News from July 2024
New study suggests Mars had a cold subarctic climate
By A. I. Benavidez | Jul 10, 2024
Reno, Nev. (July 10, 2024) – The question of whether Mars ever supported life has captivated scientists and the public for decades. Central to this inquiry is understanding the planet's past climate: was it warm and wet with seas and rivers, or frigid and icy? A new study supports the latter hypothesis by identifying similarities between soils found on Mars and those in Newfoundland, Canada, a region with a cold subarctic climate.
Lane closures scheduled for McCarran Boulevard resurfacing project
By J. N. Schierl | Jul 10, 2024
Overnight and weekend lane closures on McCarran Boulevard (State Route 659) in north Reno will commence on July 8, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). These closures are part of a project to repave the roadway.
American Gaming Association announces Hall of Fame Class for 2024
By A. I. Benavidez | Jul 10, 2024
The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three leaders for their significant contributions to the industry: Jim Allen, Alan Feldman, and Debi Nutton.
Guidelines issued for safe camping amid active black bear population in Lake Tahoe Basin
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 9, 2024
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team has issued guidance for campers in the Lake Tahoe Basin to help maintain safety and prevent bear encounters. The region, known for its active black bear population, sees increased bear activity as bears search for food, particularly during hyperphagia in the fall.
Gov. Lombardo announces $2.9 million investment in rural community development
By A. K. Howerter | Jul 9, 2024
Nevada counties and cities invested an additional $1,014,995 in matching funds for the projects.
Nevada Attorney General shares resources after Change Healthcare cyberattack
By J. N. Schierl | Jul 9, 2024
Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced that his Bureau of Consumer Protection is sharing consumer protection reminders and raising awareness about the availability of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services following Change Healthcare’s February data breach.
Nevada governor vetoes bill altering state’s eviction process
By E. F. Cullerton | Jul 9, 2024
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo's veto of Assembly Bill 340 (AB340) has sparked discussions on the state's eviction process. AB340, introduced by Assemblywoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong, aimed to shift the initiation of eviction proceedings from tenants to landlords. The bill proposed detailed written notices, court filing requirements, and a specific timeline before evicting a tenant.
AGA endorses anti-human trafficking employer certification legislation
By J. D. Suayan | Jul 9, 2024
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has endorsed new legislation introduced by Congressmen David Valadao (R-CA) and Troy Carter (D-LA). The proposed bill aims to establish a certification program under the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, recognizing employers who train their workforce in identifying and combating human trafficking.
United Way announces new board members for enhanced community engagement
By A. K. Howerter | Jul 8, 2024
United Way of Southern Nevada welcomes new and returning board members
EPA selects Desert Research Institute for funding on microplastics mitigation project
By R. B. Pepalis | Jul 8, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of Nevada’s System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) to receive a competitive grant for environmental education in Nevada. This organization was chosen for its work in promoting youth ecological stewardship and environmental education, with the grant supporting a project to mitigate microplastics in Nevada waterways.
NDOT announces closures for I-15 'Pave-A-Thon' project
By D. L. Deener | Jul 8, 2024
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has released a video detailing the schedule for "Pave-A-Thon," a pavement rehabilitation project on Interstate 15 (I-15) between Warm Springs and Flamingo roads. The effort will require full directional closures of I-15 and associated ramps over two consecutive weekends in July and August 2024.
Nevada State celebrates first anniversary as a university
By J. N. Schierl | Jul 8, 2024
Nevada State University is celebrating the first anniversary of its transition from a college to a university. The change was made official last summer when SB273 passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo.
School choice debate: Balancing parental control against admission lotteries
By A. K. Howerter | Jul 6, 2024
The Broken Lottery: Why School Choice Should Prioritize Parents Over Chance
University Way closure scheduled for repaving and reconfiguration into one-way street
By D. L. Deener | Jul 5, 2024
CARSON CITY, Nev. – University Way over Interstate 80 in downtown Reno will be temporarily closed and reconfigured beginning July 8 as the Nevada Department of Transportation resurfaces interstate ramps and sections of University Way.
TMCC launches new associate degree in agricultural science
By A. D. Bamburg | Jul 5, 2024
Agriculture is a staple of human civilization, coexisting with natural resources and wildlife to provide the sustenance needed for survival. As stewards of the planet, responsible management of resources with equitable intent is crucial. For millennia, soil cultivation for crops and livestock production has shaped our world, introducing a foundation for social and economic prosperity. Modern land management has flourished across generations, guided by principles of Agricultural Science.
Construction sector adds jobs as unemployment falls; wages rise
By J. N. Schierl | Jul 5, 2024
The construction sector added 27,000 jobs in June while its unemployment rate fell to 3.6 percent, the lowest rate for the month, and pay levels in the industry continued to rise, according to an analysis of new government data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials indicated that construction firms are increasing pay and taking other measures to recruit workers amid tight labor conditions.
Lane reductions set for Alternate U.S. 395 near Pleasant Valley starting July 8
By E. F. Cullerton | Jul 5, 2024
CARSON CITY, Nev. – Lane reductions will commence on July 8 on Alternate U.S. 395 in Washoe City as the Nevada Department of Transportation undertakes roadway resurfacing.
Governor Joe Lombardo vetoes bill extending collective bargaining rights
By L. E. Bushouse | Jul 4, 2024
In 2019, former Governor Steve Sisolak expanded collective bargaining to state employees through Senate Bill 135 (SB 135). Recently, Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed Assembly Bill 224 (AB 224), which aimed to extend these rights to the Nevada System of Higher Education. This veto is part of a record-setting 75 vetoes issued by Lombardo during the 82nd Legislative Session.
Nevada gyms face challenges as new pool regulations take effect
By J. D. Suayan | Jul 3, 2024
In a contentious move by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), the longstanding waiver permitting gyms like the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) to monitor pools via video surveillance has been revoked. This decision, prompted by recent incidents, including the tragic death of Leticia Triplett, has sparked debate over governmental control versus private business autonomy.
Nevada DMV suspends walk-in services due to excessive summer heat
By A. D. Bamburg | Jul 3, 2024
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced today the temporary suspension of "Walk-In Wednesday" services at its Decatur, Flamingo, Sahara, Henderson, and Reno office locations due to intense summertime heat. Starting July 10, 2024, metropolitan offices will shift Wednesday services to appointment-only until temperatures return to more typical levels.