steinberg shares the history of the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department (Nevada Appeal article)
Historic Preservation
Silver Tea honors those who preserve Nevada history (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
National Tax Policy
"Congressional Democrats plan to let the Bush tax cuts expire because they yearn for more of your money to spend like a junkie aches for the needle."
Soaring revenues (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
"'Farm bills are often battles between Midwestern lawmakers whose grain-growing constituents benefit the most from the legislation, and lawmakers from other parts of the county whose constituents tend not to see the value of farm subsidies,' The AP reminds us."
Sidling up to the trough: More interests trying to get a piece of bloated farm bill (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
"The United States could be in danger of being inadequately prepared to handle major disasters or terrorist attacks at home because nearly half of the equipment used by state National Guards has been deployed to the wars in the Middle East, most of it ending up in Iraq."
Making a sacrifice: Another war toll emerges as prospect of natural disasters reveals erosion of resources (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
============================================
Update for May 14, 2007
[5:15 PM]
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Senate supports eminent domain compromise package (Associated Press article)
Nevada Assembly passes measure on elder care (Associated Press article)
Nevada mayors rally for homeless funding (Associated Press article)
Measure to punish businesses draws fire (Associated Press article)
Nevada Highways
Gibbons Road Plan No Dead End (Muth's Truths)
Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry
"There are more 1,100 original USA Capital investors in the state of Nevada, 68 of whom call Incline Village/Crystal Bay home."
Double-dose of bad news for USA Capital investors (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Local Government
Elko County
Volunteers clean up & green up (Elko Free Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Incline Village General Improvement District
A newer, bigger Crystal Bay for Incline beaches (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Emergency Preparation
"This the final story of a four-part series on emergency preparedness in Incline Village and Crystal Bay. To read the previous parts, visit the Web site www.tahoebonanza.com "
Anatomy of a disaster (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Off-Highway Vehicles
Deadline is Monday to comment on Forest Service's new OHV routes (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
County Manager candidates stress their assets (Mason Valley News article)
Lyon looks at updating building permit fees (Mason Valley News article)
City Of Yerington
Campbell Lane large parcel division, waiver requests continued (Mason Valley News article)
Yerington Mobile Village
Lack of improvement plan leads to PlanCom denial (Mason Valley News article)
Community Of Mound House
County supports tax abatement for Mound House manufacturer (Mason Valley News article)
Storey County
Corde-A-Vista, Erik Holland cartoon (click on image to enlarge; click here for more of Erik Holland)
Fight brews over plans for big development in Storey County (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Politics
National Presidential Primaries
"Traditionally, voters in Nevada do not select their party's presidential candidate at the August primary elections because nationally that battle is almost always over in the spring, before the parties even hold their national conventions."
Nevadans getting ready for primary voting next year (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
State Democratic Party
Emerge Nevada (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
State Republican Party
The Ongoing Identity Crisis
Ron Paul Gains Michael Smith Endorsement In GOP Presidential Race (Dullard Mush)
The GOP’s Rodney Dangerfield (Chuck Muth column, Citizen Outreach)
Local Elections
Campaign season heats up (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
The Walker River
"Dynamic Action on Wells Group, known as DAWG, a local group that closely watches and investigates water issues in the Walker River Basin, has sent a letter to the Nevada Attorney General's Office complaining the meetings of the Stakeholders Committee for the Walker Basin Project have violated the state's Open Meeting Law."
DAWG says stakeholders group violates Open Meeting Law (Mason Valley News article)
"The Walker River Irrigation District Board, in reconsidering a bid award on its major project at Topaz Reservoir at a special meeting Wednesday, reversed field and vacated the original bid award and awarded it instead to the original low bidder----MKD Construction, Inc."
WRID Board reconsiders Topaz project action, awards contract to low bidder (Mason Valley News article)
Walker Basin Project Stakeholders meeting rescheduled July 13 (Mason Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Nevada hunters see increases in big game tag quotas this year (Associated Press article)
ATV Jamboree starts Tuesday (Elko Free Press article)
Annual Portuguese Festa set for June 2- 3 (Mason Valley News article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will Casinos Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Riv sale could be a fight: Dissidents pull their board candidates before the election (Las Vegas Business Press article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Celebrating The California Trail
"With help from many volunteers, David Jamiel, manager of the California National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, organized a celebration of the West’s historical past Saturday in the city park."
History comes to life at city park (Elko Free Press article)
Yerington Turns 100
City Centennial Celebration just a week away (Mason Valley News article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Reid: Democrats' Energy Independence Legislation Will Protect Consumers, National Security, Environment (Sen. Reid Press Release)
"U.S. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Doug Gillespie met today to discuss ways to make Southern Nevada safer."
Reid Meets With Sheriff Gillespie (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Nevada Congressional Delegation Works to Diversify Henderson's Economy, Create Jobs (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Reid Reintroduces Legislation to Create ALS Registry: Bill to Help in Fight Against Lou Gehrig's Disease (Sen. Reid Press Release)
Rep. Heller to speak at GBC graduation (Elko Free Press article)
From The Office Of The President
May 14, 2007 Press Briefing by Tony Snow (White House website)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Defense Department Blocks Internet Sites to Protect Grid (American Forces Press Service article)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
In Washington, DC
Senate to Vote on Ending War Funding (Associated Press article)
On The Battlefield
General Cites ‘Massive Effort’ Under Way to Find Missing Soldiers (American Forces Press Service article)
All Assets Engaged to Find U.S. Soldiers Missing in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)
48 Detained, Weapons Caches Found in Iraq Operations (American Forces Press Service article)
Soldiers Die in Iraq; Previous Casualty Identified (American Forces Press Service article)
Anbar Province Still Dangerous But Getting Better, Marine Commander Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Multiple Terror Suspects Captured in Iraq; Insurgents Target Bridges, Civilians (American Forces Press Service article)
Five Soldiers Killed in Iraq, Three Missing (American Forces Press Service article)
Iraqis resist U.S. pressure to enact oil law: Foreign investment and Shiite control are the primary concerns. A White House deadline for passage is in doubt. (Los Angeles Times article)
Mexico
"The newly appointed head of a drug intelligence unit in the Mexican attorney general's office was shot and killed today on a street here as apparent drug-related violence continued unabated across the country."
Drug-related violence claims Mexican official (Los Angeles Times article)
Drug Cartels Target Military in Mexico (Associated Press article)
Pakistan
Opposition to Pakistani President Grows (Associated Press article)
Province Shut Down by Pakistan Strikes (Associated Press article)
Militants Kill U.S. Soldier in Pakistan (Associated Press article)
Ethnic Tensions Fuel Pakistan Violence (Time Magazine article)
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The new issue of The Nevada Observer is up and ready for reading -- check the middle column for our stories, features and columns.
May 15, 2007
Peace Officers Memorial Day
[12:10 PM]
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Legislature
Overview
NV Legislative Hearings: Prostate Cancer Screening and Cervical Cancer Vaccines (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)
The State Budget
Economic Forecast Not As Dismal As Predicted: Agency Cuts Along With Fiscal Responsibility Paying Off (Nevada Observer article)
Nevada's Highways
Governor Offers Tax Plan To Open Highway Debate: New Taxes Are Not Considered, Reallocation Is His Answer (Nevada Observer article)
"The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's bond lawyer said Gov. Jim Gibbons' proposal to solve the road construction financial shortfall by taking money from his client would violate the Nevada and U.S.
