Nevada News & Current Events | Public News Service

The latest damage and economic estimate for the fires burning in Southern California surpasses the damage and economic loss numbers for the entire 2020 wildfire season, according to AccuWeather. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Wildfires could affect NV housing market, UNLV expert says

People are increasingly moving into the wildland-urban interface areas, where human development meets wild vegetation, like forests, according to a …

About 20 million people, nearly one in 12 adults, owe medical debt, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. (Adobe Stock)

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

Nevada has about 170,000 adults who report medical debt, which can pose a significant financial hardship. But a new federal rule could ease some …

Since launching in January of 2017, Run for Something has recruited nearly 100,000 people across all 50 states to run for state or local office. (Adobe Stock)

Surge of people interested in running for office in battlegrounds postelection

More than 12,000 people nationwide have shown interest in wanting to learn more about running for office since last year's election and the share comi…

NV groups celebrate temporary oil, gas ban in Ruby Mountains

The Biden-Harris administration is taking another step to protect northeast Nevada's Ruby Mountains - by putting them temporarily off-limits to oil…

The construction industry in Nevada holds one of the largest shares of immigrant workers, according to the American Immigration Council. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts speculate on economic effects of a Trump administration

Economists in Nevada and around the country said tariffs, cracking down on immigration, tax cuts and reduced energy credits will likely have a direct …

Earlier this year, Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Department of Education announced the allocation of $6 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for Nevada's Read by Grade 3 program. (Adobe Stock)

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

Nevada education experts say literacy rates are improving, but aren't where they should be. Nevada's third- through eighth-grade students have …

75% of Nevadans think more emphasis should be placed on conserving wildlife migration routes than on new developments, according to Colorado College's State of the Rockies Project. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NV emerges as conservation leader among Western states

Nevada scored high for its well-funded conservation programs and for the state's commitment to public land protections. A new report by The Center …

Goodwill of Southern Nevada is celebrating its 50th anniversary in February. (Mike Mozart / Flickr)

Goodwill of Southern NV's train-to-hire programs help meet demand

Goodwill of Southern Nevada is most known for its thrift stores and donation centers and is also instrumental in getting Nevadans trained and hired by…

Lake Mead's water level is up by 16 feet after two years of voluntary conservation by California water users, according to the Colorado River Board of California. (Adobe Stock)

NV advocates demand Congress address climate change

Nevada climate advocates say the impacts of climate change are only getting worse in the Silver State. They're now demanding Congress make it a …

A record 93% of marketplace enrollees, or 19.3 million people, receive premium tax credits, according to Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Digiman Studio)

Nevadans encouraged to look at health care options during open enrollment

Nevadans have until Dec. 31 to shop for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period. Katie Charleson, communications …

At least 1,860 women will serve in state houses in 2025, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. (Adobe Stock)

NV leads nationally with the number of women elected to state legislature

A record number of women will serve in state legislatures across the nation in 2025. Nevada will be the first state to hold a female majority in its …

Black women almost doubled their registration numbers from 2020, according to TargetSmart. (Adobe Stock)

92% of Black women voted for Harris. What happens now?

Some experts contend part of the reason Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election was because of what they're calling "misogyno…

There are 574 federally-recognized Indian tribes, bands, nations, rancherias, communities and Native villages in the United States, according to the University of Nevada-Reno. (Adobe Stock)

Research finds 'Indigenous' grows in popularity among Native youth

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded $6.29 million to health departments and community-based organizations in Nevada for HIV prevention and care activities. (Adobe Stock)

World AIDS Day puts focus on perception

World AIDS Day is Dec. 1, which is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV. Thousands of people live with …

About 90% of LGBTQ+ young people reported that their wellbeing was negatively impacted due to recent politics, according to The Trevor Project.(Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ folks in Nevada, nationwide concerned about next Trump presidency

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Nevada and around the country are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety…

Mass deportations would cause significant labor shocks across multiple key industries, with especially acute impacts on the construction, agriculture and hospitality sectors, according to the American Immigration Council. (Adobe Stock)

NV progressive groups warn of fallout from 2nd Trump presidency

The presidential vote was close in Nevada and with the results in, local organizations leaning more progressive believe the re-election of Donald …

The average dual-eligible individual could choose from 10 D-SNPs in 2022 - more D-SNPs than in any previous year, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Nevadans could qualify for dual-needs health coverage ahead of deadline

The Silver State has more than 94,000 people who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, meaning they could qualify for a Dual Special …

Nevada was one of seven states last week that passed pro-abortion ballot initiatives. (Adobe Stock)

Nevada, called for Trump, also passes abortion rights ballot measure

Nevada voters supported Question 6, which will protect abortion rights in the Silver State. The proposal will add language to the state …

In 2022, 64% of election officials reported the spread of false information made their jobs more dangerous, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. (Adobe Stock)

Election Day is over; now it's a waiting game

Now that Election Day has come and gone, many want to know who will be our next president and experts said the answer could take some time. In past …

Marisela Olvera (right) knocks on doors for Kamala Harris with fellow union member Sarah Garcia. (Culinary Workers Union)

One NV worker's journey from Trump employee to Harris voter

By Gabriel Thompson for Capital & Main.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Nevada News Service reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Ser…

Latinos have grown at the second-fastest rate of any major racial and ethnic group in the United States, according to Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Both major parties make final bids for NV Latino voters

Both major-party presidential candidates have made campaign stops in Nevada before Election Day - and they're after the Latino vote. Latinos make up …

Around 81% of Nevada voters want to get more power from solar energy, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. (Adobe Stock)

Renewable-energy proponents say Project 2025 would hurt Nevada

A new report found Project 2025's policies would increase annual energy costs for Nevadans by more than $230 per household in 2030. The figure goes …

About three in 10 Hispanic Republicans identify as evangelical Protestants, a far higher share than the 10% of Hispanic Democrats who say the same, according to Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Pastor highlights complexity of Hispanic evangelical vote

Roughly 10 million Hispanics identify as evangelical or Protestant, and one pastor contends there has been what he calls "an awakening" regarding the …

Vice President Kamala Harris leads former President Donald Trump 55% to 40% among Hispanic voters 50+ in Nevada, according to AARP Nevada. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Nevada poll confirms neck-and-neck race, up and down ballot

A new AARP Nevada poll showed former President Donald Trump holds a seven-point lead over Vice-President Kamala Harris among voters 50+ in the Silver …

The turkey industry produces more than 5.3 billion pounds of turkey products annually, according to the National Turkey Federation. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of Thanksgiving, NV urged to fight the 'turkey craze'

Animal-rights advocates in Nevada and around the country are sounding the alarm about the living conditions and treatment of turkeys on large factory …

A majority of Americans say declining union membership is bad for the country and for working people, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates push to get out union vote in Nevada

Nevada unions and their members could determine the fate of this year's election. Maureen Gallagher, a volunteer with the American Federation of …

Black rural voters overwhelmingly support Harris at 79%, according to the Rural Democracy Initiative poll. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Rural NV voters shouldn't be overlooked

The battleground state of Nevada and its voters matter in this upcoming election. While the Silver State has about 15% of its voters living in rural …

Voter turnout has surged among citizens with disabilities, with a 5.9% point increase in 2020 compared to the 2016 elections, according to the American Association of People with Disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

How Nevadans with disabilities can vote in this year's election

Advocates in the Silver State want to ensure all Nevadans can cast their ballot this election, including those with disabilities. Dora Uchel-…

Some 35 states require voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day. Of these, 24 require voters to present photo identification; 11 accept other forms of identification, according to Ballotpedia. (Adobe Stock)

Nevada's Question 7 could enact ID requirements to vote

A coalition of voting rights advocates in Nevada is voicing its opposition to Question 7 on this year's ballot, which would require Nevadans to …

Among conservative Republicans, 60% said the decline in organized labor membership has been at least somewhat good for working people, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

NV union organizer: Project 2025 threatens labor movement

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are aiming to appeal to labor groups on the campaign trail, especially in battleground …

Electric motors are able to convert up to 85% of the energy they burn into motion, compared with less than 40% with a combustion engin, according to Earthjustice. (Adobe Stock)

Expert calls electric vehicles better for environment

Nevada is home to North America's largest lithium deposit, a needed metal for electric vehicle battery manufacturing. And while some argue EVs are …

Postpartum depression can happen any time after childbirth, but often starts within one to three weeks of having a baby. (Adobe Stock)

NV nurse practitioner: 'Baby blues' treatment options improving

While it may be the last day of Suicide Prevention Month, one Nevada psychiatric nurse practitioner wants moms grappling with postpartum depression …

State utility regulators last week rejected NV Energy's request to raise its basic service charge for Northern Nevada customers by 175%. (Adobe Stock)

NV groups share concerns about utilities' health, environmental impacts

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada this week heard local leaders' concerns during consumer sessions, where people protested increasing utility …

Nevada is one of seven states that have already eliminated the pay category of subminimum wage, according to the Economic Policy Institute. (Congressman Steven Horsford)

NV Congressman introduces bill to eliminate taxes on tips, subminimum wage

Nevada U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford - D-Las Vegas - has introduced legislation that would aim to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers across …

NV Energy's proposal sought to increase its rate of return to investors from 9.5% to 10.4%. The Public Utilities Commission approved a 9.65% return, according to the Nevada Conservation League. (Adobe Stock)

Utility regulators deny NV Energy rate change for northern NV customers

Nevada leaders and community groups are pleased with this week's decision by state utility regulators to reject NV Energy's request to raise its basic…

If you want to register to vote on the same day as the election, you need to have a valid Nevada driver's license or ID card, according to Vote 411. (Adobe Stock)

NV advocates ready for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday

National Voter Registration Day is tomorrow, and voting-rights advocates in Nevada want to ensure everyone is set to make their voice heard in …

Similar to the faceoff between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump earlier this summer, microphones during Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump's debate will also be muted while one candidate is speaking. (Gage Skidmore)

As Harris, Trump take debate stage, Project 2025 will be a focus

The highly anticipated debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is tonight, and as Election Day inches closer…

Around 66% of committed electric school buses are located in school districts with the highest shares of low-income households, according to the Electric School Bus Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

Nevada has secured 60 electric school buses to take students to and from school and as the school year kicks off, advocates want to see more of the …

Around 19% of students with disabilities attend four-year colleges and universities, compared with 40% of students without disabilities. Students with disabilities are more likely to attend two-year colleges or vocational schools, according to the Iris Center. (Adobe Stock)

NV secures $10 million grant to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities

A Nevada program is aiming to centralize transition services and improve outcomes for children with disabilities. It will help create a centralized …

Nevada has seen an exodus of poll workers since 2020. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

NV lawmakers will consider changes to its elections process

Nevada lawmakers will consider changes to the state's election laws next year. Most proposals are minor, like adding small filing costs for primary …

The National Weather Service produces thousands of daily forecasts through its network of 122 bureaus. It also provides storm warnings and fire forecasts and tracks climate-change events. (Adobe Stock)

Conservative plan to dismantle weather service could worsen climate change

Environmental groups are concerned part of the proposed Project 2025 calls for closing several federal agencies political conservatives consider too p…

The Inflation Reduction Act will begin to produce budgetary savings starting in 2028, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

As the IRA turns 2, an expert highlights its effects in NV

The Inflation Reduction Act turns two today and one expert contended its impact in the state of Nevada has been significant. Shannon Heyck-Williams…

In 2022, there were already 59,200 Nevada workers employed in the energy sector, according to the Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

NV clean energy advocates commemorate the IRA's 2nd anniversary

Tomorrow marks the Inflation Reduction Act's second year anniversary, and Nevada climate and clean energy advocates contend the piece of legislation …

In 2017, the average full-time white farmer brought in $17,190 in farm income, while the average full- time black farmer made just $2,408, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

USDA awards funds to minority NV farmers after years of discrimination

The Biden-Harris administration has announced 103 grant awards to Nevada farmers, ranchers and forest landowners through the Discrimination Financial …

Progressive NV leaders examine Project 2025's labor, environmental impacts

Project 2025 is the controversial right-wing plan for the next Republican presidency, and progressive Nevada leaders are dissecting what the playbook …

Green spaces are valuable, cost-effective public health resources that can drive mental, physical, and environmental outcomes for communities, according to the Trust for Public Land. (Adobe Stock)

NV nonprofit receives funds to improve Reno community park

A Nevada nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for elders is among the 343 organizations nationwide to receive funding for quick-action…

The United States has 403 centers for independent living, according to the National Council on Independent Living. (Adobe Stock)

Disability advocates call for more independent living in Nevada

Advocates for individuals with disabilities want the state of Nevada to further embrace what is known as the "independent living" model. Dawn Lyons…

Washoe County recount controversy sets 'negative precedent'

Voting-rights advocates are pleased two of three Washoe County commissioners who refused to certify the results of two primary election recounts decid…

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