Metro police cite steep climb in fentanyl deaths last year, warn public of dangers

Thursday, April 15th, 2021, 8:53am

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Fentanyl deaths rose 200% in a single year in Southern Nevada, according to Metro police.

That's perhaps the scariest piece of the puzzle in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's fight against narcotics in the Las Vegas valley.

"We're here this morning because of the alarming increase that this community has seen in overdose deaths last year," said Narcotics Crimes Bureau Cpt. John Pelletier.

"Last year alone, we had a 30% increase -- from 591 to 768. What's even more shocking is we had just under a 200% increase in fentanyl-related deaths, from 74 to 219," he said.

"To put it in perspective, in August alone, we had 31 deaths. That is a death a day from fentanyl," Pelletier said.

Pelletier warned the public not to take fentanyl pills, because you might not know what you're getting. A tiny amount of the drug can kill... Read More

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Thursday, April 15th, 2021, 7:34am

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Thunderbirds have a new show, and will debut their "redesigned aerial demonstration" at the Cocoa Beach Air Show in Florida on Saturday and Sunday.

The announcement came Thursday morning on Twitter:

(1/2) We’re excited to kickoff the 2021 show season and debut our new aerial demonstration and ground show at Cocoa Beach Air Show this weekend.

Learn more about our revised show below:

Press release: https://t.co/c6WcscUkah

Informational video: https://t.co/d6xejRS8yJ pic.twitter.com/i7WRFz9AHU... Read More

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Thursday, April 15th, 2021, 7:29am

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Records show the number of couples getting marriage licenses in Las Vegas is almost back to pre-pandemic levels.

The local wedding industry appears to be recovering after a subdued year. According to Clark County records, 6,499 marriage licenses were issued in March of this year compared to 6,579 in 2019. In 2020, the number of licenses issued was down by 50%.

Wedding venues are hoping to recover some of the losses suffered over the past year.

Joanne Harvey who is the director of banquets, catering and the wedding chapel at Treasure Island said they are looking forward to being busy.

"May, June really that's our busier time and then it will pick up again in September and October," she said.

Treasure Island offers several wedding packages, including the unique option of a ceremony on the Song Ship in front of the hotel and casino... Read More

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Thursday, April 15th, 2021, 7:27am

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The crack of a bat will once again be heard at the Las Vegas Ballpark for opening night on Thursday, May 6. It will have been nearly 600 days since the last baseball game.

Before then, employees are needed to handle the expected fans so the Las Vegas Ballpark is holding a job fair on Saturday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the main concourse.

Love baseball and looking for a job? @thelvballpark is hiring. The hiring fair is this Saturday. Details are on our website. @8NewsNow #8NN pic.twitter.com/59YESB4aT6... Read More

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2021, 11:24pm

SALT LAKE CITY (KLAS) -- The family of 7-year-old Izabella Bohannon says she is now being treated out of state. She's been in a medically induced coma at Sunrise Hospital after being hit by a jet ski last weekend near Bullhead City.

Her family told 8 News Now Wednesday night that she's been flown to Salt Lake City for advanced care while awaiting surgery.

If you'd like to donate and help the family, click here... Read More

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2021, 11:06pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Wednesday that one of the six people across the U.S. who had severe reactions to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is a woman from Nevada.

In an emergency meeting, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said the 18-year-old from our state developed a disorder called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), which caused severe clotting in her brain.

Officials said she was still receiving treatment as of Wednesday.

Though the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended the single-dose shot be paused Tuesday, many in Las Vegas have already received it.

8 News Now spoke with a local medical expert, who urged others not to panic.

"When they first started talking about it, it was like, ‘Hmm, what's going on with this?’" said Las Vegan Mary Rendina... Read More

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