New data required by Nevada’s 2025 AB 420 shows that Clark County School District police used force in 11 incidents involving 21 people during the 2025–26 school year. Eighteen of those people were Black, two were Hispanic, and one was white. Twelve were under age 18.

AB 420 was passed after students, families, and advocates raised concerns about pepper spray and other uses of force in schools. While the final law did not prohibit pepper spray, it required school districts to begin publicly reporting use-of-force data.

This first report is an important step toward transparency—but it also leaves critical questions unanswered. The data does not link each incident to the person’s age, race, school, or type of force used. Nevada must be able to evaluate whether force is being used fairly, safely, and only when truly necessary.

Every student deserves a school community rooted in dignity, belonging, care, and opportunity. Public reporting should lead to stronger accountability, meaningful community oversight, racial-equity review, and greater investment in prevention: counselors, restorative practices, mental-health supports, and de-escalation.

Transparency is a beginning. Nevada must now use this information to ensure our schools are places where every student can learn and thrive.

Read More from The Nevada Independent and Nevada Current.

Nevada voters who plan to vote by mail are getting a clear message from Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar:

Mail your ballot early.

But that doesn’t mean voters should wait until Election Day to put their ballot in the mail.

Secretary Aguilar recommended that Nevadans who use the mail return their ballot at least one week before Election Day, November 3.

If you are holding onto your ballot closer to Election Day, he recommends returning it at a polling location or authorized ballot drop box instead.

That matters in Nevada.

About 44% of Nevada voters vote by mail, giving our state one of the higher rates of mail-ballot participation in the country.

So what should Nevada voters know?

If you vote by mail, return your ballot early.

A good target: mail it by October 27 — one week before Election Day.

If Election Day is getting close, consider returning your ballot at an authorized drop box or polling location rather than relying on mail delivery.

And remember: the Supreme Court ruling means the proposed new federal postal requirements will not take effect for the 2026 election.

Voting is one way we participate in the shared work of our communities. Being prepared, knowing the rules, and making a plan can help every eligible voter exercise that responsibility.

Make your voting plan now. Vote the whole ballot. And if you’re voting by mail — vote early.

Fall in Reno is getting hotter, and that affects more than when we reach for a sweater.

Since 1970, Reno has experienced 44 above-normal fall days, with fall temperatures rising nearly 8°F. Longer heat seasons can bring higher cooling bills, greater strain on the electric grid, and increased health risks for children, older adults, outdoor workers, unhoused neighbors, and people with chronic health conditions.

Climate change is not a distant concern. It is showing up in our utility bills, our workplaces, our homes, and our public health.

Creation care means building a Nevada where everyone has access to safe housing, affordable energy, shade, cooling, and protection from extreme heat.

Seek justice. Show love.

Source: KUNR / Climate Central

Hispanic heritage is not separate from Nevada history. It is Nevada history.

For generations, Latino communities have helped build the Silver State through labor, faith, entrepreneurship, public service, community organizing and care for their neighbors.

Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate those contributions—but celebration should also lead us toward deeper listening. Latino communities are diverse, and their experiences cannot be reduced to one culture, one country or one story.

As people of faith, we affirm the God-given dignity of every person. We are also called to examine the policies affecting our neighbors’ ability to find stable housing, earn a fair wage, receive health care, access education, participate in public life and live free from discrimination.

This month, let us celebrate heritage, tell a fuller history and continue working toward a Nevada in which every community can thrive.

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions to Nevada that have been made by our Latine siblings!