Nevada

Could new bill help Nevadans targeted by scammers?

Published

3 months ago

February 25, 2025

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Could new bill help Nevadans targeted by scammers?

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada lawmakers are looking at ways to help scam victims across the state.

On Thursday, Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar introduced Senate Bill 76 to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

If passed by state lawmakers, the bill would create a fund to compensate victims of securities fraud.

You can read the bill below.

According to the FBI, securities fraud includes a wide variety of issues like high yield investment fraud, Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, advanced fee schemes, foreign currency fraud, broker embezzlement, hedge fund-related fraud, and late day trading.

Here in Nevada, the Nevada Securities Act and the Nevada Commodities Act are both found in state law and are administered by the Secretary of State’s Office, through the Securities Division.

“One of the responsibilities of the Secretary of State is to ensure that we protect the securities and investment environment in Nevada,” Aguilar told me. “That’s an issue that impacts some of our most vulnerable communities, especially our senior communities. You have individuals who have worked a lifetime building up a nest egg to be able to live in retirement comfortably. They meet scrupulous individuals, bad actors, who built their trust and then start to slowly defraud them in the investment area.”

So what does a typical securities fraud scam look like?

“An individual with a very low net worth or low salary is enticed to invest in a new, local startup with a promise of a high rate of interest as a return. Unfortunately, the offer itself was premised on fake statements or misleading information or missing information,” Deputy Secretary of Securities Erin Houston explained. “And when the investment fails, the individual is completely out of luck in terms of recouping their money.

She added that if the bad actor is charged, the money is usually gone and victims have no way of getting restitution, even if the court orders it.

For example, in Fiscal Year 2023, the division investigated securities fraud from investors totaling over $16 million but investors only received $205,000 in restitution. In Fiscal Year 2024, the division looked into fraud claims of nearly $10 million and investors received just over $1 million in restitution.

Senate Bill 76 would fill that gap to provide restitution to more victims.

How much money could scam victims receive?

Scam victims could receive up to $25,000. This would apply to victims who have been awarded restitution as set forth in NRS 9640.

Aguilar said some people would end up losing more money than that in securities fraud schemes but this would at least help them get back on their feet.

“The main reason we are proposing this legislation is that it provides a way for Nevada residents to obtain desperately needed relief after losing what is often a significant chunk of their savings to someone who has defrauded them,” Aguilar said.

Where would the money for the fund come from?

If passed, a fractional amount of revenue that presently goes to the state general fund would be held for victims of securities fraud.

For now, Aguilar said they would cap the total fund amount at $500,000.

“We understand that revenue is important to the state and we want to support the state and want to make sure we are not diverting too much funding away from the state at large.”

Aguilar also told me they’re also looking at opportunities to take third-party funds to add to the fund.

“Sometimes, when there is mass litigation, they look for places to deposit the proceeds of those funds,” Aguilar explained. “Also, if there’s an individual who’s generous like a JP Morgan Chase, that understand what we’re trying to accomplish, they’d make a contribution to the fund.”

What should securities fraud victims do if they’ve been scammed?

According to Aguilar, it has been challenging getting victims the help they need.

“We find that it’s hard for people to come forward when they’ve been victims of investment fraud. This will hopefully encourage people to bring their case to us because the more information we have, the more evidence we have, the faster we can take these bad actors out of the market,” Aguilar said. “Please call us. Please file a complaint so that we can send our investigators out and hold bad actors accountable.”

Those thoughts were echoed by several AARP officials, who testified in support of the bill.

“Some of them feel like they just get a shrug. Well, there’s nothing we can do. This would address that,” said Jessica Padron, Advocacy Director for AARP Nevada. “Our call to action is that the creation of this fund is not just good policy, it’s the right thing to do and fraud victims should not be left to suffer the consequences of crimes committed against them.”

What was the feedback from lawmakers?

“To be honest with you, I was quite impressed at how empathetic they were to individuals who are victims of investment fraud,” Aguilar told me. “They understood the need for this but also to their willingness to discuss how we fund it.”

The bill is now on its way to the budget committee for further consideration.

What red flags should people look out for and how can they file reports with the Secretary of State’s Office?

If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Call the Secretary of State’s Office to verify that individuals are licensed broker dealer or licensed investment advisors.

You can file a complaint with the Secretary of State’s Office here.

The Secretary of State’s Office also provides a free Nevada Investor Guide, which you can read below.

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Nevada

Nevada’s celebrity weddings: What stars have tied the knot in the Silver State?

Published

5 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Press Room

Nevada’s celebrity weddings: What stars have tied the knot in the Silver State?

From the nearly 26-year-old “Friends” episode, “The One in Vegas,” to the 2025 Oscar-nominated film “Anora,” Nevada has been famous for its wedding culture for decades.

But Nevada isn’t only known for its Vegas quickie weddings. Lake Tahoe also makes Northern Nevada a world-renowned wedding destination.

The Silver State attracts couples from all walks of life looking to get hitched, including stars. Here’s a look at the celebrity couples who said “I do” in the Silver State.

What celebrities got married in Las Vegas?

The list of celebrities who tied the knot in Vegas exceeds 200 people. The Office of the Clark County Clerk’s Celebrity Timeline lists the famous people who married there — some of whom are still together.

Here’s a list of the most recognizable names. If a celebrity or their spouse is recognized by multiple professions, for example singer Frank Sinatra and actress Mia Farrow, the couple will appear in both categories.

What musicians have gotten married in Las Vegas?

Bette Midler and Martin von Haselberg
Billy Ray Cyrus and Leticia Jean Finley
Britney Spears and Jason Alexander
Coolio and Josefa Salinas
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu
Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow
Frankie Valli and Jackie Jacobs
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley
Mel Tormé and Arlene Miles
Noel Gallagher and Meg Mathews
Sammy Davis Jr. and Loray White
Sinead O’ Connor and Barry Herridge
Steve Aoki and Sasha Sofine
Usher and Jenn Goicoechea
Wayne Newton and Elaine Okamur

What actors have gotten married in Las Vegas?

Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez
Bette Midler and Martin von Haselberg
Betty White and Allen Ludden
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore
David Harbour and Lily Allen
Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher
James Caan and Sheila Ryan
Jane Fonda and Roger Vadim
Joan Crawford and Alfred Steele
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
Judy Garland and Mark Herron
Mary Tyler Moore and Grant Tinker
Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson
Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra
Mia Goth and Shia LaBeouf
Michael Caine and Shakira Baksh
Mickey Rooney and Ava Gardner
Mickey Rooney and Carolyn Hockett
Mickey Rooney and Margie Lane
Nicolas Cage and Erika Koike
Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward
Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford
Rita Hayworth and Dick Hayme
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr.
Tony Curtis and Christine Kaufmann
Tony Curtis and Jill Vandenberg

What influencers or socialites have gotten married in Las Vegas?

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker
Zsa Zsa Gabor and George Sanders
Zsa Zsa Gabor and Jack Ryan
Zsa Zsa Gabor and Michael O’Hara

What models have gotten married in Las Vegas?

Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman
Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere
Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon

What athletes have gotten married in Las Vegas?

Darryl Strawberry and Tracy Boulware
Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra
Leon Spinks and Brenda Glur
Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy
Mike Tyson and Lakiha Spicer
Shotzi and Jesus Alfaro
Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi
Steve Austin and Kristin Feres
Sugar Shane Mosley and Jin C. Mosley

What celebrity couple got married in Lake Tahoe?

The “Clueless” actress Alicia Silverstone married long-time boyfriend Christopher Jarecki on the shores of Lake Tahoe in 2005.

What celebrity couple got married in Carson City?

Actor Elliott Gould (“M*A*S*H,” “Friends,” “Ocean’s 11”) and singer Barbara Streisand got married by a Carson City justice of the peace in a secret ceremony in 1963.

Why is Las Vegas so famous for weddings?

Part of it is the ease with which someone can get married in Las Vegas. You can get a marriage license in Sin City in less than an hour, according to the Clark County website. Not only that but there are several chapels that make the experience more exciting than a courthouse wedding.

A Las Vegas wedding has a cultural meaning all its own. Where else in the world can you get hitched in under an hour, by Elvis and surrounded by the glitz of Nevada neon?

Why do so many celebrities get married in Las Vegas?

As mentioned above, the list of celebrities that have been married in Las Vegas is substantial. So why do so many celebrities get hitched there?

Aside from the reasons listed above, Las Vegas is also a hub for entertainment so many celebrities go to Southern Nevada for work. It is also only a four hour drive from star-studded Los Angeles which makes Las Vegas a convenient spot to get married away from the attentions stars may get if they marry in Hollywood.

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Nevada

Reno wind advisory continues; snow, sun in the Northern Nevada forecast

Published

22 hours ago

May 12, 2025

Press Room

Reno wind advisory continues; snow, sun in the Northern Nevada forecast

The strong winds Northern Nevadans experienced on Sunday, May 11, will continue through today in Reno and Lake Tahoe. The high wind advisory from the National Weather Service is set to end at 5 p.m., but calm, summery weather won’t return just yet.

In addition to the wind, both Reno and Lake Tahoe have a chance of precipitation through midweek, NWS Reno said.

Warm temperatures and sunny skies are expected to return after this wintry spell, though showers could make a comeback over the weekend.

Here’s a closer look at the forecast for Reno and Lake Tahoe this week:

Reno-Sparks weather forecast for the rest of the week

Monday: High near 58, low around 36. High wind advisory until 5 p.m. with a 20% chance of showers after 2 p.m. Snow level drops from 6,200 feet to 5,100 feet overnight.
Tuesday: High near 59, low around 37. Winds ease to 5–10 mph. 30% chance of showers during the day, dropping to 20% in the evening. Snow level rises from 4,900 to 6,700 feet.
Wednesday: High near 68, low around 41. Sunny with calm winds at 5–10 mph.
Thursday: High near 76, low around 48. Sunny during the day, cloudy overnight.
Friday: High near 75, low around 48. Partly sunny during the day, partly cloudy at night.
Saturday: High near 71, low around 43. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Sunday: High near 70. Sunny.

What’s Lake Tahoe’s weather forecast this week?

Monday:High near 47, low around 26. Wind advisory until 5 p.m. 40% chance of daytime precipitation, shifting to a 30% chance of snow showers by evening. Little or no accumulation expected.
Tuesday: High near 48, low around 28. 50% chance of morning snow showers and thunder. Slight chance of rain/snow mix in the evening. Snow level near 6,900 feet. Little or no accumulation expected.
Wednesday: High near 58, low around 32. Sunny with light winds.
Thursday: High near 65, low around 38. Sunny during the day, mostly cloudy at night.
Friday: High near 64, low around 38. Partly sunny during the day, partly cloudy at night.
Saturday: High near 61, low around 33. Slight chance of showers. Snow level drops from 9,300 to 8,200 feet overnight. Mostly sunny during the day, partly cloudy overnight.
Sunday: High near 62. Sunny with a slight chance of showers. Snow level rises from 7,800 to 8,700 feet.

What will weather conditions on Interstate 80-Donner Pass be?

While little to no snow accumulation is expected in the mountains above Reno, travel impacts on I-80 are unlikely. However, high winds could pose issues over Donner Pass.

Here’s the Tahoe road conditions and storm watch resources to keep up to date on the roads before you leave on your trip.

Tahoe road conditions, storm watch resources

National Weather Service: Along with providing seven-day forecasts, users can monitor weather warnings and alerts and download past weather data at weather.gov.
Nevada Department of Transportation: The state’s transportation department offers not only current road conditions, but also provides access to weather station data and traffic cameras. Information is available at nvroads.com and dot.nv.gov.
Caltrans: Check highway conditions in California at roads.dot.ca.gov before traveling.
NV Energy weather stations: The company provides public access to several dozen weather stations throughout the state, with data updated every 10 minutes. Users can access the data at nvenergy.westernweathergroup.com.
ALERTWildfire: The network of 50 cameras throughout Nevada can provide users with a live look at conditions. Cameras can be accessed at alertwildfire.org.

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Nevada

10 hospitalized in California, Nevada due to listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat foods

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

Press Room

10 hospitalized in California, Nevada due to listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat foods

A listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat foods, including sandwiches and pasta, left 10 people hospitalized in California and Nevada.

Fresh & Ready Foods had voluntarily recalled several of its ready-to-eat foods amid the outbreak of listeria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in an outbreak advisory May 10.

The ready-to-eat foods, meaning they do not require additional cooking, have “use by” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19, and include products like sandwiches, pasta and snack items.

The products were sold in Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington at locations like hospitals, hotels and airports, per the advisory. The affected items are under the brand names Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go and Fresh Take Crave Away.

The FDA and Centers for Disease Control started investigating the cluster of listeria cases in 2024 but couldn’t pinpoint a source, the advisory states. The FDA reopened the investigation in April 2025 after listeria was found in samples from Fresh & Ready Foods, and an analysis of the strain proved a match to the strain causing the illnesses.

Eight people have been hospitalized in California and two in Nevada due to the listeria outbreak. The onset of illness ranged from December 2023 to September 2024, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“While no illnesses have been reported related to the specific products distributed between 04/18/2025 and 04/28/2025 as listed below, this action is being taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued safety of our consumers,” Fresh & Ready Foods said in a news release.

The FDA advises consumers not to eat the more than 75 affected products — see a full list here. Anyone who bought the recalled items should clean and sanitize anything that touched the food.

Listeria is a bacteria that can withstand refrigeration, per Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of listeria infection include diarrhea, an upset stomach, vomiting, or, if it spreads through the blood, fever, headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, seizures and more. Newborns, people who are pregnant and those with weakened immune systems are more at risk of severe illness from listeria infection.

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