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Nevada's Online State News Journal
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December 2004-June 2005; July-September 2005; October-December 2005; January-March 2006; April-May 2006; July 2006; August 2006; September 2006; October 2006; November 2006; December 2006; January 2007; February 2007; March 2007; April 2007; May 2007; June 2007; July 2007; August 2007; September 2007; November 2007; December 2007
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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
Gov. James G. Scrugham, Nevada: The Narrative of the Conquest of a Frontier Land (1935), vol. I
F.N. Fletcher, Early Nevada: The Trappers and Fur Traders in the North 1812-1826
F.N. Fletcher, Early Nevada: Jedediah Strong Smith 1826-1827
F.N. Fletcher, Early Nevada: Jedediah Strong Smith 1827-1831
F.N. Fletcher, Early Nevada: The Hudson's Bay Company in Nevada 1828-1829
F.N. Fletcher, Early Nevada: The Bonneville-Walker Expedition 1833-1834
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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
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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)
__________
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)
__________
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)
__________
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)
__________
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)
__________
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)
__________
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)
__________
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)
===================================
October 5-6, 2007
_____
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
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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)
__________
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)
__________
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 District
Corporate training company sells expertise to school district: Interactive Technologies of Nevada licenses math software for 15,000 students (Las Vegas Business Press article)
The rest is silence (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Lyon County School District
Public's help sought for School District master planning effort (Mason Valley News article)
Nye County School District
Rosemary Clarke Middle School combats bullying (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Expand existing PVHS, committee says (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Domestic Violence
Nevada official unveils programs to fight domestic abuse (Associated Press article)
STOPPING THE CYCLE: Domestic violence spotlighted -- Attorney general unveils programs to fight problem (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Attorney General announces programs to combat domestic violence (Nevada Appeal article)
ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCES NEW STATEWIDE PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN NEVADA (Attorney General Cortez Mastos press release)
Domestic violence group feels tighter budget pinch: Federal grant funds were not approved (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Courthouse Shooting Case
COSTLY AND HISTORIC: Change of venue comes at a price -- Washoe County foots bill for moving Mack trial (Associated Press article)
Judge moves Mack case to Las Vegas (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
"'We're not picking up the tab, but it would be pretty expensive for Washoe County,' Roger said on Thursday."
Judge in Reno moves Mack murder trial to Las Vegas (Associated Press article)
Video Child Molester Case
NATIONWIDE MANHUNT: 2001 case getting new look -- Police say child molestation suspect might have assaulted third child (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
DeMeo says Tuck team muddying the waters (Pahrump Valley Times article)
DeMeo not planning to split town (Pahrump Valley Times article)
The OJ Case
Judge sticks to Nov. 8 Simpson hearing date: Despite attorneys' pleas for extension, Bonaventure insists (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Ambulance Drug Thefts
FIRE DEPARTMENT DRUG THEFTS: Public defender assigned -- Paramedic on unpaid leave says he can't afford to pay for lawyer (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Fire chief defends handling of suspect in narcotics thefts: Response addresses aborted July 19 arrest (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
$kindustry Regulation
OK, maybe strip club won't get city money after all (Las Vegas Sun article)
She tells it her way: Former call girl writes that she slept with stars like Sinatra, much to her regret (Las Vegas Sun article)
Prostitutes dispute Trummell charges (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Lots Of Cash
Police K-9 sniffs out $325,000 (Elko Free Press article)
Perverts
JANE ANN MORRISON: Search for perverts leads to big surprises during myth busting night (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Alleged Scam
Financial planner faces 10 years in prison for fraud scheme (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
False Alarms
Excessive false alarms could result in fines (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
State Prisons And Prisoners
Prison labor: If Forest Division can save money, it should (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Cancer
Painting the town pink (Lahontan Valley News article)
"When visiting in-laws out of state recently, the conversation didn't revolve around the usual topics of family and friends ... it was about polonium-210."
Fallon's image issue requires perspective (Josh Johnson column, Lahontan Valley News)
Health Care and Workplace: Cancer Institute ready to begin expansion (In Business Las Vegas article)
NCI, MGM Mirage to offer breast cancer screening (In Business Las Vegas article)
Report on ag chemical exposure expected soon (Mason Valley News article)
Alien Doctors
No big deal if we don't strictly follow the law, says doctor who oversees physicians on visas (Las Vegas Sun article)
Fallout over foreign doctors -- In works: Sweeping changes to curb abuse (Las Vegas Sun article)
West Nile Virus
Lyon County remains free of West Nile Virus cases (Mason Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
SNWA The Water Moloch: The More It Takes, The More It Needs
Rural groundwater pipeline project presses ahead (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Hearing set on agency's groundwater request (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Call for balanced water hearings (Blue Sage Views)
The Carson River
Hope nature deals us a flush winter (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)
The Colorado River
Arizona opposes revised Colorado River plan: Mediation sought on drought deal (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
The Danger Of Fire
Helicopters star in this year's Fire Fest (Nevada Appeal article)
To the homeowners who have cleared defensible space (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Firefighting helicopter is needed (Tahoe Tribune editorial)
Wild Beasts
BLM's optimism is deadly (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Bear activity creates business opportunity (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Utilities
Moody's upgrades utility to investment grade status (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Getting a brand new read: Wireless meters let Southwest Gas worker check gas use, avoid dogs (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
PICNIC AREA TO CLOSE: Cathedral Rock project will result in fewer picnic sites, more parking (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Celebrating Halloween, Nevada style: First lady opening mansion to tours on Nevada Day (Nevada Appeal article)
Fish migration spawns weekend festival (Nevada Appeal article)
A roll in the risotto gets Italian fest going (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Candy Dance tempo slows (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
ART EXPOSED: 30-year-old East Coast art show makes Las Vegas debut, with plans for more (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Not-so-still life: Five years later, First Friday keeps fueling downtown's rebirth (Las Vegas CityLife article)
Fall Festival reminders (Pahrump Valley Times article)
FIGHTING HUNGER: New food bank to open in valley -- Three Square to fill likely void for LV area's hungry (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
$5.4 BILLION BUYOUT: Station's sale clears obstacle -- State gaming board unanimously OKs bid to take company private (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada regulators recommend $8.9 billion Station Casinos deal (Associated Press article)
MGM Grand Detroit brings LV amenities to Michigan (In Business Las Vegas article)
In Business Q and A: Jim Murren, President and COO of MGM Mirage (In Business Las Vegas article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Ways Of The Ancestors
Languishing language: Scholars, elders join effort to preserve Washo language (Nevada Appeal article)
State Museum
State museum construction begins Monday (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Historic Preservation
C.O.D. Casino unveils new plans (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
The Age Of Denim
Good times, bad times: Remembering the 1970s (Michael Green column, Las Vegas Business Press)
__________
Nevada Journalism
Death By Hiatus?
Publisher's Note: Give Us a Break (Nevada Today article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
YUCCA MOUNTAIN: DOE: Enlarge repository -- Agency studies nearly doubling nuclear waste capacity (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Proposal doubles Yucca nuclear waste storage (Associated Press article)
Energy Department says Yucca Mountain faces funding shortfall (Associated Press article)
YUCCA MOUNTAIN PRICE TAG $80 BILLION AND CLIMBING; BUSH PUSHING TO DOUBLE AMOUNT OF WASTE TO BE DUMPED IN NEVADA: Price Tag Grows 35% Even as Project Falls Further Behind (Rep. Berkley press release)
Testimony on the Federal Government's Liabilities Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act October 4, 2007 (Congressional Budget office testimony)
Nevada Test Site
Help for test site workers hits snag: Amendment aimed to streamline compensation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Public Lands
BLM closes shooting area (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Ensign, Porter "Oil Friendly Lawmakers" (Desert Beacon)
Sen. Reid
REID'S WILY POWER PLAY: His latest move to limit coal and boost renewable energy is a carrot and a stick (Las Vegas Sun article)
Nevada Senator Reid Pushes Gates, Military to Grant Wind Farm Clearances (Associated Press article)
Reid Hails Passage of Defense Funding Bill: Senator secures more than $93M for Nevada to strengthen military, make country safer (Sen. Reid press release)
Reid Statement on Retirement of U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (Sen. Reid press release)
Sen. Ensign
Horses being sent to Mexico for slaughter, lawmakers told (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
An odd kind of 'transparency' (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)
Rep. Heller
Heller's SCHIP vote aims right (Las Vegas Sun article)
Children's activists call on Heller to override veto on children's health-care bill (Nevada Appeal article)
Heller-Muth Math: Do the numbers add up? (Desert Beacon)
Rep. Porter
PORTER APPLAUDS LAS VEGAS CHAMBER EVENT AS A ‘HUGE SUCCESS’: Chamber members discussed key issues during the three-day visit to Washington (Rep. Porter press release)
Immigration Reform
Ski areas strained by federal limits on foreign workers (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
National Health Matters
"Unregulated laboratories are experimenting with potentially deadly germs, increasing public risk in a system that relies on self-reporting of accidents, congressional investigators said Thursday."
Fear Stays Accident Reports at Germ Labs (Associated Press article)
USDA Defends 18-Day Wait on Beef Recall (Associated Press article)
U.S. recalls over 1/2 million toys for lead levels (Reuters article)
Bird flu virus mutating into human-unfriendly form (Reuters article)
Protecting the aged: Long-term care insurers may not be taking proper care of older Americans (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Mind over matter? New Alzheimer's research gives hope that the disease's mysteries may one day be solved (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
RL34198 U.S. Food and Agricultural Imports: Safeguards and Selected Issues, October 03, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
USO won't operate Las Vegas rest stop for military travelers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness
Tracking deadly cargo: Report shows frightening failure to oversee handling of hazardous organisms (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Combating Terrorism: Law Enforcement Agencies Lack Directives to Assist Foreign Nations GAO-08-144T, October 04, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Are we still torturing? Documents disclosed by The New York Times suggest that torture policy still exists (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Democrats want to see interrogation memo (Associated Press article)
CIA detention program remains active: U.S. official (Reuters article)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation of Afghanistan
Wells man killed in Afghanistan: Forest Service worker’s convoy attacked (Elko Free Press article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Harness the hired guns: Bill in Congress would make private guards in Iraq accountable to U.S. courts (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Lawmakers seek to make contractors accountable (Reuters article)
FBI takes lead in Blackwater investigation (Reuters article)
"Judge Radhi Hamza al-Radhi, who was named by the United States in 2004 to head the Iraqi Commission on Public Integrity, said his agency estimated corruption had cost the Iraqi government up to $18 billion."
Iraqi tells U.S. lawmakers of unchecked corruption (Reuters article)
New U.S. embassy opening in Iraq delayed: lawmaker (Reuters article)
Bombs kill Iraqi mayor, wound tribal leader (Reuters article)
===================================
October 7, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Ballot Initiatives
Vote for this, this or this: It looks like Nevada voters are going to face one ballot initiative after another, starting in 2008 (Las Vegas Sun article)
Minimum Wage
New minimum wage law could lead to fewer jobs (Lahontan Valley News article)
Nevada Highways
U.S. 50 has crowded future (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws
Commission dismisses ethics case (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Tax Breaks For Green Buildings
Bad intentions abound: Governor's staff defies Legislature's intent with proposed regulation on green tax breaks (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
WHERE I STAND Brian Greenspun explains how businesses can earn more green by going green (Las Vegas Sun column)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Old camp is home to fond memories for many native Nevadans (Nevada Appeal article)
Tearing it down because it would cost too much to bring it up to code (Nevada Appeal article)
Clear Creek camp's history (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
RIO REMODEL: Unions, Harrah's in talks -- Corporation calls meetings with trades 'good relations' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
THOMAS MITCHELL: It's deja vu all over again (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Las Vegas a philosopher's 'paradise' - who'd have thought? (Las Vegas Sun article)
Forecast dim for Vegas real estate: Record supply, declining sales indicate slump may stay awhile (Las Vegas Sun article)
Jon Ralston explains why the Clark County Commission will sorely miss Chip Maxfield, a soft-spoken yet effective leader (Las Vegas Sun column)
Douglas County
Residents challenge Minden project (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Washoe County
GEOFF SCHUMACHER: Las Vegas could learn a few things from Reno (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Biggest Little dirty secret (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Economist also features city (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
Thompson still mystery to voters: Republican's presidential campaign gearing up (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
General Political Opinion
Truth and campaign speech (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: Forget the 'broad financial questions' (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
In support of recent immigration raids (Guy Farmer column, Nevada Appeal)
America outsources its work ethic to new underclass (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)
Embracing Latinos vital to Republicans (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Rogers speaks out in New York Times (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
College aims to increase enrollment by 300 percent (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Optimism is key for Larry Large (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Public Schools
Online schools have benefits traditional schools can't offer (Richard Gordon column, Las Vegas Sun)
Private Schools
Agassi fundraiser nets $9 million for students (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Reno mother sentenced to eight years for pandering daughter (Associated Press article)
Simpson case snares hodgepodge cast of suspects, victims (Associated Press article)
CHILDHOOD MOLESTATION: NONSTOP NIGHTMARE -- Victims say left untreated, the trauma of sex abuse can be enduring (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
A broken system: Coroner's inquest reform mostly cosmetic (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
Fall color hikes abound along Tahoe Rim Trail (Nevada Appeal article)
Sam Viviano: Beauty and history of the Tahoe Rim Trail inspires Incline resident to protect and preserve its natural haven for the future (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza column)
TRIP OF THE WEEK: Fort Verde preserves history for visitors to experience (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)
__________
Nevada Culture
Meneley hosts Native American Day (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Library's wreath display, auction available through mid-December (Lahontan Valley News article)
Valley's cultural shift: Museum's planned move will give art a more prominent place in Southern Nevada (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Outhouse racers never run out of humor (Nevada Appeal article)
18th annual Kokanee Festival at South Lake Tahoe, Calif. (Nevada Appeal article)
Shakespeare festival to create its own theater company (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
NEVADA VIEWS: Taxing policy -- Proposed initiative on gaming levy would be bad for state (Gov. Bob Miller column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Looking in on: Gaming -- Venetian Macau imports Vegas service workers (Las Vegas Sun article)
Powerful in Vegas, hawkish toward Iran: Adelson and other conservatives see a global threat in Ahmadinejad, put up big money to sway U.S. policy (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada's Past
"Conceived as an annual, month-long event, Railway Reflections has a three-part mission. One: to bring worldwide attention and support to the reconstruction of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Two: to celebrate and promote the Carson City area's Wild West heritage and culture. And three: to positively impact the area's economy with an increase in visitors and revenue."
Get ready for Railway Reflections International Art Expo 2008! (McAvoy Layne column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
Study details scope of rail project needed for Yucca (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
ERIN NEFF: Harry and John: A tale of two senators (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Quit digging, Senator Reid ... the U.S. is winning in Iraq (Conrad Velin column, Nevada Appeal)
In The US Congress
WEEK IN REVIEW: WASHINGTON, D.C -- War tax proposal sends most running away (Las Vegas Sun article)
That'll be $600 billion: It's intriguing to think about paying for Iraq right now, through our income taxes (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
WASHINGTON DIGEST: House demands updates on war exit strategy -- Vote requires report within 60 days of bill's passage (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
===================================
October 8, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Economy
Why all the secrecy? Governor's closed-door meeting with lenders leaves public out of the discussion (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Local Government
Clark County
WEEK IN REVIEW: CLARK COUNTY -- Housing market concerns sink impact fee proposal (Las Vegas Sun article)
CLARK COUNTY FAMILY SERVICES: Save the children -- Friends and relatives take on roles as caregivers in times of need (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
JANE ANN MORRISON: The Average Joe can and should attend caucuses to help elect candidates (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Chancellor to give report on state's higher education (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
UNLV engineers design for Army: Inflatable seat cushion could save lives of soldiers, bolster status of department (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Public Schools
Filters sought to reduce radon at Tahoe school (Nevada Appeal article)
Private Schools
LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Year barely begun, private school plans to close (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Thousands walk, run for a cure (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Wearing GPS, sex offenders light up map: Devices reveal where they are all the time, but not what they're doing any of the time (Las Vegas Sun article)
Change of venue reasonable, but it should remain a rarity (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Public lands offer perfect sites for wind farms (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Five species try to survive on Virgin River flood plain (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Grape stompers can't fight urge for messy brawl (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Carson City man breaks land speed record in a Datsun: Dan Webster earns fourth land speed record on Bonneville Salt Flats (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
So far, track is clear for Station to go private: Locals casino operator says it plans to keep building (Las Vegas Sun article)
Atlantic City corrupted again as mayor disappears (Reuters article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Virginia City gearing up for 2009 sesquicentennial (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
The Public Lands
Auctioning federal real estate: Is Las Vegas running out of private land? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
In The US Congress
This little piggy ... (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Congress must override veto of children's health care plan (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Democrats positioned to widen majority in Senate (Reuters article)
National Health Matters
Global Health: U.S. Agencies Support Programs to Build Overseas Capacity for Infectious Disease Surveillance GAO-08-138T, October 04, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Our Nation's Environment
Right-To-Know: EPA's Recent Rule Could Reduce Availability of Toxic Chemical Information Used to Assess Environmental Justice GAO-08-115T, October 04, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Our Bloated National Budget
Federal Revenue 2005-2007 (Congressional Budget Office) [click on image to enlarge]
Monthly Budget Review, October 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Financial Audit Manual: Volume 1, Exposure Draft, October 2007 GAO-08-81G, October 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Financial Audit Manual: Volume Two, Exposure Draft--October 2007 GAO-08-82G, October 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
The Federal Criminal Justice System
Mistrial in Colombian rebel's cocaine case: The U.S. has been prosecuting the FARC leader, but jurors can't agree whether the insurgent was part of a violent drug business (Los Angeles Times article)
U.S. court imprisons Afghan drug lord for 15 years (Reuters article)
FBI Examining HUD Secretary's Ties (Associated Press article)
77 Arrested in E-Mail Scam Crackdown (Associated Press article)
"The rich history of congressional investigations from the failed St. Clair expedition in 1792 through Teapot Dome, Watergate, Iran-Contra, Whitewater, and the current ongoing inquiries into the removal and replacement of United States Attorneys, has established, in law and practice, the nature and contours of congressional prerogatives necessary to maintain the integrity of the legislative role in that constitutional scheme."
RL34197 Congressional Investigations of the Department of Justice, 1920-2007: History, Law, and Practice, October 03, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
Cost of Prisons: Bureau of Prisons Needs Better Data to Assess Alternatives for Acquiring Low and Minimum Security Facilities GAO-08-6, October 05, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Protecting the truth: Bolstering the First Amendment by shielding journalists can help expose corruption (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
FCC won't probe disclosure of phone records (Reuters article)
Report says war on terror is fuelling al Qaeda (Reuters article)
"'The administration can't have it both ways. I'm tired of these games. They can't say that Congress has been fully briefed while refusing to turn over key documents used to justify the legality of the program,' said Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman John Rockefeller of West Virginia."
Bush defends CIA detentions, says no torture (Reuters article)
Guantanamo prosecutor quits post, Pentagon says (Reuters article)
Foreign Affairs
RL34196 U.S. Trade Statutes: Expiration Dates and Mandated Periodic Reports to Congress, October 02, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
International Organized Crime
Drugs Hidden in Mr. Potato Head Toy (Associated Press article)
Arrested `Drug Queen' Enthralls Mexico (Associated Press article)
Peru seeks more U.S. help in counter-narcotics (Reuters article)
Iran
Bush, Cheney, Sheldon Adelson, and Deja Vu All Over Again: Priming a War with Iran (Desert Beacon)
Iran says clears hurdles to nuclear industry (Reuters article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
'War' (Glen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)
100,000 U.S. troops could leave soon: Iraq president (Reuters article)
Iraq says Blackwater killed 17, shooting "deliberate" (Reuters article)
Security firms need supervision (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
U.S. investigator urges no murder charge in Haditha (Reuters article)
North Korea
North Korea's Kim marks summit magic with mushrooms (Reuters article)
Koreas seek formal end to Korean War (Reuters article)
Pakistan
Musharraf gets uneasy victory: The Pakistani president is reelected, but the Supreme Court is to decide whether his position as head of the military invalidates the vote (Los Angeles Times article)
Court unlikely to annul Musharraf victory (Reuters article)
Bhutto nears deal with Musharraf; court to rule on vote (Reuters article)
Russia
Ex-PM to head Russian foreign intelligence (Reuters article)
A Federal Reader
RL31250 The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), September 26, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
Information Technology: Census Bureau Needs to Improve Its Risk Management of Decennial Systems GAO-08-79, October 05, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
General Services Administration: Improvements Needed in Managing Delegated Authority of Real Property Activities GAO-07-1000, September 05, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
U.S. Patent And Trademark Office: Hiring Efforts Are Not Sufficient to Reduce the Patent Application Backlog GAO-07-1102, September 04, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
Workforce Investment Act: One-Stop System Infrastructure Continues to Evolve, but Labor Should Take Action to Require That All Employment Service Offices Are Part of the System GAO-07-1096, September 04, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)
===================================
October 9, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Highways
Study suggests fewer turns, possibly expressway for Highway 50 in Carson City (Nevada Appeal article)
The State Judiciary
High court asked to review policy on sealed cases: Panel approves final draft of proposal (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
Clark County
600 rooms at Harrah's closed: Concerns about remodeling prompt move (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
CLOSED PROPERTY: Homeless camping on Strip -- Rotting Klondike Inn becomes flophouse (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Elko County
County hazard plan up for public review (Elko Free Press article)
Police station tops council’s agenda (Elko Free Press article)
Washoe County
Sparks OKs homes near Marina (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
Edwards Loses Service Union; Clinton Army Set To Invade Nevada (Dullard Mush)
Obama calls for no new coal-fired power plants (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Richardson to visit Nevada on Saturday: Busy itinerary set for presidential hopeful (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Adams joins Richardson campaign (Elko Free Press article)
Local Politics
ERIN NEFF: Democrats, Republicans offer course in Caucus 101 (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
GOP caucus workshop Tuesday (Elko Free Press article)
General Political Opinion
Battered Republican Voter Syndrome (TM) (Reno and Its Discontents)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Desert Research Institute adds two buildings to Reno campus (Associated Press article)
Public Schools
Elko County School District
School board to consider bullying policy (Elko Free Press article)
Washoe County School District
Average ACT score increases in Washoe (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Private Schools
Sage Ridge school grows into academic power (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Second board hears complaint on homeopath (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Jurors take up Prempro lawsuit (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
'Lapse' caused rolling tanker: Officials discuss train incident (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Coal makes little sense in the land of alternative energy (Nevada Appeal editorial)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
State approves funding for Marlette water system (Nevada Appeal article)
Clean water is not free: Report points out the need for a national trust fund to upgrade system of pipelines (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Little love left for Vegas wedding chapel: Customers ticked, city weary, Garden of Love could lose its licenses (Las Vegas Sun article)
Massage parlors struggle to keep it clean: Business owners unite as Clark County considers a crackdown (Las Vegas Sun article)
Efforts to find Fossett winding down: Doubts grow over survival after plane crash (Associated Press article)
Nevada now home to a great mystery (Nevada Appeal editorial)
__________
Nevada Culture
Oktober Fest: Big turnout for annual fundraiser (Elko Free Press article)
Harvest Festival: Visitors flock to Lamoille (Elko Free Press article)
Museum construction begins (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada's Working Men And Women
LABOR: Unions set deadlines for deal -- Culinary, Bartenders push to finish contracts with downtown casinos (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
'Example of how rotten labor law is' (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
EDUCATION FUNDING: Union to seek gaming tax hike -- Nevada teachers group plans petition drive (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Run-up in MGM stock stalls Dubai plan (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Heller refuses to override Bush's SCHIP veto (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
In The US Congress
TRANSATLANTIC LEGISLATORS DIALOGUE: Idea exchange touted -- EU legislators meet with U.S. counterparts (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
National Health Matters
Means-testing the Medicare drug benefit: But will program then look too much like 'welfare'? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Immigration Reform
McDonald's workers' hearings delayed (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Sins of the fathers: Broken U.S. immigration policy leads to children being sent to countries they never knew (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The Public Lands
Same old drill: BLM chief sees no end to new drilling permits - at least, not while Bush is in charge (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Lounge for military travelers still a possibility at McCarran (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Forest Service remembers fallen colleague (Elko Free Press article)
Born to Serve: Mother recalls son’s public involvement, work ethic (Elko Free Press article)
===================================
Update for October 9, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Taxes
Extracting A Fair Share For Education From Nevada's Gambling Cartels
The teachers pen an initiative (Vegas Pundit)
The Problem: Taxpayer Protection Pledge Preserves Existing Tax Inequities
Dog-Garn It, Now What? (Muth's Truths)
Nevada Voting
Divided panel OKs Nevada election plan (Associated Press article)
Nevada's Economy
Lady luck turns on Las Vegas' once-hot home market (Reuters article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
"Nevada received the least amount of federal spending per person, at $5,840. The national average was $7,706."
Most States Pay Less Than They Get (Associated Press article)
Consolidated Federal Funds Report (US Census Bureau)
Reid Statement Congratulating Army's Top Soldier, Specialist Heyz T. Seeker of Las Vegas (Sen. Reid press release)
YUCCA MOUNTAIN PRICE TAG $80 BILLION AND CLIMBING; BUSH PUSHING TO DOUBLE AMOUNT OF WASTE TO BE DUMPED IN NEVADA: Price Tag Grows 35% Even as Project Falls Further Behind (Rep. Berkley press release)
Preventing August's hazardous runaway railcar from reoccurring (Rep. Porter press release)
Our Nation's Economy
AP Poll: Unease Grows Over US Economy (Associated Press article)
Winter seen warmer than normal (Reuters article)
Winter heating costs seen up 10 percent (Reuters article)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Chief justice questions 3rd-party lawsuits (Reuters article)
A State Of Fear
White House: Al Qaeda trying to boost efforts in US (Reuters article)
Group accuses US of al-Qaida video leak (Associated Press article)
Bush administration denies leaking al Qaeda video (Reuters article)
Panel Wants Tighter Radiation Security (Associated Press article)
Former Sales Representative of Homeland Security Equipment Charged with Participating in Fraud Scheme (US Department Of Justice website)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Dems Opens Door for Immunity in Spy Bill (Associated Press article)
Secret U.S. Endorsement of Severe Interrogations (New York Times article)
Court Rejects Alleged CIA Kidnap Victim (Associated Press article)
"It's the first time the judiciary has given a detainee any substantive right - in this case it is the right not to be tortured by the Tunisian government."
U.S. Judge Halts Guantanamo Transfer (Associated Press article)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Casey Urges Imperatives So Army Remains ‘Strength of the Nation’ (American Forces Press Service article)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
15 executions break Afghan moratorium (Associated Press article)
Colombia
Colombian high court accuses Uribe of obstruction (Reuters article)
Costa Rica
Costa Ricans narrowly back free trade with U.S. (Reuters article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
U.S.-led Iraq coalition withering fast (Associated Press article)
British Drawdown Thoroughly Discussed with U.S. Commanders in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)
Pentagon names another Iraq-bound combat brigade (Reuters article)
Fort Hood Brigade Notified for Iraq Deployment (American Forces Press Service article)
Turkey plans for possible Iraq incursion (Associated Press article)
Turkey ready to send troops into Iraq (Reuters article)
Iraqi authorities seek Blackwater ouster (Associated Press article)
Iraq vs United States re Blackwater (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
US Says It Won't Buy Embassy 'Turkey' (Associated Press article)
Local Iraqi Leaders Set Recovery Pace (American Forces Press Service article)
Car bombs kill 22 in northern Iraq (Reuters article)
Guards fire on car in Iraq, kill 2 women (Associated Press article)
Coalition Troops Kill Seven, Detain 21 Terrorists (American Forces Press Service article)
Program Molds Elite Iraqi Warfighters (US Defense Department website)
U.S., West seen skirting Iraqi refugee crisis (Reuters article)
Israel
Police question Israeli prime minister (Associated Press article)
Police quiz Israel's Olmert on suspected corruption (Reuters article)
Mexico
Winning Races The PRI Way
"According to the chip, Madrazo took only 21 minutes to cover nine miles - faster than any human can run. 'Not even the world record holder can go that fast,' race director Mark Milde said."
Mexico Pol Stripped of Marathon Title (Associated Press article)
Pakistan
Pakistani jets pound militant stronghold (Reuters article)
250 Dead in 4 Days of Pakistan Clashes (Associated Press article)
Chronology of Pakistan Militant Clashes (Associated Press article)
===================================
October 10, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Taxes
Extracting A Fair Share For Education From Nevada's Gambling Cartels
"We think 9.75 percent is fair when they are paying a 53 percent gaming tax in Pennsylvania. When you look at the national average tax for casinos, it's about 20 percent."
3 PERCENTAGE POINTS: Gaming tax boost popular -- Union leader says 70 percent of voters would back increase (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"For years, the political warning signs have been building for Las Vegas Strip casinos: a smaller slice of the population working on casino floors; a fast-growing city lagging in education, health care and transportation systems; and a steady stream of news about record casino profits, stock prices and executive pay."
In a bold move, teachers reach for gaming's pockets (Las Vegas Sun article)
Raggio cool to initiative to increase gaming tax (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Tax petition could cause ballot clash (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The teachers union vs. the gamers: State education establishment wants Nevada casinos to pony up (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Jon Ralston predicts a union's bid to raise taxes will teach big gamers a lesson (Las Vegas Sun column)
Taking the initiative: Because state leaders fail to tackle tough issues, complex policy is decided by initiatives (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Death Of An Advocate Of Good Government
Craig Walton: 1934-2007: UNLV professor was 'voice of ethics' (Las Vegas Sun article)
The State Judiciary
Sealed civil lawsuits (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Child welfare cases argued: Federal funds could be claimed if court reverses two of judge's rulings (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Maddox won't seek a second term on bench (Nevada Appeal article)
Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry
Official plans hearing on USA Capital settlement: Commissioner will decide whether to end dispute with loan servicer (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Economy
Housing woes: Let's get real -- Analyst calls for 'acceptance' of 20 percent decrease in home prices (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada ranks third in business climate (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Local Government
Clark County
RESORT REMODELING: Oversight defended -- Official rebuts criticism of review of work at Rio, Harrah's Las Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
LOOKING IN ON: SUBURBS -- Let's go with hotel, new group urges Boulder City (Las Vegas Sun article)
Douglas County
Hillbillies casino back before Douglas commission (Nevada Appeal article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Independent Incline on tonight's IVGID agenda (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
The Danger Of Fire
Tahoe Basin fire chiefs demands OK'd by TRPA: Use of pine needles as mulch under review for 'lean, clean and green' zones within 30 feet of homes (Nevada Appeal article)
Start of Tahoe prescribed burn season sparks debate over smoke (Nevada Appeal article)
Forest Service answers questions about prescribed burns (Nevada Appeal article)
Defensible space funding request on IVGID docket (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Fire district deserves 'best in the basin' (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Lyon County
Groups hustle to get insurance because of new rules in Lyon County (Nevada Appeal article)
Fernley looks to issue $50 million in water and sewer bonds (Lahontan Valley News article)
Washoe County
Local governments want impact fee raise: Proposal falls short of RTC staff recommendation (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Washoe gets money for disaster planning (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
"There's no plan for encouraging voting."
Lack of performance goals in election plan disappoints Nevada ACLU (Nevada Appeal article)
It's about time to see GOP gearing up for '08 campaign (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Union gets to endorse candidate for president: Local SEIU's clout increases (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Democratic Party hosts mock caucus today at Incline Library (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
General Political Opinion
Are issues a question of privilege? (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Rogers to repeat funding request: Chancellor's State of System address due (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Chancellor says Nevada 'undereducated' (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Public Schools
New strategy: Teaching nonteachers to teach (Las Vegas Sun article)
Every day should be a 'walk to school day' (Anne MacQuarie column, Nevada Appeal)
Churchill County School District
School board to review report on class sizes (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County School District
CHARTER SCHOOLS: School board says eight is enough -- Trustees cite drain on district resources in voting to cap independent ventures (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
$kindustry Regulation
Science says lap dancers send 'signals,' rake in cash (Las Vegas Sun article)
Proposal needs massaging: Ordinance would unfairly target massage parlors not affiliated with salons or casinos (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Sentence Of Death
"Castillo, 34, who beat an 86-year-old woman to death, has said he doesn't want to pursue any further appeals."
Anti-death penalty group asks Nevada not to execute Castillo (Nevada Appeal article)
Is Nevada really tough on crime? (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Organized Crime
Gang suspects arrested, face deportation: Sweep in valley produces 26 arrests (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Graffiti & Gangs: Big-city problems give Elko ‘growing pains’ (Elko Free Press article)
Immigration Sweep
Employers will need tools, if they're to enforce laws (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Resorts scramble to find help after visa crisis for ski workers (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Grand Theft Auto
AUTO THEFTS DROP: Police credit bait cars, beefed-up manpower for decline (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Exploitation Of The Elderly
Managers of Alzheimer's facilities arrested (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Stock Fraud
PURCHASEPRO CASE: Charge added in new trial -- Ex-CEO Johnson accused of obstruction in first trial (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Industry's new push: Rethink and embrace coal: Nevada a key state in the campaign; environmentalists expect a fight (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
Nevada Culture
“Know your Liberty”
Constitutional scholar to speak in Elko (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
"For every tax dollar Nevadans sent to Washington, they received 84 cents in return."
Nevada last in U.S. spending per person: More goes to Washington than comes back (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Public Lands
Fish and Wildlife Service seeks comment on sheep habitat plan (Nevada Appeal article)
Our Nation's Environment
Clearing the air: Power company's landmark settlement shows how Clean Air Act enforcement works (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The National Economy
Cost of staying warm to go up this winter (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Rancho grad wins Army's Best Warrior competition (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Stop trying to politicize the military (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Plan should force tighter Blackwater controls (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
===================================
Update for October 10, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The State Economy
Reid, industry reach out to stem foreclosures (Associated Press article)
Reid, Housing Industry Leaders and Agencies Meet to Discuss Nevada Housing Crisis (Sen. Reid press release)
Local Government
Elko County
City considers police station sites (Elko Free Press article)
Nye County
Contractors board yanks license of Pahrump concrete company (Pahrump Valley Times article)
White Pine County
New airline carrier to serve Ely (Ely Times article)
Union says council misread SPR resolution (Ely Times article)
__________
Nevada Politics
ARG does a Nevada poll (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Obama to add offices to Nevada organization (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Elko County School District
School board adopts bullying policy (Elko Free Press article)
Superintendent gives ‘State of District’ speech (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Car thefts on the rise (Elko Free Press article)
Reno traffic stats show drop in accidents (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Judge recuses himself from former Clark County lawmaker's case (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Engineer sets groundwater hearing date (Ely Times article)
Power lines to stretch north, east (Dayton Courier article)
"Sol" searching under way (Ely Times editorial)
As We See It: We're going green and soon (Ely Times editorial)
An important part of the process (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)
Mustangs recovering at BLM corrals in Nevada (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Culture
C-C-COLD Weather affects festival (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Rodeo entries down . . . but PRCA puts on slammin' shows (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Nevada casino win drops in August (Associated Press article)
MGM plans $5 billion casino resort in Atlantic City (Associated Press article)
Atlantic City mayor quits after disappearance (Reuters article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Scary Times Along the Nevada Northern Railway (Mary Sorenson column, Ely Times)
Who shot Edwin Gilbert's killer? (Donna Frederick column, Ely Times)
East Ely Depot Celebrates Centennial (Ely Times article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
Yucca seeks to double nuke waste (Pahrump Valley Times article)
In The US Congress
House Democrats defy Bush, approve spy bill (Reuters article)
RL34200 Burning Crosses, Hangman's Nooses, and the Like: State Statutes That Proscribe the Use of Symbols of Fear and Violence with the Intent to Threaten October 05, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
Immigration Reform
Judge blocks U.S. illegal worker crackdown (Reuters article)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Gates: Relief on Way as Army Resets, Reshapes Force Craddock Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Gates denies "broken" Army but acknowledges stress (Reuters article)
Speech of Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Washington, DC, Wednesday, October 10, 2007 to the Association of the United States Army (US Defense Department website)
Transcript: Craddock's Pentagon Briefing (US Defense Department website)
Transcript: Pentagon Briefing on Recruiting (US Defense Department website)
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Training Afghan Army Remains Key to Stability, Craddock Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Afghan, U.S. Forces Nab Four Suspects, Net Big Ammo Cache Craddock Says (American Forces Press Service article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Citizens Movement Crosses Sectarian Lines to Secure Iraq Craddock Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Iraq Detention Operations Focus on Education, Rehabilitation Craddock Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Coalition Operations in Iraq Kill 14 Terrorists, Net 12 Craddock Says (American Forces Press Service article)
===================================
October 11, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Taxes
Extracting A Fair Share For Education From Nevada's Gambling Cartels
"When you spend billions of dollars in China, it's hard for the average Nevadan to believe your in-state hype."
ERIN NEFF: A bust for gaming? (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Silver lining as well as green in tax push: Teachers union gets wiggle room against rival (Las Vegas Sun article)
Paying for schools: An initiative to raise the gaming tax misses the larger issue of funding education (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Ethics
Craig Walton remembered as crusader: Retired ethics professor died at 72 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
He stood for ethics: Professor Craig Walton was a longtime champion of good government (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
"It's a conflict of interest," Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said. "We should have been informed."
News to lawmakers: County's lawyer also works for other side -- Conflict seen in sharing attorney with trash hauler (Las Vegas Sun article)
The State Judiciary
'BASEBALL RULE': Ballpark injury case to make law -- Stadium's duty to protect fans is limited, attorneys contend (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Foul ball down the line: Should stadium owner be liable for fan injury? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Simmons ruling a gag order (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)
Judge faces the music in Boggs' felony case: Justice withdraws over past contact in local choir (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
"The city's reverse communication system, instituted following the 2004 Waterfall fire, is equipped to notify all 35,000 phones in Carson City in case of an evacuation, water outage or other emergency, said Giomi."
City sends message in error to 18,000 homes: Residents should ignore the invitation to the training exercise (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County
Statistics detail number of commuters to and from Fallon (Lahontan Valley News article)
County looks into multi-use facility (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
JANE ANN MORRISON: Corporate arrogance plus county laziness equals serious public danger (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Constant need to renovate challenges gaming industry (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Douglas County
'Hillbillies' casino goes before commission (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Washoe County
McQueen residents fight truck stop project (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Fire chief wants to inspect businesses (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
NEVADA POLL: Romney's support growing -- Clinton outpaces Democrats (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Obama opening four offices: Democrat optimistic about caucus push (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Carson City site of a new Obama campaign office: More offices also opening in various southern Nevada sites (Nevada Appeal article)
Disintegration Of The Republican Party
Rampant Corruption, Police State Practices And Hypocritical "Holy Joes" Take Their Toll On GOP
It Looks Like A Blue Nevada (Reno and Its Discontents)
Conservatives converge on Sparks (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Regents to discuss gun training for professors (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Rogers' speech might not be far off base (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Public Schools
School counselors get relief, students get time: New state law eases testing duties, so counselors can counsel (Las Vegas Sun article)
Clark County School District
Desert Pines shows flexibility: High school varies start times for classes, bolstering safety, offering students options (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Lyon County School District
Dayton Middle School staff tell parents fostering good behavior is important (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Cancer
Jury orders Wyeth to pay out millions (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Influenza
Flu season returns (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Alternative Energy
A mighty wind (Reno News & Review article)
Conservation
Guide to green: The Great Green Guide of Reno-Tahoe shows there’s more green going in Reno than you might think (Reno News & Review article)
Make a plan for new light bulbs: Make a plan for changing incandescents for compact fluorescent lights (Reno News & Review editorial)
Wild Beasts
Bad news, bears: Northern Nevada’s drought has brought bears into Reno to raid the local garbage cans (Reno News & Review article)
Smarter than the average town: Can Reno learn about bears from a Canadian tourist town? (Reno News & Review article)
Graze under fire: Desert tortoise narrowly averts increased grazing on its habitat, for now (Reno News & Review article)
Wild horses on the move – again (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Sentence Of Death
Man faces execution by injection on Monday (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Short-Staffed
Services at children's center halted over staffing shortage: Sex abuse program among those affected (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Grand Theft Auto
To catch a thief (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Wedding Chapel Wars
Newlyweds' vow: Return to Vegas, try to help close down chapel (Las Vegas Sun article)
Every Move You Make, Every Step You Take, I'll Be Watching You
More cameras on the Strip? ACLU blasts proposal headed to transit panel (Las Vegas Sun article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Gaming revenue dips in Nevada during August: Lack of special events limits high-end bettors (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gaming win up in Carson, but down statewide (Nevada Appeal article)
Gaming results shrink (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Under the radar, Caesars dealers push for union: Organizers rely mainly on Internet to get message to colleagues, out of bosses' sight (Las Vegas Sun article)
GAMBLING BEYOND NEVADA: Boardwalk bound -- MGM Mirage plans Atlantic City's largest hotel-casino complex (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Past
60 ghost hunters are set to invade Virginia City's spirit world this weekend (Nevada Appeal article)
The day Lucky Bill's fortune changed (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
In TNO's Reading Room:
David Thompson, Lynch Law -- The Carson Valley People's Court (1980)
Frances Fuller Victor, Popular Tribunals of Utah and Nevada (1887)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada Test Site
Federal officials decried: Downwinders worry relief will never come (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Reid still gets budget earmarks (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Reid says conservatives ill-served Mormons: Democrat critical of ex-church leader (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Shameful SCHIP Debate (Reno and Its Discontents)
Federal Tax Collection
The Medieval, Abusive And Inefficient Practice Of "Tax Farming"
Taxpayers Stiffed by Tax Collection PCAs: H.R. 695, S.335 need action (Desert Beacon)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Did Nothing Wrong, But Need Retroactive Immunity
Congress and wiretaps (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Don't Look, Don't Tell
Diego Rivera, La Conquista - The Landing at Veracruz (detail) [click on image to enlarge].
Must justice be a victim? Courts turn their backs on man's credible claims of abduction and torture (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Immigration Reform
First, follow this country's laws: Why should we expect illegal immigrants to follow our other laws? (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)
===================================
October 12, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
The State Judiciary
Judicial Records
Rule upholds openness in courts (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Recent Cases
Court: Prison has responsibility when releasing disabled inmates (Nevada Appeal article)
State Supreme Court revives disabled former inmate's case: Nevada named in negligence lawsuit (Associated Press article)
Butler v. Bayer, 123 Nev. Adv. Op. No. 44 (Nevada Supreme Court website)
Malpractice case reinstated with limits (Nevada Appeal article)
Martinez v. Maruszczak, 123 Nev. Adv. Op. No. 43 (Nevada Supreme Court website)
Ethics
The state's conscience (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Nevada's Economy
New filings for foreclosures rise in September: Nevada at top of list for ninth month in a row (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Despite foreclosures, other U.S. areas feel more stress (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
EDAWN picks top businesses of the year (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Uneconomical
LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY -- State settles for less than cost to fix fallen tiles (Las Vegas Sun article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Human error caused emergency message mix-up (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County
Local teen pregnancy rate remains steady but high (Lahontan Valley News article)
Local real estate market remains sluggish (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
REMODELING CONTROVERSY: Building official shifted -- Inspector removed from Rio investigation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Visitor volume to Las Vegas edges higher by 0.4 percent (Associated Press article)
Douglas County
Jethro's moves closer to reality: Gambling variance passes again; derrick talks delayed (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Planning commission denies appeal (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Trustees direct staff to spend time on Independent Incline effort (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
IVGID board approves community involvement (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
CAB prioritizes DRIVE program (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Lake Tahoe officials look to reduce wildfire dangers (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Washoe County
Sparks OKs residential zone change (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Virginia Street Bridge needs immediate repairs (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Saving lives in a fire, not costs, must be Reno's No. 1 priority (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
__________
Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
Edwards plans to triple Nevada campaign operations (Associated Press article)
Richardson unsure about gaming tax hike (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Elkoan named to Romney campaign (Elko Free Press article)
Jon Ralston on Rudy, Hillary, political staffs and Craig Walton (Las Vegas Sun column)
Caucus results: 'Everything Pizza' leads 'Veggie': Incline Village Democrats learn through 'mock' caucus (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Republican Party Identity Crisis
"The political horizon for conservatives is bleak and will get worse before it gets better, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey said Thursday."
Republicans' opinions vary greatly on candidates, presidential race (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Richard Viguerie says GOP has abandoned conservatives (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
"Who will prove best able -- and most credible -- in carrying the banner of tax cuts, smaller government, more freedom, and less bureaucratic meddling in our lives remains to be seen. But they've got a banner, and that's a start."
Have GOP candidates found the banner? Party wins with low-tax, small government approach (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Real change needed for Assembly Republicans (Chuck Muth column, Nevada Appeal)
Conservatives to Nevada: Would you like four more years like the last six? (Desert Beacon)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Faculty guns in regents' hands: Panel backs plans to arm college staff (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
BOARD OF REGENTS: UNLV gets temporary reprieve: Orthodontics program has six months to fix problems (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Public Schools
Clark County School District
Sad to say (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Douglas County School District
School district discusses bond question (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Douglas County begins radon mitigation in Tahoe schools (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Lyon County School District
Lyon school growth slows, enrollment appears below budget projections (Fernley Leader-Courier)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Cancer
Wyeth fights more than 5,000 lawsuits nationwide (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Influenza
Vaccine clinics scheduled as flu season returns (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Flu shots being offered throughout October (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Sentence Of Death
Groups lobby board to halt man's execution: Letter notes court review of lethal injection (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
ACLU calls on Pardons Board to block death sentence (Nevada Appeal article)
Execution procedures tightened (Nevada Appeal article)
Nevada has long history of inflicting capital punishment (Nevada Appeal article)
$kindustry Regulation
Prostitution suspect a legitimate businesswoman, attorney says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Raid rubs massage parlors wrong way: Weapons, camera raise questions as new group begins fight (Las Vegas Sun article)
Scams
Check Scam!: Local woman finds out she’s not a winner after all (Elko Free Press article)
A Nigerian businessman down on his luck? (Barry Ginter column, Nevada Appeal)
Tribulations
JOHN L. SMITH: It shouldn't be this hard to seat an impartial drug case jury (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Appealing
Murphy, Tabish appeal convictions in Ted Binion silver theft case (Associated Press article)
Amnesty
Amnesty just the ticket for hundreds: Court clears cases with traffic warrant moratorium (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Surprise Adios
Police chief resigns (Lahontan Valley News article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Fire And Drought
Hearing examines ways to ease drought in West: Speakers urge tactics to counter global warming (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Climate change may increase wildfires in Great Basin (Associated Press article)
Coal-Burning Power Plant Projects
Reid continues to take firm stance against coal-fired plants (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Conservation And Alternative Energy
Green living catches on: Carson City, Douglas County homes featured in solar tour (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Wild Beasts
Mother bear, 2 cubs euthanized in Pine View (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Three home-wrecking bears put down (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
Enjoy the very last of the Fall colors but you better hurry (Nevada Appeal article)
__________
Nevada Culture
Annual American Indian festival celebrates cultural heritage (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Fork in the road: Maybe what the world needs is a big-ass labyrinth. One lecturer thinks so (Las Vegas CityLife article)
Farmers' bounty on display at festivals (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Union presses downtown casino owners: It sets deadlines to make deals, and worried workers are insisting on job security (Las Vegas Sun article)
Dirty sheets, towels a bargaining chip: Culinary ups ante in talks with laundry (Las Vegas Sun article)
Market upsets Jean plan -- WHAT HAPPENED: MGM Mirage closed Nevada Landing to make way for new development, but that project is on hold (Las Vegas Sun article)
Meet Sheldon Adelson
Sheldon's selective outrage (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)
Macau's deal with the devil (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Columnist pursues bankruptcy protection (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Past
Now comes the hard part for the Historical Society of Dayton – fundraising (Nevada Appeal article)
Ghost stops on literary tour, and a plea for preservation (Las Vegas Sun article)
Take this job and shove it! Panel discussion at the Springs Preserve details the horror stories of Hoover Dam's construction (Las Vegas CityLife article)
__________
Nevada Journalism
They don't regret the error: Meant to set the record straight, newspaper corrections often deceive more than enlighten (Las Vegas CityLife article)
What else went on in local media this year? Glad you asked. Here's a quick roundup of Media Notes (Las Vegas CityLife article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Coffeehouse recruiting: Las Vegas is one of five cities where the Army is trying 'coffee with a soldier' to boost its ranks and image (Las Vegas Sun article)
===================================
Update for October 12, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada Taxes
Extracting A Fair Share For Education From Nevada's Gambling Cartels
"After years of being the gamers' pawn in trying to raise business taxes, defeated by ineptitude, the teachers, feeling like kings and queens, may finally have gotten it right at the wrong time for the casinos."
Jon Ralston on Politics: Clever move (In Business Las Vegas column)
STAR Bonds: Special Tax Favors For Politicians' Special Favorites
Tourism and Gaming: Tourism-based sales tax break stirs debate (In Business Las Vegas article)
Nevada's Economy
Home prices take a big hit (In Business Las Vegas article)
Local Government
Clark County
Real Estate and Development: Homebuilders slowed but not stalled (In Business Las Vegas article)
On display: Bus tour participants witness valley's billion-dollar developmental projects (In Business Las Vegas article)
Elko County
Spring Creek: Project on Track (Elko Free Press article)
Dump area northwest of Carlin cleaned again (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada Politics
Romney says he speaks for Republican wing of GOP (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
Reno jury cuts $100 million out of drug award (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Co-defendant to plea, testify in O.J. Simpson armed robbery case (Associated Press article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Recycling
Law and Small Business: Donating old computers a wise business move (In Business Las Vegas article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
In Business Q and A: Pete Bernhard, Nevada Gaming Commission chairman (In Business Las Vegas interview)
Nevada casino win drops in August: Elko County posts biggest percentage gain in state (Elko Free Press article)
MGM and ANC shelve Jean plans (In Business Las Vegas article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Reid: Gore's Vision, Long An Inspiration To Senate Democrats, Now Recognized Worldwide With Nobel Prize (Sen. Reid press release)
Return Of The Robber Barons
U.S. income gap widens, richest share hits record (Reuters article)
Immigration Reform
Texan mayors threaten court to stop border fence (Reuters article)
Judge Delays Part of Ariz.-Mexico Fence (Associated Press article)
Tainted Products
Lawmakers seek tougher food-safety rules (Reuters article)
ConAgra recalls pot pies on salmonella concerns (Reuters article)
Lipsticks contain lead, consumer group says (Reuters article)
FDA chief visits China to talk import safety (Reuters article)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
Cuomo expands student loan probe (Reuters article)
Clinton, chairman target more student loan changes (Reuters article)
Freedom And The Federal Government
The Problem Of Accountability In Our American Republic
“People who know they’re doing the right thing are not afraid of oversight.”
C.I.A. Internal Inquiry Troubling, Lawmakers Say (New York Times article)
Watchdog of C.I.A. Is Subject of C.I.A. Inquiry (New York Times article)
CIA investigates conduct of its inspector general: The internal inquiry is prompted by senior agency officials who say they were criticized unfairly in the watchdog's reports on secret overseas prisons (Los Angeles Times article)
The Problem Of Torture In Our American Republic
Diego Rivera, La Conquista - The Landing at Veracruz (detail) [click on image to enlarge].
Secrecy defense prevails in torture case: The Supreme Court refuses to hear a lawsuit from an alleged victim of brutality by the CIA. The decision is seen as a setback for civil libertarians (Los Angeles Times article)
Torture is Back! (Milt Beardon column, Yahoo!News)
Secrecy Surrounds Interrogation Practices (OMB Watch)
If Not Carter, Then Who? (Reno and Its Discontents)
No day in court: State secrets should not trump torture charges (Salt Lake City Tribune editorial)
An open letter to Karen Hughes: Your duty is to defend America's reputation in the world. To do so, you must persuade the Bush administration to renounce its abhorrent and hypocritical policy on torture (Sideney Blumenthal column, Salon Magazine)
We must ban secretive U.S. torture: Why the White House should turn over secret legal memos, and why I'm sponsoring legislation to end brutal interrogations (Sen. Edward M. Kennedy column, Salon Magazine)
George Bush authorised torture, says Carter (Telegraph [UK] article)
U.S. torture tactics shame us all (Helen Thomas column, Hearst Newspapers)
Release the torture memos (Boston Globe editorial)
How It Spreads . . . And It Always Spreads
Torture is not a game, says Amnesty (Amnesty International)
A Question For TNO Readers:
What Article, Section Or Clause In The US Constitution Empowers Federal Officials To Physically Torment Anyone?
Who's Next -- You?
Our Nation's Armed Forces
U.S., U.K. Defense Counterparts Discuss Iraq, Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)
Guard Works to Bring Back Prior-Service Soldiers (American Forces Press Service article)
"Tex" Hill of World War Two Flying Tigers dies at 92 (Reuters article)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
Karzai fear over Pakistan clashes (BBC News article)
Reaper Aids Commanders on Battlefield: New hunter-killer, unmanned aerial vehicle flies missions in Afghanistan (US Department of Defense website)
Marines probe Afghan civilian killings in March (Reuters article)
Taliban chief urges Afghanistan's neighbours to help drive out foreign troops (The Canadian Press article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Coalition, Iraqi Forces Work to Halt Cycle of Violence in Baghdad (American Forces Press Service article)
Coalition Air Strike in Iraq Claims Lives of Terrorists, Civilians (American Forces Press Service article)
Coalition General Notes Progress in Building Iraqi Air Force (American Forces Press Service article)
New Iraqi Air Force Continues to Grow: Officers, enlisted airmen graduate, ready to protect country (US Department of Defense website)
Stryker Cavalry Ridding Baghdad of Bombs, ‘Bad Guys’ (American Forces Press Service article)
Airmen Patrol Streets of Baghdad: Security Forces team helps ensure safety for troops, citizens (US Department of Defense website)
Welders Develop First Up-Armored Iraqi Police Truck: U.S. Army welders designed and built the first up-armored truck for the Iraqi police to use at checkpoints (US Department of Defense website)
Baghdad shooting victims sue Blackwater (Reuters article)
Mexico
Press groups concerned by killing of 3 newspaper vendors in southern Mexico (Associated Press article)
Mexico: Examining Oil Infrastructure Bombings (Stratfor article)
Myanmar (Burma)
Senate panel studies new ways to press Myanmar (Reuters article)
Myanmar says "deeply regrets" UN council statement (Reuters article)
Myanmar PM Soe Win reported dead (Reuters article)
RS22737 Burma Sanctions: Background and Options October 10, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
Pakistan
U.S. urged to change tack in Pakistan as ally falters (Reuters article)
Pakistan court takes up Bhutto amnesty deal challenges (Reuters article)
Bin Laden more likely to be in a city than a cave: former ISI chief (Pakistan Times article)
Turkey
Turkey's PM says U.S. relations in danger (Reuters article)
Gates Expresses Concern About Resolution's Impact on U.S.-Turkey Relations (American Forces Press Service article)
Turkey plans incursion, PKK says ready to attack (Reuters article)
The Vatican
Knights Templar win heresy reprieve after 700 years (Reuters article)
===================================
October 13, 2007
_____
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Economy
Gibbons to reveal plans for shortfall: Sales tax, gaming revenue below estimates (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada Taxes
Extracting A Fair Share For Education From Nevada's Gambling Cartels
"By more than a 3-1 margin, likely Nevada voters support the Nevada State Education Association's proposal to increase the gaming tax by 3 percentage points and spend the proceeds on public school education, according to a poll commissioned by the Review-Journal."
POSSIBLE INITIATIVE: Gaming tax hike backed -- Voters support more moderate plan, poll finds (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Wall Street scared of gaming tax hikes (Vegas Pundit)
Tax Breaks For Green Buildings
JANE ANN MORRISON: 'Green' construction bill put local government tax collections in the red (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry
USA Capital investor vents anger: Unhappy contributor says he'd like representatives from hard-money lender shot (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Carson City considering $200,000 bailout for performance hall (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
If you build it, they will come? County taking steps on Rio inspection fiasco (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Ivanpah, water woes top chamber's D.C. agenda: Air quality around Ivanpah may prevent early development (Las Vegas Business Press article)
LV Monorail ridership shows rise for quarter (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Little room at the inn: Vacancy flat as hotel occupancy high (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Office vacancies rise amid housing market downturn: Despite elevated prices, rent growth slides for sixth quarter (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Douglas County
Douglas commissioners grant Hillbillies casino zoning (Nevada Appeal article)
Elko County
Elko County Commission: Gas tax hike on docket (Elko Free Press article)
Council mulls classrooms versus courts: Distribution of CDBG money discussed at Tuesday meeting (Elko Free Press article)
Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs: City receives $2,500 work zone safety package (Elko Free Press article)
Lyon County
County Affairs
Lyon PlanCom still saying 'no' to Wabuska ski lake development (Mason Valley News article)
City Of Fernley
Council approves rules, procedures governing councilmen (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
City Manager receives high rating, merit hike (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Nye County
County Affairs
County's sessions are now beamed to Calvada Eye (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Town Of Beatty
Town seeks charges against Phoenix Inn (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Town Of Pahrump
Incorporation panel has new officers (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Child care, pre-school for 150 is denied (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Pool and Bob Ruud to be improved (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
Three camps join forces against Clinton: Letter critical of ballot move (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Obama to Hillary: Get off Michigan ballot (Vegas Pundit)
GOP's Giuliani garners Nevadans' support (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Romney gets animated over medical marijuana (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Romney hires more NV staff (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Disintegration Of The Republican Party
"They want to blow sunshine up everybody's skirt and tell you everything is OK. Well, everything isn't OK."
Conservatives let loose angst, anger: Feeling betrayed, many vent at Republican Party, elected officials (Las Vegas Sun article)
Romney tries to appeal to conservatives (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Grover Norquist: Conservative movement "just fine" (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Richard Viguerie says GOP has abandoned conservatives (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Regents reject packing pistols: Highly publicized plan shot down (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"College of Southern Nevada administrators blocked access this week to a popular blog where members of the campus community post anonymous complaints and rants about school leaders."
LOOKING IN ON: HIGHER EDUCATION -- Rant goes off the wall, sends blog offline (Las Vegas Sun article)
Public Schools
Lyon County School District
YES named Distinguished Title I school (Mason Valley News article)
Nye County School District
School enrollment almost flat (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
CARING ABOUT KIDS: Center gets $150,000, recognition for treating uninsured cancer patients (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
A little electronic doctoring helps paperwork impaired: Claims estimator offers heads-up on patients costs (Las Vegas Business Press article)
Oversight woefully lacking: Federal audits show Medicare drug benefit program has significant problems (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Tracking cancer patients: Changes in VA policy could make it more difficult to monitor cancer trends, clusters (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
The Video Child Molester Case
Man who turned in tape faces child porn charge (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The OJ Case
LOW-LEVEL FELONY: Laborer accepts plea deal -- Lawyer says client to testify in O.J. Simpson robbery case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Immigration Sweeps
Community rallies on immigration issue (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
The Danger Of Fire
Summer of flames: Summer 2007 will be remembered as one of the most volatile, destructive — and costly — fire seasons in Tahoe-Truckee's history (Sierra Sun article)
Fire safety will now be a factor in considering stream-zone projects (Tahoe City Tribune article)
Fire department: Plan an escape route (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Water Matters
SNWA The Water Moloch: The More It Takes, The More It Needs
The dustbowl effect: Environmentalists call a plan supported by Sen. Harry Reid to pump water from the Great Basin to Las Vegas as dangerous as global warming (Las Vegas Sun article)
Lake Tahoe
$2 million slated for Crystal Bay water quality improvement project (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
The Walker River
Walker Basin water outlook shows little to no improvement (Mason Valley News article)
__________
Nevada Utilities
LEFT WITH POWERLESS FEELING: First missed payment in 27 years nearly brings power disconnection (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Valley Electric tacks on impact fees to hookups (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Nevada Culture
At Rhyolite: 'Halloween' arts to be staged at Goldwell (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Unions set deadlines for casinos to OK new pacts (Las Vegas Business Press article)
The Culinary buys some billboards (Vegas Pundit)
"Slot machines are becoming increasingly deceptive and addictive and the federal government should investigate and regulate them, an anti-gambling group said Friday."
GAMBLING ISSUES: Rise of slot machines decried -- Group calls for federal action, says states too dependent (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Veteran attorney helped bring orderly process to gaming industry: Bob Faiss believes state, U.S. laws pose major obstacle to Internet gaming (Las Vegas Business Press article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
For Yucca, size doesn't matter (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Unregulated Youth Programs
Into the Wilderness: Relatively Unregulated Youth Programs (Desert Beacon)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Did Nothing Wrong, But Need Retroactive Immunity
Surveillance stalemate: Refusal to reveal phone companies' roles in eavesdropping leaves Congress no choice (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The Problem Of Torture In Our American Republic
Why torture works for faith-based Bush (Kirk Caraway)
===================================
October 14, 2007
-----
Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Economy
Mortgage Meltdown
FORECLOSURES IN THE SILVER STATE: UPSIDE DOWN -- Woes of housing market translate into pain for Nevada's economy (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
FORECLOSURES: THE EFFECTS SPREAD: ENOUGH DRAMA, SAYS VETERAN BROKER (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
FORECLOSURES: THE EFFECTS SPREAD: Payments were manageable until health, work situation changed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Las Vegas a risky-loan leader: During the boom, percentage of new mortgages that were subprime was way above U.S. average (Las Vegas Sun article)
They made risky loans, so where are they now? (Las Vegas Sun article)
Credit Crunch
SMALL BUSINESSES FEEL CASH CRUNCH: Tighter standards make it harder to secure a loan (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Immigration And Nevada
Experts agree that loss of undocumented workers would rock state's economy (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
State's Hispanics gaining in economic strength (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Judge botches immigration ruling: Fraudulent Social Security number? No problem (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Hispanic issues can't be ignored by candidates (Ellie Lopez-Bowlan column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Nevada Taxes
Extracting A Fair Share For Education From Nevada's Gambling Cartels
TAXATION: Casino tax debate hot again -- Teachers want levy on largest gaming operators raised (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
State voters support upping gaming tax for public schools, new poll finds (Associated Press article)
Economists: Casinos would shrug off tax hike -- Vegas sells an experience visitors can't get elsewhere, they say (Las Vegas Sun article)
Jon Ralston on why Nevada's weak politicians are the real culprits behind the controversial gaming tax initiative (Las Vegas Sun column)
GEOFF SCHUMACHER: Casinos shouldn't shoulder education burden alone (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Jeff Simpson says casino bosses are right, but partly to blame for tax plan (Las Vegas Sun column)
Brass tacks: Looking for someone to tax -- Four leaders in education, business don't hold back on how to pay for schools (Las Vegas Sun article)
Local Government
Clark County
Council agenda includes 'only in Vegas' items: Wedding chapel, strip club on list (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Harrah's closes rooms to check remodeling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL -- Arena developers still in the game but ask the city for another timeout (Las Vegas Sun article)
Douglas County
Hillbillies casino zoning granted (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
"The California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission is exploring declaring an emergency in the basin to hasten fuel reduction projects and open doors to state and federal funding."
Panel considers emergency declaration (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Lyon County
Grassroots group says Lyon needs bus system (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Washoe County
UPAY4ME Politics
This isn't the time to reduce impact fees (Jerry Purdy column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
"The tax consumers are at it again, folks. A big fight is shaping up in Washoe County to see how many times politicians can stick their hands in our pockets."
The Sherwood forest of state taxes (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
__________
Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
By far, war in Iraq tops list of issues concerning voters (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
NEVADA CAUCUSES: Clinton, Giuliani atop poll -- Democrat far out in front; GOP race tight (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
ERIN NEFF: In Nevada, Hillary steamrolling Democratic foes (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Obama opens Carson City campaign office (Nevada Appeal article)
Richardson picks up union endorsement: Democrat's schedule packed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Disintegration Of The Republican Party
A very few good men (Glen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
'Incentive' pay for teachers (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Giving enough guidance: New law will hopefully give counselors enough time to help the students they serve (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: A policy of uniform indoctrination (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Churchill County School District
Two local principals offer differing responses regarding the presence of guns in school (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County School District
Brian Greenspun urges the county to learn from Agassi's school (Las Vegas Sun article)
Douglas County School District
Parents wonder: What radon level is safe enough? (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Washoe County School District
Enrollment numbers show continued student loss (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
__________
Nevada Health Matters
NEVADA VIEWS: A tsunami of aging -- Nevada not prepared for demographic tidal wave (Janice R. Ayres column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Sentence Of Death
Castillo's choice should be honored Monday (Nevada Appeal editorial)
$kindustry Regulation
Corruption trial spawns lawsuit over strip club's liquor license (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Scams
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Swindler schemes nothing new to Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Plea Bargains
Can someone help me understand how a shooting spree ended up a misdemeanor? (John DiMambro column, Nevada Appeal)
Drug Thefts
Paramedic arrested in new drug theft: Police say man broke into fire station, stole drugs (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
__________
Our Beautiful Region
Ancient Indian Ruins
TRIP OF THE WEEK: Autumn perfect season to check out Montezuma Castle (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)
The Tahoe Rim Trail
Thanks for building a Tahoe Basin legacy (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
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Nevada Culture
Fall family fun in Fallon (Lahontan Valley News article)
Hunters pursue Virginia City spooks (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
East Ely Railroad Depot Museum tells of Nevada Northern Railway's history (Rich Moreno column, Lahontan Valley News)
Bike rodeo helps kids learn cycling survival skills (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?
INSIDE GAMING: The Street sees MGM pressing a point (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
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Nevada Journalism
THOMAS MITCHELL: Bullying through litigation (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
JOHN L. SMITH: Any problem is beatable when you've been to hell and back (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
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October 15, 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 Economy
Effects Of Inadequate State Regulation Of The Mortgage Industry
"Outright fraud was partly responsible for the foreclosure crisis. Attempts to end it will be marked by more of the same."
FORECLOSURES: THE EFFECTS SPREAD: Everybody's doing it -- to people like you (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
FORECLOSURES: THE EFFECTS SPREAD: Widow's refinancing turns into horror (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
FORECLOSURES IN THE SILVER STATE: BLIGHT ON THE BLOCK -- Neighbors often pay the price for rampant foreclosures (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Gas Up
Gas prices on the rise again (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Owner of old Wal-Mart site: More money likely needed: Redevelopment manager agrees, says getting business into 'blighted building' is important (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
JANE ANN MORRISON: Sunrise landfill cleanup raises question of fairness about who pays for it (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Henderson chose 'best' without looking at others: City skipped search, named deputy new manager (Las Vegas Sun article)
Retired fire chief 'happy' he's out: City's first black chief lists achievements (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Washoe County
“The cities and the county are all desperate for development.”
Groups eye growth in Washoe's wild places (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Politics
The Latest Nevada Polls
Poll: Reid's popularity falls among Nevadans (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Iraq war still irks voters: But R-J poll shows support grew slightly with troop surge (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
IMMIGRATION POLICY: Making tough choices -- Poll asks voters to choose one of two options (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Poll: Clinton, Giuliani ahead (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
RJ's Nevada poll reflects more consistent presidential results (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Conservative Leadership Conference straw poll results (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Senator Reid less popular than George Bush? (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
2008 Presidential Races
Nobel raises hopes of Gore fan: Internet forum urges Democrat to seek presidency (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Obama to host Reno meeting (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Democrats Targeting GOP Voters In Nevada or Just a Bad List Buy? (Dullard Mush)
Is Hillary really a Corporatist? (Blue Lyon)
Is Hillary Really a Corporatist? (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
Local Politics
Nevada GOP executive director in jail (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Ty Cobb: A Legislative Summary (Reno and Its Discontents)
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Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Internet school teaches online safety for youth (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION -- Teacher of the Year puts students' interests first (Las Vegas Sun article)
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Nevada Health Matters
Study looks at health behaviors of Nevada residents (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
WEEK IN REVIEW: CLARK COUNTY -- Hospital hopes discount will lead to revenue boost (Las Vegas Sun article)
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Nevada Law Enforcement
Sentence Of Death
He says he's ready; will he die tonight? By seeking an appeal, killer William Castillo could, at the last moment, halt his execution (Las Vegas Sun article)
Courthouse Shooting Case
Court begins to cull jurors: Lawyers to interview some 200 Las Vegans in Mack murder case (Associated Press article)
Search for jury to start today (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Culture
Silver Springs celebrates 57th Founders Day: Parade grand marshal, musician came back to supportive town after tragedy (Nevada Appeal article)
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Nevada's Past
Historic Star Hotel to once again shine: Late 1800s Truckee hotel is slated for restoration (Sierra Sun article)
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Federal Nevada
As district changes, so do Porter's votes: But on the war the GOP lawmaker is standing by Bush (Las Vegas Sun article)
Less red ink, but still sinking: Budget deficit lowest in five years (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
WASHINGTON DIGEST: Private tax collection opposed -- House votes to end government practice, return $1.1 billion (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
A federal responsibility: The IRS should deal with delinquent taxpayers, not private collection companies (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Trashing a 12-year-old: Conservatives vilify a boy and his family in a mean campaign to kill children's health plan (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Food safety failures: FDA has not implemented appropriate measure to ensure the nation's food supply is safe (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Wildlife funding lacking: Former Interior secretary cites Bush cuts as reasons for refuge system's deterioration (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Groundbreaker for the Bush Administration? Domestic spying program in place before Sept. 11th (Desert Beacon)
Web of Support seeks families to adopt troops in Middle East (Nevada Appeal article)
New embassy a symbol of all that is wrong in Iraq (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)
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October 16, 2007
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Economy
State Funding Shortfall
REVENUES BELOW EXPECTATIONS: Gibbons asks for budget cut plans -- Higher education, human services likely to bear brunt (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Governor orders budget belt tightening: State official says planning ahead, $185M in cuts, to minimize impact on services if economy doesn't improve (Nevada Appeal article)
Gibbons asks agencies to cut 5% from their budgets (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The Gibbons budget cuts (Vegas Pundit)
Extracting A Fair Share For Education From Nevada's Gambling Cartels
Taxes In Nevada: Gaming Gets Deal -- Sales, Property, Mining Have The Highest Rates (Nevada Observer article)
ERIN NEFF: 'Betting on Nevada' (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
"Nevadans should be discussing how all businesses and people can responsibly share the burden of paying for services that provide a high quality of life, instead of shirking off the responsibility on one industry."
A question of responsibility: Out-of-state businesses and others take from Nevada and see no reason to give back (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
The State Judiciary
No hearing for night court yet: Instead, Clark County will consider renovations to make room for six new judges (Las Vegas Sun article)
The Governor Of Nevada
The Ruvo Room Rumble (Muth's Truths)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
Best option: BAC takes care of business on its own (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Clark County
City pay raise proposal could advance today: Mayor's salary would more than double (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Commissioner pushes dog-fighting restrictions: Weekly hopes move will prompt state to follow suit (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Elko County
Building permits slow in first quarter (Elko Free Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
With permits in place, city cuts airport trees (Tahoe City Tribune article)
Washoe County
Council to look at river plaza agreement (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Sparks hires lawyer for councilman (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Reno, Sparks to join effort to end world poverty (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
Richardson in Las Vegas sees Clinton claiming victory (Associated Press article)
Clinton reports $50 million cash-on-hand (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
'Providing a helping hand' (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Disintegration Of The Republican Party
In Paul, libertarians see their next Goldwater: Gathering in Sparks highlights conservatives' feeling of betrayal, search for true believer (Las Vegas Sun article)
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Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Lost in the bullet points: Professors with guns - Nevada schools say media's stray shots took out a worthwhile idea (Las Vegas Sun article)
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Nevada Health Matters
The Problem Of Cancer
Scientists explain research at leukemia cluster symposium (Lahontan Valley News article)
Scientists: Environment may factor into cancer mystery (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Giant colon coming to Carson City: Colon cancer can almost always be treated successfully if detected early (Nevada Appeal article)
Reno jury awards $99 million in punitive damages in Wyeth drug case (Associated Press article)
University Medical Center
UMC chief to propose discount structure for uninsured county residents (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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Nevada Law Enforcement
Sentence Of Death
State's high court stays execution of Castillo (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Execution called off: Court orders full hearing on lethal-injection issues (Nevada Appeal article)
State justices halt inmate's execution (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Video Child Molester Case
GIRL RAPED ON VIDEOTAPE: Sex abuse suspect arrested -- Stiles captured during Henderson traffic stop (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Domestic Violence
Display depicts a reality of domestic violence: More than 38,000 Nevadans received help in 2006 (Nevada Appeal article)
Domestic Violence Addressed By State: Nevada Leads Nation In Number Of Women Killed (Nevada Observer article)
Courthouse Shooting Case
Mack jury selection moves slowly (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Jury selection slow going in relocated Mack trial (Associated Press article)
The OJ Case
Simpson players appear in court: Two co-defendants to accept plea deals (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The Problem Of Methamphetamine
Sting takes down alleged drug dealers (Elko Free Press article)
Immigration Sweeps
Reno police, ACLU join flap over Mexican flag (Associated Press article)
Q&A Tuesday: Minuteman director explains group's immigration mission (Nevada Appeal interview)
Look at facts when talking immigration (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Traffic Enforcement
Reno program is a good start at making local streets safer (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Animal Cruelty
"Criminal animal cruelty charges can't be pursued at the Lied Animal Shelter because investigators couldn't substantiate the allegations in a blistering Humane Society report, according to a statement issued Monday by the city of Las Vegas."
Charges unlikely in city probe of shelter (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Search And Rescue
Team goes on without Fossett (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Branson says Steve Fossett likely lost forever (Associated Press article)
As winter closes in, authorities suspend search for Steve Fossett (Associated Press article)
A flaming good time: Jaws of Life steal show at fire prevention picnic (Elko Free Press article)
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Nevada's Environment
Corporate Water Speculators
"After more than eight years, it's long past time Sandy Valley residents were left to sip their water in peace."
JOHN L. SMITH: After eight years, two rulings, water giant still trying to suck Sandy Valley dry (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Wild Beasts
Repeated bear break-ins trouble homeowners (Sierra Sun article)
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Nevada Utilities
Sierra Pacific lawsuit against Storey County to be heard Nov. 1 (Nevada Appeal article)
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Nevada Culture
Women’s Expo a hit (Elko Free Press article)
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From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
LABOR: 'Big deal' for two casinos -- Tentative agreement could spark more pacts downtown (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Looking in on: Gaming -- Newcomer out to make mark with Fontainebleau (Las Vegas Sun article)
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Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
DOE Changes Direction One More Time: Going For Bigger, What About Better (Nevada Observer article)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Reid braves rival's turf, in the name of bipartisanship (Las Vegas Sun article)
BERKLEY VOTES TO END ABUSIVE PRIVATE IRS DEBT COLLECTION (Rep. Berkley press release)
National Health Matters
RS22735 Spending by Employers on Health Insurance: A Data Brief October 10, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
SSA Disability Representatives: Fee Payment Changes Show Promise, but Eligibility Criteria and Representative Overpayments Require Further Monitoring GAO-08-5, October 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Defense Health Care: DOD Needs to Address the Expected Benefits, Costs, and Risks for Its Newly Approved Medical Command Structure GAO-08-122, October 12, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Hazardous Materials: EPA May Need to Reassess Sites Receiving Asbestos-Contaminated Ore from Libby, Montana, and Should Improve Its Public Notification Process GAO-08-71, October 12, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Protecting accountability: Congress should demand answers in CIA director's probe of agency's inspector general (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
TARGETING ENEMY FORCES: Reaper in U.S. arsenal -- Air Force hails pilotless plane (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Improvement Continues in DOD's Reporting on Sustainable Ranges, but Opportunities Exist to Improve Its Range Assessments and Comprehensive Plan GAO-08-10R, October 11, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Where's the outrage been? Iraq inflamed about Blackwater, yet has neglected to build its own security forces (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Webster is Right (Desert Beacon)
A Federal Reader
Class-action nonsense: Going after the lawyers (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Financial Regulation: Industry Trends Continue to Challenge the Federal Regulatory Structure GAO-08-32, October 12, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Retirement Security: Women Face Challenges in Ensuring Financial Security in Retirement GAO-08-105, October 11, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Tax Administration: The Internal Revenue Service Can Improve Its Management of Paper Case Files GAO-07-1160, September 28, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Issues Regarding the Current and Future Use of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet October 9, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)
Export-Import Bank: Improvements Needed in Assessment of Economic Impact GAO-07-1071, September 12, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
USDA: Information on Classical Plant and Animal Breeding Activities GAO-07-1171R, September 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
===================================
October 17, 2007
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Economy
State Funding Shortfall
Cuts to state agencies a tough but proactive move (Nevada Appeal editorial)
Jon Ralston notes how lucky pols are that voters don't pay attention (Las Vegas Sun column)
The Housing Market
Housing, salary imbalances grow: Home value decline, foreclosure surge not enough to solve affordability crisis (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The State Judiciary
County seeks ways to keep courts afloat: Drop in revenues threatens system (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws
Opinion might affect public workers in office (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Open Meeting Law
Wrong address leads to filing of complaint (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
BAC fixes loan problem with refinance; city avoids bailout (Nevada Appeal article)
Churchill County
Refuse company cuts service to 74 rural Fallon-area customers as residents search for other options (Lahontan Valley News article)
Clark County
HARRAH'S LAS VEGAS: 'Fire watch' set up -- Clark County fire officials order safety precautions at Strip hotel (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Office space hits new high in Las Vegas: Rent at Hughes Center reaches $3.85 a square foot, could hit $4 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
The homebuilders pay a lot -- So don't tax them! (Vegas Pundit)
Elko County
Take Pride in Elko (Elko Free Press article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Parking rates going up at Heavenly Village garage (Tahoe City Tribune article)
Lyon County
Lyon looks at agreements for key distribution, cleaning for Stagecoach Community Center (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Developers plan shopping center in Silver Springs (Lahontan Valley News article)
Lyon Commissioners to consider bids for Dayton Events Center restroom, concession building construction (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
City contracts with Washington lobbyist (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Mesa Drive residents file lawsuit against City of Fernley (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Washoe County
Manager: Events center in need of renovations (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Races
Democrats affirm Jan. 19 presidential contest: Decision follows South Carolina's schedule for Jan. 26 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
NV Dems will not change caucus date (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Romney surges into lead in Nevada fundraising: Republican leads all presidential hopefuls (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Republicans continue to outraise Democrats in Nevada (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Local Races
Daskas trails Porter in cash as he mounts congressional bid: Democrat filed as candidate Sept. 10 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada GOP Tidbits (Muth's Truths)
Nevada Voting
Voting Machine Company Playing Fast and Loose (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)
General Political Opinion
Larry Craig can't blush (Ed Iverson column, Lahontan Valley News)
Immigration: an economic issue (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Bring the world closer to our homes (Andrew Whyman column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
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Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Skool Daze (Muth's Truths)
Carson City School District
"It’s often suggested that we need to run government like a business. But such a notion isn’t just a pipe dream; it’s a crack-pipe dream."
Businessmen Are From Mars, Bureaucrats Are From Venus (Muth's Truths)
Douglas County School District
Douglas High inherits pieces of the past (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Scarselli students learn where milk comes from (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Elko County School District
Adobe traffic plan developed (Elko Free Press article)
Lyon County School District
Senior students developing "candidates" for mock caucus (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Washoe County School District
$4.5m price tag placed on sports complex (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
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Nevada Law Enforcement
Sentence Of Death
Q&A: Nancy Hart -- Don't give killers choice, death penalty foe urges (Las Vegas Sun article)
Reviewing lethal injection: Nevada executions should be postponed until after U.S. Supreme Court decision (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Request to Stay All Executions in Nevada (50354 and 48291) (Nevada Supreme Court website)
Video Child Molester Case
Arrest offers little satisfaction: Girl's mother hoped for a violent end for Stiles, lawyer says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Courthouse Shooting Trial
Juror pool grows (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Nine potential jurors advance past initial round: Attorneys ask about television viewing habits, travel plans (Associated Press article)
Shut Down
OneCap Mortgage told to cease and desist (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
"Investment" Scams
Arrest uncovers history of fraud schemes (Nevada Appeal article)
Vote Fraud
JOHN L. SMITH: Prosecution in election-rigging case delivers long-needed message (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Of Cameras And Tasers
"It's a black and white movie. Metro Police officers are walking toward a busted window, glass clinging to the frame like ragged teeth."
Tasers drop the perp, get the facts: Police see cameras as a way to protect officers; others less enthused (Las Vegas Sun article)
Child Support
ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS: Nevada improves child support effort -- State ranks low in arranging, collecting payments (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Underage Drinking
Two locals cited in 'shoulder tap' operation (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
Emergency Services
Substation to install more 911 stations (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Untaxed Sales
One person's eyesore, another's ride for sale: Streets sales often illegal, but no crackdown without a complaint (Las Vegas Sun article)
Clark County Commission Corruption Cases
30-MONTH SENTENCE: Kenny reports to prison -- One inmate praised camp as 'the best' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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Nevada Health Matters
Scientists review possible cancer cluster causes: Genes may have been hit with one-two punch (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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Nevada's Environment
Climate Change
Scientists meet just to talk about the weather (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
The Danger Of Fire
One Hot Summer: More than 580,000 acres blackened in Elko County (Elko Free Press article)
Winds, burn pile didn't mix in Centerville (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Calfire may be stationed again at Lake Tahoe (Sierra Sun article)
Crew works in foothills to cut wildfire danger (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Wild Beasts
A close-up view of an upstream battle (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Bear trash ordinance up Thursday (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Bears may add scare to trick or treating (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
People and bears a dangerous mix (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)
Bear breaks into Tahoe Pines home (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
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Nevada Water Matters
Suction Schemes
Washoe County to take over $84 million water project (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Lyon commissioners to look at water transfer requests (Nevada Appeal article)
Lyon Board to consider three water rights applications (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
The Carson River
Lyon Commission to consider final approval of grant for Carson River rehabilitation project (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
The Walker River
Walker Basin Project scoping meetings set (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
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Nevada Culture
Rail facility support sought: Couple to approach City Council concerning their longtime dream (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
How does one swim the length of Tahoe? (McAvoy Layne column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)
Man launches charter boat business on Pyramid Lake (Lahontan Valley News article)
Home Means Nevada
Coming home again ... and again (Karla Joost Harrison column, Nevada Appeal)
__________
From The Neon Empire
When Will The Gambling Cartels Start To Pay Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?
Fifth diamond for Venetian equals Wynn (Las Vegas Sun article)
"Robert Cashell Jr., son of Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, hopes for a birthday present Thursday from Nevada's State Gaming Commission."
Cashell awaits casino ruling (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada's Past
Blessed be St. Peter's: Celebration of building's 140th anniversary slated for Friday (Nevada Appeal article)
City, NDOT combine phases for Depot restoration (Fernley Leader-Courier article)
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Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
YUCCA MOUNTAIN: State says safety at risk -- Contractor hurrying to meet DOE schedule, petition alleges (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Political civility derailed for a day: McConnell's quote stirs partisan pot (Las Vegas Sun article)
ENSIGN: PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM SEX OFFENDERS BY FULLY FUNDING U.S. MARSHALS (Sen. Ensign press release)
ENSIGN CALLS FOR PERMANENT INTERNET TAX MORATORIUM (Sen. Ensign press release)
Will Heller vote to sustain veto of Military Family Job Protection Act improvements? (Desert Beacon)
In The US Congress
House OKs Free Flow of Information Act, 398-21 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Help for struggling homeowners? Washington and the foreclosure boom (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Mortgage crisis upon us: Action by Congress, private sector the best hope for averting economic downturn (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Information on Recent Default and Foreclosure Trends for Home Mortgages and Associated Economic and Market Developments GAO-08-78R, October 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Conservative compassion: A 'moral issue' ends in hypocrisy for right-wingers who are against insurance program (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Homeland Security
Aviation Security: DHS Has Made Progress in Securing the Commercial Aviation System, but Key Challenges Remain GAO-08-139T, October 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Transportation Security: Efforts to Strengthen Aviation and Surface Transportation Security are Under Way, but Challenges Remain GAO-08-140T, October 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Immigration Enforcement: ICE Could Improve Controls to Help Guide Alien Removal Decision Making GAO-08-67, October 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Maritime Security: One Year Later: A Progress Report on the SAFE Port Act GAO-08-171T, October 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement
House Passes Resolution on Iraq Corruption (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform press release)
Procurement Official Questioned About No-Work Deal Found Dead (Washington Post article)
Top Air Force Official Dies in Apparent Suicide (New York Times article)
Medicare Advantage: Required Audits of Limited Value GAO-08-154T, October 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Verizon Says It Turned Over Data Without Court Orders: Firm's Letter to Lawmakers Details Government Requests (Washington Post article)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
The Real Iraq We Knew (Washington Post article)
A Federal Reader
Government, brought to you by advertisers: Ads on translated Web sites could mislead their Hispanic users, critics warn (Las Vegas Sun article)
Mining claims near wilderness areas in state seen as threat: Wilderness areas in the state could be affected by pollution, public land analyst says (Los Angeles Times article)
Federal Financial Guarantees Under the Small Business Administration's 7(a) Program, October 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)
===================================
Update for October 17, 2007
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Wretched, Toothless Campaign Finance Laws
Nevada gets 'F' for campaign finance disclosure (Associated Press article)
Nevada's Economy
Gibbons looks for ways to cut state spending (Ely Times article)
Local Government
Nye County
Nye County votes against Utilities Inc. rate request (Pahrump Valley Times article)
Desert Utilities seeks more water revenue (Pahrump Valley Times article)
White Pine County
County moving toward independent finances (Ely Times article)
Power for downtown (Ely Times article)
__________
Nevada Education Matters
Public Schools
Elko County School District
Icing on the Cake: Cornerstone ceremony celebrates completion of Adobe Middle School (Elko Free Press article)
__________
Nevada's Environment
Coal Burning Power Plants
Draft EIS ready for ‘other' coal plant (Ely Times article)
The Public Lands
Wilderness Outreach (Ely Times article)
The Danger Of Fire
Fire Season 2007: Focus turning to rehab (Elko Free Press article)
Documentary Errors
Those inconvenient nine errors (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)
__________
Nevada Law Enforcement
Sentence Of Death
"How can any judge in the state of Nevada ask ‘What's the hurry?” when Robert Ybarra still sits out in Smith Valley defying the legal system to carry out the judgment of a jury of his peers."
As We See It: ‘What's the hurry? Where's the fire?' (Ely Times editorial)
Video Child Molester Case
Stiles arraigned in alleged videotaped assault case with child (Associated Press article)
Blows Lunch: Sex assault suspect in custody (Pahrump Valley Times article)
COUNTDOWN TO CAPTURE (Pahrump Valley Times article)
The OJ Case
AP Exclusive: Co-defendant says O.J. wanted guns at Vegas meet (Associated Press article)
$kindustry Regulation
Angel's Ladies brothel goes out of business (Pahrump Valley Times article)
__________
Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
Senate hearing scheduled on Yucca (Associated Press article)
Reid Statement on Upcoming Yucca Mountain Hearing (Sen. Reid press release)
Nevada wants Sandia Lab off Yucca Mountain project (Associated Press article)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
Nevada gets less federal cash than other states (Ely Times article)
Reid Commends Passage of Funding Bill to Make Nevada Safer (Sen. Reid press release)
Reid Praises Senate Banking Committee For Reporting Legislation To Extend Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (Sen. Reid press release)
BERKLEY URGES BUSH NOT TO OPPOSE NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARDS: Clean Power Provision Modeled After Current Nevada Law (Rep. Berkley press release)
Ensign votes against COPS program, Heller takes credit for funding he voted against (Desert Beacon)
PAC Man Porter: Same Money, Same Strings (Desert Beacon)
Homeland Security
Department of Homeland Security: Risk Assessment and Enhanced Oversight Needed to Manage Reliance on Contractors GAO-08-142T, October 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Department of Homeland Security: Improved Assessment and Oversight Needed to Manage Risk of Contracting for Selected Services GAO-07-990, September 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Multiple Efforts to Secure Control Systems Are Under Way, but Challenges Remain GAO-08-119T, October 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Multiple Efforts to Secure Control Systems Are Under Way, but Challenges Remain GAO-07-1036, September 10, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Detainee Literacy Rates Improve Through Education Programs (American Forces Press Service article)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
10/17/2007: DoD News Briefing with Press Secretary Morrell from the Pentagon (US Defense Department website)
10/15/2007: Special DoD Briefing with Gen. Ward and Admiral Ulrich from the Pentagon, Arlington, Va. (US Defense Department website)
Chilton Takes U.S. Strategic Command Helm (American Forces Press Service article)
Sea Services Unveil New Maritime Strategy (American Forces Press Service article)
Mullen Visit to Iraq, Afghanistan Revealed ‘Noticeable’ Improvements (American Forces Press Service article)
Departing JFCOM Commander Reflects on Military Transformation (American Forces Press Service article)
Bush, Commission Urge Congress to Fix Troop Health Care (American Forces Press Service article)
Testimony on Projecting the Costs to Care for Veterans of U.S. Military Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, October 17, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)
Questions for the Record Related to the Benefits and Medical Care for Federal Civilian Employees Deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq GAO-08-155R, October 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
Defense Business Transformation: A Full-time Chief Management Officer with a Term Appointment Is Needed at DOD to Maintain Continuity of Effort and Achieve Sustainable Success GAO-08-132T, October 16, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
U.S. Freight Forwarder Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges Involving the Military’s Program for Shipment of Household Goods (US Justice Department press release)
Foreign Affairs
The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan
10/17/2007: DoD News Briefing with Col. Chip Preysler from Afghanistan (US Defense Department website)
Road Network Holds Key to Eastern Afghanistan Security (American Forces Press Service article)
Troops Detain Five Suspected Militants, Assist Attack Victims (American Forces Press Service article)
Coalition Forces Pummel Taliban, Support Afghans as Winter Approaches (American Forces Press Service article)
Coalition Detains Suspected Militant in Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)
C-17 Crews Make Record Airdrop: Two C-17 air crews completed a record airdrop, simultaneously dropping supply loads in Afghanistan (US Defense Department website)
The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq
Nevadans grow weary of Iraq War (Ely Times article)
Al Qaeda Takes Hits in Iraq, But Still Dangerous, Bush Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Spokesman Cites Diplomacy as Preferred Course for Turk-PKK Issue (American Forces Press Service article)
Senior Official: Diplomacy Best Approach to Turkey-Iraq Tensions (American Forces Press Service article)
Brigade’s Departure Validates Surge Strategy, Commander Says (American Forces Press Service article)
Coalition Troops Net 17 Terrorists During Iraq Operations (American Forces Press Service article)
Grass-roots Security Efforts Help Drive Out Insurgents (American Forces Press Service article)
Iraqi Police Officers Receive Training in Numaniyah: Iraqi policemen are learning new ways to keep peace on the streets of Baghdad through a new month-long course (US Defense Department website)
A Federal Reader
RL34210 Electronic Rulemaking in the Federal Government October 16, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
RL34207 Crop Insurance and Disaster Assistance: 2007 Farm Bill Issues October 15, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
RL34203 Child Support Enforcement Program Incentive Payments: Background and Policy Issues October 05, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
Project-Based Rental Assistance: HUD Should Streamline Its Processes to Ensure Timely Housing Assistance Payments GAO-08-199T, October 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
RL34206 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Issues for the 110th Congress October 09, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
RL34208 Comparative Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness Research: Background, History, and Overview October 15, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)
Medical Devices: FDA's Approval of Four Temporomandibular Joint Implants GAO-07-996, September 17, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)
===================================
October 18, 2007
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Nevada Government
State Government
Nevada's Economy
Apartment rents up in Western U.S. as lending tightens: Data show costs higher in Las Vegas, Reno (Associated Press article)
Local rents creep higher (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Check! As the governor calls for some tough budget moves, he may regret some recent moves of his own (Las Vegas Sun article)
Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws
A small step against consolidated rule: Ethics Commission weighs in on double-dipping (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Lawyer can work both sides, county says: But some commissioners see conflict with trash hauler (Las Vegas Sun article)
The State Judiciary
A nuisance no more: Judge's yard now in compliance with county code (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Serving the public: Night court could be a good way to help people in the court system, as well as save space (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Local Government
Clark County
Fontainebleau plans viewed with wrath: Neighbors say 23-story add-on built illegally (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Lake Tahoe Basin
Truckee weighs bid to bring the Olympics back to Tahoe: Group wants to see winter games in Reno-Tahoe area in 2018 (Nevada Appeal article)
Lyon County
Silver Springs anticipates predicted boom (Associated Press article)
Supermarket, other businesses planned for Silver Springs (Nevada Appeal article)
Storey County
Persistent Cordevista project developer challenges judge (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
Vampires discover Reno: They’re tired of trashing Vegas. We’re next on the list.(Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)
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Nevada Politics
Nevada Democrats affirm Jan. 19 for caucus (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Getting motivated: The Nevada caucuses were moved up to January in order to diversify the voice of voters. Is it working? (Reno News & Review article)
General Political Opinion
ERIN NEFF: It's transpartisanship (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
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Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Start By Cutting Funding To The Chancellor's Office
Chancellor defies governor's request: Rogers refuses to devise plan to cut budget (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Public Schools
Carson City School District
Veterans share stories with middle schoolers (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County School District
Worried teachers, mixed messages, meetings aplenty (Las Vegas Sun article)
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Nevada Health Matters
State receives low marks in female health (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Law Enforcement
Sentence Of Death
Execution halted: A look at the arguments used by the ACLU in stopping a Nevada execution (Reno News & Review article)
Delay of execution is reasonable (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Video Child Molester Case
Suspect downcast in court: Stiles declines reading of charges (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
JANE ANN MORRISON: Add another one to list of most moronic nabbed in routine traffic stop (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
The Courthouse Shooting Case
5 added to Mack juror panel (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Shut Down
OneCap will challenge order to cease and desist (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Sex Offenders
County's per-capita number of sex offenders higher than other Nevada communities (Lahontan Valley News article)
Wedding Chapel Wars
GARDEN OF LOVE CHAPEL FEUD: Chapel's woes are growing -- Council takes closer look at several ceremonies (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Newlyweds irked over what happened in Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Chapel saga: Who's married, who's legit, who knows (Las Vegas Sun article)
Traffic Warrant Moratorium
In Spanish or English, a chance to clear up tickets: Today's the last day of traffic warrant moratorium (Las Vegas Sun article)
Drug Thefts
BURGLARY ALLEGATIONS: Judge orders no bail for paramedic: Suspect accused of escaping house arrest, breaking into fire station (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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Nevada Water Matters
TMWA, The Mutant Leech.
Area water authority urges meter change (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Money, risk halt search for water (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Another Suction Scheme
Lyon County commissioners to review water transfer plans (Lahontan Valley News article)
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Nevada's Environment
Biologists say taking food to bears not a good move (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Culture
Clark County Museum plans spooky events (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Halloween week festivities include dance, haunted house (Dayton Courier article)
Our 'Phantom' plays to sold-out houses; then there's real opera (Nevada Appeal article)
Mining history explored during special event (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
All kinds of useful information on Nevada waterfowl hunting (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?
Nugget, workers reach accord: Tentative deal affects about 1,500 workers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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Federal Nevada
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project
Yucca hearing set, fulfilling Clinton campaign promise (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Nevada's Congressional Delegation
In Congress: This is a wrap up of recent actions by Nevada members of Congress. (Reno News & Review article)
Child health veto may stand (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Do the right thing: override CHIP veto (Erik Olsen column, Reno Gazette-Journal)
Like Reid? Depends who's asking and how (Las Vegas Sun article)
National Health Matters
Tooth decay increasing: Americans' lack of access to dental care must be included in health insurance debate (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
Mortgage Meltdown
Real estate market will right itself without government aid (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Don't monkey with the market: You see how government screws things up when it tries to help? (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)
Federal Taxes
Internet taxes (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Freedom And The Federal Government
Bill protects public's right to know (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Our Nation's Armed Forces
Nevada Guard unit to head to Iraq again: MPs served at prison before scandal (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
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October 19, 2007
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Nevada Government
State Government
State Taxes
Kneel Or Perish: Nevada's Banana Republic Form Of Government
"Only a handful of legislators during the past decades have dared to get in gaming's face. And just look at what happened to them."
ON SHAKY GROUND: Teachers' push to squeeze casinos for more taxes is a hit with voters, but the unwitting who've taken on Big Gaming in the past have suddenly found themselves in free fall (Las Vegas Sun article)
Wants Help
Real Estate and Development: Home-loan insider invites limited government help (In Business Las Vegas article)
Budget Cuts
Looking in on: Carson City -- Cuts, cuts, cuts - possibilities look painful across the state (Las Vegas Sun article)
Cutting and Slashing an Ever-Larger Budget (Bob Beers)
The Tax Pledge Litmus Test (Muth's Truths)
Jon Ralston on Politics: Mad scientist (In Business Las Vegas column)
The State Judiciary
Judges get own filing period, campaign rules (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Nevada Highways
Churchill County's deadliest roads: Number of Highway 50 crashes decreases in the last year (Lahontan Valley News article)
Local Government
City And County Of Carson
$2.5M more sought for old Wal-Mart (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County
Flood Control
65-acre flooding fix in works: County seeking federal land to divert water (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Developing Stories
"Las Vegas will showcase itself next week to the world's developers and the investment community and depict how the region copes as one of the fastest growing places in the nation."
Vegas set to welcome ULI (In Business Las Vegas article)
In Business Q and A: Harvey Whittemore, developer of Coyote Springs (In Business Las Vegas interview)
Town Square almost ready for November opening (In Business Las Vegas article)
Overseas route push to benefit Las Vegas (In Business Las Vegas article)
The Monorail
Seriously, get a new line already (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
Creative Financing
New twist on luxury living: cash out, deposit bonds in: Company offers a way for buyers to have their condo and keep their investments (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Douglas County
Jethro's derrick talks delayed (Douglas Times article)
Overstating receipts doesn't benefit anyone (Jack Van Dien column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)
Lake Tahoe Basin
North Tahoe PUD rate increases meet opposition: Residents say rate hike too extreme (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Effort aims to bring Olympics back to Tahoe (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
Community Kudos (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)
Lyon County
Suction Scheme
Lyon County commissioners divided on water-transfer support (Nevada Appeal article)
Washoe County
Gazette-Journal Endorses TMWA's Latest Gouging Proposal
Offer Cheap Metered Rates; Raise The Rates; Then Demand Everyone Be Metered
We should pay fair share for water (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)
Real Estate Market
Redevelopment areas slow down with housing slump (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Cutbacks keep offices empty (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Politics
2008 Presidential Elections
Edwards to sell 'True Blue Majority' message: Democrat schedules Saturday town hall meeting with union (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
VISIT TO CHEYENNE HIGH SCHOOL: Obama points to new way -- Clinton's views on foreign policy 'conventional' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Obama swerves, aiming for Clinton: In Vegas, he takes campaign in new direction (Las Vegas Sun article)
Obama blasts those who voted to authorize war (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Obama steps up campaign against Lord Voldemort (Las Vegas Gleaner)
Ron Paul for president! (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)
JOHN L. SMITH: Thompson taps a country-western theme for Las Vegas fundraiser (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)
Jon Ralston notes our caucus is off a major pundit's political calendar (Las Vegas Sun column)
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Nevada Education Matters
Higher Education
Chancellor: I will not negotiate with the governor (Lahontan Valley News article)
Chancellor Rogers Won’t Do His Job? (State Sen. Bob Beers)
Profs spill on outside pay, possible conflicts: Hundreds of cases emerge at UNLV after Sun pushes for info (Las Vegas Sun article)
Public Schools
Carson City School District
Dozens of school repair, upgrade projects in progress (Nevada Appeal article)
Clark County School District
CCSD teachers' contribution for retirees' health plans proposed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Buck passed on charter schools (Las Vegas Sun article)
Douglas County School District
Scarselli celebrates 20 years (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)
Washoe County School District
Officials seek millions to build new schools (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
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Nevada Health Matters
Wash hands to prevent deadly staph infections (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Sweet dreams are made here: Sleep clinic unusual for a small town (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
New management begins for Incline Village health clinic: Five days open per month for former Children's Cabinet clinic (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
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Nevada Law Enforcement
Courthouse Shooting Case
Jury selection continues in Mack murder trial: Five more possible jurors go through round of interviews (Associated Press article)
20 Mack jurors picked, 15 to go (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Domestic Violence
Police round up 38 domestic violence suspects (Reno Gazette-Journal article)
Help for local families is 'in the can' (Nevada Appeal article)
Under Investigation
WAREHOUSE RAID: FBI investigating Copperfield -- Famous illusionist accused of sexual misconduct (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
$kindustry Regulation
Man paralyzed in strip club shooting wants NFL to pay: Lawsuit to be filed today alleges league failed to discipline 'Pacman' Jones (Las Vegas Sun article)
Alleged Fraud
Gateway may be held liable in PurchasePro case: Judgment would mean payback for investors (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)
Identity Theft
Health Care and Banking: Inoculating business against identity theft (In Business Las Vegas article)
Clark County Commission Corruption Cases
"Nearly five years after completing the most corrupt term of public office in Nevada history, more than four years after admitting as much to federal authorities, and nearly three months after finally being sentenced by a judge, Erin Kenny is where she should have been all along -- in prison."
Finally behind bars (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)
Boot Camps
'Sense of anger, sorrow': Study reveals troubled teens abused at many 'boot camps' that purportedly help them (Las Vegas Sun editorial)
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Nevada's Environment
Early snowfall no indicator or season totals: New water year begins with 2.64 inches of precipitation (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)
