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Showing posts from December, 2022

WATCH: "Las Vegas Countdown to 2023"

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The countdown to 2023 has begun! KLAS-TV is hosting the "Las Vegas Countdown to 2023", a live New Year's Eve special starting at 8:58 p.m. to 12:35 p.m. PST. The New Year’s Eve special will be hosted by two-time Emmy nominee, comedian, and actor Michael Yo, and news personality and Fandango correspondent Nikki Novak, live from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is the Presenting Sponsor of the broadcast. The extravaganza will feature musical performances from Emmy-award-winning DJ Dave Audé, country singing star Casey Donahew, and appearances by Usher and Keith Urban. In addition, artists Belinda Carlisle, Chris Isaak, and bands Switchfoot and Yachtley Crew will perform as Las Vegas counts down to 2023 in style! There will also be a performance from the legendary Las Vegas act, Blue Man Group. The KLAS-TV broadcast will be delivered to more than 16.5 million U.S. households and air live in 14 Nexstar television marke

UPDATE: Storm knocks out Reno power, closes highways on New Year's Eve

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- About 47,000 customers are without power in widespread power outages in the Reno area, and NV Energy advises that service might not be restored until Sunday afternoon. A heavy storm hit the area Saturday night and caused highway closures on Interstate 80, U.S. 50 and U.S. 89. NV Energy posted on Twitter: "A winter storm has caused multiple outages throughout the Reno and Tahoe areas. Our crews will work around the clock to restore power safely and as quickly as possible, but some customers could be out of power until Jan. 1, 2023. We apologize for the inconvenience." A map on NV Energy's website showed outages in Reno, Sparks, Carson City and extending along U.S. 50 to Fallon. Outages were also affecting Minden, Garnerville, Yerington and Fernley. Forecasts called for 12 to 18 inches of snow in the foothills around Reno. An update at 8:30 p.m. indicates 47,731 customers are affected by outages. from KLAS https://ift.tt/9rqMPND

Pedestrian struck, killed in east Las Vegas valley

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)-- Las Vegas Metro police are investigating a deadly vehicle collision in the east valley. Per Metro, a pedestrian was struck at Boulder Highway and East Russell Road, near Clark County Wetlands Park. Police said the pedestrian was transported to Sunrise Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. No further information has been released. from KLAS https://ift.tt/hrdZyAU

Bighorn sheep hoisted by helicopter in Death Valley as scientists study disease resistance

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A study of bighorn sheep in Death Valley National Park aims to figure out why some herds are more resistant to disease than others. Sixty sheep were captured and transported by helicopter as part of the study. Researchers collected genetic, disease, immune and microbiome samples from each bighorn sheep, and they were released after a GPS collar was attached for tracking. A bighorn sheep is transported by helicopter as part of a study in Death Valley National Park. (Photo courtesy NPS/Bill Sloan) "In November and early December, park visitors might have seen bighorn sheep hanging from a helicopter," according to a park news release. "These GPS collars will help produce the most accurate picture of the location, movement, and size of desert bighorn herds in Death Valley to date. They will also provide real time monitoring of how bighorn sheep respond to challenges like disease, human activities and climate change." The study involves resear

What grocery stores will be open on New Year's Eve, Day?

(NEXSTAR) - Whether you forgot the champagne or are searching for a snack this New Year's weekend, you may want to be prepared before you rush to the grocery stores. Some will have limited hours or even be closed for part of the holiday weekend. Here's a look at what stores will - and won't - be open for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Stores open on New Year's Eve, closed New Year's Day Aldi : Hours may vary for  ALDI stores  on New Year's Eve; you can check your location’s hours  online . Stores will be closed on New Year's Day. Costco : Hours may vary by location on New Year's Eve; you can find your local Costco’s hours  here . Warehouses will be closed on New Year's Day. Sam’s Club:  Locations will be open until 6 p.m. local time on New Year's Eve and closed on New Year's Day, according to the  company’s website . Trader Joe's : Stores will close early on New Year's Eve at 5 p.m. and remain closed on New Year'

Man found dead in vehicle after crashing into waterline in central Las Vegas valley

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A man was found dead with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle after colliding with a waterline east of Lorenzi Park. On New Year's Eve around 12:25 a.m., Metro police received a report of a vehicle that had crashed with a waterline near West Bonanza Road and Clarkway Drive. The arriving officers found an adult man inside a vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, according to police. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. This is an ongoing investigation led by the LVMPD Homicide Section. from KLAS https://ift.tt/WbJv3ap

Countdown to 'America's Party' on the Las Vegas Strip begins

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The countdown begins for the return of America’s party on the one and only Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas New Year’s Eve party will include fireworks For over two decades fireworks by Grucci have shot them off. This year an eight-minute spectacle with fireworks shooting off from eight different hotels. Christopher Grucci helped organize it all. ‘Las Vegas Countdown to 2023’ hosts preview New Year’s Eve special "Seven days of 40 people working every day getting this up off the ground," Grucci said. "Right now the main concern is the wind." Grucci added that safety zones have been established around each property. A tester firework will be shot off from each hotel with the goal being that the remnants fall inside the zones. "We don’t wanna take that risk, we don’t wanna put anybody at risk," he added. "We don’t want to potentially put anyone in harm." Those interested in viewing the fireworks will be able to do so acro

DETR responds to unemployment filing issues

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) responded to issues regarding the filing system for unemployment on Friday. The workforce development agency said some people said they have been dealing with issues as they attempted to file for unemployment. DETR responded on Twitter just after 2 p.m. and said it is aware of the issue and is working to resolve it. The agency recommended that filers try again after 9 p.m. on Friday. from KLAS https://ift.tt/RLpPit7

Southwest Airlines resumes flights at Harry Reid after hectic week for travelers

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- About 3,900 Southwest planes were back in the air on Friday following a hectic week for passengers when more than 15,000 flights were canceled across the U.S. Only six Southwest flights that arrived in Las Vegas were canceled on Friday and no departures. Passengers that spoke to 8 News Now's Madison Kimbro said they were excited to be home in Las Vegas, some even visiting the valley for New Year's Eve. "Oh my, it feels amazing to be home," expressed Akash Abraham. Abraham and his family are back home after a long stressful week on the east coast. Visiting family in North Carolina for Christmas. They said they were finally able to make it back Friday, by flying Delta. Southwest customers Christina Rodriguez and Michael Contreras flew into Las Vegas from California to celebrate the new year, but they almost thought they wouldn't make it because of this week's chaos. "We bought tickets to the 49ers-Raiders game and we would have be

70-foot drop at Lake Mead among urgent concerns in 2023 on Colorado River

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Will 2022 be remembered as the year the West woke up to the realities of the historic drought affecting the Colorado River? One thing's for sure: the alarm clock is going off, and it's time to get moving. That sense of urgency has grown in Nevada, where water officials have forwarded a framework seeking big water use cuts for Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico -- the "Upper Basin states" of the Colorado River Basin. The states would be responsible for saving 500,000 acre-feet of water each year. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), led by John Entsminger, released the plan on Dec. 20 in partnership with the Colorado River Commission of Nevada (CRCNV). It wasn't received with open arms. Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s Colorado River commissioner, told the Salt Lake Tribune , "I like the fact that Nevada threw something on the table, because that gives us a point to talk to them about and explain again how the Upper Basin works."

Washington homicide suspects lead North Las Vegas police on highway chase

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Two homicide suspects were arrested after leading North Las Vegas police and other law enforcement agencies on a vehicle chase Friday afternoon, according to police. Police in Lacy, Washington contacted North Las Vegas police for help in tracking the two suspects, NLVPD said. The suspects were found in the area of North 5th Street and I-215 around 11:30 a.m. before they fled northbound on I-15. Their vehicle was eventually spiked and stopped by Mesquite police, according to NLVPD. The chase ended around 1:30 p.m., police said. The suspects, who were not identified, were taken into custody. No other details about the chase or the homicide were released. This is a developing story. from KLAS https://ift.tt/RK2Mlh7

Pedestrian hurt in crash at Pecos and Desert Inn; lanes closed in both directions

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Metro police are on the scene of a crash involving a pedestrian at Pecos Road and Desert Inn Road. The pedestrian was reported in serious condition with a possible head injury, authorities said. The pedestrian, a male of unknown age, was transported to a local hospital. He was "breathing and conscious." Police said eastbound and westbound lanes have been shut down west of Pecos. Traffic has backed up in the area. This is an ongoing investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. from KLAS https://ift.tt/tZcd0Wm

Las Vegas driver accused of his 2nd fatal DUI crash was able to rent car because his license was not revoked for months after his 4th DUI

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A man convicted of driving high and killing a man had his driver’s license revoked this summer after his fourth DUI arrest, but the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles did not process the paperwork until six days after police said that same man killed another driver while impaired. Prentiss Bates, 50, killed Jim Burchette, 58, in 2012. The crash marked Bates’ third DUI. Less than two years after getting out of prison, Bates faced his fourth DUI. By September, police arrested him again on his second fatal DUI charge – his fifth DUI. Prentiss Bates, 50, is accused of driving a car under the influence on Sept. 22 -- his second fatal DUI crash. (KLAS) “I knew it was going to be a tougher year because it has been so long,” Bert Burchette, Jim Burchette’s son, said from his living room adorned with photos of his father. Jim Burchette, a husband and father who grew up in northern Nevada, loved to ride motorcycles, his son said. He and his wife, Anna Burchette, would

Family searches for answers 1 month after Las Vegas father of 4 is killed in stabbing

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A Las Vegas family is asking for help in getting any information that could lead to the arrest of a person who killed their loved one. Marco Hornsby, 39, a Las Vegas father of four children was killed in a stabbing in late November. The deadly stabbing happened near Bonanza and Maryland Parkway. On Thursday, Marco's brother Mario and his family gathered at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department headquarters looking for an update on the stabbing that took his brother's life. “The information they've been given us has been somewhat vague,” Mario said. “They tell us they have a suspect, we don't know who the suspect is," he added. "The issue right now is locating the suspect." In response to the Hornsby family’s concerns, police told 8 News Now an arrest warrant had been issued. Mario added that Marco’s death had left a hole in his family and is being felt acutely during the holiday season. “He was always one of the first o

Inmate hunger strike at Ely State Prison ends, NDOC says

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A nearly month-long hunger strike of inmates at Ely State Prison has ended, according to a Thursday statement from the Nevada Department of Corrections. "The NDOC is pleased that the offenders at Ely State Prison have voluntarily ended their hunger strike," the statement said. It was unclear as of Thursday afternoon whether an agreement was reached between the prison and its inmates. Inmates at Nevada prison on hunger strike Dozens of inmates began the hunger strike on Dec. 5, citing poor conditions inside the prison. Throughout the past year, numerous inmates reached out to the 8 News Now Investigators stating they were placed on lockdown for consistent periods of time, their medical needs were neglected, and they felt fear for their safety. Inmate stabbed, killed at Ely State Prison, NDOC reports Return Strong, an organization that includes loved ones of Nevada inmates who advocate for better conditions inside prisons, listed several demands f

CCSD employee arrested, facing child abuse charges

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A Clark County School District employee is facing charges of child abuse after an incident that occurred last month. Dorys Tovar, 58, was arrested by the Clark County Police Department following an investigation into an incident on a bus that was reported in November. Dorys Tovar, 58 (Credit: Clark County School District Police Department) Tovar is facing one count of child abuse or neglect, according to CCSD. Tovar has been employed by CCSD since August 1998 as a specialized programs teacher's assistant and transportation aide. She has been placed on unpaid leave per the terms of the negotiated agreement with the bargaining unit since the investigation began, according to CCSD. Tovar was booked into CCDC and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 18. from KLAS https://ift.tt/06THsol

Woman killed in crash along Las Vegas Boulevard, police say

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- North Las Vegas police have closed off an intersection along Las Vegas Boulevard following a deadly crash involving a pedestrian. It happened on Wednesday just before 4 p.m. in the 2100 block of Las Vegas Boulevard North, near Lake Mead Boulevard. Police said an elderly woman believed to be in her 70s was in the crosswalk and was hit by a car traveling southbound. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The driver of the car remained at the scene of the crash. Southbound Las Vegas Boulevard North between Hamilton and Bruce is closed due to the crash. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and traffic has been diverted to nearby streets in the area. from KLAS https://ift.tt/K4nhZJA

55-year-old man found dead at Lake Havasu after kayaking accident

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A man was found dead at Lake Havasu on Wednesday after his kayak overturned the previous day. Mohave County Sheriff's Office found 55-year-old Larry Lee Curtis's body near Site six at Lake Havasu. On Tuesday, officers responded to the area after reports of a person in the water yelling for help. When deputies arrived, they found an adult man who was obviously fatigued and extremely cold treading water, according to Mohave County Sheriff's Office. The man was rescued and told police that he and Curtis went kayaking on the lake. According to MCSO, the man said that they were in the middle of the lake when both of their kayaks overturned. The man said that they were in the water for a while and started to become exhausted and cold. He said he was forced to start swimming to the shore but could not tell where it was due to the rain, wind, and darkness. According to MCSO, the man said he was in the water for about 30 minutes and had not heard from or se

New law aims to crack down on drivers who use classic car license plates to avoid smog checks

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- In a matter of days, several new laws will go into effect in Nevada, including one that will limit the number of classic license plates the state issues. According to Nevada DMV, some drivers are using classic or old-timer license plates to avoid smog checks. DMV Public Information Officer, Kevin Malone, said the number of those types of license plates increased three-fold since 2011. “The primary reason those numbers went up was people trying to claim the smog check exemption on older cars that can't pass the smog check. Or, people who just don't want the hassle of doing a smog check,” Malone said. Classic vehicle owners will have to present classic car insurance before registering or renewing next year. Insurance for classic cars is usually cheaper than regular car insurance because vintage vehicles are not driven as often. Michael Cimino owns Collector’s Dream Cars in Boulder City and said that the law will not impact true classic car owners. “It&#

Imagine Dragons to kick off CES 2023 with special live concert at Park MGM

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Las Vegas band Imagine Dragons will be kicking off CES 2023 with a special private concert in the Dolby Live amphitheater at Park MGM, according to a Wednesday news release. The concert, which will be held on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 9 p.m., will benefit the Tyler Robinson Foundation and over 35 local Las Vegas charities serving the community. Imagine Dragons and Dolby will be giving thousands of tickets to this special performance to team members, volunteers and the people that these organizations serve. “We are so excited to be partnering with Dolby to put on this special concert in Dolby Atmos benefiting TRF and local charities,” Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds said. “It’s going to be an incredible night with our fans and TRF.”  The Tyler Robinson Foundation is a foundation started in 2013 by Imagine Dragons and Tyler’s family to help battle the unseen costs of childhood cancer. The organization helps support families who are facing a pediatric cancer diagno

Man reports 2 women stole $230K watch from Las Vegas hotel room

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A Las Vegas woman is facing grand larceny charges for allegedly stealing an expensive watch from a hotel guest while visiting his room in September. Priscilla Cueva, 34, was arrested on Dec. 22, three months after the alleged crime was reported at the Wynn Hotel and Casino. According to the arrest report, the guest, whose name is redacted in the report, contacted hotel security on the morning of Sept. 18 to report his $230,000 Audemars Piguet watch had been stolen by two women. The victim said he discussed sex with two women in his hotel room but was "adamant that no money was exchanged for sex acts," the report said. The man said, before taking a quick shower, he removed his watch in front of the women and put it in the zippered compartment in his luggage. The women told him they were going to get ice for drinks but never returned to the room. He told police he fell asleep and discovered his watch was missing in the morning. A vice detective with Las

Missing doctor found dead in pond near home

JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. (WLNS) -- Dr. Bolek Payan, who was last seen on Dec. 22, has been found dead, according to the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety (BLDPS). Dr. Payan worked at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital and was reported missing after not contacting his employer, family, or friends.  On Tuesday, officials said Dr. Payan's body was found in a pond near his home around 12:30 p.m. Detectives got access to his home video camera system, which was password protected, and saw Dr. Payan walking away from his home in the afternoon. The property was checked by K-9s, drones and people walking around and they couldn't find anything. ORIGINAL: Missing doctor last seen leaving Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Holes were eventually cut in the ice of the pond near his home on Monday and divers discovered his body Tuesday. Detectives think Dr. Payan would have been dead before he was reported missing because of the weather conditions. The Jackson County Medical Examiners Offic

Southwest Airlines dominant carrier in Las Vegas -- and growing, 32% over 2021 levels

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Southwest Airlines carries more than twice the number of passengers in and out of Harry Reid International Airport compared to any other airline. More than 1.5 million passengers flew Southwest in and out of Las Vegas in November, with Spirit Airlines handling slightly more than 700,000 passengers and Frontier at just over 450,000. Canceled flights over the past days have put the spotlight on Southwest, which canceled 230 flights in Las Vegas on Tuesday as it tries to get back on track nationwide. A total of 2,500 flights had been canceled around the country and the situation didn't appear to be any better for Wednesday. Southwest released a statement Monday apologizing to customers and saying that it is urgently trying to address "wide-scale disruption by rebalancing the airline and repositioning crews and our fleet." Southwest fiasco creates chaos at airports including in Las Vegas Figures released by Reid International Airport on Tuesday show

Tourists worry about refunds after canceled flights to Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Las Vegas thrives on tourism, and there is no better way to end the year than to participate in America's party.  However, now that so many people aren't coming into town, they aren't sure how to get their money back.  "This was sort of my son's only gift for Christmas," Joey Weissman from St. Louis said.  Weissman and her family were supposed to be enjoying their first day in Las Vegas; instead, she is stuck at home in St. Louis, after already spending $3,500 on her trip. "The money is one thing but then the disappointment of not being able to do this is another thing," Weissmann said.   Weissmann said her Southwest flight Monday night was on time. They checked their luggage in and went through TSA only to find out at the gate that their flight was canceled. "I've been on hold multiple times last night, and they hang up o you or it disconnects," Weissmann said.  Over in Pittsburgh, Bill Weitzel woke up Thursd

New Year's Eve fireworks flights sell out for Las Vegas helicopters

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Where's the best place to watch fireworks on New Year's Eve? One possible answer: from a helicopter near the Las Vegas Strip. But be careful what you're expecting if you try to book a fireworks flight. The one company that's advertising the flights has sold out. According to Joe Rajchel, public information administrator at Reid International Airport, a late-night lockdown of airspace around the Strip goes into effect every New Year's Eve. The Federal Aviation Administration puts a Temporary Flight Restriction into place until the fireworks are over. That rule keeps helicopters away from the Strip until the fireworks are over. Papillon Helicopters reports this year's tours are sold out. Prices started at $299 per person. Papillon was the only company in the valley advertising fireworks flights for New Year's Eve this year. (Photo: Papillon Helicopters) According to Papillon, the fireworks tours will fly the "Las Vegas Strip to