November 1, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The State Budget

ERIN NEFF: A scary scenario in Carson City (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Office Of The Governor

"Sources familiar with the case said the grand jury issued the subpoena after revelations surfaced questioning the credibility of software designer Montgomery."

Attorney subpoenaed in Gibbons inquiry (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Reducing truck traffic will make big difference (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

LOOKING IN ON: THE SUBURBS: Boulder City has its worries, including street parking hogs (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lyon County

Lyon County to take another look at its new building policy (Nevada Appeal article)

Nye County

County to discuss sales tax Dec. 18 (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Lathrop Wells: Nye may repay $3m for boondoggle (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Ft. Amargosa closes its doors (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Beatty in need of a real plan (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

Better services would be worth additional cost of fire stations (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Democrats are coming to town: Nevada issues expected to be focus of debate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

White House greenery part II: Where the Republican presidential candidates stand on global warming (Reno News & Review article)

Clinton accused of double talk (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

STICKING TO THE SCRIPT: On screen and on the campaign trail, Fred Thompson is known for his tough talk (Las Vegas Sun article)

Local Elections

Registration dates and filing period approaching for '08 (Lahontan Valley News article)

Councilman Brown to seek Maxfield's post (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Churchill County School District

Students, parent weigh in about recently enforced attendance policy (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County School District

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: Woman alleges ill treatment -- 60-year-old says she had heart attack, blames official (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nye County School District

District to consider options for new high school (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Indentured Doctors

Visa program feedback sought: Web site to offer doctors, employers route for comments (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Doctor goes public, claims abuse: State lawmakers hear allegations of exploitation by employer (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Courthouse Shooting Trial

Shrapnel from bullet exploded in judge's office, forensic expert says (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Doctor's Trial

Alternative medicine physician's fate in hands of jury (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The OJ Case

Simpson's lawyers file complaint (Associated Press article)

No Immunity

Chief says he fired cop on Gammick's word (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Sexual Assaults

Role of clerical staff in children's sex abuse exams questioned: Concerns about propriety, lawsuits cited in county suspension of program (Las Vegas Sun article)

Sexual Harassment

ABRUPT RULING: Sex discrimination case dismissed -- Judge makes decision only minutes before jury deliberations were to begin (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Sexual Offenders

OPERATION SCARECROW: Sex offenders watched -- Officers ring their doorbells to avert Halloween tricks (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Using tools for tracking sex offenders in area (Elko Free Press article)

Elko County Sexual Offenders (Elko Free Press article)

Wedding Chapel Wars

Chapels see the light: Criminals, love-struck couples an unsavory mix (Las Vegas Sun article)

North Las Vegas Police Chief

Golden parachute (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Arizona judge frowns on request for groundwater (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JANE ANN MORRISON: Homeowner association's president sees the future, and it is dry (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

New trapping season could see new rules (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Culture

American Indian history at GBC (Elko Free Press article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

THE STOCK MARKET: Gaming stocks continue rally in October -- LV analyst says, 'Investors are seeing opportunity' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Boyd Gaming reverses loss, misses forecasts in quarter (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Progressive Gaming posts loss (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Fitzgeralds changes hands (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Journalism

When a hero falls from the pedestal (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Columnist censored: Reno Gazette-Journal columnist Ty Cobb, scion of one of the newspaper’s best remembered editors, may have parted company with the G/J over censorship of his column (Reno News & Review article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Yucca project debated anew: With Democrats in charge, hearing takes on a different tenor (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Yucca gets its 15 minutes of fame: Politics put nuclear dump on front burner (Las Vegas Sun article)

Clinton strengthens Yucca stance at hearing (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Clinton, others weigh in against proposed Nevada nuclear dump (Associated Press article)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Ensign decries physical therapy funding caps: Medicare limit of $1,780 should end, senator says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Heller: Bush promises budget veto (Elko Free Press article)

Heller seeks to lessen mining royalty impact (Elko Free Press article)

Heller votes keep Nevada's uninsured kids at risk: Perhaps the father of four doesn’t think other Nevada kids deserve to visit a doctor when they’re sick (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)

Heller responds to constituent: Illogic on SCHIP (Desert Beacon)

Hide the servicemembers: A Nevada member of Congress has signed onto a bill that would impede commemorations of servicemembers who have died in battle (Reno News & Review article)

Our Nation's Environment

Protecting our children: Report on climate change's effects on children's health recommends advocacy (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nuclear summer on its way? Opposition to coal power plants is helping create interest in nuclear plants (Reno News & Review article)

Maginot fence goes around the law: Environmental rules brushed aside to make way for border fence, thanks to REAL ID Act (Reno News & Review article)

The National Economy

Rising fuel costs confound experts: Oil closing at record highs 'against any grain of rational thought' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Let's throw good money after bad: Here we go; government’s going to mess with the housing market (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

Freedom And The Federal Government

"No charges, no evidence, no trial, no due process, no standard of proof, lifetimes in prison. It is simply a reviving of medieval practices by omnipotent rulers. No ruler should have that kind of power. Why the Congress would grant the President that kind of unbridled power is beyond me. It is certainly unconstitutional."

Omnipotent Presidential Power (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

‘Support Our Troops’ program gets big boost from Newmont, Fluor (Elko Free Press article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

"Blackwater USA security officers in Iraq should never have been allowed to operate without appropriate oversight by the U.S. military, the only real law over Americans in that country."

Guard oversight could protect Iraq effort (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Iraq asks Iran for help in Kurdish-Turkey problem (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

===================================

Update for November 1, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The State Judiciary

Nevada high court upholds suspension of elected state judge (Associated Press article)

Matter of Halverson (Nevada Supreme Court website)

Just Ignore The Senator Behind The Curtain

 Sleazy Hot Air From Partisan Press Cabal Now A Staple For Gov. Gibbons

Gov. Diva takes ball, goes home (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Gibbons' erratic behavior: Governor's childishness undercuts the fight against Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Gibbons needs "Time Management for Dummies" (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public School

Clark County School District

School board president should resign (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Doctor's Trial

Reno HGH trial: Jury acquits doctor (Associated Press article)

Airport Thieves

Fly the stolen skies: Tourists don't lose their shirts just at the slot machines (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Grand Theft Auto

Stripped and abandoned (Meredith McGhan column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

Nevada Culture

Nevada Day: Isn't Las Vegas Part Of This State?

Why did south snub the parade? (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

IGT quarterly earnings rise, matching Wall Street estimates (Associated Press article)

Las Vegas Sands reports 3Q loss due to high opening expenses (Associated Press article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid Testifies at Senate Committee on Yucca Mountain Licensing Process (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid: President's Ever-Changing Rationale For Opposing Children's Health Coverage Shows He Will Deny Care At Any Cost (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid: Statement for National American Indian Heritage Month (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid Statement on the House Passage of Hardrock Mining Reform Legislation (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid: Water is Too Precious A Resource to Spend on Future Polluting Coal Plants (Sen. Reid press release)

Heller Statement on House Passage of Mining Reform (Rep. Heller press release)

PORTER INTRODUCES MESQUITE LANDS ACT OF 2007 (Rep. Porter press release)

===================================

November 2, 2007

The Day Of The Dead

Diego Rivera, "The Day of the Dead" (1923-1924), Ministry of Education, Mexico City [click on image to enlarge].

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada Taxes

"He doesn't care what the establishment thinks - he has little but disdain for a political leadership he believes is craven and captive to special interests, especially gaming."

Jon Ralston on Politics: Tilting at gaming (In Business Las Vegas column)

The No Tax Hike Caucus (Muth's Truths)

The State Budget

"'If the obligations of the state are so out of balance we can't meet those obligations, we have to start planning for it,' he said. "

Gibbons to meet with chancellor and local officials over budget cuts (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

The State Judiciary

Action against judge upheld: Court backs panel in Halverson case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Appointments And Disappointments

Partisan Press Cabal Doesn't Like Gov. Gibbons Again

It's just a 'situation': Gibbons' action on foreclosure crisis doesn't come close to what other states are doing (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

His company once cited, developer is now on board: Man who headed defunct firm named to Contractors Board (Las Vegas Sun article)

Questionable appointment not Gibbons' first (Las Vegas Sun article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Carson City job freeze thawing: Board of Supervisors could reopen 21 of 39 frozen positions at Nov. 15 meeting (Nevada Appeal article)

Carson City’s downtown could use a big success, and some little ones wouldn’t hurt either (Barry Ginter column, Nevada Appeal)

Churchill County

County mulls grant funding priority list (Lahontan Valley News article)

Local gas prices rise again (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

Little action at BLM auction: 31 parcels for bid; one sold (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Triple Five to purchase resort site (In Business Las Vegas article)

Real Estate and Development: Housing prices expected to sink to 2004 levels (In Business Las Vegas article)

Elko County

Ruby Vista Drive extended to Kittridge Canyon (Elko Free Press article)

ECEDA kicks off ‘Gold Rush’ campaign Friday (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Public or private? IVGID Board will put the beach question on future agenda (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Waddle Ranch now open to the public: Martis purchase a victory for Sierra conservation (Sierra Sun article)

Land trust to open Waddle Ranch for public recreation (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Lyon County

GIDs proposed for Dayton, Mound House areas: Second GID proposed for Central Lyon County parks (Nevada Appeal article)

Potential for future growth calls for master plan of SS-Stagecoach Hospital District property, board member says (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Early retirements could really impact Sheriff's office, other county departments (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Advisory boards looking for a few good members (Nevada Appeal article)

Lyon Commission to wait to consider bids for Dayton Events Center restroom, concession (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

New report sought for Dayton Community Center (Nevada Appeal article)

Grant sought for structural stabilization work at Dayton firehouse, jail (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

County approves consolidated tax agreement with City of Yerington (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Washoe County

Paying A Lot More For A Lot Less

"Northern Nevada, don't let remarkable economic growth destroy the quality of life that ignited that prosperity in the first place."

Speaker urges growth control (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Congested roads could become norm (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Developing Costs

Two temporary fire stations to replace one downtown (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Council approves managers' pay raises (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS: Thompson opens in Nevada -- GOP candidate addresses crowd in LV (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Thompson keeps it simple (Las Vegas Sun article)

The Disintegration Of The Democratic Party

'New Democrat' says center still holds: Candidates shun his group but embrace its thinking, Al From says (Las Vegas Sun article)

Jon Ralston speaks with a Democratic centrist beleaguered by bloggers but unbowed (Las Vegas Sun column)

Spotlighting Carissa Snedeker in Mother Jones (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

The anti-Washington mood (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

"The Democratic Party is going after anyone who represents a credible challenge to their monopoly over their perceived voters."

Ballot access: Nader lawsuit highlights how two parties fear competition (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Churchill County School District

Student allegedly found with hit list leaves district (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County School District

No end in sight for School Police audit (Las Vegas Sun article)

Four school district officers investigated: Woman claims she was grabbed while trying to speak at end of board meeting (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lyon County School District

School Board approves signing bonuses (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

LCSD to consider alternative design for concession stand (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

School Board gives verbal support to Fernley 'Back the Track' project (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Agency pinching state, official says: Legislators told U.S. government miserly on Medicaid payments (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

$98 million hospital bond results office (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada Water Matters

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

"There has been a constant drum beat of criticism by environmental groups that insist pumping water from northeast Nevada, the most controversial of the authority's water development projects, will create a dust bowl effect in the Great Basin and devastate the rural, ranching way of life there."

Groups say save water, don't draw more: Water Authority says conservation is not the only solution (Las Vegas Sun article)

Law and Utilities: Water scarcity weighs on Southern Nevada (In Business Las Vegas article)

The Truckee River

City awarded grant to study Truckee River Operating Agreement (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

The Walker River

Option for 9,000 acre feet of water entered into; ag-natural resources center to be virtual (Mason Valley News article)

Conservation the objective of Walker River Workday (Mason Valley News article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Nevada Mining

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION: House votes for mining royalties -- All three Nevada representatives dissent (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Barrick makes $345 million (Elko Free Press article)

Newmont earnings up $198M (Elko Free Press article)

Alternative Energy

Haycock Petroleum spearheads biodiesel use (In Business Las Vegas article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

FBI knew of O.J. Simpson plan in advance (Associated Press article)

Lawyer: Testimony blocked in inquiry -- Grand jury looking into Gibbons' actions (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JOHN L. SMITH: Just mind-boggling: Goodman honored by federal law enforcement group (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

If you got married at this chapel, there could be a hitch: Garden of Love paperwork under scrutiny (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

AMBULANCE AND FIRE STATION DRUG THEFTS: Paramedic's escape a mystery -- How Bond was able to foil anklet remains unknown (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas deputy and his K-9 partner take top law enforcement honor (Nevada Appeal article)

Elko County sheriff's recall committee won't file petition (Associated Press article)

Recall committee won’t file petition (Elko Free Press article)

Paiute tribe's police chief to step down: Quasula, 57, plans new career (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Rash of graffiti reported in Fernley (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Fire marshal evicts goblins, ghosts, ghouls (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Better safe than sorry (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Bridging the gap: Project aims to unify state museum (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

Earnings rise for International Game Technology: Exec expects game shipments to increase (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Las Vegas Sands posts third-quarter loss: Company chairman sure Sands Macau will find footing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Grand Sierra: Union causes losses (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

LV hotels awash in pickets: Laundry workers take their cause to the masses as possible strike approaches (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Community Leaders in Action: Jim Page (Las Vegas Gleaner)

Joe Dini feted at retirement party, sons take over ownership of Lucky Club (Mason Valley News article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Las Vegan on Enola Gay crew remembers a 'man of honor': Jepson says Tibbets was proud of mission (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Opposition to Yucca Mountain growing on the campaign trail (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Bush Vetoes Water Resources Bill with Important Nevada Funding (Sen. Reid press release)

ENSIGN, REID, HELLER ANNOUNCE NEARLY $500,000 IN FUNDS FOR RENO FIRE FIGHTERS (Sen. Ensign press release)

ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RELIEF PASSED BY BERKLEY WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE – WILL PROTECT 125,000 NEVADANS FROM AMT: Extension of State Sales Tax Deduction Included in Package (Rep. Berkley press release)

VETERANS’ AFFAIRS BACKTRACKS ON 13-FOLD FLAG CEREMONY (Rep. Porter press release)

In The US Congress

Boost mass transportation: Senate calls for infusing Amtrak with much-needed federal funding increase (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Rangel's proposals are already rankling many (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Health care round goes to president (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Small Businesses

SBA streamlines loan application process (In Business Las Vegas article)

Immigration Reform

Licenses for illegals (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Tainted Products

"While parents in Nevada, and 49 other states, were hauling through toy boxes and inspecting Halloween paraphernalia for recalled items the Washington Post was gathering internal documents indicating that the head of the Consumer Products Safety Commission and her predecessor had taken 'dozens of trips at the expense of toy, appliance, and children’s furniture industries.'”

War on Terror does not extend to the toy box: Bush Administration CPSC travels with industry, objects to legislation (Desert Beacon)

Freedom And The Federal Government

By any other name ...: Attorney general nominee's refusal to define waterboarding casts confirmation in doubt (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"'The government's list of potential terrorists holds close to 860,000 names, and is growing at a clip of 20,000 a month,' according to Mother Jones Magazine."

Are you on the government’s terrorist watch list yet? (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

===================================

November 3, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Economy

The State Budget

"The Nevada Legislative Appropriations report shows that even if Gibbons cuts university and college spending by $64 million, higher education still would have $103 million more, a 9 percent increase, to spend than at this time two years ago."

STATE REPORT: Spending on colleges has cushion -- Proposed cuts would leave more than in last budget (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The State Judiciary

JANE ANN MORRISON: Halverson's 'baby judge' argument insults new jurists who don't act badly (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Local Government

Clark County

Retail vacancy in Las Vegas still among lowest in country (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Investors targeting local apartment properties: Population growth expected to outstrip affordable multifamily build-out (Las Vegas Business Press article)

New $70 million Raceway Business Park takes shape (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Developer proposes downtown club: Venue of Vegas would host private events, concerts and dances (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

'Fair market value' and BLM auctions: If nobody bids, then lower the price (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Douglas County

Plan a good start to future (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Future of airport riding on planning process (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Elko County

Commissioners could terminate lease of old Elko Clinic building (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

Sewer plant to get a new warning system (Nevada Appeal article)

Nye County

Natural disaster declared (Pahrump Valley Times article)

County resources site at Pahrump location (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Nye officials say park still is possible (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Nye County will pay deductible over Hollis (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

HOME FORECLOSURES: Edwards' client was 'predator' -- Candidate assails practices, cuts ties to subprime lender (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Politics

Latin chamber vote spurs infighting: Allegations of manipulation, other activities abound (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

LOOKING IN ON: HIGHER EDUCATION -- History more expensive than new (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Teachers' Unions

"You can get further with a kind word and a gun than you can with just a kind word."

Teachers: Watch out, Berman is coming! Cutthroat lobbyist, adman set to attack educators union (Las Vegas Sun article)

UNR president reaches out during tour of rurals (Elko Free Press article)

Carson City School District

Open meeting law complaint resolved (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County School District

High school ordered to devise plan to improve test scores (Lahontan Valley News article)

Douglas County School District

Douglas High students fare well in college testing (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Nye County School District

School board addresses Floyd issues (Pahrump Valley Times article)

RCMS Poster contest says no bullying (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Whatever Happened To The Anti-Trust Laws?

Sierra-United merger makes small local carrier nervous: Long-term impact on policyholders unknown; insurance official urged to keep watchful eye on rates (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Courthouse Shooting Trial

Prosecution rests in Mack case (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

No Immunity

Former sheriff detective was afraid of retaliation (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Scams

Sentencing slated for seller of unregistered securities: Woman could face up to 40 years in prison for bilking seniors (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Fake bills, money orders turning up in Elko (Elko Free Press article)

Undersheriff offers tips to avoid holiday scams (Elko Free Press article)

Email scam offers slice of $5m (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Sexual Assaults

Room set aside to treat sexual assault victims (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Domestic Violence

Isolation may lead to under-reporting (Pahrump Valley Times article)

No Warrant, No Probable Cause For Bureaucratic Search Demand

Attack of the Child Snatchers (Muth's Truths)

Nuisances

Animal neglect, dumping goes beyond being 'unfortunate' (Jennifer Williamson column, Lahontan Valley News)

__________

Nevada's Environment

State Agency Needs More Time To Reinvent The Wheel

CO2 rules still in the air: Critics of coal say that shouldn't stop Nevada from regulating or rejecting proposed power plants; officials say their hands are tied (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lack of emissions rules didn't stop Kansas from acting (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada Water Matters

Vetoed water bill would have aided projects in region (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada Mining

Gold tops $800 per ounce (Elko Free Press article)

A miner disaster: Area teams participate in underground rescue drills (Elko Free Press article)

Nevada Utilities

Firm paid for investing in energy conservation (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Sierra Pacific drops lawsuit against Storey County: New site for substation to serve Mark Twain area (Nevada Appeal article)

Wild Beasts

Black bear could be fair game for hunters (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Wily or deadly? As coyotes become a more common sight at the South Shore, they may pose more of a threat (Tahoe Tribune article)

__________

Nevada Culture

It's Shoshone's turn to party (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Death Valley: Tribe dedicates community center (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Diego Rivera, "The Day of the Dead" (1923-1924), Ministry of Education, Mexico City [click on image to enlarge].

Tradition honors family members who have died: Day of the Dead to be celebrated at Nevada State Museum today (Nevada Appeal article)

Heads turn for '49 mule train (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Saturday is Student Day at museum (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Start spreading the news: Las Vegas may be like someplace else (Michael Green column, Las Vegas Business Press)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: Station buyout clears last hurdle -- Indian commission OKs deal (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Major Riviera Holdings investor buys Strip land (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Riviera Holdings posts quarterly loss: Parent of Riviera says notes swap hurts results (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Stumble continues for shares of Las Vegas Sands: Stock finishes down 12 percent for week after profit news (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Economy: The Good, the Bad, and the Getting Uglier? (Desert Beacon)

Nuclear insecurity: Energy Department plays bureaucratic games instead of taking care of national security (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Whose side is she on? Safety chief puts the public at risk of unsafe products by siding with big business (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Bush's Lap Dogs: What Happened to DC's Watchdogs? (Rolling Stone article, via Desert Beacon)

Making matters worse: Offering immunity to Blackwater guards further confuses accountability (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

===================================

Update for November 2, 2007

_____

Federal Nevada

Our Nation's Economy

Ex-U.S. officials play out mock oil spike crisis (Reuters article)

Long-Term Unemployment October 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Our National Environment

Testimony on Approaches to Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions, November 1, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Tainted Products

5 million frozen pizzas recalled (Associated Press article)

U.S. inspects few foreign drugmakers, Congress told (Reuters article)

Drug Safety: Preliminary Findings Suggest Weaknesses in FDA's Program for Inspecting Foreign Drug Manufacturers GAO-08-224T, November 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

National Health Matters

Medicaid Financing: Long-Standing Concerns about Inappropriate State Arrangements Support Need for Improved Federal Oversight GAO-08-255T, November 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

The Federal Criminal Justice System

NY judge: FBI made `deal with the devil' (Associated Press article)

FBI agent walks on mob murders (Associated Press article)

Minuteman group grows amid illegal immigration fight (Reuters article)

Blackwater investigated for exporting firearms with silencers (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Former Atlantic City mayor pleads guilty (Associated Press article)

International Organized Crime

US military takes on latter-day pirates (Associated Press article)

US seeks to remove pirates from ships (Associated Press article)

UN: Opium surge to hit Afghan neighbors (Associated Press article)

Burma's uncrowned opium king: At the height of his power, Asian warlord Khun Sa, who died this week, commanded an army of thousands and supplied as much as a quarter of the world's heroin (BBC News article)

Mexico doubles size of huge cocaine haul (Reuters article)

Doctor pleads guilty in fingerprint case (Associated Press article)

Transportation

Drug Testing: Undercover Tests Reveal Significant Vulnerabilities in DOT's Drug Testing Program GAO-08-225T, November 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Motor Carrier Safety: Preliminary Information on Challenges to Ensuring the Integrity of Drug Testing Programs GAO-08-220T, November 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures: Airport and Airway Trust Fund Excise Taxes GAO-08-203R, November 02, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures: Highway Trust Fund Excise Taxes GAO-08-202R, November 02, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Jailed Gitmo journalist gains support (Associated Press article)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation of Afghanistan

Afghan National Army Defeats Taliban in Key Southern Province (American Forces Press Service report)

U.S., Afghan Doctors Team Up to Help Poor in Jalalabad (American Forces Press Service report)

2 children die in US raid in Afghanistan (Associated Press article)

Taliban in retreat after Afghan offensive: Canada (Reuters article)

Efforts in Eastern Afghanistan Boost Confidence in Afghan Government (American Forces Press Service article)

Afghan Forces Kill Senior Enemy Commander, Several Fighters (American Forces Press Service article)

Unmanned Aircraft Joins Operation Enduring Freedom (American Forces Press Service article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Friday Iraqi death toll near record low (Associated Press article)

Turks press Rice on Kurdish rebels (Associated Press article)

Turks: Not seeking fight with Iraq Kurds (Associated Press article)

Turkey aims for targeted sanctions in Northern Iraq (Reuters article)

Troops Kill 10, Capture Three, Destroy Weapons in Iraq (American Forces Press Service report)

Three U.S. airmen killed north of Baghdad (Reuters article)

Concerned Iraqi Citizen Movement Saves American Lives (American Forces Press Service report)

Iraqi Government Assumes Control of Country’s 7th Division (American Forces Press Service report)

Iraqi Army, Volunteers, Cavalry Troops Celebrate Success in Ameriya (American Forces Press Service report)

Why We Serve: Army Captain Cites Communication for Iraq Success (American Forces Press Service report)

Iraq: 27 killed or found dead Thursday (Associated Press article)

Progress in Iraq Real, Momentum Growing, Odierno Says (American Forces Press Service article)

Coalition Forces Target Foreign Terrorist Facilitators in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

Japan

Japan government deadlocked over Afghan mission (Reuters article)

Kosovo

Kosovo tells U.N.'s Ban: Get ready for independence (Reuters article)

Mexico

Flooding traps 300,000 in Mexico (BBC News report)

Hundreds of thousands flee Mexico floods (Associated Press article)

More than a million affected by floods in southern Mexico (AFP report)

Mexico fears disease outbreak from flood (Associated Press article)

Mexico drug war victims mourned on Day of the Dead (Reuters article)

Pakistan

Militants gaining ground in Pakistan (Associated Press article)

Pakistan troops kill up to 70 militants (Associated Press article)

Pakistani troops surrender (Associated Press article)

Missile strike adds to Pakistan's complications (Reuters article)

Militancy spirals as court keeps Musharraf in limbo (Reuters article)

Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Sri Lankan airstrike kills Tamil leader (Associated Press article)

A Federal Reader

State Department: Transparent Cost Estimates Needed to Support Passport Execution Fee Decisions GAO-08-63, October 10, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Trade Adjustment Assistance: States Have Fewer Training Funds Available than Labor Estimates When Both Expenditures and Obligations Are Considered GAO-08-165, November 02, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Small Business Administration: 7(a) Loan Program Needs Additional Performance Measures GAO-08-226T, November 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Office of Personnel Management: Opportunities Exist to Build on Recent Progress in Internal Human Capital Capacity GAO-08-11, October 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Indian Issues: Damages and Compensation for Tribes at Seven Reservations Affected by Dams on the Missouri River GAO-08-249T, November 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program: Additional Policies and Procedures Would Improve Internal Controls and Program Operations GAO-08-9, November 01, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

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November 4, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada Taxes

State's Gambling Cartels Start To Panic

Gibbons' tax stand criticized: Gaming executive says governor should drop 'no taxes' pledge (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Tax-resistant history leaves Nevada with fewer choices (Las Vegas Sun article)

Quit the bluster, let's look at our needs, Raggio urges (Las Vegas Sun article)

"But heaven forbid that "public servants" ever have to tighten their belts so long as taxpayers can be socked for an ever greater portion of our income."

THOMAS MITCHELL: It depends on what the definition of 'we' is (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Jon Ralston imagines the laughable and predictable minutes that would be kept at the governor's Summit to Save the State (Las Vegas Sun column)

Nevada's Economy

FORECLOSURE FALLOUT: Home Sour Home -- Housing crisis leads some former owners, tenants to take anger out on property (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The State Judiciary

Judicial discipline: High court does the right thing on Halverson case (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Nevada Highways

I-580 project a beehive of activity (Nevada Appeal article)

Freeway's beginning dates back 30 years (Nevada Appeal article)

Residents, businesses see freeway extension as mixed blessing (Nevada Appeal article)

Freeway's Galena bridge draws most of criticism (Nevada Appeal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Volunteers help restore creek bank at Fuji Park: Nevada's only resident-led watershed council on mission (Nevada Appeal article)

There was lot to celebrate last week, but Nevada Day topped them all (John DiMambro column, Nevada Appeal)

Clark County

LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL -- Prostitution, strip club signage, and other details (Las Vegas Sun article)

IMPROPER REMODELING: Harrah's reopens 501 rooms -- Closed areas were under a 25-day fire watch (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Waddle Ranch plan is big deal for land preservation in Sierra (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Nevada message hasn't really registered (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

A MOMENT CAPTURED: UP CLOSE WITH OBAMA (Las Vegas Sun article)

Ron Paul inspires defections from his old party (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

ERIN NEFF: Thompson woos local Republicans -- but will they call back? (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Local Politics

Women voter's group discusses immigration issues (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

State Republican Party

"Eric reminded us of the core issues that all Republicans believe in: a strong national defense, a free market economy, low taxes and the smallest size federal, state and local governments it takes to get the job done."

A welcome dose of common sense (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

General Political Opinion

Any questions? (Glen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

The higher ed squeeze: With the state’s share of their funding shrinking and costs of nearly everything rising, colleges and universities find themselves on an endless quest for money (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Producing dropouts: Failing to fully fund education only leads to greater costs for Nevada in the future (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

SILVER STATE TEACHERS: Few licenses revoked in Nevada -- Education officials laud statistics; critic says state isn't doing enough (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Clark County cases reported: School district endures abuse allegations (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Doctor leads state's health care revival (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Get on the bus and check out your Medicare options (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Water Matters

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

"Even if not another person moved to the valley, we would need an independent water supply to protect us from drought on the Colorado River, which has already reached its eighth year."

NEVADA VIEWS: Groundwater project will protect Southern Nevada (SNWA Manager Patricia Mulroy column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

"Las Vegas should be ashamed that it has the highest per-capita rate of urban water consumption in the West."

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: It's past time to dig up every lawn (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

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Nevada's Environment

Global warming activists gather in Carson as part of national effort (Nevada Appeal article)

TROUBLE ON THE TRAILS (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

OHV registration effort faces legislative roadblock (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Bobcats in search of water venture into urban areas: Police, game wardens respond to sightings (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Our Beautiful Region

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Jerome allows visitors to experience beautiful scenery (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

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Nevada Culture

Building wraps: Art or schlock ? In over-the-top Las Vegas, experts say, the bar for good taste may be dramatically lower (Las Vegas Sun article)

BEYOND ANSEL ADAMS: Reno exhibit celebrates Yosemite -- Paintings, photos, baskets, other displays depict park's beauty and monumentality (Associated Press article)

ANSWERING QUESTIONS: Council puts friendly face on Islam -- Director hoping to improve American-Islamic relations (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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From The Neon Empire

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

LOOKING IN ON: GAMING -- Megamall developer pays big for La Concha site (Las Vegas Sun article)

Jeff Simpson on an implosion, an impending strike and silly TV ads: The good, the bad, and the ugly (Las Vegas Sun column)

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Nevada's Past

Cottage School makes National Register of Historic Places (Lahontan Valley News article)

Douglass House to be featured on television show (Lahontan Valley News article)

Museum construction bridges gap between buildings (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

A new tone in Congress: Hearing highlights how the Yucca Mountain project is a disaster in the making (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

In The US Congress

WASHINGTON DIGEST: Moratorium extended on Internet access taxes (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Mining reform issue important to Nevada (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Tainted Products

Chinese chemicals unchecked: FDA has a frightening lack of oversight of drug ingredients from foreign companies (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Admiral: Scrap upper age limits to sign up -- Most young people are ineligible for military service, officer says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Parsing Torture

Panel by Diego Rivera, From the pre-Hispanic Civilization to Conquest (1942-1951) [The Landing at Vera Cruz] (detail), National Palace, Mexico City [Click on image to enlarge]

WEEK IN REVIEW: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With Mukasey, Democrats face test on torture (Las Vegas Sun article)

So, how does Bush Administration define torture? (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)

Attorney general spat (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

President's Radio Address (White House website)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Book details the bungling that bogged us down in Iraq (Guy Farmer column, Nevada Appeal)

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November 5, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

The State Judiciary

LV police retirement policy on state Supreme Court docket (Nevada Appeal article)