Top Stories
Joblessness hit a new high in Las Vegas and across the state last month, as the unemployment rate soared to 14.2 percent locally and 13.7 percent statewide.
Nearly 200,000 Nevadans, including 140,900 locals, lacked jobs but were seeking work in April, the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reported Friday.
The new records topped previous highs hit one month before, when unemployment stood at 13.8 percent in Las Vegas and 13.4 percent in Nevada as a whole.
A year ago, the jobless rate in Las Vegas was 10.5 percent, while the statewide rate was 11 percent.
Monday
Tabish out on parole
Rick Tabish, convicted and later acquitted of killing Las Vegas casino executive Ted Binion, has been released on parole, the governor's office said.
Under terms of his parole, Tabish, 45, will be required to find a job and live with his parents, Frank and Lani, in Missoula, Mont.
He will be supervised by Montana parole agents until March, the scheduled end of his prison term on charges stemming from the theft of Binion's $7 million silver stash buried in Pahrump.
Tuesday
City eyes 205 layoffs
Las Vegas leaders approved a budget that calls for 205 layoffs, although City Council members said the door is still open for employee unions to make concessions and avoid some job losses.
At the top of the list of potential effects are increased response times from the Fire Department and city marshals, two departments facing cuts.
The Fire Department isn't losing any employees to layoffs. To reduce overtime, though, the department will introduce "brownouts," taking as many as three units out of service a day.
Wednesday
Bought out, replaced
Ten high-ranking North Las Vegas officials, including Police Chief Joseph Forti, recently agreed to take buyouts to save the cash-strapped city $2.4 million in fiscal year 2011.
Then the City Council unanimously agreed to waive the city's hiring freeze to replace two of those 10 employees, Forti and the city's finance director.
Acting City Manager Maryann Ustick pointed out that the assistant finance director also took a buyout, and that remaining employees don't have the credentials to manage the city's finances in a challenging economy.
Thursday
Nye D.A. fights back
Two weeks after his arrest, Nye County District Attorney Bob Beckett sought to turn the tables by appointing a special prosecutor to bring criminal charges against the sheriff's detective who arrested him.
Las Vegas attorney turned special prosecutor C. Conrad Claus filed a 25-count criminal complaint against detective David Boruchowitz, describing him as a rogue cop who uses his badge to harass and smear political candidates.
The charges stem from Boruchowitz's role in Beckett's arrest on allegations of embezzlement and two other incidents involving candidates running against incumbent Sheriff Tony DeMeo.
Friday
Jury clears officer
A coroner's inquest jury ruled that a Las Vegas police officer was justified in the shooting death of a 26-year-old suspect who fled from police during a March 23 incident.
Officer Christopher LeBlanc fatally shot Damon Beal after the car-theft suspect fled from police near Washington Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard.
Officer Michael Madland, who almost died after being shot in the leg by Beal, testified during the inquest.
Week In ReviewMore Information
NUMBERS
692,747
People registered to vote in the primary election in Clark County, which got under way with the start of early voting Saturday.
200-212
Wins and losses for UNLV baseball coach Buddy Gouldsmith, who was fired last week after seven seasons with the Rebels.
205
Employee layoffs included in the city of Las Vegas budget approved on Tuesday.
215,000
Years, or the half-life of the element technetium, one of the by-products of UNLV’s research into reprocessing used nuclear fuel.
QUOTES
“I talked to people who are pretty damned knowledgeable, north and south, and no one’s ever heard of this.”
Guy Rocha
Former state archivist, talking about the arrest of Nye County District Attorney Bob Beckett on charges related to a bank account managed by his office.
“He’s trying to deflect attention away from himself. Mr. Beckett is acting like a true suspect.”
Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo
Commenting on Thursday’s filing of criminal charges against one of DeMeo’s detectives by a special prosecutor appointed by the district attorney.
“I used to buy my underwear there.”
Gary Reese
Mayor pro tem of Las Vegas, reminiscing about a vacant downtown building that may get a new lease on life. According to Reece, 601 Fremont St. once was a Sears store.
“Oh (expletive), does that mean nobody’s watchin’?”
Talk show host Craig Ferguson
After Review-Journal columnist Doug Elfman told him his late-night show is a favorite among TV critics.
MULTIMEDIA (lvrj.com/multimedia)
video: Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health opens
slide show: Southern Nevada Law Enforcement Memorial 2010
video: Movie Minute with Carol Cling 05/21/10
slide show: Rancho falls to Galena, 6-3
slide show: Bishop Gorman defeats Reno, 14-1
video: Agassi Prep students receive scholarships





