What killed Malik Avila?

Happy Trump Day. Does anyone know what Gov. Joe Lombardo’s up to this afternoon?

Inmate deaths Eight months ago, 24-year-old Malik Avila died in custody at High Desert State Prison. The Clark County Coroner and Nevada Department of Corrections claim he died of “natural causes.” Avila’s family alleges he died after a fatal beating by prison guards. Your must read Nevada Current story of the day, by Michael Lyle, is about a recently filed wrongful death lawsuit, but it’s also about how this litigation appears to some like a trend: Lawsuit alleging guards fatally beat inmate prompts calls for state review of prison deaths

You’re fired. As millions of acres burn across the western United States, some wildland fire veterans are fearful that aggressive fire suppression tactics ordered by the Trump administration — coupled with extreme, fast-moving blazes — could put firefighters in danger as conditions escalate this month. Stateline explains, in this story featuring insight from former Nevada state firewarden KC Kasey, who is now in a similar role in Oregon. Wildfire veterans fear federal tactics, extreme fires could put crews at risk

Get off my (xeriscape) lawn! Nevada has -- for better or worse -- fully embraced homeowners associations. The most headline-grabbing HOA discussions are about petty, ridiculous issues like keeping your garage open too long. But some HOA rules can be environmental issues. Let these Michigan State University researchers explain, in this commentary, originally published by The Conversation:  HOAs are often barriers to sustainable landscaping and solar energy. They could be bridges instead.

An aside: The piece notes that Nevada is among the states that requires HOAs to accommodate drought-resistant landscaping. The fact that this was ever something that needed to be codified in law is the reason I’m happy I snagged an HOA-free home.

Abortion rights be Blanche-d? In a conference call hosted by the White House Faith Office on July 30 with thousands of religious leaders around the country, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said he was committed to achieving policy solutions so that the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision “becomes permanent in every single state.” Important news from Stateline: AG nominee tells faith leaders he will take action to restrict abortion drug access

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