WEEK IN REVIEW: Top news

After two North Las Vegas firefighters were injured Tuesday in an ambulance accident while transporting a patient, firefighters union officials questioned the city's cost-cutting plan that shuts down stations and equipment based on staff availability.

It's known as a "brownout," a practice of not staffing when a vacancy, such as a vacation or sick leave, occurs in the city's Fire Department. City officials enacted the measure July 1.

Jeff Hurley, union president, said six of the city's eight rescue units were out of service the day of the accident. He said the city's units are designed differently than MedicWest's ambulances and could have prevented injuries.

City officials did not comment.

The 63-year-old patient being transported, Dorothy Anita Gray, died, but it was unclear whether her death was a result of the accident or her medical condition.

MONDAY

C-section rate decried

More than 100 women and their families rallied outside the Pinkpeas Pregnancy and Parenting Care Center to protest what they say are unnecessary C-sections.

Repeatedly, the women pointed out government statistics that show C-sections pose a greater risk of surgical complications and a greater chance of problems or death for both mother and baby. The March of Dimes has suggested that healthy pregnancies should go to at least 39 weeks.

They claimed that doctors performed the operation out of convenience and for profit.

TUESDAY

No identity crisis

The name remains the same at McCarran International Airport.

Clark County commissioners gave the idea of changing the airport moniker short shrift.

Although many people have weighed in on changing the airport's name, the ultimate decision about what to call the county-run airport rests with commissioners.

WEDNESDAY

Food truck rules iced

Hipster-hunting food truck drivers won't have to tiptoe around Las Vegas restaurants, at least for now.

The Las Vegas City Council couldn't agree on a proposal some said would have protected restaurants from unfair competition from food trucks by establishing a buffer zone around the eateries.

The council tabled the issue.

"What it turned out to be, you know, I guess you could consider it a waste of time," Fuku Burger food truck owner Colin Fukunaga said.

The council's votes were the culmination of a debate that has been raging for months.

THURSDAY

Mutilation investigated

The mother of 19-year-old Daniel "Dean" Way, whose mutilated body was found by Las Vegas police Aug. 17, spoke out.

When Way was found on Los Feliz Street, north of Bonanza Road, he was wearing only boxer shorts. His hands had been severed at the wrist.

Police lack a motive and no one has been arrested.

Way's mother, Valerie Ward, was confounded. Her son was bipolar and off his medication.

"No mother deserves to lose her son to viciousness like this," Ward said.

FRIDAY

Historic status sought

Owners of El Cortez, a downtown Las Vegas hotel-casino, are trying to claim a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Having a property such as the El Cortez that represents the early days of gaming and entertainment is absolutely critical," said architectural historian Peter Moruzzi, who is compiling the application.

The application needs approval from city officials, the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. The application is based mostly on the fact the property's facade on Fremont and Sixth streets has barely changed since the first card was dealt in 1941.