Nevada

NEVADA VIEWS: A wake-up call on education

Published

9 months ago

May 4, 2025

$NEVADA VIEWS: A wake-up call on education$

Nevada recently welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon as part of her promise to visit all 50 states. Her stop was far more than symbolic. It marked a critical moment for education in our state and underscored the urgent need for bold, student-centered reform.

Ms. McMahon made a clear case for reducing the size and scope of the U.S. Department of Education and returning greater authority to states. This approach is grounded in a powerful truth: Those closest to our students — local leaders, educators, and families — are best equipped to understand and meet their needs. For a state such as Nevada, with a diverse student population, that message hits home.

Ms. McMahon also reaffirmed her strong support for school choice, recognizing that no single education model works for every child. Whether it’s a traditional public school, a charter, a private institution or homeschooling, families deserve the freedom to choose what works best for them. School choice is about empowering parents, respecting their unique insight and expanding opportunity for all.

Perhaps most striking was the secretary’s call to modernize public education to meet the demands of today’s world. She spoke passionately about the need to align our classrooms with technological innovation, ensuring our students graduate not just with diplomas, but with the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy. Students need quality education options to prepare them for careers that may not exist yet.

Her message couldn’t have come at a more important time.

Nevada is ready for this conversation. In Clark County, fewer than 47 percent of students are proficient in reading, and only 37 percent meet grade-level expectations in math, according to the Nevada Report Card. This reflects real students falling behind in fundamental subjects. And the crisis extends beyond county lines. Nationally, only 26 percent of Nevada’s eighth graders scored at or above the NAEP Proficient level in reading in 2024.

This is a wake-up call. Our education system is struggling, and incremental change is not enough.

That’s why the Educational Choice for Children Act is so important. This federal opportunity could reshape Nevada’s education system by introducing a stronger, more expansive school choice program. Currently, our state’s limited $6.7 million scholarship tax credit supports only about 1,600 students, a number that barely scratches the surface of the demand. Unfortunately, efforts to expand the program have been repeatedly stalled due to pressure from the teachers’ union. The act offers a path forward. If passed, nearly 400,000 students in Nevada would become eligible, and more than 20,000 could gain access to the high-quality education options they deserve.

That’s not just policy. That’s real impact for real families.

As a Hispanic mother, a first-generation American and someone who once worked for a teachers’ union, I’ve seen education from many angles. I know the power of school choice and the urgency of reform. Ms. McMahon’s visit wasn’t just encouraging — it was a reminder that we must keep pushing forward. Our children’s futures depend on it.

Valeria Gurr is an education policy expert and senior fellow at the American Federation for Children.

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Nevada

Nevada basketball heads to Idaho to play Boise State

Published

9 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Press Room

Nevada basketball heads to Idaho to play Boise State

BOISE, Idaho (KOLO) – The Nevada Men’s Basketball team will head to Idaho to play Boise State this Tuesday.

The game will be played on Feb. 3 at 6:00 p.m.

The 16-6 Wolf Pack are coming off a resounding 89-76 win over in state rivals UNLV on Friday.

Nevada will square off against the Broncos for the second time this season, defeating them 81-66 in Reno on Dec. 20.

The Wolf Pack are currently fourth in the Mountain West Conference.

Boise State is coming off an 86-69 loss to Grand Canyon University.

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Nevada

Reno-Tahoe events, Feb. 2-8: Nevada basketball, Disney on Ice, Stomp

Published

21 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Press Room

Reno-Tahoe events, Feb. 2-8: Nevada basketball, Disney on Ice, Stomp

It’s shaping up to be a fun week in Northern Nevada.

Two of the biggest touring stage shows — Stomp and Disney on Ice — are in town this week, both with multiple performances on opposite sides of downtown Reno. And Nevada men’s and women’s basketball teams look to maintain their home-court advantage at Lawlor Events Center.

Reno Litttle Theater’s run of “The Cottage” wraps up this week, but the unique Carson City Lights 3D experience launches its limited run starting this weekend.

The only thing missing is snow. It’s another warm, dry week in the region to kick off February, unfortunately.

Here’s what else is happening the week of Feb. 2-8 in northwestern Nevada.

Reno-Tahoe events, Feb. 2-8

“Death Valley Scotty: Fact, Fiction, and Fable,” Feb. 3: Historians David and Gayle Woodruff perform in this Chautauqua performance on infamous tale-teller Walter Scott, aka Death Valley Scotty, and his benefactor Bessie Johnson. This one-night-only event is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo Street. For details and tickets, visit renolittletheater.org.

Never Come Down, Feb. 3: This newgrass band from the Pacific Northwest plays at 8 p.m. at Cypress, 761 S. Virginia Street. Tickets are $10. Details at cypressreno.com.

Andy Frasco and the U.N., Feb. 3: Frasco and his group from L.A. meld a classic rock sound to some interesting alternative-like twists and turns, not taking the whole thing too seriously in the process. They will be back in Tahoe for this show at 8 p.m. in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay. Tickets are $35-$45. For details, call 775-833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.

Tahoe Knight Monsters vs. Utah Grizzlies, Feb. 4, 6, 7: Tahoe’s minor-league hockey team hosts the Utah Grizzlies in a three-game set, with Retro Weekend set for Friday and Saturday. Games take place at Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 Highway 50 in Stateline. For details and tickets, visit knightmonstershockey.com.

Nevada women’s basketball vs. Boise State, Feb. 4: The Wolf Pack hosts the Broncos in this unique Wednesday morning game at Lawlor Events Center, 1664 N. Virginia Street. Tipoff is set for 10:30 a.m. For details and tickets, call 775-348-7225 or visit nevadawolfpack.com.

Disney On Ice Presents “Let’s Dance,” Feb. 5-8: Ice skaters and costumed characters perform to dance-centric Disney tunes as part of this family show, taking place at 7 p.m. the first three nights, 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 3 p.m. on Saturday at Reno Events Center, 400 University Way. Tickets range from $40 to $95. Details at visitrenotahoe.com/event-venues/reno-events-center.

“The Cottage,” Feb. 5-8: It’s the final week for this comedy about marriages, secrets and human relationships, set in a cottage in the English countryside. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo Street. For details and tickets, visit renolittletheater.org.

Kingwhistler, Feb. 5: This Carson City group that plays roots rock and folk performs at the museum’s First Thursdays show: 5 p.m. at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty Street. Admission is $15, or free from NMA members. Details at nevadaart.org.

Trestles and The Dirty Turkeys, Feb. 5: These two psychedelic/garage-styled bands — Trestles from Santa Cruz, Dirty Turkeys from Boulder, Colorado — are touring together this winter, with a stop set for 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta Street. The show is Feb. 5. Tickets are $15-$18. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.

Blind Boys From Alabama, Feb. 5: Ricky McKinnie is the only current member in this Blind Boys lineup who was around for its 1990s heyday. The singing group and their band perform at 7:30 p.m. at Nashville Social Club, 1105 S. Carson Street, Carson City. Tickets are $65-$80. Details at thenashvilleclub.com.

Moontricks, Feb. 5: A roots-rock-meets-electronica group from British Columbia, Canada, Moontricks plays at 8 p.m. in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay. Tickets are $35-$45. For details, call 775-833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.

Carson City Lights, Feb. 6-15: The Potentialist Workshop, in association with the Brewery Arts Center and Visit Carson City, has created an immersive 3D art experience. It’s at Mills Park, 1111 E. William Street in Carson City. Tickets are $20; kids 12 and under are admitted free. For details, visit carsoncitylights.com.

Nick Hexum and Water Tower, Feb. 6: Hexum is the lead singer and guitarist for the band 311, but for this show he’ll be backed up by the Los Angeles punk-folk group Water Tower, who will also open the show with their own set. Hexum and Co. play at 8 p.m. at Cypress, 761 S. Virginia Street. Tickets are $45-$50. Details at jmaxproductions.net.

Huckleberry Road, Feb. 6: Hailing from Reno, this country-rock group plays at 8 p.m. at The Alpine, 324 E. 4th Street. Tickets are $15-$35. Details at thealpine-reno.com.

Eric Schwartz, Feb. 6: This comedian, known for TikTok content as well as specials on Hulu, will perform at 8 p.m. at the Celebrity Showroom, Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks. Tickets are $40-$60. For details, call 775-356-3300 or visit nuggetcasinoresort.com.

Dillon Francis, Feb. 6: A DJ/producer that gained popularity in the trap and electro-house genres returns to the area for this show at 8 p.m. at South Shore Room, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, 18 Highway 50. Tickets are $55-$60. Details at caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe.

Kanekoa, Feb. 6: The popular Hawaiian folk-jam band returns for this show at 8 p.m. in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay. Tickets are $30-$40. For details, call 775-833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.

“Stomp,” Feb. 7-8: This show features dancers and percussionists using common objects such as trashcan lids, brooms and poles to make music suitable for a dance show. The troupe performs at 8 p.m. the first night and 1 p.m. the second day at the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia Street. Tickets are $50-$110 for each performance. Details at pioneercenter.com.

RennerVation Bowl, Jan. 9: Hit the lanes at the National Bowling Stadium on Saturday, with part of the proceeds benefiting Jeremy Renner’s RennerVation Foundation. It’s happening at 300 University Way. General admission tickets are $50, which admits up to five people per lane. For details, visit visitrenotahoe.com.

Nevada men’s basketball vs. Fresno State, Feb. 7: The Wolf Pack hosts the Bulldogs in a Saturday night matchup at Lawlor Events Center, 1664 N. Virginia Street. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. For details and tickets, call 775-348-7225 or visit nevadawolfpack.com.

Orrral Fixation, Feb. 7: This Reno punk/indie group with the distinctive spelling of their name (that’s three Rs to remember!) releases their new EP at this show, which also includes locals Procyon and Unexplainable Cattle Mutilations. It all begins at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta Street. Tickets are $10-$12. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.

Winter Band Wars, Feb. 7: A contest series featuring 16 artists from Reno, it takes place at 7 p.m. each night at Club Underground, 555 E. 4th Street. Shows are Feb 7 and Feb. 21. Tickets are $10-$20 for each show. Details at clubundergroundreno.com.

Mark Mackay, Feb. 7: The former California and now Nashville-based roots-rock/country guitarist and singer performs at 7:30 p.m. at Nashville Social Club, 1105 S. Carson Street, Carson City Tickets are $25. Details at thenashvilleclub.com.

Mickey Avalon, Feb. 7: This rapper from Hollywood will perform at 8 p.m. at The Alpine, 324 E. 4th Street. Tickets are $35-$45. Details at thealpine-reno.com.

Magique, Feb. 7: This show blends magic, comedy and dance and has been extended through early summer. Performances are at the Celebrity Showroom, Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks. Tickets are $60-$140. For details, call 775-356-3300 or visit nuggetcasinoresort.com.

Hayes Carll, Feb. 7: The popular Texas country-folk singer/songwriter performs at 8 p.m. in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay. Tickets are $35-$45. For details, call 775-833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.

Anastasia Coope and Syko Friend, Feb. 8: These two emerging female indie artists are touring together, with a show at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta Street. Tickets are $10-$12. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.

Ashes At Last, Feb. 8: Metal and electronic music combine for this band from Southern California. They play at 8 p.m. at Club Underground, 555 E. 4th Street. Tickets are $20-$25. Details at clubundergroundreno.com.

Reno-Tahoe weather, Feb. 2-8

Monday: Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s to low 60s in the valleys and in the upper 40s to upper 50s at higher elevations. Clear overnight, with lows in the upper 20s to low 30s in the valleys and in the upper 10s to upper 20s at higher elevations.

Tuesday: Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s to low 60s in the valleys and in the upper 40s to upper 50s at higher elevations. Clear overnight, with lows in the upper 20s to mid 30s in the valleys and in the upper 10s to upper 20s at higher elevations.

Wednesday: Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s to low 60s in the valleys and in the upper 40s to upper 50s at higher elevations. Clear overnight, with lows in the upper 20s to mid 30s in the valleys and in the upper 10s to upper 20s at higher elevations.

Thursday: Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s to low 60s in the valleys and in the upper 40s to upper 50s at higher elevations. Partly cloudy overnight, with lows in the upper 20s to upper 30s in the valleys and in the 20s at higher elevations.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s in the valleys and in the upper 40s to upper 50s at higher elevations. Mostly clear overnight, with lows in the mid-20s to mid-30s in the valleys and in the 20s at higher elevations.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s in the valleys and in the upper 40s to upper 50s at higher elevations. Mostly clear overnight, with lows in the upper 20s to upper 30s in the valleys and in the 20s at higher elevations.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and cooler, with highs in the 50s in the valleys and in the mid-40s to mid-50s at higher elevations. Mostly clear overnight, with lows in the mid-20s to mid-30s in the valleys and in the 20s at higher elevations.

Northern Nevada roads, Feb. 2-8

Before traveling over Sierra passes, check the latest weather conditions at nvroads.com and roads.dot.ca.gov.

6th Street: Expect lane closures on 6th street between Arlington Avenue and Eureka Avenue for an ongoing fiber trenching project.

West 4th Street: Work is underway on a project to widen sidewalks, improve lighting and add ADA-compliant ramps at key locations on Fourth Street west of downtown. For more information, visit fourthstreetimprovements.com. Meanwhile, TMWA is replacing a water main on 4th between Keystone Avenue and Stoker Avenue,

Mill Street, Reno: Work continues on Mill Street between I-580 and Golden Lane while crews work on utility trenching. For the latest updates, visit millstreetwidening.com.

Arlington Avenue, Reno: The bridges over the Truckee River on Arlington Avenue have been demolished, and traffic is being re-routed to nearby bridges. Replacement bridges will be completed in summer 2026.

Sparks Boulevard, Sparks: Work continues on the Sparks Boulevard Capacity Improvement Project, which will expand the route from four lanes to six on the roughly two-mile stretch between I-80 and Baring Boulevard. Expect round-the-clock lane closures between Springland/O’Callaghan Drive and Baring Boulevard through mid-March. For the latest updates, visit sparksblvdproject.com.

Mark Earnest contributed to this report.

Brett McGinness is the engagement editor for the Reno Gazette Journal. He’s also the writer of The Reno Memo — a free newsletter about news in the Biggest Little City. Subscribe to the newsletter right here. Consider supporting the Reno Gazette Journal, too.

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Nevada

Tigers Fall in Home Bout Against Nevada – University of the Pacific

Published

1 day ago

February 1, 2026

Press Room

Tigers Fall in Home Bout Against Nevada – University of the Pacific

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific women’s tennis program dropped a 4-0 match to Nevada at the Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center on Sunday morning.

Defeats on doubles courts two and three gave the Tigers (0-4) an uphill battle going into singles and showed great fight despite not being able to secure any courts. Junior Nahreen Cheam erased a first set loss on court four to lead 2-1 in set three when play was suspended. Fellow junior Rayna Sugai was locked in a set three battle when play was suspended while junior Milena Maiorova on court one had just entered a tiebreaker on court one to try and force a deciding third set.

However, losses on courts two, five and six gave the victory to Nevada (3-3) the points needed to win the match.

Pacific has two matches left in the current homestand, taking the court once on Friday, February 6 against San Jose State in a rematch from last season. Maiorova was the sole point scorer from last season’s matchup.

The match will be streamed live via Track Tennis.

FULL RESULTS

DOUBLES

Indiya McLeod and Pauline Lerminiaux (PAC) led Foerster and Costache (NEV), 5-0

Charrier and Robinson (NEV) def. Milena Maiorova and Rayna Sugai (PAC), 6-2

Janigova and Buqai (NEV) def. Leyanne Hirota and Maggie Hoe (PAC), 6-1

SINGLES

Charrier (NEV) led Milena Maiorova (PAC), 6-4, 6-6

Foerster (NEV) def. Indiya McLeod (PAC), 6-0, 6-3

Janigova (NEV) led Rayna Sugai (PAC), 1-6, 6-2, 5-2

Nahreen Cheam (PAC) led Robinson (NEV), 0-6, 6-4, 2-1

Costache (NEV) def. Maggie Hoe (PAC), 2-6, 6-1, 6-2

Buqai (NEV) def. Leyanna Hirota (PAC), 6-0, 7-6

Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific Women’s Tennis, be sure to follow the team on X (@PacificWTennis), Instagram (@pacificwtennis) and “like” the team’s official Facebook page (Pacific Women’s Tennis).

#PacificProud

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