Print edition for November 15, 2006

Editorial: Health insurance for all: A recent story by The New York Times says newly elected members of Congress who promised to help the uninsured are expected to support many of the provisions in a proposal that is certain to spark intense debate in Congress, which now is controlled by Democrats. Government figures show that 46.6 million Americans lacked health insurance last year, which is an increase of 6.8 million from 2000, the Times reports.

Letter: R-J publisher's warped view of democracy: Now no Nevada Supreme Court justice who wants to be re-elected will cross the R-J. That's what he and R-J Editor Thomas Mitchell call a "free country."

Letter: Democrats should act responsibly: Another common-sense line of reasoning should be applied to raising the minimum wage. It's a feel-good/sounds-good idea that will do far more harm than good. It will result in higher consumer prices and fewer job opportunities for those just getting into the labor force.

Jeff Haney on a new golf tournament for those who enjoy a good game of poker but also want to get outside: The format sounded intriguing: Texas hold 'em poker meets a golf tournament.

Sculptor may leave her mark on Las Vegas: By Kristen Peterson; At the end of a slide-show lecture on Friday about an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, chief curator Paul Schimmel landed on one final slide.

LOOKING IN ON: ENTERTAINMENT: You can see one of Las Vegas' most energetic and talented R&B artists this week for free at the Riviera, or you can attend international superstar Barbra Streisand's concert at the MGM Grand and spend as much as $1,000 for a VIP ticket.

Black hat and blue collar: What: Trace Adkins with Billy Currington and Jason Aldean

Editorial: Keeping children alive: In a report submitted to Congress on Monday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that so-called backover collisions cause an average of 183 deaths and 6,700 to 7,400 injuries annually.

Jon Ralston notices another governor who's extending his term: Kenny Guinn has a different, easier way. And he can be governor without even being there for the extra two years.

FLASHPOINT for Nov 15, 2006: So what does a party do when it gets crushed at the polls? It changes leadership. Thus, national Republicans announced Tuesday that Florida Sen. Mel Martinez will become the face of the GOP. So what about the local Republican elite? The party probably sees mixed results with wins at the top but serious losses in four of six constitutional offices and the shocking defeat of state Sen. Sandra Tiffany. Chairman Paul Adams is seen as a maverick or a loose cannon, depending on whom you are talking to in the GOP. So who should take over? Nominations: The ever-voluble, ready-to-attack ...

LOOKING IN ON: SUBURBS: By Mike Trask; When not making new laws, Henderson City Council members often are getting rid of old ones.

Letter: Iraq situation not as grim as advertised: According to commentator Glenn Beck, since the toppling of Saddam Hussein, 98 percent of all Iraqi children have been vaccinated; 4,500 schools have been built or rebuilt and furnished with 8 million books; 33,000 new businesses have been started; newspapers and television shows flourish throughout Iraq in a freedom of the press they have never known; one out of four members of parliament is a woman.

Bigger office, bigger voice: WASHINGTON - After slugging out a career in the minority party as a junior member of Congress, Rep. Shelley Berkley returns to Washington next year with new clout.

Letter: Look carefully at insurance industry: It should be noted that its proposal does not contain a bargain-down provision to reduce costs and does not preclude exclusion of those Americans in poor health.

Letter: U.S. paying too much for mistake: Secretary of State Colin Powell reportedly told President Bush before the war, "you break it, you own it." Well, we broke it! We've spent over three and one half years trying to put the pieces back together, but to no avail. We've run out of glue, cut ourselves numerous times on the shards of glass and are left wondering why we picked it up in the first place. How many times have we all wished we could go back in time and change a decision that has negatively affected our lives?

Police query Gibbons again in investigation: Jeff German and Sam Skolnik; Metro Police have questioned Gov.-elect Jim Gibbons for a second time in their investigation into allegations that he assaulted a woman and tried to force her into having sex.

Creepy crawlers migrate to valley: You will likely notice a sharp pain, numbness or tingling at the site. Often, those will be the only symptoms and will pass in a few hours to a day. For questions, call the national Poison Center hotline at (800) 222-1222. If you lose control of muscles, have trouble with your vision or have difficulty breathing, go to an urgent care center or emergency room immediately, or call 911.

CONVENTION CRASHING: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: The sign and the booth stood directly inside an entrance to the American Academy of Ophthalmology's convention at the Sands Expo, right where it could catch the eyeballs of 27,000. The sign announced that the Graether 2000 is "ideal for intraoperative floppy iris syndrome."

Editorial: Wither Iowa in '08?: On the Republican side, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani are seen as formidable candidates. On the Democratic side, the possible candidacies of Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are creating excitement, too.

FOR LOVE OF THE GAME: Back in September, Bishop Gorman soccer coach Nick Arbelaez said, "We intend to win for him this season. I think, ultimately, that's what will happen." When the Gaels won the state championship on Saturday, the tearful coach embraced his father, Victor. "This is all for you, Dad. We did it all for you."