April 26, 2024
Nevada nuclear commission is ready to strike back after pro-Yucca hearing in Congress, comments in a House hearing raised fears that Congress may reopen nuclear waste issue after election, and that state needs to be more proactive in fighting it. Cancer-causing chemicals in Nevada’s water supply might be here to stay. But multiple government bodies are attacking the problem head-on, especially with new regulations and $10 million in funding handed down from the Environmental Protection Agency. Nevada gets green light on plan to spend $416 million to expand internet access to rural areas. The plan details how the state wants to spend the money to deliver high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas. These news articles and so much more below!
State and Local Government Updates
Athletics seek to intervene in fight overfunds
The Oakland Athletics filed a motion to intervene in a teachers union backed lawsuit aimed at halting public financing for the team’s proposed stadium. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
State justices maintain ban on ghost guns
The Nevada Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday that a state ban on ghost guns is constitutional,overturning a lower court’s decision that the state statutes against the firearms were unconstitutionally vague. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
John Doe files motion to protect his identity in lawsuit over spying on Reno Mayor Schieve
Despite the Nevada Supreme Court ruling that a private investigator must reveal who hired him to spy on Reno’s mayor and a county commissioner, the still-anonymous “John Doe” filed a motion Thursday for a protection order to keep his identity secret. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Gaming Control Board joins probe of money laundering in Nevada casinos
The federal investigation, first reported by the Current in August, landed the GCB in a pickle. (Nevada Current)
Abortion rights petition okayed by Nevada Supreme Court
An initiative petition circulated by Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, an organization working to enshrine abortion rights in the Nevada Constitution, can proceed, thanks to the Nevada Supreme Court’s affirmation Thursday of the petition’s language, which focuses on reproductive rights, including contraception, vasectomies, tubal ligation, and infertility treatment. (Nevada Current)
State targets chemicals in water supply
Cancer-causing chemicals in Nevada’s water supply might be here to stay. But multiple government bodies are attacking the problem head-on, especially with new regulations and $10 million in funding handed down from the Environmental Protection Agency. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Washoe County superintendent finalist withdraws
As a result, the district’s search firm added Chief Student and Family Supports Officer Paul LaMarca to the list of finalists. LaMarca is the third internal candidate among five finalists under consideration for the job. (The Nevada Independent)
NLV mayor: New CCSD fees would create undue burden on some families
The city of North Las Vegas says the Clark County School District is hurting the community it serves with a new rule requiring private sports leagues to pay for district police coverage at every game held on school property. (Las Vegas Sun)
Tribes in Nevada eligible for millions in Interior water infrastructure funding
In the last decade, Native American communities throughout Nevada have seen a significant increase in Safe Drinking Water Act violations due to failing infrastructure and paltry federal funding for tribes. (Nevada Current)
Retirees to enter teacher job pool
The challenge to find applicants to fill “critical” teaching jobs has the Clark County School District are moving to make it easier to hire retired employees to resume their education careers. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Supreme Court to consider outlawing sleeping outside even if no inside space is available
On April 22, 2024, the Supreme Court will hear a case that could radically change how cities respond to the growing problem of homelessness. It also could significantly worsen the nation’s racial justice gap. (Nevada Current)
Urged by Cortez Masto, CVS and Walgreens begin dispensing abortion pill in Nevada
Mifepristone is available in Nevada via mail or at clinics, but abortion rights advocates say the pharmacy option will make access as simple as patients visiting their regular doctor’s office (which often are not certified to stock the abortion pill), obtaining a prescription and then picking it up at their local pharmacy. (The Nevada Independent)
D.C. Download: House passes Ukraine aid that has divided Republicans
Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) said the structure of the Ukraine aid was appealing to him — but ultimately voted against it. (The Nevada Independent)
State plans aerial spraying for Mormon crickets
Nevada is seeking approval and funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to aerially spray more than 222,000 acres in response to the 220 Mormon cricket sightings reported so far this year. (The Nevada Independent)
Merger will help streamline Nevada’s cannabis industry
Blackbird, a cannabis distribution company, was recently acquired by cannabis wholesale platform Nabis, allowing the brands to combine their expertise, technology, and other assets to increase industry efficiency statewide. (Las Vegas Sun)
BLM to round up wild horses, burros outside of Las Vegas
The Bureau of Land Management on Wednesday will start rounding up wild horses and burros outside of Las Vegas to prevent the degradation of public lands, officials said this morning. (The Nevada Independent)
Despite Nevada opposition, USPS to move key mail operations from Reno to Sacramento
The USPS said the “business case” supported the move because most mail at the Reno facility is destined for outside the region. The plan prompted bipartisan pushback. (The Nevada Independent)
Millions of salaried workers to become eligible for overtime under new Biden rule
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor Tuesday announced a final rule that means millions of salaried workers who are employed in the executive, administrative or professional industries will become eligible for overtime pay. (Nevada Current)
Biden signs TikTok ban, part of $95B aid bill for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan
The measure, which President Joe Biden signed Wednesday, requires TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform or face a nationwide ban. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Airlines now required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights
The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada Supreme Court OKs abortion ballot initiative – but group will use alternate version
In a unanimous decision Thursday, the Nevada Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision that had blocked an abortion rights initiative from being on the 2024 ballot. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Nevada gets green light on plan to spend $416 million to expand internet access
The plan details how the state wants to spend the money to deliver high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada nuclear commission ready to strike back after pro-Yucca hearing in Congress
Comments in a House hearing raised fears that Congress may reopen nuclear waste issue after election, and that state needs to be more proactive in fighting it. (The Nevada Independent)
Articles of Interest
Native pride flashes at powwow
A chance to unite About 200 people came to the first day of the powwow, including Assemblyman Howard Watts, D-Las Vegas, and non-Native people who were welcomed guests. There are five larger groups that Nevada’s tribes fall under, and powwows are something every tribe in North America have in common. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will join Brightline founder Wes Edens and federal, state and local officials from Nevada and California on Monday at the planned Las Vegas station site for a ceremony kicking off construction on the 218-mile rail line. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
One recovery effort, two strains of fish. The complex comeback of Lahontan cutthroat trout
It’s spawning day at the Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex, and volunteers clad in rubber boots and jackets move quickly around the south Gardnerville building, fishing nets in hand. (The Nevada Independent)
A state law legalized street vendors. Now they say local rules threaten their future.
Whether it be a local elotero selling corn from a pushcart or a family selling agua fresca at a corner stand, Nevada’s street vendors have for years worked without permits, facing the possibility of fines and financial calamity if their equipment and wares are seized by local health authorities. (The Nevada Independent)
NV Energy surpasses state renewable energy requirements
NV Energy now draws nearly 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources, according to filings made with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)
F1 seeks clarity , amends policy
With ticket sales underway for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, race officials updated their ticket terms, including moving up a section regarding the ability to file lawsuits if the event goes awry. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
The nation’s first true high-speed passenger rail system is within grasp with the ceremonial groundbreaking Monday of the Brightline West link between Las Vegas and Southern California. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada’s ‘green bank’ receives $156 million for statewide solar
The five-year grant will fund a combined several thousand solar installations on single-family homes and affordable housing developments, as well as fund community solar projects and education and workforce development, according to CEO Kirsten Stasio. (The Nevada Independent)
Do Nevadans support smoke-free casinos? New poll gives insight
Almost 60 percent of Nevada voters said they would support banning smoking in casinos, according to a new poll released Tuesday from a state clean air advocacy group. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
A federal appeals court ruled earlier this month that the U.S. Justice Department could restart its investigation into the policies of the National Association of Realtors — which has approximately 1.5 million agents nationwide. The ruling comes more than three years after the powerful trade association first settled antitrust claims and the DOJ closed its investigation. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Are Reno-Sparks apartments overbuilt? Plus, most and least expensive areas to rent
Reno-Sparks ended last year with average rents above $1,600 once again — the 11th straight quarter that the market saw rents above that price. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Poll: Majority support smoke-free casino laws
Almost 60 percent of Nevada voters said they would support banning smoking in casinos, according to a new poll from a state clean air advocacy group. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Tropicana’s implosion set for fall, making way for A’s ballpark
Tropicana owner Bally’s Corp. filed for a commercial demolition permit with Clark County as preparations continue to build a ballpark for the Oakland Athletics.(Las Vegas Review Journal)
Vegas restaurants file class-action suit against Uber for allowing ‘imposter’ pages
Complaint estimates more than 1,000 Vegas restaurants may have been affected. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Supreme Court weighs whether states can ban abortion, even during some medical emergencies
PHOENIX — An Arizona grand jury has indicted former President Donald Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows, lawyer Rudy Giuliani and 16 others for their efforts to use so-called fake electors to try to overturn Trump’s loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. (Las Vegas Sun)
Months after a strike deadline was set, why aren’t Virgin Hotels workers walking off the job?
Culinary Local 226 members at Virgin Hotels are the last workers in the resort corridor to not strike a deal with their employer. While most downtown and off-Strip properties reached agreements with the union in early February — when the union used the upcoming Super Bowl as leverage — the Feb. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
In the Nevada desert about an hour away from Las Vegas, there are 208 large batteries that can bring solar energy to the night. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
State gaming win declined in March for the first time in eight months, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Visits to LV tick up a bit in March
Visitor volume in Las Vegas increased slightly in March despite a huge decline in convention attendance for the month, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Last hurrah on TikTok? City of Las Vegas weighs impact of potential ban
The city of Las Vegas established its TikTok account in early 2022 as another way to deliver information to residents, and the account has amassed over a million total views since then — the most popular being a video, with more than 1.1 million views to date. (Las Vegas Sun)
Only half of low-income Nevada mothers, babies eligible for food aid apply. Why?
Officials plan to add a text messaging system and offer easy-to-understand resources in other languages to increase the number of participating families and improve their health. (The Nevada Independent)
Complaint alleges far-right Reno activist broke campaign finance rules
Former Reno City Councilman Paul McKenzie, a Democrat, has filed an election complaint to the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office alleging that far-right activist Robert Beadles failed to report recent political expenses through his PAC. (The Nevada Independent)
Election News
Important Dates
Primary Early Voting May 25 Days Until: 28
Primary Election June 11 Days Until: 45
General Election November 5 Days Until: 192
3 competitive NV congressional districts attract a crowd of Republican primary hopefuls
As Congressional Democrats look to flip the House this election, which Republicans currently control with a razor-thin margin, Nevada’s three Democratic congressional incumbents are running to retain their current seats.(Nevada Current)
Two seats on Henderson Justice Court in play for primary election
An open seat on the Henderson Justice Court has attracted half a dozen attorneys, including several who previously ran for the position, while in another department, a candidate appointed to the bench late last year faces a lone challenger. (Nevada Current)
Establishment-backed candidates have financial lead in key legislative primaries
The establishment-backed candidate in all but one of the important primaries identified by The Nevada Independent had a fundraising lead in the first quarter. (The Nevada Independent)
Clark, Washoe elections officials give update on unhoused voters
Counties’ registration forms don’t allow people to identify as unhoused, but officials said they consider someone unhoused if their registration form lists a shelter or the four street corners where they typically reside.(The Nevada Independent)
With seven months to go until the presidential election, the voter outreach strategies between the Biden-Harris and Trump campaigns in Nevada are looking different. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Trump ponders VP choices: Can they help raise cash?
As former President Donald Trump sifts through potential running mates, he has peppered some advisers and associates with a direct question: Which Republican could best help him raise money for the rest of the presidential campaign? (Las Vegas Sun)
New poll reveals three worries for Democrats one for GOP
A new Harvard University poll of young voters out Thursday reinforces what President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign knows as sure as it knows the Acela schedule between Delaware and Washington, D.C. (Las Vegas Sun)
In Nevada GOP Senate primary, a long shot goes after the front-runner
Jeff Gunter, the ambassador to Iceland under former President Donald Trump, is unloading a $3.3 million advertising campaign with a MAGA message, according to his campaign, hoping to cut into Brown’s dominant lead over the crowded field. (The Nevada Independent)
Candidates backed by Lombardo or Democratic caucuses locked in close fundraising battle
The legislative fundraising battle is tight between GOP candidates backed by Gov. Joe Lombardo and their likely general election opponents supported by the Democratic establishment. (The Nevada Independent)
Former assemblyman faces GOED grantee, Nye school trustee in decisive GOP state senate primary
Voters in a large swath of rural Nevada will need to choose a new state senator in a Republican primary that will determine who represents the bright red district after no Democrats filed for the race. (Nevada Current)
For some Nevadans, voting in the June primary has already started
Nevada lawmakers should consider charging a filing fee to candidates in future presidential preference primaries, members of an advisory committee suggested Tuesday. (Nevada Current)
What signatures do county officials check when verifying your mail ballot?
The Clark County Election Department’s Agilis machine — one of the many machines that are part of the voting and tabulation process — takes a digital image of the signature on the mail ballot envelope and compares it with the signature on the voter’s registration application in accordance with Nevada’s laws. If the Agilis machine can’t match the signatures, the mail ballot envelope will be reviewed manually. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Can this be right? Trump up 8 in Nevada? (X)
Upcoming Fundraisers
Senate District 15
Naomi Duer
Tuesday, April 30
5:30 pm
Kerry and Chris Rohrmeier’s Home
2005 S. Marsh Ave
Reno, NV
______________________________________
Joint Fundraiser in Support of
Assemblywoman Elaine Marzola
Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, and
Assemblywoman Shea Backus with special guest
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Friday, May 3rd, 2024
6:00 – 7:30 PM PT
Home of Hon. Jan Jones Blackhurst, Las Vegas, NV.
Full Address Upon RSVP.
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2024 Re-Election Kickoff Fundraiser
Danielle Gallant
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
6:00-8:30 PM
Smoke and Mirrors Lounge
2975 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89109
RSVPs are appreciated but not required
Danielle@Danielle4NV.com
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Las Vegas Justice Court
Dept. 8
Nancy Bernstein
Thursday, May 9, 2024
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bagel Cafe
301 N. Buffalo Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89145
For More Information or to RSVP,
Please call (702) 545-8777 or Tom@LetiziaAgency.com
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Join Governor Joe Lombardo in supporting
Nevada Way PAC
Friday, May 10, 2024
12:00-1:30PM
Durango Casino and Resort Lantana AB
6915 South Durango Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89148
RSVP Tim Perez 702-242-1414 tperez@octoberinc.org
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| The Griffin Company is a full-service public policy and government affairs consulting firm based in Nevada. We believe a complete government affairs practice must be able to effectively navigate all levels of government, both with the laws and regulations, as well as with an understanding of and sensitivity to the politics associated with each issue. The Griffin Company provides clients with the breadth of experience – local, state, and federal – that enables a comprehensive approach, integrating policy and relationships at all levels of government. |
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