Monsoon season leaves desert Southwest high and dry

Monday, September 30th, 2019, 3:52pm

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Las Vegas got a little more than a quarter-inch of rain from June to the end of September this year, the 14th driest monsoon season on record.

The monsoon season usually brings high hopes for rain, thunder and lightning in the desert Southwest. This year, it was a dud.

The monsoon runs from mid-June through September, characterized by a shift in wind patterns and moisture being pulled in from the tropical coast of Mexico.

Usually it means rain that can cool down scorching cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, water crops in low-lying areas and reduce the risk of wildfire. It also can be disappointing.

St. George, Utah, had its driest monsoon since 1944, when the city had no rain... Read More

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Monday, September 30th, 2019, 3:13pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A New Jersey teen saw heroes.

As Las Vegas struggled to understand in the days that followed the 1 October shooting, 15-year-old Riley Carty was inspired by what he saw: the selfless efforts of Las Vegas police officers who helped to bring the community together.

.@MakeAWishSNV wish recipient Riley went through a mock police academy, tactical training, met with @Sheriff_LVMPD and numerous LVMPD units, before graduating from the police academy and going on his first police call.
Thank you Riley for your support! #makeawishsnv pic.twitter.com/rJRUhi7rI7... Read More

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Monday, September 30th, 2019, 2:55pm

NEW YORK (AP) — Jessye Norman, the renowned international opera star whose passionate soprano voice won her four Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts, has died, according to family spokesperson Gwendolyn Quinn. She was 74.

A statement released to The Associated Press on Monday said Norman died at 7:54 a.m. EDT from septic shock and multi-organ failure secondary to complications of a spinal cord injury she had sustained in 2015. She died at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York, and was surrounded by loved ones.

“We are so proud of Jessye’s musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy. We are equally proud of her humanitarian endeavors addressing matters such as hunger, homelessness, youth development, and arts and culture education,” the family statement read.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days... Read More

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Monday, September 30th, 2019, 1:34pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The American Red Cross is helping those affected by the 1 October tragedy continue to heal with a series of preparedness, resiliency and coping tips. The nonprofit will attend several commemoration events throughout the city, providing invaluable resources for those in need of support.

“It’s incredibly important for people to take care of themselves in the aftermath of an event like 1 October,” said Alan Diskin, executive director of Red Cross Southern Nevada. “Year-round, we have a hotline that people can call or text if they need to talk to someone.”

Diskin noted building personal resiliency, learning lifesaving skills and donating blood are all ways we can pull together to make for a stronger community in the wake of horrible tragedies like the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting.

The tips are divided into two categories: general preparedness and coping.

General Preparedness: ... Read More

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Monday, September 30th, 2019, 1:32pm

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s Sam’s Club is teaming up with several health care companies to offer discounts on everyday care its customers might delay or skip because of the cost.

Starting early October, Sam’s Club members in Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, will be able to buy one of four bundles of health care services ranging in annual fees from $50 for individuals to $240 for a family of up to six members. The pilot program could potentially be rolled out to members in all the states, says Lori Flees, senior vice president of Sam’s Club Health and Wellness.

The move comes as health care expenses place a growing strain on the budgets of many families and individuals, even those that have coverage. Sam’s Club emphasized that the new initiative is not a health insurance plan but a discount health program that can supplement insurance and bring down out-of-pocket costs... Read More

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Monday, September 30th, 2019, 1:12pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The NFL has suspended Raiders linebacker Vontaze Berfict for the rest of the season for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts Tight End Jack Doyle in Sundays game in Indianapolis.

The Raiders won the game 31-24 to improve their record to 2-2.

Burfict will miss the final 12 games of the season, without pay, and any post season games for “repeated violations of unnecessary roughness rules.” He has been suspended three times in his career for hits violating the NFL’s player safety rules.

Berfict will have the right to appeal the decision, but he must do it within three days. Berfict was set to make $5 million dollars this year with the Raiders. ... Read More

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Monday, September 30th, 2019, 12:35pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Exploring planet Mars. Students from several CCSD schools are getting new learning tools highlighting the red planet and space exploration.

Students had the chance to interact with a large vinyl map of planet Mars. It’s a hands-on lesson for fourth graders at Kermit Booker Innovative Elementary School by MLK Boulevard and Carey Avenue.

Students, like Gloria Diaz, are learning the characteristics of Mars.

“The taller you are, the colder it gets. So, if you were to go to the mountain right there it’s actually the tallest. I think it’s actually really awesome cause my brother told me about some planets cause he’s in high school,” Diaz said.

The program is heading to 22 other elementary schools within the Clark County School District. It’s made possible thanks to partnerships with the Aldrin Family Foundation, the Public Education Foundation and Desert Research Institute... Read More

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