August 1, 2007

The new issue of The Nevada Observer is posted and ready for reading.  Please check the middle column for this issue's features, stories, articles and columns.  TNO would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers for giving us our most successful month ever -- over 70,000 sessions in July.

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Nevada Government

State Government

Our State Economy

Nevada sales down 3.6 percent in May (Associated Press article)

Property Taxes

Property taxes: Group wants to qualify another ballot initiative (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

County assessors to attend CAB meeting this evening (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Court: All Incline eligible for tax refund (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

State Boxing Commission

Another black eye: Boxing must clean up its act before another fighter dies in the ring (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Revamping downtown Carson City, step 2: With the vision in place, Carson City works on the details (Nevada Appeal article)

Another step to a new downtown vision (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Supervisors being asked to reshuffle parks priorities (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Dead Kids

Study details Clark County child deaths: Children under 1 account for 43 percent (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Urban Renewal

REDEVELOPING DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS: World Market viewed as catalyst -- Officials credit center for helping drive proposed jewelry market, arena for sports (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Downtown's savior or getting ready for a 'flip'? (Las Vegas Sun article)

Douglas County

Windmill, straw bale construction before county Thursday (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

"Landowners squeezed by taxes and lousy government policies saw their chance to unload some property and make a million or two. Too many lowered their standards to the 'best and highest use of land,' meaning making a fast buck, maximum density, streets that are really alleys, no place for kids to play, squeezing maximum living units into every acre, get county taxpayers to throw in a few million, and hang the consequences, that became county management policy."

How the county made growth profits disappear (Jack Van Dien column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Elko County

Mountain City district reopened by Forest Service (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Incline Village General Improvement District

IVGID explores ways to broadcast board meetings (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Ethics probe should be limited to Bohn (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

King's Beach

Beach parking revenues important to downtown: Utility district beach nets $155,000 in fees for parking and concessions in 2006-07 (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Truckee

Two wells dry: Truckee utility holds hearing -- Prosser residents blame irrigation (Sierra Sun article)

Lyon County

BLM plans fuels treatment project at Mill Canyon in Pine Nuts (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

City Of Fernley

Citizens against Water Treatment Plant formed (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Some Fernley residents strongly opposed to water treatment plant (Lahontan Valley News article)

Councilman explains absences from upcoming meetings (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Town Of Dayton

Lyon agrees to further extend Dayton Airpark map due to water rights protests (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Washoe County

"Four condominium towers up to 30 stories tall, altering the skyline of the south Truckee Meadows, could be built under a zoning change in a project to be considered tonight by the Reno Planning Commission."

A new look for south Reno? (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Child Abuse, neglect can be reported to county (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Mitt Romney plans Nevada visits (Associated Press article)

General Political Opinion

Popular vote (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Q+A: Michael Richards -- Interim chief wants to keep CSN's ship on a firm course (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Poor showing in federal testing sheds light on problems in special education, staff says (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Lyon County School District

County Commission to hear presentation on school district facilities planning effort (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

School board awards bid for paving projects (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

Third assistant principal hired at Fernley High School (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

New grants manager hired for School District (Fernley Leader-Courier article)

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Nevada Water Matters

Utah lawmakers want closer look at Nevada water line (Associated Press article)

More "Science" from the Bush Administration: BARCASS (Desert Beacon)

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Nevada Health Matters

Whatever Happened To The Anti-Trust Laws?

Insurers criticize deal's foes for 'fiction': Context takes backseat in UnitedHealth, Sierra Health's 'facts' (Las Vegas Sun article)

Raggio could benefit from controversial health care merger (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada's Environment

Starry Starry Night

"During the UC Davis and Space Science for Schools Star Party at Sand Harbor State Park July 20, a spotlight used by the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival ruined the amateur astronomers evening, Guttman said."

Searchlights pose nuisance enforcement questions (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Ursine Marauder

Bear still feasting on VC Highlands buffet (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Mining

Mining Law Reform: Local testifies before Congress (Elko Free Press article)

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Nevada Utilities

Plans for new coal-fired power plants in Nevada challenged (Associated Press article)

Solar rebates offered: Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power taking applications (Nevada Appeal article)

Rebates for customers who use 'green' energy (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

For police, new anti-meth law nothing to sneeze at: State increases penalties, restricts sales of key ingredient (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Organized Crime

LV police: MS-13 has 100 members (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Consumer Protection

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS: Vehicle repairs draw inquiry -- Nevada attorney general expands number of stores under investigation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

$kindustry Regulation

"She purchased the property late last year after deciding that owning and operating a brothel would earn income to support her non-profit animal rescue foundation in Southern California."

Salt Wells owner devastated by fire (Lahontan Valley News article)

eTreppid Litigation

"Gibbons on Tuesday issued a statement denying that the claim in the motion was true, calling it 'the same old fabrication that was concocted by Mr. Montgomery when he initiated his suit against his former partner. It is not true, as I have said before.'"

Claims against Gibbons revealed: Court filing alleges then-congressman interceded for friend (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"In recent filings, Montgomery's lawyers have said Bogden and others in the U.S. attorney and FBI office in Nevada were fired for mishandling the case, which they deny."

Unsealed document says Gibbons urged FBI search (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Culture

Silver Dollar Car Classic offers alternative to 'mob scene' of Hot August Nights (Nevada Appeal article)

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From The Neon Empire

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

LV Sands, Wynn survive market slide: Gaming companies zinged by downturn (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Las Vegas Sands profit falls 69 percent in second quarter (Associated Press article)

Las Vegas' Culinary Union sets strike vote for Sept. 12 (Associated Press article)

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Nevada Journalism

Ghost of Mark Twain roasts top newspaper publishers (McAvoy Layne column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

State files court papers to halt Yucca Mountain water use (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

DOE evaluating media consultants: Contract forthcoming for Yucca public outreach (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Pull the plug already: Provision of energy bill that allows expansion of nuclear power should be discarded (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid, Feinstein, Lieberman Announce Most Sweeping Ethics, Lobbying Reform In Generations (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Harry takes on coal: Utah leaders should join Nevada senator's cause (Salt Lake City Tribune editorial)

PORTER SECURES $1 MILLION FOR CITY OF HENDERSON POLICE DEPARTMENT (Rep. Porter Press Release)

Heller and Porter join the Roadblock Republicans (Desert Beacon)

A Tale of Two Announcements: Clinton on Yucca Mtn., Heller on Iraq (Desert Beacon)

Immigration Reform

A way to turn the immigration problem into a solution to a pressing problem (Robert Cutts column, Nevada Appeal)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

House Passes Lobbying and Ethics Overhaul (Congressional Quarterly article)

Ethics Bill Summary (Associated Press article)

Lawmakers Being Investigated (Associated Press article)

Feds Question Bookkeeper in Stevens Case (Associated Press article)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Nominees for Joint Chiefs Are Questioned on Iraq (New York Times article)

White House Eyes Bomb Resistant Vehicles (Associated Press article)

Testimony on Estimated Costs of U.S. Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and of Other Activities Related to the War on Terrorism July 31, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

The Death Of Patrick Tillman

Censure of retired general appropriate in Tillman case (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Rumsfeld Denies Cover-Up in Tillman Case (Associated Press article)

Waxman Questions Army Candor on Tillman (Associated Press article)

Results of the Tillman Review by Army (Associated Press article)

Text of Censure Letter to Gen. Kensinger (Associated Press article)

No Cover-up in Tillman Fratricide, Former Pentagon Officials Say (American Forces Press Service article)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

Afghans Say They Won't Free Prisoners (Associated Press article)

Afghan, Coalition Troops Conduct Successful Missions Against Taliban (American Forces Press Service article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

In Nevada

Hello, Baghdad, anyone there? A new day for Iraq will not dawn until its leaders stand up and take charge (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

In Washington, DC

Bush, Al-Maliki Stress Political Urgency (Associated Press article)

Iraqi President Tries to Save Government (Associated Press article)

Iraq Makes Security, Economic, Political Gains, Officials Say (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraq Budget Decisions Depend on Situation, Progress, England Says (American Forces Press Service article)

07/30/2007: DoD Media Roundtable with Sheila M. Earl and RADM Donna Crisp in the Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington Va. (US Defense Department website)

07/31/2007: DoD News Briefing with Secretary Geren and Gen. Cody from the Pentagon (US Defense Department website)

On The Battlefield

Coalition Raids Kill Five Terrorists in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

U.S. Toll in Iraq Lowest in 8 Months (Associated Press article)

Coalition Continues to Target al Qaeda Leaders in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

Surge Putting Pressure on Terrorists; Air Power Surges with Ground Troops (American Forces Press Service article)

Petraeus Says U.S. Will Retain Presence in Iraq for Foreseeable Future (American Forces Press Service article)

Petraeus Working to Keep Iraq Assessment Apolitical (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi Police Undergo Specialized Training (American Forces Press Service article)

U.S. Special Ops, Army Civil Affairs Rally to Aid Iraqi Child (American Forces Press Service article)

When Ordered, Iraq Withdrawal Should be ‘Methodical,’ General Says (American Forces Press Service article)

Kurdish Leader Warns of Iraqi Civil War (Associated Press article)

New Surveillance Camera Minimizes Danger in Iraq (Army.Mil News article)

Iraqi Community Reopens Kindergarten: School receives much-needed structural repairs (Iraq Multinational Forces Press Release)

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August 2-3, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Wretched Campaign Finance Laws

Candidates who failed to file contribution, expense reports sent for prosecution (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws

Ethics Commission director resigning: Hired a year ago, Oregon transplant plans return to live closer to family, friends (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Councilman's labor post a concern for some on ethics panel: Ross insists dual role will not cause any conflicts of interest (Las Vegas Sun article)

Clear and present conflict: Las Vegas Councilman Steve Ross is courting trouble with his new union position (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

In the matter of Las Vegas Councilman Steve Ross (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Property Tax Cap

Ex-lawmaker declares war on Nevadans (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Term Limits

Unclean hands on term limits? (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Do we have to go over this again? (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nevada's Highways

Nevada officials confident of quality of bridges: Magazine rates state's structures best in U.S. (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Our State Economy

STATE ECONOMY: Sales drop biggest since 2001 -- Clark County sales fall 3.8 percent (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Taxable sales fall throughout Nevada in May (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The State Judiciary

Caveat emptor (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

SUSPENDED DISTRICT JUDGE: Defamation suit to proceed -- Ruling favors Halverson's ex-secretary (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

They had it in for Halverson (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

"Loehrer recently agreed to recuse herself from a civil trial after one of the parties discovered that she had publicly endorsed the lawyers for the other side - a prominent Las Vegas law firm now called Jolley Urga Wirth Woodbury & Standish - in an advertisement."

Judge in ad for firm is off its case (Las Vegas Sun article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Taxable sales hit by slumping housing and car sales (Nevada Appeal article)

Mixed results in city's first financial report of the year (Nevada Appeal article)

Unfilled positions keep the city in the black, at least for now (Nevada Appeal article)

More power sought for Regional Transportation Commission (Nevada Appeal article)

On further review, no evidence of disrespect to the flag (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Churchill County

Slow housing market affecting sale of homes built by students (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

"Local government overtime rose sharply in Southern Nevada in the past fiscal year, continuing a trend that some experts attribute to poor management."

Overtime total jumps again (Las Vegas Sun article)

County again confronts issue of redistricting (Las Vegas Sun article)

City Of Las Vegas

LV city manager gets raise he didn't want: Council rejects Selby's offer to stay at current salary (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Real Estate Market

Scout's dishonor: Real-estate savvy, greed and faith land the local Boy Scouts a windfall (Las Vegas CityLife article)

HOUSING MARKET: LV homes head to auction block -- Some 100 properties slated to go up for bid (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Hugely Patriotic

TOWBIN HUMMER DISPUTE: City votes flagpole down -- Car dealer says he'll keep fighting after council vote (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Town Of Genoa

Genoans may seek new town manager (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Jethro's Palace

Beverly Hillbillies casino approved (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Baer wins on Hillbilly casino; derrick delay (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Max Baer Jr. feuds with the NIMBYs: Max Baer Jr. hits another snag with his Beverly Hillbillies casino (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Nuisances in Incline need attention (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

County needs to allow Incline -specific nuisance ordinance (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Lyon County

Stark chosen for Lyon County manager (Nevada Appeal article)

Nye County

SANCTUARY GONE AWRY: Squalid conditions discovered -- 125 sick, starving cats found at ex-shelter head's home (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

FLOCK: Former chief may have been overwhelmed (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Fire inspection work given to Abbott (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

Inequitable Taxation

"Most citizens grilled Wilson on why he still was assessing new rates, despite a Nevada Supreme Court decision last week that upheld previous rulings, again saying all 9,000 members of the Incline Village/Crystal Bay community were illegally taxed."

Citizens vent frustrations at CAB board meeting (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Residents of Incline Village to fight to keep county tax appeals board concessions (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Incline Village residents hopeful of court's order (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Court order praised: Taxpayers challenge view assessments (Associated Press article)

UPAY4ME

Commission delays action until fall on giant condo project: Residents oppose Boulevard South towers (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

White Pine County

City Of Ely

The war on Christmas in July (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)

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Nevada Politics

Democrats use soccer in outreach to Hispanic community (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JANE ANN MORRISON: Power brokers, friends split over room tax raid, dismissal of wife (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

2008 Presidential Races

Dirty money? Democrats backed out of a Fox News-sponsored debate, but accepted campaign contributions from the network's execs (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Jon Ralston on the little attention Nevada's caucus gets (Las Vegas Sun article)

A punk for president: We need a bright prez who can speak the language of the people (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)

General Political Opinion

"Most people would probably assume that legislative journals are sacred and faithful records of legislative proceedings."

Tampering with the public's record (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Efficient education: As energy prices rise, so does the demand for energy efficient experts. Local colleges step up by offering a “green” degree (Reno News & Review article)

"The University of Nevada, Reno Alumni Association has been cited as one of about 120 alumni associations nationwide found to have received money through an unethical arrangement with a prominent student loan consolidation company."

UNR alumni group paid in endorsement of student loan firm: Nelnet paid $88,400 for logo, student lists (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

UNLV programs getting it 'write': Harter all smiles as university receives unusual recognition (Las Vegas Sun article)

Public Schools

Poll: Education law needs big changes -- No Child Left Behind Act up for reauthorization (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Churchill County School District

Energy upgrades could save school district $300,000 a year (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County School District

Principal dismisses failing label (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Empowerment teachers get little something extra (Las Vegas Sun article)

The perfect sphere of the human heart (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nye County School District

Nye County schools deemed high-achieving (Pahrump Valley Times article)

School trustees OK mandated pay (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Water Matters

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

Second water study pushed: Senator cites Utah farmers' concerns (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

GROUNDWATER TAPPING: Battle with Utah brewing -- Request for study of plans upsets water chief Mulroy (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Mulroy blasts Utah call for pipeline study (Associated Press article)

SNWA opponents question BARCASS (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Insect-Borne Disease

Getting them where they live: Integrity Pest Management keeps mosquitoes at bay by killing the larvae, not just the bug (Nevada Appeal article)

Scientists say West Nile virus cause of lower bird populations (John Gibbons column, Ely Times)

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Nevada's Environment

White Pine County Coal-Burning Power Plant Projects

Reid says he'll stop rural power projects (Ely Times article)

Ely councilmen react to Harry Reid's comments (Ely Times article)

As We See It: Reid forsakes Nevada's interests (Ely Times editorial)

Reid regurgitating Green mantra (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Greenhouse Gases

We're No. 1!: The Reid Gardner power plant in southern Nevada has been named the nation’s dirtiest (Reno News & Review article)

Dirty Anaconda

EPA testing extent of contamination at Anaconda Mine (Nevada Appeal article)

EPA testing for hazards at toxic Nevada mine site: Cleanup work near Yerington will take years (Associated Press article)

The Jewel Of The Sierra

Bill Clinton to attend Lake Tahoe Forum (Nevada Appeal article)

Ursine Marauder

Official: Bear slaying was preventable -- Washoe deputies use shotguns to kill 660-pound bear Thursday in south Incline (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Big bear killed after home entry (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Dead Horses

BLM attempts to limit horse deaths (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Our Beautiful Region

Backing the ranch: A wild rumor about a state park reveals anxieties about runaway growth (Las Vegas CityLife article)

A Ruby in the rough: backpacking a northeastern range (Nevada Appeal article)

A short trip into the high country of the Sierra (Ron Walker column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Man finds 1,800-pound meteorite (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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Nevada's Burning Hills

Frustrated by Fire: Rancher’s wife tells governor about concerns (Elko Free Press article)

Gibbons attends fire briefing (Elko Free Press article)

Governor talks wildfires, energy in local visit (Lahontan Valley News article)

First ever basin-wide forest fuel plan meets federal mandate (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Governors announce fire commission members (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

After fire, let's unite around solutions (John Friedrich column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

$kindustry Regulation

Lyon County may hike fees for brothel work cards: Ordinance amendment to be considered during county commissioners meeting this morning (Nevada Appeal article)

Brothel fire ignites many memories (David C. Henley column, Lahontan Valley News)

Indigent Defendants

New PD backs up original PD: Washoe An unusual new public office in Washoe County came into existence this year—the Alternate Public Defender (Reno News & Review article)

Unfortunate

Trial set for Oct. 29 in civil suit against Nevada prosecutors (Associated Press article)

Prosecutor, UNLV star remembered in service (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Washoe prosecutor remembered online (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Mining

Newmont posts $2 billion loss (Associated Press article)

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From The Neon Empire

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

LOOKING IN ON: GAMING -- Lofty plans put on hold as junk bond market reels (Las Vegas Sun article)

Sales spark surge for MGM Mirage: Pretax gain of $263.9 million from selling Primm casinos lifts quarterly results (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Who cares about earnings? Las Vegas Sands Corp. executives giddy about prospects for Macau (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Charges figure in sending Boyd Gaming's profits lower (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Past

Reminiscing about the fashions, and publications, of way back when (Ruby McFarland column, Nevada Appeal)

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Nevada Journalism

Ghost of Twain assaulted by punster (McAvoy Layne column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

House panel OKs bill protecting reporters (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Jon Ralston on campaign money, Yucca Mountain (Las Vegas Sun column)

Who is Gibbons' lawyer? (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Ensign opposes bill expanding health services for children: Amendment to redirect cigarette taxes blocked (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Ensign's insurance strictly private: Colleague fights him on plan to shift funds (Las Vegas Sun article)

Children's health insurance: Ensign uses empty political rhetoric to try to derail sensible plan (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Is Ensign the new Quayle? (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Our Bloated National Budget

A billion here, a billion there ...: Hey, it's only your money (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Military matters: Soldiers described what duty in Iraq is like and now are under fire (Reno News & Review article)

Don't ask, don't tell (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Placing the blame: Rumsfeld is responsible for the Pentagon's lies about Pat Tillman's death (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

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Update for August 3, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

From The Governor Of Nevada

TALKING WITH NEVADANS ON THE TOUR (Gov. Gibbons Message)

Governor Jim Gibbons to Meet with Idaho and Utah Governors About Wildfire Issues in the West (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

Governor Gibbons Makes Appointments to State Boards and Commissions (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

From Nevada's Attorney General

TWO LAS VEGAS GROUP HOME OPERATORS GUILTY OF NEGLECT (Attorney General Press Release)

NEW LAW ADDRESSING MANUFACTURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE GOES INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 1, 2007 (Attorney General Press Release)

ATTORNEY GENERAL EXPANDS CASE AGAINST PURRFECT AUTO SERVICE FRANCHISES (Attorney General Press Release)

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Federal Nevada

From Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Joint Communiqués

ENSIGN, REID LEAD EFFORT TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER IN NEVADA'S SMALL COMMUNITIES (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Reid, Ensign Lead Effort To Provide Funding For Clean Drinking Water In Nevada's Small Communities (Sen. Reid Press Release)

ENSIGN, REID ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR WASHOE COUNTY BUS PROJECT (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Reid, Ensign Announce Funding For Washoe County Bus Project (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Sen. Ensign

ENSIGN'S EFFORTS CONTRIBUTE TO PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN COMPETITIVENESS LEGISLATION (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

ENSIGN CONTINUES FIGHT TO REFORM EARMARKING PROCESS (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

ENSIGN: HALLMARK'S DECISION TO BAN SMOKING CONTINUES INDUSTRY'S TREND TO PROTECT CHILDREN (Sen. Ensign Press Release)

Ensign Votes Against Ethics Bill (Desert Beacon)

Sen. Reid

Reid Leads Passage Of Bill To Fund Nevada Check-Up (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid: Senate Passes Landmark Ethics, Lobbying Bill To Change How Washington Does Business (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid Introduces Legislation To Combat Invasive Species (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid: DOE Hiring PR Firm To Do Yucca's Dirty Work (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid, Pryor, Murray Introduce Legislation To Help Innovate Our Middle And High Schools (Sen. Reid Press Release) 

Democrats Send President Bill To Fully Implement 9/11 Commission Recommendations (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Reid Honors Lake Mead Rangers On World Rangers Day (Sen. Reid Press Release)

Rep. Berkley

STATEMENT OF CONGRESSWOMAN SHELLEY BERKLEY REGARDING THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF PAT TILLMAN (Rep. Berkley Press Release)

Rep. Heller

Nevada Rural Water program to Receive $150 Million (Rep. Heller Press Release)

Heller Backed Water Provision Included in Conference Agreement (Rep. Heller Press Release)

Heller Statement on the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act (Rep. Heller Press Release)

Heller returns from Iraq: some signs of progress (Ely Times article)

Our Federal System Of Government

RL34097 Congress's Contempt Power: Law, History, Practice, and Procedure July 24, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL30319 Presidential Claims of Executive Privilege: History, Law, Practice and Recent Developments July 05, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL31989 Supreme Court Appointment Process: Roles of the President, Judiciary Committee, and Senate June 25, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

National Health Matters

Cost Estimate for H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act August 1, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Highlights of a Forum: Modernizing Federal Disability Policy GAO-07-934SP, August 3, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Our Bloated National Budget

Up in smoke: Congress proposes higher taxes for cigarettes and cigars (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Water projects (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Our Nation's Environment

Vehicle Fuel Economy: Reforming Fuel Economy Standards Could Help Reduce Oil Consumption by Cars and Light Trucks, and Other Options Could Complement These Standards GAO-07-921, August 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

National Education Matters

Federal Family Education Loan Program: Increased Department of Education Oversight of Lender and School Activities Needed to Help Ensure Program Compliance GAO-07-750, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Higher Education: Including Public, Nonprofit, and For-Profit Institutions in a Single Definition Is Unlikely to Immediately Affect Federal Spending, but Long-term Effects Are Unclear GAO-07-857, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

National Health Matters

Defense Health Care: Under TRICARE, Children's Hospitals Paid More Than Other Hospitals After Accounting for Patient Complexity GAO-07-947, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Medicare Advantage: Required Audits of Limited Value GAO-07-945, July 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

TRICARE: Changes to Access Policies and Payment Rates for Services Provided by Civilian Obstetricians GAO-07-941R, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Medicare: Geographic Areas Used to Adjust Physician Payments for Variation in Practice Costs Should Be Revised GAO-07-466, June 29, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

National Transportation Matters

"U.S. Transportation Department statistics show that 26 percent of the nation's flights were late or canceled during the first five months of this year - the worst record since 1995."

Going nowhere fast: Endless flight delays and cancellations frustrate travelers, who deserve better (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Now can we talk about infrastructure? (Desert Beacon)

Testimony on the Status of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund August 1, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Aviation Finance: Observations on the Current FAA Funding Structure's Support for Aviation Activities, Issues Affecting Future Costs, and Proposed Funding Changes GAO-07-1163T, August 1, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Airport Finance: Observations on Planned Airport Development Costs and Funding Levels and the Administration's Proposed Changes in the Airport Improvement Program GAO-07-885, June 29, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Transportation Disadvantaged: Progress in Implementing the New Freedom Program Has Been Limited, and Better Monitoring Procedures Would Help Ensure Program Funds Are Used as Intended GAO-07-999R, July 19, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Homeland Defense And Natural Disasters

Federal Reinsurance for Terrorism Risks: Issues in Reauthorization August 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Homeland Security: Observations on DHS and FEMA Efforts to Prepare for and Respond to Major and Catastrophic Disasters and Address Related Recommendations and Legislation GAO-07-1142T, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Emergency Management Assistance Compact: Enhancing EMAC's Collaborative and Administrative Capacity Should Improve National Disaster Response GAO-07-854, June 29, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Border Security: Long-term Strategy Needed to Keep Pace with Increasing Demand for Visas GAO-07-847, July 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Information Security: Homeland Security Needs to Immediately Address Significant Weaknesses in Systems Supporting the US-VISIT Program GAO-07-870, July 13, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Border Security: Security of New Passports and Visas Enhanced, but More Needs to Be Done to Prevent Their Fraudulent Use GAO-07-1006, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Aviation Security: Federal Coordination for Responding to In-flight Security Threats Has Matured, but Procedures Can Be Strengthened GAO-07-891R, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Gulf Coast Rebuilding: Observations on Federal Financial Implications GAO-07-1079T, August 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

RL33847 Chemical Facility Security: Regulation and Issues for Congress June 21, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33347 Pipeline Safety and Security: Federal Programs July 11, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Federal Law Enforcement

Former Public Officials Sentenced For Participating In Bribery And Extortion Conspiracy (US Justice Department Press Release)

Two South Carolina Businessmen Plead Guilty To Causing False Statements To The Federal Election Commission (US Justice Department Press Release)

Statement Of Brian Roehrkasse, Acting Director Of Public Affairs, On The Appeals Court Ruling In The Jefferson Case (US Justice Department Press Release)

Former Chinese National Convicted of Economic Espionage to Benefit China Navy Research Center (US Justice Department Press Release)

British Airways PLC And Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd. Agree To Plead Guilty And Pay Criminal Fines Totaling $600 Million For Fixing Prices On Passenger and Cargo Flights (US Justice Department Press Release)

Alaska Senator's Home Is Raided: Stevens Scrutinized In a Wide Inquiry Into Corruption in the State (Washington Post article)

California Man to Plead Guilty in Plot to Export Restricted Technology to India (US Department of Justice Press Release)

Former Qwest Chief Executive Officer Joseph Nacchio Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Insider Trading (US Department of Justice Press Release)

Two Former Executives Of ITXC Corp Plead Guilty And Former Regional Director Sentenced In Foreign Bribery Scheme (US Department of Justice Press Release)

RL33473 Judicial Security: Comparison of Legislation in the 110th Congress July 11, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33464 Judicial Security: Responsibilities and Current Issues July 09, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL32824 Federal Crime Control: Background, Legislation, and Issues June 12, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Information Technology: FBI Following a Number of Key Acquisition Practices on New Case Management System but Improvements Still Needed GAO-07-912, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

RL32766 Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Background, Legal Analysis, and Policy Options June 30, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL32806 Journalists' Privilege to Withhold Information in Judicial and Other Proceedings: State Shield Statutes June 27, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Unwarranted Surveillance

Bush Vows Veto if Bill Doesn’t Close Intelligence Gaps (American Forces Press Service article)

Surveillance Of Animals

National Animal Identification System: USDA Needs to Resolve Several Key Implementation Issues to Achieve Rapid and Effective Disease Traceback GAO-07-592, July 6, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Government Secrecy And Deceit

Distorting the truth: In Bush's administration, politics eclipses science and good sense (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

RS22533 Restructuring EPA's Libraries: Background and Issues for Congress June 15, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Treatment Of Persons Detained By US Authorities

RL32438 U.N. Convention Against Torture (CAT): Overview and Application to Interrogation Techniques January 12, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Strategic Defense

RS22120 Ballistic Missile Defense: Historical Overview July 09, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33745 Sea-Based Ballistic Missile Defense -- Background and Issues for Congress June 26, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33748 Nuclear Warheads: The Reliable Replacement Warhead Program and the Life Extension Program July 16, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL32929 The Reliable Replacement Warhead Program: Background and Current Developments July 13, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

DOD is Making Progress in Adopting Best Practices for the Transformational Satellite Communications System and Space Radar but Still Faces Challenges GAO-07-1029R, August 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

The US Navy

RL33741 Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Oversight Issues and Options for Congress June 11, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Personnel

Military Personnel: Air National Guard Has Taken Steps to Improve the Reliability of Personnel Strength Data, but More Needs to Be Done GAO-07-1138R, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Procurement

RL33757 U.S. Army and Marine Corps Equipment Requirements: Background and Issues for Congress June 15, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Sales Of Strategic Parts

GAO: F-14 Parts Sold by Pentagon (Associated Press article)

GAO Report Recognizes DLA’s Excess Property Program Improvements (American Forces Press Service article)

Sales of Sensitive Military Property to the Public GAO-07-929R, July 6, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

AFRICOM

Pentagon Official Describes AFRICOM’s Mission, Dispels Misconceptions (American Forces Press Service article)

RL34003 Africa Command: U.S. Strategic Interests and the Role of the U.S. Military in Africa July 06, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Defense Miscellany

RS21048 U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress June 28, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL32123 Airborne Laser (ABL): Issues for Congress July 09, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Veterans Affairs

Defense Department, VA Work to Integrate Health Records (American Forces Press Service article)

Veterans Affairs: Improved Planning Needed to Guide Development and Implementation of Education Benefits System GAO-07-1045, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Nuclear Proliferation

"A comprehensive test ban treaty, or CTBT, is the oldest item on the nuclear arms control agenda."

RL33548 Nuclear Weapons: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty July 12, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL31957 Nonproliferation and Threat Reduction Assistance: U.S. Programs in the Former Soviet Union February 23, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33590 North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Development and Diplomacy July 02, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Foreign Affairs

State Department: Staffing and Foreign Language Shortfalls Persist Despite Initiatives to Address Gaps GAO-07-1154T, August 1, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

United Nations Organizations: Enhanced Efforts Needed to Increase U.S. Employment at UN Agencies GAO-07-1152T, August 1, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

The Middle East Generally

Gates: Middle East Trip Aimed to Sow Long-Term Relationships (American Forces Press Service article)

Arms Sale to Help Bolster Long-Term Gulf Security (American Forces Press Service article)

07/31/2007: News Briefing with Secretary Gates and Secretary Rice from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (US Defense Department website)

Saudi Arabia Pledges to Support Iraq, Promote Regional Stability (American Forces Press Service article)

RL32260 U.S. Foreign Assistance to the Middle East: Historical Background, Recent Trends, and the FY2008 Request July 03, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33453 Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests July 12, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

Afghan Army on Right Track, CENTCOM Sergeant Major Says (American Forces Press Service article)

China

Officials Oppose Bills Pressuring China (Associated Press article)

U.S. Team in China for Food Safety Talks (Associated Press article)

Haiti

RL32294 Haiti: Developments and U.S. Policy Since 1991 and Current Congressional Concerns June 21, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Iran

RS20871 The Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) July 09, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS22323 Iran's Influence in Iraq July 09, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

From Nevada

War in Congress not changing war in Iraq (Las Vegas Sun article)

Heller and Porter vote against rest and retraining for U.S. troops (Desert Beacon)

From Washington, DC

Gates Optimistic on Iraqi Security Front (American Forces Press Service article)

From The Battlefield

Coalition Raids Detain 17 Suspected Terrorists in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi Court Sentences Snipers to Death for Terrorist Acts (American Forces Press Service article)

Coalition Forces Capture Two Alleged Senior al Qaeda Leaders (American Forces Press Service article)

Progress Continues on Many Fronts in Iraq’s Anbar Province (American Forces Press Service article)

Top Central Command Enlisted Leader Says Surge Making Progress (American Forces Press Service article)

Baqubah Transitions to ‘Hold’ Status, Commander Says (American Forces Press Service article)

Stabilizing Iraq: DOD Cannot Ensure That U.S.-Funded Equipment Has Reached Iraqi Security Forces GAO-07-711, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Israel

"Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II."

RL33222 U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel April 25, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Japan

RL33178 Japan's Currency Intervention: Policy Issues July 13, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL32649 U.S.-Japan Economic Relations: Significance, Prospects, and Policy Options July 09, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

The Continuing Occupation Of Kosovo

RS21721 Kosovo's Future Status and U.S. Policy July 12, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL31053 Kosovo and U.S. Policy: Background and Current Issues July 03, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Kuwait

Kuwaiti Officer Marks 1990 Invasion Anniversary With Thanks, Resolve (American Forces Press Service article)

Gates Meets With Kuwaiti Leaders, U.S. Troops During Middle East Swing (American Forces Press Service article)

Lebanon

RL33509 Lebanon July 11, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Libya

RL33142 Libya: Background and U.S. Relations June 19, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Russia

RS21123 Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) Status for Russia and U.S.-Russian Economic Ties July 10, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

Zimbabwe

RL32723 Zimbabwe: Current Issues and U.S. Policy June 21, 2007 (Congressional Research Service Report)

A Federal Reader

Elections: Status of GAO's Review of Voting Equipment Used in Florida's 13th Congressional District GAO-07-1167T, August 3, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Capitol Power Plant: Status of Utility Tunnel Projects GAO-07-1150T, August 1, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

African American Children In Foster Care: Additional HHS Assistance Needed to Help States Reduce the Proportion in Care GAO-07-816, July 11, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Corporate Shareholder Meetings: Issues Relating to Firms That Advise Institutional Investors on Proxy Voting GAO-07-765, June 29, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Trade Adjustment Assistance: Industry Certification Would Likely Make More Workers Eligible, but Design and Implementation Challenges Exist GAO-07-919, June 29, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Environmental Protection: EPA-State Enforcement Partnership Has Improved, but EPA's Oversight Needs Further Enhancement GAO-07-883, July 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Opportunities Remain to Improve Oversight and Management of Oil and Gas Activities on National Wildlife Refuges GAO-07-829R, June 29, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

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August 4, 2007

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Nevada Government

State Government

The Governor Of Nevada

Road Trip

Gibbons says he wants farming protected, those involved in litigation should stand their ground (Mason Valley News article)

Rural Nevada tour puts Gibbons in his element (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Gibbons reiterates stance on brothels during rural tour (Nevada Appeal article)

The Case Of The Unraveling Yarn

eTreppid court documents unsealed (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada's Attorney General

Opinion on releasing lenders' scores deserves failing grade (Las Vegas Business Press editorial)

New law on manufacture of meth goes into effect (Mason Valley News article)

The State Judiciary

Consent Searches

Court gives police more search leeway: Ruling involved case from Clark County (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State v. Ruscetta (Nevada Supreme Court website)

The Right To Know What You're Paying For

Court access policy drafted: Officials want to clarify process for how documents will be handled (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"When the city released the report, all names with the exception of Adams were redacted."

Council went too far, judge rules (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada Highways

Time to ante up: Nevada bridge backlog (Desert Beacon)

Local Government

Clark County</