Happy Friday, Nevadans!

With the primary election behind us, I feel this is the calm before the storm of election season—in no time, we’ll start seeing even more political advertisements and receiving flyers in the mail.

I was intrigued when I saw Teresa Benitez-Thompson emerge as the Democratic candidate for Congressional District 2, which represents much of Northern Nevada. David Flippo, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, won the Republican primary. Benitez-Thompson and Flippo will face off in the November election.

For those not in Northern Nevada, Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) chose not to run again after serving in the seat since 2011, leaving the seat open. For our neighbors who live in CD2, how do you feel? Do you think Benitez-Thompson could flip the historically Republican seat? Let me know!

In today’s newsletter:

Have a safe weekend!

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., speaks during a rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Reno Events Center on Oct. 31, 2024, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/David Calvert)

By Lizzie Ramirez

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the “Freedom to Travel Health Care Act“ on June 9. In a statement, she said it’s “critical that we remain vigilant” against the Trump administration’s efforts to limit reproductive freedom.

The effort, which has failed numerous times since 2022, would protect people who cross state lines for abortion access and would protect healthcare providers.

In Nevada, abortion is legal through 24 weeks, making the state a destination for people seeking care from more restrictive states. Nevadans voted in November 2024 to take the first step toward enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution, but the measure must pass a second statewide vote in November before it takes effect.

Supporters say data centers bring jobs, investment, and new tax revenue. Critics worry about water use, the environment, air pollution, and strain on infrastructure. Let’s take a closer look. →

🟣 Kids Count report ranks NV 46th in child well-being. Nevada Current

“The state fared the worst in education and economic well-being, which were ranked 46th and 44th respectively. The data used to compile the report looked at health and economic indicators from 2019 through 2024, and doesn’t reflect recent legislative efforts to address health disparities or the federal cuts to the social safety net implemented by President Donald Trump’s multitrillion-dollar domestic spending and tax cut package passed last year.”

🟣 More seniors are using cannabis. Researchers in the Mountain West want to know why. KNPR

“This cohort was primarily seeking to manage pain, sleep or health concerns. Respondents most commonly expressed interest in trying cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications and because they had exhausted other interventions.”

🟣 3 from Gardnerville headed to national rodeo. Nevada Appeal

“Riley Danen, Tucker Nicoll and Tanner Nicoll from Gardnerville ranked No. 1 in the state and are headed to the nationals/world finals rodeos. They won state titles over Memorial Day weekend at the Nevada State Finals in Winnemucca, where hundreds of contestants from across the state competed over six days for the opportunity to advance to National and World Finals competition.”

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jannelle Calderón, featuring a story by Lizzie Ramirez. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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