“Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them.” — Hebrews 13:3
A recent legislative hearing raised serious questions about deaths occurring in Nevada’s prison system and whether there is enough transparency to fully understand what happened in each case.
When the government takes someone into custody, it also takes on the responsibility to provide safe conditions, access to medical and mental health care, and accountability when a death occurs.
As Lutherans, we believe every person is created in the image of God. Human dignity does not end at a prison gate.
As Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session, conversations about correctional health care, independent oversight, and transparency are likely to continue.
We can care about public safety and insist on accountability. Justice and compassion are not competing values, they belong together.
Water is life. It sustains our families, our communities, our farms, our economy, and the ecosystems that make Nevada home.
A new federal proposal would reduce Nevada’s Colorado River allocation by about 25% as part of a long-term plan to address the river’s declining water supply. The proposal reflects a difficult reality: there is simply less water in the Colorado River than there was a generation ago, and climate change continues to intensify drought and reduce river flows.
While these reductions are significant, Nevada has spent decades preparing for this moment. Through conservation, water recycling, and investments in efficiency, Southern Nevada has demonstrated that economic growth and responsible stewardship can go hand in hand.
For people of faith, this is more than a water policy debate. It is a reminder that caring for creation means living within the limits of God’s creation while ensuring that every community has access to the resources needed to thrive.
As these new operating rules are considered, we encourage policymakers to continue investing in conservation, climate resilience, and equitable water management that protects both people and the environment for generations to come.
Wildfires are burning across the western half of the United States, threatening communities and stretching firefighting resources across the region.
Last week, neighborhoods around Spokane were threatened after multiple wildfires broke out across eastern Washington. On Saturday morning, the Bug Fire broke out north of Reno, bringing the danger of wildfire close to home and further straining already stretched national wildfire resources.
And wildfire does not stop at state or national borders. Earlier this summer, smoke from wildfires burning in Canada blanketed communities across much of the East Coast, reminding us that what happens in one place can affect neighbors hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
We pray for all the communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, including our own neighbors in Cold Springs, Northern Washoe County, and the surrounding areas. We pray for firefighters and first responders working long hours under dangerous conditions. We pray for families facing evacuation and uncertainty, and for all those whose homes, livelihoods, and communities are threatened.
As Nevada continues through wildfire season, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) also encourages congregations across our state to prepare.
Churches can play an important role before, during, and after a disaster. We encourage congregations to consider developing and adopting a community disaster response plan: knowing how you will communicate during an emergency, identifying vulnerable members and neighbors who may need assistance, considering how church facilities might serve the community, and building relationships now with local emergency responders and community organizations.
Preparedness is one way we care for our neighbor.
As people of faith, we pray—and we prepare to respond with compassion when our neighbors need us most.
As Nevada experiences longer, hotter summers, protecting ourselves and our neighbors is more important than ever. Here are a few ways to stay safe during extreme heat.
Age Matters
Anyone can experience heat-related illness, but some people are at greater risk.
Children under age 5 can overheat quickly because their bodies do not regulate temperature as efficiently.
Adults age 65 and older are also more vulnerable because our bodies become less effective at cooling themselves as we age.
Check in on young children, older adults, and neighbors who may need extra support during heat waves.
Medical Conditions & Medications
Certain health conditions and medications can increase the risk of heat illness.
Some medications can affect your body’s ability to cool itself or stay hydrated. If you have concerns about how heat may affect you, talk with your health care provider or pharmacist before temperatures become dangerous.
Pay Attention to the Heat Index
It’s not just the temperature, it is also the humidity.
The heat index combines air temperature and humidity to estimate how hot it actually feels to the human body. Higher humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, reducing your body’s ability to cool itself.
Always check the heat index, not just the forecasted temperature.
Think Local
Heat is not experienced equally across every neighborhood.
Temperatures can vary significantly within the same city depending on tree canopy, pavement, buildings, and green space. Many communities with fewer trees and more concrete experience the urban heat island effect, which has disproportionately affected many historically underinvested neighborhoods.
Look for nearby cooling centers, libraries, community centers, or shaded parks if your neighborhood remains especially hot.
Cool Off at Night
Recovering overnight is essential during prolonged heat waves.
The effects of heat are cumulative. If your body cannot cool down overnight, your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke increases the next day.
Use air conditioning if available, visit a cooling center if your home stays dangerously warm, or use fans and ventilation when temperatures safely allow.
Take It Slowly
If you are traveling to a hotter climate or experiencing your first major heat wave of the season, give your body time to adjust.
Gradually increase your time outdoors over several days, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Caring for One Another
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States, but it is also one we can prepare for.
This summer:
Drink water regularly.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Seek shade or air-conditioned spaces.
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours (typically 10 a.m.–6 p.m.).
Check on older adults, neighbors, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone who may not have reliable air conditioning.
Protecting one another during extreme heat is an act of community care. Together, we can help ensure everyone stays safe.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 