Print edition for July 25, 2007

Ron Kantowski on how a team of wholesome Nebraskans exemplifies what high school sport is supposed to be: For those who appreciate the joke, here are the Top 10 Reasons to cheer for Nebraska Bison Red, the AAU basketball team headquartered in Wahoo, at this week's Reebok Summer Championships:

Editorial: YouTube electors: People used music, photos and props to ask their questions via short video clips at the debate televised by CNN. Occasionally funny, occasionally pointed and typically heartfelt, the questioners brought a freshness to the often stuffy atmosphere found in debates.

Rare butterfly struggles, flutters higher: By Phoebe Sweet; Fears that the Mount Charleston blue butterfly was extinct have been extinguished after hikers snapped photos of the rare insect chilling at high elevations.

Letter: U.S. repeating mistakes of Britain in Iraq: History is unfortunately repeating itself as the United States foolishly attempts to force its "vision" on Sunnis and Shiites who would rather kill one another and the Western do-gooders than sit down and form a semblance of a democratic government or the rule of law. We should have the historical perspective and courage to admit that as an unwanted outsider our prospects for successful nation building in Iraq now are as dim as were our prospects in Vietnam and Kosovo.

Editorial: He just doesn't get it: "The immediate goal is to make sure there are more people on private insurance plans," Bush said July 10 in what news reports have characterized as an unscripted speech to Cleveland business people. "I mean, people have access to health care in America," the president said. "After all, you just go to an emergency room."

Unscathed McDonald now faces feds on taxes: By Jeff German; He made it through a high-profile political corruption probe that ensnared four former Clark County commissioners without being charged.

Editorial: Go after fireworks violators: They wonder how many cars and trucks whizzing by are carrying large quantities of highly explosive illegal fireworks. Blue Diamond Road is the way to Pahrump in Nye County, where fireworks banned here in Clark County are for sale at that time of year.

Letter: Stop the negativity surrounding war: They need all our support whether we agree on the war or not. Let us put aside our differences.

Teachers grab extra incentive to retire: By Emily Richmond; With the window closing for public employees to enroll in a state health plan for retirees, the Clark County School District is facing a drain on two of its most critical resources - teachers and money.

Letter: New Frontier great place for memories: Nick is certainly right when he mentions that casino floor lounges would bring good music, good people and lots of fun to the many Vegas visitors as well as the locals such as myself. Nick has a beautiful voice as well as gorgeous "Blue Eyes."

Letter: Teachers left out of schools' 'jackpot': Why should the whole state "jackpot" go here? Because we need it here, where about 70 percent of state students are educated. Many teachers are sinking further into debt, working well over 40 hours per week, under huge stress. Nonetheless, some Nevada counties pay teachers more even though their cost of living is far lower. Wake up, Las Vegas!

GOP's attack on Democrats aims straight at Harry Reid: WASHINGTON - With Congress' approval ratings sinking, Republicans are trying to seize the moment with a full-scale attack on Democratic leadership, starting with Harry Reid.