The Daily Rundown - February 18th, 2026
⚖️ The Trump administration is backing prediction market operators Kalshi and Polymarket in a key legal fight with several states, including Nevada. The move by Michael Selig, the recently appointed chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, could have major implications for how sports betting is regulated nationwide.
If Kalshi and Polymarket prevail, states’ ability to regulate gambling could be weakened. President Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has invested in Polymarket through his venture capital firm and serves as a strategic adviser to Kalshi.
The CFTC regulates prediction markets, allowing Kalshi and others to operate in all 50 states, including those where gambling is otherwise illegal. Several states have sued the companies, alleging they are operating unlicensed gambling businesses.
In Nevada, the Nevada Gaming Control Board took enforcement action against both companies, arguing they are running unlicensed sports betting operations. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking Kalshi from operating in the state. Kalshi has appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. The CFTC is weighing in through a “friend of the court” brief. Read the full story here.
🏥 Nurses at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Reno are going on strike today. The one-day strike comes as negotiations between the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United and Prime Healthcare, which runs the hospital, have stalled. Union leaders say they want a deal that improves safety and staff retention. Nearly all of the 350 nurses represented by the union voted in favor of the strike last month. The strike is part of a larger demonstration against Prime Healthcare, which includes facilities in California.
🛢️ The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed oil and gas lease sale in the Elko District. The sale would include 14 parcels totaling about 20,600 acres and is scheduled for September. The public comment period ends March 11.
The BLM says leasing is the first step in developing federal oil and gas resources. Before drilling can begin, operators must submit detailed plans. The agency then conducts environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.
🏃 The annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Las Vegas takes place this weekend, bringing major road closures to the Strip and downtown. Organizers say closures begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and continue through 11 p.m. Sunday. Disruptions and detours will affect several Regional Transportation Commission bus routes, including the Deuce on the Strip, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Different roads will close at different times, and organizers urge drivers to check the race’s website for updates and alternate routes.
📚 Kelvin Watson, executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, has been named Librarian of the Year by Library Journal. Watson oversees 25 branches spanning 8,000 square miles and is the first African American man to receive the honor.
Over the past five years, he has focused on expanding access and equity across the district while tailoring services to individual communities. Expanded offerings include e-books, mobile hotspots, cellphones, laptops and tablet lending, along with tax services in partnership with community organizations, partially funded through federal COVID-19 relief.
With tax season underway, eight library branches are offering tax assistance by appointment through AARP. Library Journal also cited Watson’s success in securing partnerships with private and public organizations — including most major professional sports teams in Las Vegas — to expand services and outreach. Hear the full story by KNPR's Charlize Smith.
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.
