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Trump stands behind Hegseth after attack plans shared in second Signal chat; Pollution exemptions granted to AR coal plants; Coping with OR's climate change-fueled pollen season; Federal funding cuts could hit MT harder than other states.

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Defense Secretary Hegseth faces calls to resign for discussing battle plans in a second Signal chat. Indiana denies students the use of college IDs to register to vote, and the White House signals the U.S. might stop trying to end the Russia-Ukraine War.

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Money meant for schools in timber country is uncertain as Congress fails to reauthorize a rural program, farmers and others will see federal dollars for energy projects unlocked, and DOGE cuts threaten plant species needed for U.S. food security.

NV lawmaker proposes new date for Indigenous Peoples Day

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025   

Nevada's only sitting Indigenous legislator has introduced a bill to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day on what she calls the "correct day," the second Monday in October.

Gov. Joe Lombardo issued a proclamation designating Aug. 9 as Indigenous Peoples' Day in Nevada.

Asm. Shea M. Backus, D-Las Vegas, said it does not pay Indigenous communities the recognition or respect they deserve. She explained Assembly Bill 144 would align both dates, as is celebrated across the nation.

"Indigenous Peoples Day isn't just about a day of recognition, it is about placing Indigenous voices at the forefront of decisions that shape the future of this state," Backus emphasized. "It is this deep cultural connection that has shaped the character of the state of Nevada, and should be celebrated."

Backus noted opponents of the bill see it as an attempt to remove Columbus Day, a federal holiday, from the books. She rejected the notion, pointing out the second Monday in October could instead be shared between both holidays.

Asm. Richard Delong, R-Reno, in the bill's first hearing on Tuesday, questioned the precedent the change of date could be setting for the state.

"Under state law, there are no overlaps," Delong pointed out. "This would be the first time that the state ever decides to have a period of observance that you have two of them coinciding on the same day. So in that sense, it is unique and different."

But backers of the bill aid banks and other establishments already recognize the October date both as Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day, and see the bill as a formality to codify the joint recognition into law.

Noé Orosco, government affairs manager for the advocacy group Make the Road Nevada, said his organization supports the measure. He stressed Indigenous history and stories have been overlooked or distorted, and the bill is a way to help rectify it.

"This bill is not just a symbolic gesture, it is an opportunity for reflection and celebration," Orosco contended. "By formally recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day, we encourage a more complete and accurate understanding of our collective histories."


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