October 1, 2007

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The new issue of The Nevada Observer is now up and ready for your reading pleasure (check the middle column for our current articles, features and columns).

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Brand New Laws

Dozens of laws official today (Associated Press article)

The State Legislature

Media group honors Care, Buckley for legislative efforts (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

Clark County

Bush wasn't just talking about delays at airport: His vice president was adding to the problem (Las Vegas Sun article)

LOOKING IN ON: SUBURBS -- Boulder City councilman wants to give voters more say (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

What's The Issue: Will eminent domain powers be revived? (Tahoe Tribune article)

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Nevada Politics

Date for caucuses might shift one week: States still jockeying for positions in presidential nominating process (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Elizabeth Edwards brings husband's message to Reno (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Dropout age change worrisome: Critics say new state law might result in more students quitting school (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

National companies cash in with charters where the kids learn at home (Las Vegas Sun article)

Charters have lots of freedom, including right to outsource (Las Vegas Sun article)

SCHOOLING VOTERS: Q+A: Roy Romer (Las Vegas Sun interview)

Online learning helps kids go the distance: Program offers flexible alternative to brick-and-mortar schools (Nevada Appeal article)

Online education catching on elsewhere (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

Mack Murder Trial

RENO COURTHOUSE SHOOTING: Subplots bring intrigue to trial -- Ex-pawn shop owner accused of killing wife, shooting judge (Associated Press article)

Courtroom to be full as jury selection starts (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Judge: Douglas Herndon (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Child Molester Case

Suspect shows at Nye jail: Tuck accused of possessing, exhibiting child porn videotape (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Immigration Sweep

Meeting calls for boycott of local businesses (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Immigration bill's failure brings raid in Reno, fear in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Sun article)

Hispanic group plans boycott over immigration raid: Group also calls workers to strike on Wednesday and hold rally in support of arrest suspects (Associated Press article)

Internet Reptiles

Man charged in effort to sell deadly reptiles (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Over In California

Pot becoming one California county's biggest cash crop: Pot worth more than legal harvests (Nevada Appeal article)

Search And Rescue

Searchers follow radar trails in bid to find missing adventurer Fossett (Associated Press article)

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Nevada Utilities

Utilities Inc. requests major rate hike (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada's Environment

Bears invade Fish Springs (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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From The Neon Empire

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

LV Hilton, Culinary reach accord (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Past

Restored Virginia City house offers old West elegance (Nevada Appeal article)

Mining camp of Seven Troughs nearly gone (Lahontan Valley News article)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Clinton call for Yucca hearing unfulfilled (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Company awarded millions in nuclear storage lawsuit: Delays opening Yucca Mountain cited (Associated Press article)

In The US Supreme Court

The high court is now in session: Capital punishment, Voter ID, terror suspects head the docket (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

'Army strong' needs more muscle: Reserve unit has about 50 openings after move from Utah (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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October 2, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

Our State Economy

NEVADA ECONOMY: Sales dip extends into July -- Governor cites poor auto sales, housing slump as key factors (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Taxable sales decline further (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Economic Summit on Housing Stability Draws Nevada’s Primary Mortgage Lenders (Gov. Gibbons press release)

Cigarette Taxes

A fiscal smokescreen (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Homeland Security

Terrorism task force loses again (Las Vegas Sun article)

Local Government

Clark County

"Our view is that without impact fees, Southern Nevada will continue for decades to experience shortages in public needs. We think they can be assessed fairly, without slowing the economy."

Impact fees are needed: Paid by developers, they would help relieve the local shortages in public services (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"The best option would be to put the proposed pay hikes to the voters -- though without the "automatic escalator" link to county salaries, which voters should reject out of hand."

City Council pay: Mayor would get $124,000, council members $72,000 (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Airport traffic surges 6 percent in August (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

TRPA gives real estate company deadline to remove signs (Nevada Appeal article)

Washoe County

Developers revise plans for Boulevard South condos (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Education on homelessness must continue (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Elections

ERIN NEFF: The caucus shuffle (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

A Modest Proposal To Elevate The Nevada Caucus (Reno and Its Discontents)

Clinton vs Obama: What the numbers mean (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

John Edwards getting message out, wife says: Campaign seeks unions' support (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Newt Gingrich: Flip-flopper (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

DEMOCRATIC PLEDGE: Obama's Florida visits scrutinized -- Candidate answers questions after fundraiser (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

UNR's Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering Centennial

Gov. Gibbons declares coin 'perfect' (Nevada Appeal article)

Public Schools

Disgusted, Ed Dept. looks for a new home: Heat, smells, outages - 'we're not very happy' (Las Vegas Sun article)

A virtual lesson: Online schools, from the comfort of home, leave children without real-world experience (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Washoe County School District

School trustees to see achievement report (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Health partnership hits road: Cancer-fighting effort equips van to bring mammograms to workplace (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Nevada legislators will investigate allegations published in the Sun of employers taking advantage of foreign doctors and abusing the system that allows them to stay in the United States to work in medically underserved areas."

Rally cry: Investigate accused doctors (Las Vegas Sun article)

Top official in mental health will leave post (Associated Press article)

JOHN L. SMITH: Disabled volunteer firefighter finds allies in fight against age discrimination (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Animal-testing lab's move to Reno spurs outcry over planning policy (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

METH PROJECT: Nevada leaders review ad campaign started in Montana (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Video Child Molester Case

SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECT: Manhunt flooded with tips -- Ex-animal trainer violent, deceptive, LV woman says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lawyer speaks for mother of little girl shown in Nevada sex tape (Associated Press article)

The Courthouse Shooting Case

Day one in court yields six potential jurors (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Jury process slow in Mack courthouse shooting (Associated Press article)

The OJ Case

Hearing set in O.J. Simpson case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

$kindustry Regulation

Tax money looks sexy: Strip club among those lining up for a sign subsidy (Las Vegas Sun article)

Rizzolo throws a technicality at the court: Dumps Patti & Sgro and hires a Mormon law firm (Steve Miller column, AmericanMafia)

Immigration Sweep

Not all support calls for boycott (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Boycotts have their down side; policy can yield better results (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

McRaids Spark McRage (Muth's Truths)

Chertoff: Illegals 'degrade' environment (Associated Press article)

Youth Gangs

Local law enforcement says gang activity mostly limited to tagging (Lahontan Valley News article)

Deputies step up gang enforcement (Nevada Appeal article)

Missing Children

Searches for missing children can burden law enforcement (Lahontan Valley News article)

Police Academy

Boot camp: After an 11-year absence, Law Enforcement Academy convenes in Elko County (Elko Free Press article)

Police Shootings

Who gets to ask questions after deaths? Clark County will decide what to allow after killings by cops (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada's US Attorney

Myhre to continue in interim position: Acting U.S. attorney to serve four more months (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Environment

Utility parent to seek renewable-energy proposals: Company will consider plans to build plants, buy power (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Test results in horse deaths due by month's end (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Culture

Oktoberfest celebration Saturday (Elko Free Press article)

Lamoille Harvest Festival is Saturday (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe slow season bolstered by sporting events (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?

Shiny new fixture for the future: Exec beaming, analysts bullish as $800 million MGM Grand Detroit bows (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Past

Museum fur trapping presentation offered today at 7:30 p.m. (Lahontan Valley News article)

More On Fur Trapping And Trappers In Nevada, From TNO's Reading Room

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Federal Nevada

The Public Lands

It’s Miller time for BLM in Elko: New district manager returns to northern Nevada from stint in Idaho (Elko Free Press article)

BLM lacks funding: Volunteers provide needed pick-me-up when Bush's conservation budgets fall short (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

ENSIGN, REID ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $21 MILLION FOR DISASTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINING AND RESPONSE (Sen. Ensign press release)

Reid, Ensign Announce More Than $21 Million for Disaster and Emergency Management Training and Response (Sen. Reid press release)

Senators Reid & Ensign Appear On "Eye On Washington" (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid: Passage of DOD Bill Keeps Our Promise to Veterans, Supports the Troops (Sen. Reid press release)

Heller Notifies Colleagues of Nevada’s Opposition to 50 Cent per Gallon Gas Tax (Rep. Heller press release)

Rep. Heller: The Un-Compassionate Conservative? (Desert Beacon)

Pork, or delicious, tourist-attracting bacon? (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

In The US Congress

Bush's veto threat annoys, fails to impress (Las Vegas Sun article)

RL34038 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: FY2008 Appropriations September 29, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

National Health Matters

RL34192 PEPFAR: From Emergency to Sustainability September 28, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Our Nation's Environment

RL34191 Ethanol and Other Biofuels: Potential for U.S.-Brazil Energy Cooperation September 27, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Fundraiser for families was a unifying force (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Senate approves $150B in war funding (Associated Press article)

Mullen Becomes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (American Forces Press Service article)

Bio: U.S. Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen (American Forces Press Service article)

Military Personnel: Number of Formally Reported Applications for Conscientious Objectors Is Small Relative to the Total Size of the Armed Forces GAO-07-1196, September 28, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

RL34193 Journalists' Privilege: Overview of the Law and Legislation in the 109th and 110th Congresses September 28, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

RL33688 The Military Commissions Act of 2006: Analysis of Procedural Rules and Comparison with Previous DOD Rules and the Uniform Code of Military Justice September 27, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Foreign Affairs

RL34187 Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 1999-2006 September 26, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Department of State: Human Capital Strategy Does Not Recognize Foreign Assistance Responsibilities GAO-07-1153, September 28, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Foreign Assistance: Multiple Challenges Hinder the Efficiency and Effectiveness of U.S. Food Aid GAO-08-83T, October 02, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

US offers $200,000 to catch Taliban (Associated Press article)

Afghan teenager with US dollars hanged (Associated Press article)

Coalition, Afghan Troops Kill 22 Militants, Capture Seven (American Forces Press Service article)

Afghanistan Operations Disrupt Extremist Plans (American Forces Press Service article)

Iran

White House on Iran Air Strikes: "We don't discuss such things" (Desert Beacon)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

In Washington DC

Whistleblowers in State IG Investigation Report Threats of Retaliation (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)

State Department Prohibits Officials from Discussing Iraqi Corruption (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)

New Questions About Blackwater Actions in Iraq (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)

Incident Reports Fault Blackwater in Fallujah Ambush (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)

Blackwater portrayed as out of control (Associated Press article)

On The Battlefield

Iraqi deaths fall by 50 percent (Associated Press article)

Airstrike Kills 20-Plus Terrorists; Iraqis Nab 34 Suspects (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi, Coalition Forces Continue to Pound Enemy Fighters (American Forces Press Service article)

U.S. Officials Discuss Increased Capabilities (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi Troops, Police Pressure al Qaeda (American Forces Press Service article)

Mexico

Mexico strives for gentler elections: Campaign rules overhauled after brutal '06 race (Boston Globe article)

Mexico Security Memo: Oct. 1, 2007 (Stratfor report)

Officials: US cocaine supply drops amid crackdown in Mexico (Associated Press article)

Border Security Council told fence won't protect Texas (Associated Press article)

Rival female drug smugglers too much for Mexico City prison, official says (Associated Press article)

Pakistan

Bhutto says she might allow U.S. strike on bin Laden (Reuters article)

Suicide bombing in Pakistan kills 15 (Associated Press article)

A Federal Reader

RL34183 Public Transit Program Funding Issues in Surface Transportation Reauthorization September 27, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Wildland Fire Management: Better Information and a Systematic Process Could Improve Agencies' Approach to Allocating Fuel Reduction Funds and Selecting Projects GAO-07-1168, September 28, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Disaster Housing: Implementation of FEMA's Alternative Housing Pilot Program Provides Lessons for Improving Future Competitions GAO-07-1143R, August 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Ongoing Challenges Facing the National Flood Insurance Program GAO-08-118T, October 02, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Social Security Administration: Policies and Procedures Were in Place over MMA Spending, but Some Instances of Noncompliance Occurred GAO-07-986, August 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Information Security: Selected Departments Need to Address Challenges in Implementing Statutory Requirements GAO-07-528, August 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Financial Audit: Special Counsel Expenditures for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2007 GAO-07-1205, September 28, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

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October 3, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

Taxing Subjects

"The state Employment Security Council recommended Tuesday that the state unemployment tax be reduced slightly in 2008 as a way to stimulate Nevada's slowing economy."

Panel urges cutback in state tax rate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

New Mexico congressman lauds Nevada mining tax: System seen as possible model for reform (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Many state taxpayers fail to claim phone-tax credit (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Prisons And Prisoners

Prison labor urged: Inmates could save Forestry Department money, audit shows (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Highways

Highway study ready for consideration: U.S. 50 not so lonely anymore (Dayton Courier article)

Local Government

Churchill County

Construction approved for Sheckler Road path (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

Impact Fees

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: Developer impact fee discussed -- Planners support agreements, oppose $2,600 for each unit (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

City Of Henderson

Henderson gateway cries out for makeover (Las Vegas Sun article)

Not Permitted

BUILDING PERMITS AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS: Rio rooms close -- County inspectors looking at remodeling work in hotel tower (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Former employee alerts state OSHA: Frazzetta told company officials of asbestos exposure (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Some work proves tougher to inspect (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Minutes debate anything but brief (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Minutes ruckus may cost county (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Lake Tahoe Basin

TRPA reviews goals, policies (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Tahoe water company users join revolt: State agency disputes who owns small delivery firm (Sierra Sun article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

Nevada Cement seeking zone change, permit for expansion (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

County Commission meeting canceled (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

City Of Fernley

City to revisit rules, procedures for Mayor, Council (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Council OKs water shutoff/turn on fee payment plan (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Washoe County

Some health department services may be on chopping block (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

RSCVA CEO given raise, bonus (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

"City Council members don't need greater involvement in decisions on routine planning matters. They simply need to get out into the community more often to know what's going on."

Council should have known about animal-testing project (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Richardson visits Boulder City: Candidate touts Iraq plan (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Jon Ralston talks with Obama about his war foresight (Las Vegas Sun column)

Local Elections

Gleefully, Dems envision majority: But they have yet to name candidates (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Douglas County School District

War comes home for school children (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Lyon County School District

Public comment sought on future of Lyon County school facilities (Nevada Appeal article)

School district sets goal regarding student growth standards (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Program needs investigating: Foreign doctors allege abuses that deprive low-income areas of medical care (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Thefts spur replacement of narcotics: Safety of ambulance drugs at issue (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Residents encouraged to get flu shots: Health District begins distribution of vaccine (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

Immigration Sweeps

ID theft led to arrests (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Fernley McDonald's part of ICE sweeps (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Protest of immigration raids slowly takes shape (Associated Press article)

Thinking out loud: Weak policy on immigration is taking its toll (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Restraint and reconsideration, please (Andrew Whyman column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Courthouse Shooting Trial

Six more possible jurors selected (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Jury selection continues for Mack murder trial: Reno man charged with killing wife (Associated Press article)

Video Child Molester Case

VIDEOTAPED ASSAULT: Mother says girl healthy -- Lawyer reads woman's first public remarks about case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Helping the victim: Authorities were correct to release little girl's name and photo to solve a vicious crime (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Domestic Violence

Residents light candles for victims of violence (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

$kindustry Regulation

Clock ticks on strip club: Crazy Horse Too must sell by year's end for the feds to recover maximum cash (Las Vegas Sun article)

Impersonating Robbers

Tourist hails what he thinks is a cab, and ride is straight downhill: He was beaten, robbed, left in the desert, and the cops didn't want to hear about it (Las Vegas Sun article)

Police Shootings

Inquest ordinance draws fire (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Mercenary

LCSO has lost some employees to private military contractors (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Search And Rescue

Search for Steve Fossett is formally suspended: With deer season opening, officials hope for discovery (Associated Press article)

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Nevada's Environment

The Utility Of Power

DOING A LITTLE SOL SEARCHING: 'Green power' rules have California considering Nevada for solar plants (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Proposals for renewable energy resources sought by Sierra Pacific (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County out of plan for power corridors (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Sniffing Bango

State orders Bango Oil to stop production (Lahontan Valley News article)

The Danger Of Fire

Lake Tahoe Basin fire restrictions to be lifted today (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Make communication system next step in fire defense plan (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Fire district may require defensible space on community's vacant lots (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Last day to request defensible space check, chipping is Oct. 15 (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Wild Beasts

California officials meet in state capitol to discuss bears (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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Nevada Culture

Candy Dance not quiet as sweet as last year (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Markleeville artists open studios for fall tour (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Gold Hill theater season starts with hauntings and dreams (Nevada Appeal article)

"The Books, Montag!": The books leapt and danced like roasted birds, their wings ablaze with red and yellow feathers. (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?

The Perils Of Private Equity Funding

$5.4 BILLION BUYOUT: Station's hearing delayed -- Largest private-equity deal ever in state goes to board Thursday (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

LOOKING IN ON: GAMING -- Warning: Beware who's investing (Las Vegas Sun article)

Internet Gambling

Study's value questioned: Frank continues work with Berkley to topple Web restrictions (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Congressional Votes (Nye – Gateway To Nevada's Rurals)

Rhetoric flies fast, furious: Reid and Limbaugh trade barbs over GIs (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Dean Heller No Vote On SCHIP: Let The Pressure Begin (Reno and Its Discontents)

Dean Heller Conference Call (Reno and Its Discontents)

Our National Heritage

Protecting our heritage: Without needed money, vandals and leaky roofs threaten Smithsonian treasures (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Smithsonian Institution: Funding Challenges Affect Facilities' Conditions and Security, Endangering Collections GAO-07-1127, September 28, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

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October 4, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

An Agency In Need Of Thorough Reform

"Last week, the state Tax Commission expressed support for newly written regulations for Nevada's controversial "green tax" law that are seemingly at odds with legislators' intent to narrow the circumstances under which companies are eligible for the tax breaks."

Big business out to soak up 'green': Nevada's most powerful interests are back at it, trying to retake tax breaks for eco-friendly buildings that lawmakers tried to limit (Las Vegas Sun article)

State Taxation

Unemployment payments (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The State Judiciary

Supreme Court Website Offering Audio Files of Oral Arguments (Nevada Supreme Court website)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

Anti-smoking law is unfair: Nevada’s anti-smoking law isn’t working (Reno News & Review editorial)

Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws

"The Reno attorney who sued virtually the entire City of Ely on behalf of former Mayor George Chachas has been named executive director of the Nevada Commission on Ethics."

Patty Cafferata named Nevada Ethics director (Ely Times article)

Nevada's Economy

Gibbons should stand up to lenders, push them to help homeowners, FHA official says (Las Vegas Sun article)

Local Government

Nevada Association of Counties

NACO conference kicks off (Elko Free Press article)

Churchill County

County unemployment lower than state average (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

City Of Henderson

Henderson employee named city manager (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

City Of Las Vegas

ERIN NEFF: Council swings, misses on pay raises (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Departments Of Redundancy Departments

"Talks about consolidating the Las Vegas Valley's three independent public housing authorities as a cost-saving measure have basically died with no timeline for a resurrection, officials with the agencies confirmed this week."

Merger talks dwindle at housing agencies (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

NORTH LAS VEGAS HOUSING AUTHORITY: 'Restructuring' plea to be pursued -- City to conduct study of troubled agency's options (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Unpermitted

Harrah's: Tower open, safe: Officials investigate remodeling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Want More To Exploit

"Fearing that Las Vegas slowly is running out of property for development, business leaders are suggesting that Congress expand the amount of federal land in Clark County that could be opened to builders."

DEVELOPMENT: Leaders: Open more U.S. lands-- Expansion of state public land law suggested (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Elko County

Elko City Planning Commission: Zoning change could pave way for more businesses, homes (Elko Free Press article)

Elko County Commission: UNR report on mining’s impact to be heard (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

Waiting for the boom: Silver Springs anticipates growth, but it's been predicted previously (Lahontan Valley News article)

Nye County

Town Of Pahrump

Pahrump board approves fairgrounds plan funding (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Town approves airport grant (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Another Las Vegas chain arrives, targets anxious local growers (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Edwards campaign sees hope in Nevada's first early caucus (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Richardson surge: Third Bill Richardson moves ahead (Reno News & Review article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Students failing because they aren't trained to read well (Nevada Appeal article)

Douglas County School District

Next step in effort to reduce radon at school: filters (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

Courthouse Shooting Trial

Mack trial headed for Las Vegas (Associated Press article)

Judge discouraged by slow jury selection in Mack case (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Jury selection continues for Mack murder trial (Associated Press article)

Immigration Sweep

Hispanics protest federal immigration raids: Crowds rally in Reno, Sparks (Associated Press article)

Community leaders hold meeting (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Dem presidential hopefuls slow to comment on raids (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Drive-through immigration: Northern Nevada raid on McDonald's shows that immigration policy needs an overhaul (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Free Speech – But Only If You Speak English

"She feels alienated and at a disadvantage having people speak another language in front of her."

JANE ANN MORRISON: Common courtesy is the universal language of all human relations (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Clark County Commission Corruption Cases

Sentencing for Davidson delayed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Boggs hires Simpson lawyer: Ex-commissioner pleads not guilty (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Video Child Molester

Tuck wants gag on DeMeo: Lawyer says client misrepresented by media (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Stealing From Ambulances

DRUG THEFTS: Arrest aborted in July -- Police say fire agency asked them to back off paramedic (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Prisons And Prisoners

The Bad Lieutenant

Jail guard arrested on felony counts (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Pups On Parole

Rescue dogs: Prisoners give dogs a second chance with Pups on Parole programs (Reno News & Review article)

Puppies Up for Parole saves at-risk dogs in Nevada (Reno News & Review article)

Threats To Judges

Marshals lag in security efforts, report says: Nevada leads in threats to judges (Associated Press article)

Judges Clear Judge

Complaint against judge dismissed: Council finds no misconduct occurred (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

$kindustry Regulation

Jack Sheehan blasts 'parachute journalists' who lob grenades after a brief visit to Vegas (Las Vegas Sun column)

Conviction Upheld

FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT UPHOLDS CONVICTION OF CHILD RAPIST MARVIN BOCKTING AFTER REMAND FROM UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT (Attorney General press release)

Cellphone Drivers

Law against cell phones good start (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Warrant Moratorium

City offers moratorium on warrants (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Water Matters

Western Waters

Sharing water is key to Richardson's plan (Las Vegas Sun article)

The Carson River

Urban fishing pond may get $40,000 in construction tax funds (Nevada Appeal article)

The Humboldt River

Back in the Drought: Water year precip 64 percent below normal (Elko Free Press article)

The Truckee River

Annual fish census shows good results (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada's Environment

Learning from the Land (Ely Times article)

New ozone standard may hurt White Pine (Ely Times article)

Council won't back union's SPR endorsement (Ely Times article)

As We See It: Tarnished black as coal (Ely Times editorial)

Las Vegas restates preference for compact conservation area: Some groups support 13,000-acre set-aside (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Online activism: Armchair activism made easy (Reno News & Review article)

Step by step: The national Step It Up 2 rally to encourage politicians is a month away. The website makes it easy to sign on, if Reno activists so choose (Reno News & Review article)

Thin or Get Thinned: Placer ordinance would mandate fuel treatment of vacant lots by owners — or else (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada's Utilities

Going Up

Sierra Pacific asking permission to pass $22 million debt to ratepayers: Public Utilities Commission will decide if company can pass settlement with ENRON onto customers as a rate increase (Nevada Appeal article)

Power lines to stretch north, east (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada's Working Men And Women

Clara Barton gets militant: Seeing the gains made by unionized nurses in Las Vegas, Reno nurses vote union (Reno News & Review article)

'Blackie' Evans: 1935-2007: Longtime union leader, champion of workers, spurred labor movement forward in Nevada (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Governor Gibbons' Statement on the Death of Claude "Blackie" Evans (Gov. Gibbons press release)

Blackie Evans, 1935-2007: First Nevada labor leader Claude Evans died (Reno News & Review article)

Ex-labor leader dies at 71: 'Blackie' Evans served union 40-plus years (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Culture

Hispanic American Art

Inspiring students goal of Latino art exhibit (Nevada Appeal article)

Outhouse Races

Outhouse race novice ready to roll (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?

"Defendants seeking to keep pretrial evidence secret normally must prove they would be irreparably harmed by the release of such information."

LV Sands' effort hits snag in court: Company hopes to keep information secret (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Poker tournament winners get time to pay Uncle Sam (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Nevada's Past

Built To Last

Building wins in match against big rig: Eave built 134 years ago stands up to tractor trailer (Nevada Appeal article)

Ancestral Desecration

Jacket may be clue to vandals (Ely Times article)

N&NRy

At the Throttle: A teen at RailCamp, Part 2 (Mark Bassett column, Ely Times)

Las Vegas Museum

Vegas museum to make its move on 40 million tourists (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Nevada Journalism

Quantifying the liberal/conservative conspiracies (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Where wealth comes from: Why are nations with resources, cropland still poor? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

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Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid: President Bush Turns His Back On America's Children In Vetoing Health Care Reform (Sen. Reid press release)

In The US Congress

Tax and tax -- then tax some more: Congressional Democrats want more and more of other people's money (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

National Health Matters

Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Program: Management Problems May Increase Vulnerability of U.S. Agriculture to Foreign Pests and Diseases GAO-08-96T, October 03, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness

Cities along Texas-Mexico border block access to land where government wants to build fence (Associated Press article)

Questions raised over terror exercise (Associated Press article)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

Air transportation industry must get control of delays (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Airline delays worsen, complaints rise (Associated Press article)

Sky-high fares: Federal employees' abuse of air travel is costing taxpayers tens of millions, report says (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Report: Millions wasted on gov't travel (Associated Press article)

Premium Class Travel: Internal Control Weaknesses Government-wide Led to Improper and Abusive Use of Premium Class Travel GAO-07-1268, September 28, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Nuclear Energy: NRC Has Made Progress in Implementing Its Reactor Oversight and Licensing Processes but Continues to Face Challenges GAO-08-114T, October 03, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Elections: Further Testing Could Provide Increased but Not Absolute Assurance That Voting Systems Did Not Cause Undervotes in Florida's 13th Congressional District GAO-08-97T, October 02, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Telecommunications: FCC Should Take Steps to Ensure Equal Access to Rulemaking Information GAO-07-1046, September 06, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Files raise questions on Gitmo decisions (Associated Press article)

Combatant Status Review Tribunal (CSRT) and Administrative Review Board (ARB) Documents (Department of Defense website)

Foreign Affairs

International Organized Crime

Dead bugs used to smuggle cocaine (Associated Press article)

Iran

Bush warns of nuclear-armed Iran (Associated Press article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Ambush injures Polish diplomat in Iraq (Associated Press article)

Congress reining in private contractors (Associated Press article)

Russia: rein in security firms in Iraq (Reuters article)

Latin America

U.S. sees Latin American armies as crime fighters (Reuters article)

Mexico

Mexico is reducing killings, drug supply: Officials credit focus on Gulf cartel, use of new technology (Dallas News article)

Drug cartels in Mexico turn to their compatriots (International Herald Tribune article)

Increased Enforcement Disrupts Drug Supply From Mexico, White House Says (Washington Post article)

North Korea

North Korea agrees to disable nuke plant (Associated Press article)

Pakistan

Pakistan power-sharing talks stall (Associated Press article)

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October 5-6, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Reno woman assumes post as Assembly minority leader (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

An Agency In Need Of Thorough Reform

'Green' at what price to Nevadans? Police, firefighting, schools will pay and pay for tax breaks for builders (Las Vegas Sun article)

More Tax Inequities And Iniquities

Incline property owners file another lawsuit (Nevada Appeal article)

"These quasi-judicial public officials have engaged in nothing short of open contempt for the legal system and the public interest they are sworn to protect."

State tax board's attitude appalling (Les Barta column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Property tax cap efforts scrapped: Petition to amend constitution pulled (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Law and Small Business: Employment law sins can be costly (In Business Las Vegas article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry

USA Capital investor found in contempt (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Highways

Public funding helped complete I-15 project: Ramps will cut commute along Silverado Ranch (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Our State Economy

Taxable sales continue to slide (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Gibbons says education, not rules needed to fight NV foreclosures (Associated Press article)

Homeowners won't get state bailout: Gibbons urges banks to work on problem loans (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Real Estate and Development: Opposing views on foreclosure bailouts (In Business Las Vegas article)

Jon Ralston on Gibbons' summit and what won't happen (Las Vegas Sun column)

All a loan: New businesses often have trouble obtaining loans, and the current credit crunch could make it even more difficult (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Arms bill could funnel $93 million to Nevada (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Decrepit Buildings

SETTLEMENT REACHED IN LAWSUIT OVER ALLEGED CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS AT GRANT SAWYER BUILDING (Attorney General Cortez Mastos press release)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

Smoking ban sparks zone change request (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Local Government

Tribal departments receive federal grants (Lahontan Valley News article)

City And County Of Carson

City seeking grant to preserve 395 acres (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County

Funding and weather limit city street improvements (Lahontan Valley News article)

City settles with NDEP over sewage spill (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

City Of Henderson

Gateway needs an upgrade: View at Boulder Highway and Sunset Road should reflect true character of Henderson (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

City Of Las Vegas

"Even the math here is bizarre, perhaps worthy of a government whose jewels are Neonopolis, a near-vacant 61 acres and a fantastic downtown arena plan."

Jon Ralston on Politics: Pay hike high jinks (In Business Las Vegas column)

Unpermitted

OCCUPANCY REVOKED: Two Rio floors closed -- County says plans must be OK'd, work inspected (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Just a little 'cosmetic work': What was county doing when it came to Rio inspections? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The Real Estate Market

Sad September for sales: Local home transactions down 43 percent from year ago (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Experts say LV housing bad bet (In Business Las Vegas article)

LV homes relatively affordable, data find: California has eight of 10 priciest sites in U.S. (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Developing Stories

Commercial builders thrive under housing bust: Skilled workers aplenty, material costs stable (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Showcase Mall undergoes $80 million expansion: Center's addition will include Hard Rock Cafe with outdoor dining, live music (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Douglas County

County has crowned airport manager king (Jon Hannan column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Elko County

County Commission Study: Mining contributes billions to economy (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Nuisance guidelines committee could be done by November (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Flood of Kings Beach comments delays plan: Officials expect direction by end of November (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Lyon County

Ski lake development land use change returning to PlanCom (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County

Petition filed for recall of Liakopoulos (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Realty slowdown having an effect (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Generator plans fizzle (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

Man sues after ejection from meeting (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Scandal-Tainted Money Roils Politicians (Associated Press article)

Local Politics

CLARK COUNTY COMMISSION: Maxfield says no to re-election bid -- He'll step aside after two terms (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

LOOKING IN ON: HIGHER EDUCATION -- Stepping up its game, UNR collars more Merit Scholars (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Peter Pan at work (Meredith McGhan column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Carson City School District

Fritsch students have fun learning about fire safety: Programs at schools get students fired up about safety and helps them be more comfortable with emergency workers (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County School District

Schools detail needs as bond measure looms (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County School D