Print edition for January 27, 2001

Editorial: Electricity isn't only shocker: The energy crisis in California -- caused in large measure by the state's debacle in implementing electric deregulation -- and higher electricity bills here in Nevada, have so far garnered most of the public's attention. But the skyrocketing increases in natural gas prices, which have contributed to the rising costs of electricity, are starting to get some added scrutiny.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Will ethical idiocy ever end?: IT'S A HAZARD of the profession: Cover politics and government too long and cynicism intrudes all too often.

Sticking point: Acupuncturists seeking practice in Nevada thwarted by 'closed market': Cameron Bishop performs acupuncture at a prestigious Florida spa owned by casino mogul Donald Trump, but the native Las Vegan cannot practice in Nevada.

Profiles of the six teen victims: Kim Smith; No one was surprised when Scott Garner Jr. said he wanted to be a Navy Seal.

Rebels need OT to knock off Aztecs: Steve Addy; Rarely has UNLV savored a victory over San Diego State so genuinely, but so briefly.

Emotions run high at start of Williams trial: Kim Smith; Tracy D'Arensbourg-Ri'Chard remembers leaning out of the county van as it crept forward on the Interstate 15 median, urging stragglers to hurry up.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Is 'Sammy' set to pack bags?: Kate Maddox; Look for the ugly back-and-forth between David Cassidy and Tony Tillman to heat up again. A source inside "The Rat Pack is Back" cast says Tillman is on the outs with producer Cassidy, and this time he's ready to pack it in for good. The two have had a tempestuous relationship since December, when Cassidy heckled Tillman during a performance. Tillman stars as Sammy Davis Jr. in the "Rat Pack" tribute show at the Sahara.

Casino executive puts a face on gambling: Lisa Snedeker; "Through his service on the gaming commission he became the face of our industry to the nation," said Frank Fahrenkopf, president of the American Gaming Association.

Where I Stand --Brian Greenspun: Keep religion private: IF YOU are looking for faith, you can find it in the churches, synagogues and mosques that make the United States one of the most diverse and religious of democratic countries.

Former Sen. Bryan troubled by Bush's pick for attorney general: Scott Sonner; Bryan, who announced he's joining Nevada's largest law firm but won't be doing any lobbying, also raised concerns Friday about the appointment of Gale Norton as interior secretary.

Letter: Column cooks up sage advice: I wanted to thank the Sun for many hours of good, provocative reading and for making me the best no-bake pumpkin pie maker in Odessa.

Schoolchildren can offer some tips for city planners: Kris Hill; The Future City competition takes place today at the Clark County Government Center. Here's the lineup:

Slot machine maker taking a chance with cashless slots system: The state Casino Control Commission is considering a request by Bally's Park Place Casino Hotel to install 50 of the machines for an indefinite test period.

Historic preservationists make example of demolished Reno hotel: Scott Sonner; If you've got the money, you can stay at any of the 168 historic hotels listed in the new annual directory issued by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, except one:

Testimony begins in trial of accused Tahoe child killer: Sandra Chereb; "This case is going to deal a lot with what was in the defendant's mind," Deputy District Attorney Kris Brown told jurors in her opening statement.

Letter: Most Americans agree: Vouchers fail our children: And where does the nation's oldest and largest volunteer parent organization, the National PTA, stand on this issue? It opposes vouchers and supports the use of public funds for public schools.

New Year's helps Asians preserve culture: Kirk Baird; The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in the Asian culture.

Williams' lawyer loses in state high court bid to delay trial: Williams, an exotic dancer, is charged with six counts of drunken driving, six counts of manslaughter and six counts of reckless driving in connection with the March 19, 2000, accident along Interstate 15 in the Las Vegas area.

Columnist Jeff German: Bob Nolen perfect fit for this council: ONCE IN a while the right candidate comes along at the right time.

Reno Gazette-Journal names new publisher from Olympia, Wash.: All three newspapers are owned by Gannett Co.

Calls are up to state's compulsive gambling hotline: The hotline receives the most calls in January and February of each year because it marks the end of the National Football League's season, Bauerkemper said.

Nevada power companies get rate increase: The average residential customer of Reno-based Sierra Pacific Power Co. should see an increase of 53 cents a month.

UNR will sue California developer of shuttered fire science academy: "I am disappointed by the breakdown in mediation," McFarlane said in a statement.

California's power woes used to lure business elsewhere: Gary Gentile; "This is a much different issue," Shriver said. "It's man-caused."

Ralph Siraco's selections for Sunday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Memories Of Home - Stevens scales Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, draws good spot for early opener, Memories of graduation here? Ginger Roo - Gomez aboard Dominguez trainee, draws outside post for sprint, should get a clear run from starting box. Value Play -- Excess's Best

Columnist Susan Snyder: Football's not the only game in town: What a difference a decade makes.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: How will children fare in Legislature?: Sandy Thompson; THE RECENT report card issued by the Children's Advocacy Alliance on how Nevada children are faring was no surprise.