Vegas Diaries: Up To Speed

Hey everyone!
Sorry I haven’t written anything in a while. I’ve just been so busy with work and school that I haven’t had the chance to. I do have some good news, though.

Last Friday, I covered a majority of the Sept. 11 events happening in the area and my story actually made centerpiece on the Web site. I didn’t get to see it because I was running around all day, but my boss Tim took a screen shot for me.

The weekend went well, although I was a little bored. I have got to get out and make some friends in this place.

On Sunday I drove to Phoenix, Arizona to watch the Phoenix Mercury play the L.A. Sparks. It was amazing! When I moved to Las Vegas I knew I would be in between the two states that host my two favorite teams in the WNBA. I thought I was going to have to pick one of the other, but turns out I was lucky. Too bad Diana Taurasi didn’t play. Stupid playoffs. Anyway, I have pictures that I will be sure to post. ☺ Oh, did I mention I almost got an autograph from Candace Parker? If I had worn my orange and represented then maybe I would have an autograph right now. I blame Richard lol.

Monday was an OK day. I covered a court hearing and got lost in the Justice Center. I guess that’s bound to happen your first time, especially when there are 17 floors. Here is a link to my story for the Las Vegas Sun.

The day got better and by Monday night I had forgotten all about my troubles at the Justice Center. I covered an open forum at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada held by the Secretary of State Ross Miller. The forum was to educate same-sex and heterosexual couples about the new domestic partnership bill.

I learned a lot about Nevada last night. Certain companies refuse to give health insurance to domestic partners and adoption is still an issue. In Tennessee, being gay is still the biggest obstacle. I stood listening to all the panelists and political figures speak, and it saddened me to know that Tennessee has a long way to go before it ever reaches that point.

Here is the link to the story.

Tuesday was definitely a better day. I woke up this morning and traveled to the Henderson Justice Center to cover a preliminary hearing for a 19-year-old woman who is accused of suffocating her newborn son. The hearing was the last thing on the calendar, but I really didn’t mind waiting. In fact, I really like covering court cases.

After waiting three hours, the hearing was continued to Oct. 21 because the autopsy report was not completed. The continuance was a disappointment for some reporters but we eventually got all of our interviews with the prosecuting attorneys. I also spoke with the woman’s Public Defender Andrea Luem.

Here is a link to that story.

Tonight, I will go home and work on some homework before heading to bed. I have a sentencing court case in the morning for a man who shot four people in the New York-New York Casino. You never know what you’re going to get in Vegas. I love it!