The Daily Rundown - December 31, 2025
🌧️ Rain is in the forecast for the Las Vegas Valley today. The National Weather Service says there is a slight chance in the afternoon, increasing to 55% to 65% in the evening. From midnight to 6 a.m. Thursday, it's 50%. The weather service says the rain is expected to be light, with temperatures around 50. The forecast has led to the cancellation of Boulder City's planned New Year's Eve street party. A spokesperson for Main Street Boulder City said holding it would be dicey, considering the outdoor staging and sound and lighting systems. The celebration would have featured an '80s-themed party on Nevada Way in the historic downtown corridor. Organizers say they hope to hold it this summer.
🚘 The Boring Company is now providing above-ground service to Harry Reid International Airport as an extension of its underground Vegas Loop people mover. The Clark County Department of Aviation approved the company's application last week, said airport spokeswoman Monika Bertaki. She told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that drop-offs are now available and that pickups can begin once the vehicles have transponders installed. The Nevada Transportation Authority approved the limited surface rides to and from the airport last month. The service is launching ahead of next week's CES, the international consumer electronics show, which is expecting some 140,000 attendees.
🏈 The Raiders will get either the first or second pick in next year's draft, thanks to the Atlanta Falcons. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that the Falcons' win last night over the Rams gives the Raiders the advantage in the strength-of-schedule tiebreaker. If the Raiders lose to the Chiefs on Sunday, then they will pick No. 1. If they win and climb to three wins, they could still pick first but most likely would fall to second.
🚩 Former Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is heading back to college. The Northwestern Wildcats announced on social media that Kelly is their new offensive coordinator. He helped lead Ohio State to the 2024 national title as its offensive coordinator, which led to his moving to the Raiders. The Raiders fired Kelly with the team at 2-9 and the offense among the worst in the league.
📈 A new study based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows Nevada as the state with the largest increase in hourly pay in the nation from 2024 to 2025. The average hourly wage climbed from $30.60 to $32.55, a 6.4% increase, according to a news release from software company Unit4. That represents the biggest year-over-year rise in the nation. Virginia was second, with a 5% jump, and Florida was third at almost 5%.
🦺 For a New Year's resolution, many people aim to better their health, whether it's physical, mental or financial. In line with this self-care awareness — and people's New Year's resolutions — Clark County encourages residents to take steps to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency. Key steps for emergency preparedness are to get a disaster supply kit, create an emergency plan and be informed. In a press release, emergency managers advise downloading the free Southern Nevada Community Preparedness App to help prepare and plan for emergencies.
Read more about how to stay prepared in Southern Nevada here.
⚾ The Athletics are signaling a major shift in their roster philosophy as they prepare for a 2028 move to Las Vegas. Announced at the construction site of their new stadium yesterday, the A's signed Tyler Soderstrom to an $86 million extension: the largest in team history. This deal follows extensions for Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler. General manager David Forst said the team aims to ensure it has a young core in its prime when the $2 billion Strip ballpark opens. Soderstrom had a breakout 2025 season. After moving to left field on short notice, he finished the year as a Gold Glove finalist with 10 Defensive Runs Saved and 11 outfield assists.
Read more about the A's Stadium construction here.
⚡ The University of Nevada, Reno is cashing in on a still-surviving Biden-era federal economic investment to support the lithium industry in Nevada. UNR heads the Nevada Tech Hub, which is using grant money secured in the 2023 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program. The Nevada Tech Hub announced yesterday that it has awarded $3.9 million to expand lithium-industry apprenticeships with the Northern Nevada Building & Construction Trades Council Development Corporation.
Northern Nevada has the United States' only lithium production mine, at Silver Peak. This Tech Hub program is funded by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which has seen funding rollbacks from the Trump administration. Just this month, the U.S. Department of Commerce canceled hundreds of millions of dollars of CHIPS funding for a North Carolina semiconductor research center. For now, though, lithium-industry supporters are optimistic about the future of federal support in Nevada.
Northern Nevada Building & Construction Trades Council Development Corporation representatives expressed optimism for current and future training, which relies on funding.
Read more about the Thacker Pass lithium project here.
Part of these stories are taken from KNPR's daily newscast segment. To hear more daily updates like these, tune in to 88.9 KNPR FM.
