Only in Nevada could the issue of free food cause a potentially serious budget crisis.

The Review-Journal reports: "A recent Supreme Court ruling that meals comped to casino patrons are not subject to taxation could have a major impact on the already strapped state budget."

Now resorts that paid the tax want the money refunded. The total is not known yet, but the estimated cost to Nevada's budget shortfall is in the $100-million range.

(Photo by Sarah Gerke)

One bit of good news for the holiday, a judge has tossed that ridiculous law making it illegal to feed homeless people in Las Vegas parks. But never a city to resist pointless legal fees, the city of Las Vegas once again passed another ordinance restricting speech on Fremont Street Experience. The previous law had been struck down, as had the one before that, as will this one. Just a guess.

Lounge singer turned restaurant owner turned Lieutenant Governor, Lorraine Hunt has temporarily assumed the powers of the head of the State of Nevada. The reason, Governor Kenny Guinn has gone off to tour Afghanistan and Iraq.  Why does the Governor of Nevada need to tour war zones? Well, I have no idea. The entire thing has me pondering why Nevada even needs a governor: almost all of the land here is owned by the Federal government and the rest by casinos. So, while there isn't much to it, a lot of people seem to want the not arduous job of figurehead of the Silver State which offers good pay, great benefits etc. Lorraine Hunt, in fact,  is running for the office of Governor now and the politicos in town tell me she is an extreme long shot. So, it will be nice for her to at least get to play governor for this short time.

photo by JOE CAVARETTA/AP