Print edition for May 14, 2006

New trial ordered in the case of the missing security tape: Cy Ryan; The Nevada Supreme Court used the appeal of Kimberly Bass-Davis to set the record straight on how the state's courts should treat evidence that has been lost or destroyed.

Letter: With solutions ignored, dissent is all that's left: Democrats have suggested for decades solutions to the energy issue, calling for higher mileage on vehicles and the development of renewable energy such as wind farms and solar power, only to have the GOP-controlled Congress defeat their bills, calling them "tree huggers."

Water mines not in the cards: J. Patrick Coolican and Launce Rake; Russ Fields, Nevada Mining Association president, suggested on a Reno television talk show last week that massive amounts of water pumped out from areas around open pit gold mines could be used to slake the thirst of Nevada's rapidly growing urban areas. The water was potable, he said, fit for human consumption.

Letter: Former justice's quote applies to Bush: He stated that, "The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, but without understanding." Unfortunately, that description is an exact characterization of our current leadership.

Exorcising her personal demon: Scarlett Pomers, co-star of the WB's "Reba," wants people to know about eating disorders.

Editorial: Immigration reform now: Of course, Congress has a long way to go before it approves meaningful immigration legislation. Reid and Frist have only agreed on some rules of debate, including how amendments will be handled. It is possible that some turn in the debate could sidetrack a final vote. And even if the Senate passes a bill, it is likely to vary significantly from a House-approved bill. A panel of House-Senate negotiators would face tense talks to work out the differences.

Letter: Putting onus on employers is unfair: Letter writers have consistently attacked employers, saying: Why don't we fine the employers? Why don't we jail them for hiring all those undocumented immigrants? Why isn't the Bureau of Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (formerly INS) targeting those criminal employers? As an immigration lawyer for 25 years, let me shed a little light.

FLASHPOINT for May 14, 2006: So that committee to study something that the folks who appointed the committee already have decided will hold its first meeting May 18. They are calling it a task force to examine whether the city needs a "new, state of the art special events center." But its real task is to rubber-stamp the intentions of Mayor Oscar Goodman and County Commission Chairman Rory Reid, who already have indicated the Thomas & Mack is a relic. But they are afraid to say it. So they have appointed a bunch of staffers and private folks to be a buffer. After the task ...

Editorial: Revolting campaign tactic: Young's campaign for sheriff in 2002 clearly demonstrated his character. His open and direct style in candidate forums, media interviews and appearances before civic groups won over the community.

Hal Rothman is aghast at just how common scandals like the G-Sting trial are in Nevada, but is encouraged by the verdict turned in: I can understand his indignant outburst better than I can her self-righteous posturing. His family is coming apart, as far as we know, through no fault of his own. But after being convicted, I cannot imagine a less useful stance than the insouciant combination of claims of innocence and demure grandmotherly sweetness.

Editorial: Guard saved in House bill: The Pentagon, as a consequence of the tax cuts for the wealthy, was looking for ways to cut more than $11 billion from the budget of the Army alone.

Letter: Security against terrorism comes first: Sens. Joe Biden, Ted Kennedy, Barbara Boxer, Harry Reid, Patrick Leahy and Rep. Nancy Pelosi and her followers display their absolute disdain for the protection of America. Pundits such as Ellis Henican and David Corn are seeking to inflame the minds of liberals and leftists with their constant untruths about the NSA and our president.

'Marry me, America': By Timothy Pratt; Juan Hernandez was born in Fort Worth, Texas; his father was from Mexico and his mother, from the United States. He became the first U.S. citizen ever to serve in the Mexican government when President Vicente Fox created an office for him and charged him with working with Mexicans abroad. Hernandez left the office in 2002 and since then has been an active commentator on immigration and other concerns common to both countries.

Brian Greenspun on Mother's Day and the honoring of the Macks and commitment to family values: Monday night I have the honor of speaking at the dedication of Jerry's school with a number of real Nevada dignitaries. It was 25 years ago on that same night that my father, Hank Greenspun, spoke at the dedication of the Nate Mack Elementary School in Green Valley, a school named after Jerry's father. There is a symmetry of family and purpose that cannot be denied.

'The system is broken': Abigail Goldman, Las Vegas Sun; During his 28 years with Metro Police, Sheriff Bill Young has seen staggering changes in the Las Vegas Valley. In an interview Wednesday with Sun editors and reporters, he talked candidly about the evolution of the Strip and adult entertainment, and problems that have accompanied it.

Jon Ralston breaks down the field of candidates from top to bottom: This is as true for the state's most important offices - governor, attorney general, U.S. Senate - as it is for county posts high and low, sheriff and recorder.