Briefs
A federal lawsuit is blocking 198,000 Nevada student loan borrowers from relief
The U.S. Supreme Court is the only thing standing in the way of as many as 198,000 Nevadans receiving relief from some or all of their student loan debt, according to figures released Thursday by the White House. An estimated 128,000 applicants in Nevada were fully approved for discharge, before a federal court case forced […]
Nevada ER visits for anxiety, depression skyrocketed in last decade
In Nevada, mental health visits to emergency rooms have skyrocketed in the last nine years from 2010 to 2019, but saw a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from the State of Nevada Division of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Department of Public and Behavioral Health. The spikes in data come from Nevadans […]
Treasurer’s office to allow employees to bring babies to work
Soon every day may be ‘Bring Your Child To Work Day’ at the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office. Democratic Treasurer Zach Conine on Thursday announced a pilot program that will allow his employees to bring with them to work infants who are 6 months or younger. According to the press release, employees who want to participate […]
Fourth Mirage dolphin dies in less than a year
Duchess, the longest surviving dolphin at the Mirage exhibit, is dead according to a statement released by the hotel’s president, Joe Lupo. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Mirage animal care team and the veterinary experts who worked tirelessly to ensure Duchess was loved, received the highest quality care, and was as comfortable as […]
One new rule survives state regulatory freeze, another stalled by it
The Nevada Board of Health voted on Jan. 20 to authorize a temporary regulation implementing a 35 cent surcharge on phone bills with the proceeds going to the state’s participation in the federal 988 mental health hotline. Gov. Joe Lombardo earlier this month issued an executive order freezing new regulations and ordering a review of […]
Tobiasson dies by suicide, says coroner
Former Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Melanie Tobiasson took her own life Friday according to the Clark County Coroner, less than two years after she resigned from the bench following efforts by then-Clark County Sheriff and now Gov. Joe Lombardo to have her removed from hearing criminal cases. In 2018, Tobiasson publicly accused Las […]
To buy or to rent? Depends where you are, says analyst
Renting a three-bedroom home is more affordable than owning a comparably sized median-priced home in 95% (210 out of 222) of the largest U.S. counties, which were included in a study by ATTOM, a real estate data analyst. Just a year ago, it was more affordable to own than to rent in 60% of the […]
U.S. House agriculture leaders discuss anti-hunger measures in upcoming farm bill
WASHINGTON — The new Republican chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and a top Democrat on the panel on Wednesday laid out anti-hunger initiatives Congress could tackle in the upcoming farm bill. During a panel discussion, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania, the new head of the Agriculture Committee, said he believes members of […]
Ending remote work is no way to fix state government workforce vacancy problem, AFSCME warns
Gov. Joe Lombardo’s executive order instructing state agencies to return to in-person offices by July 1 is receiving pushback from at least one union representing those public workers. Lombardo in his first week in office issued an executive order directing the state workforce to return “to pre-pandemic, normal and customary office conditions” by July 1. […]
Painting contractor agrees to pay millions in overtime wages, damages for workers
Unforgettable Coatings, a Las Vegas painting company that also operates in Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, agreed Friday to pay $3.68 million to workers it failed to adequately compensate for overtime. “It’s an overwhelming moment that brings tears to your eyes,” Isaac Umaña, a former Unforgettable Coatings employee who is currently a member leader at Arriba […]
Cardinal Amodei? NV Republican may be tapped for appropriations subcommittee chair
Update: Amodei’s appointment to chair the legislative branch subcommittee was made official January 16. Nevada’s Rep. Mark Amodei is expected to be recommended as chair of the legislative branch subcommittee of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, according to Politico. House Appropriations Committee Chair Kay Granger (R-Texas) is expected to finalize and submit recommendations for 12 […]
Lombardo’s pick for Gaming Control Board chair has a beef with state’s biggest union
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship executive Kirk Hendrick is Gov. Joe Lombardo’s choice to serve as the next chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Lombardo named Hendrick to the board on Tuesday. He’s expected to replace Brittnie Watkins, who has served as chair since former chair Brin Gibson stepped down last year. “With his sharp […]