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Somehow, somewhere, I think I’ve heard this before: “I look forward to getting my story out soon, and we’ll do that. The facts will absolutely vindicate me in this.” Nevada Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki, 12-30-08, as he pled not guilty to four felony counts related to mismanaging the Nevada College Savings Plan funds while he was State Treasurer. [LV Sun] [LVRJ] The fireworks will start ten days after the 4th of July – the trial is scheduled to begin on July 14th.
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2008 began with the Endoscopy Center of Nevada at the center of a Hepatitis C outbreak that potentially endangered about 40,000 Nevadans, and the year goes out with the Specialty Surgicare clinic in Las Vegas reporting lapses in disinfection procedures. [LV Sun]
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More MD’s run to Staples and Office Depot? “No mugs? Drug makers cut out goodies for doctors” including, “We have never said and would never say that a pharmaceutical pen or notebook has influenced any prescription,” Diane Bieri, executive vice president of PHARMA. [NYT]
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Nevada’s SAGE Commission has recommended eliminating health care subsidies for all employees who retire after July 1, and cutting subsidies to existing retirees by 50% over the next two years. [LVRJ] Approximately $8.1 billion is needed to maintain state services (accounting for population growth and inflation), and revenues are projected to be $5.8 billion. However, Governor Gibbons clings tenaciously to his No New Taxes pledge to Grover Norquist and the Neo-Hooverites. [LVRJ] The Governor is not clutching quite so tightly to his plan to appoint Kirk Montero as the director of the Nevada Commission on Tourism. [RGJ] Former Sparks, NV mayor Bruce Breslow will replace Bob Loux as the executive director of the Nevada Commission for Nuclear Projects; Loux is alleged to have increased his pay without authorization, as well as that of three employees. [RGJ]
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Elections do have consequences? Wal-Mart has settled 63 wage and hour (time shaving) suits, some originating in Nevada, and agreed to a $54 million settlement concerning 100,000 former and current employees in Minnesota who were owed pay for “off the clock work.” Or could it be that the company discovered that 2%-8% of shoppers have had enough of the Retail Death Star’s anti-employee activities? [LV Sun] These instances aren’t the first problems Wal-Mart has experienced with wage disputes. The firm’s 2006 annual report said the company was facing 57 wage and hour disputes. A California court ordered the retail giant to pay $172 million in damages for failing to provide meal breaks to employees in 2005. Also in 2005, a Pennsylvania court approved a class action suit alleging that Wal-Mart forced workers into overtime. [WakeUpWalMart]
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Speaking of elections: “Washoe’s longest election race still tied,” two Verdi TV District candidates are tied at 1,839 a piece after the recount. [RGJ] “Canvassing board nudges Franken’s lead up to 49” [MST] [StPPP] Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) says the GOP will try to block any efforts by Democrats to seat Franken before all legal issues in the recount are settled. Coleman is now suing to have 654 properly rejected absentee ballots reconsidered; Franken wants the focus on 1,346 absentee ballots officials say were improperly rejected.
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Gaza Stripped: “Israel rejects proposed truce as talks continue: Assault on Gaza Strip continues for fifth day as rockets fall on southern Israel” [WaPo] “Behind Gaza operation an uneasy triumvirate” [WaPo] “Israel rejects 48 hour cease fire plan” [NYT] “Israel rejects call for truce, attacks Gaza tunnels” [LAT]
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Ethically Challenged: “Madoff spotlight turns to role of offshore funds” [NYT] “Bank Medici manages up to $3.2 billion of assets tied to Madoff” [Blmbrg] “Developments in the case: Susan Markel, chief accountant at the SEC is leaving for a corporate investigations job” [Newsday] “Tremont sued over losses to Madoff’s Ponzi scheme” [Blmbrg] “How Madoff is burning the SEC” [BusWeek] “Madoff liquidation trustee receives $28 million for costs” [Law.Com] “Ex broker charged with conspiracy in Dreier case” [WSJ] “How Peter Kraus spent his hard earned bonus money (Merrill Lynch)” [Nymag] “Golden parachute lands Merrill exec in $37 million pad” [LAT] “Reliant says it will fight Merrill suit: energy company’s termination of $300 million credit line” [WSJ]
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It’s the Stupid Recession: “Creative borrowing catches up with California cities” [LAT] “New jobless filings drop, but labor conditions do not improve” [LAT] “Company bond sales fall as recession drives rates up” [Blmbrg] “South Carolina unemployment fund will dry up without a deal” [AP] “Pittsburgh unemployment at 5.8%” [PPG] “Retail sales fall is worst in six years” [LAT] “Online retail sales dip 3%” [Adweek] “Stores, entire chains will close in 2009, analysts” [CST] “Mervyn’s to close its doors after 59 years” [ABC] “Retail: 73,000 stores could close in first half of 2009” [Blmbrg]
It won’t be hard to say good-bye to 2008, but 2009 may be a rough slog?
*Desert Beacon will dim down for a brief vacation – see you in a few days! In the mean time, please have a very safe and happy New Year’s celebration.
desertbeacon.blogspot.com
>Hi DB! Hope your New Year has been a Happy and safe one.