Nevada
Stalled efforts to bring a sex worker resource center to downtown Las Vegas revived – The Nevada Independent
Sex workers and survivors of sex trafficking could soon find community at a downtown Las Vegas holistic resource center, predominantly for women, that advocates say will provide a “safe space” for those seeking resources to “heal and grow” or transition out of the sex trade.
The effort is led by the nonprofit The Cupcake Girls, which provides confidential support to those involved in the sex industry in Las Vegas and Portland, Oregon. The group advocates on behalf of its clients for housing, promotes entrepreneurship and connects them with community-based programs such as domestic violence agencies, mentorship, social services and substance abuse counseling.
“If we’re really going to eradicate sex work, it’s going to take a lot more than just awareness, some Narcan, condoms and Plan B,” said Asia Duncan, head of the resource center called Local For All, a project by The Cupcake Girls.
She said the organization meets people where they are, without forcing them to change how they live, and that they are able to help clients if they decide to flee a sex trafficking situation or transition from sex work to another job. Duncan defined sex work as a broad category that includes stripping, prostitution, working at brothels, online sex work, pornography and escort services — all which regularly subject them to violence.
She said the resource center would “mean the world to program participants.”
“This year alone, we’ve matched 113 people to jobs,” Duncan said. “We’ve matched more than 100 people to mental health services.”
She said the resource site, located in a downtown Arts District building, will include co-working areas, two courtyards, free Wi-Fi and an event calendar filled with on-site classes such as trauma-informed yoga, sound bowl healing therapy or a spiritual ritual that includes sound waves released from the vibrations of “singing bowls,” as well as educational and professional development workshops.
The organization is looking to raise $3 million to rehabilitate the space, which was purchased by an angel investor for the organization in 2018. Duncan said the latest campaign comes after the development stalled because of a change in leadership in 2021 that led to fewer donations, especially from churches.
The organization has started to focus less on sharing the personal stories of clients and more on programming under the leadership of Executive Director Amy-Marie Merrell, who worked for The Cupcake Girls for more than 12 years and took over in 2021. Duncan said now their stories are just used as data for the group and if clients speak at events, they are paid to share their personal histories to avoid exploitation.
“What I’m realizing is that women who choose to be in that industry are really being marginalized and discriminated against,” Duncan said. “When people are like, ‘How did you get out of your trafficking situation?’ — it was actually sex work that got me out of my trafficking situation.”
Nevada has the third-highest rate of human trafficking in the U.S. at nearly 6.3 cases per 100,000 residents in 2023, just behind Washington, D.C., which had 6.5 cases per capita and the top state, Mississippi, which had 7.9 cases per capita, according to data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Out of 201 human trafficking cases in Nevada in 2021, 83 percent involved sexual exploitation.
The U.S. ranks 92 out of 190 countries for human trafficking, tied with Zimbabwe, Greece, Singapore and Poland according to a 2021 report by the Global Organized Crime Index, which is a global initiative against transnational crime made up of law enforcement and government practitioners.
“The majority of [sex] trafficking that happens in Nevada, is happening in our homes,” Merrell said during a benefit show last Thursday. “It’s parents and grandparents and aunties and uncles and cousins that are trafficking their own children.”
The show, called Superbloom: Delightfully Out of Place, included designers from marginalized communities and models who ranged from children to young adults with disabilities, to “plus-sized models,” drawing smiles and cheers from the crowd as they strutted down the runway. The show propelled fundraising efforts for Local For All, slightly exceeding its goal of $10,000.
Leaders from nonprofit organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of Las Vegas, Recovery for America and the Henderson-based domestic violence agency S.A.F.E. House showed up and many sat front and center during the show.
“We have clients from all over Clark County, so not just in Henderson,” said Beth Flory, executive director for S.A.F.E. House, in an interview with The Nevada Independent before the show started. “So a number of our clients are actually located in that area. So having that resource center available in that area is another place that they can go and get assistance when they need it that’s close to them and easily accessible.”
Duncan, who joined the organization in 2022, said The Cupcake Girls’ work can become more efficient with a resource space because a lot of expenses go toward transporting clients to different facilities throughout the Las Vegas Valley. She said they would instead bring professionals into the space, circumventing the need to send clients out for services.
She said her first steps toward bringing the project over the finish line began with ridding the building of unhoused people by connecting them with social services and having a mural painted on the front side to show people that the place isn’t abandoned.
“The city has left that building vacant for over 20 years,” she said. “And I don’t know who owned it before but nobody was doing anything about it. There was trafficking going on in there. There was substance abuse. There was a lot of stuff going on in there and we’ve managed to clean it up and at least keep eyes on it to say ‘Local For All is coming.’”
Duncan said opening the doors before next year’s Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11 is a lofty but important goal because she anticipates that the event will bring people into the city looking for sex workers or sex work.
In Nevada, prostitution is illegal in counties with more than 700,000 residents — such as in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas. It is also illegal in Washoe County, which includes Reno, and in some smaller counties that can decide its legality. In the 10 counties where it is legal, it is only permitted inside of a licensed brothel.
“If we look it up, there’s thousands of registered sex workers in the state of Nevada,” Duncan said. “But there are no services, wraparound services, relief, support to anybody in that industry. And the same thing with [sex trafficking] survivors.”
Duncan also said Las Vegas’ branding messages confuse tourists and people in the sex trade, stating that advertisements sometimes include sexual innuendos, referencing the new slogan “down for anything,” as a potential point of perplexity.
“We’re not asking for nor do we support legalization,” she said. “We’re saying ‘support decriminalization [and] stop arresting people for something that is implied everywhere.’”
Last year proved one of the deadliest on Nevada roads, with 412 deaths resulting from vehicle crashes.
The 412 traffic deaths in 2024 resulted from 377 crashes involving a fatality, according to an annual report from the state Office of Traffic Safety. That makes 2024 the fourth-deadliest year on record, according to state records dating back to 1991 and tracked by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
As is the case each year, the top contributing factors to fatal crashes were speeding and impairment, according to the state.
The Nevada Office of Traffic Safety’s internal tracking of crashes reveals that between 50-60 percent of those who die in road crashes have an impairing substance in their system, according to Anita Pepper, spokeswoman for the office.
The deadliest year on record was 2006 with 431 deaths. The next deadliest year was 2005 with 427; followed by 2022 with 416; 2024 with 412 deaths; and 395 in 2004 rounds out the five deadliest years.
“Unfortunately, the numbers are trending very high,” Pepper told the Review-Journal. “We are almost back to where we were in 2022, and it’s devastating to see that the number is climbing.”
Last year’s total is an increase of nearly 6 percent compared with 2023’s total of 390 traffic deaths.
In Clark County, traffic deaths rose nearly 14 percent in 2024, with 293 deaths compared with the 258 seen in 2023.
Increasing safety
Clark County’s Office of Traffic Safety, which was founded in 2022, is focusing on re-evaluating its priorities when it comes to roads, deep-diving into data,and looking at sections of roads and intersections that need to be improved.
“At some point there will be a document that is the Safe Streets for All Action Plan for Southern Nevada,” Clark County Office of Traffic Safety Director Andrew Bennett told the Review-Journal. “We’re focusing a great deal of resources on that.”
Erin Breen, director of UNLV’s Road Equity Alliance project, said a lot can be done to increase the safety of all road users, but she said only a few leaders have the will to stand up and explain what needs to be done.
“Because the average driver sees the change as detrimental to their commutes, and getting places fast is a way of life here, unfortunately, it’s the leading contributor to fatalities too,” Breen said.
With speed continually a top factor in fatal crashes, Breen said curbing that is the easiest way to reduce road deaths. She noted that it wouldn’t be cheap, but it is the easiest and most effective way to make Nevada roads safer.
“Changing how fast drivers are comfortable traveling would add to the safety and comfort of those on foot, bike or mobility device,” Breen said. “Narrowing travel lanes on arterial roads, with further reductions at intersections would slow drivers down and assure that the crashes that do happen would be less severe. It would also allow for protected bike lanes and wider sidewalks for those traveling under human power.”
Part of the county’s action to create the Safe Streets for All Action Plan includes overlaying crash and citation data with speed involvement to paint a picture of the Las Vegas Valley’s roads.
“That might have disproportionate representation of crashes and high-injury crashes,” Bennett said. “That will paint a picture countywide, including our rural communities in that as well. That’s the bigger picture, smaller picture I think we’ve done more and continue to work with individual neighbors and businesses in the community, places of interest, whether it be schools or parks, ensuring that we have the ability to listen to the people that are using our road networks.”
Vulnerable road users
Traffic fatalities among vulnerable road users, which includes pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, saw some of the latest increases in the state and in the Las Vegas Valley.
Motorcyclist deaths rose an alarming 28 percent in the state, going from 64 in 2023 to 82 last year. In Clark County, motorcyclist deaths jumped 22 percent in 2024 compared with the year prior, going from 50 in 2023 to 61 last year. Washoe County, which includes Reno, saw a nearly 63 percent increase in motorcyclists’ deaths, from eight in 2023 to 13 in 2024.
“I can say that speed was a big factor in our increase. A lot of the time speeding motorcyclists were their own cause of death, but so many times they were aided by drivers turning, mostly on permissive flashing yellow arrows, which are great for moving cars, terrible for saving lives,” Breen said.
Bicyclists also saw an increase in fatalities, going from 14 in 2023 to 15 in 2025, a 7 percent increase in the state and increasing from 10 to 11 deaths in Clark County, a 10 percent jump.
Pedestrian deaths in the state rose by nearly 5 percent, going from 107 in 2023 to 112 in 2024. In Clark County, pedestrian deaths rose by 14 percent, with 95 deaths last year, up from the 83 seen in 2023.
“In 2023, the state reached over 100 pedestrian fatalities for the first time, we came dangerously close just in Clark County (this year),” Breen said.
Breen noted that during the Great Recession, when fewer people were driving, only 29 and 30 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2009 and 2010, respectively. That number increased to a then-all-time high in 2017 at 78 fatalities, a number that then was topped in both 2018 and 2023, with 83.
“Our population increase isn’t the issue, people who drive far too fast and completely focused on themselves is a problem,” Breen said.
Deaths tied to vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt dipped slightly with 64 in 2024 compared with 68 in 2023, a nearly 6 percent drop in the state. Clark County saw a nearly 10 percent decrease, going from 41 last year to 37 in 2024.
Personal choices
Even with all the messaging, educating and engineering from state and local officials occurring in relation to roads, the key aspect to increasing safety is choices made by each individual driver, Bennett said. Even though many believe that speeding will get them to their destination quicker, in traffic, data suggests otherwise.
“We need to have an honest conversation with out community,” Bennett said. “There’s report after report that shows that speeding 10-12 mph over the speed limit doesn’t result in you getting to your destination any quicker. Speeding isn’t worth it. Nothing delays traffic like a fatal crash. We’re trying to balance moving our community safely and effectively, but making sure that safety is part of that conversation.”
Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X. Follow @mickakers on X. Send questions and comments to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com.
Nevada
'We have a DUI problem in the valley': Nevada State Troopers arrest 182 Las Vegas drivers for DUIs in December
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It’s a problem that data shows only seems to be getting worse in Southern Nevada — people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Local law enforcement agencies hold DUI enforcement blitzes throughout the year, that’s nothing new, but perhaps none are more notorious in Las Vegas than the ones held on New Year’s Eve — one of the most dangerous times to be on valley roadways.
This year was no different.
In a 24-hour period from noon this New Year’s Eve to noon on New Year’s Day, Nevada State Police (NSP) Troopers arrested 49 drivers for DUI statewide, a whopping 36 of those were right here in Clark County.
“We do have a DUI problem, impaired driving throughout the valley,” said Trooper Shawn Haggstrom.
Haggstrom said new data shows there were 182 DUI arrests in Las Vegas alone in the month of December.
“I think it’s staggering,” Haggstrom said. “If you think about it, that’s five or six DUI arrests every day.”
Five or six DUI arrests a day can make a difference, because when it comes to fatal crashes: “the two largest contributing factors here in Nevada are speed and impairment,” Haggstrom said.
We know 2024 was a particularly deadly year on our roads, too, with 412 deaths statewide — 293 of those happened right here in Clark County, a 13.6% increase from 2023.
“Even one fatal is too much,” Haggstrom said. “It doesn’t just affect that person that’s gone–that’s a family member, that’s a dad, a cousin, a brother, a friend.”
That’s why as we start a new year, Trooper Haggstrom reminds all of us not to drink and drive.
“Don’t take that risk,” Haggstrom said. “Because once you get in that vehicle, it’s like a 5,000 pound bullet — you can end up killing somebody or seriously injuring somebody.”
Law enforcement around the valley plan to continue working together on DUI blitzes several times in 2025, so make sure you’re planning ahead, identifying a designated driver or using ride shares.
Haggstrom’s message to drivers is simple: “Drive sober, or get pulled over.”
Crime & Court on Channel 13
When people think of this unique state, they often only picture Las Vegas, gambling, and nightlife, but there’s so much more! Nevada is the 7th largest state and is also known for its rocky mountains, mining history, and iconic desserts. It gets its name from “Sierra Nevada,” which translates to “snow-covered mountains” due to there being 314 named mountain ranges. This state was founded in 1864 during The Civil War and is nicknamed “Silver State” as it is considered the second-largest producer of silver. Come spend one of your long weekends in one of these picturesque towns!
Elko
With a population of 20,500, this vacation spot gives visitors a chance to experience city living while still having stunning nature views. Whitecap mountains surround the town and give it picturesque scenery. Start your first day off by walking around the elaborate city and visiting the Northeastern Nevada Museum to learn about the local history and wildlife and to see some art exhibits. Spend the next day immersing yourself in nature and hiking part of The Ruby Crest Trail or part of the Ruby Mountains, which is a remote wilderness hiking experience located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This is one of the most popular trails located around Elko and features rocky mountains overlooking lakes. On your way to this trail, stop by the South Fork State Recreation Area to see views that will ingrained in your memory forever.
On the last day, head over to the Western Folklife Center to learn about cowboys, their history, and the American West. Afterward, stop by the Riparian Hot Spring to soothe the muscles and experience naturally warm waters and a peaceful atmosphere. This spot is great for individuals looking to experience ultimate relaxation with being enveloped in the sounds of nature. Stay at the Rodeway Inn Elko Downtown Area for only $50 a night or the Hampton Inn Elko for $103 a night.
Boulder City
Only 26 miles from the most popular city in Nevada, known as Las Vegas, this spot is perfect for individuals still wanting to be around the bustling scene but wanting to experience a small-town feel. With only a population of 14,000, this city features rows of historic homes, a historic district, and constant scenery of red rocky mountains. Upon arrival, head over to the north end of the city to visit the overlook points known as the Mountain View and Lake Mead View Point. This shows a breathtaking view of forests, rocky mountains, deserts, lakes, and unique formations.
During your visit, stop by two excellent museums that are offered in the area. The Nevada State Railroad Museum has donated trains from the famous Virginia and Truckee Railroad. You can even take a 45-minute train ride! The Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum is free to enter and tells the story of the men and women who braved the desert to build Hoover Dam and settle Boulder City. Both of these museums are essential when visiting. For hiking and to see the incredible sandy landscapes, check out the Bootleg Canyon Park Trailhead, River Mountain, or the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail. To relax, Boulder Beach and Goldstrike Hot Spring are essentials! After packed-filled days, head back to the Boulder Dam Hotel for around 100 dollars a night!
Winnemucca
This town was named after Chief Winnemucca, who was a part of the Northern Paiute Tribe and a war chief and translates to “one moccasin” (since he always had one shoe on) or “The Giver” due to his daughter’s participation in advocating for fair treatment. Most tourists travel to this town to hike Winnemucca Mountain, which has an elevation of 6,760 feet and an out-of-this-world view. Travel only 10 mins outside of the city to visit the Winnemucca Sand dunes or 20 mins to the Water Canyon Recreation Area for hiking. Stop by the free modern brick building known as The Humboldt Museum to see remains from the ice age 13,000 years ago, art, vintage automobiles, and to learn about the history of American Indians and mining. End the day at the Econo Lodge Inn and Suites for only 52 dollars a night!
Baker
This very small town is close to the Utah border and is the last stop before the “Loneliest Road in America,” which is a 408-mile-long highway of complete isolation. Baker is ideal for individuals looking to go on a nature retreat! Only 5 miles from the entrance of the well-known Great Basin National Park, this town attracts a lot of people looking to explore all parts of this unique park. Hike one of the four mountain peaks with 360 views (or all if you’re up for the challenge) that includes Wheeler Peak (elevation of 13,000), Pyramid Peak (elevation of 12,000 feet), Lincoln Peak (elevation of 11,600) or Granite Peak (elevation of 11,218). Stop at the Lehman Caves and take a guided tour to see more than 300 rare and unique shield formations. While there, check out the Mather Overlook to view white cap mountains from the ground.
Take a drive through the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to view the world’s oldest trees, which are nearly 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines. Lastly, take a walk to view the Lexington Arch, which is made of limestone and created by strong weather forces that have been working for centuries. Stay at the Stargazer Inn or End Of The Trail in between the busy days!
Virginia City
Southwest of Reno, Virginia CIty is home to Victorian buildings that were built in the 19th century during a mining boom. There are three museums in the area to focus on keeping the history alive. To learn more about mining and what it was like to live during the heyday, stop by The Way It Was Museum. The Historic Fourth Ward School And Museum is the last four-story school building of its time and has interactive exhibits. This has a preserved classroom from 1876 that allows visitors to sit and experience what it would be like to go to school back then. Lastly, The Comstock Firemen’s Museum teaches about The Great Fire Of 1875 and gives a glimpse of the men who fought it.
The Chollar Mine Tour takes you deep underground to see how the miners of the Gold Rush extracted 17 million in gold and silver, which made this city famous. For hiking, take the trek up Mt. Bullion or Mt Davidson for beautiful scenery. Stay at the Silverland Inn for 81 dollars a night or The Virginia City Bed and Breakfast.
Tonopah
Tonopah was nick-named “Queen Of The Silver Camps” due to its success in the mining industry in the 1900’s. It is known for world-class stargazing and vast desert landscapes. To learn about mining, take a step into the Tonopah Historic Mining Park to explore more than 100 acres of history, tunnels, caves, and artifacts. Stop by the Old Tonopah Cemetery to view a well-preserved desert cemetery from 1901. From pioneers, old miners, and politicians, learn about the 300 people who are buried there and the thrilling stories behind each of their lives. For a challenge, spend a day hiking Brougher Mountain for an overlook of the town, rocky formations, and desert. Stay at the infamous Clown Motel or at the Mizpah Hotel for direct access to downtown.
Ely
Ely is a four-season mountain town where art and outdoor adventures thrive. Brace yourself to be surrounded by white-capped mountains in this town of nearly 4,000! Named in 1878, it was originally a stagecoach station along The Pony Express and became one of the top 10 producers of U.S. copper for 15 years. To learn more about the impact of mining and its general history, visit White Pine Public Museum. After, walk over to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum to take a train ride through the nearby landscape that you will be sure to remember forever. Drive 25 minutes to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park to see six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens that used to process silver. This 700-acre park also has astonishing hikes and remarkable views. After each eventful day, come back to either the Magnuson Hotel Ely for only $54 a night or at the Ramada By Wyndham Ely for $78 a night!
Spend Your Next Long Weekend In Nevada
Nevada is the driest state in the nation, with an average of 10 inches of precipitation a year! This will guarantee beautiful weather throughout your stay while you hike one of the challenging or easy mountains, lay out on a beach, take a walk through the forest, or explore the scenic towns. Whether it’s a smaller town like Baker to visit Great Basin National Park, a city like Elko, or a historic town like Virginia City, this state has it all. Plan your next long weekend in one of these beautiful towns!
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