January 1, 2008

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

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December 30, 2007-January 2, 2008

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Future

FORECAST: SILVER STATE '08: We've got an uncertain year ahead, but the nation's eyes will certainly fall on us (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada's Legislature

New year brings Nevadans more laws: Changes affect children in Clark, Washoe group homes (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Last year, the Nevada Legislature approved 558 new laws."

There oughta be a law (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Nevada Taxes

Hearing set on teachers' tax petition (Nevada Appeal article)

Hearing set on casinos' challenge to tax petition (Associated Press article)

State Judiciary

Report: Nevada court cases rise in '07 (Associated Press article)

Nevada Supreme Court Enacts Rules to Ensure Public Access to Court Records (Nevada Supreme Court press release)

Nevada Rules for Sealing and Redacting Court Records (SRCR) (Nevada Supreme Court website)

Nevada's Highways

8.5-MILE STRETCH: Freeway will link capital, interstate -- Drive will feature spectacular valley views (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Decision on route made decades ago: State says criticism of cost, alignment too late (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Freeway work continues amid issues (Associated Press article)

Highway spending (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

When right is wrong: Lane restrictions for truckers aren't the best solution to freeway congestion (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Local Government

Clark County

Homeless programs get $6.5 million grant (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL: Employees' personal calls getting pricier (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

TRPA releases mitigation funds for many projects (Nevada Appeal article)

Lyon County

Commission to consider drug discount cards for Lyon residents (Nevada Appeal article)

Lyon to consider amending animal law to include cruelty (Nevada Appeal article)

Fernley council to consider mandatory garbage service (Lahontan Valley News article)

Dayton looks again at becoming a city (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nye County

Unconcerned with cutbacks, County OKs $2.3 million (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Recycling facility will complement landfill (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Highway 160 widening, Amber Alert among federal presents (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Abbott to conduct inspections (Pahrump Valley Times article)

CAHI closes due to lack of funds (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

The Caucuses

POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Look to Nevada for colorful caucus sites -- Politicking to happen at cowboy bar, airport, opera house (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Caucus: Voters urged to show up and be included (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Grueling nomination process tough way to pick candidates (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

The Candidates

MEET THE CANDIDATES: EIGHTH IN A SERIES: JOHN EDWARDS DEMOCRAT (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MEET THE CANDIDATES: NINTH IN THE SERIES: RON PAUL REPUBLICAN (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MEET THE CANDIDATES: 10TH IN A SERIES: DENNIS KUCINICH DEMOCRAT (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MEET THE CANDIDATES: 11TH IN A SERIES: MITT ROMNEY REPUBLICAN (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Campaigns

Some hopefuls have been scarce in Nevada (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Defiantly, they campaign onward: Trailing candidates knock doors and shake hands, no matter what polls and media say (Las Vegas Sun article)

Wherever black votes are, campaigns will follow (Las Vegas Sun article)

Jan. 15 debate causing some unrest (Inside Nevada Politics)

Clinton, Obama supporters hustle for votes in Nevada (Associated Press article)

The Minx Endorses A John Edwards for President (Reno and Its Discontents)

Campaign: Mistaken claims about Nevada unintentional (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Labor unions flexing their muscles in Iowa, Obama campaign crying foul (Inside Nevada Politics)

No longer inevitable? Hillary finds herself in a horse race (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Glover stumps for Edwards at local soul food restaurant: Actor tells patrons candidate cares about struggling communities (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Question of fairness: When it comes to awarding scholarships, students' grades still should matter (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

UNR capable of measured approach (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Public Schools

Vocational schools help kids thrive but need money to keep flowing (Las Vegas Sun article)

Clark County School District

No ride home: For many students, the school day's final bell is the beginning of a long wait (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nye County School District

2007 a good year for school district (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada's Environment

Another power play (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

What's happened to respect? 'Rogue' riders trash public lands, and our neighborhoods are not immune either (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

New owners safeguarding Moapa dace: Fish at home at Warm Springs Ranch (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Water has become a national issue (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Nye oil production is down (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

State Prisons And Prisoners

Huge number of inmates to get parole hearings in February (Nevada Appeal article)

Nye County Corruption Cases

Sheriff defends arrest (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Bribe charge rejuvenates recall (Pahrump Valley Times article)

$kindustry Regulation

Idea of protecting 'morals' is off track (Mark Smith column, Pahrump Valley Times)

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From The Neon Empire

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

Gaming stocks end 2007 on downswing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

THE STRIP: Officials open Palazzo casino -- Hotel rooms for newest Strip resort to debut later (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Tears, fears, pangs, fangs: Meeting between Wynn, dealers had a bit of everything (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Jeff Simpson makes predictions about how the gaming industry will shake out in 2008 (Las Vegas Sun column)

GAMING OUTSIDE OF NEVADA: LV casino executive on a roll -- Adelson hopes to extend run to New England area (Associated Press article)

Gamblers and the IRS - by the book: Paying - and keeping - your fair share is all in the record-keeping, author says (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Nevada's Past

Sub loss still haunts man: War mystery lasted for 65 years (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Nuclear power on the comeback trail: Which will put the focus on Yucca Mountain (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Enough of Kids Glowing in the Dark (Muth's Truths)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Votes of Nevada’s Representatives (Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

THE MAJORITY LEADER: Reflecting on a rough year (Las Vegas Sun article)

A wild ride for Ensign, getting wilder :Elevation in GOP followed by Craig scandal, funding woes, retirements (Las Vegas Sun article)

Congressman Heller swears in Commander Heller: In Carson City ceremony, brother swears in brother (Nevada Appeal article)

National Health Matters

[click on image to enlarge]

The Cost of a Long Life (The UC Atlas of Global Inequality, via Las Vegas Gleaner)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Inefficiency

Government Auditing Standards: Implementation Tool: Professional Requirements Tool for Use in Implementing Requirements Identified by "Must" and "Should" in the July 2007 Revision of Government Auditing Standards GAO-08-210G, December 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Treat our soldiers fairly: GI Bill should be changed to help those deployed overseas or called up to serve in the war (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Team Works to Defend Digital Battlefield in Europe (American Forces Press Service article)

Military Working Dogs: Soldiers’ Best Friend on the Battlefield (Multi-National Force – Iraq website)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Looking at America (New York Times editorial)

New York Times blasts the Bush-Cheney criminal enterprise (Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

“Following a preliminary inquiry into the destruction by CIA personnel of videotapes of detainee interrogations, the Department’s National Security Division has recommended, and I have concluded, that there is a basis for initiating a criminal investigation of this matter . . . ."

Statement by Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey Regarding the Opening of an Investigation Into the Destruction of Videotapes by CIA Personnel (US Justice Department press release)

"The founders promised Americans a central government of sharply limited powers. But "that was then," as the politicians say."

'They're here to check our bulbs': Congress bans Edison's invention (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

JANE ANN MORRISON: Forced conversion to newfangled TV challenges old-style sensibilities (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

WHERE I STAND: Agreement uncommon on issues of civil liberty (Brittany Willis column, Las Vegas Sun)

Advance Individualism in the New Year! (Richard Disney)

Our Republic's Latest Spy Bureaucracy

Spying Incorporated (Pacific Free Press article)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

Afghan Forces Free Village From Insurgent Control (American Forces Press Service article)

Team Helps Troops in Afghanistan Fight Stress (American Forces Press Service article)

China

2008: The year a new superpower is born (Independent [UK] article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Iraq Bombing Underscores Need to Pressure Al Qaeda (American Forces Press Service article)

Three Suspects Killed, 33 Detained in Iraq Operations (American Forces Press Service article)

Street Lights Restore Iraqis’ Sense of Safety (American Forces Press Service article)

Petraeus Notes Progress in Iraq (US Defense Department website)

Pakistan

Scotland Yard to help in Bhutto probe (Associated Press article)

Missing Evidence from Bhutto's Murder (Time Magazine article)

The Benazir Bhutto dossier: ‘secret service was diverting US aid for fighting militants to rig the elections’ (London Times Online article)

After Bhutto: The White House's Pakistan plan is wrecked, but it now has a chance to get on the right side of history (Los Angeles Times editorial)

Afghan Province Provides Safety for Pakistani Refugees (American Forces Press Service article)

The Destabilization of Pakistan (Prof. Michel Chossudovsky column, Global Research)

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January 3, 2008

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Budget

With state cuts looming, analysts look to determine final shortfall (Nevada Appeal article)

LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY -- Jobs safe at Health and Human Services, but cuts will still hurt (Las Vegas Sun article)

Examine latest reports to see if cuts needed (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

The State Judiciary

New rules set for sealing court records (Nevada Appeal article)

Stopping secret justice (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

High court looks at case involving LV baseball team (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

DISTRICT COURT: Judge decides to leave bench -- No reason given for choosing not to run again (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Office Of The Governor

Nevada governor names top aide (Associated Press article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

City might hold Autumn Village owners to property taxes (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Child Haven shelter acquires state license (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

County, Minden discuss water (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Elko County

Planners to consider Golden Hills subdivision (Elko Free Press article)

City changes worker's comp insurance carrier (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Millions to fix ‘mousehole’: Cost to build new bridge at Truckee underpass on the rise, expected to reach $46 to $52 million (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Lyon County

SS wood preserving plant permit up for Planning Commission review Jan. 8 (Fernley Leader article)

City to consider partnership with Northern NVision (Fernley Leader article)

Nye County

Town boards named (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Building is down 32% for 2007 (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Working group wants to finish science and technology park (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Landfill operator gains contract hike (Pahrump Valley Times article)

White Pine County

Non-stop Ely to Las Vegas flights to start by summer (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Understanding the caucuses (Associated Press article)

As We See It: Now is your time to speak (Ely Times article)

No caucus for Harry (Las Vegas Gleaner)

Campaign Financing of the Candidates and other Weird Stuff (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

The Common Touch: Politicians' Homes (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

JANE ANN MORRISON: No mystery which Democrat will get the nod, but GOP field is wide open (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Foreshadows of the great Republican schism of '08 (Kirk Caraway column, Lahontan Valley News)

ERIN NEFF: Iowa results will affect Nevada (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

With many undecided, Democrats sum it up: Candidates condense messages of a year's campaigning in hope of swaying Iowa voters (Las Vegas Sun article)

Edwards builds momentum in Iowa, New Hampshire, but can he carry it to Nevada? (Las Vegas Sun article)

Presidential campaigns fight to finish line in Iowa (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Political coverage: Vintage Books sends out a mailing that looks a lot like a political leaflet (Reno News & Review article)

MEET THE CANDIDATES: 12TH IN A SERIES: BARACK OBAMA DEMOCRAT (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Obama has Iowa ‘watch party' in Elko Thursday (Elko Free Press article)

Ron Paul calls for a return to nation's roots (Bill Stiegerwald column, Ely Times)

Local Elections

Many county, city officials face reelection this year (Fernley Leader article)

Filing period for judges starts January 7 under new law (Fernley Leader article)

Court administrator plans to retire in June: Short says he may consider running for public office (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Hollis will seek re-election (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Eastley to seek 3rd term (Pahrump Valley Times article)

General Political Opinion

Viva la difference: The world has asked, “What exactly is the difference between a conservative and a liberal?” (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

Exercising an American right to disagree with the president - and still be patriotic (Ellen Nelson column, Nevada Appeal)

Some musings in the aftermath of Bhutto's assassination (Sid Bekowich column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

"Words have power. Words can kill. Words can encourage weak and susceptible minds to kill."

Political violence gets a lot of encouragement (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Time to launch: To hell with year-end wrapups. Let's look at what we can do to impact the future (BarbWire)

The War in Iraq Isn’t Over Yet (Richard Disney)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Budget cuts prompt meeting (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

You get what you pay for: Compensation for graduate assistants at UNLV needs to be increased (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Public Schools

Adding teachers: Taiwan says Nevada is recruiting math teachers there (Reno News & Review article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Whatever Happened To The Anti-Trust Laws?

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: UMC allowed to challenge deal -- Commission gives hospital avenue to intercede in insurers' deal (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Environment

Energy out your ears in 2008 (Kent Harper column, Ely Times)

New Years resolution: One earth only (Anne Macquarie column, Nevada Appeal)

Coal-Burning Power Plant Projects

Enviros say EEC threatens Gulf coral (Ely Times article)

Alternative Energy

Ausra opens solar assembly plant in Las Vegas (Ely Times article)

Ausra also eyes open sun-drenched valleys in Northern Nevada (Ely Times article)

Wild Beasts

Cougar captured in valley: Mountain lion was spotted wandering residential areas (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Coyote sightings up throughout northwestern Nevada (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Ready for a long winter's hibernation (Tanya Canino column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

"The magnitude of the problem might seem daunting, but this is one on which we can't give up."

Anti-meth action plan deserves support of state, communities (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

State Prisons And Prisoners

State still mum about need to make cuts at Ely State Prison (Ely Times article)

Department of Prisons dodges responsibility for not ordering autopsies on two ESP inmates (Ely Times article)

Scams

"Equity skimmers frequently target homeowners who are struggling to avoid foreclosure. The skimmer promises to take over payments on the mortgage. Once the deed to the home is signed over, the skimmer usually rents out the house and never makes any payments, according to the National Association of Bunco Investigators."

Housing scheme alleged: Man charged in equity skimming (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Search And Rescue

Search for Fossett to resume (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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Nevada Culture

Museum plans arresting experience: 'Mob Museum' to take visitors' mug shots, read them Miranda warnings before doors clang shut behind them (Las Vegas Sun article)

Egypt eyes cash from Tut stuff: Proposed law with long reach back in time could bring changes to Luxor exhibit and bills to resort for royalties (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?

California tribes clash over new slots: Nevada game makers wait on February vote (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

NLRB judge finds Wynn guilty of breaking labor law (BarbWire)

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Nevada Journalism

Snuffing the news: Local news didn’t tell Nevadans about their stake in media consolidation (Reno News & Review article)

Taking a MapQuest peek at our neighbors (McAvoy Layne column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

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Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Ensign and energy: John Ensign fans tout him, but are short on details (Reno News & Review article)

Our Nation's Economy

Crude oil prices reach milestone (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Oil pricing itself out: As cost reaches milestone, reducing demand through alternative fuels is viable answer (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Oil prices enhance gold's glimmer (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Bear 101: ISM numbers issued today (Desert Beacon)

National Health Matters

An uncaring president: Health insurance program for poor children will continue but not be expanded (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Just compensation: If Border Patrol needs private land, the Fifth Amendment applies (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Lethal injection decision will be tough (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

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January 4, 2008

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Future

The future is now (maybe): What's going to happen in 2008? We hazard some educated -- and some uneducated – guesses (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Growth: Top spot on a bad list? (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

"But for most regular folks, more people means more headaches, more overcrowding, more traffic, more pollution, more crime. It wouldn't be so bad if growth paid for itself, but it clearly does not. And given the fact that there is no political will to raise enough taxes to pay for vital services such as roads and schools and prisons and public health programs, more new arrivals means that current residents will get less and less each year."

I know how to pay for all this growth ... (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

Push to bar smoking in public places is gaining momentum (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Nevada Highways

Why our engineering marvel won't impress Las Vegas commuters (Barry Ginter column, Nevada Appeal)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Carson City supervisors ax shopping center's sign appeal: Decision cheered by Northridge residents (Nevada Appeal article)

Carson City tells Autumn Village owners to pay up (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County

Churchill County business licenses (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County

Mandate on pets passed by NLV: Dogs, cats need to be sterilized (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Seeing no profits, condo owners sue -- At issue: What hotel unit buyers were promised (Las Vegas Sun article)

Lyon County

Lyon mulls development rights transfers (Nevada Appeal article)

NORTHERN NEVADA: Opinions mixed on cityhood -- Some in Dayton support fourth try at incorporation (Associated Press article)

Mineral County

Hawthorne company, Army Depot set to merge (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Iowa Caucus Results

Iowans show us how it's done: Process isn't pretty, but Obama backers in Des Moines caucus like the result (Las Vegas Sun article)

Obama victory resounds across U.S.: Supporters in Vegas, New Hampshire see hurdle cleared (Las Vegas Sun article)

First test for candidates: New Hampshire, Nevada up next for presidential aspirants following Iowa's caucuses (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Obama, Huckabee win Iowa caucuses (Associated Press article)

Obama and Huckabee win first 2008 vote (Reuters article)

Clinton unbowed by third-place finish (Associated Press article)

Defeated Clinton says Dems made case for change (Reuters article)

Obama and Huckabee Big Iowa Caucus Winners (Dullard Mush)

Chris Dodd First Iowa Casualty (Dullard Mush)

Joe Biden Second Iowa Caucus Casualty (Dullard Mush)

Pundits analyze Iowa’s Democratic Caucus Impact (Nye – Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

The Campaigns

Nevada front-runners stumble (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Local Republicans and Democrats watch Iowa caucuses with interest (Lahontan Valley News article)

Obama gathering energized by Iowa results: Huckabee backers absent from Republican event (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

MEET THE CANDIDATES: 13TH IN A SERIES: FRED THOMPSON REPUBLICAN (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Williams, Russert to moderate Democratic debate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

General Political Opinion

Local Republicans for dummies: A reference for the rest of us (2008 version) (Hugh Jackson column, Las Vegas CityLife)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATION: Budget cut plan outlined -- Regents to consider proposal in which burden falls on people, not programs (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Cuts may bring higher tuitions, delayed raises (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

University System Budget Cuts (Inside Nevada Politics)

Public Schools

School chiefs, governor's staff to meet on budget cuts (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Education reform (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Elko County School District

Reading program feels pinch: Board proclaims Elko County Reads Day, then denies funding (Elko Free Press article)

Mineral County School District

Hawthorne students constructing a solar car (David C. Henley column, Lahontan Valley News)

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Nevada's Environment

Climate Change

2007 noted as second hottest year in Reno; record broke in Vegas (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Coal-Burning Power Plant Projects

UTILITIES: Coal plant plans fade across U.S.: Push for three facilities moves ahead in Nevada despite trend (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Alternative Energy

Reid seeks wind help: Air Force pressed to remove obstacles (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Wild Beasts

Decision to kill cougar brings slew of complaints (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Wildlife officials spread healthy bighorn herds around Nevada (Associated Press article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

State Prisons And Prisoners

Drug sentences, juvenile offenders targeted for review by state commission (Nevada Appeal article)

Parole hearings may overload system (Associated Press article)

UMC Corruption Case

DA will go after former UMC boss: Prosecutor to begin long process of presenting corruption case Jan. 15 (Las Vegas Sun article)

Squatter Infestation

"The Greater Las Vegas Board of Realtors calculates that about 45 percent of the 22,005 single-family houses on the market are vacant as the area struggles to recover from a residential realty bust."

Neighbors discover squatters at vacant homes: Poor market leaves many houses empty (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Laughlin Affray

Mongol sentenced in Laughlin riot (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Journalism

Jon Ralston lists his top 10 stories that should have been (Las Vegas Sun column)

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Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Porter says Iraq provision doomed defense measure: Nevadan expects bill to be revised (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

JOHN L. SMITH: Family man, doctor and legislator ready for his tour of duty in Iraq (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Ex-Air Guard commander dies of carbon monoxide poisoning (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Federal Law Enforcement

The hunt for D.B. Cooper: FBI agents are still on the case - 36 years later - and still 'want to find our man' (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Tax information and privacy: IRS updates rules, but what about the elephant in the corner? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

"After spending $11.5 million to interview 30,000 pilots and record their experiences with flight hazards, NASA abruptly ended the project in 2005 and mothballed the information."

Flight data now public: NASA fought release and obscured conclusions, but openness will ultimately serve public (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

NASA secrecy remains pointless (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Same old drug story (Randall G. Shelden column, Las Vegas CityLife)

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January 5, 2008

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Economy

Nevada small businesses pay: Employees get higher salary in tight market (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Small businesses retain hope in the face of failure (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Bankruptcies, costs to file on the rise: Even as lawyers leave the field, 'monster year' expected in '08 (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Real Estate and Development: Market might improve after a rough first quarter (In Business Las Vegas article)

Retail and Real Estate: Weak dollar actually bodes well for LV retail (In Business Las Vegas article)

Nevada Employment Stats Updated (Beers for Nevada)

Severe Budget Crunch Causes Worker Firing (Beers for Nevada)

Nevada Taxes

"They (gaming companies) have a stranglehold on this state that they don't want to give up. They are spoiled."

Fight vowed in bid to up gaming taxes (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Gamers file to block initiative: Petition would triple their tax rate if it were to pass (Nevada Appeal article)

Lawyer contests plans that would raise casino taxes (Associated Press article)

Gamers challenge Waters tax petitions (Vegas Pundit)

The State Judiciary

Indigent Defense

Indigent defendants get better protections (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State supreme court orders indigent defense reforms (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada Supreme Court Mandates Sweeping Changes in Indigent Defense Practices (Nevada Supreme Court press release)

Order Concerning Representation of Indigent Defendants (Nevada Supreme Court website)

State Of The Judiciary

The Nevada Judiciary’s FY07 Annual Report Shows Court Caseloads Continue to Climb: District Court Criminal Caseloads Remain Steady (Nevada Supreme Court press release)

2007 Annual Report of the Nevada Judiciary (Nevada Supreme Court website)

Suspended Judge

SUSPENDED JUDGE: Justices asked to lift order -- Halverson's lawyers argue panel still has not issued formal disciplinary charges (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Foul Ball

Take me out to the ball game: Full Nevada Supreme Court will consider foul ball case (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

New Chief Justice

Mark Gibbons to serve as Nevada's chief justice (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Resident

Gibbons lives in the capital, doesn't mean he votes there (Las Vegas Sun article)

Local Government

Clark County

Hey, Vegas: Don't gouge us -- Consumer Electronics Show says it might move to a cheaper city (Las Vegas Sun article)

FOSTER CARE PROGRAM: Death prompts lawsuit -- Man says county to blame for loss of grandson in 2006 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Yes, we have no housing vouchers for you (Las Vegas Sun article)

Bank of America Plaza sells for $36.3 million: Toronto-based owner sells to Behringer Harvard, part of $1.4 billion portfolio purchase (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Douglas County

Deadline Jan. 31 for grand jury complaints (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Minden, county agree to collaborate on pipeline (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Minden homeowners must have attorney to proceed with lawsuit (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Park Cattle proposal will stampede master plan (Terry Burnes column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Lake Tahoe Basin

IVGID retreat vital for long-term planning, goals (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Another View: Bay Area to Reno train service supported (Sierra Sun editorial)

Lyon County

Public officials see many challenges ahead in 2008 (Mason Valley News article)

County Affairs

County retains current auditing firm, but new standards result in cost increase (Mason Valley News article)

35 Lyon County employees, four City of Yerington workers apply for retirement (Mason Valley News article)

Rodeo operator opposes Lyon animal control amendment (Nevada Appeal article)

City Of Yerington

City looking forward to start of many projects in coming year (Mason Valley News article)

City is recipient of grant for storm water management plan (Mason Valley News article)

Town Of Mason

Mason Town Board members resign (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County

Eastley named commission chairwoman (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Donated rights can go directly to Nye County (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Taxes, detention center on town agenda (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

Reno lauded for efforts to improve air quality (Associated Press article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

Presidential candidates boost pace in Nevada (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Elko primed for caucuses (Elko Free Press article)

Ron Paul supporters sought for meetups (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

MEET THE CANDIDATES: LAST IN A SERIES: BILL RICHARDSON DEMOCRAT (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Local Elections

Considering running for IVGID? (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Liakopoulos recall petition filed (Pahrump Valley Times article)

General Political Opinion

Business leaders need more political education, involvement (Alice Martz column, Las Vegas Business Press)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

REGENTS TO HEAR PROPOSAL: Merit pay cut plan faulted -- Professor says it will penalize highest-performing faculty (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

GBC may need to cut $1.5M (Elko Free Press article)

Public Schools

School District still waiting for outline of state funding cuts (Mason Valley News article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Health Care and Banking: Health care system eyes difficult 2008 (In Business Las Vegas article)

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Nevada's Environment

2008 turns promises 'green': More people resolve to do more to help (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada Utilities

Nevada agency slates hearing on coal plant (Associated Press article)

Law and Utilities: Renewable energy efforts gather momentum (In Business Las Vegas article)

In Business Q and A: Michael Yackira, Sierra Pacific Resources president and chief executive (In Business Las Vegas interview)

Nevada Water Matters

Ensign says he'll work to keep federal legislation from harming Walker Basin (Mason Valley News article)

Local cleanup efforts of soil and groundwater continue (Lahontan Valley News article)

Meeting on interruptible service rate regulations scheduled for Monday (Mason Valley News article)

Wild Beasts

Into the wild: Orphaned bear cub released (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

State Prisons And Prisoners

Fewer options yielding more time in prison: Justice says judges' hands are tied (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Scorpion Task Force

13 of 33 drug suspects arrested (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Copper Thieves

"The existing laws for recyclers aren't strong enough to stop the lucrative business of buying questionable materials, he said."

Standing up against metal thieves: One local business to implement new ID system for scrap sellers (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Busted

Year ends with 273 DUI arrests in Incline (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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Nevada Culture

Astrochannels broadcasting live from Tecopa star party (Pahrump Valley Times article)

'Positively Pahrump' contest kicks off for writers, et al. (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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From The Neon Empire

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

Sports betting made easier, at bars and beyond (Las Vegas Sun article)

JANE ANN MORRISON: The Palazzo reeks of luxury, sophistication and contemporary chic (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

LV Sands secures loan to build Singapore resort (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

New debt not expected to deter Harrah's projects (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Harrah's: Slump hasn't hit us (Las Vegas Sun article)

Fall of the House of Sussex (David G. Schwartz column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Tourism and Gaming: Wealthy Aussie set to burst onto Vegas scene (In Business Las Vegas article)

Tip sharing faces another union battle: Gaming employee group takes steps to push issue to Legislature (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Now all they need is the money to qualify it (Vegas Pundit)

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Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Looking back on 2007 and ahead to 2008 (Sen. Harry Reid column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Porter to tour foreign energy facilities: Congressman will join four GOP lawmakers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Porter sides with President against former POWs (Desert Beacon)

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

January 6, 2008

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Nevada Government

State Government

The Storm

Fernley's Fate

Fernley flood displaces 1,500 (Lahontan Valley News article)

Residents awake to a wet, frigid horror (Lahontan Valley News article)

City of Fernley's warnings and recommendations for Residents (Lahontan Valley News article)

Several storylines develop in early hours of Fernley flooding (Lahontan Valley News article)

NORTHERN NEVADA: LEVEE BREAK FLOODS FERNLEY -- Official says heavy rains from arctic storm might have led to breach (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Levee breaks as storms pummel West Coast (Associated Press article)

Nevada flood victim: "There was water everywhere" (Associated Press article)

Fernley levee break forces thousands from homes (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Governor praises FEMA for quick response (Nevada Appeal article)

Gibbons declares emergency for Fernley (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Snowbound Tahoe

Storm update: Up to 44 inches on the ground (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Tahoe, mountains buried under snow (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Snowstorm causes difficulties in Tahoe (Associated Press article)

Nevada's Economy

Early into 2008, Reno-Tahoe area officials predict a rebuilding year (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Snow reports makes holidays greener than last year (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Jeff Simpson looks ahead on the housing slump, resort openings and the gaming tax (Las Vegas Sun column)

The State Judiciary

Inequitable Taxation

State court to hear two tax cases Monday (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Open Government

"It was 81-year-old Ben Franklin who is famously said to have remarked at the end of the Constitutional Convention, when asked what kind of government the convention had wrought: 'A republic, if you can keep it.'"

THOMAS MITCHELL: The heavy lifting begins (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Local Government

Douglas County

County rejects Beverly Hillbillies casino derrick (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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Nevada Politics

2008 Presidential Races

The Endorsements

Key union to endorse; races still up in the air (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Powerful Nev. union plans endorsement after New Hampshire primary (Associated Press article)

Results Of The Iowa Caucuses

Out of the first turn (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Iowa caucuses set the stage; changes remain to be seen (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Elkoans respond to Iowa caucus results (Elko Free Press article)

A look at the Democratic candidate spin (Inside Nevada Politics)

Reflecting on the Iowa Carnage (Muth's Truths)

The Nevada Caucuses

Focus turns to Silver State (Elko Free Press article)

PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS: Window of opportunity -- Nevada fits well into campaign schedule (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

ERIN NEFF: Zero-for-2 on Iowa picks, but national disrespect for Nevada appears to be a lock (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

There Is A Caucus AFTER New Hampshire and BEFORE South Carolina (Reno and Its Discontents)

The Campaigns

THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS: Nevada contributions to the campaign trail (Las Vegas Sun article)

Biden drops out of presidential race (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

"Clinton's year-long advantage and status as front-runner have evaporated."

Obama's momentum tough new test for Clinton: Even New Hampshire win wouldn't nail down Nevada (Las Vegas Sun article)

Clinton Machine Shaken by Setback (Time Magazine article)

Clinton accuses Obama of changing positions on several issues (USA Today article)

Clinton camp says caucus critique doesn't apply to Nevada (Associated Press article)

As the Borg bombs (Las Vegas Gleaner)

Mrs. Clinton and “The Mother-in-Law Factor” (Richard Disney)

Obama the winner for majority who want change (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)

Obama Camp First To Offer Fernley Help (Dullard Mush)

Obama no longer a mere earth-bound mortal (Las Vegas Gleaner)

Romney wins Wyoming Caucus (Inside Nevada Politics)

Want To Help Fred? (Beers for Nevada)

New Hampshire Republican Debate (Reno and Its Discontents)

Local Elections

Election season begins Monday for judges (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

General Political Opinion

Jon Ralston peers into his crystal ball and makes political predictions for Las Vegas, Nevada and the country in 2008 (Las Vegas Sun column)

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: Resolve to be better informed in '08 (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Front-runners are soft on immigration enforcement (Guy Farmer column, Nevada Appeal)

Blasts from the past (BarbWire)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

UNR, WNC propose surcharge to help offset budget cuts: Would mean $75 increase per semester for full time students at UNR (Nevada Appeal article)

The latest from higher education: No campus closings, few canceled classes (University Regent Ron Knecht column, Nevada Appeal)

University system addresses budget: And it's really not so bad, after all (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Higher education cuts call for cooperation (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Public Schools

No child left behind in an academy (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: Good intentions, abominable results (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

State Prisons And Prisoners

Safety net needed before mass exodus from prison (Nevada Appeal editorial)

JOHN L. SMITH: Despite attack, youth camp staffer remains dedicated to facility's promise (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Scams

MORTGAGE FALLOUT: SKIM SCAM -- Fraudulent foreclosures in Las Vegas leave people homeless, cashless (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Sex Criminals

Young, but 'predators' for life: New sex-offender laws, meant to protect, may instead ruin lives and increase risks (Las Vegas Sun article)

Another Taser Death

Police: Passerby aided trooper -- Taser also was used to subdue motorist who later died (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

More Seatbelt Rousts

Enforcement of Nevada's seatbelt law increased (Nevada Appeal article)

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Our Beautiful Region

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Hoover Dam has changed in the past few years (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

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Nevada Journalism

Happy 125th Birthday, Elko Free Press !

Free Press legacy began 125 years ago (Elko Free Press article)

No family secrets here: Steningers parlay hard work, community involvement into lasting media legacy (Elko Free Press article)

Responsible Journalism

Brian Greenspun on the 'why' of responsible journalism (Las Vegas Sun column)

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Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

HARRY REID: SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: One year at the helm (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Porter urged to get full picture on nuclear waste in France (Las Vegas Sun article)

In The US Congress

RL34294 Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007: A Summary of Major Provisions December 21, 2007 (Congressional Research Office report)

RL34293 Resolving