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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)
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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.'"
