President-elect Donald Trump has promised mass deportations on the first day of his administration. What can state lawmakers do to protect immigrants living in Nevada? The state’s attorney general and the incoming head of the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus have weighed in.

The issue is personal for Assemblywoman Cecilia González of Las Vegas. She’s Thai-Mexican American and part of a mixed-status family.

As the newly chosen chair of the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus, she has promised to protect immigrant community members. One in five Nevada residents is an immigrant, according to the American Immigration Council. González highlighted steps the state legislature has taken in the past.

“Our caucus has done groundbreaking legislation over the last couple of years to help our undocumented community,” González said. “For example, bills that make sure the DMV is not sharing data with the federal government, getting rid of barriers to get their occupational licenses; funding programs like the UNLV immigration clinic.”

González also wants to see the return of the Hope Act, introduced by the former Latino caucus chair. At first, it was intended to allow people, regardless of immigration status, to access Medicaid. However, it was narrowed to cover children and people who are pregnant and ineligible for Medicaid due to immigration restrictions. It was vetoed by the governor.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford released “Know Your Rights” documents designed to help immigrants and their employers understand their legal rights. This announcement followed Ford’s remarks about protecting vulnerable communities in Nevada.

These resources, available in English and Spanish, provide information for immigrants and their employers about legal protections in the state.

The documents were released only days after Ford made public statements expressing concern over Trump’s plans for mass deportations. The attorney general emphasized that his office would stand against any unconstitutional mandates or attacks on marginalized communities.

“I will fight every step of the way, in any way that I can, to ensure our state remains a place where anyone is welcome and where our rights are protected,” Ford said in a statement posted on the attorney general’s official X account.

For more information or to access the “Know Your Rights” documents, visit the Nevada Attorney General’s website.

The attorney general’s office did not respond to KUNR’s interview request.

The 2024 Nevada high school football postseason concludes this week with several championship matchups across the state, including Arbor View vs. Bishop Gorman on Tuesday, November 26.

After a grueling season with more ups than downs, two of the best in the state will face off to claim the 5A Division I state title. With Arbor View’s only loss of the season coming at the hands of Bishop Gorman, they look for revenge next Tuesday in this heated rematch.

Nevada (NIAA) high school football playoffs: 2024 brackets, state championship matchups, game times

You can follow all of the NIAA football games and get updated scores by tracking the SBLive Nevada High School Football Scoreboard. We will have in-game score updates and all of the final scores from every corner of the state. You can also search for full schedules and scores from all of your favorite teams.

Here’s a guide to following all of the upcoming Nevada high school football action.

NEVADA NIAA FOOTBALL SCORES:

STATEWIDE NEVADA FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

DIVISION 5A SCORES | DIVISION 4A SCORES

DIVISION 3A SCORES | DIVISION 2A SCORES

DIVISION 1A SCORES

2024 NEVADA FOOTBALL SCHEDULES: FIND YOUR TEAM

Can’t make it to your favorite team’s game but still want to watch them live? You can watch dozens of Nevada high school football games live on the NFHS Network:

WATCH NIAA GAMES LIVE ON NFHS NETWORK

DOWNLOAD THE SBLIVE APP

To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App

— Ben Dagg | @sblivesports

Motorists should brace for heavy traffic around Las Vegas during Thanksgiving weekend as droves of people travel in and out of Southern Nevada to celebrate Turkey Day with family and friends.

Nearly 80 million people are expected to travel nationwide for the holiday. That’s 1.7 million more people than last year and 2 million more than pre-pandemic 2019, according to AAA.

AAA projects 79.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. This year’s projection is an increase of 1.7 million people compared with last year’s numbers and 2 million more than in 2019.

Of those travelers, 71.7 million people will travel by car over Thanksgiving, which is 1.3 million people more than last year. Potentially aiding that increase are the lower gas prices this Thanksgiving compared with prices in 2023, including in Nevada where the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is $3.70, about 58 cents cheaper than last year. In Las Vegas, the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.67, down 49 cents from Thanksgiving week in 2023.

Hertz data reveals Las Vegas is among the cities showing the highest demand for rental cars for the holiday weekend. Others include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando and Phoenix.

Busiest commute times

The Regional Transportation Commission suggests anyone traveling by car during Thanksgiving should brace for heavier than usual traffic in Southern Nevada, especially on Interstate 15. That especially rings true during peak travel days, which include Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, according to the RTC.

“The RTC recommends traveling outside peak hours to beat the rush, and for those traveling throughout the city, transit is a convenient and stress-free option that eliminates the hassle of parking,” the RTC said in a statement.

Looking to ensure travelers have as easy of a commute as possible, the Nevada Department of Transportation is halting work on multiple projects during peak travel times during Thanksgiving week.

That includes:

■ I-15/Tropicana Project: Work will be paused from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 9 p.m. Sunday;

■ I-15 North widening project work will be halted from Wednesday to Sunday;

■ I-15 South widening project work will also pause from Wednesday to Sunday;

“This effort aims to ensure smoother travel for residents and visitors during the holiday period,” NDOT spokeswoman Kelsey McFarland said in a statement.

RTC buses will operate on a Sunday schedule for transit service across the Las Vegas Valley on Thanksgiving Day and on a Saturday schedule on Friday.

Driving safety tips

The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada reminds motorists to drive safely and pay attention to the road, to ensure everyone has a safe holiday weekend.

“Before hitting the road this holiday season, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and your route is planned ahead of time,” Rachel Flanigan, executive director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, said in a statement. “Let’s all buckle up, drive responsibly and make Thanksgiving a time of joy, not regret.”

Motorists should drive speeds that match road conditions; avoid distractions, especially while using smart phones while driving; always wear safety belts, ensure children are secured correctly in safety seats for their age and size; and never drive under the influence.

Emergency kits

With many Thanksgiving weekend travelers planning to go 50 miles or more, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada recommends drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicles.

Emergency kits should include snacks, water, a first-aid kit, flashlight, a battery-operated radio, blankets, jumper cables, a map, a cellphone charger and an emergency contact card containing names and phone numbers.

“You never know when an emergency can happen,” Flanigan said. “Having the right supplies and information can help you navigate through any emergency situation.”

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X. Send questions and comments to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com.