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Story Archive

Council may drop licensing requirement for food servers, pawnbrokers, others
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014
Restaurant servers, convenience store clerks and pawnbrokers could have an easier time finding work if the Las Vegas City Council votes Wednesday to do away with a work card requirement that includes mandatory police background checks. The council will discuss cutting in half the number of jobs that require work cards.
Sheriff's plan for More Cops dealt another defeat
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014
The Clark County Commission has turned back the latest proposed versions of the More Cops sales tax to fund more police officers. Commissioners voted 4-3 today on the plan to increase the county sales tax by a total of .15 percent in two equal phases.
Commissioners name interim CEO at University Medical Center
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014
The Clark County Commission today selected University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Barnard to replace outgoing CEO Brian Brannman on an interim basis.
Reflexology clinics face new regulatory pressure
County sees proposed rules as way to stem illegal practices in unscrupulous operations
Monday, Jan. 20, 2014
Recurring problems surrounding reflexology clinics have drawn the eye of county officials, who have been working on new regulations for the industry for the past year. The proposed changes, scheduled to go to vote before the county commission next month, would create a new chapter in county code.
Sheriff likely to find out Tuesday if latest More Cops plan will win commission's approval
Monday, Jan. 20, 2014
Sheriff Doug Gillespie's newest More Cops plan, the fifth revision of the proposal originally presented to commissioners in December 2012, aims to address criticisms by linking a sales tax increase to depletion of a $140 million reserve fund Metro has built up over the years. As new officers are hired and the reserve shrinks, the tax will kick in over two phases, one in October 2014 and the other a year later, to supplement the hiring.
Deputy wins Water Authority's approval to succeed Mulroy
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014
John Entsminger has been confirmed as the region’s next water czar after a unanimous vote this morning by the Southern Nevada Water Authority board. Entsminger, a 15-year veteran of the agency, was chosen last week to serve as general manager of the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the region’s largest water delivery agency.
Decisions await county commissioners in search for UMC's next CEO
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014
News that Brian Brannman is leaving University Medical Center at the end of January means Clark County commissioners, for the fourth time in 10 years, are looking for a new chief executive to take charge of the troubled public hospital. At their meeting Tuesday, commissioners plan to choose an interim CEO to replace Brannman, who is leaving for an executive post at St. Rose Dominican Health Systems.
State of the City: Goodman touts 2013 successes, downtown turnaround
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman struck a positive tone as she reflected on the city’s successes in 2013 and looked forward to continued growth in 2014 during her State of the City address.
Las Vegas city manager to participate in Twitter Q&A
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
Las Vegas is expanding its social media presence with a live Twitter chat next week in which members of the public will have a chance to ask questions of City Manager Betsy Fretwell.
MGM Resorts clears first hurdle on path to building arena on the Strip
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
With an eye on opening the venue in 2016, MGM Resorts International received approval from the county Tuesday for the first round of permits and reviews needed to begin construction on an arena.
Brian Brannman leaving UMC for St. Rose Dominican Hospitals
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014
University Medical Center CEO Brian Brannman is leaving his post at the financially challenged public hospital to take over as an executive at St. Rose Dominican Hospitals.
Senior deputy completes ascent to take reins of Las Vegas Valley Water District
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014
Fifteen years after he was hired to join the Las Vegas Valley Water District’s legal department, John Entsminger has been chosen to take the agency’s top job.
Brown drops bid to become water czar; only one candidate left
Monday, Jan. 6, 2014
The field of candidates vying to replace outgoing water czar Pat Mulroy dwindled to one today after Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown withdrew from consideration.
Commission to consider third More Cops tax proposal
Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014
In its first meeting of the new year, the Clark County Commission returns to a discussion of a stalled sales tax proposal that made headlines throughout 2013.
Fireworks smoke prompts air quality advisory
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013
Thousands of fireworks launched from Strip hotels will light up the sky when the clock strikes midnight this New Year’s Eve. They’ll also generate a lot of smoke, prompting an air quality advisory from Clark County this morning.
Crane falls off truck, disrupting traffic in northwest valley
Monday, Dec. 30, 2013
A 50-ton crane fell off a semitrailer and into the roadway Monday afternoon, briefly blocking traffic near Rainbow Boulevard and Lake Mead Boulevard.
Injured judge talking to police; still unclear if he was attacked
Monday, Dec. 30, 2013
Judge Eric Goodman is improving after he was found unconscious earlier this month at a Summerlin park suffering head injuries and is now talking with detectives, Metro Police said today.
Standoff with man barricaded in apartment ends peacefully
Monday, Dec. 30, 2013
A potentially suicidal man who barricaded himself in an apartment near Boulder Highway and Twain Avenue early today surrendered peacefully and was taken to a local hospital, Metro Police said.
Republic Services to make push to widen recycling at apartment complexes
Friday, Dec. 20, 2013
For those who live in apartments or condominiums throughout the Las Vegas Valley, finding an easy way to dispose of recyclables can be a challenge. Apartment dwellers tend to produce less trash than their counterparts living in single-family homes, but with more than 300,000 people living in apartments across Southern Nevada, the opportunity exists to significantly improve the amount of waste the region recycles.
Sheriff proposes compromise tax increase for more cops
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013
In an attempt to break the deadlock among Clark County commissioners, Sheriff Doug Gillespie is backing a new hybrid "More Cops" proposal that would increase the county sales tax as Metro Police hires more officers and spends down its reserves. But it’s still unclear whether the new compromise will pass.
Tortoises, taxes at issue during county commission meeting
Monday, Dec. 16, 2013
Sheriff Doug Gillespie will be back before the Clark County Commission on Tuesday with a new version of the "More Cops" sales tax increase in an attempt to unite the divided board.
Bringing kids joy and a 'happy spirit' is this Santa's favorite gift
Monday, Dec. 16, 2013
Larry Hansen was Christmas shopping with his wife in 2004 when a chance encounter with a mall Santa changed his life. Nine years of dressing as Santa Claus and talking with thousands of children later, Hansen says he's having "an absolute ball" and recalls some touching memories.
Auction of delinquent-tax properties nets more than $2 million
Friday, Dec. 6, 2013
Properties with delinquent taxes were put up for auction by Clark County this morning, offering investors willing to put down cash an opportunity to score a deal.
Residents get some long-awaited details about massive I-15 widening project
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
With major improvements to a stretch of Interstate 15 moving ahead at an accelerated pace, the Nevada Department of Transportation is reaching out to the public before the project shifts into gear.
With tax revenue up, Las Vegas could see first balanced budget since recession
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
With revenues from consolidated and property taxes inching steadily upward, Las Vegas is aiming for its first balanced budget since the recession devastated the region’s economy.
After fires, then floods, Mount Charleston now bracing for increased risk of avalanches
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
Damage from this summer’s fire on Mount Charleston already has led to unexpected flooding that damaged homes in the area. Now, with heavy snows beginning to fall on the mountain, officials are warning the loss of vegetation could lead to an increased risk of avalanches this winter.
County officials seek cheaper way to protect desert tortoise
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013
After spending $95 million since 2001 protecting Southern Nevada’s desert tortoise population, Clark County commissioners are looking for a way to reduce the costs of caring for the threatened species.
UMC's oversight put in hands of eight board appointees
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013
The Clark County Commission has approved a group of eight candidates to oversee University Medical Center as part of a newly formed governing board.
Water rate hike one approval away from going into effect
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013
The Las Vegas Valley Water District signed off today on a water rate hike that will see the average customer’s bill increase by about $5 per month by 2017.
Report to offer forecast of city's financial health
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013
A short agenda awaits the Las Vegas City Council as members return from the holiday break. The council will use the lull in activity to review its financial forecast and receive reports from several initiatives when members meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall.
CEO has big plans for newly merged Henderson, Las Vegas Boys & Girls Clubs
Monday, Dec. 2, 2013
After more than 50 years operating as separate organizations, the Las Vegas and Henderson chapters of the Boys & Girls Club are joining forces to extend their collective reach throughout the community. After the formal merger last month, president and CEO Ken Rubeli is laying plans to turn the newly joined organizations into one of the most visible nonprofits in the valley.
New UMC governing board poised for appointment
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013
The Clark County Commission will take the final step toward creating an independent governing board for University Medical Center on Tuesday when it considers a group of nine candidates to oversee the hospital.
Charities gear up for holidays, say needs aren't abating
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013
With the holiday season fast approaching, local nonprofits are marshalling volunteers, stocking their food pantries and collecting supplies to provide coats, toys, turkeys and other goods to needy families over the next five weeks. It’s already been a busy year for these organizations. While donor support has remained strong, their leaders say the number of Las Vegans in need remains high in the wake of the recession despite modest improvements in the economy. It’s a trend that shows no sign of going away.
Meet the people poised to assume oversight of UMC
Monday, Nov. 25, 2013
Some of Clark County’s most powerful executives are proposed to sit on the governing board to oversee University Medical Center. Clark County commissioners will vote Dec. 3 on the slate of nine candidates.
UMC chief weighs in on Obamacare, e-records and a UNLV med school
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013
While the Affordable Care Act has been making headlines for its effect on consumers, hospitals are also making changes to comply with the new law. UMC CEO Brian Brannman is confident the organization will meet the law's minimum standards in a timely manner.
New Southern Nevada Health District leader ready to put agency on the move
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013
Dr. Joseph Iser in September began his job as the new chief health officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. Soon, his agenda will be to find a new, permanent home for the health district’s offices.
Las Vegas sells land at Symphony Park for assisted living center
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013
Downtown’s Symphony Park is getting a new tenant after the Las Vegas City Council approved a $5 million land sale to a real estate company planning to build a skilled nursing and assisted living center.
Once-a-week trash and recycling pickup for 210,000 county customers wins approval
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013
The Clark County Commission is amending its franchise agreement with trash hauler Republic Services to allow the company to extend a single-stream recycling program to 210,000 customers in the unincorporated county.
Commission postpones debate on More Cops sales tax hike
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013
The debate over the More Cops sales tax proposal will continue after Clark County commissioners today declined to take up a .15 percent increase put forward by Commissioner Tom Collins.
On tap for approval: Symphony Park's newest tenant, liquor licenses, center for blind children
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013
A new tenant could be headed to downtown’s Symphony Park if the Las Vegas City Council approves a $5 million land sale Wednesday to a developer planning to build a skilled nursing and assisted living center. Downtown liquor laws also will be on the council’s agenda.
Speed limit to be lowered on MLK Blvd. after pedestrian deaths
Monday, Nov. 18, 2013
Las Vegas plans to lower the speed limit and install two new flashing crosswalk signals along Martin Luther King Boulevard in an attempt to improve safety in an area where two pedestrians have been killed in recent months.
Sales tax plan, proposed recycling changes on tap for discussion Tuesday
Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013
After a month's absence, the More Cops sales tax debate returns Tuesday to the Clark County Commission, although the initiative’s chances haven’t improved since commissioners voted down a pair of competing proposals in October.
How crime hits home: A breakdown of Metro calls by County Commission districts
Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013
Nearly a year after Sheriff Doug Gillespie first pitched to the public a proposed increase in the sales tax to hire more police officers, the plan remains stalled with dim prospects of passing in the face of a deadlocked Clark County Commission.
RTC revs up projects in anticipation of fuel tax increase
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
With a 3 cents-per-gallon increase in the fuel tax set to take effect in January, the Regional Transportation Commission is hitting the gas on more than two dozen projects that will be funded by the proceeds.
Holiday happenings on Strip to include New England-style village
Temporary winter wonderland to feature sledding, ice rink and retail shops
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013
A winter wonderland featuring sledding, an ice-skating rink and motorcycle-drawn carriage rides is headed next month to the south end of the Strip. The holiday festival is being put on by 7 Wheel Wonders, the company that manufactures the motorcycle-drawn carriages.
Las Vegas recognized as bicycle-friendly city
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013
The League of American Bicyclists has declared Las Vegas and three local businesses as bicycle friendly.
Las Vegas City Council puts brakes on new liquor stores for six months
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013
Concerns about an overabundance of alcohol along the Fremont Street Experience prompted the Las Vegas City Council to issue a moratorium today banning any new applications for liquor stores for six months.
Councilman: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas sharing services makes sense because 'we are all one'
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013
The Las Vegas City Council today signed on to an agreement with North Las Vegas meant to increase collaboration between the two cities.
County taking steps to plug financial drain at shooting complex
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013
Operations at the Clark County Shooting Complex continue to misfire, with the park losing $250,000 in the first three months of this fiscal year.
Commission decides against moving on Strip news rack ban
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013
The Clark County Commission has put off a ban on news racks along the Strip and instead will work with owners of the racks to come up with a compromise that limits obstructions for pedestrians.