Print edition for January 30, 2000

Murphy defense on attack over private detective's role: Defense lawyers are turning up the heat on the private detective who broke open the investigation into Ted Binion's slaying.

Biologist raps petitions to increase waste water discharge: While Larry Paulson is upset about what he sees as a lack of action by regional agencies to substantively change the water system, he almost has apoplexy when talking about one proposed change.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Pay down the U.S. debt: Greenspan, Greenspun ... what's the difference?

Columnist Sandra Thompson: Domestic violence hurts all of society: Sandra Thompson; The entire justice system is crippled by domestic violence issues.

Hundreds pay final respects to historic hotel: Martin Griffith; People - some in tears - gathered in small groups throughout the day Saturday to savor final views, take photographs and share memories of the 52-year-old, 12-story resort.

Letter: Library fuss not about Constitution: I would argue that if it is a "First Amendment issue" and X-rated materials read by minors "foster the freedom of ideas," then why can't a minor go to a 7-Eleven or Circle K and browse through a Playboy the way he can a Popular Mechanics or a Newsweek magazine?

Editorial: Oil merger may harm gas prices: Now the FTC is turning its sights to the proposed merger between BP Amoco and Arco. Although this $29 billion acquisition isn't as large as that between Exxon and Mobil, federal regulators still are justifiably concerned that this could result in higher gas prices on the West Coast. This also creates a concern for Nevada motorists since gas prices here are closely tied to those in California, whose refineries serve Nevada, too.

Columnist Jeff German: Jailhouse notebook reveals mob plots: A proposed hit on John Gotti's son, a plan to kill Ted Binion and details of the slaying of Herbie Blitzstein all are contained in jailhouse notes Ron Mortensen once secretly gave FBI agents.

Interior Department gives opinion on proposed Indian compact revisions: Chris Roberts; The Interior Department opinion on proposed revisions to the gambling compacts between the state and the tribes was made public Saturday at a meeting of the Legislature's Committee on Compacts.

Land sale spurs hope, trepidation: Diana Sahagun; On Mayor Michael Montandon's varnished, wooden desk in City Hall, among his various awards and plaques lies a first draft of plans for revolutionizing North Las Vegas.

Letter: Senator's moves about Cuban boy are clearly political: During the last session, the leadership had no time nor inclination to discuss the issues of importance to most of America. Yet the very first item on the new agenda is Elian, a child with a family who loves him and a country who welcomes him home. This is none of this country's concern.

Historic casino demolished after years of legal wrangling: Scott Sonner; Thousands gathered downtown to pay their last respects to the 12-story Mapes Hotel or conversely cheer on its destruction - the end of a years-long battle between preservationists and Reno leaders who want to remake the face of the old gambling town.

Editorial: Prescription drug costs out of control: Unfortunately Clinton's proposal in 1999, which would have allowed Medicare recipients to get reimbursed for prescription drugs, was rejected by the GOP congressional leadership. Republicans found the strength to do so after the drug industry launched a deceptive media blitz that said Clinton's plan would put "big government" in the "medicine cabinets" of Medicare recipients.

Letter: TV exec no lock for school job: As for the remark that Rogers can get to the core of a problem in minutes, I'm not so sure. What is the "core" difference between our college and K-12 education systems? It's choice at the college level vs. monopolistic, political tyranny at K-12. Nothing in Rogers' comments indicates he has even a clue about the "core" of the education problem, and he's certainly had more than a few minutes to think about it.

Agassi captures Australian Open title: Steve Wilstein; "It's a crazy life ... but it's worth it," Agassi said of the demands he placed on himself and the phenomenal run of three major titles he's won in the past eight months.

Super Bowl most yards passing list: 414 - x-Kurt Warner, St. Louis vs. Tennessee, 2000

Columnist Susan Snyder: Devoted pal comforts dying LV man: Gil Cardinal Myer's apartment showed a life stopped abruptly.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Saying 'nice to meet you' -- and 'I Do': Kate Maddox; On Tuesday two complete strangers from Germany will meet for the first time at the Venetian and get married. The couple were set up by a German radio station -- are we paying attention here? -- and the altar will be the first place the two will set eyes on each other.

Sandia Pueblo dropped from national gaming program: Former chief inspector Patricia Miskovich of Albuquerque alleges she was fired in October after reporting her findings and, acting on the commission's orders, initiating action to terminate the employees.

Q&A: Bowled Over: Kirk Baird; As the nation turns its collective attention away from the monotony of the daily grind to the excitement of the gridiron, it's time once again for the yearly spectacle that is the Super Bowl.

New approach may jump-start gambling talks between Washington, Colvilles: As a result, a resolution could still be years away.

Territorial Enterprise, Twain's old newspaper, revived again: Brendan Riley; Lloyd Pendergraft of Reno and Nick Nicosia of Carson City successfully negotiated for the rights to the historic paper's name, and hope to have a weekly news magazine on the streets - and on the Internet - by April.

Columnist Jon Ralston: LV speech really about State of Oscar: Now that President Clinton's State of the Union speech is over (he has stopped speaking, hasn't he?), the nation can turn its eyes toward Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman's State of the City address.

Storm brings more heavy snow, traffic delays to Tahoe: Chains also were mandatory on two other nearby trans-Sierra highways: U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit and Highway 88 over Carson Pass.