The G3Wire

May 10, 2024

The Nevada Democratic Senate Caucus, which has a credible chance of winning a veto-proof majority this year, has yet to endorse a candidate in Senate District 18, while Republicans in the primary race have a sizable lead on fundraising, endorsements, and party support from Gov. Joe Lombardo.  A Democratic veto-proof majority in the Nevada Legislature could come down to the race for Senate District 15, a previously Republican-held seat that was redrawn to give Democrats an advantage. Nevada’s health care system ranks 41st overall of the 50 states and District of Columbia, according to a report detailing disparities in health care and wellness across racial and ethnic groups. Needleman, co-chair of the Senate Energy and Technology Committee, is now reconsidering details of the state incentive program as he works on legislation to study the impact of data centers on the state’s electric grid. Mistakes now, he said, could lead to “a real crisis.” These Nevada news links and so much more below!

State and Local Government Updates

Court filing asks if John Doe can ‘obstruct’ GPS tracker case involving Reno Mayor Schieve

John Doe claims he has a right to engage in political activity anonymously, including hiring a private investigator to put a GPS tracker on the vehicles of Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and former Washoe County Commissioner Vaughn Hartung. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Jara gave big raises before CCSD exit

Before leaving the Clark County School District this year, then-Superintendent Jesus Jara gave members of his executive Cabinet significant raises, including a pay hike of 40 percent to the chief of police. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

States start to rethink data centers as ‘electricity hogs’ strain energy grids

Needleman, co-chair of the Senate Energy and Technology Committee, is now reconsidering details of the state incentive program as he works on legislation to study the impact of data centers on the state’s electric grid. Mistakes now, he said, could lead to “a real crisis.” (Las Vegas Sun)

Regulators approve killing twice as many bears as originally allowed in Nevada hunt

The Nevada Wildlife Commission voted Saturday to allow hunters to kill 42 bears a year, more than twice the number permitted to be slaughtered in the first decade of the hunt, which began in 2011. (Nevada Current)

Nevada Supreme Court dismisses teachers’ appeal of sickout injunction

The Nevada Supreme Court won’t decide whether a lower court erred last year when it stepped in to stop large-scale sickouts by teachers during a labor dispute with the Clark County School District. (Las Vegas Sun)

Clark County allocates funds to help build 1,273 affordable housing units

The Clark County Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved $66 million in funding to nine organizations to construct and rehabilitate low-income housing across the region. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada Supreme Court dismisses teachers’ appeal of sickout injunction

The Nevada Supreme Court won’t decide whether a lower court erred last year when it stepped in to stop large-scale sickouts by teachers during a labor dispute with the Clark County School District. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada Supreme Court weighs whether proposed voter ID ballot measure amounts to poll tax

The court’s ruling will determine whether supporters can continue their ongoing signature-gathering effort as a key deadline looms. (The Nevada Independent)

Homeless population hits record high in Washoe County, survey data shows

The total number of homeless people in Washoe County hit a record high — 1,760 — topping the previous record set during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the annual “Point in Time” count released Tuesday. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Reno postal move: Nevada’s top leaders suggest it’s time for ouster of postmaster general

Four of Nevada’s top elected leaders – two Republicans and two Democrats – sent a letter to the U.S. Postal Service’s governing body Wednesday suggesting it might be time to oust Postmaster General Louis DeJoy over his national restructuring plan that would see Reno’s mail-processing operations moved to Sacramento. (Reno Gazette Journal)

School board to begin process to find CCSD’s next superintendent

The search for a new Clark County School District superintendent will pick up momentum this month with the expected selection of a search firm to help the school board find the next chief executive. (Las Vegas Sun)

Presentation on disability council gets legislators riled up against presenter

Advocates are pushing Gov. Joe Lombardo to embrace “Employment First” policies that assist people with disabilities in finding and keeping paying jobs. (Nevada Current)

Indy Explains: What’s happening with universal free meals for Nevada students?

Nevada schools are sounding the alarm as they prepare for the end of a universal free school meals program that was available for students throughout the pandemic. (The Nevada Independent)

Federal Updates

Amazon singled out by backers of federal warehouse worker safety bill

WASHINGTON  — Two Democratic U.S. senators announced Thursday they plan to introduce a piece of legislation that would require large companies to disclose quota practices to workers and prevent those quotas from interfering with a worker’s health. (Nevada Current)

D.C. Download: How will reclassifying marijuana affect Nevada?

The federal move to stop treating cannabis on par with heroin is expected to make the tax structure more favorable to the state-legal marijuana industry. (The Nevada Independent)

Horses’ deaths in BLM custody spark renewed outrage over roundups

Of the 267 horses that died last year at the Indian Lakes Off-Range Wild Horse and Burro Corral, 106 were found dead in their pens for unknown reasons. (Las Vegas Sun)

BLM rule ‘encouraging’ to some groups, others fear it may be ‘window dressing’

The Bureau of Land Management has enacted a new rule allowing conservation groups and other entities to lease and rehabilitate damaged public land. (Las Vegas Sun)

In Las Vegas, HUD acting secretary praises city, county for innovative housing programs

Adrianne Todman, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is hoping the agency can help remedy some of America’s outdated homes. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada’s health care system ranks near the bottom in the US

Nevada’s health care system ranks 41st overall of the 50 states and District of Columbia, according to a report detailing disparities in health care and wellness across racial and ethnic groups. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Amodei’s mining bill passes House after procedural mishap last week

After a Republican floor rebellion last week kept his bill from getting a vote, Rep. Mark Amodei’s (R-NV) Mining Regulatory Clarity Act passed the House on Wednesday by a vote of 216-195. (The Nevada Independent)

‘Responsible mining’ bill makes progress; critics push back

A bill by Rep. Mark Amodei that would allow mining companies to conduct operations on public land regardless of whether a mineral deposit has been discovered on the land was passed Wednesday by the House. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada leaders urge reversal on postal relocation

In a letter sent Thursday, Gov. Joe Lombardo, Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto and Rep. Mark Amodei further expressed their concerns about the plan the U.S. Postal Service announced it was moving forward with in April. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Articles of Interest

Rory Reid defends famous father’s Yucca Mountain legacy

Former Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid says Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Sam Brown needs a history lesson. “I’m happy to provide it here and now.” (Nevada Current)

Decades long push to end smoking in casinos finds new audience: shareholders

Shareholders at three casino companies are pushing a proposal that would requires corporate management to commission a report on potential cost savings from implementing a smoke-free policy. (The Nevada Independent)

Online tool helps Nevadans determine home insurance eligibility

Amid reports that homeowners are struggling to determine if a company will insure them based on where they live, the state has a new online tool people can use to search property insurance eligibility for their ZIP code. (The Nevada Independent)

Business owners: F1 race is bridge too far; propose bid to‘ stop’ race

A group of Las Vegas business owners who say they’re out $30 million from last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix launched an online petition earlier this month hoping to gather support to potentially stop the 2024 race from taking place. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

UNLV stands up against antisemitism

Speakers at Monday’s rally included several UNLV students who spoke of their experiences on the school’s campus in recent months, some of whom criticized UNLV’s administration for not doing enough, they said, to combat antisemitism and for not taking the safety concerns of Jewish students seriously enough. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

To avert potential water crisis, tunnels may be drilled through Arizona dam

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will examine the possibility of drilling tunnels through Glen Canyon Dam to ensure water can pass through it at low Lake Powell elevations, two knowledgeable sources told the Arizona Daily Star. (Las Vegas Sun)

Exclusive records show Nevada athletics ran afoul of Title IX. Its leaders shrugged.

The athletic department rarely maintained the field. So, plowing snow, pulling weeds, and picking rocks, trash and goose poop out of the grass fell to coaches and players. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Why is Reno-Tahoe International Airport building a new Ground Transportation Center?

First announced in 2022 as part of the Reno airport’s billion-dollar MoreRNO expansion, the new Ground Transportation Center is meant to help alleviate parking issues at Reno-Tahoe International. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Median price for Las Vegas homes up 10 percent over a year ago

The median sale price of local condos and townhomes reached an all-time high of $290,000 last month, up nearly 8% from April 2023. That’s an increase of several thousand dollars from the previous record set in 2022, as reported today from Las Vegas Realtors. (Las Vegas Sun)

Indy Gaming: VICI lends more than $1 billion to Strip operators. Is more coming?

VICI Properties remains interested in expanding its real estate ownership in Las Vegas. But until the company acquires another casino, it is providing financing to different operators. (The Nevada Independent)

Bad driving behaviors in Las Vegas’: Sheriff addresses spike in fatal crashes

Reducing carnage on Las Vegas Valley roadways requires a community-wide commitment to safer driving, and the Metropolitan Police Department is doing its part to try to stave off the increase of traffic-related fatalities, according to Sheriff Kevin McMahill. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Former MGM executive Sibella sentenced in federal court

LOS ANGELES — Former MGM Grand President Scott Sibella was sentenced to one year’s probation and fined $9,500, plus a $100 special assessment, for violating the federal Bank Secrecy Act established to prevent money laundering at financial institutions. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Denver-based Tract breaks ground on massive ‘hyperscale’ data center near Reno

Tract, which bought land from Blockchains LLC, is developing its Peru Shelf Technology Park on nearly 700 acres at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Here is where Tesla is laying off 700 workers in Nevada. Will it affect incentives?

Tesla is in the last year of a decade-long abatement period for $1.3 billion in incentives, which hinges on hitting investment and employment numbers. (Reno Gazette Journal)

48-hour strike at Virgin

Hospitality workers at an off-Strip casino plan to walk off the job for two days after lengthy contract negotiations continue, union officials said Wednesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

On the anniversary of 1863 massacre, Great Basin tribes call for Bahsahwahbee national monument

The Ely Shoshone, Duckwater Shoshone, and the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation — a coalition representing about 1,500 enrolled tribal members — commemorated the anniversary of the May 6, 1863, massacre by calling on the Biden administration to designate Bahsahwahbee, locally known as the Swamp Cedars, as a National Monument within the National Park System. (Nevada Current)

Most Nevada reservoirs at 80% capacity or more – except Lake Mead

Nevada can expect a healthy water year — with some caveats — thanks to a hardy winter snowpack and generous spring showers. (Nevada Current)

Las Vegas breaks silence, defends legal battle with would-be Badlands developer

With court losses mounting against Las Vegas taxpayers, the city on Wednesday defended continuing its legal battle with the would-be developer of the Badlands golf course. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

UNLV denies protesters’ claims

Pro-Palestinian protesters and UNLV are at odds over reported meetings they’ve held regarding the university’s potential investments tied to Israel. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

UNLV officials, pro-Palestinian protesters meet. What was said is in dispute.

Pro-Palestinian protesters and UNLV are at odds over reported meetings they’ve held regarding the university’s potential investments tied to Israel. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

President Joe Biden cheers the Las Vegas Aces and women’s basketball

President Joe Biden received some inspiration from the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday during their visit to the White House. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election News

Important Dates

Primary Early Voting              May 25                        Days Until: 15

Primary Election                     June 11                        Days Until: 31

General Election                     November 5                Days Until: 182

Trump and Republicans file suit to nullify Nevada ballots mailed on Election Day

The Trump campaign and its Republican allies on Friday filed a lawsuit challenging Nevada’s ballot receipt deadline. (Nevada Current)

Even after district was redrawn to be competitive, Senate Dems give it the cold shoulder

The Nevada Democratic Senate Caucus, which has a credible chance of winning a veto-proof majority this year, has yet to endorse a candidate in Senate District 18, while Republicans in the primary race have a sizable lead on fundraising, endorsements and party support from Gov. Joe Lombardo. (Nevada Current)

Beadles’ lawsuit seeking to block election worker protections appealed to 9th Circuit

After two rejections in federal court, Robert Beadles and three fellow plaintiffs filed an appeal Wednesday to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in their effort to block a Nevada law protecting election workers from harassment. (Reno Gazette Journal)

The four most interesting Democratic state Senate primaries in Nevada

The races include a Culinary-backed nurse and state regent challenging longtime legislators, and a Bachelorette contestant taking on a former A’s lobbyist. (The Nevada Independent)

Election deniers run for Senate

The crowded Nevada Republican Senate field includes candidates who continue to promote unfounded claims of mass election fraud in the 2020 election. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Meet CCSD board hopefuls

Four seats on the Clark County School Board are up for grabs in November. There are currently more than two dozen candidates running for the positions — and only one incumbent. A primary is scheduled for June 11. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election 2024 guide: Here are primary candidates for Sparks City Council Ward 5

The race is nonpartisan; candidates’ parties are not listed on the ballot. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Biden campaign alleges RNC using Nevada lawsuits to sow early doubt in election

The Biden campaign is filing an amicus brief Monday to support Nevada’s secretary of state in a lawsuit the Republican National Committee brought against the state over alleged inaccuracies in the voter rolls. (The Nevada Independent)

Most Nevada GOP candidates mum on election integrity after ‘Big Lie’ was prominent in 2022

Few campaigns are focusing on election security this election cycle, and some candidates have toned down their stances from their 2022 races. (The Nevada Independent)

DNC moves to dismiss suit on voter rolls

In a motion filed Monday with support from the Biden-Harris campaign, the DNC accused the RNC of using the case — which it called “political theater” — to sow public distrust in elections and to use it as ammunition to undermine the November general election results. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Elko County faces jail voting suit

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada filed a lawsuit Monday against Elko County for failing to create a process for inmates to vote while in jail. (Las Vegas Sun)

The candidate spotlight: Kara Jenkins for Las Vegas mayor

Kara Jenkins is the current administrator to the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. She explains her job and its mission. (Steve Schmidt)

Former Trump official announces major ‘Deport Them All’ border initiative amid bid to flip crucial Senate seat

LAS VEGAS — EXCLUSIVE: A former Trump official running in one of this year’s crucial battleground Senate races is launching a major initiative to help end the crisis at the southern border amid his effort to oust an incumbent Democrat. (Foxnews.com)

After restructuring, are Nevada ranked-choice ballot measure backers ready for 2024?

Flush with cash from wealthy outside donors, Nevada Voters First conducted an expansive media campaign in 2022 on behalf of Question 3, a ballot measure that would fundamentally change Nevada’s election system by allowing all voters to participate in primaries regardless of party affiliation and implement ranked choice voting in general elections. (The Nevada Independent)

Indy Elections: Question 3 and swarms of bees

Flush with cash from wealthy outside donors, Nevada Voters First conducted an expansive media campaign in 2022 on behalf of Question 3, a ballot measure that would fundamentally change Nevada’s election system to have all voters participate in primaries and ranked choice voting in general elections. (The Nevada Independent)

Senate District 15 race could decide if Dems win a veto-proof Legislature

A Democratic veto-proof majority in the Nevada Legislature could come down to the race for Senate District 15, a previously Republican-held seat that was redrawn to give Democrats an advantage. (Reno Gazette Journal)

The race could decide if Dems win a veto-proof Legislature, but they don’t want to talk about that

A Democratic veto-proof majority in the Nevada Legislature could come down to the race for Senate District 15, a previously Republican-held seat that was redrawn to give Democrats an advantage. (Nevada Current)

Here are primary candidates for Reno City Council Ward 1

Quirks abound in Reno’s Ward 1 primary election – one of the city’s most crucial council seats, which represents downtown, the university and areas struggling with homelessness. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Rating change: Nevada a Toss-up in presidential race

Biden’s challenge in Nevada is similar to struggles across the Sun Belt and South. (rollcall.com)

Berkley, Seaman tackle public safety, housing in Las Vegas mayoral debate

Homelessness, affordable housing, public safety, law and order, promoting businesses and making sure to finally convince most of the Las Vegas City Council to settle the long-standing Badlands lawsuit. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

NRSC’s Trump strategy put to the test in battleground Nevada

The Nevada primary is just a month away. And GOP frontrunner Sam Brown has yet to secure Trump’s endorsement despite a recent trip to Mar-a-Lago and separate efforts by top Republicans to convince the former president to back him. (punchbowl.news.com)

Upcoming Fundraisers

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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Fundraising luncheon supporting

Senator Rochelle Nguyen

Thursday, May 16, 2024

11:30a.m. -1:00p.m.

Location of the Reno restaurant will be provided upon RSVP. 

tommy@theferrarogroup.com

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Taco in the Park Henderson

State Senator Carrie Buck

Tuesday, May 14

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

O’Callaghan Park, Henderson, NV

*free food provided

State Senator Carrie Buck

Henderson

Wednesday, May 22nd

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location and more info TBD.

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Spring Fling

Nevada Wins PAC

Saturday, May 18, 2024

The Stirling Club

2827 Paradise Road

Las Vegas, NV

For more information contact

phyllis@nevadawinspac.org

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Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser

Natha Anderson

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

3:30p.m.-6:30p.m.

Engine 8 Urban Winery

1260 C Street Suite 150

Sparks, NV 89431

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Fundraiser to Support

Heidi Kasama for Assembly District 2

Brian Hibbetts for Assembly District 13

Gregory Hafen for Assembly District 36

 Thursday, May 23, 2024

11:30AM-1:30PM

Panevino

246 Via Antonio Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89119

Questions: eric@gopnevada.com