Nevada State News

LINQ zipline extends hours due to increased demand

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:25:24 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — FLY LINQ announced its extending hours because of more visitors.

FLY LINQ which has 10 side-by-side sip lines is located at The LINQ Promenade will now be open Thursdays through Mondays from 4 p.m. t 12 a.m. starting Sept. 21.

Riders can fly seated, either forward or backward, as they travel 1,121 feet along the Promenade.

The High Roller observation wheel is currently in operation Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Caesars Entertainment has implemented enhanced safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including requiring employees and guests to wear masks.

Subtropical Storm Alpha forms near Portugal, Teddy reaches Cat 4 strength, TS Wilfred churns in Atlantic

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:07:22 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The hyperactive hurricane season continues with forecasters watching a number of systems in the Atlantic Basin on Friday morning.

Tropical Storm Wilfred formed in the eastern Atlantic Friday morning. Meanwhile, Teddy remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane while Tropical Depression 22 churns in the Gulf of Mexico.

Any storms that form after Wilfred will be named after letters in the Greek alphabet.

Here’s the latest on what we’re tracking in the tropics:

Subtropical Storm Alpha

The first letter of the Greek alphabet was claimed Friday afternoon when Subtropical Storm Alpha formed near the coast of Portugal.

Alpha is small and expected to be short-lived but forecasters said it will bring heavy rain and winds to parts of Portugal.

Tropical Storm Wilfred

Tropical Storm Wilfred formed in the eastern tropical Atlantic late Friday morning, claiming the last name on the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season storm names list.

As of 11 a.m. ET, Wilfred is about 630 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

Hurricane Teddy

Teddy is a Category 4 hurricane and is forecast to remain powerful as it moves through the Atlantic over the next few days.

Teddy is creating large swells that are forecast to spread across the western Atlantic, increasing the threat of rip currents in the Lesser Antilles and the northeastern coast of South America Friday morning. The swells are expected to spread westward to the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, Bermuda and the east coast of the United States this weekend, forecasters said.

At 5 a.m. ET Friday, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and was about 935 miles southeast of Bermuda, moving northwest at 12 mph.

“Interest in Bermuda should monitor the progress of Teddy,” forecasters said.

Forecasters said some fluctuations in strength are expected over the next day.

Tropical Depression 22

Tropical Depression 22 formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Thursday night and is forecast to become a tropical storm sometime Friday.

The slow-moving depression was about 285 miles southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande Friday morning, moving north-northeast at 6 mph. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

The depression is creating swells that could impact parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast of Mexico over the weekend, increasing the threat of surf and rip current conditions.

The system is expected to become a tropical storm later Friday and could reach hurricane strength by Sunday, the NHC said.

Sally

The NHC issued its final advisory on Sally Thursday. By Friday, it had dissipated.

Other areas to watch

The NHC is keeping a close eye on other disturbances in the Atlantic Basin Friday morning.

Another tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa by early Saturday. It has a low 20% chance of development in the next five days.

‘We are slammed’: Veterinarian clinics, animal hospitals busier during pandemic

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:57:29 +0000

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.– With more people getting pets during the coronavirus pandemic, veterinarians across the country have been swamped.

At County Animal Hospital in Manchester, Missouri, most appointments are curbside drop-offs, which are more time-consuming, and it’s harder to get appointments, employees told KMOV.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of new clients. It just seems like it never calms down,” said front desk supervisor Ashley Sands. “It has been extremely crazy, more so than before COVID hit. Since everybody is home now seems like they’re getting puppies and kittens.”

The hospital says it fields over a hundred calls a day.

“Oh my gosh, we are slammed, double books,” Dr. Michael Vitucci told KMOV. “We have seven to eight drop-offs each day, we have four vets working full time.”

The New York Times reported last month that much of the increase in vet care appears to be for wellness visits and vaccinations. Conversely, human primary care spending at the time was estimated to have dropped by $15 billion during the pandemic.

“We’re probably seeing 25 percent more new pets than what we would normally. It feels busier, and we’re seeing increased revenue,” Dr. Margot Vahrenwald, a veterinarian in Denver, told the Times.

Though there is a monetary benefit to the uptick, there is also a mental toll.

“Veterinary medicine has the highest suicide rate of all professions. We have compassion fatigue,” Vitucci told KMOV. “It’s been extremely busy and overwhelming, and we kind of just have to take it day-by-day.”

Volunteers help beautify Las Vegas Healing Garden ahead of 1 October victim remembrance events

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:57:10 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — This morning, volunteers are helping beautify The Healing Garden in Downtown Las Vegas ahead of several remembrance events to honor the victims of 1 October.

We’ve seen this memorial transform into a beautiful place to honor victims.

Today, volunteers are planting and cleaning ahead of a ceremony that will take place in the garden next month on the night of October 1.

8 News Now’s Hector Mejia spoke to Burton Hughes about efforts being made to prepare for the event.

Subaru of Las Vegas is bringing a group of volunteers for weeding of the grass areas, raking, and planting new flowers at the garden that is located on Charleston and Casino Center Drive.

At this time, no additional volunteers are needed due to COVID-19 restrictions. We wanted to share how our community is helping out ahead of the darkest night in our city.

Sadly, we recently learned that the 1 October shooting has taken another life. Samanta Arjune succumbed to her injuries after being shot during the massacre nearly three years ago.

Samanta’s father told 8 News Now that his daughter battled her injuries but died in May. We profiled her life back in 2018 when she was on a mission to find the strangers that helped save her that day.

EVENTS TO HONOR AND SUPPORT VICTIMS

Sunday, September 27 – Vegas Strong 5k virtual run (8 a.m.) Registration is $50.
Thursday, October 1 – Memorial Blood Drive at Las Vegas Ballpark (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) Donors must make an appointment at www.bloodhero.com and wear a mask at the event.

N.C. State parents OK'd to attend Saturday football game

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:47:00 +0000

North Carolina State University said Friday it has received permission from the state to allow up to 350 fans to attend its Saturday home football game against ...

Las Vegas area sets new record of 151 days without rain

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:39:00 +0000

It’s been more than 60 years since summer has been this dry in southern Nevada. The National Weather Service says Las Vegas broke a record Friday of 151 days without ...

Thunderbirds to fly over Allegiant Stadium for Raiders opener

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:29:57 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The US Air Force Thunderbirds will fly over Allegiant Stadium during the national anthem before the Las Vegas Raiders play on Monday night.

The roar of six F-16 Fighting Falcons is expected to be timed to the end of “The Star Spangled Banner” at about 5:15 p.m.

The Raiders play the New Orleans Saints in their home opener at Allegiant Stadium. The game will also feature a halftime performance by The Killers.

“The Thunderbirds are honored to support the Raiders’ first home game in Las Vegas,” said Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbirds commander and leader. “We look forward to showcasing the pride, precision and professionalism of our nation’s 693,000 total force Airmen to football fans around the world; and welcoming the Raiders as neighbors in the city we call home.”

An Air Force news release says the Thunderbirds will take off from Nellis Air Force Base and start flying at low altitudes and emitting performance smoke at the intersection of I-15 and East Craig Road. They’ll proceed parallel with I-15 towards Allegiant Stadium and fly over from the northeast to the southwest before returning to Nellis AFB.

The Thunderbirds recently flew over the Indianapolis 500.

Volunteers help beautify The Healing Garden ahead of 1 October victim remembrance events

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:23:38 +0000

This morning, volunteers are helping beautify The Healing Garden in Downtown Las Vegas ahead of several remembrance events to honor the victims.

We’ve seen this memorial in downtown transform into a beautiful place to honor victims.

Volunteers are planting and cleaning ahead of a ceremony will taking place at the garden next month on the night of October 1.

8 News Now’s Hector Mejia spoke to Burton Hughes about efforts being made to prepare for

Today, Subaru of Las Vegas will bring a group of volunteers for weeding of grasses, raking and planting new flowers at the garden on Charleston and Casino Center Drive.

No additional volunteers are needed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

We wanted to share how our community is helping out ahead of the darkest night in our city.

Sadly, we learned that the 1 October shooting has taken another life. Samanta Arjune succumbed to her injuries after being shot during the massacre nearly three years ago.

Samanta’s father told 8 News Now that his daughter battled her injuries but died in May. We profiled her life back in 2018.

She was on a mission to find the strangers that helped save her that day.

EVENTS TO HONOR AND SUPPORT VICTIMS

Sunday, September 27 – Vegas Strong 5k virtual run at (8 a.m.) Registration is $50.
Thursday, October 1 – Memorial Blood Drive at Las Vegas Ballpark from (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) Donors must make an appointment at www.bloodhero.com and wear a mask at the event.

Brad Pitt, Jennifer Anniston, other stars reunite for ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ virtual table read

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:05:39 +0000

LOS ANGELES (NewsNation Now) — An all-star cast including Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey and John Legend performed a virtual table read Thursday of the 1982 comedy “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” with proceeds benefiting Sean Penn’s nonprofit CORE.

Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE)‘s mission is to provide disaster relief and emergency response programs, as well as build sustainable programs to strengthen vulnerable communities, according to their website. The organization has rendered aid in Haiti, Puerto Rico and the U.S.

One hour until #FastTimesLive! Get your popcorn ready and tune in on CORE's @FacebookApp page or @TikTok page. Text CORE to 707070 to donate. Every dollar makes a difference. @EatSnackPop is matching donations up to $25,000! pic.twitter.com/iGVO2qAMry
— CORE (@CoreResponse) September 18, 2020

The table read was streamed live Thursday night on CORE’s Facebook and TikTok pages. The benefit raised money for CORE’s stateside partnerships with communities and local governments across the country to provide free coronavirus testing.

The A-list virtual Zoom “Feelin’ A-Live” read was organized by Dane Cook and included Morgan Freeman, Henry Golding, Jimmy Kimmel, Shia LeBeouf, Ray Liotta and Julia Roberts.

“Thank you all so much, very cool to see this group and Dane thanks for putting it together,” said Penn at the start of the video. Penn starred in the iconic movie written by Cameron Crowe as perpetually carefree and stoned surfer Jeff Spicoli.

“None of you guys have gotten a haircut?” asked Freeman during chitchat prior to the read.

“Covid,” replied a long-haired, very blonde Pitt with a smile and shrug.

CORE’s Facebook page said $63,595 was raised from the table read.

Pope seeks to 'liberate' Virgin Mary from the Mafia

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Pope Francis is giving his blessing to a new Vatican think tank that is seeking to prevent the Mafia and organized crime groups from exploiting the image of the Virgin Mary for their own illicit ends. The Vatican’s Pontifical Marian Academy launched ...

Biden makes push for voters on National Black Voter Day

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:56:00 +0000

Joe Biden’s campaign unveiled a series of nationwide digital events Friday targeting Black voters in swing states — a strategic move by the Democratic presidential nominee to ...

New Jersey law seeks to stem pollution in minority areas

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:55:00 +0000

Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law Friday a measure giving state regulators power to deny development permits to businesses whose operations pollute predominantly Black and ...

Wilfred forms, using last Atlantic storm name in record time

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:52:00 +0000

Tropical Storm Wilfred has formed in the eastern Atlantic, using the last of the traditional names for tropical systems in a record ...

Experts weigh in on Nevada’s historical monuments, McCarran and Carson

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:50:58 +0000

The virtual event Thursday included guest panelists who delved into what’s happening nationally with conversations about statues and other historical markers.

Woman, man arrested in stabbing, robbery of rideshare driver

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:45:08 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Clark County Detention Center records confirm two people have been arrested in the stabbing and robbery of a rideshare driver.

Chantilly Farmer, 47, and Devonte Roberson, 24, were arrested Thursday and face numerous charges.

Kidnapping
Robbery with use of deadly weapon
Battery with use of deadly weapon (Farmer is not facing this charge)
Grand Larceny
Conspiracy to commit kidnapping
Conspiracy to commit robbery
Conspiracy to commit grand larceny

According to Metro Police, the two called for a ride from Henderson to Mesquite after midnight, early Thursday morning, and when the car was near Love’s Travel Stop at U.S. 93 and I-15, north of Las Vegas, the customers beat and stabbed the driver before stealing the car.

Newsfeed Now: Western wildfires rage on; Missouri soldier surprises his kids

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:26:25 +0000

Weekdays at 11:30 a.m. EST, Newsfeed Now will be streaming the top stories in the U.S. utilizing our newsrooms across the country. If you miss the live report, you’ll be able to see a replay minutes after the stream ends.

(KARK/NEXSTAR) – Joe Biden went after President Donald Trump again and again over his handling of COVID-19, calling Trump’s downplaying of the pandemic “criminal” and his administration “totally irresponsible.”

For the full story: CLICK HERE.

Other stories in today’s show:

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: A firefighter died battling a wildfire in California that officials said was sparked by a device used to reveal a baby’s gender.

Flames lick above vehicles on Highway 162 as the Bear Fire burns in Oroville, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. The blaze, part of the lightning-sparked North Complex, expanded at a critical rate of spread as winds buffeted the region. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

For the full story: CLICK HERE.

OREGON FIRES: Officials are sounding a new alarm as torched land across Oregon is now primed for a different kind of disaster: flash floods.

For the full story: CLICK HERE.

SOLDIER SURPRISE: A Missouri man in the Army Reserves surprised his kids at their school a month early on Thursday. It was almost called off because of the pandemic, but the district and this family didn’t let COVID-19 ruin the fun.

For the full story: CLICK HERE.

ZOOM PARODY: A freelance photographer with WOOD TV in Grand Rapids, MI has gone viral. She made a parody video on TikTok. It was a Zoom meeting with Big Ten schools where she played off the stereotypes of each school. Annie Agar joined us to talk about the viral sensation.

For the full story: CLICK HERE.

CVS plans to double COVID-19 testing nationwide, adds 24 drive-thru sites in Nevada

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:17:04 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — CVS Health announced plans to add more than 2,000 COVID-19 drive-thru test sites at select CVS Pharmacy locations across the country to support the company’s ongoing efforts to increase access to testing to help slow the spread of the virus.

CVS Health currently manages the largest number of independently run COVID-19 test sites in the country, and with these new locations the company expects to have more than 4,000 operating by mid-October.

The new locations will open in waves over the next several weeks and build on the company’s ability to support testing in 33 states and Washington, DC, beginning with the opening of more than 400 sites this Friday.

“Since opening our first test site in March, we’ve been able to quickly adapt to the changing landscape in order to make it easier for people in the communities we serve to access testing,” said Jon Roberts, Chief Operating Officer, CVS Health and acting President, CVS Pharmacy.

“We recognize the critical role testing plays in helping to manage the spread of the virus and are incredibly proud of how our teams have responded to this need while continuing to take care of our customers, clients, and patients,” added Roberts.

Self-swab tests are no cost to patients and available to individuals meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria.

Patients must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment.

A parent or legal guardian must complete the online registration for all minor patients, and patients 12 to 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when they come to be tested.

When arriving for testing, patients are asked to follow signage or the instructions of the staff onsite. Procedures vary by location and patients may be directed to stay in their cars and proceed to either the pharmacy drive-thru window or a parking space or tent located in the parking lot or, in very limited locations, to enter a CVS store.

Patients will be provided with a test kit and given instructions, and a CVS Pharmacy team member will observe the self-swab process.

Currently, most test results from specimens collected at CVS test sites across the country will be available within 2 to 3 days.

A complete list of CVS Pharmacy drive-thru test sites can be found here

Drug shows promise in 1st largely minority COVID-19 study

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:14:00 +0000

A drug company said Friday that a medicine it sells to tamp down inflammation has helped prevent the need for breathing machines in ...

Firefighter dies battling wildfire sparked by gender reveal

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:10:00 +0000

A firefighter died battling a wildfire in California that officials said was ...

U.S. bans WeChat, TikTok from app stores citing security risk

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:05:00 +0000

The U.S. Commerce Department said Friday it will ban Chinese-owned TikTok and WeChat from U.S. app stores on Sunday and ...

Tracking the Tropics: Hurricane Teddy reaches Cat 4 strength, Tropical Storm Wilfred forms in Atlantic

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:47:33 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The hyperactive hurricane season continues with forecasters watching a number of systems in the Atlantic Basin on Friday morning.

Tropical Storm Wilfred formed in the eastern Atlantic Friday morning. Meanwhile, Teddy remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane while Tropical Depression 22 churns in the Gulf of Mexico.

Here’s the latest on what we’re tracking in the tropics:

Tropical Storm Wilfred

Tropical Storm Wilfred formed in the eastern tropical Atlantic late Friday morning, claiming the last name on the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season storm names list.

As of 11 a.m. ET, Wilfred is about 630 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

Hurricane Teddy

Teddy is a Category 4 hurricane and is forecast to remain powerful as it moves through the Atlantic over the next few days.

At 5 a.m. ET Friday, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and was about 935 miles southeast of Bermuda, moving northwest at 12 mph.

“Interest in Bermuda should monitor the progress of Teddy,” forecasters said.

Forecasters said some fluctuations in strength are expected over the next day.

Tropical Depression 22

Tropical Depression 22 formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Thursday night and is forecast to become a tropical storm sometime Friday.

The slow-moving depression was about 285 miles southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande Friday morning, moving north-northeast at 6 mph. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

The depression is creating swells that could impact parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast of Mexico over the weekend, increasing the threat of surf and rip current conditions.

The system is expected to become a tropical storm later Friday and could reach hurricane strength by Sunday, the NHC said.

Sally

The NHC issued its final advisory on Sally Thursday. By Friday, it had dissipated.

Other areas to watch

The NHC is keeping a close eye on four other disturbances in the Atlantic Basin Friday morning.

A small area of low pressure is showing signs of organization, and is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of Portugal on Friday. The storm has a low 20% chance of development in the next five days.

Another tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa by early Saturday. It has a low 20% chance of development in the next five days.

Nate’s 7-Day Forecast – Friday morning, September 18, 2020

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:40:00 +0000

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) – AIR QUALITY ADVISORY EXTENDED THROUGH MONDAY.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag (Fire Weather) Warning for the period from 11 this morning to 8 this evening.

The combination of increasing wind, low humidity and temps around 100 will lead to increased wildland fire danger.

Mostly sunny, with layers of hazy smoke drifting in and out.

We’ll also see breezes picking up throughout the day, with southwest winds gusting up to 20, maybe 25mph at times.

Friday’s high will be around 101. The high temps will slip under the triple digit mark through the weekend and most of next week (mid-to-upper 90s).

Overnight lows may dip to the low 70s through the period.

Tracking the Tropics: Hurricane Teddy reaches Cat 4 strength, Tropical Depression 22 to become Wilfred

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:27:04 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The hyperactive hurricane season continues with forecasters watching a number of systems in the Atlantic Basin on Friday morning.

Teddy remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane while Tropical Depression 22 churns in the Gulf of Mexico.

Here’s the latest on what we’re tracking in the tropics:

Hurricane Teddy

Teddy is a Category 4 hurricane and is forecast to remain powerful as it moves through the Atlantic over the next few days.

At 5 a.m. ET Friday, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and was about 935 miles southeast of Bermuda, moving northwest at 12 mph.

“Interest in Bermuda should monitor the progress of Teddy,” forecasters said.

Forecasters said some fluctuations in strength are expected over the next day.

Tropical Depression 22

Tropical Depression 22 formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Thursday night and is forecast to become Tropical Storm Wilfred sometime Friday.

The slow-moving depression was about 285 miles southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande Friday morning, moving north-northeast at 6 mph. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

The depression is creating swells that could impact parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast of Mexico over the weekend, increasing the threat of surf and rip current conditions.

The system is expected to become Tropical Storm Wilfred Friday and could reach hurricane strength by Sunday, the NHC said.

Once it becomes Wilfred, we will be out of names on the NHC’s Atlantic hurricane season storm names list. Any named storms that form after it will be named after letters in the Greek alphabet.

Sally

The NHC issued its final advisory on Sally Thursday. By Friday, it had dissipated.

Other areas to watch

The NHC is keeping a close eye on four other disturbances in the Atlantic Basin Friday morning.

Forecasters are monitoring an area of low pressure that is producing showers, thunderstorms and winds near tropical-storm-force a few hundred miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. The storm has a 60% chance of development in the next two days.

Post-tropical cyclone Paulette is now several hundred miles north-northwest of Azores. The cyclone is expected to head south and stall over warm waters. It could develop tropical characteristics on Sunday or early next week. It has a low 20% chance of development in the next five days.

A small area of low pressure is showing signs of organization, and is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of Portugal on Friday. The storm has a low 20% chance of development in the next five days.

Another tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa by early Saturday. It has a low 20% chance of development in the next five days.

US to ban people from downloading TikTok or WeChat apps this weekend

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:19:52 +0000

WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — The U.S. Commerce Department will ban people in the United States from downloading Chinese-owned messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok starting on Sunday.

ByteDance has been in talks with Oracle Corp and others to create a new company, TikTok Global, that aims to address U.S. concerns about the security of its users’ data. ByteDance still needs President Donald Trump’s approval.

The Commerce Department will order the “deplatform” of the two apps in the United States and bar Apple’s app store and Google Play from offering the apps on any platform “that can be reached from within the United States.”

“At the President’s direction, we have taken significant action to combat China’s malicious collection of American citizens’ personal data, while promoting our national values, democratic rules-based norms, and aggressive enforcement of U.S. laws and regulations,” Commerce Secretary Wilber Ross said in a statement.

The order will not ban U.S. companies from doing business on WeChat outside the United States. U.S. firms like Walmart and Starbucks use WeChat’s embedded ‘mini-app’ programs to facilitate transactions and engage consumers in China, Reuter reported.

As of September 20, 2020, the following transactions are prohibited:
1. Any provision of service to distribute or maintain the WeChat or TikTok mobile applications, constituent code, or application updates through an online mobile application store in the U.S.;
2. Any provision of services through the WeChat mobile application for the purpose of transferring funds or processing payments within the U.S.
As of September 20, 2020, for WeChat and as of November 12, 2020, for TikTok, the following transactions are prohibited:
1. Any provision of internet hosting services enabling the functioning or optimization of the mobile application in the U.S.;
2. Any provision of content delivery network services enabling the functioning or optimization of the mobile application in the U.S.;
3. Any provision directly contracted or arranged internet transit or peering services enabling the function or optimization of the mobile application within the U.S.;
4. Any utilization of the mobile application’s constituent code, functions, or services in the functioning of software or services developed and/or accessible within the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Commerce

According to the Commerce Department, the prohibitions may be lifted later if national security risks by TikTok are resolved.

“The President has provided until November 12 for the national security concerns posed by TikTok to be resolved. If they are, the prohibitions in this order may be lifted,” the department said.

TikTok has 100 million users in the United States and is especially popular among younger Americans.

WeChat has had an average of 19 million daily active users in the United States, analytics firms Apptopia said in early August. It is popular among Chinese students, expats and some Americans who have personal or business relationships in China.

WeChat is an all-in-one mobile app that combines services similar to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Venmo. The app is an essential part of daily life for many in China and boasts more than 1 billion users.

The Department of Commerce will not penalize people who use TikTok or WeChat in the United States.

NewsNation has reached out to TikTok, WeChat, Apple and Google and will update the story when we receive statements.

This is a developing story.

Police search for suspect in armed attempted robbery of southeast valley business

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:18:19 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — On Sept. 11 an attempted robbery happened at a business near Flamingo Road and Pecos Road in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to the report, the suspect was armed with a handgun, entered the business, jumped the bar, and attempted to steal money but failed.

The suspect left the business and entered a waiting vehicle.

The suspect is described as a male, about 6 feet tall, about 170 pounds, wearing a baseball hat, dark colored sweatshirt with the hood up, a dark bandana covering his face, blue jeans, white shoes and blue latex gloves.

The suspect vehicle is described as a seemingly charcoal grey 2014 Ford Focus 4-door hatchback with a sunroof.

It is believed the vehicle has a spare tire on the right front, or it is missing the hubcap.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Commercial Robbery Section at (702) 828-3591.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com. Tips directly leading to an arrest or an indictment processed through Crime Stoppers may result in a cash reward.

Stadium generated fewer than a quarter of projected construction jobs

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:59:57 +0000

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

State lawmakers who voted in 2016 to sink $750 million in public funding into a football stadium said at the time they were sold on projections for the construction jobs the project would generate — 18,000 in all, including 11,000 direct “person-years of employment” to build the stadium itself.

It was music to the ears of lawmakers who watched construction jobs evaporate during the Great Recession.

“I couldn’t leave this chamber and look a laborer in the eye and say I had a chance to give you a job but I didn’t,” Attorney General Aaron Ford, then a state senator, said in 2016 when he voted in favor of public funding for the stadium.

Now, with the stadium completed, a report from the contractor reveals the project generated 5,656,218 hours of construction labor through July 31. That’s just 2,719 full-time equivalent jobs, or approximately 900 in each of the three years of construction.

Former State Sen. Patricia Farley, who voted for the plan to use room tax revenue for the stadium in 2016, says she’s “highly disappointed” in the disparity between the reality and the projections, which she called “all lies.”

“It’s a forewarning to future legislators asked to consider these types of ventures,” Farley says. “There are no consequences when those who stand to benefit the most are knowingly not truthful when testifying to the Legislature.”

Ford and other supporters of the project, including Gov. Steve Sisolak, then a county commissioner, did not respond to requests for comment.

Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom was among a handful of state senators in 2016 who voted against public funding.

“Tesla also under-performed,” says Segerblom, referring to tax breaks bestowed on the company’s battery factory in Northern Nevada. “In the future the Legislature needs time to evaluate and debate projects before they give away billions in subsidies. Special sessions don’t cut it.”

“Thank you for the opportunity but I don’t have anything to add at this time,” State Sen. Julia Ratti said when informed of the actual jobs resulting from stadium construction. Ratti was highly critical in 2016 of public funding for the stadium.

Applied Analysis, which provided the projections to lawmakers in 2016, did not respond to the Current’s inquiry about the radical difference between the projections and the reality.

The Las Vegas Raiders will play their first game in Allegiant Stadium on Monday, but because of COVID-19, without the adoring throngs who paid thousands of dollars for the privilege to attend the game. Even Raiders owner Mark Davis says he’ll stay away, out of deference to fellow fans.

Las Vegas’ hometown band, The Killers, will provide pre-recorded halftime entertainment for the inaugural event.

The team won its first game on the road against North Carolina.

In May, fiscal analyst Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analysis said the Stadium Authority budgeted significant reserves to cover expenses during unforeseen circumstances such as the pandemic.

Aguero told the board that Las Vegas visitation in July was up 1.1 million from June, but down 40 percent from last year. Hotel occupancy was 41 to 43 percent of normal, and the average room rate of $104 was off by 13 to 18 percent.

Despite the ominous backdrop, Stadium Authority members congratulated one another for the more than $2 billion project’s completion, as well as adherence to small and minority business participation thresholds.

According to the Stadium Authority:

Small Business Enterprise participation totaled 23 percent, above the goal of 15 percent
168 different SBE firms received approximately $1.2 billion dollars of work on the stadium
41 different women and minority businesses were awarded work totaling $80.5 million
70 percent of the firms awarded work on the stadium are based in Nevada
Participation of minorities and women totaled 63 percent, exceeding the goal of 38 percent
Veterans made up two percent of the workforce
Nevada residents comprised 80 percent of stadium workers

Latin Chamber of Commerce President Peter Guzman, who serves on the Community Benefits Plan committee, said minority participation “superseded all goals.”

“The culture is what drove us to not only meet but exceed the requirements of the community benefits plan,” board member Ken Evans said.

Stadium Authority chair Steve Hill of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority played down media reports of construction liens filed against the stadium, calling the filings a normal part of the process.

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Sparks props up eviction mediation while Supreme Court mulls statewide rules

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:42:46 +0000

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Long before the pandemic, legal aid groups and housing rights activists called for reforms to Nevada’s quick eviction process, which they say is not only one of the fastest in the nation, but a landlord-friendly procedure that puts excessive burdens on tenants.

Now with the historic rise of unemployment, dwindling rental assistance, and hundreds of thousands of people struggling, many fear a wave of evictions is expected to sweep through Nevada despite Gov. Steve Sisolak extending the eviction moratorium and an order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention delaying mass evictions until Dec. 31.

The state and its localities are now trying to set up or expand programs to minimize the damage when that wave eventually crashes.

On Monday, the Sparks City Council voted to allocate $85,000 of coronavirus relief funding to go toward creating an eviction mediation program, stepping in while a state effort to establish a similar program is still being ironed out

“Mediation programs aren’t anything new,” said T Tran, a consultant who is overseeing the Sparks’ program. “There are several throughout the country. It’s just Nevada just doesn’t have that program.”

The Northern Nevada COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program went operational this week as a way to give landlords and tenants resources to circumvent the eviction process.

“There is a section for landlords and there is a section for tenants where they can go in there and fill out the questionnaire, we get it, and then we can review that case and start working,” Tran said. “We can see if there is a payment arrangement that makes sense, if they’ve tried all the resources that are available. A lot of people, they don’t realize there is aid out there. They just assume they don’t qualify for a variety of reasons.”

In an email, Julie Duewel, the community relations manager with the City of Sparks, said the goal of the program is to kick in even before eviction paperwork is filed in a court.

“The renter mediation program is designed to help encourage tenants and landlords to enter into mediation before the eviction process is started to save time, money and court time. Really a proactive approach,” she said.

Plan A or Plan B?

During a second special legislative session this summer, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1 authorizing an alternative dispute resolution program which would halt an eviction for up to 30 days while landlords and tenants enter into a mediation process.

The Nevada Supreme Court, which was charged with producing the rules for the mediation process, has scheduled a Sept. 22 hearing on the drafted rules.

Two drafts of rules are being proposed to determine when the court could refer summary evictions to mediations.

Both proposals outline basic practices in the mediation process, including what type of information and resources are available for both tenants and landlords and how and when hearings are conducted.

The second proposal includes additional provisions. According to the draft, a tenant wouldn’t be able to enter the mediation process if they:

Already entered into a written payment arrangement or lease agreement;
Requested mediation with the same landlord in a summary eviction action within the last 15 months;
Applied for rental assistance, regardless if it was approved or denied.

Landlords would have up to five days to file an affidavit to contest the mediation.

In order to enter mediation under the second proposal, a tenant must also provide a statement that includes:

Details on how COVID-19 has resulted in being unable to pay rent;
Proof they’ve engaged with landlords in “good faith to resolve the dispute” and haven’t entered into a repayment agreement;
Information on whether rental assistance was sought.

“Exhibit A (the first proposed rule) is one that advocates and legal services groups are in favor of because it allows for tenants to apply for eviction mediation early on,” said J.D. Klippenstein, the executive director of the Reno-base housing advocacy group ACTIONN.

“The other one is driven by the landlord association. If you have received rental assistance of any kind you would be disqualified from receiving mediation. A landlord would have to opt into mediation even if the tenant requested it. The landlord could say ‘no’ and not enter into mediation. It makes it really difficult for tenants to start the process in the first place.”

Under the CDC’s order halting evictions, renters must submit a declaration to their landlord showing they sought government assistance for rent, were attempting to make partial payment, would likely become homeless if evicted or unable to pay rent because of unemployment or other income issues.

The Nevada Supreme Court draft rules reference the governor’s eviction directives, but the rules don’t mention the CDC’s order and its requirements to postpone eviction proceedings.

It’s also unclear how the proposed rules being considered by the Nevada Supreme Court will impact the programs like the one in Sparks.

Duewel, the city spokesperson, said either way the goal is to help “save on court costs both for both landlords and tenants.”

“SB 1 is meant to open the lines of communication and allow for alternative dispute resolution,” Duewel said. “This helps to give courts time to figure out details such as why the tenant is having problems paying and if it’s COVID related, etc. Basically, buying time to get through details. The hope is that a resolution is met and the eviction process will not have to happen.”

Tran, the consultant advising Sparks, said amid so much uncertainty the community needs a program that can be equally helpful to tenants and landlords.

“There is a lot of confusion regarding rents, late fees, what assistance is out there, how people can file evictions and when,” Tran said. “We are out there explaining here’s what you can do and here’s what you can’t do on both sides. We know there are bad players in any facet of business. We want to inform landlords that ‘hey, we know your tenants are not paying rent but you have to still fix their water heater.’ I’ve also seen tenants who bought a brand new car but didn’t pay rent for four months. It’s getting out there and saying there are consequences but this is about getting out in the community to soften the blow and to help the people who need the assistance.”

Now that the program is operational in Sparks, Tran has reached out to the City of Reno about bringing the program there.

Aric Jensen, the revitalization manager with the City of Reno, said the city is expected to put out a request for bids next week seeking a similar mediation program.

In August, Jensen added, the Reno City Council approved $200,000 for the City Attorney’s office to help in the eviction mediation process. But Karl Hall, the city attorney for Reno, said they are waiting for the Nevada Supreme Court to finalize the rules for the dispute program before proceeding.

Meanwhile in Southern Nevada, the Neighborhood Justice Center has been helping out with some eviction mediation.

“The Neighborhood Justice Center has always been able to mediate eviction cases so we’re just stepping that program up,” said April Thomas, the court division administrator. “We do have the ability to mediate evictions and we were ready to do that Sept. 1, and then the moratorium was extended. Our goal is to continue assisting landlords and tenants who would like to mediate as it relates to past due rent, especially as there is rental assistance money through the CARES act. That is our goal.”

Many think mediation programs are a good start, but argue there is still more policy Nevada needs to adopt to protect renters and reform the eviction process.

Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 151 in 2019 that extended the eviction timeframe by a few days, limited late fees for unpaid rent to 5 percent and allowed people evicted to retrieve essential items such as medication and baby formula — the latter two items were added to the bill at the last minute and received fierce pushback from the rental industry.

Klippenstein said legal groups and housing rights organizations want more to be done.

“The two big things would be to end 30-day no-cause evictions and extend the timeframe” for tenants to receive notice before being served a no-cause eviction, he said. “I think we need to outright get rid of summary evictions that don’t afford legal opportunities for tenants to contest unjust evictions.”

Klippenstein also proposed Nevada creating a legal right to counsel for those entering eviction court, something they aren’t currently given.

“In Nevada, you might not even get your day in court because you might get your summary eviction signed by a judge before you even appear before a judge,” he said. “Even if you appear before a judge, you don’t have a right to counsel so you could have a lopsided power dynamic.”

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