Tovin Lapan

Story Archive

Poll: Majority of Nevadans supports immigration reform, wants Congress to act
Immigration decisions could play big role in reelection bid for Heck, other politicians
Thursday, June 13, 2013
A new poll released Thursday shows a majority of Nevadans supports the basics of the immigration reform proposal currently under debate in U.S. Senate, and an overwhelming majority feels politicians must address the issue this year.
Record-setting heat to continue to wilt Las Vegas Valley through weekend
Friday, June 7, 2013
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the region. The forecast for today calls for a high of 112 degrees; the current record for June 8 is 111 degrees. Sunday's high is expected to be 108 degrees; the record for June 9 is 111.
Jose Canseco cleared in sexual assault investigation
Friday, June 7, 2013
Jose Canseco will not be charged in connection with a Metro Police investigation into allegations of sexual assault against the former Major League Baseball star.
Work on Four Queens marquee sparks small fire
Friday, June 7, 2013
Employees of the Four Queens Hotel and Casino rushed to extinguish a fire inside one of the hotel signs early Friday. Las Vegas firefighters responded about 7:30 a.m. to reports of smoke coming from the sign.
Reports of gunfire near Mesquite hotel and casino lead to arrest of 55-year-old woman
Friday, June 7, 2013
An Arizona woman was arrested Thursday night in Mesquite after it was reported she fired a gun outside the Virgin River Hotel and Casino. Dondi Turner, 55, of Littlefield, Ariz., allegedly fired a revolver in the hotel parking lot before taking off in a white Dodge Caravan, according to a Mesquite Police report.
Don't like the color of the sky? Blame it on what's in your garage
Region made significant advances in carbon monoxide, particulate levels in past decade, but ozone remains our nemesis
Friday, June 7, 2013
Southern Nevada has been winning some air-quality battles, but ozone remains the nemesis. Nevada Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce said in 2001 that Las Vegas should be dubbed "Smog City," not "Sin City." Today, Pierce is pleased about the turnaround but knows the fight is a continuous one.
Diplomat foresees staying busy as new Mexican consul in Las Vegas
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
The new Mexican consul in Las Vegas, Julian Adem, has laid out an ambitious agenda for the next few years, and the local Mexican Consulate’s workload may get a lot larger if Congress approves immigration-reform legislation.
Hispanics aren’t alone negotiating quagmire of U.S. immigration policy
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Immigrants arrive in the United States in a variety of ways, and there is equal variety in the ways in which they find themselves without legal residency. In some cases the situation could have been avoided, but in many cases circumstances out of their control lead to illegal residency and elusive remedies. Here are the stories of immigrants from outside the Western Hemisphere who have been trapped by U.S. immigration policy as those on Capitol Hill continue to attempt to find the best way forward.
California lawyer's Las Vegas party costs nearly $100,000, time in jail and civil suit
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
California lawyer Robert Pearman was given the chance to allow his Las Vegas transgressions to stay in Las Vegas, but he declined. Now Pearman, 45, is facing charges of malicious destruction of property at Encore.
Vice president making his way back to Las Vegas
Joe Biden will speak to youth at League of United Latin American Citizens convention
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Vice President Joe Biden will deliver the keynote speech at the annual convention for the League of United Latin American Citizens on June 20 in Las Vegas, the convention organizers announced Tuesday.
Police: Pia Zadora's arrest prompted by violence over teen son's refusal to go to bed
Monday, June 3, 2013
Broadway actress and Strip performer Pia Zadora became violent with her 16-year-old son after the boy refused to go to bed late Friday, authorities said, prompting her arrest hours later on charges of battery and coercion.
Coroner IDs child whose death is under police investigation
Friday, May 31, 2013
An infant who died on Memorial Day after sustaining injuries that raised the suspicion of law enforcement has been identified as 1-year-old Bently Olsen.
Police looking for black-clad gunman in string of robberies
Friday, May 24, 2013
Metro Police say they are looking to arrest a suspect in a string of quick-hitting armed robberies of convenience stores before somebody gets hurt.
Smoke from California wildfire could drift to Las Vegas
Friday, May 24, 2013
An air quality advisory has been issued for this weekend because of concerns about smoke from a Southern California wildfire making its way into the Las Vegas Valley.
Crash involving Frito-Lay truck, Mercedes snarls morning traffic
Friday, May 24, 2013
One person was in critical condition after an accident on Interstate 15 near Blue Diamond Road early this morning.
Person suffers burns on arms in early morning house fire
Friday, May 24, 2013
One person was taken to the hospital after a fire early Friday morning at a home near Desert Inn Road and Boulder Highway. Firefighters responded to the fire in the 3500 block of Anthony Drive about 1 a.m.
Outrage ensues after feds cut funding for counterterrorism efforts in Las Vegas
Thursday, May 23, 2013
With millions of visitors annually cramming into a world-famous stretch of hotels and casinos, does Las Vegas present an appealing target for terrorists? Not enough to persuade the federal government to continue funding counterterrorism efforts here. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday it was pulling the Las Vegas area’s funding for counterterrorism activities for FY2013.
Recent events raise the question: Is Las Vegas prepared for a major medical emergency?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, approximately 300 injured people were treated at 26 Boston-area hospitals. That same week, a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, exploded, sending more than 200 inured people to area hospitals. Monday, after a devastatingly large and powerful tornado ripped through Oklahoma, 200 people, including 50 children, were treated for injuries. So, how is Southern Nevada prepared for a large-scale medical emergency? After all, Clark County has one of the largest tourist corridors in the world in the Las Vegas Strip.
Protesters at Las Vegas tech show take aim at Mexican billionaire's 'corrupt practices'
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
One good thing about protesting a communications and technology mogul is that most of your target audience is quick to record and capture events on their cellular phones.
Former soccer coach, 36, going to prison on sex charges involving teenage player
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
A youth league soccer coach arrested a year ago on allegations he sexually assaulted one of his players has pleaded guilty to several charges and was sentenced Monday to a minimum of 22 years in prison.
Sheriff weighs in on pimps, hip-hop, cops and cameras on the Strip, and more
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Metro Sheriff Doug Gillespie has been having a busy year. In January, Gillespie joined other law enforcement members at a meeting with President Barack Obama to discuss gun policy. In February, Gillespie’s officers were handling one of the highest-profile shootings in Las Vegas in years.
Cause unknown in fire that damages two homes in Henderson
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Henderson Fire Department battled a blaze that damaged two homes early Friday.
Man found dead with gunshot wound at apartment complex
Friday, May 17, 2013
Metro Police are investigating the death of a man found early Friday in the parking lot of a northeast valley apartment complex.
Boy, 15, run over by SUV and killed during theft of iPad
Friday, May 17, 2013
A teenager died Thursday after a man grabbed an iPad out of his hands and fled in an SUV that ran over the boy as he struggled to hold on to the device.
Increase U.S. foreign aid spending? Darn right, panelists tell Las Vegas audience
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge was the keynote speaker at a breakfast event Wednesday at the Four Seasons Las Vegas organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.
Foothill teacher, 24, arrested for relationship with 15-year-old student
Monday, May 13, 2013
A high school teacher suspected of pursuing a romantic relationship with a student was arrested Friday after the student’s parents raised concerns.
Suspect in Las Vegas Strip shooting reconsiders, enters not guilty pleas
Monday, May 13, 2013
The suspect charged with three counts of murder stemming from a spectacular and unprecedented shooting in February on the Las Vegas Strip changed his mind after indicating earlier in the day he wanted to plead guilty.
This week in the life of 2013 immigration reform
Senate bill faces 300 amendments, Heritage Foundation report finds little support
Saturday, May 11, 2013
The Heritage Foundation this week released a report on the projected costs of immigration reform to U.S. taxpayers that, while met with strong rebuttal, managed to dominate much of the discussion on immigration this week.
Road construction causing closures along Interstate 15
Friday, May 10, 2013
Road construction will close several Interstate 15 ramps and cause other traffic restrictions Sunday and during the upcoming week.
Police searching for missing man whose truck found at park
Friday, May 10, 2013
Metro Police are searching for a man who was reported missing in February and are seeking tips from the public.
The case against immigration reform, as made by an 'intense' American nationalist
Friday, May 10, 2013
Larry Brown first thought of immigration as a social and political issue in the early 1980s, when he drove past a San Fernando Valley billboard sponsored by the conservative-leaning Federation for American Immigration Reform. It was, he said, a “call to arms against illegal immigration.” Brown, who worked at a bank in Irvine, Calif. at the time, studied the issue and started following the work of Glen Spencer, a vehement opponent of any legalization plan for immigrants.
The case for immigration reform, as made by a hunger-striking, naturalized citizen
Friday, May 10, 2013
Salvador Zamora does not give up easily, and it has taken a toll on his health. As of Thursday, Zamora was on day 30 of a hunger strike in support of U.S. immigration reform. He has lost 22 pounds since he started in April, and has seen doctors regularly to monitor his deteriorating condition. Zamora sits below a banner marking off the days directly across from the Lloyd George Federal Building, where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Dean Heller have their local offices.
DA to seek death penalty against suspect in Strip shooting, crash
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Ammar Harris, the suspect in a February shooting on the Las Vegas Strip that killed one person and caused a car crash that killed two others.
Judge rejects settlement on kosher meal service in Nevada prisons
Monday, May 6, 2013
A federal judge removed an injunction on the Nevada Department of Corrections Friday, freeing it to fully implement a plan to reform the system for inmate meals, which some prisoners said would deprive them of access to kosher foods, forcing them to break the tenets of their religion.
Outstanding issues delay arraignment in case of Las Vegas Strip shooting, crash
Monday, May 6, 2013
A scheduled arraignment in District Court for a man accused of opening fire on the Las Vegas Strip in late February, resulting in the deaths of three people, was delayed Monday until May 13.
After Boston bombings, security added for charity race in Las Vegas
Friday, May 3, 2013
For the first time in 18 years, there will be extra security at tomorrow’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in downtown Las Vegas, in the wake of the bombings at the Boston Marathon.
Demolition of shuttered Oasis casino in Mesquite getting underway
Friday, May 3, 2013
The Oasis casino and Resort in Mesquite will be demolished, one building at a time, starting Saturday. Lunas Inc of Las Vegas will complete the demolition, which involves leveling several buildings over the course of three months.
PEPCON anniversary serves as reminder: Hazardous materials emergencies could occur in Clark County
Friday, May 3, 2013
After the 1988 PEPCON blast, Clark County commissioners attempted to encourage development of industrial sites farther away from population centers, and the Apex site was developed north of Las Vegas. Today the companies with the largest quantity of hazardous materials near large population centers in the valley are in and around the Basic Management Inc. complex, a 5,000-acre county island surrounded by Henderson.
Reid tells May Day rally: Country owes immigrants a 'permanent solution'
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Thousands of people gathered downtown Wednesday afternoon to rally in support of immigration reform, then chanted their way down Las Vegas Boulevard toward the Stratosphere while passing vehicles honked their horns in support.
How a big spender gets a public defender: Appearances aren't always reality
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Judge Deborah J. Lippis asked Ammar Harris, the man accused of firing a gun while driving down the Las Vegas Strip, killing three, if he had sufficient funds to hire a defense attorney. Harris quietly murmured “no, ma’am.” It was a decidedly different Harris than the public was introduced to when Metro Police first identified him as a suspect in the Feb. 21 crime.
Grand jury indicts suspect in Las Vegas Strip shooting, crash
Friday, April 26, 2013
The suspect in a Las Vegas Strip shooting and crash that left three people dead was indicted by a Clark County Grand Jury on Friday and faces new charges from an alleged sexual assault in 2010.
Fatal motorcycle crash closes ramp at Spaghetti Bowl for more than 2 hours
Friday, April 26, 2013
A motorcyclist was killed Friday morning in a crash at the Spaghetti Bowl, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
Man found beaten in 2011 dies; attack remains unsolved
Friday, April 26, 2013
A man who was beaten in a still-unsolved 2011 attack died this week from his injuries, Metro Police said.
Bicyclist hit on Strip near Circus Circus critically injured
Friday, April 26, 2013
A bicyclist was in critical condition after being hit by a car early Friday on the Las Vegas Strip, according to Metro Police.
Town hall speakers urge education about new health insurance exchanges
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
One group that stands to benefit from the Affordable Care Act is Hispanics, who make up 16 percent of the U.S. population but 30.7 percent of the nation’s uninsured population.
Suspect with distinctive face tattoos sought in bank robberies
Friday, April 19, 2013
Metro Police are searching for a man with a distinct and elaborate face and neck tattoos in connection with a bank robbery investigation.
Mother stabbed her children before killing herself, police say
Friday, April 19, 2013
Three people were found dead Friday in a house in the 10000 block of Wolf Pack Lane. Metro Police think a woman killed her children with a knife, then turned the weapon on herself.
Climber falls at Red Rock, helicopter summoned
Friday, April 19, 2013
A climber at Red Rock National Conservation Area fell Friday morning, and rescue workers have called for an airlift, Metro Police said.
New doctor in town offers alternative to traditional fee-for-service model
Monthly subscriptions plan touted for providing access for patients, low overhead for doctors
Friday, April 19, 2013
As individuals and businesses begin grappling with how they will meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act that kick in next year, Las Vegas Dr. Samir Qamar wants MedLion to be one of the options.
Coalition of conservation groups dubs Colorado ‘America’s most endangered river’
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
American Rivers has named the Colorado River "America's most endangered river" for 2013.