Print edition for April 23, 2000

Columnist Jeff German: Binion trial delivers in and out of courtroom: There were many distractions outside the courtroom last week in the Ted Binion murder trial.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Standing behind the Malone mailer: This one didn't require Sherlock Holmes.

Goodman sets sights on Kyle Canyon project: Erin Neff; When Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman looks at Kyle Canyon, he sees more than the scenic gateway to Mount Charleston. He envisions the city's last great frontier and the home of a high-tech center.

Editorial: Lawsuit ceiling is hardly reasonable: In response, the 1999 Legislature established an interim committee to see whether the cap should be increased. While even local governments have acknowledged the need for an increase of up to $75,000, legislators studying the issue are deadlocked. It is incumbent on legislators, however, to break this impasse and recommend that this intolerably low ceiling be increased to a reasonable level.

Nuclear industry won't ease up: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The nuclear power industry's relentless lobbying effort continues on a bill that would send nuclear waste to Nevada, despite President's Clinton's plan to veto it this week.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Travolta's passion fuels 'Earth': Kate Maddox; Yet another example of Scientology's popularity in Hollywood is John Travolta's personal commitment to promote his new sci-fi thriller "Battlefield Earth."

Columnist Sandra Thompson: Let task force monitor juvenile cases: Sandra Thompson; Would the interests of children be better served if the veil of secrecy is lifted from some court proceedings?

Despite wildland fires, most of Nevada's big-game herds in good shape: Martin Griffith; Mule deer, pronghorn antelope, Rocky Mountain elk and bighorn sheep numbers are all up over a year ago, according to the Nevada Division of Wildlife's annual wildlife census.

Q&A: Play It Again, Sam: Kirk Baird; Sam Butera has an easy stride, a quick smile and an arsenal of jokes that he has committed to memory. Even as the famed saxophonist/music arranger is waiting to pose for photos outside the Las Vegas Sun, he can't help but throw some jokes out, such as the one about the elderly man and his prolific sex life (we can't repeat the joke, but you can ask Butera to tell it when you see him at a local lounge).

Massuchusetts track owners hoping slots can revive business: They also believe the slots can attract a younger crowd, and renew interest in racing.

Letter: State errs in denying funds: In this day and age where there is a cry for more parent involvement I find this a callous attitude on the part of the state. The thing I find most disturbing is why the state waited until almost the end of the school year to stop funding. If you wanted to disrupt the lives of 300-plus students and teachers this is about the best way to do it.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Veto our only defense: Should we have a veto ceremony for the nuclear waste bill?

Editorial: Chill, in time, may thaw: In an effort to get these feuding groups talking again, state Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora, and Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga, D-Fallon, held a conference in the Northern Nevada town of Verdi last week. It is encouraging that as many as 270 people attended, which included not only elected officials -- such as Nevada U.S. Sens. Harry Reid and Richard Bryan -- but also environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts, ranchers, farmers and miners. They discussed what to do about access to public lands, wilderness areas, roadless areas, wildlife and watersheds.

Environmental impact study shows traffic problems, but water supply is safe: The impact study on the expansion by the Barona Band of Mission Indians is the first conducted under an agreement reached last year between 59 tribes and Gov. Gray Davis that allows some Las Vegas-style gambling at reservations casinos.

Transplant patients share physical, mental bonds: Stacy J. Willis; Madeline Lucero was being wheeled into an operating room when her surgeon held up a wet kidney and said, "Isn't it beautiful?"

Off-road vehicles are environmentalists' latest target: Matt Kelley; "The No. 1 threat to many of our public lands is irresponsible use of off-road vehicles," Wilderness Society President Bill Meadows said earlier this month at a conference of environmental activists on the issue.