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)

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

November 4, 2007

_____

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)

__________

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)

__________

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)

__________

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)

__________

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)

__________

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)

__________

Our Beautiful Region

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

__________

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)

__________

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)

__________

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)

__________

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)

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

November 5, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The State Judiciary

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

Off-Road Vehicles

Trouble on the trails (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Eldorado Forest a battlefield in ATV debate (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Enforcement, partnership with users seen as keys to preventing damage (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Many off-roaders agree on need for registration (Associated Press article)

State Taxes

State tax inspector accused of extorting funds (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Don't Like Gov. Gibbons Again

Nuclear meltdown: Governor's actions show an unacceptable softening of state's resolve on Yucca Mountain (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Carson Mall still renovating, will not be torn down (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

WEEK IN REVIEW: CLARK COUNTY -- Cost of smut upkeep, tent city on minds of politicians (Las Vegas Sun article)

Douglas County

Gateway project gets green light (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

A Dam in Distress: Martis Creek Dam among the most likely to fail in the nation (Sierra Sun article)

Washoe County

Developing The Flood Plain

Many experts offer advice at Washoe's Flood Expo (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

UPAY4ME

Cabela's store is a gamble for Reno (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Nevada primary hasn't put local issues on national stage (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Legislator keeps Democrats guessing: Candidates court assemblyman and his constituents in District 11 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Of memos, haircuts and the media (Blue Lyon)

America's search for leadership and change (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Nevada: Vote The Caucus, Not The Candidate (Reno and Its Discontents)

General Political Opinion

At the ballot box: Nevada neighbors to pass judgment on initiatives (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Lack of disclosure: Law ignores medical trial patients who are left in the dark when products fail (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Bring back 'public' service: Just who are federal regulators serving when they accept free trips from industries? (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Bush in over his head while Middle East alligators advance (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

President Pervez Musharraf Ignores United States (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Dropout rate is more complex than university study suggests (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

SHOPPING TREND: Drugstore clinics catching on -- Patients finding basic care in pharmacies (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JANE ANN MORRISON: Government funding of program that helps frail Medicare patients set to end (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Drug information forums set for Tuesday: Police detectives to give talks about meth (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Group says testimony portrayed it inaccurately (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Coroner's inquest is up for debate: Procedure leaves some families frustrated, suspicious when questions aren't asked (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

New lab will refine desert soil research (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Fire crews battle blaze near Mud Lake (Nevada Appeal article)

Tortoise rescue just a phone call away (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Federal Nevada

In The US Congress

Reid seen as pivotal in debate about updating mining rules (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Water projects (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Vets worry bill blocks gun purchases: Legislation increases reporting of mental health records (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Veterans face hurdles getting transportation to Reno for medical care (Tahoe Tribune article)

National Guard honors retirees (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Celebration held for those who serve in Army National Guard (Nevada Appeal article)

Marching with the Tiger Battalion (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Peace Corps, military interest up in Nevada (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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

Update for November 5, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Gov. Gibbons' Budget Summit

Raggio to discuss budget cuts with Gibbons before Wednesday meeting (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Sen. Beers to be Raggio's surrogate at governor's budget meeting (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Raggio bails on state summit? (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nevada Taxes

Told you so, Lanni! (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Democratic donors' personal information compromised (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Nevada Republicans contribute more campaign money than Democrats (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Can Nevada Democrats pull it off? (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Edwards Nevada campaign director leaves, three senior level staff come in (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Richardson sends some Nevada staff to Iowa (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Richardson may be depending on Nevada (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

RL34222 Presidential Nominating Process: Current Issues October 24, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Vouching for School Choice (Muth's Truths)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

The Courthouse Shooting Trial

Nevada man accused of killing wife, shooting judge enters plea (Associated Press article)

$kindustry Regulation

If it smells like a fish...: "Defendants will not be able to pay their court ordered creditors and they will be forced into bankruptcy." (Steve Miller column, AmericanMafia.com)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Environmental groups to sue EPA over mine cleanup (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada's Past

V & T commission sizing up Grays' property, wants to terminate agreement (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

ENSIGN PLEASED WITH SOUTHWEST AIRLINE'S EXPANSION AT MCCARRAN (Sen. Ensign press release)

PORTER RESOLUTION PASSES THE HOUSE (Rep. Porter press release)

Our Nation's Economy

RL32964 The United States as a Net Debtor Nation: Overview of the International Investment Position October 18, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

National Health Matters

Spin Cycle: Medicare program effectiveness is what the Bush Administration says it is (Desert Beacon)

RL34217 Medicare Program Integrity: Activities to Protect Medicare from Payment Errors, Fraud, and Abuse October 24, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

US Department Of Justice

House Democrats press Bush on subpoenas (Associated Press article)

DOJ Strategic Plan 2007-2012 (US Justice Department report)

Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness

RL34230 National Strategy for Combating Terrorism: Background and Issues for Congress November 01, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

RL34231 Director of National Intelligence Statutory Authorities: Status and Proposals November 02, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Securing U.S. Nuclear Material: DOE Has Made Little Progress Consolidating and Disposing of Special Nuclear Material GAO-08-72, October 04, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry GAO-08-219, November 05, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Travelers Beware: Homeland Security is Googling You (Cleveland Leader article)

Al Qaeda is major threat to EU: anti-terror chief (Reuters article)

MI5: Children being groomed for terror (Associated Press article)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Cutting-Edge Combat Training Prepares Soldiers for Future Fights (American Forces Press Service article)

RL34226 Nuclear Weapons in U.S. National Security Policy: Past, Present, and Prospects October 29, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

International Organized Crime

Huge drug haul belonged to Mexico's top drug lord (Reuters article)

Top Mafia don arrested in Sicily raid (Associated Press article)

Former Leader of Arellano-Felix Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Life in Prison (US Justice Department press release)

Somali pirates release Taiwanese ship (AFP article)

RL34225 Burma and Transnational Crime October 25, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation of Afghanistan

Taliban capture third western Afghan district (Reuters article)

CENTCOM Commander Attends Khost Leadership Conference (American Forces Press Service article)

Combined Forces Work to Disrupt Militant Recruiting Operations (American Forces Press Service article)

China

Talks with China yield few answers (Associated Press article)

Gates Discusses Steps to Deepen Military Exchanges With China (American Forces Press Service article)

Gates Encouraged by Tenor of Meetings with Chinese (American Forces Press Service article)

11/05/2007: Joint Press Availability with Secretary Gates and Minister Gangchuan from the Ministry of National Defense, Beijing, China (US Defense Department website)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Bush vows help for Turkey against Kurdish rebels (Reuters article)

Maliki declares victory over violence during walkabout (Reuters article)

New Iraq Offensive Kicks Off; Five Terrorists Killed (American Forces Press Service article)

Coalition, Iraqi Forces Detain 17 Suspects in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

Coalition Air Component ‘Remains Strong,’ General Says (American Forces Press Service article)

10th Mountain Division Headquarters to Deploy to Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

2.3 million flee to elsewhere in Iraq (Associated Press article)

Urban Centers in Iraq’s Anbar Province Enjoying Stability, Renewal (American Forces Press Service article)

Empowering Iraqi Women Key to Country’s Future (American Forces Press Service article)

11/05/2007: DoD News Briefing with Col. Clardy from Iraq (US Defense Department website)

Kosovo

Serbia rejects framework for "independent" Kosovo (Reuters article)

Serbs suggest Hong Kong model for Kosovo (Associated Press article)

Mexico

Mexican flood victims scramble for food (Associated Press article)

Pakistan

U.S. to Review All Military Support to Pakistan (American Forces Press Service article)

Pakistan says to hold election by January (Reuters article)

Thousands arrested in Pakistan protests (Associated Press article)

Pakistan silences media in emergency (Associated Press article)

Musharraf's democracy promise fell short (Associated Press article)

A Federal Reader

Innovative labor rule to protect employee savings (Las Vegas Business Press article)

RL34223 The Law of Church and State: U.S. Supreme Court Decisions Since 2002 October 30, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

School Mental Health: Role of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Factors Affecting Service Provision GAO-08-19R, October 05, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

RL34220 Federal Income Taxation of Indian Tribes and Members October 26, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

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

November 6, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The State Judiciary

INFLATED ACCOMPLISHMENT: Justice: Embellishment accidental -- Web site item wrong about Saitta's title with university (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A failure on the bench: Supreme Court rightly upholds Judge Halverson's suspension for bad conduct (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Local drug court program helps many avoid prison time (Lahontan Valley News article)

Nevada's Budget

RGJ to sue for budget cut documents (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Local Government

Clark County

September passenger count increases at McCarran: Visitor tally stays on record pace for year (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Looking in on: suburbs -- Background chatter trails quiet ouster of NLV chief (Las Vegas Sun article)

Across the valley, poo bins go poof: Thefts confound police, lead to two theories (Las Vegas Sun article)

Elko County

ECEDA kicks off new campaign (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

TRPA red tape reductions not moving as fast as some hope (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Notice for online donors to Nevada Democratic Party (Nevada Appeal article)

Divided We Fail: AARP pushes candidates on health care reform (Elko Free Press article)

Former President Clinton strikes back over driver's license issue (Associated Press article)

Clinton stumps for favorite candidate: Ex-president touts Hillary's strengths, won't attack Bush (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Refrain resounds in Vegas: Bring back Clintons -- Former president rallies postal workers, Culinary, Agassi Academy crowd (Las Vegas Sun article)

Clinton juggernaut continues (Las Vegas Gleaner)

Staffer handicaps candidate's chances with his feet (Las Vegas Gleaner)

Local Elections

ERIN NEFF: Bob and Joe, meet bull's-eye (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Recall committee submits signatures (Elko Free Press article)

General Political Opinion

Two Extreme Cases Of Political Correctness

"The program's stated goal was for the approximately 7,000 students in Delaware's residence halls to adopt highly specific university-approved views on politics, race, sexuality, sociology, moral philosophy and environmentalism."

University re-education camps: Group shines a light on PC nonsense run amok (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Lights off (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Looking in on: Education -- Principal goes out on a limb, up on the roof (Las Vegas Sun article)

Private Schools

Agassi Academy's pork may survive GOP foes (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Needs More Money

Official expects surgery needs: Doctor to ask county for more equipment (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lots Of Money

Nurses, Renown head back to table (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Renown buys 3-acre site in area industrial park (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Medicare

Medicare bus tour stops at senior center: Open enrollment coming up fast for seniors (Nevada Appeal article)

Seniors get help picking Medicare prescription drug plan (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

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

"The new estimate is for the largest pipeline the authority would build, a 591-mile behemoth that would deliver as much as 200,000 acre-feet of groundwater a year from wells across rural Clark, Lincoln and White Pine counties."

EASTERN NEVADA: Bigger pipeline plan floated -- Water authority's high-end estimate reaches $3.5 billion (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Commissioners plan to discuss water resources (Elko Free Press article)

Water Wars: Vegas wants a bigger slurp (Desert Beacon)

Nation's water projects critical; lawmakers must override veto (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Coal-Burning Power Plants

Environmental-group leader calls for public comment: Citizens should be able to have say on coal-fired power plants, official tells agency (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"When public agencies hold hearings and make agreements that affect all the citizens, the public should never be excluded and should always have the opportunity to be involved."

Public's right to access plant talks (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Poison in our midst: A lack of regulation has allowed coal-fired power plant mercury emissions to increase (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Wild Beasts

Bobcat killed by homeowner's dogs (Lahontan Valley News article)

145 dogs in Nevada desert need homes – fast: Shelter seeks help with rescued dogs in need of rescue (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Courthouse Shooting Trial

MURDER TRIAL: Pawnshop owner takes deal -- Mack pleads to wife's killing, judge's shooting (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Jurors say defense's prospects in case didn't look good (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Darren Mack Pleads Guilty To First-Degree Murder: Continues To Offend (Reno and Its Discontents)

No Immunity

Ruling in Gammick lawsuit to take weeks (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Police Shootings

A fairer coroner's inquest: Families of the deceased should be allowed to have attorneys represent them (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Latest Scams

"The bug, created by a hacker group known as the Russian Business Network, is contained in PDF (portable document format) files that often arrive in computers attached to spam e-mail."

Latest cyberbug targets users' cash (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

New Drug Fad

Alarming drug fad hits Elko: Cold medicine plus energy drinks equals dangerous ‘high,’ say police (Elko Free Press article)

Arboreal Vandalism

Defendant in tree cuttings called incapable of acts: Damage in Henderson estimated at $242,000 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

Time granted to reach accord: Mission Industries gets week to find way to fund health plan (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Journalism

Circulation declines at U.S. newspapers; more readers go online (Associated Press article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Our Nation's Armed Forces

F-15s kept on ground: Structural failure investigated in crash (Associated Press article)

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

Update for November 6, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

Governor to Hold Meeting on State Budget (Gov. Gibbons press release)

Complaint filed for budget cut documents (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

From The Office Of The Attorney General

CONSUMER ADVOCATE ISSUES NEW DO NOT CALL ADVISORY (Attorney General press release)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Ron Paul, Fully Loaded (Muth's Truths)

Ron Paul's money draws fresh attention (Associated Press article)

Polls Show Clinton and Giuliani Leading in US Presidential Race (Voice of America report}

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid: President's Latest Irresponsible Veto Threat On Farm Bill Would Deny Important Investments, Reforms (Sen. Reid press release)

The Attorney General-Designate

Reid Statement On Intent To Vote Against Mukasey Nomination For Attorney General (Sen. Reid press release)

Mukasey nomination heads toward Senate confirmation (Reuters article)

"The 'torture issue' is merely one element in an administration fully willing, and demonstrably able, to ignore those laws it finds inconvenient.”

One of All the King's Men: The Mukasey Nomination (Desert Beacon)

This just in: Reid says no to AG nominee (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Gutless Democrats fold, again (KirkCaraway,com)

"69 percent say technique is torture; 58 percent say U.S. shouldn't use it."

Poll results: Waterboarding is torture (CNN News article via KirkCaraway.com)

Our Nation's Economy

Monthly Budget Review November 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)

RL34232 Understanding Mortgage Foreclosure: Recent Events, the Process, and Costs November 05, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Cost Estimate for Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 November 6, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Tainted Products

Bush announces stiffer imported-product FDA rules (Reuters article)

Our National Corruption Problem

Ill. governor to report to prison (Associated Press article)

Indicted SoCal sheriff takes leave (Associated Press article)

Contractor convicted in Cunningham case (Associated Press article)

Texas donor under investigation (Associated Press article)

Plame on local radio (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

International Organized Crime

Drug traffickers dive in: Submersibles are used to ferry narcotics. Some in U.S. fear the tactic may inspire terrorists (Los Angeles Times article)

U.S. congratulates Mexico on 'record' drug seizure (San Diego Tribune article}

RL34233 The MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs: Emerging Transnational Gang Threats? November 02, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Crooked cop pleads guilty to drug trafficking charges (Boston Herald article)

Homeland Security

RL34231 Director of National Intelligence Statutory Authorities: Status and Proposals November 02, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Global War on Terrorism: DOD Needs to Take Action to Encourage Fiscal Discipline and Optimize the Use of Tools Intended to Improve GWOT Cost Reporting GAO-08-68, November 06, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Air Force Grounds F-15 Fleet Following Crash (American Forces Press Service article)

Air Force Grounds F-15s After Crash: Incident Raises Concern About Aging Jets' Safety (Washington Post article)

VA Health Care: Improvements Made in Physician Privileging Policies, but Medical Facility Compliance Has Not Been Assessed (Government Accountability Office report)

Foreign Policy

China

Gates: U.S., China to Move Ahead with Strategic Dialogue (American Forces Press Service article)

11/06/2007: Secretary Gates Delivers Remarks at Forbidden City, Beijing, China {US Defense Department website)

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

Bases, Roads Contribute to Security in Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)

Suicide bomber kills 50 in northern Afghanistan (Reuters article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

This year deadliest for U.S. troops in Iraq (Reuters article)

Reid: As 2007 Becomes Deadliest Year Of War For U.S. Troops, We Must Refocus Our Efforts On Al Qaeda (Sen. Reid press release)

Turkish President: Decision Made on Kurdish Rebels (Fox News article)

Turkish PM says N. Iraq offensive planned (Reuters article)

Private security firms lack supervision in wars: UN (Reuters article)

General Sees ‘Glimmers of Hope’ in Baghdad Neighborhoods (American Forces Press Service article)

IED, Indirect-Fire Attacks Down By Half Since Troop Surge (American Forces Press Service article)

Concerned Iraqi Citizens Help ‘Sledgehammer’ Brigade Smash Crime (American Forces Press Service article)

U.S. to Release Iranian Detainees; Evidence Shows Declining Influence (American Forces Press Service article)

Kosovo

Kosovo vows to move to independence by year-end (Reuters article)

Mexico

Mexico's Strong Flood Response (Time Magazine article)

Fears Over Aftermath of Mexico Floods (New York Times article)

Mexican soldiers dig for Chiapas mudslide victims (Reuters article)

Pakistan

Pakistan crumbles (KirkCaraway,com)

Ousted Chief Justice in Pakistan Urges Defiance (New York Times article)

Ousted Pakistan justice encourages lawyer defiance (Reuters article)

Key leaders stay silent in Pakistan (Christian Science Monitor article)

A Federal Reader

GAO-08-271T, November 06, 2007 Human Capital: Telework Programs Need Clear Goals and Reliable Data GAO-08-261T, November 06, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

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

November 7, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

RGJ seeks release of budget cut details (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Reduce spending? Oh, the humanity! Like Nevada, California endures revenue blip, cries of poverty (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Governor's allies suddenly not so set against taxes (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Don't Like Gov. Gibbons

Gibbons must face reality: Governor's need for secrecy is trampling the public's right to know about public business (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada's Business Climate

Nevada ranks second-best in nation (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada Rural Housing Authority

"First-time homebuyers and honorably discharged military veterans may be missing out on millions of dollars of free cash grants available now from lenders participating in the Nevada Rural Housing Authority's Homes at Last program."

NRHA releases millions in cash grants (Pahrump Valley Times article)

The State Judiciary

NEVADA SUPREME COURT: Death sentence appealed -- New trial sought in 1984 slayings (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

New park in west Carson draws raves from youngest users (Nevada Appeal article)

City may boost bus ridership to Douglas: Proposal would save city money; funds from Douglas County not guaranteed (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County

Grimes named interim CEDA director (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

Privileged pavement? Battle brews over whether Union Park developers can limit who sets foot on sidewalks, from protesters to the homeless (Las Vegas Sun article)

REMODELING PERMITS: County OKs response audit -- Company to check handling of whistle-blower's alert (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

FREE SERVICES: Homeless people get help -- Hundreds line up for annual event (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

SOUTHERN NEVADA ECONOMY: Indicators plummet to '07 low -- Economist who compiled data sees no 'sharp dropoff' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Fear of airport master plan misplaced (Fred LaSor column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Max Baer closes deal for land for casino (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Elko County

Vitality Center housing project OKd (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

TRPA told to cut red tape (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Getting past the blame game (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Developers to present Tahoe Biltmore ideas (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

Commissioners agree to replace SSGID treatment plant computer system (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

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

Commissioner calls for GID to support Community Center, parks and recreation uses (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Access projects in Mound House, Stagecoach result of Corridor Study (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

City Of Fernley

City to consider alternatives to open arsenic drying ponds (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Union files lawsuit against City of Fernley (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Nye County

Amargosa urges limits to growth: Town board chairwoman sees crisis looming (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Amargosa Valley goals (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

Early ballpark plan showcases shops (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Commission to look at smaller condo project (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Truckee Meadows board to consider director candidates (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Democrats pull ahead of GOP in voter registration: Party uses caucus to build first consistent voter edge in 15 years (Nevada Appeal article)

Caucuses only time for input on nominee (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Lyon, Storey Dems to hold caucus training (Nevada Appeal article)

Candidates give Iowa the full treatment: Nevada looking for the same kind of early caucus bonanza (Las Vegas Sun article)

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES: CNN blocks Mike Gravel from debate -- Campaign donations did not meet threshold of $1 million (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Obama: Mining reform must be ‘reasonable’ (Elko Free Press article)

Obama outlines rural Nevada plan: Candidate opposes mining reform legislation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Obama rolls out rural agenda, opposes House bill on mining reform (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Canvassing and House Parties in Pahrump (Nye – Gateway To Nevada's Rurals)

Obama loves the rurals! (Vegas Pundit)

Ron Paul to host lunch, rally in Reno on Nov. 20 (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Ron Paul planning two-day Nevada campaign swing (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Ron Paul, Fully Loaded (Muth's Truths)

Ron Paul making a splash (Nye – Gateway To Nevada's Rurals)

Raising doubts, Richardson shifts Nevada staffers to Iowa (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Politics

Nevada Democrats want to get rid of Beers and Heck (Nye – Gateway To Nevada's Rurals)

General Political Opinion

Some hard truths about our overweening vanity (Sam Bauman column, Nevada Appeal)

The tribulations of political families (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

"Quit calling for a state income tax. It's none of your business."

See higher ed leaders, see them spar: Butt out of creating a state business tax, regent tells Rogers on TV (Las Vegas Sun article)

Rogers to governor hours before budget summit: Cuts will kill us! (Vegas Pundit)

Public Schools

Change the formula, schools look better: Beers uses figures that improve ranking of state's funding (Las Vegas Sun article)

Churchill County School District

Helping students make Adequate Yearly Progress at CCHS (Churchill County School District Superintendent Carolyn Ross column, Lahontan Valley News)

Clark County School District

Trial ordered for teacher: Woman accused of beating autistic kids (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lyon County School District

Superintendent gets satisfactory evaluation, but feels process wasn't correct (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

White Pine County School District

White Pine students are to MAP schools by computer (Ely Times article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Silver State's health ranking slips despite recent declines in smoking (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Las Vegas student diagnosed with staph (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Renown negotiations stall (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Hospital District OKs lease agreement (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

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

"Like all of these ongoing projects, the price tag of the water authority's pipeline will run in the billions of dollars. And like all of these projects -- like all public works projects everywhere, for that matter -- it's going to cost way more than what officials are promising."

Pipeline costs (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Coal-Burning Power Plant Projects

Reid says state's water too valuable to waste on power (Ely Times article)

Some concerns in Utah about power plant in Nevada (Associated Press article)

Delta's power plant: promises kept and broken (Ely Times article)

PUC to discuss energy's future here tomorrow (Ely Times article)

Ely focal point of global warming debate (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)

Reid: global warming responsible for California wildfires (Ely Times article)

Renewable And Alternative Energy

No military objection will blow in wind (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada should mine its renewable energy potential (Craig Cox column, Ely Times)

"Is the state law that requires investor-owned electric utilities to obtain a portion of their power from solar, wind other renewable sources worth the paper it's printed on?"

Renewable energy requirements run out of steam (Ely Times article)

Nevada Mining

Group wants mines to pay for cleanup (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Bad news for the dollar; good news for the Robinson Project (Ely Times article)

Drilling at Noah Project delayed until the spring (Ely Times article)

The Danger Of Fire

BLM plans sagebrush restoration (Ely Times article)

Fires important experience for East Fork (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

State treating wildlife habitat lost in fires (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Wild Beasts

Minden black bear caught (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Three strikes and a bear is now dead (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Rescued Gabbs dogs make way to Yerington (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

The Courthouse Shooting Trial

Road is open for lawsuits (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Surprise guilty pleas bring sudden end to trial (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Mack plea agreement will spare families further pain (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Video Child Molester Case

CHILD PORN CHARGE: Man who turned in tape to stand trial -- Video triggered manhunt for rapist of girl (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lawyer says meth use made Tuck 'paranoid' (Pahrump Valley Times article)

The OJ Case

O.J. defense doesn't plan on witnesses: State to lay out its case at Thursday hearing (Associated Press article)

No Immunity

Lawsuit targeting district attorney in judge's hands (Associated Press article)

Police Shootings

Nevada's top prosecutor says no way on a key inquest reform (Las Vegas Sun article)

Crushing Caseload

Public defender: Caseload increase crushing office -- Number grows with more officers on streets (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Latest Scams

Scammers using jury duty ruse (Elko Free Press article)

Do Not Call

"Consumers should consider calling the Do Not Call toll-free number, 1-888-382-1222, to renew their registrations."

Telemarketers try to skirt Do Not Call Registry (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Immigration Sweeps

Radio ads promote pro-immigrant view (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Cocaine And A Gun

Fight investigation leads to suspected cocaine stash (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Family Life

Off to work? Be sure to leave your child in good hands (Elko Free Press article)

Graffiti

Fernley Council to discuss graffiti issues (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Trouble In The Evidence Room

"More than $21,000, firearms, jewelry and other items are unaccounted for in Elko County Sheriff’s Office evidence rooms, an audit revealed."

Audit reveals issues (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Wild West Days at Shoshone (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Nevada libraries eligible for grant to improve computer and Internet services (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

Progressive agrees to pay $20 million to end lawsuit (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Pinnacle Entertainment reports dip in earnings: Casino company looks ahead to St. Louis resort opening (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Past

At the Throttle: All aboard for the Polar Express (Mark Bassett column, Ely Times)

Portion of forgotten Mason Valley store moved to Museum (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Another study of Dayton Community Center expected by firm specializing in historic structures (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Lower Vine Ranch opens on limited basis (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Journalism

New publisher to take helm of The Record-Courier (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

DOE boosts Yucca team: Second major legal firm hired for waste project (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

ENSIGN INTRODUCES BILL AIMED AT KEEPING TAXES LOW (Sen. Ensign press release)

ENSIGN: AMERICANS DESERVE BETTER MANAGEMENT OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS -- Small Difference Amounts to Nearly 3 Times Nevada's Budget (Sen. Ensign press release)

Heller Appointed to Head Start Conference Committee (Nevada Appeal article)

Recognizing a stunt, Porter snubs GOP on impeachment (Las Vegas Sun article)

In The US Congress

Attorney-General Designate

"We know that U.S. military tribunals and U.S. judges have examined certain types of water-based interrogation and found that they constitute torture."

Torture issue decider for Reid (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Will he be his own man? Attorney general nominee gives strong reason to doubt his independence (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Hypocrites or Wussies? (Muth's Truths)

What Accountability?

Charges of contempt: White House's refusal to cooperate with Congress creates a shameful display (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

PINCH-HITTING ON PENSIONS: Act lets companies start staffs saving toward retirement (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Appropriations

House Keeping: Consensus and Dissent on Appropriations Bills (Desert Beacon)

Tainted Products

Make your Christmas shopping easier - support S. 2045 (Desert Beacon)

Resolution To Impeach Vice-President Cheney

Backfire? House votes send Cheney Impeachment Resolution to Judiciary Committee (Desert Beacon)

The Man with the Plan (Muth's Truths)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

SALUTE TO CITIZENSHIP: 33 Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen take oaths (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Army Guard unit set for deployment (Elko Free Press article)

Chamber honors soldier (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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

November 8, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

State's sales tax revenues projected to drop $285M over two years (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada governor holds budget-cut meeting (Associated Press article)

"Even if he cuts state spending by $285 million, Gibbons noted that the current two-year budget still would be more than $700 million, or 13.32 percent higher than the budget for the period that ended June 30."

Gibbons steers leaders toward cuts (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

In the budget hot seat: Governor more opposed to government services than even Beers, Rory Reid notes (Las Vegas Sun article)

Budget slicing appears certain (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

What about the state Rainy Day Fund? (Nevada Appeal article)

State Taxes

Former governors recall their handling of budget cuts (Nevada Appeal article)

Lawmakers: It's time to go beyond cutting -- Gibbons urged to consider changes in tax system (Nevada Appeal article)

"Rumblings from several of Nevada's largest cities have prompted the Department of Taxation to study the way revenue from sales and excise taxes are distributed throughout the state."

State studying how tax revenues are distributed (Lahontan Valley News article)

The State Economy

Sierra Pacific map can help developers pinpoint sites (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Appointments And Disappointments

Questionable appointment: New member of Contractors Board held position with company the board once cited (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Another opportunity for cooperation (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Clark County

LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY -- County's air may not be clean enough if rules change (Las Vegas Sun article)

Stay off the sidewalks? City Council tries to subvert constitutional rights with private ownership of walkways (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

LV aims rental rule at 'party houses' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Mortgage meltdown sparks profit plunge for Vestin: Third-quarter results slip for pair of REITs (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Hillbillies casino plan takes step forward (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Washoe County

Reno councilman hired as baseball team spokesman (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada Politics

Democrats edge out GOP among Nevada voters: Caucuses, registration events boost numbers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

2008 Presidential Races

ERIN NEFF: All eyes on Nevada (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Candidates statements on Mukasey (Blue Lyon)

Giuliani makes rare Nevada election stop: GOP candidates schedule visits statewide (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Giuliani hopes Las Vegas stop will translate to cash – later: Fundraiser he'll speak at isn't for him (Las Vegas Sun article)

Huckabee brings down the house in Iowa: Folksy GOP candidate strikes chord with post-Bush vision of party (Las Vegas Sun article)

GOP presidential candidate to visit Elko Monday: Rep. Duncan Hunter’s stop part of rural Nevada tour (Elko Free Press article)

Group with health care focus holds mock caucuses (Associated Press article)

Nevada for Health Care seeks voter commitment (Nevada Appeal article)

Local Elections

Dumping Beers Without Tears (Muth's Truths)

Indian Colony chairman elected to 7th straight term (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

General Political Opinion

Election results (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Plenty of school data easy pickings for thieves: UNR learns the hard way when employee loses student info for nearly 16,000 (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Nine-month schools score better on tests, but stats don't tell the whole story (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Protocol for staph weighed: Required notification under consideration (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Renown got priorities right in its new Mill Street tower (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Canada to secede from Nevada: Mining corporations, mostly Canadian, threaten to leave Nevada (Reno News & Review editorial)

Every community needs a water plan (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Fire reconstruction in full swing at Tahoe (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

A concrete idea: Concrete polishing may be the flooring of the future—and easier on the environment (Reno News & Review article)

Bear hit, killed by motorists on Interstate 80 (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Charges filed in Tahoe City bear shooting: Babcock’s settlement hearing scheduled for December (Sierra Sun article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

The OJ Case

PRELIMINARY HEARING: Simpson show returns -- Media refocus on LV for scheduled court appearance (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

O.J. Simpson could face hard time for 'cartoon' caper in Vegas (Associated Press article)

Dogs In Vests

Police dogs get new vests (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

Harrah's deals itself winning quarter (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MGM Mirage plans Muslim world resort (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MGM Mirage to help build $3 billion resort in Abu Dhabi by 2012 (Associated Press article)

An image of M for Henderson: Hotel-casino complex planned with hotel tower, casino, meeting space (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: Station Casinos buyout closes -- Gambling operator's days as publicly traded company end (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Journalism

Columnist bows out (Reno News & Review article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

POLITICS: Ensign sponsors tax-cut measure -- Senator says it may become election issue (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Tainted Products

Charges allege contaminated sesame seeds shipped to LV (Associated Press article)

Toys recalled for containing powerful 'date rape' drug (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Climate Change

'A wholesale transformation': Global warming doomsayers would radically alter our economy (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The US State Department

Creating diplomatic strife: Citing danger and policy, U.S. Foreign Service officers don't want to volunteer for Iraq (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

CRISIS CHRONICLED: Veteran homelessness increasing -- Nevada ranks fifth in nation for housing crunch (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

One-fourth of Nation’s homeless are veterans (Nye-Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Many ways to recognize veterans (Nevada Appeal article)

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

November 9, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

The Summit

A reassuring performance: Governor holds his ground at budget summit (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

$285 MILLION SHORTFALL: Goodman looking into taxes -- Mayor plans to ask other leaders to consider new revenue sources (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Mayor: Let's look at taxing businesses that pay nothing (Las Vegas Sun article)

Reforming Nevada's Inequitable Tax System

Jon Ralston thinks Gibbons still has a (slim) chance to save Nevada (Las Vegas Sun column)

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

The Need For Openness

"Budget work is always the public's business. Taxpayers and voters -- the public -- will be affected whenever and wherever budget cuts occur. The decisions must be made openly and with input from as many sources as is humanly possible. Changes should not be made behind closed doors and presented as a fait accompli."

Open, responsible government calls for releasing details on cuts (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Nevada's Economy

Prices of Las Vegas homes falling, but they're still not selling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The housing crisis that isn't, or is it? (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

"Across Southern Nevada, the cost of making ends meet is rising as tens of thousands of the working poor, and now growing numbers of middle class families, stretch their budgets beyond the breaking point."

Poverty's price: Meet the 'new poor': the middle class (Las Vegas CityLife article)

China ties key for Las Vegas companies' success (In Business Las Vegas article)

Mompreneurs: These stay-at-home moms mean business (In Business Las Vegas article)

The State Judiciary

$2.5 million returned to general fund by court (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Maupin to Gibbons: We are good fiscal stewards! (Vegas Pundit)

Law and Utilities: State's top court upholds suspension of Halverson (In Business Las Vegas article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

Smoking ban fuels quarterly loss for Herbst Gaming: Revenue rises 58.6 percent in period (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Smoking bans can't replace personal responsibility (Chuck Muth column, Nevada Appeal)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Heidi's still in the cold, but people with warm hearts are helping out (Barry Ginter column, Nevada Appeal)

Clark County

Government-Chartered Monopolies

In Business Q and A: Bob Coyle, Republic Services area president (In Business Las Vegas interview)

The Real Estate Market

Real Estate and Development: Apartment market, like housing, not so hot (In Business Las Vegas article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Five developers plan for new Kings Beach (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

New Kings Beach project surfaces: Plans could include lodging and retail (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Tahoe-Truckee residents talk transit (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Health and Wellness Center, retail and cuisine planned for Biltmore site (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Washoe County

Housing Market In The Dumps -- How About More Development?

"To give Washoe County some "wiggle room" for growth, regional officials Thursday designated 640 more acres for suburban expansion, to boost density levels in unincorporated communities such as Sun Valley or Spanish Springs."

Officials give county more room to grow (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

POLITICAL THEATER'S MAIN STAGE: Much ado about nothing, if past Iowa caucus turnouts are any gauge (Las Vegas Sun article)

Biden for president (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Giuliani plays up support from televangelist: GOP candidate says he, Robertson share many values (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Universities should help the state (Kyle Magin column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Penny wise, regent foolish: Regent attacks chancellor, protecting the governor instead of the university system (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Public Schools

CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT: Inquiry targets NLV school principal -- Teacher: Student discipline at issue (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Private Schools

Passage of school aid bill was in the details (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

State Slips To An Even Lower Status

"Just when Nevada's health ranking looked like it couldn't get any lower, it did."

Health Care and Banking: Nevada's health ranking takes another hit (In Business Las Vegas article)

Whatever Happened To The Anti-Trust Laws?

Sierra Health deal is trouble, congressional panel says (Las Vegas Sun article)

House panel has concerns about big health care merger in Nevada (Associated Press article)

Regional Facilities

Clinic may go to county: High maintenance costs force GBC to ask for help (Elko Free Press article)

Lahontan Medical Complex adds equipment, patients (Nevada Appeal article)

Budget constraints delay opening of health center (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

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

"As recently as early 2005, local water authorities estimated the cost of the proposed pipeline at a mere $1 billion. By the end of 2005, it was at $2 billion. And by the end of 2006, water honchos admitted they were planning for up to $3.6 billion."

The pipeline, drip by expensive drip (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nevada's Burning Hills

Be patient as fire recovery progresses (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Wild Beasts

Nev. wild horse center to reopen Nov. 13 (Associated Press article)

Have questions about the 80-pound bear the NDOW euthanized this week? Bear Awareness Forum could provide answers (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

A tale of two bears (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

First-ever Nevada bear hunt considered (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

The OJ Case

O.J. SIMPSON PRELIMINARY HEARING: Witness: Guns a shock -- Hotel raid was in works for weeks, associate says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Man testifies O.J. burst into hotel room (Associated Press article)

Crowd gathers to gain 15-second piece of O.J. Simpson's fame (Associated Press article)

Curious turn out for the free show: Spectators start lining up at court at 7 a.m. (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Hearing puts pressure on eateries to feed masses: Business owners beef up supplies to serve lunchtime crowds (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

SIMPSON IN COURT: KEY PLAYERS (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A timeline of major events in the O.J. Simpson case (Associated Press article)

Justice of Peace Bonaventure is son of Vegas high-profile judge (Associated Press article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Meth task force hears from former addicts: Recovered addict says 'make jail hell so users won't want to come back (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Reckless Endangerment

LAW CHALLENGED: Court upholds law in failing to stop -- Convicted robber argued vagueness of felony rules (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nelson v. State (Nevada Supreme Court website)

Relative Conflicts

"While employees of the district attorney's office have been busy putting crooks behind bars, some of their relatives have been stabbing their husbands, stealing jewelry, growing marijuana, molesting children and conducting drive-by shootings , authorities allege . And that's just this year."

In Clark County, DA sees surge in black sheep related to his employees: Cases farmed out to avoid conflicts (Las Vegas Sun article)

Downbeat For Downloaders

Virtual brutality: Nevada's targets of the music industry's war on downloaders find the pain all too real (Las Vegas CityLife article)

__________

Nevada Culture

American Indian Heritage Month (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Genoans seek permit moratorium to preserve Candy Dance fair (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Air show traffic to be heavy (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Middle East topic of events (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Annual holiday fairs signal the season of crafts (Nevada Appeal editorial)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

State may pull punch as Yucca fight intensifies: Feds spend big; Nevada faces budget cuts (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Sen. Reid

Reid: Congress Overrides Water Resources Veto, Refuses to Allow President to Block America's Priorities (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid Announces Organizations Participating in Foreclosure Mobile Resource Centers (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid robs rubes: Nevada's senior senator coddles Big Mining and shortchanges his state (Hugh Jackson column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Sen. Ensign

Ensign and the Dreamers: Proposal would add $1.5 trillion to deficit (Desert Beacon)

Rep. Berkley

BERKLEY CHEERS FINAL PASSAGE OF WATER PROJECTS BILL – WILL BENEFIT SOUTHERN NEVADA: Senate Rejects Bush Veto, OK’s $50 Million Lake Mead Pipeline (Rep. Berkley press release)

Rep. Heller

Heller Appointed to Head Start Conference Committee (Rep. Heller press release)

In The US Congress

Meanwhile ... (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

No blank check for Iraq: Legislation would place sensible conditions on new billions for the war (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Our Nation's Economy

Financial Audit: Bureau of the Public Debt's Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006 Schedules of Federal Debt GAO-08-168, November 07, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Social Security: Issues Regarding the Coverage of Public Employees GAO-08-248T, November 06, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Public Lands

BLM may change auction rules (In Business Las Vegas article)

Aren't you forgetting something? Whoops. A federal law protecting Nevada wilderness left out a few things (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Horse money staying put: BLM backtracks on transferring funds from Wyoming to Nevada (Associated Press article)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Porous border checkpoints: Lax procedures and understaffing do nothing to help keep this country secure (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Terrorist Watch List Screening: Recommendations to Promote a Comprehensive and Coordinated Approach to Terrorist-Related Screening GAO-08-253T, November 08, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

New Legal Complex at Guantanamo to Apply Proven Expeditionary Concepts (American Forces Press Service article)

Last-Minute Evidence, Legal Debate Delay Case on Canadian Detainee (American Forces Press Service article)

Veterans Affairs

Veterans access help for benefits (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Reid: Congress Must Help Veterans (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid: President Bush, Senate Republicans Holding Veterans Funding Hostage (Sen. Reid press release)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Nevada guardsman to share experiences from Iraqi missions (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Gates, Ishiba Discuss Future of Japanese-American Alliance (American Forces Press Service article)

11/08/2007: Joint Press Conference with Secretary Gates and Minister of Defense Ishiba from Tokyo, Japan (US Defense Department website)

11/07/2007: Joint Press Conference with Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Kim Jang-soo in Seoul, Korea (US Defense Department website)

11/07/2007: DoD News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Ham from the Pentagon (US Defense Department website)

Military Personnel: Federal Agencies Have Taken Actions to Address Servicemembers' Employment Rights, but a Single Entity Needs to Maintain Visibility to Improve Focus on Overall Program Results GAO-08-254T, November 08, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

International Organized Crime

Mafia's 'Ten Commandments' found: Italian police have found what they say is a "Ten Commandments"-style code of behaviour for Mafia members, at the hideout of a captured Mafia boss (BBC News article)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

Officials Identify Taliban Leaders Captured in Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Coalition Forces Capture Terrorism Suspects in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi Crew Works to Expand Electrical Generation (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi Citizens Step Up to Confront al Qaeda, General Says (American Forces Press Service article)

Mexico

Mexico flood damage almost $700 million-insurers (Reuters article)

Disease warning in flooded Mexico (BBC News article)

Crocodiles, snakes spark worry in flooded Mexico villages (AFP article)

Corruption blamed for Tabasco floods: Funding for prevention measures in the Mexican state was squandered, say critics, who also point to overbuilding and deforestation (Los Angeles Times article)

Pakistan

Pakistan's Lesson in Democracy (Time Magazine article)

Musharraf Pledges Elections by Feb. 15 (New York Times article)

Analysts on Emergency Rule in Pakistan (Voice of America report)

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

November 10, 2007

Birthday of the US Marine Corps

James Montgomery Flagg poster, c. 1917 [click on image to enlarge].

_____

Veterans Day Weekend

JANE ANN MORRISON: At Sunday's parade, you'll find a veteran in a wheelchair who savors life (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Parade organizer expects turnout of about 32,000: 300th Army Band will be among about 100 entries (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Southern Nevada veterans will parade Agent Orange float (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Carson High students recognize veterans, their families (Nevada Appeal article)

Veterans Day events (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

"We are sensitive to the current economic situation and will continue to consider its impact on judicial budgets as we make decisions that are crucial to the functions of the judiciary."

Supreme Court gives back: Justices actually fail to spend their annual appropriation (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Gibbons should do more than just say 'no' to taxes (Chuck Muth column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Our State Economy

Homeowners Feel the Pinch of Lost Equity (New York Times article)

"The U.S. trustee's office, which handles bankruptcy issues for the Justice Department, is looking into allegations that mortgage service companies have been demanding inaccurate payoff amounts or unreasonably high fees from homeowners even after their bankruptcy cases have been discharged."

What a raw deal: Excess fees force homeowners into foreclosure and show need for more oversight (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Foreclosure aid offered through resource centers (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Basics of the real estate short sale (Dan Wilmot column, Las Vegas Business Press)

State Agencies

CDs with state workers' information missing: Discovery forces changes to improve security (Nevada Appeal article)

State disks go missing, with employees' personal data (Las Vegas Sun article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

"The latest clarification of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act means takeout restaurants can no longer deliver inside bars that allow smoking, something many tavern owners say is just another way the ban is hurting their business."

Decision upsets takeout eateries (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Local Government

Churchill County

News from the Chamber (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

LV visitor count inches lower in September (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

New North Las Vegas industrial complex planned (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Six Centra Point properties sold: Recent sale reduces developer's local properties to almost zero (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Chinese envoy argues against pending trade sanctions (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Douglas County

Concrete example of bad planning (Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Lyon County

Wabuska ski lake development gets master plan amendment OK (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County

Commission wants control over Amargosa land rush (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Storey County

Group wants to return public transit to Storey (Nevada Appeal article)

Washoe County

More than 100 participate in Oliver-Montello cleanup (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

Giuliani stumps in Henderson: Presidential hopeful defends ex-police commissioner Kerik during campaign stop (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Pal's indictment a drag on high-flying Giuliani: In Henderson, candidate is asked about Bernard Kerik, whose nomination for key post blew up in ex-mayor's face (Las Vegas Sun article)

Clinton picks up key Hispanic backer Nevada (Associated Press article)

Organization pushes all presidential candidates to come up with health plan (Lahontan Valley News article)

Elko remains red (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

UNR reaches enrollment, diversity milestones (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Figures show diversity on rise at UNR (Associated Press article)

Regent sees great potential for health sciences (Elko Free Press article)

Public Schools

Churchill County School District

School district to prioritize needs for bond measure (Lahontan Valley News article)

School district helps fight childhood obesity (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County School District

Panel favors year-round schools: District urged to beef up communication about changes (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Water breaks on hospital maternity ward (Lahontan Valley News article)

Vioxx maker to settle (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Rival nurse unions exchange barbs: Organizations vie to represent workers at St. Mary's in Reno (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Residents oppose coal-fired power plant (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

WRID to hold workshops to discuss EIS scoping process (Mason Valley News article)

Tortoise Fees: County takes comment on desert tortoise plan (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

The OJ Case

SIMPSON PROCEEDINGS: Scrutiny remains on guns -- Witness says ex-football star might not have seen weapon (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

Meth’s aftermath: Recovery brings hope for new lives (Elko Free Press article)

Copper Thieves

Man gets year in statues theft (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Urban Vandals

Stronger vandalism laws eyed (Elko Free Press article)

An Arboreal Vandal

HENDERSON NEIGHBORHOOD: Man guilty of ruining 546 trees -- Defendant maintains his innocence (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Vegas hits a high note: Latin Grammys highlight city's pull on Hispanics, its entertainment reputation (Las Vegas Sun article)

Stargazers gather in Tecopa for final Star Party of year (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Bright parade to light up the Eye (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

"Nevada's casinos gave state officials a glimmer of good news Friday, as the state's gaming industry posted a 7.5 percent gain in the gaming win number in September when compared to the same month last year, the state Gaming Control Board said Friday."

Nevada gaming: Officials get good news as win mark increases (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Gaming win up for September; attributed to weak '06 (Nevada Appeal article)

Sports books 'play lucky' for casinos (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Non-U.S. sources of capital, family, entrepreneurial and individual capital are anxious for financial exposure to gaming assets because of the generational aspect of an investment in Las Vegas."

Official sees more private equity investment in gaming: Greater flexibility, long-term tack enable better returns, Colony Capital officer says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A LITTLE MORE SHINE: LV scores nine winners of AAA's Five Diamond Awards (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Caesars dealers petition for union vote: Workers want channel to discuss wages, issues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

One-time expenses hurt Station profits: Buyout, Indian gaming costs affect results (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Culinary gives Mission Industries one-week reprieve (Las Vegas Business Press article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Step into past at ranch (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Yerington Hotel razed (Mason Valley News article)

A legacy of memories: Snapshot of World War II lives on with one family’s treasured collection (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Cortez Masto seeks to block Yucca license: Incomplete design plans cited in letter to senator (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Goblins, ghosts and other ogres -- Part II (Bob McCracken column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Public Lands

BLM looks at better way to unload land: Easing auction opening prices could lead to cheaper housing (Las Vegas Sun article)

In The US Congress

House bill would keep Nevada sales tax break (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Congress pushes back: Lawmakers' decision to override Bush is welcome - and long overdue (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Tainted Products

Dangerous toys: Latest tainted toy from China is another sign of administration's failure on consumer safety (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Veterans Affairs

President Thanks Veterans for Service to Country (Armed Forces Press Service article)

Veterans Caught in The Crossfire: Bush vows to veto benefits in H.R. 3043 (Desert Beacon)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Air Force on agenda for Town Board meeting (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Troops Deserve More Than Bumper Sticker Support (Muth's Truths)

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

November 11, 2007

Veterans Day

James Montgomery Flagg poster, c. 1917 [click on image to enlarge].

Minden hosts Marine birthday celebration (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Scarselli students honor veterans (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Douglas senior center observes Veteran's Day (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Valley soldier returns from Iraq (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Thank defenders of our freedom on Veteran's Day (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Numa Elementary honors veterans in celebration (Lahontan Valley News article)

Honoring our Nation's Veterans (Rep. Dean Heller column, Lahontan Valley News)

Marines share brotherly love for their country (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Veterans Day (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: WASHINGTON D.C.: Berkley honors the heroes of another war (Las Vegas Sun column)

Veterans deserve better: Increasing numbers of returning vets face joblessness and homelessness (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Honoring those who've fallen (Nevada Appeal article)

Replacing father's medals reveals a chapter in an unknown hero's life (Marilee Swirczek column, Nevada Appeal)

Take time to remember veterans' sacrifices (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Happy Veterans Day: To all who served, are serving or gave their life for our country... Thank You. (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Families hope for safe return (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Words from War (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

James Nakada: A family of service (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Veterans fight for freedom so that we can live (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Charlie Koontz: Navy pilot reflects on war and country (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Remembering veterans always (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

America's warriors remember sacrifices (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Sailor awarded bronze star for two tours in Iraq (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Americans mustn't allow 'old soldiers' to simply fade away (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

_____

TNO's Veterans Day Message: Please take a moment to thank the men and women who served and fought for our ineffably precious national heritage --  freedom, equality and human dignity.

__________

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

Business tax topic at two meetings (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

ERIN NEFF: The problem isn't the economic downturn, it's the tax structure (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Jon Ralston outlines a 10-step plan for progress toward finally fixing the state's economy and educational system (Las Vegas Sun column)

Failure of leadership: In Gibbons' zeal to slash the budget, he ignores others, forsakes children (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Lawsuits Against The State

LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY -- Crash victims' survivors to get $150,000 from state (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada Highways

On the road again: U.S. Highway 95 project almost a wrap (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

UPAY4ME

$2M incentive for old Wal-Mart likely (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Jeff Simpson lists some of the business stories that might have been eclipsed by O.J. (Las Vegas Sun column)

Centra sells more of its LV valley properties: Centra Point buildings were company's last LV office sites (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

RETAIL: And now, the Main attraction -- Everystreet USA style lends familiarity to Town Square (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Code change could help downtown revitalization (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Washoe County

Billboard causes stir among residents (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

RSCVA takes quest for event public (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Pressure on candidates to perform: Democrats will take questions prepared by Nevadans in Thursday's debate at UNLV (Las Vegas Sun article)

Brookings forum to get down to nitty-gritty: Panelists will tackle nation's key issues (Las Vegas Sun article)

Iowa gives candidates, media just the right stage (Las Vegas Sun article)

Hopefuls strive to re-create Kerry's 2004 momentum (Las Vegas Sun article)

Dems turn focus to Nevada (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Which candidate can we count on to renovate the government? (Kirk Caraway column, Lahontan Valley News)

THOMAS MITCHELL: Al Gore now arbiter of good journalism (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Obama's Plan for Leadership for Rural Nevada (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Local Elections

Already focused on 2010, Reid faces two-part test: As ex-aide hones Dems' message, his own reelection is concern (Las Vegas Sun article)

General Political Opinion

Questionable values (Gelen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

STUDENT APATHY: Where is activism at UNLV? Forty years ago, students fought to make change (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

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

"There is a simmering sentiment that Las Vegas has grown big enough, thank you, and it's past time to apply the brakes."

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: Lawn lovers resent breakneck growth (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

The Colorado River

ENDANGERED ECOSYSTEM: It's time to restore the Colorado River --The river's unique hydrological and ecological conditions once supported one of the world's largest percentages of endemic fish, species found nowhere else on the planet (Robert W. Adler column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Alternative Energy

Wind power makes headway: Good news, bad news as Nevada has yet to put up a single turbine (Las Vegas Sun article)

Wild Beasts

Tahoe City man charged in killing of black bear (Associated Press article)

Bear forum draws 50 people (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

'There was no gun,' Simpson told witness (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JOHN L. SMITH: Toughest task in Simpson case could be finding jurors able to stay awake (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

__________

Nevada Culture

Ranch tradition celebrated at fundraiser (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Our Beautiful Region

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Prescott draws tourists with charm, historical buildings (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

Atlantic City in 2012: A new world in gambling resort (Associated Press article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Thanks again, Harry (Las Vegas Gleaner)

In The US Congress

WASHINGTON DIGEST: Waterboarding issue overcome -- Senate approves attorney general (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Climate Change

EPA wavers on waiver: California has little choice but to force government's hand in court (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: Who cares about cause? Something must be done! (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Our Controversial Administration

PR adviser Hughes bails out on her pal President Bush (Guy Farmer column, Nevada Appeal)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Western grad flies with elite: Thunderbird pilot 'just a typical girl' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Middle East

"If the world plays this Annapolis card right - and the U.S. must make sure that it does - we will see peace in the Middle East, a nuclear-free Iran and a prosperity so far only dreamed of."

WHERE I STAND: Brian Greenspun has a new take on Iran -- Four-letter word can bring peace to Middle East (Las Vegas Sun column)

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

November 12, 2007

Veterans Day Weekend

Thousands assemble to say 'thanks' to veterans: Veterans Day parades held across state (Associated Press article)

Military police off to Iraq: Thirty of 115 soldiers are Iraq veterans (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Despite weather, hundreds turn out for Virginia City parade (Nevada Appeal article)

Spanning generations of veterans while remembering Carson's first soldiers (Nevada Appeal article)

No matter the politics, veterans matter (Kevin MacMillan column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Many come out to say thanks to vets (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

GOVERNOR TO RECEIVE DONATION TO PATRIOT FUND ON VETERANS’ DAY (Gov. Gibbons press release)

President Bush Marks Veterans Day at National Fallen Soldiers Memorial Ceremony (White House website)

Defense Leaders Honor Troops’ Service, Sacrifice (American Forces Press Service article)

Veterans Day Message to the Troops From Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Washington, D.C., Sunday, November 11, 2007 (US Defense Department website)

Joint Chiefs Chairman Encourages Civic Leaders to Support Veterans (American Forces Press Service article)

Veterans Day Message from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (US Defense Department website)

Airmen in Afghanistan Honor Veterans With Silent Vigil (American Forces Press Service article)

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Economy

PAYROLL SURVEY: It pays to be in small business -- Las Vegas workers average more than U.S. counterparts (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Investors likely to favor apartment complexes: Median price for rentals up 13 percent in year, data show (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Holiday travel looks costly (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Reid Announces Organizations Participating in Foreclosure Mobile Resource Centers (Sen. Reid press release)

Nevada Foreclosure Help (Nevada State Government website)

Nevada Taxes

REPAIRING ROADWAYS: Trucks again at center of debate -- Transportation analyst urges higher levy on diesel fuel (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Foster Care

In foster care, siblings separated or left waiting: Grant will finance home for brothers, sisters (Las Vegas Sun article)

The State Judiciary

Nevada Supreme Court upholds exclusive-franchise deal to haul waste (Nevada Appeal article)

Douglas Disposal, Inc. v. Wee Haul, LLC (Nevada Supreme Court website)

JANE ANN MORRISON: Lying on résumés to make yourself look good can get ugly pretty fast (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

State Taxicab Authority

Governor Appoints Stacie Truesdell to The State Taxicab Authority (Gov. Gibbons press release)

Local Government

Clark County

Looking in on: City Hall -- Mum's the word on Neonopolis eatery; City extends parking deal on hopes for Cabo Wabo, other new tenant (Las Vegas Sun article)

Washoe County

More Development

Boom seen in Virginia Range (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Residents want EPA to block project on old dump (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Budget Cuts

Commission to decide on $14 million budget cuts (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

Candidates put on hold (Las Vegas Sun article)

Big dinner in Des Moines a warm-up for caucus (Las Vegas Sun article)

Democrats court activists in Iowa (Reuters article)

"Where did Hillary Clinton's mojo go?"

Hillary Clinton suddenly vulnerable as bruises start to show (New York Daily News article)

Candidate Hunter has full day in Reno (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Follytix for fun and prophet (Andy Barbano column, Barbwire)

General Political Opinion

Dole Food’s corporate rape of ordinary people (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Web 'Wally' puts spotlight on state politics -- PolitickerNV.com mirrors popular New Jersey site (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Next step must be student retention efforts (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Alternative Energy

A break for clean energy: Military tells Senate Majority Leader Reid that it no longer objects to wind farm site (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

$kindustry Regulation

Week in Review: Clark County -- Smut distributors threaten to fight hike in news rack fees; They claim proposal discriminates illegally based on content (Las Vegas Sun article)

"It's now more obvious than ever that Rizzolo and his cronies have at least two, possibly three, lackeys on the City Council ready to grant anyone -- no matter their criminal background -- a new liquor license to reopen the mobbed-up strip club."

The latest Crazy Horse Too developments: "Please don't tell Steve Miller" - Vice President, CB Richard Ellis (Steve Miller column, AmericanMafia.com)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

Crunchtime for union talks: Mission Industries workers set to go on strike if no agreement reached (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Governor slights Yucca fight: Since taking office in January, Gibbons has acted soft on nuclear waste burial here (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

In The US Congress

Act's failure dashes dreams of youths: Illegal immigrant children caught in middle of debate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

'Paying' for tax relief (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Congress, president digging in; look for long-term budget battle (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Medical marijuana and employers: California high court tackles interesting issue (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Seat belts for all vehicles: Two senators propose law that would extend seat-belt use to long-haul buses (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Mukasey takes office as attorney general (Reuters article)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Reid Hails Passage of Defense Funding Bill (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid Commemorates the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Air Force (Sen. Reid press release)

Defense Acquisitions: Department of Defense Actions on Program Manager Empowerment and Accountability GAO-08-62R, November 09, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

Coalition kills 15 Afghan rebels (Reuters article)

Terrorist Facilitators Detained in Zabul Province (American Forces Press Service article)

Measures Improve Afghanistan's Police Force (American Forces Press Service article)

Reconstruction Team Begins $1.7 Million Bridge Project (American Forces Press Service article)

11/09/2007: DoD News Briefing with Brig. Gen. Livingston from Afghanistan (US Defense Department website)

Australia

Australia's Howard targets families as poll slides (Reuters article)

Australian judge slams handling of terrorism case (Reuters article)

Cambodia

Justice catches up with two more Pol Pot henchmen (Reuters article)

Guatemala

"Guatemala is one of the most troubled societies in Latin America. Thousands of its citizens migrate to the United States in search of work each year. Organized-crime groups have infiltrated many key government institutions."

Guatemala's new president will assume great burden: Alvaro Colom must now confront massive emigration to the U.S. and organized crime. His first meeting will be with leaders from the Maya community that helped elect him (Los Angeles Times article)

Guatemala's president-elect stresses regional ties: Guatemalan wants to stay friendly with U.S., Venezuela, Mexico (Dallas Morning News article)

Guatemala's Colom to attack drug gangs (Reuters article)

Guatemala's president-elect faces tough challenges (AFP article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

US military reversing Iraq troop surge (Associated Press article)

Iraq hopes to end Baghdad security plan soon (Reuters article)

Coalition Forces Detain Dozens in Iraq Operations (American Forces Press Service article)

Army Commander Sees Progress in Iraqi Town (American Forces Press Service article)

Troops Target Foreign Terrorist Networks in Iraq; 19 Suspects Detained (American Forces Press Service article)

Mexico

Tabasco Tragedy Also One of Mexico’s Finest Moments (Mexidata article)

USA-Mexico Anti-Drug Plan Includes ‘Private Contractors’ (Mexidata article)

Mexico's PRD Party Holds Michoacan Governorship in State Vote (Bloomberg article)

Mexican Relishes Hunt for US Fugitives (Associated Press article)

Report: Mexico's largest copper mine fraught with health, safety dangers (Associated Press article)

Grupo Mexico sees copper strike ruling in December (Reuters article)

Pakistan

Pakistan bars planned protest by Bhutto (Associated Press article)

Musharraf Sets No Date to End Emergency Rule (New York Times article)

Election boycott is threatened in Pakistan (Los Angeles Times article)

RL34240 Pakistan's Political Crisis and State of Emergency November 06, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

RL33498 Pakistan-U.S. Relations October 18, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Russia

Vote observers say Russia holding up entry visas (Reuters article)

A Federal Reader

RS22754 National Special Security Events November 06, 2007 (Congressional Research Service report)

Financial Audit: IRS's Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006 Financial Statement Audits GAO-08-166, November 09, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Archaeological News

Prehistoric women had passion for fashion (Reuters article)

Temple built 4,000 years ago unearthed in Peru (Associated Press article)

Archaeologists let looters do some of the work (USA Today article)

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

November 13, 2007

Veterans Day Celebrations

Veterans honored Saturday (Elko Free Press article)

JOHN L. SMITH: For this military matriarch, 'Support Our Troops' is more than just a slogan (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Bikers roll up on Governor's Mansion for good cause (Nevada Appeal article)

Veterans: More Honored in the Breach? Bush all talk and no funding (Desert Beacon)

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

CLARK COUNTY FAMILY SERVICES: Gibbons' call for cuts criticized -- Reid: Well-being of children can't be sacrificed (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

There they go again: The latest budget battle is a strange but familiar episode (Andy Matthews column, Nevada Policy Research Institute)

Yes, Nevada needs a smarter tax structure than it has now (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Nevada's Economy

"Nevada is going to get hit hard."

Oil costs threaten Nevada's economy (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

State Agencies

Caring for children: State should prevent further trauma in child system by keeping siblings together (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada Ag Council accepting project proposals for 2008 (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

The State Judiciary

FATHER NOTIFICATION: Custody case takes a twist -- Procedural error postpones judge's decision on 7-year-old (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Lawsuits Against The State

A paltry amount: Awards for families of people killed by speeding highway trooper are too low (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Group wants city to manage $2.2M in bypass landscaping (Nevada Appeal article)

Redevelopment has no business in partnership (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Youth encouraged to participate in video project (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

LOOKING IN ON: SUBURBS -- NLV nonchalant about ouster (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Surveying the Summit (Sierra Sun article)

Lyon County

Small Hazen remembers busier times (Lahontan Valley News article)

__________

Nevada Politics

AARP: Nevada voters need push to get off their duffs (Las Vegas Sun article)

2008 Presidential Races

UNLV presents series of events about debate: Most are free and open to the public (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Clinton campaign goes local: Democratic frontrunner opens Elko office (Elko Free Press article)

"Did Clinton know that woman was volunteering, or more likely, on the payroll? Who knows? But she didn't come to the central committee meeting for the group's business."

ERIN NEFF: Phony as a $3 bill (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Edwards Charges Clinton with Salting Audience with Softball Questions (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Contrasting Clinton and Obama (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

The Race to Be the Un-Hillary (Time Magazine article)

For Clinton, the "Question" Won't Go Away (Shallagh Murray column, Washington Post)

John Edwards Plan for Treating Veterans' PTSD (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Reno assemblywoman backs John Edwards (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Former governor Robert List endorses Giuliani (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Hunter courts Elko (Elko Free Press article)

PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS: Half-sister hits the trail -- Obama's relative meets with organizations Monday in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Romney, McCain say they'll support veterans' causes (Associated Press article)

The third rail: Candidate offers detailed plan on Social Security (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

LOOKING IN ON: HIGHER EDUCATION -- Rogers, make up your . . . (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Stats on Teacher Pay (Beers for Nevada)

Nevada Schools Rank #1 In Deception Index (Beers for Nevada)

Lessons from Texas: We should recognize the benefits of end-of-course exams (Joe Enge column, Nevada Policy Research Institute)

Churchill County School District

School board to consider grievances from two teachers (Lahontan Valley News article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Administrative vacancies hurt mental health system (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Board revokes its reprimand of physician: Judge reversed malpractice ruling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Coal-Burning Power Plant Projects

NEVADA UTILITIES: Groups line up against coal plants -- Environmentalists label deals between state, developers 'meaningless' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Mining

Nevada mines striking gold -- Report: Record $4.9 billion produced in '06 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Wild Beasts

Number of Gabbs dogs dwindles by 50: Help still needed in finding homes for nearly 100 dogs orphaned after owner died (Nevada Appeal article)

Mountain lion prowls Keys (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

Delegation to discuss counterterrorism (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

New sheriff's office opens today: Move means new phone numbers for sheriff's department (Nevada Appeal article)

Spring Creek youth arrested on graffiti charges (Elko Free Press article)

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Nevada Culture

CULTURE SHOCKED: Rural Colombians, here for Latin Grammys, struggle to make sense of Vegas (Las Vegas Sun article)

But is it art? Panel will decide for Arts District (Las Vegas Sun article)

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From The Neon Empire

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

MGM Grand Macau slated to open next month: Property's debut to mark third grand opening of new Macau casino this year (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Wave hello to tomorrow: Global Gaming Expo offers glimpse of technology for slot floor of the future (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Boyd casino cuts workers (Associated Press article)

LABOR NEGOTIATIONS: Mission possible: Strike averted -- Culinary, laundry service reach last-minute agreement (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

'Las Vegas Dream' Laundry workers reach a deal (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Nevada's Past

Demolition experts prepared New Frontier for final fall: Officials work to get hotel-casino's supporting cores to collapse just right (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

How Nevada's Senators and Representatives Voted (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Reid secures $87 million-plus in defense funding for state (Nevada Appeal article)

Another masterstroke from the insider's insider (Las Vegas Gleaner)

What Harry Reid Has Been Up To (Reno and Its Discontents)

Senator has traditional fix for U.S.: Tax cuts -- Ensign vows to keep GOP standby alive, no matter what (Las Vegas Sun article)

In The US Congress

Bush Vetoes Domestic Programs Spending Bill (New York Times article)

Bush Veto Sets Stage for Budget Battle (Washington Post article)

The Public Lands

Nevada Developers: Give Us Land, Lots of Land... (Desert Beacon)

The Federal Land Stranglehold – and What Nevada Can Do About It (Charles F. Barr report, Nevada Policy Research Institute)

Our Nation's Environment

Toxic accidents can't be tolerated (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Federal Law Enforcement

"I'll sell my soul to the devil." (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

"Botmaster" admits infecting 250,000 computers (Reuters article)

Tainted Products

Tainted gift giving? Despite recent recalls, safe toys are out there for those willing to look around (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Second Amendment (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

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

November 14, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

BUDGET CUTTING: Gibbons stays ax for some -- Children's programs will escape chopped funding, governor says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Cuts and the child welfare system: Where would the commissioner trim? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Funding sought to deal with new Nevada parole law (Associated Press article)

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: State offering up debit cards -- Officials hope to boost efficiency, lower cost of dispensing money (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada's Economy

Official sees trouble for real estate loans: Deutsche Bank managing director says he expects slowdown in commercial lendings (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Agencies

Personal data risk: State officials should notify workers whose information may be compromised (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

State Litigation

Tile deal costs state $5 million: Contractors to pay $6.25 million, but investigation and replacement cost more (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State pays $150,000 in NHP crash (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State OKs settlements from accident involving NHP trooper (Nevada Appeal article)

Local Government

Douglas County

"I'm in favor of the fee, but it irks me that all of the sudden when there's a downturn in revenue, the county makes a utility fee, then a telephone fee, and now we are looking at a business fee. It's always on the backs of businesses."

Business license proposal prompts debate in Douglas (Nevada Appeal article)

Lyon County

County unemployment rate up: some employers still hiring (Dayton Courier article)

Lyon to consider revised, stronger 'Right to Farm' ordinance (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Lyon to consider deed restrictions for land along Carson River (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Commission to receive update on 'NorthernNVision' regional economic development study (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

County to reconsider Dayton Events Center project (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Commission to consider second structural evaluation (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Residents upset by implementation of property maintenance code (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

City to purchase holding tanks at proposed water treatment facility (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Washoe County

Washoe board freezes 5% of budget spending (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Reid predicts high Nevada caucus turnout (Associated Press article)

Jon Ralston tells us the debate is good, but this caucus is everything (Las Vegas Sun column)

BRING ON THE HOPEFULS. WE'VE GOT ISSUES -- HOW WE GOVERN: CONCENTRATED POWER, QUIRKY LIBERTARIANISM (Las Vegas Sun article)

From the Sun's Political Blog: Reid's pronouncement: 100,000 caucusgoers (Las Vegas Sun article)

Culinary Union boss shrugs off Reid's turnout projection (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Brian Greenspun on visit from Brookings: Top-notch think tank lends objective research (Las Vegas Sun column)

The Debate

UNLV rolls out red carpet for debate: School looks to use the national exposure to ramp up its image (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Presidential candidates schedule campaign events around debate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

HOW THE DEBATE WILL WORK: SECRET 100 WILL GET A SHOT AT QUIZZING CANDIDATES (Las Vegas Sun article)

Just let those sleeping dogs of cliches lie (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada voters to tune into first-ever hosting of Democratic debate (Nevada Appeal article)

The Campaigns

Clinton, Giuliani Lead In Nevada (Dullard Mush)

Candidate NV campaign plans (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Business leaders support Clinton -- Group: She's good for labor, management (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Edwards campaign strong upstate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A return to Reagan: Hunter wants GOP to adopt former president's values (Elko Free Press article)

Former general: Obama only leader in field (Elko Free Press article)

Ron Paul Fever Set To Hit Reno (Dullard Mush)

General Political Opinion

“Liberals” and “Conservatives” (Beers for Nevada)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

UNR incorporates old student union into new (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Public Schools

How Much Does A Principal Make? (Beers for Nevada)

"We keep plunking an increasing share of our income into a government education system that turns out an increasingly inferior product."

Yes vote for kids feeds a 'failed system' (Ed Iverson column, Lahontan Valley News)

SSHS honors Veterans (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Storey County School District, fired teacher reach settlement (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Health Matters

The Long-Term Outlook for Health Care Spending, November 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Medicare bus in LV today (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Some foreign doctors say sponsors turn them into 'indentured servants' (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada's Environment

Incentives listed for saving water: Higher rates, rebate programs among suggestions (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Get serious about energy policies (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Fire efforts reduce Tahoe's ants and, possibly, its clarity (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Palomino Valley corrals reopen (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

The OJ Case

Guns blamed on Simpson: Witnesses testify former NFL star wanted menacing presence for raid (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Golfing pal: O.J. wanted 'heat' at hotel (Associated Press article)

$kindustry Regulation

STRIP CLUB ATTACK: 'Pacman' Jones cuts plea deal -- Wife of the man paralyzed in February melee is outraged (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Feds get more time to sell club, recover millions ex-owner owes (Las Vegas Sun article)

Royal Links Report Vanishes From Nevada AG Website

The Missing Links

Attorney General Chanos Releases Report On Royal Links Inquiry (Attorney General Press Release)

·         Royal Links Report

·         Exhibits Sections I - III

·         Exhibits Section IV

·         Exhibits Sections V- VII

Why It's Important

Attorney General's Press Release, October 6, 2006

"The story of the lease, development and eventual sale of the Royal Links Golf Course property and lucrative wastewater rights should be taught in every civics and political science class in Nevada."

JOHN L. SMITH: Report on Walters' cozy ties with City Hall should scare taxpayers (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

"This is not some bureaucratic snafu problem, folks. This is about corruption, however you define the word."

Jon Ralston on Politics: Lipstick on a pig (In Business Las Vegas column)

"The mayor solicited this deal with the urgency of a hooker at a stoplight. I don't buy for one minute the idea that the mayor was misled by staff or overwhelmed by the technical aspects of the case. The logical way to put all this together: The mayor wanted to do his friend a favor and he was willing to do it at the expense of Las Vegas citizens."

SHERMAN FREDERICK: A juice job at City Hall (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Links to More Press Coverage of the Royal Links Story

Where You Can Find It

TNO's Royal Links Report Webpage

City Of Fernley

City to request meeting with County to discuss law enforcement concerns (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

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From The Neon Empire

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

Culinary workers approve deal with Mission (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Enough happy casino workers? Global Gaming Expo kicks off with official touting results of employee survey (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Past

NEW FRONTIER FINALE: With blast of explosives, another Strip property reduced to rubble (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Thousands watch as historic casino imploded (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Nevada Journalism

How cyber bullies stifle free speech (Lorie Schaefer column, Nevada Appeal)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Democrats oppose nuclear waste dump (Associated Press article)

JOHN L. SMITH: Attempts to clear air about EPA lab managers clouded by fuzzy science (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid: Total Costs of War Could Climb to $3.5 Trillion (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid: Even As War-Cost Estimates Climb, President Bush Again Vetoes America's Priorities At Home (Sen. Reid press release)

A new day for Iraq funding: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid rightly demands accountability from president (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

In The US Congress

Another Bush veto (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Hypocritical veto: President rejects health and education bill while hiking spending on Pentagon projects (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Score: Defense Industry 1 - Taxpayers and Vets 0; Bush signs H.R. 3222 will veto H.R. 3043 (Desert Beacon)

Immigration Reform

Out of his Vegas garden, he'll speak to a president (Las Vegas Sun article)

Federal Law Enforcement

Domestic spying inquiry restarted at DoJ (Associated Press article)

National Health Matters

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste: Information on How DOD and Federal and State Regulators Oversee the Off-Site Disposal of Waste from DOD Installations GAO-08-74, November 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Homeland Security

Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry GAO-08-192T, November 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Report Puts Hidden War Costs at $1.6T (Associated Press article)

Defense Acquisitions: Overcoming Challenges Key to Capitalizing on Mine Countermeasures Capabilities GAO-08-13, October 12, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Fallon-based soldiers pepper sprayed as part of training (Lahontan Valley News article)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

Coalition, Afghan Forces Kill Enemy Fighters (American Forces Press Service article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Turkish helicopters strike inside Iraq (Associated Press article)

ANALYSIS: Violence down in Baghdad (Associated Press article)

Coalition Troops Kill Terrorist, Detain 14 in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

Concerned Local Citizen Groups Aid Progress in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

Progress in Northern, Western Baghdad ‘Remarkable,’ Commander Says (American Forces Press Service article)

Spartans Look to Lend Hand to National Museum of Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

Pakistan

Bhutto says Musharraf must give up power (Associated Press article)

A Federal Reader

Testimony on Diversity of Executive-Level Employees at the Congressional Budget Office, November 13, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Human Capital: Building Diversity in GAO's Senior Executive Service GAO-08-275T, November 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

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

Update for November 14, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

Nevada lawmakers water down mortgage crisis assistance (Associated Press article)

Nevada governor balks at giving budget cut plans to lawmakers (Associated Press article)

How to govern in a recession (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Nevada's Economy

Nevada gasoline prices soar 23 cents since mid-October (Associated Press article)

Local Government

Elko County

Spring Creek Committee of Architecture finds no race track: No legal action to be taken by SCA against two families involved in nuisance dispute (Elko Free Press article)

New graffiti law on hold: Amended ordinance is postponed as more input from local businesses is sought (Elko Free Press article)

Nye County

Tonopah Airport: County approves lease for possible solar complex (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Tonopah treasurer post will coordinate tax sales (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Latest Nevada Poll on Presidential Race (Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Nevada still a must-win for Clinton, poll says (Las Vegas Gleaner)

Clinton Increases Lead In Nevada (Dullard Mush)

Edwards to open office: Former senator the fourth Democratic hopeful to establish a base in Elko (Elko Free Press article)

General Political Opinion

Getting Over It (Las Vegas Gleaner)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Hafen deemed 'exemplary' school (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Board OKs 2nd high school (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Governor Jim Gibbons Encourages Nevadans to Prepare for Flu Season (Gov. Gibbons press release)

"Although the sheriff's office alleged that the EMTs refused to transport Wendler, the state health officer found otherwise."

EMTs regain licenses (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada's Environment

Generating as much controversy as power: Delta's IPP coal-fired power plant didn't use as much water as feared, nor foul the air (Ely Times article)

Supporters, opponents of power plants spar at PUC meeting in Ely (Ely Times article)

Military will not object to huge Nevada wind farm (Ely Times article)

Midst feuding climate websites (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)

Bobcat pays visit to downtown (Pahrump Valley Times article)

PUC to consider Utilities Inc. case (Pahrump Valley Times article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

The OJ Case

O.J. Simpson preliminary hearing nears end in Las Vegas (Associated Press article)

Final witness testifies today in O.J. Simpson's hearing (Associated Press article)

Judge to Rule if O.J. Should Stand Trial (Associated Press article)

Quotes from O.J. Simpson's preliminary hearing (Associated Press article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Testimony on Costs of Reprocessing Versus Directly Disposing of Spent Nuclear Fuel November 14, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

On the House: Veterans' Day (Rep. Dean Heller column, Ely Times)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

Stryker Corp. & Physiotherapy Associates to Pay U.S. $16.6 Million for Alleged False Claims to Federal Health Care Programs (US Justice Department press release)

Medicaid: Thousands of Medicaid Providers Abuse the Federal Tax System GAO-08-17, November 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Investigative Operations: Use of Covert Testing to Identify Security Vulnerabilities and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse GAO-08-286T, November 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Ely Guardsmen deploy to Iraq with 72nd MPs (Ely Times article)

All Military Components Meet, Exceed Recruiting Goals (American Forces Press Service article)

Contributing Writer Discusses Counterinsurgency Manual (American Forces Press Service article)

U.S. Army Field Manual 3-24 Counterinsurgency

Mine-Resistant Vehicle Production Continues Ahead of Schedule (American Forces Press Service article)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

U.S. Examines ‘Plan B’ for Supplying Troops in Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)

"For more than 1,500 years they stood watch over the people of Afghanistan’s Bamyan province. The Buddhas of Bamyan remained untouched, nestled in the heart of the Hindu Kush Mountains until they were destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001."

Leaders Discuss Bamyan Development, Visit Historical Ruins (American Forces Press Service article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Economic Moves Seek to Cement Security Progress (American Forces Press Service article)

Concerned Citizens Build Stronghold in Adwaniyah (American Forces Press Service article)

Economic Revival Stimulates Southern Baghdad’s Doura Neighborhood (American Forces Press Service article)

Troops Detain Eight Suspects, Discover Weapons in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

With Violence Down, ‘Helicopter Ambassadors’ Take Their Turn (American Forces Press Service article)

Mexico

Mexico enacts broad electoral reform (Associated Press article)

A Federal Reader

Small Business Administration: Preliminary Views on Increasing Collaboration with Department of Agriculture Rural Development Offices GAO-08-278T, November 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

United Nations: Progress on Management Reform Efforts Has Varied GAO-08-84, November 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Capitol Visitor Center: Update on Status of Project's Schedule and Cost as of October 31, 2007 GAO-08-227T, November 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

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

November 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).

__________

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

Governor's officials refuse to release agencies' budget cut lists (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Gibbons refuses to give lawmakers budget recommendations (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada's Legislature

Republican senators block state funding for foreclosure counseling (Nevada Appeal article)

Legislature approves takeover of Carson City child support cases (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada's Economy

More Nevadans using sales tax deduction: Break's popularity grew in 2005 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Filled up: Carson City has planned ahead for water and is looking out for challenges (Nevada Appeal article)

City sends $16,000 JAC request to Douglas (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

More damaged sites discovered at Rio: Structural metal may have been hurt during remodeling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Business license is just a new tax (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

November means working among the cows (Marie Johnson column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Lake Tahoe Basin

IVGID trustee Bohn cleared of ethics charges (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Trustee ethics case held today (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Beaches could incur future charges (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Intero owner opens debate on real estate signs (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

The Caucuses

It's the taxes, GOP head says: Party plans to focus on fiscal issues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

As Dems prepare to debate, GOP chief offers counterpoint: Despite discouraging polls, chairman has faith in party's message (Las Vegas Sun article)

Reid doesn't back off of 100,000 turnout number (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

How Many Democrats Will Actually Caucus? (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Brookings Institute

Busy day for Brookings: A forum in Vegas and a new book on issues (Las Vegas Sun article)

We'll soon overtake the U.S. heartland: Mountain states gaining on Midwest as bellwether, scholars say (Las Vegas Sun article)

More than neon and slots: Nevada offers presidential candidates a cross section of America's concerns and issues (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The Debate

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE: POLITICAL LIMELIGHT (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

RACE HEADS INTO PRIME TIME: Many just tuning in as Clinton suddenly finds herself in a fight (Las Vegas Sun article)

Site abuzz with preparations as campaigns seek upper hand (Las Vegas Sun article)

Tonight's debate format makes room for local issues (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada readies for Dem debate (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Candidate plans to answer debate queries via Internet: Election rule bars him from UNLV event (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

ERIN NEFF: Nevada hits the big time (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Onstage at UNLV: But will the voters really learn anything? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

OK Nevada here's your chance (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Carpooling to debate might be way to go (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Campaigns

CNN releases Nevada poll prior to Las Vegas debate (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Clinton Increases Lead In Nevada (Dullard Mush)

Shaky endorsement, divided union: An SEIU splinter group backs Clinton; statewide organization in 'turmoil' (Las Vegas Sun article)

Hillary Clinton to speak in Fernley (Lahontan Valley News article)

Ron Paul’s Tax Free Tips Campaign Should Go Over Well in Nevada (Reno and Its Discontents)

Mitt Romney plans LV, Henderson stops (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Bush vetoes H.R. 3043; puts children in greater jeopardy (Desert Beacon)

Public Schools

District considers proposal to give teachers housing aid (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada Health Matters

Patients waiting for dialysis center's Medicare licensing (Lahontan Valley News article)

__________

Nevada's Environment

Barely there . . . (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Mountain lion returns to Johnson Lane (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

State biologist tells Minden students bats are friendly (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

SPORTS MEMORABILIA INCIDENT: Simpson to be tried -- Nov. 28 arraignment next for ex-football star, co-defendants (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Three arrested in assault on officer: DPS captain attempted to intervene in dispute, when group turned on him and took his gun (Nevada Appeal article)

Highway patrol slated to handle Cabela's traffic (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

Gaming officials say they're ready to bet on the Web (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Restrictions on online wagering criticized -- Berkley: Study should have been done before law enacted (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

__________

Nevada's Past

Book on Douglas place names available (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

__________

Nevada Journalism

Ten accept buyouts at Reno newspaper (Associated Press article)

Media ownership (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Yucca engineer defends design of nuclear dump (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A Federal Miscellany

"A federal measure calls for a 61-cent-per-pack increase in the federal excise tax on cigarettes, taking it to $1 from 39 cents."

Retailers: Proposed cigarette tax increase wouldn't hurt business (Lahontan Valley News article)

No quick fixes: Rising prices at the pump are no reason to lose our environmental resolve (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Case reveals security lapse: Lebanese woman who forged her way to residency hired by FBI and CIA (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The states can't be expected to solve a national problem (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Message to Pakistan must be clear (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

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

Update for November 15, 2007

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

 Equal Tax Rates And Higher Taxes Are Two Different Concepts

Leadership by cliché © (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Local Government

Elko County

Spring Creek Association: Board approves $5 fee increase (Elko Free Press article)

__________

Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

The Caucuses

Curing health care: Concern over health care finds an outlet in the Nevada presidential caucuses. (Reno News & Review article)

The Debate

For a live blog from the debate, see Anjeanette Damon's column Inside Nevada Politics.

Republicans unveil "Pander Bear" (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

The Campaigns

Biden expected to take the high road tonight (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Clinton cancels Reno appearance, postpones Fernley stop (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Edwards implies Clinton meddling in SEIU endorsement process (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

John Edwards campaigns in a Vegas bagel shop (Anjeanette Damon column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Local Politics

Angry right men: Conservative is king on the talk radio dial. Why don't the lefties get any love? (Las Vegas CityLife article)

One woman band: Patty Cafferata (Reno News & Review interview)

__________

Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

How safe? Very, very safe: UNLV panel asks, 'How safe are our schools?' Answer: Don't you worry (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Public Schools

A few (hundred) bad apples: Expelling troublemakers from school seems to work. Unless you have a broad definition of 'troublemaker' (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Darkness descending (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)

__________

Nevada's Environment

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

The pipeline all about profit (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Climate Change

The big O: While global warming may actually benefit some regions, increasing levels of ozone may counteract any upside of warming. (Reno News & Review article)

Conservation

All the news that's hard to find: Have questions but don’t know where to seek the answers? Try a green newsletter. (Reno News & Review article)

Easy energy savers: Five easy ways to save energy. (Reno News & Review article)

Wild Beasts

Wildlife advocates criticize USDA predator control program (Associated Press article)

Bad news bears: Six of eight bear species are under threat. (Reno News & Review article)

__________

Nevada Law Enforcement

Greg Brower nominated to be the US Attorney for Nevada (Harmful Error)

__________

Nevada Culture

Sharing cultures: Local children perform tribal dances for students at Grammar No. 2 (Elko Free Press article)

__________

From The Neon Empire

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

Dubai World completes $3 billion investment in CityCenter resort (Associated Press article)

Other gambling outfits worried about Seminoles gambling deal (Associated Press article)

Harrah's Entertainment might get into online poker in Europe (Associated Press article)

18 nabbed in Atlantic City gambling bust (Associated Press article)

__________

Nevada Journalism

Exodus continues: Longtime employees of the Reno Gazette Journal continue exodus (Reno News & Review article)

A wandering mind: I’m sorry to see the recent changes over at the Gazette. But what do they really mean? (Reno News & Review editorial)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid: With Proven, Lasting Results, Head Start Is A Wise Investment In Our Future (Sen. Reid press release)

BERKLEY: CONGRESS NEEDS TO STUDY INTERNET GAMING REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT IN ERA OF GROWING DEMAND (Rep. Berkley press release)

Heller, Porter vote for endless war: House passes Iraq funding bill with strings attached (Desert Beacon)

In The US Congress

Hearings by the US House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight

Assessing the State Department Inspector General

One Year Later: Have TSA Airport Security Checkpoints Improved?

Aviation Security: Vulnerabilities Exposed Through Covert Testing of TSA's Passenger Screening Process GAO-08-48T, November 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Our Nation's Economy

CBO's Economic Forecasting Record: 2007 Update, November 2007 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Nuclear Power

Uranium Enrichment: Extension of Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund May Be Needed to Cover Projected Cleanup Costs GAO-08-277T, November 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

Medicaid: Thousands of Medicaid Providers Abuse the Federal Tax System GAO-08-239T, November 14, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Homeland Defense

Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Key Emergency Response Facilities Could Be Strengthened GAO-08-285T, November 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

America’s most under-reported: The news you haven’t read may be the scariest stuff of all (Reno News & Review article)

Keeping it: Our cover story’s report on erosion of liberties should alarm citizens. (Reno News & Review editorial)

Immigration Reform

Shared values include following the law: Maybe criminals are part of your community, but not mine. (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

In Nevada

Still sick: Complaints about housing conditions at Nellis Air Force Base continue to roll in (Las Vegas CityLife article)

In Washington DC

Furloughs, Closings Possible Without Supplemental Funding, Gates Warns (American Forces Press Service article)

AFRICOM Helps Partners Confront Stability Challenges (American Forces Press Service article)

11/14/2007: DoD News Briefing with Press Secretary Morrell at the Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington, Va. (US Defense Department website)

Army Secretary Sees Opportunity to Strengthen Force (American Forces Press Service article)

Casey: Army Must Adapt to Changing Threats (American Forces Press Service article)

US Senate Armed Services Committee Hearings

Statement of Honorable Preston M. “Pete” Geren, III, Secretary, United States Army

Statement of General George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Chief of Staff, United States Army

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

Troops Detain Suspect, Treat Taliban Gunfire Victim (American Forces Press Service article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

In Nevada

The 'good' news from Iraq (KirkCaraway.com)

From The Battlefield

Troops Detain 26 Suspects, Uncover Five Car Bombs in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

IED Attacks Down Significantly; Enemy Being Pushed North, General Says (American Forces Press Service article)

U.S., Iraqi Efforts Reduce Violence in Eastern Baghdad (American Forces Press Service article)

Officials Believe Iran Has Stemmed Weapons Flow Into Iraq, General Says (American Forces Press Service article)

Success in Iraq Possible, Commander Says (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi Soldiers Undergo Medical Training (American Forces Press Service article)

A Federal Reader

GAO Performance and Accountability Report Fiscal Year 2007 GAO-08-1SP, November 15, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

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November 16, 2007

TNO has added Las Vegas Sun coverage, interrupted earlier today due to apparent technical difficulties on their website, to the Nevada News Digest.

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

Budget lists (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

State Taxes

Petition to triple gaming tax nearly set: Initiative seeks 20.2 percent rate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The message wasn't overly well-received."

NEVADA ECONOMY: Lanni: Free meal is history -- Executive calls for solution to 'recurring chaos' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Highways

Special lanes to open on U.S. 95: Option available to vehicles with multiple passengers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The State Judiciary

Weller faces wave of praise, criticism (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Judgeship appointee to seek election: James Todd Russell announces he will run in 2008 for the seat he now holds (Nevada Appeal article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

UPAY4ME

$2 million incentive for old Wal-Mart approved (Nevada Appeal article)

Douglas County

County considers new business fee (Douglas Times article)

Indian Hills manager resigns (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Minden unveils new project (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Here's an idea for a new rule (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Lake Tahoe Basin

TRPA director on the hot seat: John Singlaub’s job performance reviewed against backdrop of wildfires, declining Lake Tahoe clarity (Sierra Sun article)

IVGID board rejects excess water charge motion (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Bohn: 'I never doubted it' -- Ethics commission dismisses charges against IVGID trustee (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Developer seeks community input (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Winter's slow march tormenting both residents and businesses: South Shore prays and parties for big snowfall (Tahoe Tribune article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

The Debate

Nevada takes center stage (Las Vegas Sun article)

FACEOFF IN THE SILVER STATE: Clinton strikes back -- Rivals accused of tactics out of 'Republican playbook' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Democratic contenders step up attacks in debate (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE QUOTES (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

ERIN NEFF: Debate doesn't change many impressions (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Last Night's Presidential Debate on CNN (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

Scattered and sundry debate gleanettes (Las Vegas Gleaner)

Jon Ralston on how Hillary Clinton regained momentum in the Democratic race by parrying her competitors' charges (Las Vegas Sun column)

JOHN L. SMITH: Sign language translator for the hearing impaired had his hands full (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Debate transcript (CNN, via Las Vegas Sun)

Shut out, he gets his licks in: Mike Gravel wasn't invited by CNN, so he crashes the party - virtually (Las Vegas Sun article)

Audience plays role in event: From asking questions to swaying panelist, viewers' presence is felt (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Unlike voters, CNN in it for sound bites (Las Vegas Sun article)

GOP tries to give Pandas a bad image? Bear to attend Democratic event (Desert Beacon)

The Banquet: "Old Hickory" Meets "Old Asbestos Pants"

Democrats eat it up: Candidates fire up crowd at fundraising dinner (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Public

Those left outside do own debating: State of the nation on some people's minds (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Opinions swayed but open to being swayed again (Las Vegas Sun article)

Student political change group discusses candidates (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Brookings Institution

Busy day for Brookings: A forum in Vegas and a new book on issues (Las Vegas Sun article)

National Security at Home and Abroad (Brookings Institution website)

Brookings Institution website

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

UNR launches new heart of campus (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Milken's influence is good for SNC (Andrew Whyman column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Public Schools

Dropping out: High school graduation rates can be misleading (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Top Ten School Funding, Take One (Beers for Nevada)

Churchill County School District

School administrators stress the value of early childhood learning (Lahontan Valley News article)

Douglas County School District

Officials: School bond won't change tax rate (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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Nevada's Environment

Nevada Water Matters

Water officials struggle with more than simple shortages (Carson Times article)

Alternative Energy

Utility plans wind farm for Northern Nevada area (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Big wind energy project proposed in Nevada (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Special use permit is approved for proposed geothermal plant (Lahontan Valley News article)

Coal-Burning Power Plant Projects

Coal plants won't pay, official says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Groups criticize energy corridors: Proposed routes run near sensitive environmental areas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Our Beautiful Region

At the Lake: Tahoe resident spearheads drive to strengthen area's geotourism (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Sheckler Road bike path opens (Lahontan Valley News article)

Wild Beasts

Curious mountain lion roams South Lake (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

New US-Attorney-Designate

Bush nominates former Assemblyman Brower as Nevada's new U.S. attorney (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Our previous U.S. Attorney Dan Bogden did an outstanding job and was treated very unfairly by the current administration," Reid said. "Greg Brower will play an important role in restoring the confidence of Nevadans in the Department of Justice."

Former Reno assemblyman named U.S. attorney for Nevada (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

$kindustry Regulation

AG's office, Clark County must pay attorneys fees: Legal costs spring from litigation over advertising of brothels (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

No Immunity

Judge rules in favor of Gammick (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Alien Deportations

Judge terminates deportation effort: Lack of documentation cited in Sheikhan case (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Assault On An Officer

Police: Suspect tried to shoot officer (Nevada Appeal article)

Crisis Van

Negotiations van helps keep crisis gear under control (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Priorities

Deter burglars with some common sense (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Seat-belt enforcement increases for rest of month (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Culture