Sacramento Topics

FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2012, file photo Republican presidential candidate, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich campaigns in Las Vegas. Politicians of all stripes in this election year are clamoring for simplifying the tax code and closing loopholes. But that would mean Americans could lose some of their prized deductions. Tax reform does sound like a good idea to lots of people, but where to start? Eliminate the deduction for home mortgages? End the write-off for charitable contributions? How about expanding the Social Security payroll tax? Not likely. In fact, none of the major tax overhaul proposals now on the table seems likely to be enacted given the current political situation in Washington and the country.

Wayne Newton now performs mostly outside Las Vegas, where he lives, but is planning a major entertainment museum across the road from his home.

Eric Jamison Associated Press Faber, left, lost to Dominick Cruz in July in Las Vegas. The two will fight again in 2012 after they coach teams in "The Ultimate Fighter."

Despite a wealth of elegant trimmings worthy of Las Vegas, including chandeliers with glass feathers, the Red Hawk Casino, is performing far below expectations.