Print edition for April 16, 2006

Tom Gorman on separating the emotion from substance in the debate over immigration: Persons marching for the legal rights of illegal immigrants in this country - a difficult argument to support even when greased with the best public relations - certainly lost credibility when the advocates rubbed our noses in Mexican flags. They quickly adjusted their tactics.

Letter: 'What happens here' ad is irresponsible: I agree with Mr. Sheehan that many people tend to "sneer" at Las Vegas, but I believe that it's not because they're jealous of the fun we're having or because of our robust economy or even our spectacular weather. It's because (using modern marketing techniques) we insist on reinforcing their belief that we're nothing but a sin-filled city, a place where you can do whatever you like, without consequences.

Editorial: Playing the blame game: In speaking at a small business conference Thursday, Bush accused the Nevada senator of "single-handedly thwarting the will of the American people and impeding bipartisan efforts to secure this border and make this immigration system of ours more humane and rational."

First Fridays word spreads: Kristen Peterson; A few hundred people went to the evening arts event near Charleston Boulevard and Main Street.

Letter: Why history will not be kind to Bush: The Bush administration apparently thinks that rhetoric alone will solve our mounting problems. It won't.

Dole to speak on leadership, values at UNLV: But now, the former senate majority leader is known more for his "prairie wit," according to a UNLV announcement advertising Dole's lecture Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Artemus Ham Concert Hall.

Standing by her man in court: By J. Patrick Coolican; Through all the sleazy details, the alleged sexual favors and the envelopes of cash, the bumbling strip club tycoon and the ex-stripper's tearful testimony, there she is, the most striking woman in the courtroom: Emily Herrera.

Urban League planning a rebirth in Las Vegas: By Ed Koch; The group plans to break ground on an $18 million publicly funded headquarters and community center on June 23 and then hold its first major fundraiser two days later at the Bellagio.

Hal Rothman leaves the Mall of America thinking it has nothing on Vegas: Nothing special there. The shops were ordinary; the entertainment flat, a bad county fair. Even the prospect of an array of Elvis impersonators the next day could not get me back. It was not even up to the standards of Circus Circus. Once again, Las Vegas' attractions trump all others. What do you expect in a town where A-entertainment goes begging?

Letter: Blame Republicans, they're in control: The Republicans in the House and Senate control the committees that determine what bills will be examined, and it's the Republican majority leaders who determine what bills will be voted on. It's Republican President Bush who then decides what direction the country will take.

Editorial: Vote no on risky proposal: The Henderson City Planning Commission, however, unanimously approved the development Thursday night. The City Council will have the final say and is likely to discuss the proposal at its May 2 meeting.

Santa Fe to make its way to Palms: Jerry Fink; The free shows are from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Monday and April 24.

Editorial: A messenger visits Yucca: Speaking to reporters after emerging from Yucca Mountain's five-mile tunnel that so far has cost $9 billion, Bodman spoke as if he were reading verbatim from the collected talking points of Bush/Cheney. It was a sad sight, considering how promising his academic career had begun. In the late 1960s he was a chemical engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Jeff Simpson on the new Encore and Steve Wynn's mixed emotions about replacing his golf course: Wynn opened Wynn Las Vegas on the same day in 2005, but told me Friday that plans call for Encore to open in December 2007.

Letter: Children reinforce faith in schools: The Deskin Elementary School - kindergarten through 5th grade - is being taught self-discipline, respectfulness, integrity, neighborliness and goal-setting. The students saluted the flag with the help of Cub Scout Pack 838. I felt so proud to be there with Ruthe's daughter, Terry. The large student body, all the teachers and the principal, Amy Yacobovsky, eagerly and happily celebrated their namesake, Ruthe, for she truly was an inspiration to all who knew her.

John Katsilometes reports that a UFC rival is spoiling for a fight, right here in Vegas, with a planned event at T&M: Such a check might be in order here in Las Vegas, too, as the UFC's chief rival in the rough-and-tumble world of mixed martial arts fighting - the Pride Fighting Championships - is making its way to the United States.

Changing Frank's room: Jerry Fink; While extensive renovation and expansion of the downtown property in general is in progress, entertainment in particular is taking high priority for the new owners - Landry's Restaurants Inc., which bought the Nugget last fall.

FBI agent admits Galardi ties: Jeff German and Steve Kanigher; Michael Galardi has said for years that FBI agents were among the law enforcement authorities and elected officials he provided with free drinks, lap dances and even sexual favors as the owner of a topless club in Las Vegas.