Nevada

NEVADA VIEWS: Justice for downwinders

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2024

Between 1951 and 1963, when an international treaty banning above-ground nuclear tests was signed, 100 atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted at the Nevada Test Site, about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. While the United States declared its testing program successful in preventing World War III, the people living in the path of the fallout from those tests paid a terrible price.

My family moved to Las Vegas in 1955 and enjoyed an unobstructed view of the atomic blasts from our front yard. A brilliant flash lit up the predawn sky, followed by a mushroom cloud rising up from the desert floor. Like most Southern Nevadans, we were proud to be on the front lines of the Cold War, testing ever-more potent nuclear weapons to deter Soviet aggression. The U.S. government assured us again and again that fallout from the tests was minimal and posed no health risk. We believed what we were told, we drank the Kool-Aid. We also drank the milk from nearby dairies whose cows grazed on irradiated land and produced contaminated milk.

Then people started getting sick. Cancer rates in Southern Nevada and nearby St. George, Utah, were on the rise, as were other health conditions. At age 9, I developed an autoimmune disorder that affected my kidneys throughout adolescence and early adulthood, nearly taking my life on two occasions. It never occurred to the doctors that the exposure to radiation might have played a role. Years later, my father found blood in his urine; six months later, he was dead of bladder cancer.

By then, the federal government had adopted the position that it could not be held responsible for people getting sick and dying, claiming that you couldn’t prove that this case of leukemia or that autoimmune disease was caused by radiation exposure. This argument was successfully employed by the government in a lawsuit filed by the families of four test workers who were exposed to a radiation leak and within two years had all died of leukemia.

In the face of this miscarriage of justice — and to prevent future lawsuits — Congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in 1990. Under this statute, the “downwinders” — people exposed to fallout during the above-ground testing — could apply for compensation if they became ill with certain types of cancers or lost family members to those conditions.

Having learned about the legislation only a few years ago, I filed an application. It was not easy, tracking down original documents from 50 years ago. But I persevered, checking every box save one: We had lived in Clark County, most of which was not covered by the act. The Justice Department rejected my application.

The notion that radiation reached the Clark County border and went around the outskirts seems utterly absurd. On a map of counties covered by the legislation, Clark County is a white rectangle surrounded by covered areas, marked by swaths of yellow and green. In retrospect, this seems like a callous attempt by the government to reduce costs by excluding the majority of Las Vegas residents from eligibility.

Nearly all the African American population, who then lived on the Westside and lacked access to quality health care, undoubtedly suffered a disproportionate rate of illness and deaths because of radiation exposure. But if they sought redress under the act, most would have been denied — the map excluded them.

In March, the Senate passed an amendment to extend coverage to Clark County, with the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and other affected populations across the country. This bill, which had widespread bipartisan support, was sent to the House, where it languished for three months. Its opponents, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, are concerned about the cost. They think it’s too broad, and they claim there is insufficient data to justify compensating all the potential claimants.

The National Cancer Institute begs to differ, having linked as many as 212,000 cases of thyroid cancer across the country to exposure to radioactive fallout from the nuclear tests in Nevada. If you want statistics but with a human face, talk to Dr. Laura Shaw, principal investigator for the Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program and the Nevada Test Site Screening Program. “Many of the patients we see are very ill and have personal and extensive family histories of cancer,” Dr. Shaw said. “Just last week, we screened a mom, daughter and aunt, all with cancer. It’s heartbreaking to hear these stories, and we want to help in any way we can.”

Surely Congress would demonstrate similar concerns for the welfare of the citizens who elected it. Yet the Republican leadership in the House let the clock run out, and the original RECA bill expired June 7.

But there is still time to do the right thing. On behalf of my fellow Nevada downwinders, members of Navajo Nation and all the other individuals and groups who suffered illness and loss as a direct result of the nuclear testing program, I implore Speaker Johnson to bring the Senate’s expansion bill to the floor before Congress adjourns for the summer. Give the people’s representatives a chance to bring a measure of justice to the downwinders and others who even today are fighting desperate battles for their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Linda Chase grew up in Las Vegas and currently lives in California.

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Nevada

Nevada leaders react to President Trumps’ State of the Union Address

Published

2 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Press Room

Nevada leaders react to President Trumps’ State of the Union Address

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Nevada leaders from across the political spectrum are reacting to President Trump’s State of the Union Address Tuesday night.

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen said:

“Donald Trump spent hours lying by saying life has gotten better since he came back into office, but Nevadans know the truth: prices are still too high, millions have lost access to health care, and his illegal tariffs are hurting small businesses,” said Senator Rosen. “Tonight’s speech was not a display of leadership, it was political theater. Nevadans and all Americans deserve better – they deserve lower costs, access to affordable health care, and a president who actually fights for them.”

Meanwhile, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo took to Twitter to say:

“Tonight, I was encouraged by President Trump’s commitment to growing our nation’s economy, lowering costs for hardworking families, and protecting American workers. In Nevada, we share those priorities, and I will continue working with the President to strengthen our economy, expand good paying job opportunities and ensure every Nevadan has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream right here at home.”

Fellow Democratic Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto said:

“Over the past year, President Trump has raised the cost of food, housing, and health care, severely hurt the travel and tourism economy, and terrorized communities across America. At a time when Americans across the country are asking for relief from this Administration’s policies, the President used his State of the Union Address to offer empty promises and spread lies. His speech offered working families no respite from his disastrous agenda. That’s not the America that we work toward – I’ll continue to fight for a better future for Nevadans.”

Representative Mark Amodei did not send KOLO 8 News Now a response after the address but did discuss several subjects prior to the speech. He praised Trump for securing the southern border, strengthening peace and stability abroad and reigning in wasteful government spending as well as cutting red tape.

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Nevada

‘Political theater’: Nevada politicos react to Trump’s State of the Union

Published

14 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Press Room

‘Political theater’: Nevada politicos react to Trump’s State of the Union

After a record-breaking State of the Union — timewise — Nevada officials reacted to President Donald Trump’s speech in which he declared that “This is the golden age of America.”

It was Trump’s last such joint-session speech before the upcoming midterm elections that can shake up the power structure in Washington, D.C.

Four of five Nevada’s Congressional Democrats attended and later criticized Trump’s economic agenda in statements. A wave of their Democratic colleagues boycotted the address, including Rep. Dina Titus.

Titus noted a loss of hospitality jobs, and cuts to to federal health insurance programs and food stamps over the past year.

“All of us are struggling with the higher cost of food, energy, and other necessities,” she said. “Buying a home is out of reach for young families. These are the economic realities that Donald Trump conveniently omitted tonight.”

‘Political theater’

Sen. Jacky Rosen described the speech as political theater.

“Nevadans and all Americans deserve better — they deserve lower costs, access to affordable health care, and a president who actually fights for them,” said Rosen, D-Nev.

Asked if she’d considered skipping the speech, the senator told reporters earlier Tuesday that she respects the office of the presidency regardless of political disagreements or what party holds it. Rosen said she felt it’s her job to attend.

Looking ahead, Nevada’s lone Congressional Republican, Rep. Mark Amodei, said the State of the Union would give Trump an opportunity to speak directly to the American people and chart the course ahead as the U.S. prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday.

In a statement, he said he wanted the president to build on his commitment to lowering costs and capitalize on the success of the Working Families Tax Cut.

“I also expect him to point to his success in securing the border, strengthening peace and stability abroad, reining in wasteful government spending, cutting burdensome red tape, and championing American energy dominance, and to contrast that record with the previous administration and serial federal shutdowns which achieve nothing,” Amodei said.

Longest State of the Union on record

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said the address provided no respite to working families.

“At a time when Americans across the country are asking for relief from this Administration’s policies, the President used his State of the Union Address to offer empty promises and spread lies,” she said.

Trump spoke for 107 minutes, making it the longest State of the Union in recorded history.

Rep. Steven Horsford noted the speech’s length.

“What families needed were real answers. Because here’s the truth: if the economy were working for everyday people, folks wouldn’t still be struggling with higher grocery bills, rising rent, and squeezed paychecks,” he said. “When costs go up and wages don’t keep pace, no amount of applause changes that.”

There were no specific mentions of Nevada, although the president highlighted his “no tax on tips” policy which was born during a Las Vegas campaign trip.

And Vegas Golden Knights players Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin were there as Trump honored the U.S. hockey team that recently won an Olympic gold medal.

Nevada governor’s race

Before the address, the Nevada Democratic Party tied Trump’s agenda to Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.

“After helping Trump get elected and embracing his endorsement, Joe Lombardo still refuses to defend Nevadans against Trump’s cost-raising agenda and even said families need to ‘feel a little pain’ from his illegal tariffs,” party Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno said in a statement.

Lombardo said he was encouraged by Trump’s commitment to growing the economy.

“In Nevada, we share those priorities, and I will continue working with the President to strengthen our economy, expand good-paying job opportunities, and ensure every Nevadan has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream right here at home,” he said.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat running for governor in 2026, also responded in a statement.

“The President promised to lower costs on day one and he has done the opposite,” he said. “Donald Trump and Joe Lombardo can claim that things are fine all they want but Nevadans know the truth because they’re living it every single day: Families are stretched thin, living paycheck to paycheck, and struggling to afford rent, mortgages, groceries, and gas.”

The Nevada Republican Party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.

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Nevada

Nevada’s first jail-based competency treatment program launches in Washoe County

Published

1 day ago

February 24, 2026

Press Room

Nevada’s first jail-based competency treatment program launches in Washoe County

In partnership with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), NaphCare, a leading correctional healthcare company, has launched the THRIVE Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) program at the Washoe County Detention Facility — the first program of its kind in Nevada.

The JBCT program delivers full competency restoration services within the detention facility to individuals whom the court has found incompetent to stand trial. By providing treatment on-site, the program prevents delays in the restoration process and reduces reliance on limited state forensic hospital beds.

The program builds on the facility’s innovative THRIVE Jail-Based Treatment Program (JBTP), which launched in September 2024 to begin intensive mental health treatment for individuals awaiting restoration at the state-operated forensic hospital. As a fully implemented JBCT program, THRIVE now provides comprehensive competency restoration services directly within the jail — something previously not permitted in Nevada. This advancement allows detained individuals to receive targeted treatment and evaluations needed to restore competency and move their legal cases forward.

“The THRIVE Jail-Based Competency Treatment program represents years of work by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to rethink how detention facilities respond to mental health,” said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. “This program reflects what can happen when public safety, healthcare professionals, and community partners come together with a shared goal. By expanding mental health treatment inside our facility, we’re helping individuals move forward in the legal process while supporting safer outcomes for our staff, our community, and those in our care suffering from mental health issues.”

THRIVE operates within a dedicated Jail-Based Mental Health Unit designed to increase patient participation, promote wellness, and maintain safety and security. Specially trained WCSO deputies assigned to the unit collaborate daily with NaphCare’s clinical team to create a structured, therapeutic environment focused on restoration and recovery.

Across the country, correctional facilities are experiencing a surge in court-ordered competency evaluations and restoration needs, driven by increasing numbers of individuals living with mental illness and disabilities in jail settings.

“The competency crisis has grown within correctional facilities nationwide as more justice-involved individuals are waiting for the specialized services they need to advance through the justice system,” said Dr. Caroline Parrott, NaphCare’s Vice President of Forensic Mental Health Programs and a clinical forensic psychologist.

Delays in restoration prolong detention, increase costs to taxpayers, and raise due process concerns, including the right to a speedy trial. The longer individuals wait for treatment, the longer it can take to restore competency — and in some cases, the likelihood of restoration decreases. Extended delays can also result in case dismissals, impacting victims and the broader justice system.

The JBCT program is the culmination of years of partnership and progress between NaphCare and WCSO. In March 2023, NaphCare partnered with WCSO to address lengthy delays in competency evaluations for detained individuals. With support from the Washoe County Competency Court, NaphCare began delivering high-quality, timely competency-to-stand-trial evaluations for all defendants housed at the Washoe County Detention Facility, eliminating unnecessary delays at the front end of the process.

Building on that success, NaphCare worked closely with WCSO and local and statewide stakeholders to develop and implement the THRIVE jail-based treatment model. In July 2025, Assembly Bill 467 amended Nevada Revised Statutes to authorize competency restoration treatment within jail settings for certain detained individuals, making the full JBCT program possible.

“Thanks to the efforts of Nevada’s legislators, the Governor’s office, and the support of key community and state stakeholders such as the Division of Public and Behavioral Health and WCSO,” said Dr. Parrott, “THRIVE is able to provide targeted competency restoration treatment so we can directly address barriers to competency head on. The result is faster rates of restoration without burdening the state system unnecessarily. This program is a valuable step forward for our patients and for the legal process in Washoe County.”

Individuals in the THRIVE JBCT program receive individualized mental health and medical treatment alongside specialized forensic services provided by a multidisciplinary team. In addition to the JBCT program, NaphCare continues to provide the Washoe County Forensic Evaluation Program for pre-commitment competency evaluations and specialized adult mental health evaluations, as well as comprehensive medical, mental health, dental, and pharmaceutical services, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP).

The Washoe County Detention Facility is accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and was a 2024 recipient of the NCCHC Pinnacle Award, the highest distinction in correctional healthcare, recognizing accreditation across jail health services, mental health services, and opioid treatment programs.

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