Nevada News & Current Events | Public News Service

The World Health Organization links indoor air pollution, including pollutants from burning natural gas, to increased chances of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. (Vladimir Semenov/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Groups Plead with Public Utilities Commission to 'Supercharge' Electrification

Nevada needs to move away from natural gas and toward clean energy - that's the view of climate action groups that spoke up on Tuesday at an open foru…

The Yuman and Mojave peoples believe that all life began at Spirit Mountain, known as Avi Kwa Ame. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

Celebrate Public Lands Day In the Great Outdoors

This week you can visit a sacred mountain, help clean up a park, and more to honor Public Lands Day, which is this Saturday. Conservation groups are …

The public is encouraged to decorate paper lanterns and display them to mark the anniversary of the Oct. 1 shooting, which took place on the Las Vegas strip in 2017. (Vegas Strong Resiliency Center)

Las Vegas Prepares to Mourn 5-Year Anniversary of 1 October Massacre

The five-year anniversary of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history is coming up Oct. 1, and Las Vegas is preparing to honor the victims, survivors …

Nevada offers same-day registration and voting during the early voting period and on election day.(MKos/Adobestock)<br />

New 2022 'VoteSmartNV' Website Launches

A new nonpartisan website full of 2022 General Election information specifically for Nevada is now live on the internet. VoteSmartNV.org lets people …

Susie Martinez of the Nevada AFL-CIO speaks at a news conference organized by the Cortez Masto campaign on Wednesday. (Tony Hernandez)

Cortez Masto, Laxalt Campaigns Trade Abortion Accusations

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and her Republican challenger, former state attorney general Adam Laxalt, are accusing each other of …

Experts say older adults often struggle financially because Social Security benefits do not cover their basic cost of living, and many are not aware there are programs they can seek out for assistance. (Parten/Adobe Stock)

Older Nevadans May Be Missing Out on Thousands in Benefits

Advocates for lower-income adults in Nevada say many are leaving money on the table -- hundreds of dollars a month, in some cases -- because they may …

The Inflation Reduction Act would fine pharmaceutical companies that raise prices on medications faster than the rate of inflation. (Kenwnj/Adobe Stock)

Progressive Groups Tout Benefits of Inflation Reduction Act for NV

Progressive groups are praising the newly passed Inflation Reduction Act, saying it will save many families thousands of dollars a year and make …

Panel Discussion Tonight on Future of Nevada's Water

Some of the state's top experts will speak out tonight on the greatest water issues facing Nevada. The event, sponsored by the Nevada Conservation …

hearing aids are not covered under Medicare or most insurance plans. (EdwardOlive/Adobestock)

Feds to Allow Hearing Aids to be Sold Over-the-Counter

Relief may be on the way for many older Nevadans who need hearing aids but can't afford to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a pair. The Food and Drug …

Lake Mead has been downgraded to a Level 2a water shortage, leading to cuts in water deliveries in 2023. (SpaceEconomist192/Wikimedia Commons)

Feds Announce Cuts in Colorado River Water Deliveries to NV, AZ and Mexico

Nevada is set to lose 8% of its Colorado River water allotment next year because of perilously low water levels at Lakes Mead and Powell caused by a 2…

Experts say Nevada suffers from a huge shortage of pediatric behavioral-health specialists, which makes it difficult for youths in crisis to get help. (SeventyFour)

NV Makes Gains But Remains Near Bottom on Kids’ Well-Being

Nevada ranks 47th in the country for child well-being, according to the 2022 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, but the numbers …

“Unshakeable” Nevada Nonprofit Wins AARP Purpose Prize

A Las Vegas nonprofit helping women recover from substance addiction, domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness has received AARP's …

Recently, members of the coalition to designate Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument in Southern Nevada held a series of meetings with Biden-Harris administration officials and members of the Nevada congressional delegation. (Photo courtesy of Coalition)

NV Honors National Monument, with Hopes for Another

Over the weekend, Nevada's Lehman Caves celebrated its 100th anniversary as a national monument. Supporters behind a proposal to add another monument …

A recent survey found 35% of Nevadans believe high out-of-pocket costs are the biggest issue people face in the health-care system. (shahrilkhmd/Adobe Stock)

Senate Debates Health-Care Measures as Nevadans Worry About Costs

Congress is considering a major package of bills that could affect not only investments in fighting climate change, but also the affordability of …

Federal statistics show that Latinos are expected to comprise a majority of net new workers this decade. (Kablonk Micro/Adobe Stock)

Report: Too Many Latinos Stuck in Low-Wage Jobs

Too many Latinos are stuck in low-wage occupations, according to a new report, and some with darker skin face discrimination and an even steeper …

Experts say custom-made earplugs can reduce excessive noise at the gym. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Tips on Protecting Your Hearing as Pandemic Restrictions Ease

Now that pandemic restrictions have eased, millions of people are headed back to the gym or fitness center with their ear buds or headphones on…

Lake Mead is at 27% of capacity and has dropped 10% in the past two months. (Renee Grayson/Flickr)

Historic Drought: Advocates Slam Upper CO Basin States’ Conservation Plan

Water conservation groups are speaking out against a plan from the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah to divert less water from the …

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimates that a family would need to make at least $45,416 per year to afford the average two-bedroom rental home in Nevada. (Zimmytws/Adobestock)

Congressional Hearing This Week Tackles Housing Crisis

Local housing advocates are speaking out ahead of a congressional hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee this Wednesday called "Nowhere to …

PETA wants the government to change its rules that allow

PETA Calls on Feds to Stop Approving “Humane” Labels on Meat

Government labels on meat products that say "humane" or "raised in a stress-free environment" are meaningless, according to some animal-rights groups…

The state is verifying signatures submitted by Nevada Voters First to get the ranked-choice-voting/open primary proposal on the ballot. (Cesar Marquez)

Ranked-Choice Voting Advocates Celebrate State Supreme Court Ruling

A proposal to change the way Nevada votes is one step closer to getting on the November ballot after the State Supreme Court rejected a legal challeng…

The Rev. Leonard Jackson speaks at a clean-energy rally in 2017. His Faith Organizing Alliance says the Juneteenth message of freedom can also be helpful in motivating people to work toward curbing climate change. (Steve Marcus)

In Spirit of Juneteenth, NV Community Groups Demand Climate Action

Members of Nevada's African American community say they're channeling the spirit of Juneteenth to fight for environmental justice. Church-affiliated …

Latinos have succumbed to COVID at two to three times the rate of white Americans, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. (Dubova)

Higher Latino COVID Death Rates Spur Interest in End-of-Life Options

Hispanic groups are coming together to encourage people to have end-of-life conversations with their loved ones before illness or tragedy strikes…

Water is a scarce and precious resource in Nevada, the driest state in the nation, with an average of just over 10 inches of precipitation per year. (Mariusz Blach/Adobestock)

NV Stakeholders Finalize Water Protections During National Rivers Month

June is National Rivers Month, and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) is getting ready to nominate Lake Tahoe and likely some of …

Supporters of the right to abortion care rallied in Las Vegas on Friday to protest the Supreme Court Decision. (Shelbie Swartz/Battle Born Progress)

Nevada Group Helps Abortion Seekers Travel to State

Nevada may become a magnet for abortion seekers from around the country, since the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban …

Massive plumes of smoke rise from the Tamarack Fire, Nevada's largest conflagration of 2021. (U.S. Forest Service)

NV Experts Warn Conditions are Ripe for Large Fires

Fire season is now upon us - and local experts are speaking out on best practices for dealing with large wildfires, which seem to be Nevada's "new …

Nevada has made progress in promoting restorative justice rather than youth incarceration. As of mid-June, the Nevada Department of Child and Family Services had 121 youths in custody. (Arloo/Adobe Stock)

Post-Pandemic Youth Crime Wave is a Myth: Report

A new report from The Sentencing Project debunks the myth of a post-pandemic crime wave fueled by young people. In March, Congress held a hearing …

Political observers note that interest-group contributions in state races often can have greater impact on voters than those made in national races. (Panumas/Adobestock)

Power Politics: Incumbent Triumphs Despite Opposition from Utility

Nevada saw a landslide victory in its Democratic primary this week for a state lawmaker who says she was targeted by Southwest Gas and other groups fo…

The University of Nevada Las Vegas is the biggest Hispanic Serving Institution in Nevada, and ranks 108 on the Economic Mobility Index. (Stan Shebs/Wikimedia Commons)

Ranking Colleges: Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Economic Mobility

Higher-education experts are promoting a new way to rank colleges and universities, proposing an Economic Mobility Index (EMI) measuring whether the …

Grover C. Dills Medical Center in Caliente is one of 13 critical-access hospitals in Nevada. They are spread out over 90% of the state's landmass but serve only 10% of the population. (NRHP)

Advocates Warn Rural Hospitals Face Big Trouble Once COVID Funding Ends

Rural hospitals in Nevada and across the country will be in dire economic straits once the COVID funding runs out, according to a new report…

in 2019, Nevada restored the right to vote to people convicted of a felony, upon release from prison. (Jlmcanally/Adobestock)

Early Primary Voting Ends Tomorrow in Nevada

Early voting in the Nevada primary ends tomorrow, but if you miss it, don't despair. There are still multiple ways to vote. Brian Harris, voter …

Hundreds of patients already have been vaccinated at Centro de Adoracion Familiar in Henderson, but they'd like to serve thousands more this summer. (Brastock Images/Adobe stock)

Vaccination Clinics Aim to Attract Latino Churchgoers

A new network of COVID-19 vaccine clinics is now open - located in Latino churches in nine cities across the country, including one in Nevada…

The Alternative Fuels Data Center, part of the U.S. Department of Energy, says Nevada currently has more than 1,600 alternative-fuel charging stations. (Nevada Clean Cars)

Advocates: The Future of Transportation is Clean Energy

The future of transportation in Clark County, particularly electrifying the sector, will be the hot topic at a panel discussion of experts and …

Early voting locations will be open across Nevada for several weeks, from May 28 through June 10. (Jlmcanally/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Nevada Voters, as Early Voting Starts Tomorrow

The Nevada primary election is June 14, and early voting starts tomorrow and runs through June 10. Mail balloting is now permanent, so every active …

A UNLV study found Nevada has only one mental health professional for every 460 residents, and the shortage of pediatric providers is particularly severe. (Zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Awareness Month: NV Advocates Press for Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and advocates in the Silver State said drastic changes are needed to improve access to services. The latest …

The Supreme Court, following in the footsteps of the Citizen's United decision, has weakened campaign finance laws in the name of free speech. (Lost in the Midwest/Adobestock)

Clean Elections Groups Slam Supreme Court Ruling on Campaign Finance

Good-government groups are criticizing the Supreme Court's decision Monday eliminating rules on how much a candidate can spend to pay back loans he or…

Opponents of a ranked-choice voting initiative on the Nevada ballot claim it could increase the time it takes to tabulate results. (Sevennine_79/Adobe Stock)

NV Voting-Rights Groups Unite to Fight Ranked-Choice Voting

A coalition of community groups calling itself "Let Nevada Vote" is speaking out against a proposed ballot initiative that would require the state to …

The pandemic cut short the time census workers had to go door to door to educate the public on how to fill out the decennial survey. (Edbockstock/Adobestock)

Census Report Shows Large Undercount of Latino Population

A new report found the 2020 census significantly undercounted the Latino population nationwide, by almost 5%, more than three times the undercount …

Immigration, Labor Groups to March Sunday for May Day

This Sunday night, immigration and labor groups are marching for May Day on the Vegas strip, speaking out on the need for immigration reform and …

The coalition Let Nevadans Vote says there is no evidence to show anyone tampered with voting machines in the 2020 election. (John Davis/Adobe Stock)

NV Clean-Elections Group Calls on Counties to Keep Voting Machines

Good-government groups are calling on county clerks across Nevada to resist calls to dump voting machines for upcoming elections. A coalition called …

The Governor and climate advocates will speak at a press conference today in Las Vegas, with a climate-themed mural by artist Gui Lemes as a backdrop. (Ivan Serge/@apvevents)

This Earth Day, Advocates Call for Climate Action

To honor Earth Day tomorrow, Gov. Steve Sisolak will join environmental advocates in a call to invest in our planet. The most recent report from …

Nationwide, more than 9 million permanent residents are potentially eligible for United States citizenship, according to the National Partnership for New Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Groups, Nevada Government Work to Naturalize Millions

A coalition of cities, counties and more than 50 immigrant and refugee advocacy groups around the country, with a strong Nevada base, are celebrating …

NV Gun-Violence Prevention Groups Praise New Ghost Gun Rule

Gun-violence prevention advocates in Nevada are applauding a new rule by the Biden administration to close a loophole allowing the proliferation of un…

Martha Neff of Las Vegas holds a sample of a migraine medication that helps reduce pain, but costs $1,000 a month without insurance. (Courtesy of Neff Family)

Advocates for Older Americans Press U-S Senate for Action on Drug Prices

Groups that fight for older Americans are pressuring Congress to pass prescription drug reform, which has been stalled along with the Biden …

Two-year schools such as Truckee Meadows Community College have partnerships with local employers to offer coursework in fields that are in demand. (Nevada System of Higher Education)

Nevada Colleges Look to Attract More Students after Pandemic Enrollment Drop

Nevada colleges, especially two-year institutions, are working overtime to attract more students this fall, in the wake of a big drop in enrollment …

In a survey from the American Psychological Association, about half of adults report being uneasy when it comes to returning to in-person interactions. (Bongkarn/Adobe Stock)

Tips to Manage Return-to-Office Stress

This spring, a lot of Nevadans are returning to the office after working from home for more than a year, which can trigger bouts of anxiety. Experts …

Daela Gibson, of Planned Parenthood and the Let Nevadans Vote coalition, testified before the Washoe County Commission last week, just before it defeated a proposal that included multiple voting limitations. (Let Nevadans Vote)

Voting-Rights Groups Vow to Fight on After Victory in Washoe County

Fresh off a victory in Washoe County, Nevada groups fighting for greater access to voting are turning their attention to ballot measures seeking to …

Juvenile arrests have gone down alongside detentions in Nevada. The state arrested more than 9,000 juveniles in 2015, compared with 4,300 in 2021. (Artit/Adobestock)

Juvenile Detention: Numbers Can Be Deceiving

America locked up almost a quarter-million children in 2019, according to a new report called "Too Many Closed Doors" from the Sentencing Project…

Typically, prior to the Public Health Emergency, 17% to 25% of mail from the state Medicaid program was returned each month, according to state data. About a quarter of recipients would lose coverage and would re-enroll later. (ZimmyTWS/Adobestock)

Advocates Warn Families May Lose Medicaid Coverage In Coming Months

Children's advocates are warning that thousands of Nevada children could lose Medicaid coverage over the next year, starting as early as May 1…

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