September 1, 2007

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The new issue of The Nevada Observer is up and ready for reading (check the middle column for our current articles, features and columns).  TNO's new computer has been repaired, appears to be working fine, and we should be able to resume our normal service today.  All of us at TNO thank our readers for standing by us during these technical difficulties.

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September 1-3, 2007 (With updates for the more important stories when TNO was offline)

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Labor Day

Labor Day, 2007: Honoring prosperity and the creation of wealth (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

A meaningful Labor Day: The average worker would be more honored with a living wage than with a long weekend (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Carson City is only as good as its labor force (Nevada Appeal editorial)

It's Labor Day, go to work: Labor Day isn’t just a good day to burn effigies. (Reno News & Review editorial)

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Nevada Government

State Government

An Agency In Need Of Thorough Reform

Tax Commission secrets: Regulations for closed-door meetings must be narrowly crafted (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Lawmakers split over 'green construction' tax breaks: Buckley says Tax Commission advice doesn't follow law's intent (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Open meeting proposal called too discretionary: Press aide says tax panel could still circumvent rules (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry

Judge criticizes parties in USA Capital case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

District judge delays ruling: Southwest Exchange case plaintiffs get time to amend filings (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada's Wretched, Toothless Campaign Finance Laws

Jon Ralston on two cases that illustrate the need for stronger disclosure laws (Las Vegas Sun column)

The State Judiciary

SEALED COURT RECORDS: Panel works on access policy -- Members try to spell out when to keep documents open (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

“More than 10,000 civil cases have been sealed locally in the past two decades or so, locked up, chained down and then tossed into a dark pit, never to be seen again. No one can tell us why."

Open courts? Whooda thunk it? (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Commission discussing open civil case records (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Appellate overload (Tami D. Cowden column, Las Vegas Business Press)

JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE COMMISSION: Lawyers: No judge safe -- Filing critical of suspension (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Inequitable Taxation

“Maryanne Ingemanson has led the collective voice of Incline Village and Crystal Bay residents in their fight with Washoe County and the state of Nevada to achieve fair tax rights.”

Revolt leader meets with Governor (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Nevada's Economy

New law's wording may worsen state's mortgage woes: Rules to block bogus deals may slow approval of legitimate mortgage applications, observers say (Associated Press article)

Mortgage defaults high in Nevada: State leads U.S. in investor-owned loan failures, study says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

When Local Governments Don't Assess Adequate Impact Fees On Developers

Developer expects added traffic as projects progress: Most of The Arroyo, a mixed-use center, to open by December (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Builder criticized in report: Union-funded paper says General Growth tactics sap civic cash (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Ramped up: City dawdling on MLK will keep new highway exit closed (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Growing traffic, shrinking chances of help from feds: The country's system for paying for highways is broken and going broke (Las Vegas Sun article)

Congestion at the Galaxy Theater - is it here to stay? (Nevada Appeal article)

NDOT: Planning in place to handle increased traffic (Nevada Appeal article)

Development sparks concern about traffic (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Clark County

County Affairs

Valley problems require vision (In Business Las Vegas article)

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: We need to boost recycling, but not at expense of trash pickup (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Boulder City

Don't mess with success: Sidewalk displays in Boulder City have prospered for decades without permits (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

City Of Henderson

1988-2007: 400% Increase In Population; 1000+% Increase In City Budget

Under his watch, Henderson transformed itself (Las Vegas Sun article)

City Of Las Vegas

LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL -- Some entrepreneurs thinking smaller in Vegas (Las Vegas Sun article)

Smoke and mirrors: Pretty streetscaping and bright lights can't hide the fact that Fremont East has a long way to go (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Regional Real Estate Market

HOUSING MARKET: Crunch time for credit -- Consumers' borrowing options dwindle as market tightens, officials say (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Housing slowdown hits Mesquite: Average home price slips 14.3 percent in second quarter (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Real Estate and Development: Luxury home market not so rosy after all (In Business Las Vegas article)

Douglas County

Where are the checks and balances in government? (Jack Van Dien column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

“Many of the issues concerning the casino, which could turn into serious problems for Douglas County residents in the future, were not forwarded to Douglas County's Board of Commissioners before they narrowly approved the project by a 3-2 vote in early August.”

Fix the minutes and move on (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

U.S. 395 tree project recalls simpler time (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

IVGID board turns down beach proposal, 3-2 (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Group members disappointed at Brockman vote (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Do the wheels on the bus go around the lake? (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Public transit must be a priority (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Mousehole cost estimates draw flak from council: Truckee Council rejects 3 tunnels (Sierra Sun article)

Tahoe's waning local workforce (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Nye County

Crystal man girds for development battle (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

City Of Reno

“A Washoe District Court judge has revoked zoning for 6,800 acres in Cold Springs that was annexed to Reno in 2005, saying the city ignored state law by not changing the master plan to account for the use changes.”

Judge revokes Cold Springs zoning (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

“The stadium deal must be completed by Oct. 1 for SK Baseball to qualify for $27 million in car rental taxes over the next 20 years.”

Council backs baseball accord (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

“Since 1990, the county health department has prohibited residential building over landfills.”

Reno OKs apartments on landfill site (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Neighbors oppose apartments on site of former trash dump (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

City Of Sparks

'The city's argument ... must fail': Artist wins First Amendment case against Sparks (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Lazy 8 developer sues councilman, Nugget (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

White Pine County

Mesa Air criticized in EAS letters (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Politics

Visit Of The President

President's stay in Reno gives hotel-casino presidential suite (Associated Press article)

2008 Presidential Races

Poll suggests Nevada could break new political ground (Associated Press article)

ERIN NEFF: Unions have power to swing caucus (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

In decline: Nevada’s presidential caucuses are suffering from the perception that they are insignificant. (Reno News & Review article)

Candidates asked to sign caucus pledges (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Dodd rallies supporters in LV: Candidate's visit follows endorsement from firefighters union (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JOHN L. SMITH: With a resume that ought to impress, Biden tries to work his way up (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Romney one GOP candidate in Nevada (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

State Democratic Party

Democratic Club leader makes difference: Minnesota transplant breathes new life into Summerlin group (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Building Democratic Organizations (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Citizens And Their Governments

Muted public response: Though often silent, public comment periods at municipal meetings are important (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

General Political Opinion

Labor Day Quick Hits! (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

I remember Aaron Russo (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Say the secret word: bureaucracy -- Using bureaucracy to cure bureaucracy is like using lung cancer to cure skin cancer. (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

The Chancellor And The Regents

Review of chancellor was tough but fair (Ron Knecht column, Nevada Appeal)

What's up with Rogers? Chancellor pulling proposed pledges can't be good (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Rogers v. Regents: Members of Nevada’s board of regents learn to live with the erratic chancellor they appointed. (Reno News & Review article)

SHERMAN FREDERICK: It's time for Rogers to go -- Manipulative, oversensitive (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Public Schools

Candid camera for teachers: YouTube generation has a new way of drawing attention away from classroom studies (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Clark County School District

Charter schools give students alternatives: Five new programs open doors this fall (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Twisting in the wind (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

ERIN NEFF: These numbers don't warrant a party (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- New school holds out, snags veteran administrator (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lyon County School District

Lyon County School superintendent to retire (Nevada Appeal article)

Washoe County School District

Leaving the gifted behind: But Reno-area school runs counter to the trend (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

White Pine County School District

White Pine schools meet NCLB for third year (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Water Matters

Harry Reid says Utah trying to steal ‘our' water (Ely Times article)

County may back deep water well (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Health Matters

The Uninsured

“The era of the benevolent company caring for its retirees in their golden years is more myth than fact these days. Social Security is on wobbly legs. Your retirement benefits can be changed whenever the company wants, and there's nothing you can do about it.”

JANE ANN MORRISON: Unlike death and taxes, promises of retirement benefits certainly change (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Uninsured America: More people are living without health insurance, which is why Congress needs to act (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

A tsunami of the aging is coming to Nevada, and we aren't prepared (Janice R. Ayres column, Nevada Appeal)

Whatever Happened To The Anti-Trust Laws?

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: Official OKs Sierra Health buyout -- Deal passes muster from state but with key concessions (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

UNITED HEALTH-SIERRA HEALTH MERGER: Deal faces more scrutiny -- State, federal regulators to act on proposed Sierra Health Services buyout (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

ERIN NEFF: Sick over a merger (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Insurance deal sails by with 'big holes': State insurance chief's conditions called weak, leaving patients at risk (Las Vegas Sun article)

Jon Ralston on Politics: Takeover two-step (In Business Las Vegas column)

The Nursing Shortage

Nursing schools lack faculty: Shortage turns some students away (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

University Medical Center

LOOKING IN ON: CLARK COUNTY -- Slots of suggestions aimed at keeping UMC afloat (Las Vegas Sun article)

UMC fixes not expected to include service cuts (Las Vegas Sun article)

West Nile Virus

So far, no West Nile in Valley (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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Nevada's Environment

Alternative Energy

Solar Energy

Gerlach and Lovelock to receive solar panels from Black Rock organization (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Geothermal Energy

Nye County to realize $561,000 on leases (Pahrump Valley Times article)

The Science Of Conservation

Sierra Nevada Conservancy to host web conferences (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Energy conservation classes Sept. 19-20 (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

State Energy Policy

View from the fence: Most of the West signed a pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nevada didn’t. (Reno News & Review article)

It takes a village to teach a lesson (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)

Mining Reform

All present as mining's future is recast: Air, water, livelihoods, way of life at stake, with closer watchdogging in the works (Las Vegas Sun article)

Federal Mercury Storage Depot

Mercury headed this way: Federal stores of toxic mercury from New Jersey are probably in Nevada now. (Reno News & Review article)

Ursine Marauders

Group considers backcountry food drops to help bears at Tahoe (Associated Press article)

Lost and found: orphaned bear cub (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Dead Horses

71 AT TONOPAH TEST RANGE: Reid seeks probe into horse deaths (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Invasive Species

Spotted knapweed is the disease; beetles are the cure (Ely Times article)

Northern Pike eradication to begin (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Nevada's Burning Hills

Mandatory defensible space soon to become a reality (Nevada Appeal article)

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Our Beautiful Region

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Parowan, Utah, offers recreation, historical attractions (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

TRIP OF THE WEEK: San Juan Bautista will appeal to Nevadans who love history (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

NLV woman has a vision for the wash (Las Vegas CityLife article)

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Nevada Mining

New gold reserves give Bald Mtn. Mine new life (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Culture

Nevada's Fire Festival

Irony blooms in the desert: Environment is this year's theme, but message is mixed (Las Vegas Sun article)

BURNING MAN SEES GREEN: Art festival out to transform society and itself (Las Vegas Sun article)

Burning Man ignited – again (Nevada Appeal article)

Complete coverage of Burning Man 2007 (Reno Gazette-Journal feature with multiple stories)

New cloud over Burning Man calls for review of event, future (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Another peaceful Burning Man festival ends in Nevada (Associated Press article)

More than 47,000 gather for Burning Man festival in desert: Attendees seek shelter from dust storms at counterculture event (Associated Press article)

Hot Air Balloons

Local balloonist loves to share the experience (Nevada Appeal article)

Rib Cookoff

Festival visitors discover art of great ribs (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Camels !!!

Comstock camel jockey finds Aussies take races seriously: Virginia City resident heads to sister city Alice Springs to race against the best (Nevada Appeal article)

Bewegung

Dance movement for fun and for health (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

Las Vegas City And County Investigations

GRAND JURY PROBE: Friend in time of need -- Priest sees nothing wrong with $30,000 loan to ex-city councilman (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Grand jury indicts Boggs: Ex-commissioner may face prison (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JANE ANN MORRISON: Boggs' eloquence fails to prevent indictment on ethics charges (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Who'll be the next in line? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

RISKY TESTIMONY: Boggs talks to grand jury -- Ex-county commissioner could face felony perjury charge (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

$kindustry Regulation

Attorney General challenges brothel advertising ruling (Associated Press article)

Say it isn't so, Madam AG! (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Brothel billboard cruises Paradise Road: Higher profile worries business representatives (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Ruling for bordellos pleases workers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Uncle Sam now owns strip club: Government can try to sell or lease Crazy Horse Too (Las Vegas Sun article)

California man sentenced to 30 years for bringing girl to LV for prostitution (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Enough already: Crystal meth is a dangerous, disfiguring drug full of chemical evil. (Bruce Van Dyke column, Reno News & Review)

Copper Thieves

Utilities: To quell copper thieves, Embarq offers reward (In Business Las Vegas article)

Victims Of Crime

Victims expecting restitution have long wait: Dayton couple still wondering when they'll be compensated for contracting scam (Nevada Appeal article)

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From The Neon Empire

When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

LOOKING IN ON: GAMING -- Layoffs here help Tropicana elsewhere (Las Vegas Sun article)

Jeff Simpson explains that changes in MGM Mirage's top ranks also means a big change in the company's structure (Las Vegas Sun column)

Sands, Wynn get boost from Macau (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MACAU MEGARESORT: Las Vegas Sands Corp. expects Venetian to alter gaming in Chinese enclave (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Past

Campaign to build Chinese workers museum under way (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

'The Curse of the Hanging Tree' comes to downtown Genoa (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

CERCA: Cooling it on the Comstock -- Nevada legends and lore live on in Virginia City (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

At the Throttle: Everything does come in threes (Mark Bassett column, Ely Times)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Craig battled for a Nevada nuclear waste storage site: Departure seen as boon to opponents of project (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nuclear waste impact study set (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Area 51

COMPENSATION CLAIM: Area 51 burning revealed -- Ex-officer says he oversaw destruction of stealth coatings (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid evolves into anti-war advocate: View has changed since vote for Iraq invasion (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

WEEK IN REVIEW: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Reid shifts war strategy (Las Vegas Sun article)

Reid signals willingness to compromise on Iraq: Remarks seen as strategy shift (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Muslim American taking on daunting odds in bid to unseat Sen. Harry Reid (John L. Smith column, Lahontan Valley News)

John Ensign is full of shit (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Porter ties U.S. withdrawal from Iraq to $9 gasoline: Lawmaker reports on his trip to country (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Outlook on Iraq puts Porter on offense and defense: Bombarded by those for and against Iraq war, he sees hope on the ground (Las Vegas Sun article)

Freshman Heller proves conservative credentials (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Public Lands

Justice Department sues two well-known sagebrush rebels (Pahrump Valley Times article)

United States Sues to Stop Illegal Grazing on Federal Lands:  Ranchers accused of “leasing” publicly owned land and trespass grazing (US Justice Department Press Release)

Let 'er strip: The Bush administration wants to protect and expand mountaintop removal involved in coal-mining. (Reno News & Review article)

In The US Congress

Senators set to unload Craig's donations: Disgraced GOP lawmaker spread campaign funds around (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Craig, Vitter offenses are different, Ensign says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Welfare for farmers (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Immigration Reform

Jeff Simpson on reducing the number of illegal workers (Las Vegas Sun column)

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September 4-5, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

Property Tax Cap Initiative

PROPERTY TAXES: Petition drive gathers momentum -- Group's collections include $200,000 from private donor (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY -- Call for property tax limit comes with promises (Las Vegas Sun article)

The State Judiciary

"How can government be for the people when citizens can't find out what happened?"

Justices hear open meetings arguments (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry

“A top lobbyist for bankrupt New Century Financial Corp., once the nation's second-largest subprime lender and now the target of a federal criminal investigation, is taking over today as commissioner of the Nevada Mortgage Lending Division.”

Former lobbyist granted state job: Buckley questions appointment to post (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

An Agency In Need Of Thorough Reform

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Carson City manager asks supervisors for opinions, work evaluation (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Party Houses

Short-term residential rental ban protested (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Right to party (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

NUISANCE PROPERTIES: Parties are no fun for neighbors -- Las Vegas leaders look to ban 'short-term vacation rentals' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Bright Lights; Big City

Too bright for Vegas? Clark County thinks on it: Drivers complain about blinding signs, so law is getting a look (Las Vegas Sun article)

County Affairs

County moves ahead with plans to lease jail (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Fortune teller prompts debate over licensing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Woodbury's service honored: Clark County official is longest-serving commissioner in state history (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Regional Economy

Midyear real-estate report says gains in home values abound (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Elko County

Long time coming: Downtown plan, 26 years in the making, finally approved (Elko Free Press article)

City to consider annexing property (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Respect and a sense of community (Andrew Whyman column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Washoe County

Pin The Tail On The Donkey

Agencies have responsibility for structures built on dump (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

A Roundabout Way

RTC hopes to help drivers adapt to roundabouts (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Regional Economy

Building slump's effects grow (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN: Edwards' plans give union member hope -- Candidate accepts endorsement, talks about health care (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Three big unions back Edwards, but state's top prize is up for grabs: The 60,000-member Culinary local may not follow its parent's lead (Las Vegas Sun article)

Acting like adults: Top Democratic candidates pledge to honor primary rules ; states should do the same (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Obama visiting Las Vegas for town hall meeting (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

The Chancellor And The Regents

For faculty, regents' latest blowup is just one in a long line: Professor likens board to 'a parade of clowns' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Chancellor says he's putting differences with regents aside (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Money, ego at issue in clash between chancellor, regents (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

College Of Southern Nevada

Some 'upgrade': CSN files go missing -- School defends outsourcing of its tech services (Las Vegas Sun article)

SunGard boosts drive to add online classes (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Grants leave rural schools out in the cold: Competition is tough, small staffs struggle with deadlines and standards (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Nevada Health Matters

University Medical Center

UMC's financial picture improves: Hospital board backs off nine program cuts (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Environment

Coal-Burning Power Plants

Somebody should watchdog, but who? Plans for three coal plants push ahead, but no one's sure we need them (Las Vegas Sun article)

Alternative Energy

Local solar power potential has not been fully realized (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

“Brush cleared from the Lake Tahoe Basin and lumber scraps from construction, once bound for landfills, will instead fuel a new power plant at a state prison south of Carson City.”

N. Nevada prison's power lies in wood piles: Millions of dollars in savings expected from innovative way to produce electricity (Las Vegas Sun article)

Wild Beasts

Bins help bear-proof Genoa (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Invading pike face new round of poisonings (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Danger Of Fire

No date set for defensible space law (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Do slash piles pose a fire danger? (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

South Lake Tahoe firefighters picket to build support (Nevada Appeal article)

Fire fund extends deadlines for Angora victims (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

$kindustry Regulation

Las Vegas' shame: Authorities should quickly move to end human trafficking and illegal prostitution (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Jon Ralston thinks New York Times columnist Bob Herbert has a pretty good take on Goodman (Las Vegas Sun column)

Lyon County brothel owner opposes new rules: Proposed ordinance would increase fees, add restrictions to work cards (Nevada Appeal article)

Labor Day Roadblocks

Authorities say crackdown on drunken driving worked (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

NHP checks 854 cars for DUI (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Search And Rescue

Rescuers search for famed aviator (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Flying ace Fossett missing in desert (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Record-setting adventurer goes missing in Nevada (Associated Press article)

Steve Fossett famous for setting world records (Associated Press article)

Allegation Of Improper Influence

Anonymous e-mail spurs investigation of police captain: Claim: Anthony used badge to get flight upgrade (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Working Men And Women

LABOR NEGOTIATIONS: Union stashes $80 million -- Officials see stockpile as leverage against casinos with strike vote looming (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Union: $80 million available for strikers (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Culture

Balloon Races

Balloons ready for liftoff (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada's Fire Festival

The weirdness that is Burning Man (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)

The Predatory Arts

Nevada hunters, anglers decline (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Physical Fitness

Cycling races slated for Lake Tahoe Marathon Week: The Lake Tahoe Marathon isn't just about running (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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From The Neon Empire

When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

ERIN NEFF: Taxing gamers (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Investors group sues Archon over stock redemption price: Nine investment funds say Pioneer Club owner undervaluing preferred shares by $7 million (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Past

JOHN L. SMITH: Frontier oral history preserves precious memories of devoted workers (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Nevada wins battle in war over Yucca: Federal judge denies DOE motion (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Federal judge says drilling must stop at nuke dump site in Nevada (Las Vegas Sun article)

No Nevada water for nuclear dump: A federal judge rules against Energy officials, who say they need 8 million gallons to continue work on the Yucca Mountain site. (Los Angeles Times article)

Judge gives Nevada a boost in its efforts to avoid nuke dump (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Statement from Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto Regarding U.S. District Court's Decision in Yucca Mountain Water Rights Case (Attorney General Press Release)

Decision in United States v. State of Nevada

Our Bloated National Budget

Budget battles: Democrats, White House argue over a few billion (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Warring protests in Carson City: Members of both protests claim to support troops (Nevada Appeal article)

Truth eludes president: Bush brags about Iraq's few bright spots and ignores its drawbacks and realities (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

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September 6, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

An Agency In Need Of Thorough Reform

Closed-door denizens: Tax Commission wrongly defends bad policy of making million-dollar decisions in private (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Our Shortsighted Legislature

EDAWN reduces staff by 40% (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Local Government

Clark County

County Affairs

A bright idea: County officials should decide at what point lighted signs become light pollution (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

City Of Henderson

City waiting for 160 acres: Henderson seeks public land for park, complex (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

City Of Las Vegas

“This ‘ward heeling’ mentality continues unabated at City Hall because each of the six council members (the mayor runs citywide and is less guilty of this) is elected by fewer than 3,100 voters.”

ERIN NEFF: Appeasing voters, one ordinance at a time (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Fed up with Neonopolis: Goodman wants a break with the struggling center's principals - whoever they really are (Las Vegas Sun article)

“The mayor's people claim he lost his footing, or was exhausted, depending on whose article you're reading.”

The fall — and the rise? — of Fremont East (Mike Prevatt column, Las Vegas CityLife)

The tipping point (Meredith McGhan column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Regional Transportation

Our rocky road to endless growth (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

RTC says goal of shelters at all bus stops to take time: First phase to include locations on Strip (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

County to discuss future of Minden garage bonds (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Genoans move forward on finding town manager (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Elko County

Patio homes pass hurdle (Elko Free Press article)

Nye County

'Crystal Heights' plans kick up dust (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Wheeler Wash project not all that far-fetched (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

The Legends at Sparks Marina: 13 new tenants announced (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Mandatory care? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Gaming industry workers make presidential endorsement (Hugh Jackson column, Las Vegas Gleaner)

Floyd and Patricia Banks Hosts Obama08 Gathering (Jack Wood column, Nye – Gateway to Nevada’s Rurals)

Obama says somebody's a stinky poophead (Hugh Jackson column, Las Vegas Gleaner)

The luxury of not being in the U.S. Senate (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Belaboring obvious, Richardson calls Reid a wimp (Hugh Jackson column, Las Vegas Gleaner)

Mitt Romney planning another Reno visit (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Thompson is in (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

State Democratic Party

Message To: Democratic Leadership of Congress (Jack Wood column, Nye – Gateway to Nevada’s Rurals)

State Republican Party

The little caucus that could (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

General Political Opinion

Sen. Craig's waffling erodes public trust (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Not worth a drop: Another Republican hypocrisy scandal is only a distraction. (Reno News & Review editorial)

Your land is my land, too: For people to want to decide how other people’s land is developed is too much to swallow (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Student Loans

It's Back to School Time: Do you know where your money is? (Desert Beacon)

Industrial Training

$25 million to spark hotel school innovation: Harrah's gift to UNLV will help build high-tech hospitality village (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Nevada’s Connection to Education’s Future (Muth’s Truths)

No Child Left Behind Act: Education Should Clarify Guidance and Address Potential Compliance Issues for Schools in Corrective Action and Restructuring Status GAO-07-1035, September 5, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

RL34153 Seat Belts on School Buses: Overview of the Issue August 31, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

The Problem Of Cheating

For cheaters, iPods are playing their song: Students use devices to save answers, data for exam day, state report says (Las Vegas Sun article)

Help with test may lead to suspensions: Teachers would get five days for reading questions to students (Las Vegas Sun article)

Churchill County School District

Local CPA hired as new school district accountant (Lahontan Valley News article)

White Pine County School District

Finding new teachers priority for Ely schools (Ely Times article)

Gender matters in test taking (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Whatever Happened To The Anti-Trust Laws?

Health on the cheap: Buyout target Sierra Health is a model of efficiency. Good for Wall Street, but good for patients? (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Nevada's First Lady Takes On Cancer

Childhood cancer event focuses on local families (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Have You Seen Your Doctor Lately?

"If they did everything right, why go back and change the records?"

JANE ANN MORRISON: Death outside rehab center shows need for changes in health care (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

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Nevada Water Matters

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

SNWA seeks more water (Ely Times article)

“If White Pine County is more than willing to give away its clean air, it should be equally willing to give its water to Clark County.”

Reid links coal plants with SNWA pipeline (Ely Times article)

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Nevada's Environment

White Pine County Coal-Burning Power Plant Projects

Commissioners drop EEC location protest (Ely Times article)

Alternative Energy

Windmill enthusiast opposes new ordinance (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

The man with the $8 power bill: How Steve Rypka traded nightmare energy bills for the 'green dream' (Las Vegas CityLife article)

The energy you save may be your own (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Biomass plant opens amid questions over long term fuel supply (Nevada Appeal article)

Reduce carbon emissions the painless way: Imagine closing 70 power plants because we just didn’t need their energy (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)

Climate Change

You're getting warmer: Just in case you still weren’t sure, findings from 2,500-plus scientists in the IPCC’s “Climate Change 2007” report say that it sure is getting hot in here (Reno News & Review article)

Way to play the new demand for offsets (Ed Iverson column, Lahontan Valley News)

Wild Beasts

Dogs tree bear in south county (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Guzzlers installed for desert big horns (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Nevada's Burning Hills

Ranchers eligible for wildfire relief funds (Elko Free Press article)

Fire sale: A Nevada contractor is caught up in a California tragedy and the law (Reno News & Review article)

Nevada gets into the act: A Nevada contractor feels victimized by a state agency’s press operation (Reno News & Review article)

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Nevada Utilities

"We need a municipal power company, not an investor-owned utility."

Nevada Power closes its Express Line (Las Vegas CityLife article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

Clark County Commission Cases

ARRAIGNMENT: Court rejects Boggs bid -- Ex-lawmaker told she's not indigent enough to get public defender (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

$kindustry Regulation

Outlaw industry, ex-prostitutes say: Researcher spotlights human trafficking (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Man gets probation in Doll House case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Brothel opens new era of Vegas advertising (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Hike in fees for brothel work cards postponed (Nevada Appeal article)

Search And Rescue

Fossett still missing, officials still hopeful (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Fossett aircraft had emergency landing transmitter (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

NEVADA SEARCH: Winds treacherous where pilot vanished -- Still no sign of adventurer since takeoff in small plane (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

No signs of slowing search for Fossett (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Fossett search focuses spotlight on Hilton ranch (Associated Press article)

Civic Action

Lyon County sheriff tries new tack in fighting substance abuse among youth: Partnerships designed to educate parents, communities (Nevada Appeal article)

Copper Thieves

Copper thefts prompt warnings (Pahrump Valley Times article)

“Data Collection”

North Las Vegas plans to put cameras at some intersections (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

His Turn

De Meo responds to "Protect and Serve" (Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo column, Pahrump Valley Times)

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Nevada's Working Men And Women

Terror in the cubicles: In an at-will employment state, the 'bully boss' thrives on fear and intimidation (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Sink or swim: If you're facing foreclosure, some experts say it's not too late to save your home (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Study: Minorities in LV more likely to face bad mortgages (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Our Beautiful Region

A suggestion for late summer camping and trout fishing (Nevada Appeal article)

Sex glands in the sand: A trip to the Nevada outback in the heights of summer is a chance to celebrate the beauty of things--like flat tires (Bruce Van Dyke column, Reno News & Review)

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Nevada Culture

Nevada's Fire Festival

Burners donate lumber to Habitat for Humanity (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Greening of the Man: If Burning Man has a carbon footprint, it resembles the one belonging to the elusive Sasquatch. In other words, it’s giant (Reno News & Review article)

10 Things I Hate About Burning Man: Every year I read all the rah-rah coverage of Burning Man, but in the back of my mind, I know it’s not all freedom and hot naked chicks (Reno News & Review article)

Burning Man ’07 (Las Vegas Sun feature, with multiple articles)

Balloon Races

Balloon races about to take flight (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Badger Fights

Stop blood sports, but save our traditions (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)

Film Festival

High Desert Fest will include dinner theatre (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada's Past

NNRy

At the Throttle: I finally got to blow the whistle! (Rae Nell O'Donnell column, Ely Times)

Fernley Festival

7th Annual Rail Days this weekend at the Depot (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Over At The Governor's

Tin Cup Tea a sip of history (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Journalism

“I wonder if people realize how rare it is anymore to find serious reporting?”

Reporting the old fashioned way (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

State notifies DOE: Officials follow up on Yucca water ruling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A rare victory over Energy Department: But celebrating demise of Yucca Mountain would be premature (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Yucca Mountain low: Energy Department's bad behavior continues in its push to make Nevada a nuclear dump (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Public Lands

Cattle force closure of Overton WMA (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Sen. Reid's commissioner comment causes excitement (Ely Times article)

As We See It: A senator of a different stripe (Ely Times editorial)

When is John Ensign lying? (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Our Bloated National Budget

The Budget and Economic Outlook: An Update, August 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Federal Taxes And Tax Policy

RL34155 Income Inequality and the U.S. Tax System September 04, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Advance Earned Income Tax Credit: Low Use and Small Dollars Paid Impede IRS's Efforts to Reduce High Noncompliance GAO-07-1110, August 10, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Testimony on the Taxation of Carried Interest September 6, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Energy Policy

GAO Faults Agencies Over Global Warming (Associated Press article)

Climate Change: Agencies Should Develop Guidance for Addressing the Effects on Federal Land and Water Resources GAO-07-863, August 07, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

RL34147 Managing Electronic Waste: An Analysis of State E-Waste Legislation August 29, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Congress And The Internet

RL34148 Congress and the Internet: Highlights August 29, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

National Health Matters

RL34152 Food Safety: Selected Issues and Bills in the 110th Congress September 04, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

RS22713 Health and Safety Concerns Over U.S. Imports of Chinese Products: An Overview August 28, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Estimate of Section 904 (Comparative Effectiveness Research) of H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 September 5, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

RL34144 Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDRTB): Emerging Public Health Threats and Quarantine and Isolation August 28, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Your Life Savings

Employer-Sponsored Benefits: Many Factors Affect the Treatment of Pension and Health Benefits in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy GAO-07-1101, September 06, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Voting Matters

Controversy Arises Over Election Reform (Associated Press article)

The War On Terror

Judge Scolds U.S. on Wiretapping Records (Associated Press article)

Terrorists Foil FBI Watchlist (Associated Press article)

Follow-Up Audit of the Terrorist Screening Center September 2007 (US Justice Department Inspector General)

Homeland Security Department Woes Cited (Associated Press article)

Department of Homeland Security: Progress Report on Implementation of Mission and Management Functions GAO-07-1081T, September 6, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Department of Homeland Security: Progress Report on Implementation of Mission and Management Functions GAO-07-454, August 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Homeland Security: U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Program's Long-standing Lack of Strategic Direction and Management Controls Needs to Be Addressed GAO-07-1065, August 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Emergency Preparedness

National Flood Insurance Program: FEMA's Management and Oversight of Payments for Insurance Company Services Should Be Improved GAO-07-1078, September 5, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

RL34146 FEMA's Disaster Declaration Process: A Primer August 27, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

World Trade Center: EPA's Most Recent Test and Clean Program Raises Concerns That Need to Be Addressed to Better Prepare for Indoor Contamination Following Disasters GAO-07-1091, September 5, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Special Operations Forces: Management Actions Are Needed to Effectively Integrate Marine Corps Forces into the U.S. Special Operations Command GAO-07-1030, September 5, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Defense Acquisitions: DOD's Research and Development Budget Requests to Congress Do Not Provide Consistent, Complete, and Clear Information GAO-07-1058, September 05, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Military Base Realignments and Closures: Observations Related to the 2005 Round GAO-07-1203R, September 6, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Defense Business Transformation: Achieving Success Requires a Chief Management Officer to Provide Focus and Sustained Leadership GAO-07-1072, September 5, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Defense Infrastructure: Management Actions Needed to Ensure Effectiveness of DOD's Risk Management Approach for the Defense Industrial Base GAO-07-1077, August 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Military Personnel: DOD's Predatory Lending Report Addressed Mandated Issues, but Support Is Limited for Some Findings and Recommendations GAO-07-1148R, August 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

The Death Of Army Spc. Travis M. Virgadamo

Local man dies in Iraq (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Rushed back to the front -- Experts: A depressed soldier on a potentially dangerous drug needed more time (Las Vegas Sun article)

Suicide prevention will get a vote, Reid promises (Las Vegas Sun article)

Psychological Well Being: Another Casualty of the Iraq Occupation (Desert Beacon)

Foreign Affairs

The Caribbean

RL34157