1st suspect to plead guilty in Capitol riot is heavy metal guitarist

Friday, April 16th, 2021, 7:05pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — A heavy metal guitarist on Friday became the first defendant to plead guilty to federal charges in connection with the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Jon Ryan Schaffer, the frontman of the band Iced Earth, has agreed to cooperate with investigators in hopes of getting a lighter sentence, and the Justice Department will consider putting Schaffer in the federal witness security program, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said.

This signals that federal prosecutors see him as a valuable cooperator as they continue to investigate the militia groups and other extremists involved in the insurrection on Jan. 6 as Congress was meeting to certify President Joe Biden's electoral win... Read More

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Friday, April 16th, 2021, 6:06pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is shining a spotlight on the city’s hospitality workers. Earlier this year, the LVCVA launched its new Hospitality Heroes Employee Recognition Program. The goal is to highlight outstanding hospitality workers in Las Vegas.

This week, the first two winners were announced at the LVCVA Board of Directors meeting. They are Caesars Palace Dealer Benny Figgins and Waldorf Astoria Concierge Bryan Funai.

Figgins has been a dealer at Caesars Palace for 49 years. He is not only one of the few employees who have been with the casino since its opening, but he was one of the first African American dealers to work on the Strip after casinos began integrating the workforce. Colleagues say Figgins is one of the most requested dealers at the resort, and many guests return year after year to sit at his table... Read More

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Friday, April 16th, 2021, 5:40pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is celebrating 80 years! They've been giving back to the community since 1941.

The organization says their mission hasn't stopped but only evolved over time. They're looking forward to the next 80 years and beyond.

To honor all of the giving they've done over the last eight decades, the charity hosted a special community meal for clients and staff. ... Read More

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Friday, April 16th, 2021, 5:32pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- At least 2,657 COVID-19 cases have been reported within the Clark County School District since tracking began on March 16, 2020. Ten new cases were reported Friday, and according to data, there have been a total of 1,100 positive cases among students and staff.

8 News Now brought up this concern during today's COVID update. Health officials stressed the big focus moving forward is on youth and keeping kids in school.

Health leaders are waiting for vaccine approval for children, which is still in the trial stage. This is to help them minimize the spread in schools. ... Read More

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Friday, April 16th, 2021, 5:31pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Hockey Fights Cancer Month is in October/November, but Comprehensive Cancer Centers has designed and launched a t-shirt fundraising initiative benefitting the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation during that time. "Puck Cancer" -- the shirt's message, is simple and memorable, especially for hockey fans!

"So many of us, including hockey fans alike, have been affected by a cancer diagnosis, and there is no better time to launch this fundraising effort to support Vegas Golden Knights Foundation than during Hockey Fights Cancer month," said Jon Bilstein, CEO of Comprehensive. "Through our partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights, it is important to support those battling cancer and help remind people to stay one step ahead of a prospective cancer diagnosis. We see this as another mechanism of raising awareness all while supporting the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation's compassionate endeavors throughout Southern Nevada."... Read More

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Friday, April 16th, 2021, 5:30pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A "death investigation" is underway at a home in the west valley.

Metro Homicide Lt. Ray Spencer says human remains were found in the backyard of a home in the 8300 block of Shore Breeze, near Rampart Boulevard and Lake Mead Boulevard.

Police processed the scene for forensic evidence Friday.

"Yesterday Metro received a tip on the residence," according to Metro police sources. "Upon arriving on scene and doing a welfare check they noticed some suspicious things inside the home."... Read More

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Friday, April 16th, 2021, 5:22pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A busy corner not too far from downtown is filled with hundreds of pinwheels to bring attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"Our goal here today is to be recognizing the importance of families and communities working together, to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect,” said District Court Judge Frank Sullivan.

Five hundred pinwheels have been planted by volunteers outside family court, near Pecos and Bonanza... Read More

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