Silver State No. 1 again in growth

After a one-year hiatus, Nevada regained the title of fastest-growing state in the nation, according to new Census Bureau state population estimates released last week.

Nevada returned to the top spot with a 2.9 percent growth rate that pushed the population to more than 2.56 million in the year ending July 1.

Nevada held that title for 19 years in a row before being bumped off by Arizona last year.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas economist Keith Schwer expects the Silver State to stay at or near the top of the list for years to come, thanks in large part to a flurry of new resorts and expansions scheduled to open on the Strip starting in 2009.

"That should be a big boost for jobs, and with jobs come population," said Schwer, who leads UNLV's Center for Business and Economic Research.

Much of the state's growth is driven by Clark County, which is home to more than 70 percent of Nevada residents.

MONDAY

Harrah's deal gets tentative OK

Harrah's Entertainment got the final go-ahead to complete its deal to go private.

The National Indian Gaming Commission gave tentative approval to Apollo Management and TPG Capital's plans to take the world's largest gaming company private in a $17.7 billion private equity buyout.

The Indian gaming commission was the final regulatory group that needed to review the buyout proposal. Harrah's manages American Indian-owned casinos in Arizona, California and North Carolina.

TUESDAY

Anderson Dairy reaches milestone

Anderson Dairy marked 100 years doing business in Las Vegas. But hot weather and blowing sand are about the only things remaining from Las Vegas circa 1907 when Harry Anderson first lugged cold milk to customers.

The dairy is thriving, even as people nationwide drink less milk, by diversifying its product line and benefiting from growth.

"The bigger Las Vegas, the more attractive it is for others to come," said Dave Coon, vice president of sales and marketing for Anderson.

WEDNESDAY

Ex-coach arrested in teen sex case

A former Las Vegas High School track coach impregnated one of his team members and then helped her get an abortion, Las Vegas police alleged.

Kenneth Craig, 28, was arrested and booked into jail Dec. 20 on a felony charge of sexual misconduct with a student.

Craig worked as a substitute teacher for the Clark County School District from May 2003 to May 2007. He also was a track coach at Las Vegas High School from February to May 2006.

THURSDAY

Court rules judge abused authority

Supreme Court Justice Nancy Saitta abused her authority when as a Clark County district judge she issued a gag order and sealed child support proceedings involving a former judicial colleague, the Supreme Court said.

Saitta did not meet the requirements in state law when she sealed the court records in 2006 involving former Family Court Judge Robert Lueck, who at the time was seeking to return to the bench, the court said in the unanimous decision written by Justice Michael Douglas.

The decision by Saitta to seal the entire case without a written request "was a manifest abuse of discretion," the court said.

FRIDAY

Holiday room rates to match 2006

Hotel rates for New Year's Eve and the number of guests are expected to be similar to last year -- a trend that could continue throughout 2008.

Tourism boosters expect about 303,000 people to come to Las Vegas to celebrate the New Year's holiday, leaving behind nearly $212 million in nongaming economic impact. But room rates for holiday stays didn't rise above the rate of inflation, meaning prices were flat compared with last year.

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SQUIRES

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