WEEK IN REVIEW: Top news
A World War II-era fighter plane nose-dived into the ground just in front of the grandstands Friday during the Reno air races, killing at least nine people, including the 74-year-old pilot, and injuring more than 60 spectators.
As thousands watched in horror, the P-51 Mustang suddenly pitched upward, rolled and plunged toward the crowded grandstand. It then slammed into the tarmac and blew to pieces. Bloodied bodies spread across the area as people tended to the victims and ambulances rushed to the scene.
"I saw body parts and gore like you wouldn't believe it. I'm talking an arm, a leg," said Maureen Higgins of Alabama, who was sitting about 30 yards from the crash.
The pilot, Jimmy Leeward of Ocala, Fla., was a veteran airman and movie stunt pilot who named his P-51 Mustang fighter plane "The Galloping Ghost."
MONDAY
Show gives school gift
Whitney Elementary School Principal Sherrie Gahn was a guest on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which gave her school $100,000.
"We didn't know about the $100,000. We had no clue," said Carolyn Edwards, president of the Clark County School District's Board of Trustees.
The show told the story of Whitney Elementary and Gahn's efforts to help the school's children, many who are poor.
TUESDAY
Amodei wins big
Mark Amodei became Nevada's newest congressional representative Tuesday, defeating challenger Kate Marshall by a whopping 22-point margin, 58 percent to 36 percent.
Amodei, a Republican, will fill the seat vacated when Republican Rep. Dean Heller was appointed to a U.S. Senate seat.
"People vote their pocketbooks," Amodei said, attributing his overwhelming win to the country's sour mood.
Amodei beat Democrat Marshall in all 17 counties, even in Marshall's home Washoe County .
WEDNESDAY
Foreclosures surge
Lenders filed notices of mortgage default on 5,279 Clark County homes in August, sharply reversing a six-month slide in foreclosure actions, real estate tracking firm ForeclosureRadar reported.
The sudden spike was up 46 percent since July, signaling that banks are starting to move against homeowners nearly a year after they were forced to back off while sorting out problems with sloppy and improperly handled loan documents.
Nevada continues to lead the nation in foreclosures.
THURSDAY
High school honored
Advanced Technologies Academy was named one of the top performing high schools in the nation.
The magnet school is in the top 1 percent of all 100,000 schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education, which gave the school a Blue Ribbon award.
This is the second time the school has made the list, a rare achievement. The last time was in 2003, which led to a visit from then-first lady Laura Bush.
Students must meet minimum GPA and testing requirements to attend the school.
FRIDAY
Fire brings charges
The only survivor of a Pahrump house fire that killed three young boys now faces criminal charges that could raise legal questions about the nature of neglect.
Sharon Broadhead was home in bed when the fire started, most likely sparked in a nearby room by a lighter in the hands of her 4-year-old son, Zachary.
"She put herself in a position where she was unwilling or unable to take care of her children," said Nye County District Attorney Brian Kunzi, whose office filed three felony counts of child abuse and neglect against Broadhead.
Week In Review
More Information
NUMBERS
4
The number of consecutive months unemployment has risen in Las Vegas, to 14.2 percent in August.
19 ft. 9 in.
The world-record total length of Las Vegan Chris Walton's fingernails, which she has been growing for 18 years.
5,279
Foreclosure filings in Clark County in August. That's up from 3,617 in July but down from 6,116 in August 2010.
12 pounds
The amount of crystal meth police say they found hidden in a man's car after he ran, then was struck and killed.
QUOTES
"It's going to be like drinking from a firehose while you are running a marathon at 100 miles an hour. That's exactly what the poor man is facing."
BRADFORD FITCH
Congressional management expert, on the daunting task facing newly elected Rep. Mark Amodei, who must staff his office, learn the issues and ways of the House and immediately begin raising money for re-election, all while Congress is in session.
"Most people associate that day with horrible tragedy, but people were also born that day. A miracle happened. Life went on."
PATRICK LINN
Whose First child was born at a Henderson Hospital on Sept. 11, 2001. Marina Linn Celebrated her 10th birthday last week with a slumber party.
"We don't like politicians and we don't like media."
Mike Vehlies
A former New Yorker and firefighter on why a local tribute to firefighters lost on 9/11 doesn't usually include press and political speeches.
"People died just so we could register to vote."
WILLIA CHANEY
North Las Vegas resident and activist, on being called to testify in an ongoing election dispute because she has a large number of voters registered as living in her home.
MULTIMEDIA
VIDEO: Judge discloses U.S. attorney's letter during Quon/Webb hearing
SLIDE SHOW: Spc. Dennis James Jr.'s Dignified Arrival
VIDEO: Floyd Mayweather Jr. faces off with Victor Ortiz at prefight news conference in Las Vegas
VIDEO: Rain continues to soak Las Vegas Valley
VIDEO: Wushu Twins
SLIDE SHOW: Las Vegas observes 9/11 anniversary with parade and day of events
