crews assisted as well. : ((mauricio marin)) the good news here -- no injuries were reported and there was never any threat to the public. there were also big traffic backups as a result... it's friday night and a lot of people travel to and from the casino town. the traffic has calmed down tonight. reporting live from laughlin, mauricio marin... 8 news now. ((dave courvoisier)) mauricio, has n-v energy said what caused the transformer to blow up and extent of the damage? ((mauricio marin)) no word yet on what caused that explosion, dave. that's under investigation. as far as damage... there's no dollar figure at this time. back to you./// ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) > the parents of an infant who was hurt at the hands of a daycare worker are speaking out tonight. ((dave courvoisier)) they are one of two families changed forever in north las vegas from separate cases of child abuse - according to police. vanessa murphy is live at umc with this story. vanessa? ((vanessa murphy)) the parents are here at u- m-c around the clock taking care of their baby who they say will never be the same. they did what many parents do..they dropped him off at daycare..to go to work. now a woman is arrested for abusing him..and he has ((jessica lopez/mother: we're told he's never gonna be the same as before.)) ((vanessa murphy)) this was jonathan lopez last year. ((jessica: he was a healthy baby boy.)) ((vanessa murphy)) and this is the infant after he was injured, according to police, at the hands of a daycare worker. ((jessica: right now he just lays there and cries. he can't sit.)) ((vanessa murphy)) jessica and danny lopez say they don't know if their ten month old son will ever be able to walk, talk or hear. ((jessica: devastating. we feel so... danny: we feel robbed...of our baby... we're not gonna have the life we used to as a family.)) ((vanessa murphy)) daycare worker alejandra robles faces a charge for child abuse and neglect..and police say the daycare was shut down because it was unlicensed. ((officer aaron patty/north las vegas police: this is a very sensitive topic obviously... )) ((vanessa murphy)) north las vegas police announced the arrest of robles and cynthia lavender friday... for child abuse...both while babysitting....an d police say both confessed they dropped the babies because they were frustrated. lavendar faces a murder charge since the five month old child died. ((aaron patty: if you are watching over a child and you find yourself getting frustrated or angry or mad for whatever reason, take a time out.)) ((vanessa murphy)) it's been nearly three months since baby jonathan was hurt...and his parents say he is living proof....shaken baby syndrome is real. ((danny: want her to do the maximum sentence she could get. she deserves more so i hope the justice system gives what she deserves.)) ((vanessa murphy)) jonathan's parents say they knew the daycare they were using was unlicensed but the woman running it was someone they knew and trusted. robles was working for her. but they have a message for other parents to check up on daycares.... again though, police tell us the ((dave courvoisier)) vanessa, what lies ahead for baby jonathan? ((vanessa murphy)) his parents say they just don't know. he's gone through six surgeries, he has an infection, it's just been one challenge after another. there is a gofund me account set up... we'll have a link on our website....along with the phone number for a child abuse prevention hotline./// music ((dave courvoisier)) > democrats will flock to their precincts tomorrow to caucus on behalf of either hillary clinton or bernie sanders... but could republicans actually make the choice for them, thanks to a loophole? ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) a memo issued by college republicans at the university of nevada reno threatened to upset the democratic process without breaking any laws. the press release pointed to a loophole in the way the since the state democratic party allows registration at the caucus, the college republicans figured that they could show up and register as democrats... caucus... then still caucus for their favorite republican candidate on tuesday since the change wouldn't show up in the voter rolls. ((dave courvoisier)) the memo added that this is not normal activity... but also not illegal and promised that no one would get arrested. the suggestion that republicans could make the difference in a race that's polling 48 to 47 in favor of clinton outraged democrats today. senator harry reid sent a statement condemning the idea... calling it voter fraud. we reached out to the secretary of state's office tonight and they're aware of the situation: (( wayne thorley/deputy secretary of elections: "we could potentially see registered voters who are flipping from one party to the other around the caucus time. now there is no prohibition in state law from switching parties frequently or at any time so that in itself is any indication of wrongdoinn" )) ((dave courvoisier)) the voters suspected of participating in both caucuses will be reported to both state political parties and may be subject to challenge and disqualification from further participation in the nominating process./// ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) > hillary clinton is pulling out all the stops to try to win tomorrow's caucus... bringing out her husband, former president bill clinton, and her daughter chelsea to a campaign event tonight at the clark county government center amphitheater downtown. the former president is known for his energy on the campaign trail and has become a central figure in his wife's push for the white house. earlier today hillary clinton spoke to students at del sol high school in a town hall meeting./// ((dave courvoisier)) > the former secretary of state granted us a one-on-one interview after her town hall meeting... politics now's steve sebelius asked clinton about the difference between her proposals and senator sanders'... she says sanders' platform isn't practical and hers is one that will work: (( hillary clinton/ (d) presidential candidate: "i want people to be idealistic. i want us to aim big, i want us to achieve, but i think you have to be responsible in leveling with the american people and that's true for both of us." )) ((dave courvoisier)) asked what she's doing to win the latino vote in nevada... clinton said she's working to win all votes, but added that she has a deeper and better understanding of immigration than sanders. and on the issue of the p- u-c and the future of solar in nevada... she avoided specifics in siding with customers: (( hillary clinton: i think those are the people who should be protected, the homeowners and the workers, and i don't understand why the public utility commission can't grandfather in the homes that are already in the solar business." )) ((dave courvoisier)) clinton was crushed by sanders in the new hampshire primary -- primarily among young voters. she told us that she thinks she has a very good agenda for young people and hopes to attract more of them to her side./// ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) > senator bernie sanders campaigned upstate earlier today before bringing his message to he held a large rally at the henderson pavilion. as patrick walker shows us... sanders' supporters are fired up ahead of caucus day: < ((patrick walker)) "one last big push tonight for bernie sanders... as he hopes to swing momentum his way tomorrow for the democratic caucus." (bernie sanders: "way behind in nevada, guess what, things have changed!" ) ((patrick walker)) a spirited crowd came out to the henderson pavilion to hear bernie sanders' message... on the final night before the democratic caucuses. bands and speakers spent two hours pumping up the crowd before the candidate arrived on stage to address his supporters. his common refrain of taking on wall street... big banks... and the wealthiest 1 percent became his rallying cry as he worked to get his supporters out to the caucus at high noon tomorrow. (bernie sanders: "it could well be that 10, 20, 30 years from now, people will look back on what happens in nevada and say 'this was the beginning of the political revolution! (cheers) ) ((patrick walker)) sanders told gaining momentum because he feels the pain of those states. he also vowed to fight racism and xenophobia and bring the undocumented out of the shadows. "bernie will also be here location... ready to address supporters after the caucus. now the question remains... will it be a victory speech... or a concession speech... in henderson... patrick walker... 8 news now." > ((dave courvoisier)) > on the republican side, senator marco rubio will be in north las vegas for a rally at texas station casino near lake mead boulevard and 95 on sunday. doors open at 6:30. donald trump will arrive in town monday. a rally has been scheduled for 7:00 at south point casino near silverado ranch and the boulevard... tickets are free./// ((dave courvoisier)) > 8 news now is your local election headquarters... we have a full caucus explainer on our website las vegas now dot com. tomorrow watch "your local election headquarters election special" starting at 4:30 p-m.. as well as a special ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) > a heart stopping region championship game at arbor view.. prep hoops on the way. plus... chris maathuis found some lost fire and passion from a rebel coach. find out what's needed, coming up the massive resorts world project has been sitting stagnant along las vegas boulevard... will it ever be built? 8 news now's paul joncich shows us that the company behind it has a history of slow developments./// ((tedd florendo)) more 70's and this time less wind. but there are some slight changes in store for sunday. we'll break down your entire weekend coming up in a few economy are beginning to wonder when the massive resorts world project will ever get off the ground. ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) a malaysian company purchased the stalled "echelon" project on the 87 acres at las vegas boulevard and convention center drive in early 2013. they promised construction would begin in 2014, but since then, progress has been slow, to non- existent. ((dave courvoisier)) eight news now anchor paul joncich discovered that the company has a pattern of sometimes moving slowly and mysteriously on major developments. ((paul joncich)) when genting purchased the former echelon quick to trumpet plans for a 4 billion dollar asian themed resort casino. they rolled out colorful artist renderings that included a giant panda exhibit, waterpark, and more than 65- hundred rooms. they said they would begin construction in late 2014. but it didn't happen. a few months later, the executive in charge of the project left the company. (( )) after a may 2015 ground breaking ceremony where dignitaries spoke glowingly of the project, the site, and the company has remained strangely quiet. (( these days, if you drive past the property... occasionally you may see a crew or two working on the parking garage, but that's it. at this pace, delivering on the 2018 opening date....is a long shot. we've repeatedly reached out for information.... but emails to company contacts are getting kicked back... and the only update on the 4 billion dollar project....is an occasional facebook post. ((paul joncich)) so what's the hurry? it'll eventually be built right? but when? this project was projected to generate more than 30- thousand construction jobs. more than 8,000 permanent jobs. and $155 million in annual tax revenue. that would be a shot in the arm the las vegas economy could use right now)) )) the city of miami was hoping for a similar shot in the arm in 2011, when genting announced plans to build resorts world miami. the company purchased 14 acres of prime real estate on biscayne bay, and rolled out spectacular artist renderings of a casino resort the ceo said would "change the face of miami." the promise of thousands of new jobs was intoxicating. ((nat of the site today-paul's permanent video)) but five years later, there's been no development, and the site....remains idle. after failing to get casino gambling legalized, genting is sitting on the property. the company parted ways with legal and p.r. reps. and reporters attempting to get updates are met with radio silence...(fade to almost black??) maybe the most encouraging sign with resorts world las vegas is that the company continues filing for the necessary permits to move forward. the county has given the go- ahead...so what gives? exactly when they intend to go full throttle on construction is anyone's guess. one things for sure, thousands of las vegans who need jobs will be watching. ((paul joncich)) representative s from the company emailed late today saying a couple things. 1st. they say expect a construction ramp up sometime this summer. they're still shooting for a 2018 opening. and plans still call for a $ 4 billion dollar development. meanwhile, just south of resorts world is the alon site. where there are plans to build an 11-hundred room hotel/casino. a spokesperson told me a few weeks ago they're hoping to break ground sometime in late ((tedd florendo)) >back to some nice clear skies again with calmer winds today. still some locals seeing a southwesterly breezy this afternoon, but not as strong as yesterday. this evening turns nice with even calmer winds and cool conditions but not cold as we head through the evening. we're also warmer than we were yesterday at this time. ............................... ............... afternoon temps jumped back into the 70's late day. compare that to what we had yesterday with all the clouds and cooler 60's for the high. we didn't even reach 70 for many neighborhoods yesterday. today the 70's returned and it looks like they'll stay a while. regional temps also brought 70's back with some 80's in a few locals. warmest spots obviously were in the laughlin and death valley late day, with cooler to chilly temps still sticking around in the central great basin. ............................... ......... weekend forecast lookds good. plenty of sun with temps in the mid 70's from saturday through monday. expect some breezes on sunday and early week but otherwise and above average weekend temperature wise. ............................... ........... u.s. temps show the warmth now down to the southern plains. dallas at 76 by afternoon. those areas there have to worry about high fire dangers. cold weather sticking around to the east with new york a couple of digits about the freezing mark this afternoon and cold conditions in boston. ............................... ............. dry and mainly clear right now with high thing clouds and that's about it. stormy conditions will ride about the high we'll have and be deflected tothe pacific northwest again. they have already had the wettest winter on record. ............................... here's your travelers forecast. 72 in los angeles and sunny. same goes for san francisco at 62. phoenix plenty of sun at 83 and warmerst here. 67 for san diego tomorrow afternoon. ............................... ............ tonight staying chilly by morning under mostly clear skies and light winds for now. tomorrow expect highs back in the 70's again and warmer. light breezes for your saturday and looking nice with pleny of sunshine returning. we're still above average again for temps since we're typically around 64 for this time of year. ............................... ................. extended forecast shows plenty of mid 70's this coming week with another dry weather pattern. the comfortable 70's will be around with minor changes late week. the weekend looks nice with maybe some breezy late weekend early week, but still looking nice and above average. the runnin' rebels are home tomorrow. ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) they've got reno at the thomas & mack. think they can pull it off, chris? ((chris maathuis)) they have the talent.. but what about the passion. see on channel 8... took me all day to find it. and maybe it's the thing the rebels are missing... you'll want to hear this. plus.. prep hoops.. with region titles on the line... more next here on 8 news now. "from 8 news now, this is sports hmm hmm hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm-hmm let us be lovers, we'll marry our fortunes together [ cheering ] i've got some real estate here in my bag counting the cars on the new jersey turnpike they've all come to look for america [ cheers and applause ] all come to look for america all come to look for america with prep basketball region championships, big friday night. in the sunset title game... gorman and centennial... great game with big name players, going to big time schools. that's zach collins headin' two gonzaga.. this was a nail biter going down to the wire, bulldogs trailing two with a pair of chances for the win... neither shot drops. gorman edges centennial 71-69 grant rice/gorman coach: "so excited we pulled the game out it could've gone either way there, they got to two looks at the basket." christian popoola/gorman guard: "and that's big time we're going to state we're looking for a five grind it out." sunrise title games... coronado and eldorado playing for the crown. a number one seed versus a two seed and it was all number one. this was over early... the cougars are headin' to reno as they slam dunk eldorado 70-32. game... two number one seeds.. gorman and centennial... centennial has been solid for years and years... and you can add another year... justice ethridge leads the way..centennal crushes gorman 71-56. ((chris maathuis)) the rebels tomorrow night... it's unfortunate the way the season has unfolded. unlv sitting in 7th place in the mountain west. makes ya wonder if there was a little more fire on the bench if this team would be sittin' at 15 and 12 on the season. personalities are what they are... we've seen past rebel coaches get after it... and some just seem to be too nice. take for example.. something you'll only see on channel 8. who'll forget in 2000 max good, who is currently 4th in the coaching pecking order right now, was given the head job back when bill bayno was fired. dave rice worked for max. brought max back maybe if rice and the others carried some of that fire that max exhibits, maybe, just maybe they would be competing for the league title. this is max good after a 20 point beating at home by cincinnati. max good/former unlv head coach: "guys better start stepping up or i'll go as deep as i have too i can go over to the dorm and get 12 guys that will get beat by 20...they're not that much better, just a heck of a lot tougher... you win with toughness... they practiced 3:45 and bused and flew year and practiced and kicked out butt that's what happen... you told the team what you told us.. now this is the pg-13 version.,. that's inexcusable to give up an offensive rebound on a missed free throw. i told em next time that happens were practicing at 4 am.. i bet they don't give up any for a while and when they do, check quit." that might be a little over the top, but ya get a sense of what might be missing. see if there is some fire tomorrow.. are favored by 6. but nevada is the hottest team in the league having won 3 in a row. the unlv baseball team opening texas. the rebels fell behind early as the longhorns get on the board, they led 2-0 and led 3-2 through 7, but that's when unlv's bats come to life. conner esmay drives one over the head of the fielder and it's tied at 3. stayed that way until the 12th.. extra work in texas.. and guess who's the mvp... catcher andrew yoz-dan bachss... he delivers a texas sized home run... rebels upset texas winning 4-3. ((dave courvoisier)) > our strange stories for friday... right after this./// one of the areas that i've been particularly interested in is the area of children. we intend to be sure that everybody in this room and every child in this state is somebody. no matter where they're born, no matter to whom they are born. i want to make sure that every child has a chance to live up to his or her god-given potential. i've spent my life fighting for children, and i'm not stopping now. i'm hillary clinton, for the day... ((dave courvoisier)) > rapper 50 cent has to explain to a court why he's declaring bankruptcy... while posing on instagram with piles of cash . the judge in his case said today she's concerned about nondisclosure after the photos showed up... and now 50 cent has earned himself a future court date./// ((tedd florendo)) > an oregon high school had to shut down all flood of x-rated emails made system. the explicit emails created a campus-wide buzz... and the school couldn't figure out how to stop them... the network was deactivated and an investigation is underway./// ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) in ohio, a teenager showed up at a high school... posed as a state lawmaker and speech. problem is, he wasn't invited and no one noticed the difference. the fraud was discovered when the real state senator showed up for his scheduled engagement. guests in the future./// ((dave courvoisier)) > that's all for us live at eleven. join us tomorrow starting at 4:30 for our special caucus coverage. ((patranya bhoolsuwan)) the late show with stephen colbert is next. i've watched as the house across the street has sat empty for over six years. i've watched good friends have their homes foreclosed on. and they're looking for somebody that is going to create bold change. wall street gave bad advice and bad loans over and over again, and nothing happened. people are so excited about bernie sanders because they know that he's not beholden to wall street. we need someone like bernie sanders that's going to fight for the middle class. we have to fix things now. sanders: i'm bernie sanders, >> jon: stephen colbert! captioning sponsored by cbs ( band playing "late show" theme ) >> stephen: hey! ( cheers and applause ) >> stephen: welcome to "the late show." thanks, everybody! ( cheers and applause ) thanks, everybody. please! welcome to "the late show."