Print edition for January 20, 2001

DNA test may lead to new murder trial: Kim Smith; Even before her son called her from jail that heart-stopping day in 1985, Betty Browning had her mind made up: Her son was not guilty of murder.

The law of the land: There is a war being waged in the valley.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Inside view of No Gun Ri: Editor's note: After hours, days and weeks spent in the Pentagon, National Archives and Korea, a final report on the No Gun Ri incident of July 1950 was released 10 days ago. Today, Mike O'Callaghan, one of eight "outside observers," shares some of his observations with Sun readers. These views were shared with Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen in a memo written Dec. 13, 2000. Also serving as one of the observers was Las Vegan Col. Young Oak Kim, a retired military hero of both World War II and Korea.

Attorneys say many mistakes made in 1986 trial: Kim Smith; There were many mistakes in the 1986 trial of death-row inmate Paul Browning, according to current defense attorneys Daniel Lamb and Brian Martin. The two are hoping a judge will agree and rule that the mistakes and a recent DNA test favorable to Browning warrant a new trial.

Letter: Public needs to hear fur facts: It's my strong belief that when people learn about animal cruelties, the kindhearted silent majority detest it and respond to change the vile things that are done as a culture to our animals. Please be proud to show compassion and kindness for all animals, and let your heart guide you when it comes to not buying fur or leather.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Riviera X-tatic over 'Girls': Kate Maddox; In an attempt to one-up the sexy competition spreading across the Strip, the Riviera's "Crazy Girls" are planning an X-rated makeover. The "Triple X Fantasy Revue" is scheduled to open the first week of April, and insiders say it'll be as steamy as any topless show in town.

College betting, nukes top list in D.C.: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada lawmakers and gaming lobbyists say a bill that could hurt state casinos and sports books likely will follow one of two paths -- and they are bracing for both.

Columnist Susan Snyder: The history of Nevada in tartan: Richard Zygmunt Pawlowski's name is obviously Polish, and he's the first to admit his link to the Scottish Wallace Clan is a small, 500-year-old one.

Guest column -- Stephen J. Cloobeck: Southern Nevadans must resist nuclear waste: We are all blessed to live in Southern Nevada. We enjoy a living standard and a business environment that are the envy of the rest of the nation. Many visionary leaders, past and present, have worked very hard to create today's Las Vegas, the most unique and exciting vacation resort destination the world has ever seen. We have all benefited from this "miracle in the desert," and we should all be proud to call it home.

Letter: Sun reporting keeps Test Site issue out front: The DOE, under the leadership of Secretary Bill Richardson, took a large step to address many of the NTS health-related issues of this group. Individuals with silicosis, radiation-related cancers, and other health conditions arising out of employment at the NTS are now eligible to receive workers compensation. Our group is especially pleased to see that Richardson has suggested that Congress modify the criteria used to diagnose silicosis and thus make it easier, and in our opinion more fair, to receive compensation.

Who pulled the plug on the Golden State's boom?: There's some California screaming going on these winter days.

Carey-ing On: Kimberley McGee; Drew Carey and his hand-picked cast of comedians take a free fall into live television this Saturday at the MGM Grand.

Red Cross volunteer thrives on helping victims of disasters: Kris Hill; Jerry Meardy says the real heroes of disasters are not the people who help communities get through them, but the people who survive them.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Sunday's races at Santa Anita: 2nd Race -- Go Natalie Go - Nakatani on Baffert trainee for owners Friendly, draws outside post for the sprint, hails from barn that can get them ready. Lady Victoriate - Hustling Espinoza on Dollace trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, connections right. Value Play -- Emerald Magic

Pastel group adds a little color to valley: They set up chairs in a conference room at the West Charleston Library and waited.

Agency picks route for Hoover Dam bridge: Ken Ritter; The agency submitted a final environmental report selecting Sugarloaf Mountain as the preferred of three alternatives, said Ken Davis and Nathan Banks, project engineers in the highway administration's Phoenix office.

Columnist Jon Ralston: State of the State seems a bit static: DON'T ASK me how, but I have obtained a copy of Kenny Guinn's State of the State speech and am happy to impart some of the governor's words. Here's what's in his address:

Buckley hopes Guinn includes funds for assisted-living project: Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said she hoped Guinn included an appropriation for the project in his budget - adding that she'd introduce a bill for the funding if the GOP governor didn't.

Del Papa sues BLM over new mining regulations: Brendan Riley; Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, whose office filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court, Reno, said the new rules taking effect on Saturday impose "a new and very strict standard for the mining industry, and nothing in the draft regulations announced that this standard would be used."

Columnist Jeff German: 'Pursuing Pitino' is hot game: PARDON ME for participating in the latest high-stakes game in town -- "Pursuing Pitino."

Mr. Z goes to Washington: The process started months ago, long before anyone knew the outcome of the presidential election. Zabelsky initiated a letter-writing campaign to congressmen, senators and governor, as well as both presidential candidates, to have the band considered.

Editorial: No need for cluster of halfway houses: The owners of the halfway houses object to the new requirement that there be a 660-foot separation between each halfway house, but this is reasonable. Halfway houses are important to recovery, but even experts in the field note that such an intense concentration defeats their purpose, which is to integrate addicts back into the mainstream of society.

Sagging revenue could hinder Guinn's budget: And energy costs are expected to rise, adding to the costs of maintaining prisons, mental health centers and the University and Community College System of Nevada.

Both sides agree to more talks in Jarbidge negotiatoins: Scott Sonner; The conference settlement talks were scheduled Wednesday and Thursday, but stretched into Friday until 5 p.m. as both sides considered whether there was enough common ground to continue the negotiations.

No word for Menominee on bid for BIA approval: "If they're ready to sign, or if they have any questions, I'll be here," he said from Washington, D.C. "We're standing by, waiting for word."

State says guard justified in wounding prison inmate: Skolnik said the guard returned to work after a routine review of the 7 a.m. Thursday shooting. He was not expected to face disciplinary action.

EPA issues tighter Yucca guidelines; Reid fears Bush will scuttle rules: Scott Sonner; But Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he's worried the incoming Bush administration will try to scuttle the EPA's proposed radiation standards and resort to NRC guidelines that provide no protection for groundwater.

Ensign, Reid work behind scenes to kill college sports bet ban: The Nevada senators expect it to move faster than it did last year, when it failed to get to the floor for a vote.

Editorial: Not exactly a feel-good beginning: At the time, Bush's promise was met with guffaws from Democrats and other independent political observers since it came at the end of the campaign and was made by a candidate who had received phenomenal financial support from the nuclear power industry. Yet enough Nevadans -- after hearing testimonials on behalf of Bush's sincerity offered by this state's Republican leadership -- took Bush at his word, giving him the state's four electoral votes.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Couple battled odds for grandson's life: Sandy Thompson; SCOTT RUSSO, 19, was not expected to survive the latest in a long series of operations to repair damage caused by a rare neurological disorder.