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NV Energy seeks to hike rates to fund self-insurance policies against wildfires

NV Energy is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to allow it to establish a $500 million self-insurance fund in order to have adequate liability insurance in the event of a catastrophic wildfire alleged to “have been caused or exacerbated by utility equipment.” The fund would bring the utility’s coverage to close to $1 billion. The self-insurance policy would be funded by customers, based on their electricity usage.

Lawmaker questions why state is using secret algorithm to determine at-risk student funding

Nevada is using a secret algorithm to determine which students are considered at-risk enough to warrant additional education funding, raising concerns about transparency. Developed for the State of Nevada by Minnesota-based tech company Infinite Campus, the algorithm is said to use “machine learning and decades of student data to identify patterns of predictability.” It assigns each K-12 public school student a “graduation related analytic data” (GRAD) score using dozens of data points, including their cumulative GPA, tardies and absences, changes in home address, and immigrant status.

Rare Nevada butterfly proposed for endangered species protections

A rare tiny butterfly found only in a remote stretch of Northern Nevada will soon gain federal protections under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday that the bleached sandhill skipper, a small golden-orange butterfly that typically measures under 2 inches long, warrants federal protections as an endangered or threatened species.

Feds taking steps to bar oil, gas development in Rubies

RENO (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration said Dec. 30 it is taking steps to bar oil, gas and geothermal development for 20 years in northeastern Nevada’s Ruby Mountains.

Early winter snowpack promising, but drought and warmer temperatures loom large

As Nevada heads into the winter months, the state’s water reserves will largely depend on the amount of precipitation and snowmelt that hits the state over the next several months. Snow water amounts across northern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra, a major water source for Lake Tahoe, are above normal and range from 106% to 157% of median for this time of year.

Activists urge investigation of lithium mine's impact on tiny snail, intend to sue

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Opponents of the nation's largest lithium mine under construction want U.S. officials to investigate whether the project in Nevada already has caused a drop in groundwater levels that could lead to extinction of a tiny snail being considered for endangered species protection.

BLM seeks input on proposed land sale to speed Anaconda mine cleanup

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the proposed sale of 2,062 acres of public lands within the Anaconda Mine Site in Lyon County to Atlantic Richfield Company in order to facilitate clean-up activities at the site.

Cattlemen’s Update returns to provide market, production and research updates

RENO, Nev. – University of Nevada, Reno will host the annual Cattlemen’s Update in person and virtually, Jan. 13 – 17. For more than 40 years, the University has held several sessions across Nevada in January to provide ranchers with current research-based information about issues that may affect the efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainability of their businesses and Nevada’s cattle industry.

A million taxpayers will soon receive up to $1,400 from the IRS. Who are they and why now?

(AP)— Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people's bank accounts or sent in the mail by a paper check.

The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees

NEW YORK (AP) — The Biden administration has finalized a rule limiting overdraft fees banks can charge, as part of the White House's campaign to reduce junk fees that hit consumers on everyday purchases, including banking services. President Joe Biden had called the fees, which can be as high as $35, “exploitative,” while the banking industry has lobbied extensively to keep the existing fee structures in place.

Nevada 4H State Expo wraps up

The Nevada 4-H State Expo was held this past fall at the Rafter 3C Arena and the Fallon Trap Club. Nearly 200 youth from across the state partici-pated in the year’s culminating event. The road to the Expo was long, as youth had to qualify for their con-test(s) or with their project(s) at a local or regional event before the expo.

Extension offers combined small-acreage and farm-to-fork certification program

RENO — University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program is providing a certification program Jan. 22–March 19 geared toward new or up-and-coming ranchers and farmers that will allow them to obtain a Nevada Beginning Farmer & Rancher Level 1 Small Acreage and Farm to Fork Certification.

The 2025 NDAA benefits Northern Nevada installations

Northern Nevada benefitted from Wednesday’s passage of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act with Naval Air Station Fallon and the Hawthorne Army Depot receiving funding to enhance the training at the two installations. The $985 billion bill now goes to the president’s desk for his signature. The NDAA authorizes $48.3 million as part of the Fallon Range Training Complex modernization to pay ranchers for their land permits.

BLM allocates $1.79 million wildfire risk mitigation

RENO — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada has committed $1.79 million to support wildfire risk reduction efforts across the state through the Wildland Fire Community Assistance Program. The funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help local fire departments, counties, and non-profit organizations implement fuels management projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks to communities.

Applications open in NV for $156M in federally funded community rooftop solar

Nevada’s “green bank” is now looking to distribute $156 million in federal funds to help thousands of low-income households benefit from solar power, whether they own property or not. While rooftop solar has exploded in popularity, high upfront costs and physical constraints have prevented lower-income residents and renters from reaping the benefits of low-cost solar power. One solution enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act – the largest U.S. investment in clean energy ever – directs solar financing to governments, nonprofits, and businesses willing to share at least half of their solar energy gains with low-income households in exchange for millions in upfront financing.