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The US Department of Energy is taking a 5% stake in Lithium Americas and Thacker Pass, a key lithium project in Nevada, to reduce reliance on China. The deal involves a $435 million federal loan, with GM investing heavily. This aims to support domestic EV battery supply chains and strengthen US independence in critical minerals.
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As of early October 2025, the US Department of Energy has acquired a 5% equity stake in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass lithium mining project, a joint venture with General Motors. This move aims to reduce US reliance on China for lithium, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries. The project is expected to produce enough lithium carbonate annually to power 800,000 EVs, with commercial operations targeted for 2026-2028.
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Nevada regulators allege The Boring Company committed nearly 800 violations, including unauthorized digging and water dumping, since 2019. The company disputes some allegations, but regulators reduced potential fines to $242,800. Meanwhile, Tesla faces investigations over delayed claims and its Full Self-Driving software. The story highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of tech and infrastructure firms.
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Recent articles highlight significant increases in health insurance premiums for 2026, driven by expiring COVID-era subsidies, insurer proposals, and rising healthcare costs. Despite political disputes over subsidy extensions, most enrollees will still receive support, but premiums are expected to double or triple for many. States are previewing these hikes ahead of open enrollment.
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Nevada prisons see a tenfold increase in overdoses, mainly synthetic drugs, linked to mail smuggling. Meanwhile, British Columbia's drug decriminalization has coincided with record overdose deaths, and the UK reports its highest drug poisoning toll since 1993, driven by synthetic opioids.
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Miss USA 2025 was crowned in Reno, Nevada, with new reforms including open questions and a casting call for missing states. Alma Cooper, the reigning Miss USA, declined to attend amid organizational turmoil. The event marked a shift toward transparency after years of scandals.
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A road rage incident on November 15 in Henderson, Nevada, resulted in the death of an 11-year-old boy after a gunshot fired during a traffic altercation. The suspect, Tyler Johns, was arrested and charged with murder. The incident highlights rising trends in road rage-related violence across the US.
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The Pack Fire in Mono County, California, grew to 5.3 square miles, driven by high winds and dry conditions. It remains uncontained but saw decreased activity after recent rain. Evacuations and road closures are ongoing, with investigations into the fire's cause.
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Tesla has completed self-certification for its robotaxi in Nevada, allowing deployment pending regulatory approval. The company is expanding testing and operations across several states, including Arizona and California, amid ongoing regulatory and safety concerns. Elon Musk aims for broad deployment by year's end.
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The 59th CMA Awards aired on Nov. 19 from Nashville, recognizing country music's top artists. Lainey Wilson hosted solo, with notable nominees including Luke Combs and Megan Moroney. The event featured performances, collaborations, and the presentation of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to Vince Gill.
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On December 11, 2025, scientists warn that a fault line beneath the Sea of Marmara is moving eastward, increasing the risk of a major earthquake near Istanbul. Meanwhile, a false 5.9-magnitude quake alert was mistakenly issued in Nevada on December 4, causing widespread confusion but no shaking. Recent quakes also shook northwest England and Alaska without major damage.
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Nevada's recent teacher pay increases have improved retention but led to a rise in inexperienced teachers, especially in charter schools. Concerns focus on the impact on instructional quality and subject expertise, amid ongoing efforts to address staffing and funding challenges.