Nevada State News

Veteran speaks on exciting opportunity after Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo, USAA gift Super Bowl tickets

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:19:47 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - A lucky U.S. Air Force veteran is heading to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas thanks to USAA and Raiders Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Josh Polson, who was born into a military family and served his country for 20 years, spoke to 8 News Now Wednesday about the opportunity.

"I was super surprised," Polson said of learning he had won the tickets.

He also spoke about his work with the Wounded Warrior Project in his home state of New Mexico.

He told 8 News Now he is excited and grateful to Garoppolo and the USAA organization for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"It actually brought me to tears of how surprised and excited I was," Polson said. "I'm a huge NFL fan, a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs."

"I thank USAA and the Wounded Warrior Project for presenting me with these tickets, and I also thank Jimmy Garoppolo," he added. "I can't wait to meet him. I think it's going to be super exciting to shake his hand and thank him for inviting me to the Super Bowl."

Polson and his wife are scheduled to meet Garoppolo ahead of the game at the Super Bowl Experience in Las Vegas.

Hotels off Las Vegas Strip see huge rate increase for Super Bowl weekend

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:11:26 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- As hotel prices on the Las Vegas Strip remain astronomical during Super Bowl weekend, it appears hotels across Southern Nevada and even on Mount Charleston are also raising their rates.

"It's going to be insane," Amy Voettiner, who was visiting Las Vegas Wednesday said.

Insane and exciting are just a few ways people like Voettiner have been describing Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

"We love this place," she added. "But it's just crazy pricey right now."

The rates are pricey enough that she and her husband moved their trip to January, skipping the Big Game weekend.

Websites like Expedia show motels and hotels from Boulder Highway to North Las Vegas, Henderson, and even Mount Charleston more than doubling their prices from Feb. 9 through Feb. 11.

"Unlike the F1, which was a novelty from an international perspective," economic expert John Netto said of the spike. "This is a novelty from an American perspective."

Netto told 8 News Now he's not surprised to see the change. He believes many people will pay more to be part of the event, giving any place in town room to make more money.

"It's hard not to see prices of those hotels going even higher," Netto added. "From where they have already increased."

Voettiner said she has already seen those increases online.

"$250 to $300 more," she said. "So it's ridiculous."

While her family has opted out of the experience, she told 8 News Now she can't wait to see all Southern Nevada has to offer for NFL fanatics.

"It's going to be insane," Voettiner concluded. "With all of these football people."

Netto said another factor raising prices could be the San Francisco 49ers making it to the NFC Championship. Since many of those fans are just a state away, they are making hotel reservations now.

He told 8 News Now if San Francisco makes it to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, rooms could see another spike.

New videos show student's deadly beating near Las Vegas high school

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:09:04 +0000

Content in the videos included in the story may be disturbing to some readers.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Videos the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Wednesday show the lead-up and beating of a Las Vegas teenager who later died from his injuries.

Last week, a Clark County grand jury indicted Dontral Beaver, 16; Damien Hernandez, 17; Treavion Randolph, 16; and Gianni Robinson, 17, in the November 2023 death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis near Rancho High School. The school is located near Owens and Eastern avenues just northeast of downtown Las Vegas.

The four teenagers, who each face second-degree murder charges, are the only defendants certified to face charges in the adult system. As of Wednesday, five others were awaiting adult certification. A tenth “person of interest” remained at large. All 10 are students at Rancho, police said.

Jonathan Lewis, 17, died following the attack, the Clark County coroner's office confirmed. His cause of death was listed as complications of multiple blunt force injuries. His manner of death was listed as homicide. (KLAS)

“[Robinson] said that he had been harassed by Jonathan before for stealing a wax pen or a marijuana vape or something to that respect and he was confronted by Jonathan and an adult female in regard to it,” a police officer told the grand jury. “He said nothing became of it, he proved that he didn't have it, he showed them a bunch of money saying that hey I don't need to steal anything, I have money on my own, and he kind of thought that was the end of it.”

One video shown to the grand jury shows two groups of students meeting in an alley near Rancho High School on Nov. 1, 2023. A group of students then lunges and stomps on Lewis as he attempts to defend himself.

Lewis then lays on the ground for several minutes. A school official told the grand jury that a neighbor and a student then carried Lewis to the school for medical aid. Lewis died several days later in the hospital from his injuries.

The official also told the panel that school leaders helped identify the students in the beating videos from school surveillance and Instagram.

Damien Hernandez, 17; Gianni Robinson, 17; Dontral Beaver, 16; and Treavion Randolph, 16, all face second-murder charges in the death of Jonathan Lewis. (LVMPD/KLAS)

Before the fatal beating, Lewis “called” to the group of students, removed a sweatshirt, and began hitting a student, an officer told the grand jury.

“And then everybody comes and he's on the ground right now and everybody's kicking, stomping, punching,” the officer said about the beating.

The officer also told the grand jury a friend of Lewis’ was armed with a knife and was “slicing and slashing everybody,” according to a witness, though no other person reported injuries. Another student told police they felt threatened and jumped in.

Following the crowd attacking Lewis another student was seen on cell phone video running away whilst being attacked by members of the crowd. Homicide detectives identified the other student who was targeted as a friend of Lewis.

Lewis’ cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries. His manner of death was homicide.

His father, Jonathan Lewis Sr., previously said he hoped his son's death sparked a discussion about youth violence.

On Wednesday, 8 News Now spoke to Jonathan Lewis Sr., Lewis’ father, about the videos and discussed the contents before airing the footage. He provided a statement in relation to the new footage:

“I call upon the world to ask ourselves is this who want to become? Is this who we want to be? Can we be better than this? Can we find a way to help guide these children by not fighting as adults because that’s where they learn this behavior from…”

“We [want to] make sure we don’t just let this get swept under the rug and act like this is normal behavior, we can never rationalize this madness.” -Jonathan Lewis Sr.

Five of the teenagers’ names were not released due to their ages. In Nevada, if a 16-year-old or 17-year-old is charged with murder, the case is automatically moved to the adult system. Judges can certify children over the age of 14 as adults for any felony offense, including murder, though the process is not automatic.

Documents obtained by 8 News Now Investigators show Neil Balint, Rancho High School assistant principal, testifying that there had been previous violent activity in the alley on Searles Avenue. Balint cited that when Lewis was carried back to the school campus staff attempted to call 911 and only reached emergency services on the second call.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521 or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or on their website at crimestoppersofnv.com.

1 in 4 CCSD high school students projected as proficient in reading: report

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 03:26:22 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - According to Clark County School District data, students are struggling in the classroom, particularly with reading.

The board of trustees will hear a presentation on Thursday regarding projected proficiencies for students in several grade levels.

Data prepared for the discussion shows that nearly 1 in 4 high school students are projected as reading proficient for the ACT. The decline in college readiness is steeper for students at Title 1 schools, as about 1 in 5 are projected proficient.

“Always disappointing,” Marie Neisess, president of the Clark County Education Association, said. “As an educator, we want to see the growth that our students need to make in order to be able to be proficient in every subject area.”

Neisess said the failures in achievement start with district leaders.

“I don't think the growth is moving as quickly as we would all like, and I think it starts at the top with Superintendent [Jesus] Jara,” Neisess said.

CCSD administrators, including Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara, discussed student achievement at an October board of trustees meeting.

“We're not happy with the results in totality but given where we're coming from, where we've been, and even as we kicked off this school year, we’ve seen some great reports,” Jara told members of the board on Oct. 12, 2023.

The next month at the November board meeting, Jara also mentioned the poor outcomes in student achievement.

“The impacts of COVID, we still don't know how deep we've fallen academically and also socially, emotionally for children and educators,” Jara said on Nov. 9, 2023.

Neisess said there has to be a greater emphasis on third grade.

In the data set CCSD’s board will review Thursday, 1 in 3 third graders are projected reading proficiently to pass the state exams.

“In the first couple of years, it's a learning to read. You shift from third grade on, and then it's reading to learn, meaning reading to comprehend. Students can't comprehend if they're struggling with basic knowledge of reading skills,” Neisess said.

CCSD’s board of trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m. on Thursday at Northeast Career and Technical Academy.

Man convicted of deadly DUI crash that killed 3 teens in 2003, arrested for DUI

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 02:58:17 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Sean Larimer was 16 when he was convicted of driving drunk 20 years ago in Henderson after hitting a wall and killing three close friends who were passengers in his car. Larimer is once again in custody for DUI. This is his second arrest in the past five months.

Larimer, now 36, was most recently arrested on Jan. 22 around 6:20 p.m. on Las Vegas Boulevard north of St. Rose Parkway. According to the Henderson Police Department, police and fire units responded "to an alleged intoxicated driver involved in a vehicle collision on private property."

Larimer was taken into custody and booked into the Henderson Detention Center on the following charges:

1 count of DUI (2nd offense)
1 count of driving w/revoked driver's license

The charge of driving with a revoked license is the result of an arrest five months earlier on Aug. 20, 2023, in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's jurisdiction. Larimer was charged with misdemeanor DUI. According to court documents, Larimer did not contest the charges and waived his right to a trial. At his sentencing in December, he was given a 30-day suspended jail sentence, and his license was revoked.

That DUI case is due for a status check on Thursday, Jan. 25. Currently, Henderson Detention Center records show Larimer was released on his own recognizance.

Crash scene where three teens lost their life on Nov. 10, 2003 (KLAS)

The deadly DUI case involving Larimer made headlines when it happened on Nov. 10, 2003, at Silver Springs Parkway and Pinion Springs Drive. Larimer, 16, had four juvenile passengers in the car when he lost control and crashed into a wall. The three killed were: Kyle Richard Poff, Travis Dunning, and Josh Parry. They were all 15.

Sean Larimer, 16, appeared in court in 2003 for a DUI crash that killed his three friends. (KLAS)

Larimer's 2003 case raised debate over whether he should be tried as an adult. It was determined he should be tried as a juvenile and he was sentenced to two years in the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center. He also did public service and spoke out against drunk driving dozens of times at schools, telling students about the day his mistake killed his three lifelong friends.

On Wednesday, 8 News Now reached out to Larimer and his legal counsel regarding the incident and is awaiting a response.

Larimer is scheduled for his criminal arraignment in Henderson on June 12.

Walk Las Vegas Strip in shoes from a vending machine

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 02:45:58 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Oftentimes, people don't realize how much walking the Las Vegas Strip requires. A fun night out in a dreamy pair of high heels can turn into a disaster when those very shoes become uncomfortable. However, the real nightmare is walking barefoot on the Strip.

A native Las Vegan entrepreneur, Ashley Ross, saw her fair share of barefoot ladies with killer heels in hand. She created a solution in 2011 called Rollasole, rolled flats dispensed from a shoe vending machine.

"When you are wearing heels you can only last a couple hours, and then you are ready to take your heels off. After stores are closed there is nowhere you can go," Ross recalled the vision behind the 24-hour vending machines.

She bought the rights from another entrepreneur in the UK with a similar idea in 2011. Ross is the sole owner in the U.S.

The first vending machine opened in 2011. She now has 18 locations across several Strip properties including Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, and Resorts World.

The machines carry the signature black ballet flats for $20. The shoes come rolled up in a decorative tin can. An embroidered bag with the slogan "Let the Good Times Roll" is included for customers to store and carry their uncomfortable shoes.

Rollasole is also in another hundred hotel gift shops. Deluxe styles are available for purchase online.

"A lot of ladies have been to Vegas and taken their shoes off and wished they could have found one of these machines," Ross said.

Cheryl Bergthold and Ciera Coyne shopped at The Forum Shops at Caesars Wednesday and gushed over the product.

"It's a great idea and they are cute I would pay the $20 for them-- more," Bergthold said, "Finally, someone is thinking about women in heels."

Rollasole went viral on social media apps like TikTok. Online reports from Social Pilot show increasing consumer spending, and 61% of TikTokers buy from brands advertising.

Ross is excited for new styles to launch in February and said there are plans to open more vending machines this year.

What's left to do before Super Bowl LVIII?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 02:17:10 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- NFL Executives say the depth of experience Las Vegas has with throwing parties has made the Super Bowl move-in seamless. They also now describe the move-in as a "sprint" with just over a week left before festivities begin.

Peter O'Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business, International & League events, points to construction and installations that are still in progress in front and behind the scenes including media stages over the Fountains of Bellagio, a 300-foot security perimeter around Allegiant Stadium and hundreds of parties and activations that commence starting Feb. 5.

That means they don't have until Feb. 11 to button up.

"Not every final touch will be done, but on that Monday night of Super Bowl Opening Night, you want the stadium campus showing in a great way," O'Reilly said to media during Wednesday's Vegas Chamber 2024 Preview inside Fontainebleau Hotel. "We feel good about where we are pacing-wise."

Until a stadium lockdown on Feb. 3, work continues on the federally-required security perimeter around Allegiant Stadium. Concrete blocks and chain link fences began being placed in the middle of Polaris Avenue this week, outlining the western portion of the perimeter and removing two travel lanes.

While the creative theme of Super Bowl LVIII pops up on the stadium, he says it's also a waiting game to see which teams and logos will pop up next to it.

Creative theming dressed over Allegiant Stadium. (KLAS)
The western-most portion of the 300-foot security perimeter around Allegiant Stadium places in the middle of Polaris.(KLAS)
A portion of the main stage CBS is installing over the Fountains of Bellagio. (KLAS)
Part of the Paramount Mountain installed over the Mirage Volcano in preparation for Super Bowl Week activations. (KLAS)

"Whoever wins this Sunday, they will be on the ground either that Sunday or Monday with us for that full week,"

It's not just the NFL prepping, over 30 hotels are already booking up for the big game.

Caesars Entertainment's Regional President, Sean MeBurney, did not comment about specific occupancy rates to 8 News Now but says numbers, as of now, point to a "historical weekend" for the hotel and casino giant.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's President and CEO, Steve Hill, indicated the same for other properties, especially as newly opened hotels like Fontainebleau and Durango Resort added more stock to the now 156,000 rooms available on and around the Strip.

"Most weekends, we're full already," Hill said to media. "(The expected amount of visitors for Super Bowl weekend) is about 330,000 (people). That number is probably going to be a little bit higher because the Super Bowl is here."

Other events, such as the Super Bowl Experience at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, do not start loading in and setting up until next week.

Suspect in homicide turns herself in, Las Vegas police say

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 02:13:31 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A suspect in a shooting that left a man dead has turned herself into Las Vegas authorities, police said Wednesday.

Shaleece Brown, 33, was identified as a suspect in the deadly shooting. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials, Brown turned herself in to authorities. She faces charges of open murder, conspiracy to commit murder, child abuse of neglect, and residential burglary (first offense.)

According to police, dispatchers received a report on Jan. 17 of a shooting in the 1400 block of Helen Belle Drive near Washington Avenue and Lamb Boulevard. Responding officers found a man who had been shot in a home in the area. That man was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to detectives, evidence indicates there was a fight inside a home before the man was shot and killed. The suspects left the scene before officers arrived.

Brown is due to appear in court on Feb. 7.

Investigators ask anyone with information on the shooting to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521 or via email at homicide@lvmpd.com. Additionally, those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or via the organization’s website.

Man accused of killing Las Vegas police officer deemed incompetent to stand trial

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:07:40 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A judge ruled the man accused of shooting and killing a Las Vegas police officer incompetent to stand trial during a hearing Wednesday.

Officer Truong Thai, a 23-year Metro police veteran, was responding to a domestic disturbance involving Tyson Hampton, 25, on Oct. 13, 2022, when Hampton allegedly shot him near Flamingo Road and University Center Drive, police said.

As the 8 News Now Investigators reported earlier this month, Hampton was refusing to leave his jail cell and had not showered in months, leading to a delay in his trial.

Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones first delayed Hampson’s trial last spring. She had yet to schedule a new date as of Wednesday's hearing, which happened in a different courtroom.

During the hearing Wednesday, Judge Christy Craig ordered Hampton to go to a state hospital "for further treatment and restoration to competency," documents said.

In their request for a new trial date, Hampton’s attorneys said he “has been increasingly exhibiting paranoid and [bizarre] behavior” and was refusing jail visits.

As the 8 News Now Investigators first reported after the 2022 shooting, Hampton’s mother-in-law warned dispatchers about her son-in-law minutes before he allegedly shot and killed Thai in a barrage of gunfire.

Hampton fired a total of 18 rounds during the shooting, police said. Hampton’s mother-in-law was shot in the leg. A man sitting in a car near the shooting scene was almost hit by a bullet, the report said. A bullet went through his windshield, almost hitting him.

As the 8 News Now Investigators reported, Hampton faced a gun-related charge two years before Thai's death and was known to pull out his gun during confrontations, court documents and police records said.

Prosecutors said they intend to seek the death penalty should a jury convict Hampton.

Murder trials are often delayed in Clark County, sometimes by years.

Helping those overcome fear in Las Vegas valley Asian community after recent string of home invasions

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:57:05 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- This week, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported a recent string of violent home invasions targeting Asian households. It's sparking new fears amongst the Las Vegas Asian community, with worries about other attacks or if they could be the next target.

"It's dread honestly. My own family is Filipino and we all live in different places and it's hard to keep track of everyone," Nyla Marquez said.

Marquez said these types of incidents make one lose their sense of safety and privacy altogether.

"Your first thought is concern of your own family," Marquez added.

Nicole Santero is a board member for the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, Las Vegas chapter, a civil rights organization focusing on helping the Asian community. She said while there is a history of vulnerability and humility in Asian culture, people shouldn't have to live in fear.

"For any individual that's targeted, it's so hurtful when there's no one there to help or stand with them so when we see something, we have to speak up so showing our support isn't just helpful but it can be potentially life-changing," Santero explained.

She said the first step is taking advantage of the many local and national resources if help is needed.

"What's great is that we have a younger generation of AAPI individuals who were raised in the U.S. who have a better understanding of the access of the support than their elders and while we've seen a lot of the progress in the community level and beyond, at a more personal level we have to come together for our friends and family and it's up to us to break down that stigma in our own family," Santero said.

Marquez said she's trying to do just that.

"It's good to double-check on people in your community and talking about it. The first thing we can do is communicate to other people that this is something our community is experiencing, can you do something about it?" Marquez said.

Here is a list of resources:

OCA Las Vegas: https://ocalasvegas.org/stopasianhate/
Asian Community Development Council: https://acdcnv.org
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates: https://www.aapihatecrimes.org
Asian Americans Advancing Justice: https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org
Stop AAPI Hate: https://stopaapihate.org

Accused sexual predator Nathan Chasing Horse files third appeal

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:47:38 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nathan Chasing Horse, the "Dances with Wolves" actor accused of victimizing indigenous underage girls and women for nearly two decades, has filed a third appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.

He continues to fight the charges against him in his Las Vegas case, the first of several criminal cases he faces in the United States and Canada.

In the third appeal filed by Clark County public defender Kristy Holston on Jan. 18, Chasing Horse is petitioning the court for "en banc reconsideration," meaning he is requesting that all seven Nevada Supreme Court justices reconsider his petition.

In Chasing Horse's first appeal which was denied, three Nevada Supreme Court justices listened to oral arguments presented by Holston and Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney William Rowles. Two of the justices denied his appeal while a third dissented. His second appeal was also denied.

Chasing Horse is charged with 18 counts in Clark County District Court in connection with alleged sexual abuse against two women.

One of Holston's arguments centers around the issue of consent.

In reference to Ren Leone, formerly Corena Chasing Horse, who is one of the alleged victims, Holston points to her "prior statements explaining the extent of her love and romantic pursuit of Nathan and confirming her understanding of, and agreement to, the sexual acts with Nathan."

Leone said that the sexual abuse began when she was 14 years old.

Chasing Horse, a self-proclaimed "Medicine Man" led a group known as "The Circle," according to Las Vegas Metro police.

Several alleged victims, including Leone, told the 8 News Now Investigators that he used spiritual practices and beliefs to manipulate them.

In February of 2023, Chasing Horse was indicted by a grand jury in Clark County for a total of 19 counts. This included 10 counts of sexual assault against a minor under the age of 16, six counts of sexual assault, along with open and gross lewdness, first-degree kidnapping of a minor, and trafficking in a controlled substance. Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny later dropped one drug charge.

Holston argues that prosecutors should have not have presented the grand jury with information about the definition of "grooming."

In January of 2023, Las Vegas Metro Police investigated Chasing Horse and executed a search warrant at his North Las Vegas home where he lived with several women who were referred to as his wives. He was taken into custody.

The 8 News Now Investigators have learned that similar allegations against Chasing Horse have previously been made, but did not result in an arrest.

The Las Vegas case is the first of several to move forward against Chasing Horse. He faces federal charges along with warrants in Montana and Canada. He also has previously been banned from several reservations.

Chasing Horse remained in jail in downtown Las Vegas. His bail was previously set at $300,000.

A status check in the Las Vegas case is scheduled for Feb. 21.

To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy with any tips or information, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.

To contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673.

Battery charge against victim who punched Las Vegas sex offender dismissed

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 23:55:57 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - A man who punched a convicted sex offender in court no longer faces a battery charge, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Tylor Fu, 30, said that Richard Gross, 80, sexually abused him for years as a child. Fu punched Gross on Oct. 2 at his sentencing in a Las Vegas courtroom and was then arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge.

Fu told the 8 News Now Investigators that he was upset about a plea deal.

"I was extremely angry," Fu said during an interview. "I know he's old, but that doesn't change anything like that. Doesn't change the damage that he caused, the horrific effects that I had to live through for decades, and it was not justice at all."

Gross was initially charged with 26 felony counts related to the alleged sexual abuse of a child. He pleaded guilty through an Alford plea to one felony count of attempted lewdness with a child under the age of 14. An Alford plea is when a defendant enters a plea of guilty because they believe there is a likelihood of a conviction. This is while the defendant does not admit to committing the crime.

Gross received a suspended sentence of 60 to 180 months in the Nevada Department of Corrections. Through a suspended sentence, a defendant is placed on probation and if they violate it, they could serve prison time.

Gross, a family friend, committed the sexual abuse while babysitting, according to Fu. He said the abuse began when he was eight years old and continued until he was 15.

"It just doesn't make sense how someone can abuse a child multiple times and just walk away without any prison time," Fu said.

Fu told the 8 News Now Investigators that he understood prosecutors may have felt the case was weak due to the lapse in time before Fu made a report to police. However, he said that he can recall details about the abuse which was reflected in his testimony in front of the grand jury.

In 2019, Fu's wife showed him a news article about sexual abuse which prompted him to report the abuse to police, he said.

Once the Oct. 2 sentencing concluded and Gross proceeded to leave the courtroom with his wife and attorney, Fu stood up and punched Gross in the face causing him to fall to the floor, an arrest report obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators stated. Fu was placed in handcuffs and arrested for misdemeanor battery.

Gross said that he briefly lost consciousness and was taken to UMC trauma, the arrest report stated. His wife said that his glasses were broken as a result of the punch, according to the report.

8 News Now requested a courtroom video from the sentencing where Gross was knocked out. Clark County District Court provided a heavily redacted copy.

Fu filed a lawsuit against Gross and his wife in Clark County District Court in 2021 for assault and battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence and negligent supervision.

"Defendants have acted intentionally, willfully, and maliciously, and with oppression, fraud, or malice in actively concealing Defendant Gross's penchant for abuse of minors, committing actual abuse, sexual assault, battery, rape, imprisonment and/or infliction of emotional distress, and as a result of defendants wrongful conduct, plaintiff is entitled to an award of exemplary or punitive damages," the complaint stated.

A jury trial for the civil suit is scheduled for March.

"I really tried to put it away and move on and be strong, but as you get older, you start to realize what went wrong more, and I saw exactly where my problems were coming from," Fu said.

After Fu shared his story with 8 News Now, a GoFundMe was set up to help raise money for his defense. Donations totaled approximately $8,000, according to Fu. He said that legal fees cost $1500 and that he was using the rest to pay off debt and work on his credit.

While the battery case remained in Las Vegas Justice Court for more than two months, court records reveal that by Dec. 18, the battery case was closed.

One condition of probation for Gross is to register on Nevada's sex offender registry. A photo dated Oct. 6 shows Gross with injuries to his face.

For more information about the Nevada Sex Offender Registry click HERE.

If you or someone you know may be the victim of sexual abuse, there is help here.

Culinary Union reaches tentative agreement with Hilton Grand Vacations

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 23:43:33 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Culinary Union announced Wednesday that it reached a tentative agreement on a new 5-year contract with Hilton Grand Vacations.

The contract is for about 500 Las Vegas hospitality workers.

The agreement comes just one day after the union struck a deal with The Strat.

Contract negotiations are still ongoing between the union and 16 other Las Vegas Strip and downtown properties with independent operators.

List of contract Las Vegas properties the Culinary Union is in contract negotiations with as of Jan. 24. 2024 (The Culinary Union)

A strike deadline is set for Feb. 2. Union workers plan to hold an informational picket outside of Circa on Friday, Jan. 26. It’s one of the properties working on a new contract.

Las Vegas Ballpark looking to hire workers for upcoming season

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 21:49:33 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Las Vegas Ballpark is looking to hire workers for the upcoming baseball season and will hold a hiring event in February.

The ballpark will host a job fair on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in The Club at the Ballpark for the upcoming seasons. Hiring managers will be conducting interviews on-site for all positions. Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes.

The Las Vegas Ballpark is looking for "enthusiastic and hard-working individuals" to assist guests, check tickets, help with game entertainment, and more. The Game Day Crew position will help with multiple game-day roles as needed.

The Ballpark will also be hiring for several positions in the Team Store, including retail sales associates, field operations, raffle sellers, and grounds crew.

The Ballpark is hiring seasonal food and beverage positions in the following departments:

Concession Cooks (ages 18+)-PM Shifts
Dishwashers/Stewarding (ages 18+)
In-Seat Server (ages 21+)
Dessert Cart Attendant (ages 18+)
Catering Attendants (ages 21+)
Stand Lead (ages 18+)
Runners (ages 21+)
Concession Cashiers (ages 21+)
Bartenders (ages 21+)
Supervisors (ages 21+)
Bar Backs (ages 21+)
Cocktail Servers (ages 21+)
Food Runners (ages 21+)
Pantry Coordinators (ages 21+)

If hired for a food and beverage position, employees will need to obtain or show proof of Southern Nevada Health District Health and Tam cards before their first scheduled day of work.

Those interested in applying should visit this link for details, terms, and conditions.

Those attending the job fair should park in the east event lot and enter through the VIP entrance.

Will there be a rideshare surcharge in Las Vegas for Super Bowl weekend?

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 21:43:31 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- With over 100,000 people expected in Las Vegas for Super Bowl weekend, drivers are prepared for the traffic delays and congestion. Ride shares, buses, and limo services are just several options available, with a few concerns from drivers.

"I've been waiting here two and a half hours now and I haven't gotten a call," Rideshare driver Andy Davidson said.

While he hopes the Super Bowl will bring in big bucks, he said Uber and Lyft are currently overflowing with drivers.

"Super Bowl, I'm sure will be busy because there's 3 events aside from the Super Bowl like the UFC fight, the golf tournament going on," Davidson explained. "Other than that business has been very slow."

Wendy Cook drives for Uber. She hopes this experience will be different from the Formula 1 race in November.

"I think Super Bowl will be busy because we have Chinese New Year the day before Super Bowl and it's always packed here, so I think it'll be busy," Cook said. "I'm hoping it will be because the Formula 1 thing was a joke, I didn't expect it to be busy at all anyways."

A spokesperson from Lyft confirms the company will not be implementing an additional charge or surcharge around the Strip or Allegiant Stadium for the big game.

A statement from CJ Macklin, Senior Manager of Policy Communications at Lyft said:

"The Super Bowl provides a great opportunity for drivers to earn, and we are working closely with Las Vegas and NFL officials to ensure a positive rideshare experience for everyone. In addition to the large number of rides we are expecting, we're also planning increased incentives for drivers the week of the game. This should help ensure there are enough drivers to meet demand and that it's worth it for them to be on the platform. It's all part of our effort to ensure both riders and drivers have a positive experience for the event."

Rich Williams has driven for Uber and Lyft for a year. He expects people will take what they can get as far as transportation.

"People are going to come to town, and they're going to take whatever is on their phone, on their apps that they're accustomed to, so it'll be Uber, Lyft, or taxis or limo services," Williams added.

The Taxicab Authority has announced their surcharge effective Feb. 9, 2024, at noon through Feb. 12, 2024. There will be a ten-dollar fee on every trip originating or terminating around the Strip Corridor which includes Allegiant Stadium.

Meanwhile, limo companies such as Earth Limousine and Western Limousine have reached out to the National Transportation Authority requesting help. This includes six additional vehicles for Earth Limousine and 100 additional vehicles for Western Limousine.

A spokesperson from the National Transportation Authority confirms they have approved the vehicle requests and tariff changes.

Super Bowl program offers spotlight for Las Vegas businesses to showcase talents

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 21:43:16 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - The countdown to Super Bowl LVIII continues, and local businesses are getting the chance to network with top executives ahead of the big game.

"We got a job on February 8 downtown where there will be a Super Bowl party. It will be in the Arts District," Sharp BBQ owner Jackie Stevenson said.

Next month, Stevenson is taking his love for BBQ out on the road and making his food truck debut, and what better time than during the Super Bowl?

"About 500 people plus 200 VIPs will be there that they want us to serve. It's very exciting," he shared.

The NFL and the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee welcomed 200 locally-owned businesses to its Business Connect Program Tuesday night.

Focusing on diversity and minority business owners, this networking event allows those the opportunity to work alongside some of the top sports and entertainment venues.

Myisha Boyce is the Chief Community Engagement Officer for the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee. She said the program offers opportunities most small businesses don't often get and applicants must apply beforehand with hopes of getting accepted.

"Our local diverse businesses are the backbone of the economy, so making sure they have all the resources possible and access is important," she added.

Jammie Hsu who owns her own merchandise company specializing in logo branding said it’s opportunities like that which impact her bottom line.

"We were one of 200 diverse suppliers accepted. It's great that they have the procurement people lined up for us to meet so more opportunity, more business," Hsu said.

In addition to networking, companies Tuesday attended a cybersecurity workshop in which they learned how small business owners can best protect their assets and client privacy.

What's Driving You Crazy? - Two closures of Tropicana - and a complete closure of I-15

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:02:31 +0000

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) - Because the Nevada Dept of Transportation's I-15/Tropicana project is such a huge deal, I want to make sure as many of us as possible can get on the same page, even if we're repeating stuff you may have heard before.

That includes two upcoming closures of Tropicana over I-15. The first is this Saturday at 1am, scheduled to run through the weekend and most of next week, reopening next Thursday, February 1st with that special configuration to accommodate Super Bowl 58 with three lanes of traffic in both directions on Trop (while the diverging diamond goes on vacation).

The second closure is a few days after the Super Bowl, the night of February 14th. NDOT will also be getting ready to shut down both directions of I-15 between Flamingo and Russell.

That starts Friday night the 16th and is scheduled to run until 5 the following Monday morning, the 19th.

Why shut the freeway?

It was just about a year ago that NDOT did a similar closure, so they could take down the north half of Trop without worrying about debris falling on cars below. [see video connected to this story]

When Trop reopens on Tuesday, February 20th, the south half will be gone, with a new, slightly wider diverging diamond serving traffic with two lanes in each direction on the new north half of trop.

It's a lot to keep up with. NDOT is hoping that during the weekend closure February 16th through the 19th, you'll consider just avoiding the 15 between the Spaghetti Bowl and the 215.

They also hope you'll download their free i15/trop app to have all this info on your phone.

To visit NDOT's i15/Tropicana website (and download the mobile app) click - - - > HERE.

Buckle up, drive carefully - and, please put down that phone! When you write in to join the "Driving You Crazy" conversation, photos and video obviously help tell your story, but not taken while you're driving!

Send it all to this email address: traffic8@8newsnow.com

Nevada DMV relocating its Henderson facility

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 17:38:08 +0000

The new Department of Motor Vehicles location will replace the current one on American Pacific Drive in Henderson — eventually.

Las Vegas 'Wedding Queen' being honored for uniting couples

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:57:20 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The woman known as the "Wedding Queen of the West" will be remembered by the city of Las Vegas and friends in the wedding industry with a special memorial on Thursday.

People will come together to honor the life and legacy of Charolette Richards. She was the founder of the world-famous Little White Wedding Chapel on Las Vegas and Charleston boulevards. Richards was a pioneer in the Las Vegas wedding industry. She passed away on Dec. 13 at 89, but her legacy in Las Vegas will live on.

"Everyone in this industry, in the wedding industry in Las Vegas, knows exactly who Miss Charolette Richards is,” said Melody Willis-Williams, president of Vegas Weddings and Little White Wedding Chapel. “Her business model, a lot of the other chapels adapted in their own capacity. Her name is renowned because she was the first of her kind in almost everything that she did. She's the one they (would) look to to see what's going to happen next."

The Little White Wedding Chapel continues to be a symbol of love and unity for couples around the world. It’s there that they choose to start their journey of life together in the world-renowned “Tunnel of Love.” The street leading into the Tunnel of Love will be dedicated as “Charolette’s Way”

Richards is the person who started the drive-thru wedding trend after a couple visiting the chapel couldn’t fit inside the doors because of their wheelchair. She married them outside thus conceiving the iconic drive-thru wedding chapel.

At the chapel, couples can choose to get married by Elvis impersonators. Tribute Elvis, Michael Conti, worked for Richards for 30 years. He said her passion for people, love, and weddings is the legacy that she leaves behind at the chapel she founded in 1951.

"She was the trailblazer of the wedding industry, and she was also known as the 'Queen of the West/Universe,' because she really started Vegas with the weddings,” he said. “It opens doors for a lot of the other wedding chapels."

A memorial for Charolette Richards will be held at the Little White Wedding Chapel on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. The day will also be recognized as “Charolette Richards' Day” by County Commissioner Chairman Tick Segerblom. The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public.

It’s not the vibes giving us a sour economic mood; it’s the monopolists

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:25:56 +0000

Danny Lundell (left) discusses consolidation in agriculture with Jonathan Kanter, assistant attorney general for the antitrust division in the U.S. Department of Justice, at Lundell Family Farms in Cannon Falls on Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer.)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

In recent months a lot of economic commentators have been flabbergasted that despite low unemployment, steady job growth and easing inflation, the public mood about the economy remains dour.

Pundits have blamed social media, partisanship and negative media headlines. But what if our headline economic data simply fails to tell a complete story? Dig a little deeper and the economic challenges confronting the country sound a lot more like the misery of monopoly than bad vibes or misinformation.

Any discussion of current economic challenges begins with inflation, and for good reason. While inflation is lower, that just means the rate of increase has cooled. Prices are still 19% higher than before the pandemic, and wages have only recently started to keep pace, with more granular analysis revealing that most people have seen their spending power decline, meaning that simply being employed is not enough. To add insult to injury, inflation calculations do not account for interest rate hikes, increasing the monthly payments people pay for car loans, home loans and credit cards.

Inflation on its own generates more intense anger and frustration than other issues, and this is likely exacerbated by the unfairness driving price increases. People are blaming powerful corporations, and so are government economists, think tanks, and private sector experts. Legal action has uncovered an economy apparently rife with monopoly price-gouging. A jury recently found major egg producers guilty of price-fixing and further lawsuits allege the cost of everything from meat to housing is higher because of companies illegally coordinating.

Inflation is just one piece of this misery though. The other is more existential, a sense that we no longer have control over corporate behemoths. Since 2001, Gallup has asked Americans about their satisfaction with the “size and influence” of big business and the response “very dissatisfied” has grown from 17% to 44% over the past two decades, up 12 percentage points since 2020. While consolidation has been growing for decades, this recent change in attitude about corporate power is likely a reflection of the way the pandemic brought a whole host of long-running structural issues to the forefront, including monopolization.

Monopolists have been suppressing wages for decades, but the past couple years has seen a spike in labor activism, as workers fight back amidst the backdrop of rising prices and record profits. Amazon, a poster-child for our monopolized economy, finally saw one of its warehouses vote to unionize. Consolidation was front and center in the massive writers and actors strike last year, with workers not only hitting the picket line but urging antitrust authorities to investigate the industry. Meanwhile, pharmacists working for the drugstore duopoly of CVS and Walgreens have participated in walkouts, and doctors, fed up with giant health systems, are unionizing.

The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice recently completed a typically obscure and wonky process of updating the merger guidelines that direct the agencies’ enforcement of business combinations. The last time they did this in 2010 just 32 public comments were submitted — solely from lawyers and academics. This time around, the year and a half process of updating the guidelines generated over 35,000 comments from Americans across the country, tired of being pushed around by monopolists.

In October, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, who leads the antitrust division at the Department of Justice, held a roundtable in Minnesota with farmers, workers and small business owners. They did not talk about job growth numbers or the stock market. They talked about how monopolies — from tech giants to massive health systems — are making their lives and professions harder and more precarious and reshaping the very structure of the communities they live in. Farmers are earning less, nurses are leaving the bedside, and we are losing small businesses like rural pharmacies every day.

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy recently wrote that “the most important economic and social interactions in your life are being dictated by…massively powerful private companies.” Yet our public discourse fails to match this reality.

The effort to frame people’s dissatisfaction with the economy as manufactured and not grounded in actual experiences is insulting and distracts from solving the problems making life so challenging for so many.

The silver lining to the misery of monopoly power is that there is nothing inevitable about it. Getting screwed by powerful corporations is a policy choice that can be reversed, but that requires identifying the source.

This column was originally published in the Minnesota Reformer.

The post It’s not the vibes giving us a sour economic mood; it’s the monopolists appeared first on Nevada Current.

Henderson Police to receive first 'Community Engagement K9'

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:57:48 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - A Nevada non-profit organization is set to donate and present the Henderson Police Department with a special four-legged community partner.

Silver State Service Dogs will present "Jinx" the department's first Community Engagement K9 on Thursday, Feb. 1.

Jinx has undergone extensive training to assist in helping calm individuals, enhance public interaction, and promote a sense of safety within the community, according to Silver State Service Dogs.

“Jinx is not only a highly skilled companion but also a symbol of our commitment to collaborative efforts between the police force and the community it serves," Founder and Director of Silver State Service Dogs Dr. Diane Villa stated. "We express our gratitude to the Henderson Police Department and K9 Sergeant Dave Adams, and we are excited about the positive impact that Jinx will have on fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.”

The community is welcome to attend the Henderson City Hall Council Chambers presentation from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Culinary union strikes deal with The Strat

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:56:55 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Culinary union has struck a deal with The Strat. More than 700 union members work at the property.

Contract negotiations are still ongoing between the union and 17 other Las Vegas Strip and downtown properties with independent operators. A strike deadline is set for Feb. 2. Union workers plan to hold an informational picket outside of Circa on Friday, Jan. 26. It's one of the properties working on a new contract.

The union settled with the major Strip companies in November before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Update: Airport Connector Tunnel completely reopens after crash

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:09:39 +0000

UPDATE: The Airport Connector Tunnel completely reopened to around 6:30 a.m.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The southbound Paradise Road entrance to the Airport Connector is closed to traffic Wednesday morning due to a serious crash involving one vehicle.

Motorists can still access the Terminal 3 ramp from Paradise but should expect some delays. The connector bypass heading north was closed earlier but has since reopened.

Tiny Town will put Las Vegas youth to 'pretend' work while preparing them for adult world ahead

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:38:56 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) --Before running international marathons, and more recently running numbers for the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium, Michael Crome had no intention of attending college.

The football team’s chief financial officer comes from humble beginnings in Ohio, he says, which left him with little ambition to pursue the rapidly approaching afterlife of the public school system. Frankly, he didn’t know how to prepare for it.

“I didn’t have a whole lot,” Crome said Tuesday morning, speaking of his childhood in a single-family home. “Junior year of high school, I had no idea I was even going to go to college, let alone what I was going to do post-high school.”

Then came along Junior Achievement, a national nonprofit that teaches financial literacy, workforce development, and entrepreneurship to K-12 students inside schools, mainly Title I and other underprivileged schools. One volunteer’s conversation with a then-lost Crome changed the trajectory of the then-teenager’s life.

“I can see his face so visibly still. He looked like me, and it was just someone I could relate to,” Crome said, reminiscing on the conversation that sparked personal interest in pursuing a career. “He started talking about what he did for a living, and specifically he was an accountant. I had no idea what accounting was.”

“I remember going and searching, ‘What is accounting?’ What does this thing look like? I actually, really started to think about college,” Crome continued. “I’m serving as Chief Financial Officer for the Las Vegas Raiders and (Allegiant Stadium), and it all kind of started with this one chance interaction with this volunteer that came into the classroom.”

This same nonprofit is hoping to inspire thousands of others in Las Vegas but in a different kind of way. Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada (JASN) is utilizing an empty 40,000-square-foot former gym in the east valley for a first-of-its-kind experience in the state.

The Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada Inspiration Center will house BizTown and Finance Park, two pretend cities that seek to provide elementary through high schoolers with immersive experiences of being an adult through a singular field trip. The nonprofit’s executive committee chair, Sandi Milton, calls it simulated “adulting.”

“Renderings of JA Finance Park, the city simulation where high schoolers are given “pretend” personas that force them to budget their life expenses to understand the concept of financial literacy.” (Michelle Jackson)
“Construction of the in-progress Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada Inspiration Center.” (KLAS)
“Renderings of JA BizTown, the city simulation that puts elementary students to “pretend” work to understand the concept of economy.” (Michelle Jackson)
“Construction of the in-progress Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada Inspiration Center.” (KLAS)

“They have to decide if they’re going to apply for perhaps the mayor, or the sheriff, or some of the other bigger positions. They have to campaign,” Milton said inside the construction zone Tuesday morning, describing BizTown operations for fifth graders. “The mayor will make a speech. The [other students] will run a business. They have employees coming and going. They have others that are consumers buying and selling.”

On the other side of the building, eighth and ninth graders will apply similar skills to budgeting their own lives.

“[Finance Park] gives them an income, it gives them a debt, it gives them a credit score and it gives them a family situation. So, they could be married, could be single, could have kids or not. That all impacts all of your decisions,” Milton continued. “’ Mom, why won’t you buy me that?’ Oh, because mom had to pay the insurance bill that month. These are kind of the things suddenly the kids realize.”

BizTowns and Finance Parks are already seen across the nation. Over 60,000 students in Clark County are expected to venture inside either of these tiny towns when it opens.

“They don’t have any exposure. They just kind of see what’s around their world and what mom and dad or auntie or grandma and grandpa do,” Milton said. “If you don’t understand your budget, you’re going to easily get in trouble.”

The Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada Inspiration Center is expected to start taking its first field trips in the 2024-2025 school year, according to the Southern Nevada Chapter’s CEO. The nonprofit recently received a grant from the Las Vegas Super Bowl to help complete construction, though Milton said they are still not completely funded and looking for partners to fill available vendor space inside.

Amazon, Walmart remain atop list of companies with most employees on Nevada Medicaid

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:16:24 +0000

Cars sit in the parking lot at the Amazon regional distribution center on June 6, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Amazon is expanding into more self delivery of their packages. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Amazon remains Nevada’s leading employer of Medicaid recipients, a designation it has maintained for several years.

Approximately 7,500 Amazon employees were eligible for Nevada Medicaid in state fiscal year 2023, according to a new report from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. Those employees had 8,212 dependents who were also enrolled in Nevada Medicaid.

The cost of their coverage: $59 million.

Walmart and Clark County School District rank second and third. Amazon, Walmart and CCSD have all held those spots since 2020.

Rounding out the top five companies with the most employees on Nevada Medicaid was Wynn Las Vegas, which jumped up two spots from sixth to fourth, and Smiths Food & Drug, which dropped one spot from fourth to fifth. The State of Nevada, Aria Resort & Casino, call center operator Telus International, Resorts World, and private security company Universal Protection Service placed six through 10th.

DHHS found that during the last fiscal year Nevada Medicaid covered nearly 178,000 employees at companies with 50 or more employees. An additional 198,000 people, the majority of them children, were covered as dependents of those employees.

The cost of providing health care to these approximately 376,500 Nevadans was $1.45 billion last fiscal year. The state’s share of that cost was $263 million, or 18% of the total. The federal government covered $1.19 billion, or 82% of the total.

Medicaid costs increased by 20.8% from 2022 to 2023 and have doubled since 2019, according to DHHS.

Nevada’s annual report, which has been required by lawmakers since 2017, does not include data on the total number of people each company employs, but some unofficial points for reference are available through public statements made by the companies. Amazon on its corporate website boasts it has created 18,000 full- and part-time jobs in Nevada as of January 2023.

Amazon has received more than $3.2 million in tax breaks from Nevada since 2015, according to Good Jobs First, which maintains a nationwide tracker of the retailer’s economic development deals.

Walmart on its corporate website claims it employs 15,795 associates in Nevada across its 50 retail locations and three warehouses. The company says its average hourly wage for full-time workers in Nevada is $19.31.

Walmart’s 4,726 Nevada Medicaid-eligible employees and their 5,218 dependents cost the state and federal health care programs $36.5 million.

CCSD employs more than 40,000 people.

The number of employees of large companies and their dependents who are eligible for Medicaid has risen in recent years — from 261,151 in fiscal year 2019 to 376,597 in fiscal year 2023.

Nearly half — 48% — of the Nevada Medicaid members covered in the report earned the equivalent of the median wage in Nevada, which as of May 2022 was $19.62 an hour.

Medicaid enrollment numbers are expected to decrease as a pandemic-era pause on eligibility redetermination requirements are fully lifted. But to what extent that will impact numbers isn’t clear. The state expects to complete that redetermination process by this August.

Employees who are offered health insurance through their employer may still enroll in Medicaid if they meet eligibility requirements, which include being low income.

The post Amazon, Walmart remain atop list of companies with most employees on Nevada Medicaid appeared first on Nevada Current.

Nation’s first Gen Z congressman discusses gun violence at UNLV

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:01:43 +0000

UNLV students who survived the Dec.6, 2023 mass shooting pose with Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (third from left) under a mural reading "A Peaceful Place." The students shared their experiences at a roundtable on Jan. 23, 2024 to discuss gun violence policy. (Photo: Camalot Todd/Nevada Current)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Six weeks after the mass shooting that claimed the lives of three UNLV faculty members, a group of students gathered to share their experiences and highlight the need for more federal policy action.

“You don’t think it will happen to you until it does,” said Ketzia Jimenez, a third-year UNLV sociology student who was at the Student Union on Dec. 6 when an armed man shot four people who worked at adjacent Beam Hall, killing three of them.

Jimenez and other students shared their experience with U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla), who at 27, is the first Gen Z member of Congress, and also a gun violence survivor who was caught between two men who were shooting at each other during a downtown Orlando Halloween event in 2016. He visited Las Vegas Tuesday with the Biden-Harris campaign as part of National Gun Violence Survivors Week.

“I feel like most of us know someone who has been affected by gun violence and I think that’s something a lot of people don’t understand about our generation. This is a very personal issue for most of us,” Mack Milan, a fourth-year student studying political science, said.

There have been 60 mass shootings in the U.S. since Dec. 6, according to the crowd-sourced database, the Mass Shooting Tracker. Frost highlighted the Biden Administration’s work on addressing gun violence, including the passage in 2022 of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Along with closing the so-called “boyfriend loophole” and strengthening background check requirements, the legislation includes provisions that improve access to mental health services in schools to help young people deal with the trauma and grief resulting from gun violence, invests in community violence intervention programs, and attempts to curb gun trafficking via a straw purchase, or when an individual buys a gun for someone who can’t legally own one

The Biden Administration also created the nation’s first Office of Gun Violence Prevention in September 2023.

Frost noted that there is still more work to be done.

“We have to get universal background checks, but the problem is that Republicans in Congress don’t want it. Many of them are bought and sold by the NRA,” he said.

Frost and the students also discussed the trauma and mental health impacts that mass shootings have on those who survived.

“You let yourself believe that you can be safe on your own campus,” Milan said. “It’s hard to reconcile with the feelings that it could be all over when you’re only 23 years old.”

Carolyn Salvador Avila, a third-year student studying pre-law and public policy, was also on the UNLV campus that day, and in the aftermath of the shooting experienced nightmares.

“I get to the second floor of the Student Union. I was there for an event… the same event that a lot of people were at for civic engagement,” she said. “I don’t think people realized what was happening until they turned off the lights and locked the doors.”

She also remembers the shooter pulling on the doors.

“We started freaking out, people started writing in their notebooks to say goodbye to their families. Some people were crying. Others were shushing people because we were afraid of getting caught,” she said.

Frost noted that another measure enacted during the Biden administration, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, included enhanced funding for school mental health counselors and other mental health services, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline services.

“For far too long we’ve been talking in this country about how we’re going to react to these shootings when they happen. I don’t know about you, but I want to talk about how we prevent these shootings from happening in the first place,” Frost said in an interview.

UNLV students Taylor Cummings, Natalia Jordan, and Miriam Lachica were also at the roundtable. UNLV classes resumed last week.

The post Nation’s first Gen Z congressman discusses gun violence at UNLV appeared first on Nevada Current.

Biden, Harris vow to restore protections for abortion rights as 2024 campaign launches

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:00:41 +0000

First lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff take part in a ”Reproductive Freedom Campaign Rally” at George Mason University on Jan. 23, 2024 in Manassas, Virginia. It was the first joint rally of the 2024 reelection campaign for the president and vice president. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris moved abortion access to the forefront of their reelection bid Tuesday by making it the centerpiece of their first joint campaign rally of the 2024 election cycle.

“With your voice, with your power, with your vote, we can restore the protections that have been around for over 50 years under Roe v. Wade,” Biden said to a crowd at George Mason University in Manassas, Virginia, on the same day voters were going to the polls in the New Hampshire primary.

“Give me a Democratic House of Representatives and give me a bigger Democratic Senate,” he said. “And we will pass a new law restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade, and I will sign it immediately.”

Biden spoke on the stage of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, surrounded by red-and-blue signs that read “Defend Choice” and “Restore Roe.”

Protesters calling for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas repeatedly interrupted the rally, though Biden-Harris supporters in the audience chanted “four more years” or “let’s go Joe” in an attempt to drown out the nearly dozen people who took turns throughout the speech criticizing the president.

One protester shouted, “How many kids have you killed?” and another yelled, “Israel kills two mothers every hour,” according to White House pool reports.

Warnings of national abortion ban

Harris, speaking before Biden, said that another Republican administration in the White House would try to implement a nationwide ban on abortions, a new possibility given the Supreme Court’s actions in 2022.

“In the 19 months since, in states across our nation, extremists have proposed and passed laws that criminalize doctors and punish women — laws that make no exception even for rape and incest,” Harris said.

“And let us all agree, one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body,” Harris added.

Amanda Zurawski, a Texas woman who has filed a lawsuit against the state, told the rally of how after “grueling” fertility treatments she learned when she was 18 weeks pregnant that her cervix had prematurely dilated and her membranes had ruptured.

“We were, with 100% certainty, going to lose our baby girl. We were devastated,” Zurawski said. “What I needed at that point was an abortion, so I could safely and with dignity, deliver my daughter. I needed to begin the healing process, both physically and emotionally. But unfortunately, this was post-Roe Texas.”

The abortion laws in Texas meant she would have to wait until she was sick enough for her life to be considered endangered before a doctor could provide an abortion. That happened after three days and going into septic shock, Zurawski said.

“What I went through was nothing short of barbaric and it didn’t need to happen, but it did because of Donald Trump,” Zurawski said. “Over and over again, Donald Trump brags about killing Roe v. Wade. It is unthinkable to me that anyone could cheer on these abortion bans that nearly took my life.”

The Supreme Court first recognized a constitutional right to abortion in 1973 during the landmark Roe v. Wade case that has been a fulcrum of American politics ever since.

The nine justices on the high court reaffirmed the right to end a pregnancy during their 1992 decision in Casey v. Planned Parenthood.

But the court, including three justices nominated by Trump, overturned the nationwide right to an abortion in 2022 in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, when the majority ruled, “the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.”

Republican-controlled state legislatures have moved to implement strict restrictions on abortion access and in some cases approved bans in the nearly two years since that ruling, leading to a patchwork of access and confusion among medical professionals.

The same Supreme Court is expected to hear two additional cases on abortion access this year: one regarding pregnancy termination in emergency medical circumstances and another concerning access to a pharmaceutical used in medication abortions and miscarriage care.

Both of those rulings are expected to come out this summer, just months before voters will head to the polls in November to decide control of the White House, House and Senate.

‘He intended for them to overturn Roe’

Speaking in front of the crowd in Virginia on Tuesday, Harris noted that Trump “handpicked” the three Supreme Court justices he nominated because he “intended for them to overturn Roe, he intended for them to take your freedoms.”

“He is the architect of this health care crisis and he is not done,” Harris said. “And the extremists are not done.”

Harris noted that since the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to abortion, Democrats and Republicans in several states have placed protections on abortion and reproductive access into their state constitutions by placing the issue directly on the ballot.

“Since Roe was overturned, tens of millions of Americans in red states and blue marched to the polls in defense of fundamental freedoms,” she said. “The voice of the people has been heard and it will be heard.”

Biden said that Trump was counting on voters to stop caring or vote on issues other than reproductive rights and abortion access during the election. But he called on Americans not to forget the differences between Democrats and Republicans on abortion and other issues.

“I believe 2024 is going to be the most important election we’ve had since 1860,” Biden said, referring to the election of President Abraham Lincoln before the Civil War.

“The reasons are clear. Democracy is on the ballot. Freedom is on the ballot,” Biden added. “Like the freedom to choose; the freedom to vote; the freedom to love who you want; the freedom to go to work, go to school, go to your house of worship without fear of being gunned down by a weapon of war.”

The post Biden, Harris vow to restore protections for abortion rights as 2024 campaign launches appeared first on Nevada Current.

Henderson DMV set to close, new location announced

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:07:50 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is planning to close the Henderson DMV location in 2026, with a new location planned for the Silverado Ranch region.

Julie Butler, director of the Nevada DMV, discussed the location transition exclusively with 8 News Now. Butler responding to questions as to why the Henderson location cannot remain open.

“The answer to that question is we are statutorily capped on the amount of highway funds that we can receive,” Butler said. “The legislature has a policy that they want most of that money to go to roads so we are capped on the amount of highway funds we can receive unless the legislature decides they want to raise that cap.”

DMV in Henderson (KLAS)

The Silverado Ranch location will be a combined commercial and non-commercial driver's license facility replacing offices in Henderson and the commercial driver's license facility off Craig Road.

New Programs

Digital efforts were at the forefront of Butler’s goals as she discussed the “very ambitious” transition for the entire Nevada DMV mainframe.

“We will be the first in the nation to lift an entire mainframe to the cloud,” Butler said.

Online efforts will not be limited to back-end programming however as Butler’s team also plans to begin online non-commercial practical exams through a third party starting this summer.

In September of last year, the Nevada DMV rolled out online knowledge testing so future licensed drivers can practice for their exams from the comfort of their own homes. That small change made a big impact, eliminating nearly 21,000 walk-ins, according to the Nevada DMV.

Julie Butler, director of the Nevada DMV (KLAS)

In Spring of this year, Butler said her team will be rolling out a program for new residents, calling it an intake process.

“They can upload their documents online and come into the office and pay for the transaction,” she said. “The eventual goal was the whole thing can be automated and you won’t have to come in to pick up your products, but you know, baby steps.”

Five-year anniversary

Butler will be celebrating her five-year anniversary of getting the top job at the Nevada DMV this month. The second year of work at the department in 2020 was filled with challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic closed physical doors and set back appointments.

“I tell people shutting down was the easy part,” she said. “But planning to reopen was a logistical challenge.”

The pandemic presented a moment that Butler said crystalized what the department really needed to focus on, technology.

Julie Butler, director of the Nevada DMV (KLAS)

“We have a 25-year-old technology stack, the mainframe COBOL solution is ancient and very painful to get things done,” she said.

The DMV is facing a challenge to revitalize many systems and produce a service model that is digital-focused. Butler cited the work and diligent efforts of the DMV IT staff and many workers that keep the department running but point to the future.

“We’ve got to move into the 21^st century and put out technology online,” Butler said.

Gun events across Las Vegas valley lead to discussion on gun violence

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 03:22:10 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - Guns will be a hot topic during the 2024 election season and as it gears up, two very different gun discussions were happening across the valley on Tuesday.

It comes as Las Vegas Metro police reported 37 shooting victims so far in 2024 which is nearly double from the same time in 2023. It’s a problem that people have very different views on how to address it.

Carolyn Saovadoravlia was one of the students who was there during the UNLV shooting and was at a roundtable discussion about gun violence. She is advocating for changes in gun laws and said lawmakers don’t get it because they didn’t grow up with the threat of it.

"For gun violence, the people in power are having disagreements because they don't understand how it feels. I think the changes that need to be seen would probably not be seen by these people,” Saovadoravlia explained.

Guns will be a hot topic this election season and as it gears up two very different gun discussions were happening across the valley on Tuesday. (KLAS)

The roundtable discussion was held by Congressman Maxwell Frost from Florida’s 10th district. He’s the first Gen Z member of Congress and has faced gun violence firsthand.

“We have to ensure we get universal background checks, but the problem is many of Republicans in Congress don't want it,” Congressman Frost explained.

While the roundtable discussion was happening across town the SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) which is a big event for the firearms industry.

It’s not just firearms the event also showcases apparel, accessories, and other things you would not expect at a show like this including jewelry and trucks.

Matt Manda with the National Shooting Sports Foundation said they help people better understand firearms and always advocate keeping guns out of the wrong hands.

Guns will be a hot topic this election season and as it gears up two very different gun discussions were happening across the valley on Tuesday. (KLAS)

"We are seeing people who are lawfully owning firearms are doing so in a safe and responsible way. We need to hold criminals who are not following the laws we are passing those people need to be held responsible. It's not law-abiding gun owners,” Manda said.

He also added that they are seeing a changing demographic of more women and minorities purchasing guns for safety. Other safety things he stressed the industry is doing are offering free gun locks, suicide awareness campaigns, and educating on the proper use of guns. He said gun owners are paying attention to changing laws.

“When they recognize waiting periods or delays in how they go about how they purchase firearms it translates to the ballot box,” Manda said.

Both sides can agree on one thing they don’t want to see anyone get hurt.

"The problem is that just because it's not the guns and it's the people does not mean those people should be getting those guns,” Saovadoravlia added.

“You're seeing millions of more people buying firearms and doing some responsible that are following laws. The laws that are on the books are being ignored by the people committing violence,” Manda said.

Lawmakers did come to an agreement on a bill in 2022 called the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that established a longer delay for those buying guns under the age of 21, $750 million over the next five years to support state red flag laws, along with cracking down on illegal guns and investing in mental health services. It will take time to see what impacts this law will have.

About 500 people die by guns in Nevada each year a third from homicides and two-thirds from suicide. The Vegas Resiliency Center serves as a resource for victims of such crimes throughout the valley.

Resources across Las Vegas valley to help homeless community escape rain

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 02:41:33 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- As showers made their way across the Las Vegas valley several resources for the homeless community saw an increase in people looking for help.

Juan Salinas with the Salvation Army said they see more people come through their doors when it rains.

"We have a meal provided free every day from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. That is something we do for our clients, we try to get them out of the elements and somewhere safe," Salinas said.

It's day shelter is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Salinas said roughly 250 people cycle in and out daily.

People like Shaun Crow, who shared Tuesday he'd been homeless for the past eight months and frequently used the Salvation Army's shelter and resource services.

"The day shelter helps when it's raining," Crow said. "It helps you get collect your thoughts and emotions."

Clients are also able to meet with case managers, do laundry, shower, charge their phones, and more.

"They got me up on my feet," Crow said he's taken advantage of the organization's vocational programs and other services. "They got me money and food stamps."

The Salvation Army has separate shelters for men, women, and LGBTQ members, that are capable of housing about 500 people nightly. In 2022, they served more than 71,000 clients.

On Thursday, the Salvation Army is partnering with Subaru of Las Vegas for a coat drive for kids and has 200 coats still available.

Then there's Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. Their programs include housing, food, family, and immigration services, helping more than 4,000 people daily, according to their website.

"We may take for granted getting a good night sleep and we want to be able to offer that to people who may not have that luxury, and make sure they know there are other resources here," Leslie Carmine with Catholic Charities said.

There are about 400 overnight, emergency shelter beds that also come with a hygiene kit for men. That's not including the 100 other beds for men in the process of seeking long-term housing and employment. While Catholic Charities does not have shelter for women and children, staff will help through their client services.

There are also nearby shelters that have programs for women and children as well such as The Shade Tree and Rescue Mission., and the City of Las Vegas's homeless service and shelter, The Courtyard.

Carmine said they are always in need of winter clothing items, coats, and new undergarments.

Donations to Catholic Charities can be dropped off from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the entrance, however other times can be arranged.

Usher, Janet Jackson, Backstreet Boys headline Las Vegas music festival

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 02:20:21 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The artists set to headline a popular Las Vegas music festival were announced Tuesday.

According to a news release, Usher, Janet Jackson, and Backstreet Boys are set to headline Lovers & Friends, which will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 4. The festival's third edition will include performances from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Nas, Alicia Keys, Nelly Furtado, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Ciara, TLC, and Timbaland.

Usher will perform his hit album Confessions to celebrate the album's 20th anniversary, while Lil Wayne will do the same for his Tha Carter III record.

Other artists set to appear include;

112
6lack
702 Amerie
98 Degrees
Akon
Alicia Keys
Ashanti
Backstreet Boys
Blaque
Brandy
Cam'ron
Ciara
Craig David
David Banner
Dru Hill
E-40
Eve
Fat Joe
Ginuwine
Gwen Stefani
Iyaz
J. Holiday
J-Kwon
Ja Rule
Janet Jackson
Jason Derulo
Jeremih
Jodeci
JoJo
Jon B.
Juvenile
Kelis
Kelly Rowland
Keri Hilson
Keyshia Cole
Lil Flip
Lil Wayne
Lloyd
Ludacris
Lumidee
Lupe Fiasco
M.I.A.
Ma$e
Majid Jordan
Mario
Mary J. Blige
Method Man & Redman
Mims
Monica
Mya
Nas
Ne-Yo
Nelly
Nelly Furtado
Next
Nina Sky
Paul Wall
Paula Deanda
Plies
Pretty Ricky
Rick Ross
Robin Thicke
Sean Paul
Snoop Dogg
SWV
T-Pain
T.I.
Tank
The-Dream
Timbaland
TLC
Too $hort
Total
Trina
Tweet
Twista
Tyrese
Usher
Xscape
Ying Yang Twins

Tickets will be available for presale on Jan. 26 at 10:00 a.m. and start at $325 with GA+ and VIP options also available. Access to the presale will be available on the festival's website. The public availability of any remaining tickets will follow the pre-sale.

Henderson Police discourage feeding wildlife after reports of coyotes biting people

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 02:10:39 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - The Henderson Police Department is asking the public to stop feeding wildlife after spotting several close calls.

The department posted the announcement on its Facebook page on Sunday after they had seen a "number of coyotes approaching people and biting them," according to Henderson Police.

It also stated that those types of incidents "only occur when coyotes are not scared of people."

The department also added that those bitten must undergo rabies vaccines because of the bites. The condition can be a fatal disease to both animals and people.

"Coyotes are rabies vectors and due to people feeding them, they have become a threat to public safety," Henderson Police added. "Wildlife is best viewed from a distance to maintain their safety and life as well as the person’s safety."

Mesquite constable violated state law, failed to get peace officer certification

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 01:46:28 +0000

Constable Duane Thurston did not complete the required Peace Officer Standards and Training certification within a year of taking office, violating state law.

Abortion rights petition cleared to gather signatures

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 01:23:33 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A slimmed-down version of a ballot initiative to put abortion rights in the Nevada Constitution has cleared its first hurdle, according to proponents.

Carson City District Court Judge James Russell reviewed petition language submitted on Dec. 6, 2023, and ruled on Tuesday that it meets requirements, according to a news release from Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom (NRF). The petition can now move forward, and signatures can be gathered to put the question on the ballot for the general election.

"Today's ruling ensures Nevadans will have the opportunity to establish a permanent state constitutional right to abortion this November," according to Lindsey Harmon, president of NRF.

"However, abortion rights are not the only form of reproductive freedom under attack across the country. Protecting miscarriage management, birth control, prenatal and postpartum care, and other vital reproductive health care services are inextricably linked pieces of a singular right to reproductive freedom," Harmon said.

The petition had been challenged initially because it violated the single-subject rule. That challenge is under review by the Nevada Supreme Court.

Nevada law guards the right to abortion, but activists want to give it another layer of protection by putting it into the constitution. After Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, urgency increased to protect abortion rights at the state level.

The petition seeks to protect abortion through "fetal viability," not specifying a time period. There is no universal consensus, but viability usually comes after about six months.

North Las Vegas man accused of setting ex-girlfriend's apartment on fire after she broke up with him

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 01:21:14 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A North Las Vegas man faces arson charges after he allegedly set his ex-girlfriend's apartment on fire two days after she broke up with him, according to an arrest report.

Tajhai Clark was arrested on Jan. 2 on charges of arson, domestic violence, and burglary, records showed.

On Dec. 30, the North Las Vegas Fire Department responded to a structure fire at an apartment. When crews arrived they discovered a fire that was confined to an upstairs bedroom that had the door closed, the report said.

A fire captain also reported that the inside of the apartment was also vandalized.

The tenant of the apartment, Antionette Christopher, and her children were not home at the time of the fire. Christopher told investigators that she broke up with her ex-boyfriend, identified as Clark, whom she shared a child with two days prior to the fire, according to police.

A neighbor told investigators that she saw Clark attempting to kick in the front door of the apartment and heard banging and glass breaking. After a few minutes, she noticed smoke coming from the second floor and that Clark's car was gone, according to the report.

There was damage to the front and rear doors, multiple windows were broken, multiple holes in the walls, broken glass, and it appeared the contents of the apartment had been thrown around, the report said.

A picture of Christopher's apartment following a fire in December of 2023. (Antionette Christopher)
A picture of Christopher's apartment following a fire in December of 2023. (Antionette Christopher)
A picture of Christopher's apartment following a fire in December of 2023. (Antionette Christopher)

Fire officials ruled that the fire started on the mattress in the bedroom and was started by "a human hand with an open flame with the intent to destroy the structure and its contents," the report said.

Clark was arrested on Jan. 2 in North Las Vegas and booked into the Clark County Detention Center.

Christopher shared her story with 8 News Now and asked the community for help after she and her children were left with nothing.

Locals touched by the story gave thousands to Christopher’s GoFundMe and she said she has since been able to secure a new apartment and fully focus on starting over.

Nevada unemployment rate unchanged at 5.4% -- worst in the US

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:14:35 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Nevada's unemployment rate didn't change as 2023 ended, remaining the worst in the United States.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) reported a 5.4% seasonally adjusted unemployment rate. The metro Las Vegas area came in at 5.3%, and North Las Vegas had the worst unemployment of any city in Nevada at 6.2%.

The state has been at the bottom of the heap for a full year, with a worse jobless rate than Washington, D.C., (5.0%), California (4.9%), New Jersey and Illinois (both 4.7%), according to numbers for November 2023.

Nevada's statewide unemployment rate has dropped by only 0.1 percentage points since December of 2022, despite record-setting months for casinos, the economic boost from the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and two resort openings in the Las Vegas valley in 2023.

In fact, unemployment for the Las Vegas metro area increased from 5.1% in November to 5.3% in December, according to DETR. "The number of unemployed individuals increased by 1,886 since November 2023 for a current level of 64,080 people, which is 680 less unemployed people than December 2022. The labor force in Las Vegas is currently 1,200,572 people, which is 11,190 less people than November 2023, and is up 45,002 people since December 2022," DETR reported.

Some of the economic fuel came very late in the year, and could add momentum for jobs in Southern Nevada -- along with Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Feb. 11.

But union successes in reaching new contracts with Las Vegas Strip resorts hasn't translated to a wave of jobs in the valley.

'Top' Las Vegas realtor scammed 'best friend' with dementia out of house, hundreds of thousands

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:13:47 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A Las Vegas-area realtor convicted of exploiting an older man with dementia out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, while convincing him they were in a relationship, will spend the next four months in jail and could go to prison if she violates probation.

Last month, a Clark County jury found Sophia Smith, 50, guilty of exploiting an older or vulnerable person, theft and credit card fraud.

In court Tuesday, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny sentenced Smith to a six-month jail term with a suspended 12-to-30-year prison sentence. If Smith violates her probation within five years, she will have to report to prison, Kierny ordered.

“In my addiction, I manipulated someone that loves me unconditionally just to feed my habit,” Smith told the court before Kierny sentenced her.

In court documents, prosecutors included this Facebook post with Sophia Smith and her victim, Cornelius “Connie” Hoffmans, where Smith repeatedly called the now-90-year-old her “best friend.” (KLAS)

MyVegas Magazine named Smith “a realtor with a purpose” in its 2021 issue featuring the “top 100 real estate professionals.”

In court documents, prosecutors included Facebook posts with Smith and her victim, Cornelius “Connie” Hoffmans, where Smith repeatedly called the now-90-year-old her “best friend.”

“At some point in my friendship with Connie, I became a gamble-holic,” Smith said, “In my addiction and losing money gambling, I became greedy.”

That greed, according to prosecutors, began with a donation to Smith’s non-profit, the Strong A.R.M. Foundation.

A Clark County Detention Center booking photo for Sophia Smith. (LVMPD/KLAS)

“She knew she was elderly,” Clark County Deputy District Attorney Austin Beaumont said. “She knew he had memory issues, and she knew he had dementia.”

Beaumont said the nonprofit, which raised money for underprivileged women and children to buy equipment and uniforms, was a scam, with nearly 90% of donations going to Smith directly. The nonprofit’s website remained active as of Tuesday.

“Ironically, her foundation's name, Strong Arm Foundation, was used to effectively strong-arm Mr. Hoffmans into giving her that $638,223.56,” Beaumont said, highlighting the total amount stolen.

The money funded a home, an RV and Smith’s gambling debts, documents said. Smith bought the home for $275,000 of Hoffmans' money, documents said. The Hoffmans family later received the home and RV in a civil lawsuit.

Court documents indicate Hoffmans believed he and Smith were dating, though Smith is openly gay.

“Did you have a romantic relationship with her?” a prosecutor asked Smith during a 2022 grand jury hearing.

“We dated,” he replied.

“I'm sorry that I didn't tell Connie I was gay,” Smith said in court Tuesday. “But most of all, I'm sorry for manipulating, deceiving and taking advantage of my best friend.”

In court Tuesday, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny sentenced Smith to a six-month jail term with a suspended 12-to-30-year prison sentence. (KLAS)

During the sentencing, Kierny noted Hoffmans was likely unaware Smith was taking advantage of him.

“It's such a sad situation that you took advantage of that trust in the way that you did,” the judge told Smith.

In addition to the jail sentence, Kierny ordered Smith to pay the Hoffmans estate nearly $300,000 in restitution.

Smith has not faced charges connected to the foundation.

Photo shows moment neighbor pointed gun at Las Vegas-area pastor, killing him: lawsuit

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:06:02 +0000

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KLAS) -- The widow of a Las Vegas-area pastor has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the woman charged with his murder, which was prompted by complaints to their homeowners' association, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators reviewed.

Joe Junio, 36, faces charges of open murder with a deadly weapon, attempted murder with a deadly weapon, two charges of child abuse involving a deadly weapon, and discharging of a firearm where a person might be endangered for the Dec. 29, 2023, killing of 46-year-old Nick Davi.

A still image from the shooting of Nick Davis as provided in court documents. (KLAS)

In addition to Junio, the lawsuit lists the person who owned the firearm used to shoot the couple as a party, though the exact owner of the weapon was unknown at the time of the lawsuit’s filing.

Davi was a pastor at Grace Point Church in North Las Vegas. He moved to North Las Vegas in 2005 after leaving the South after Hurricane Katrina, the lawsuit said.

Sarah Davi, his wife, was wounded in the shooting, the lawsuit said.

Nick Davi and Sarah Davi’s 15-year-old and 12-year-old children were also at the scene and recorded the shooting on their phones, according to police. A still image of that video was included in the wrongful death lawsuit.

Junio and the Davi family were neighbors and in the weeks before the shooting, Junio exhibited “escalating threatening behavior” after the family reported her to the HOA for violations related to chickens and dogs, a police report said.

In response, Junio started harassing and threatening the family, resulting in them calling the police on her twice in the month before the shooting, according to the report.

On the day of the shooting, the family was getting into their car to leave for the evening when they saw Junio drive past and look at them. Junio then parked next to them and rolled down her window. At that point, one of the victims’ children started recording on her phone, the report said.

A booking photo of Joe Junio. (NLVPD/KLAS)

One of the victims asked Junio, “Why don’t you leave us alone? We’ve had enough.” Junio continued to stare at the family and the victim then asked “What’s your problem with us?” and took a couple of steps toward the car.

Junio then got out of the car and started to shoot toward the family, hitting Nick Davi and Sarah Davi, police said. One of the victims fought over the gun with Junio before she ran away to her apartment.

The lawsuit does not name the homeowners’ association, but alleges the community “provided information to [the] defendant regarding complaints deceased made about [the] defendant.”

The lawsuit lists wrong death, among other causes of action, and asks a jury to award damages above $15,000, which is the standard minimum in Nevada civil lawsuits.

Junio remained in custody at the Clark County Detention Center as of Tuesday on $300,000 bail.

Better than Monday, but flight delays still occurring Tuesday in Las Vegas

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:46:24 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- It was a rough day for travelers flying in or out of Harry Reid International Airport Monday. So far, Tuesday appears to be doing better, but travelers are still dealing with delays.

By Tuesday afternoon, 425 flights were delayed and eight were canceled, according to FlightAware, which tracks flights around the world. On Monday, the average delay time for some flights was more than 2 hours. On Tuesday, the average delay on some flights was in excess of 80 minutes, the FAA reported. Flight arrival and departure times can be checked at this link.

Winter storms in Las Vegas and around the country resulted in the delay of more than 700 flights and the cancellation of 83 flights Monday at Reid International Airport. The fierce winter storms are starting to diminish in some parts of the country making travel easier.

Nevada Health Link hits 2nd-highest enrollment ever

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:21:03 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Nevada Health Link enrolled 99,312 Nevadans in health insurance plans at the Jan. 15 deadline -- the second-highest total in state history, according to a Tuesday news release.

That's up 3% over last year's totals. At the beginning of 2022, officials announced record-setting enrollment numbers of over 100,000.

Another 20,984 people signed up for dental insurance this year.

"These enrollment numbers, which are among the largest the state has ever seen, highlight the demand for affordable health and dental coverage in Nevada," Russell Cook, executive director of Nevada Health Link, said. "At Nevada Health Link, we are committed to an overall mission of providing simple and affordable pathways to getting Nevadans insured with robust plans that provide coverage at different levels and price points."

Nearly 90% of Nevadans who shopped through NevadaHealthLink.com are getting financial assistance to help pay their monthly premiums, and 40% of the people who enroll pay less than $100 to insure their entire household, according to officials.

For Nevadans who still need health insurance, you may enroll through a Special Enrollment Period if you have recently experienced a Qualifying Life Event, such as losing health insurance, change of employment or income, getting married, having a child or moving.

A full list of Qualifying Life Events is available online. To find out if you are eligible and to learn more, visit NevadaHealthLink.com or call 1-800-547-2927.

Fresh snow lures skiers, snowboarders to Lee Canyon for winter fun

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:11:46 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Las Vegas and snow skiing don't seem like they belong in the same sentence but those who call this desert city home know differently.

Barely an hour's drive from Las Vegas, you can be at Lee Canyon on Mt. Charleston in the Spring Mountains. The ski resort started welcoming skiers in 1964 and continues to do so some 60 years later. Now, you will also see snowboarders shreddin' on the mountain trails.

Little Air and Style Competition. (Credit: Lee Canyon)

Over the past 24 hours, a winter storm dropped 7 inches of snow at Lee Canyon bringing the season total to 41 inches. According to Jim Seely, the director of marketing at the resort, more than 1,300 people showed up at the mountain to either ski or snowboard and on Tuesday, there were around 1,200.

Lee Canyon recently opened its Ponderosa Chairlift and Alpenglow Surface Lift. The resort is also offering a midweek special with tickets starting at $19 which includes a $10 resort credit.

Last year, Lee Canyon received enough snow late in the season to stay open until mid-May.

Lee Canyon ski school. (Credit: Lee Canyon)

The snow has always drawn people to the surrounding mountains where one can get a taste of winter but it does come with some risks.

Snowfall and low visibility created hazardous road conditions late Monday night causing the closures of Lee and Kyle Canyon roads to non-resident vehicles that weren't equipped with snow tires or chains.

Clark County plows clear snow from roads on Mt. Charleston. (Clark County)
Clark County plows clear snow from roads on Mt. Charleston. (Clark County)

Clark County Public Works snow plows were deployed early Tuesday to clear the roads in the residential areas where some areas received as much as 6 inches of snow.

Anyone heading into the mountain areas -- whether it's to see the snow, play in it, or do some skiing -- is advised to get the road conditions ahead of time. You can do that by calling 5-1-1 or using nvroads.com.

CCSD agrees to hand over Jara's social media records

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:04:04 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — According to court documents filed on Monday, the Clark County School District has agreed to hand over records from Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara's social media accounts.

The agreement comes following a post on the social media site X from an account that belonged to Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara that said, "What leadership? Corruption and bought by crooked JV and his mistress [Neisess]?"

The "JV" mentioned is thought to be in reference to Clark County Education Association Executive Director John Vellardita, and the "Neisess" in reference to President Marie Neisess. The post came after several Nevada lawmakers had called for Jara to be fired during a tense negotiation over teacher's contracts.

The account was deactivated sometime after the post was published. At the time, Neisess took issue with the post, saying she was owed an apology.

“I feel like Superintendent Jara needs to apologize not only to me but really to all students because he is not setting a good example. We teach anti-bullying to our students, but yet that’s exactly what he did this morning,” Neisess said.

The school district's deadline to deliver the records is set for Feb. 5.

Brightline West halfway to $12 billion funding for Las Vegas high-speed train

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:15:26 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Bonds approved for a high-speed train from Las Vegas to Southern California will put the project past the halfway point for funding the $12 billion project.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that $2.5 billion in private activity bonds have been approved for Brightline West. It's another big step in funding the fully electric trains that are expected to run down the median of Interstate 15 from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga -- about 45 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

This undated illustration provided by Brightline West shows an illustration of the Brightline West High Speed Rail project train from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Brightline West via AP)

Funding sources so far for Brightline West include:

$2.5 billion in private activity bonds announced today
$3 billion grant for the Nevada Department of Transportation, allocated to the project and announced in December
$1 billion private activity bond approved in 2020
$25 million grant to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority announced in June

"Today, the Biden-Harris administration takes the next step to fulfill the promise of high-speed rail in the American West, with $2.5 billion in private activity bond authority to lay tracks, create jobs, and connect American cities," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. "President Biden's historic infrastructure package gives us the opportunity to build safe, green, and accessible rail systems that will deliver benefits to the American people for generations to come."

The expected route of Brightline West, showing the additional Metrolink travel between Los Angeles’ Union Station and Rancho Cucamonga.” (Brightline)

The high-speed trains will be capable of speeds of 186 mph or more, according to a Department of Transportation news release. "The project will bolster tourism, create 35,000 good-paying jobs, ease traffic on I-15, and cut more than 400,000 tons of carbon pollution each year," the release said.

Brightline founder and chairman Wes Edens said he sees the Las Vegas-California link as a blueprint for connecting cities.

Brightline expanded its Florida train service on Sept. 22, 2023, and is now running 15 round-trips daily between Miami and Orlando. That train is hitting speeds of about 125 mph.

"Building a high speed rail corridor from Las Vegas to Southern California will drive economic investment and opportunity across the region," U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg said. "Residents and visitors alike will benefit from access to a fast and sustainable travel option that better connects key cities."

Nevada unemployment continues stubborn high streak in December

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:49:20 +0000

Nevada’s unemployment rate showing signs of a continously growing labor force, according to a new state report.

Adam Harrison died from fentanyl overdose, 'Pawn Stars' personality says

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:00:30 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The son of "Pawn Stars" personality Rick Harrison died of a fentanyl overdose, the TV show lead told the New York Post Monday.

According to the report, Adam Harrison, 39, died from an overdose of the addictive substance. News broke of Harrison's death on Friday. At the time, the Harrison family released a statement saying, in part, "Our family is extremely saddened by the death of Adam." No details on Harrison's death were revealed at that time. However, TMZ initially reported his death as an overdose.

Rick Harrison confirmed to the New York Post that a fentanyl overdose caused his son's death.

“The fentanyl crisis in this country must be taken more seriously,” Harrison said to The Post. “It seems it is just flowing over the borders and nothing is being done about it. We must do better.”

The TV show, which first broadcast in 2009, focuses on the Harrisons' "Gold & Silver Pawn Shop," located on the Las Vegas Strip, north of Charleston Boulevard. Adam Harrison is not featured on the show.

World's largest ballet scholarship competition comes to Las Vegas

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 18:26:22 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Hundreds of aspiring ballet dancers from all over Nevada are hoping to dance their way to the top in Las Vegas.

The talented ballerinas, ages nine through 19, will be competing at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) ballet scholarship auditions for a chance to dance professionally for the American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, New York City Ballet, and more.

Local dancers, Tiara Sherman and Clarisse Gargantos are part of a talented team of dancers at The Rock Center for Dance in Las Vegas, under the leadership of Quinn Callahan. The girls train upwards of 25 hours per week, including technique and athleisure training. They will be competing ballet and contemporary solo routines at the YAGP scholarship competition, hoping to go professional on the line.

Youth America Grand Prix is the largest global network of dance and the world’s largest ballet scholarship competition. Auditions will occur at the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre on Thursday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 27. The event is open to the public. For more information, visit this link.

Federal lawsuit alleges sexual harassment, ‘dehumanizing’ treatment in Nevada sheriff’s office

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:36:20 +0000

A husband and wife have filed a lawsuit against the White Pine County sheriff’s office, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation and a “dehumanizing” workplace.

The Killers announce Las Vegas residency

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:55:24 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Killers, who are from Las Vegas, will play a limited run of shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in August.

Caesars Palace announces on X that The Killers will do a residency in Las Vegas. (Credit: Caesars Palace)

This year is the 20th anniversary of their debut album "Hot Fuss" which features 11 songs and was released in June 2004. Their residency will begin Aug. 14 and run through Aug. 30.

"It's good to be home," The Killers posted on the band's X account.

The public on-sale begins Jan. 27.

Pedestrian hit, killed in central Las Vegas valley

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:42:07 +0000

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A pedestrian was hit and killed in the central Las Vegas valley Monday, according to Metro police.

Around 7:35 p.m., police responded to the intersection of Burnham Avenue and Flamingo Road after a report of a pedestrian hit.

Police said a driver was traveling east on Flamingo Road and crossed the intersection on a green light when a pedestrian, who is believed to have been outside of a crosswalk, crossed the street.

The driver then hit the pedestrian. Despite life-saving efforts, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver remained at the scene and did not show signs of impairment.

This marks the 12th traffic-related fatality in Metro's jurisdiction in 2024.

Lee takes heat for voting with House Republicans on ‘open-borders’ resolution

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 14:52:30 +0000

"Did this resolution contain language that I do not support? Absolutely, but the reality is that our immigration system is broken and ignoring the problems at our border will not make them go away," Rep. Susie Lee said. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Immigration advocates are slamming Nevada Democratic Rep. Susie Lee’s recent vote for a resolution which denounces the Biden administration for creating “the illegal alien crisis at the southwest border” by “halting border wall construction” and “mass releasing millions of illegal aliens into the country.”

The resolution, introduced by Republican Rep. Nathaniel Moran of Texas, passed the House last week with a 225-187 margin. Lee was one of only 14 Democrats to join Republicans in the vote.

The resolution, H.Res. 957, denounces the Biden administration for rolling back numerous hard-right immigration policies created under the Trump administration, including the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which required migrants to wait in Mexico while their asylum cases were processed, and the construction of the border wall.

Under the resolution, Republicans characterized the Biden administration’s immigration strategy as “open-border policies” and a “national security and public safety crisis.”

House Republicans have been struggling to find common ground with Democrats and with their GOP Senate colleagues as Congress tries to reach an agreement on a border policy that all sides want reformed. Republicans are also counting on immigration being a potent issue for them in this year’s elections, with likely Republican presidential nominee and former president Donald Trump taking the lead.

During his victory speech following the Iowa caucuses last week, Trump vowed to push for harsher immigration policies, including mass deportations, and an expansion of the border wall.

“We’re going to seal up the border,” Trump said to a cheering crowd, characterizing people claiming asylum at the Southern border as an “invasion.”

‘Deeply disappointing’

Immigration advocates in Nevada slammed Lee’s vote for the resolution, citing her role as a federal representative for a state with one of the highest shares of foreign-born residents.

Laura Martin, the executive director of PLAN Action, said “embracing the racist, xenophobic policies of Trump is not a logical step forward in any sense of the word for anyone who claims to be a champion of immigrant communities.”

“These are our neighbors, classmates, and friends who pay taxes, follow the law, and are important contributors to the fabric of our communities. But when politicians like Susie Lee govern through fear, they leave these communities in the margins. Citizenship is a logical step forward. Registry is a logical step forward,” Martin said.

Leo Murrieta, the director of Make the Road Nevada Action, called Lee’s approval of anti-immigration rhetoric in H.Res. 957, “a significant misstep” and “deeply disappointing.”

“We expect Nevada Democrats to stand by immigrants, but this vote aligns Congresswoman Lee with GOP extremists,” Murrieta said.

In a brief statement to the Current, Lee defended her vote on the resolution, and highlighted her sponsorship of the bipartisan Dignity Act, a bill that would fund physical barriers, detection technology, and personnel along the border, while reforming the U.S. asylum system.

“Did this resolution contain language that I do not support? Absolutely, but the reality is that our immigration system is broken and ignoring the problems at our border will not make them go away. I remain committed to finding a bipartisan solution that protects our border and creates a path to citizenship,” Lee said.

During a House floor debate on the resolution, Minnesota Republican Rep. Michelle Fischbach argued that “the president has failed to maintain operation control of this nation’s borders.”

Democrats struck a different tune, calling the resolution a GOP campaign tool.

“It’s an effort to keep campaigning on the fear of immigrants rather than any serious attempt to address the complex issues created by global migration forces and decades of congressional inaction,” said Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon on the House floor.

The vote also came amid Republican-led impeachment proceedings of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which Democrats have dismissed as another Republican attempt at distraction. Nevada Democratic Rep. Dina Titus called the GOP’s Mayorkas impeachment effort “nothing more than a political stunt to distract from one of the least productive Congresses in American history.”

Perpetually competitive CD3

Lee’s penchant for crossing the ideological aisle in the name of bipartisanship has also left her on the opposing side of Nevada’s Democratic House members on other issues. Last year, Lee was the only Democrat in the Nevada House delegation to vote to censure progressive stalwart Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Minnesota for her criticism of Israel.

Lee is seeking her fourth term in Nevada’s 3rd congressional district, considered a battleground district by both parties ever since it was established following the 2000 census.

In 2016, Lee’s district swung in favor of Trump for president, spurning former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. During the 2020 presidential election, the district swung back in Democrats favor, handing President Joe Biden a narrow victory.

Only time will tell which direction Nevada’s 3rd congressional district goes in the upcoming presidential election, but Democrats have some reasons to be optimistic.

After the 2020 U.S. Census, lawmakers in Nevada redrew the state’s political boundaries, shifting Democratic voters away from Nevada’s 1st congressional district — a historically ironclad safe seat for Democrats — to the state’s two swing districts, boosting Lee’s chances for reelection.

Still, during the last midterm election Lee defeated her Republican opponent April Becker by a narrow 2% margin.

As an incumbent, Lee is currently running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

In the Republican primary, four opponents are vying for a chance to unseat Lee: business owner Elizabeth Halgelien, marketing consultant Drew Johnson, twice-defeated House candidate Steve Shiffman, and Steve London, who does not have a campaign site.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric in the House resolution is an indication of what migrant communities can expect this election year, said Murrieta, adding that it “highlights the failure of representatives from both sides of the aisle to address the real issues within our immigration system and their promotion of divisive policies.”

Murrieta called on Congress to avoid using “immigrants as political pawns” and instead prioritize immigration reform, a pathway to citizenship, and support for asylum seekers.

“For over a decade, Latine voters have played a decisive role in determining who represents CD3,” Murrieta said. “Immigrants are vital to Nevada’s economy and future, and it’s crucial that our representatives remember the immigrant families who have supported them over the years when casting votes in Congress.”

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