Tag: Nevada News

Canadian tourist guilty of animal cruelty after stealing Las Vegas flamingo

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A Canadian man has been found guilty of animal cruelty after he took a flamingo from its enclosure in Las Vegas and brought it back to his hotel room during an alcohol-fuelled bender. Mitchell Fairbarn, who was visiting the US city, took the Chilean flamingo named Peachy from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in March. Videos shown at his trial showed a smiling Fairbarn carrying the bird by the neck as he took a lift to his room. He testified that he had drunk 30 to 40 beers before the incident and said he never meant to harm the animal. He faces nearly five years in prison. Animal experts testified the flamingo had feathers torn out and suffered blood loss due to Fairbarn’s actions.

A lawyer for Fairbarn said his actions were intended as a harmless prank, and blamed alcohol for his “bad decisions”. “He should not have done that, should not have gone into the habitat, shouldn’t have touched a bird, shouldn’t have taken Peachy inside,” said his lawyer Josh Tomsheck. “The truth is, Mitch was drunk. Mitch was stupid. He made bad decisions.” His lawyer added he had received death threats since his arrest. Testifying in his defence, Fairbarn, 34, said he thought it would be “funny” to take the bird. He said he had been up drinking all night and had just gotten off a call with a colleague when he made the decision to abscond with the bird. The Flamingo Las Vegas, located along the famous Las Vegas strip, features a wildlife habitat inside its hotel and casino that is free to walk through. It features a flock of Chilean flamingos, other birds, fish and turtles. During the trial, the jury heard from 14 witnesses and reviewed more than 112 pieces of evidence, according to CBS, the BBC’s US partner.

It took a jury around five hours to convict him on felony and misdemeanour animal abuse charges. Fairbarn has been unable to leave the US since his arrest. He remains on house arrest in Las Vegas, with a sentencing hearing due to take place in December. A veterinarian for the state said that Peachy has largely recovered since the event but has a now has a more anxious demeanour around humans.

Source: Canadian tourist guilty of animal cruelty after stealing Las Vegas flamingo

He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

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Bear calls rise around Lake Tahoe as California, Nevada take different approaches

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Black bear walking through a pine forest near cabins and a mountain lake

Bear-related calls are on the rise around the Lake Tahoe region, with South Lake Tahoe police reporting 174 calls so far this year, compared with 97 during the same period last year. But because Lake Tahoe spans California and Nevada, how officials respond to bears can look very different depending on which side of the lake you’re on. In Nevada, wildlife officials have a unique tool at their disposal: a four-legged bear chaser named Badger. Badger is a Karelian Bear Dog trained to work alongside Nevada Department of Wildlife biologists. His job is to haze bears that have become too comfortable around people.

The goal isn’t to hurt the bear. Instead, the dogs create a negative association with people and encourage the bear to retreat back into the wild. “Using the dogs versus other tools makes a difference in the amount of time that they stay away from people, how quick they are to retreat from people when they’re encountered again,” said Becca Carniello, a Nevada Department of Wildlife game biologist. Nevada has used Karelian Bear Dogs since 2001, and officials say the dogs can help change how a bear responds the next time it encounters people. California uses a different toolbox. California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Cort Klopping says officers can use a range of hazing techniques, including yelling, making themselves appear larger, using air horns and other loud noisemakers.

In some cases, wildlife officials also use bean-bag guns or paintball guns. With bear activity increasing around Tahoe, that raises the question: Why not add a dog like Badger to California’s toolbox? Klopping says California has considered the approach but doesn’t see enough added benefit to justify it. “It’s something that has been successful for a lot of different departments in the past. It doesn’t seem like it’s really worth it necessarily for us. It doesn’t give us any more effectiveness than the other hazing techniques that we use to move the bears along,” Klopping said. The states may use different tools, but wildlife officials on both sides agree that hazing is only a temporary solution. “Anything we do with the bear, hazing the bear, it’s only a temporary behavior change.

The permanent solution has to come from people securing their trash,” Carniello said. That puts human behavior at the center of the issue. Unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outside and even a dirty barbecue grill can attract bears — and once a bear learns that people mean an easy meal, it can become increasingly comfortable coming back. “The attractants, you know, that goes for unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outside, even something as simple as not cleaning your grill after you use it,” Klopping said.

So while Nevada’s Badger can chase a bear away and people can haze one when it gets too close, wildlife officials say the best defense is preventing bears from finding a reason to stick around in the first place. For now, the message from wildlife officials remains the same: Different states may have different tools, but keeping bears wild starts with keeping human food and trash out of reach.

Source: Bear calls rise around Lake Tahoe as California, Nevada take different approaches – CBS Sacramento

We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Galatians 2:15-16

Hunted for Following Jesus

In some communities, Muslims who leave Islam to follow Christ face rejection, threats, violence, and even death because of their faith. For Muslim-background believers, choosing to follow…

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Nevada Secretary of State reports over 50K fewer active registered voters in August

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Voters casting ballots at a polling place with a ballot box

The number of active registered voters during August has decreased compared to July. The Secretary of State’s office released an update reporting a decline of 50,130 active registered voters. The office says the decrease is largely due to list maintenance activities, which often happen ahead of the National Voter Registration Act 90-day quiet period before an election. It prohibits list maintenance activities until the election is over.

Nonpartisan active registered voters decreased by 18,791 (-2.30%). Democratic Party active registered voters statewide decreased by 14,168 (-2.43%). Republican Party active registered voters statewide decreased by 13,003 (-2.24%). Independent American Party active registered voters decreased by 2,657 (-3.11%), and Libertarian Party of Nevada active registered voters decreased by 479 (-3.40%).

Source: Nevada Secretary of State reports over 50K fewer active registered voters in August

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the LORD; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD.
Jeremiah 23:24

Plague in Russia?

Russian authorities have sought to allay global worries over the death of a young woman who worked at a Siberian anti-plague laboratory. But moves to isolate her…

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Overturned big rig dangles from Interstate 80 bridge, blocks eastbound traffic in Nevada County

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Traffic on Interstate Highway 80 near the Nevada state line was blocked by an overturned big rig dangling from a bridge on Friday, authorities said. The crash happened at about 11:20 a.m. on eastbound I-80 near Floriston in Nevada County, about six miles west of the state line. An image of the flipped semi from the California Highway Patrol showed the big rig’s tractor unit dangling over an overpass.  The tractor unit of a semi-trailer dangles over an overpass on eastbound Interstate Highway 80 near Floriston, Nevada County, August 28, 2026.

California Highway Patrol The truck driver was ejected from the truck and landed on an embankment below the bridge, the CHP said. The driver was airlifted to a hospital with major injuries.  Officers said it’s believed that speed and rain were factors. They said the truck hit the barrier, which caused it to turn on its side, and the driver was ejected from the side of the truck.  Eastbound I-80 traffic was originally being turned around at Hirschdale Road and was later turned back at Overland Trail west of Union Mills, according to Caltrans.

There was no estimated time for reopening the roadway as of 3:30 p.m., but Caltrans’ website said one lane was open. The trailer was removed from the truck, but crews still had a lot of cleanup to do.   People were being urged to avoid the area and Caltrans reminded drivers to slow down during Friday’s wet weather in the Sierra.

Source: Overturned big rig dangles from Interstate 80 bridge, blocks eastbound traffic in Nevada County – CBS Sacramento

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8

Christian Persecution September 25-October 2 2026

Recent reporting (roughly September 25–October 2, 2026) on Christian persecution centers on continued lethal violence in Nigeria, house-church detentions in China, and related pressures elsewhere. Nigeria Attacks attributed to Fulani militants continued…

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Trusting God Amid Life’s Storms

 Storms often reveal what we truly believe about God’s presence and power. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:40 Focus:When…

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For God so Loved the World

“God loved you enough to send His Son, Jesus loved you enough to give His life, and through faith, you are offered a hope this world can never take away.” “For God so…

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5.2 magnitude earthquake in Nevada reportedly felt as far as Sacramento

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view of the emerald bay in emerald bay state park in california united states

An early morning earthquake in Nevada on Friday was felt as far west as the Sacramento Valley. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck around 1:17 a.m. about 50 miles east of Carson City. Shaking was reported across the Reno, Carson City and South Lake Tahoe areas. People also reported feeling shaking along the Sierra Nevada foothills and into the valley, including in Roseville and Sacramento. No damage has been reported.

Source: 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Nevada reportedly felt as far as Sacramento – CBS Sacramento

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

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Justice Department says it has prosecuted $500 million in healthcare, COVID fraud claims in 3 states

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hands in handcuffs holding rolls of money

Article Dig Deeper The Justice Department said this week that it has wrapped up health care fraud investigations in three states which had cost Americans over $500 million among the respective parties. The announcement comes the same week that the Justice Department created its National Fraud Enforcement Division, which is a major step in the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on misuse of public funds. The Justice Department said it has finished its healthcare fraud investigations in California, Florida and Nevada and secured either guilty pleas, settlements or sentences.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the department, working closely with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, is supercharging efforts to take down every fraudster and bring them to justice,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “In one day, the Department prosecuted the theft of a half-billion in taxpayer dollars. All those ripping off the American people are on notice.” The largest haul came from California, where a scheme defrauded American consumers of $269.1 million, according to the Daily Signal. Paul Randall, 66, of Orange, pleaded guilty this week for his role in the pharmacy plot. Two others pleaded guilty in the scheme in 2024 and 2025.

Source: Justice Department says it has prosecuted $500 million in healthcare, COVID fraud claims in 3 states | Just The News

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
Proverbs 25:28

Recent Abortion News (March 11 – March 18, 2026)

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News

Abortion policy continued to evolve at the state level this week, with new restrictions signed into law, high-profile legislative failures, court victories on religious-freedom grounds, and ongoing preparations for 2026 ballot battles. Both pro-life and pro-choice groups remained active, framing developments around fetal protections versus access and health impacts. Here are the major stories:

1. Wyoming Enacts 6-Week “Heartbeat” Ban

  • Governor Mark Gordon signed HB 126, banning most abortions once a heartbeat is detectable (around six weeks), with exceptions only for medical emergencies. Wyoming becomes the fifth state with such a law. The state’s sole abortion clinic reported turning away roughly a dozen patients in the days following the signing. Pro-life advocates hailed it as a major step forward; reproductive-rights organizations criticized the early cutoff and warned of increased travel burdens for Wyoming women.

2. Tennessee “Abortion-as-Homicide” Bill Fails

  • A controversial proposal (sponsored by Rep. Jody Barrett and Sen. Mark Pody) that would have classified abortion as homicide—potentially carrying life imprisonment or the death penalty—died in a House subcommittee. No Republican members voted to advance it, surprising some observers and sparking protests outside the capitol. Pro-life hardliners expressed disappointment at the lack of support, while pro-choice groups called the bill’s defeat a “victory for women’s rights and common sense.”

3. Jersey (Channel Islands, UK) Expands Access to 22 Weeks

  • Lawmakers passed legislation raising the abortion limit from previous restrictions to 22 weeks and reducing other barriers. The new law sets a resident fee of £185 through government healthcare. UK pro-choice campaigners welcomed the move as modernizing outdated rules; local faith-based and pro-life voices voiced concern over the extended gestational window.

4. Indiana Court Strikes Down Restrictions on Religious Grounds

  • In a landmark ruling, Judge Christina R. Klineman found that Indiana’s abortion laws violate the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)—the first successful challenge of its kind using religious-liberty arguments. The decision could open new legal pathways for clinics and patients. Pro-life organizations warned it may significantly expand access, while religious liberty and reproductive-rights attorneys praised it as precedent-setting.

5. 2026 Ballot-Measure Battles Heat Up

  • Virginia: A lawsuit was filed to keep a proposed constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights off the November ballot.
  • Missouri: A measure to repeal the state’s 2024 abortion protections advanced in signature gathering.
  • Nevada and several other states remain active fronts, with KFF analysts noting that 2026 could see more voter-driven decisions on both expansion and restriction of access. Both sides are pouring resources into these campaigns.

6. Kansas Protects Crisis Pregnancy Centers

  • The legislature passed a bill shielding crisis pregnancy centers from certain regulatory requirements and advertising restrictions. Pro-life groups celebrated the measure as safeguarding supportive services for women; opponents argued it limits transparency for those seeking abortion information.

7. UK Catholic Leaders Oppose Decriminalization Push

  • The Catholic Archbishop of Westminster and other faith leaders intensified campaigning against clauses in the Crime and Policing Bill that would decriminalize abortion up to birth. A key vote is expected soon. This has reignited national debate on late-term procedures and the role of conscience protections.

8. National Trends and Data Notes

  • Medication (chemical) abortions continue to dominate (now ~63–65% of total procedures per recent tracking). Reports again linked strict state bans to measurable rises in maternal-mortality indicators and interstate travel. Advocacy organizations on both sides released updated statistics and called for federal or state-level action ahead of the mid-year legislative sessions.

The landscape remains highly polarized, with courts, legislatures, and voters all playing pivotal roles. For full details, check state legislative trackers and reports from the Guttmacher Institute and KFF.

Source: Grok on X

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 43:2

Maryland invests $11 million to expand bike, pedestrian and trail infrastructure

Maryland is investing more than $11 million in grants to expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across the state. The Maryland Department of Transportation says the funding will support nearly 25 projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility. The projects include Safe Routes to School improvements, bikeway connections and trail upgrades. Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County…

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Why are so many yellowjackets buzzing around Southeast Michigan?

They induce fear. They’re aggressive. And for some people, they pose a serious health risk. Many people’s instinct is to swat and run away from those black-and-yellow bugs that have a really painful sting, but this year it seems there are a lot of yellowjackets everywhere. But why? Dion DeGennaro, president of Sergio’s Pest Control,…

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Berkeley officials sound alarm after 5 bats test positive for rabies

Officials in the East Bay city of Berkeley have issued a warning to residents and doctors amid a rising number of bats that have tested positive for rabies. In a letter sent to the Berkeley City Council on Aug. 26, City Manager Paul Buddenhagen’s office said lab tests confirmed five rabies-positive bats were found. The…

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A study of the Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele, also famously known as the Moabite Stone, is a 3-foot-tall black basalt monument dating back to circa 840 BCE. It is one of the most vital archaeological discoveries connecting biblical history with extra-biblical evidence. Commissioned by King Mesha of Moab (a kingdom situated in modern-day Jordan), the stele boasts 34 lines of…

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