Nevada
RGJ’s Jason Hidalgo named Nevada Press Association’s Outstanding Journalist for 2024
Reno Gazette Journal business and investigative reporter Jason Hidalgo has been named the Nevada Press Association’s Outstanding Journalist for 2024.
Hidalgo is a 25-year veteran watchdog reporter whose work regularly sheds light on mismanagement, shady dealings, government overreach and dysfunction with an eye toward how powerful interests exert their influence.
In addition to Outstanding Journalist, Hidalgo placed first in the NPA contest’s political-government-enterprise reporting category. His series on the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission examined its leadership currying favor with private interests in drafting the plan to improve downtown transportation.
He won second place in health reporting for coverage of DaVita closing the only dialysis center in Winnemucca, forcing some families to make a 4-hour round trip for care.
Hidalgo took home the silver in arts and culture commentary for his Technobubble columns on gaming and technology.
And he won third place in coverage of underserved communities for examining a wide range of issues at the Muslim section of one of Reno’s oldest cemeteries. His reporting also revealed a divide within the local Muslim community and its leadership..
RGJ staff awards in 2024 Nevada Press Association contest
Siobhan McAndrew brought home four awards. They include a first place in news obituaries and third place in feature writing for a powerful story on a daughter’s search for her homeless mother ending tragically on the streets of Reno.
She took second place in sports feature writing for a heart-warmer on the Billinghurst Middle School cheer team.
McAndrew and Jim Krajewski shared third place for a co-bylined story in the sports spot news category. They interviewed the Bishop Manogue girls basketball coach who claimed she was fired after the school president warned her against giving too much playing time to “brown kids.” The president ended up resigning after the issue was brought to light.
Mark Robison took home third place in investigative reporting for his work on a soldier who died after she was kicked out of the Nevada National Guard in the wake of reporting an alleged rape.
Robison also won third place in breaking news for his reporting on a Rottweiler shot at dog park.
Photographer Jason Bean won second place for a feature photo of a man trying on outfits ahead of Burning Man, third for a photo gallery of Burners trying to get off the muddy playa and third for a portrait of Downtown Reno Partnership Ambassador David Papaleo.
The awards were presented Saturday at the annual NPA convention held at the Depot in downtown Reno.
Eight inducted into Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame
Eight journalists who had a lasting impact in Nevada were inducted into the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Among the inductees are Reno Gazette Journal reporter Guy Clifton, who died Sept. 7. The veteran journalist was renowned for his coverage of the Reno Rodeo, and published a number of books including the “You Know You’re a Nevadan If …” series.
The other inductees are:
Laura Tennant, who has served the rural communities of Fernley, Dayton and Yerington for four decades as a reporter, editor and columnist.
Guy Rocha, Nevada state archivist whose column in the Reno Gazette Journal informed residents of the rich past of their hometown;
Steve Ranson, editor emeritus of the Lahontan Valley News in Fallon;
The late University of Nevada, Reno journalism professor, mentor and journalist Jake Highton;
Frank McCulloch, a Vietnam war correspondent who led major American news organizations
Mary Hausch, journalism professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for 25 years, specializing in media ethics and reporting;
Former Las Vegas Review-Journal Managing Editor Charles Zobell, who sadly died at age 74 just days before he was to be inducted;
And the late Bill Hughes, a noted photojournalist with the Las Vegas Review Journal.
The eight were honored at a lunch ceremony during the organizations’ convention Saturday in Reno.
Nevada
Headed to Vegas from SoCal for Memorial Day? Best times to travel on I-15
What’s like to ride a Zoox, Amazon’s self-driving robotaxi
Zoox is one of the few robotaxi operators in the country. The autonomous ride-sharing service is available in San Francisco, Las Vegas and Austin for free during initial testing phases.
Memorial Day is just days away and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada is bracing for the holiday that it said is “one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.”
Heavy traffic is anticipated along the I-15 along the I-15 between Las Vegas and Southern California with peak travel delays expected on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Travel times at the Nevada-California border are expected to be significantly delayed during this time, the RTC said.
Not only will travelers on Las Vegas roads be impacted this upcoming Monday, the Harry Reid International Airport is also expecting increased traffic May 25.
Here’s everything Las Vegas travelers need to know about traffic over Memorial Day weekend including changes to bus schedules, how to check travel times and how to use other travel resources.
When is Memorial Day 2026?
Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25 this year.
Is the 15 freeway to Las Vegas open?
As of May 20, the I-15 going between Las Vegas and Los Angeles is open with minimal traffic, according to Caltrans. However, travelers may experience some delays because of road work at Cima Road between Mountain Pass and Halloran Springs, as well as around Barstow and Victorville. The delays are expected to increase on Memorial Day.
To stay updated on I-15 traffic between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, travelers can visit Caltrans’ Quick Map at quickmap.dot.ca.gov for California travel information and seeingorangenv.com for Nevada traffic updates.
What is the best time to travel on the I-15?
The RTC said in April that the least amount of traffic on the Nevada side of the I-15 going between Las Vegas and Los Angeles is from midnight to 6 a.m. and the 15 freeway’s Nevada side lowest traffic days are Tuesday and Wednesday.
Travel time between LA and Las Vegas
The drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas takes about 4 to 5 hours, but traffic can add significant time to that estimate.
RTC Memorial Day transit schedules
Instead of operating on a Monday schedule, the RTC’s transit schedules will be on their typical Sunday schedule in Las Vegas on Memorial Day. People riding the bus on Memorial Day can find each route’s holiday schedule at rtcsnv.com/ways-to-travel/schedules-maps/.
RTC recommends people interested in using public transit over Memorial Day download the free rideRTC app to plan transit trips and easily pay for trips, or tap to pay with a debit or credit card, smartphone wallet or smart watch. Passengers are also encouraged to check the RTC Alerts and Detours page for the latest updates on bus service changes, detours, or stop closures.
Quick links to Las Vegas travel resources
Nevada
Nevada Athletics embarking on “Coaches Caravan” across the region
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – The Wolf Pack are headed on a road trip! A whole group of Nevada coaches, student athletes and staff are hitting the road across Northern Nevada to spread the brand of Wolf Pack athletics.
The trip will span over three days and over a thousand miles across the region, giving them the chance to connect with fans, alumni, and all the communities across Northern Nevada.
“It’s a really fun opportunity to get out in a lot of communities in Northern Nevada that often times come to Reno to support the Wolf Pack,” said head football coach Jeff Choate. “It’s an opportunity for us to get our brand out locally and just interact with some great people.”
The Coaches Caravan kicked off their journey Monday morning in Carson City, gathering at the Nevada State Capitol, greeted by a group of Wolf Pack faithful who were beyond excited to have the opportunity for interaction.
“So much about what college athletics is are bringing communities together. There’s nothing that brings a community together like sports,” said athletic director Stephanie Rempe. “It lets them get to know our coaches and athletes and the things that they’re trying to do to represent the university and the state of Nevada. Getting to know them and meet them makes you care that much more and makes them want to come support and cheer on the Pack!”
The Coaches Caravan continues through Northern Nevada until their final stop on Wednesday afternoon, meeting with thirteen communities around the region in total.
Copyright 2026 KOLO. All rights reserved.
Nevada
Raiders Nevada Mental Health Gala Greatly Successful
The Las Vegas Raiders have orchestrated many groundbreaking moves this offseason, but none as important as the impact they made at a fundraising event.
Over the weekend, the Raiders hosted the Silver & Black Gala, raising $2.5 million for mental health in Nevada. Sunday marked the third time the organization had hosted the event, which has produced a tremendous turnout.
Several individuals spoke during the event, including Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis and president Sandra Douglass Morgan, who each highlighted the importance of acknowledging mental health.
Davis’ Thoughts
- “We’re here to raise money for mental health, which is one of the most important things we can all deal with,” Davis said. “Every one of us is impacted by mental health and our families, friends, or anywhere else, we are all directly affected. That’s why it’s so critical to raise money for our community. We’re grateful for you all, and appreciate you being here.”
Morgan’s Thoughts
“Mental health remains one of the most urgent issues across Nevada,” Morgan said. “Through the Silver & Black Gala, the Raiders Foundation is helping expand access to trusted, community-based resources that meet people where they are. This year’s recipients reflect the depth and complexity of that work, supporting our community in schools, clubhouses, homes, shelters, and family systems statewide.”
The Raiders also honored former player Carl Nassib and NFL broadcaster Jay Glazer on Sunday night as the winners of the Commitment to Excellence award. Here is what each of them had to say.
Glazer’s Thoughts
- “First, this is incredible what the Raiders are doing,” Glazer said. “God blessed me with the ability to communicate, so I’m going to use that to try and help other people. When we’re willing to share our scars, we turn them into strength—into something that connects us as teammates with nothing to hide. That’s what builds a true team, a championship team. I’m proud to stand with you and be part of this team tonight.”
Nassib’s Thoughts
- “It is truly a privilege to be up here,” Nassib said. “We’re creating space for people to be vulnerable—and that work is truly lifesaving. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up and reminding people they’re not alone.”
Overall Thoughts
This has been a tremendous event over the last few years, and the Raiders’ organization has done a great job of raising awareness for mental health. This will be an event that the team will continue to host in the future.
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