The G3Wire

September 13, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris now holds a 23-percentage point lead over former President Donald Trump among registered Hispanic voters in Nevada. And in the first-ever face-to-face meeting between Harris and Trump underscored just how much the race for the White House has changed since President Joe Biden dropped out after his miserable debate performance in June left Democrats in despair. Harris was for the most part able to deliver a crisp and clear message. Trump seemed angry and defensive. The Department of Interior approved a $4.2 billion project that will provide better service and reliability to consumers across Nevada. Greenlink West is a large-scale transmission line and is set to run 350 miles between Las Vegas and Reno to increase the states transmission capacity. Exciting news for the Athletics, with the design of their Las Vegas ballpark sitting at about 50 percent complete, the Athletics and their stadium project team presented their plan to prospective contractors. President Dave Kaval said. “We’re talking about thousands of jobs, just for the construction. These Nevada news links and so much more below!

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governors Lombardo and Hobbs Urge Governor Newsom to Halt Legislation That Will Increase Gas Prices for Nevadans and Arizonans—Bipartisan Governors Call on CA Governor to Reconsider Detrimental ABX2-1—CARSON CITY, NV – Today, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo (R) and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) sent a joint letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) expressing concerns about ABX2-1 and other legislation related to refinery inventory supplies, which are currently under consideration in California’s special session. (gov.nv.gov)

State and Local Government Updates

Reno City Center reaches bankruptcy settlement agreement with lender

The settlement agreement for the former Harrah’s Reno hotel-casino property still requires approval from bankruptcy court. (Reno Gazette Journal)

DOJ: Fiore’s fraud rampant—New allegations in court filing

When the Department of Justice first published a news release about the indictment of former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore in July, the DOJ alleged that she had raised tens of thousands of dollars for a statue of a fallen officer, then spent it on herself and her daughter’s wedding. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Fiore pleads not guilty to new fraud charges; Seaman also among alleged victims

 New details emerged Monday surrounding the federal fraud indictment of former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore, who pleaded not guilty to two additional charges of allegedly steering donations intended for a fallen officer’s memorial for personal gain. (The Nevada Independent)

Indy Education: New Tonopah elementary school ‘a long time coming’

In this week’s Indy Education, read about why the Nye County School District is building a new school in Tonopah. (The Nevada Independent)

Metro chief: Violent crime down; fentanyl concerns raised

Sheriff Kevin McMahill touted a reduction in violent crime in a Tuesday interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, but raised concerns about fentanyl. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

LVCVA ads at London NFL games–Authority signs two-year agreement with league

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will sponsor the NFL’s three American football games in London in October, hoping that the additional exposure will generate more visits from the city’s largest overseas market. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Homeless report shows 20% spike from previous year, highlights growing unhoused subpopulations

Results of Clark County’s annual homeless census released last week showed an overall 20% increase from the 2023 census and revealed alarming trends about who is experiencing homelessness in Southern Nevada. (Nevada Current)

Permit filed for new Amazon facility near Summit mall in Reno

Reno is shaping up to get another Amazon facility, this time at the southern edge of the city.

Amazon was listed as the tenant in a building permit filed on Tuesday with the city of Reno. The filing was one of two permits submitted this month for the 88-acre 580 South project, which was first reported by the Reno Gazette Journal in January. (Reno Gazette Journal)

ACLU sues Nye County, claims it blocked election watcher

The suit claims that Nye County did not allow Jacob Smith, an ACLU lawyer, to observe the primary voting, ballot handing and ballot processing because he was a “nonpartisan” observer. (las Vegas Review Journal)

CCSD trustee Katie Williams resigns as DA seeks her removal from seat

Clark County School Board Trustee Katie Williams resigned after the DA’s office filed a petition to declare her position vacant due to her ceasing to be a resident of Nevada. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

What’s behind the rise in vehicles with expired temporary license plates on Nevada roads?

Although there’s no data tracking how many Nevada vehicles have expired temporary license plate tags, the Department of Motor Vehicles acknowledges a noticeable uptick. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nearly 2K inmates transferred as Nevada swaps max-security prison

Ely State Prison, formerly the state’s maximum-security facility, has been downgraded to a medium-security facility, as High Desert State Prison takes its place. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Las Vegas sheriff backs police union against NFL facial recognition policy

The policy would require Metropolitan Police Department officers who work overtime hours as security at Raiders games to share their photo for facial recognition purposes. The Las Vegas Police Protective Association is urging officers to think twice before complying. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Poll: Nevadans support efforts to address Social Security shortfall

Despite politicians’ hesitation to touch the popular entitlement, Nevadans support raising taxes and cutting benefits in order to ensure the program’s longevity. (The Nevada Independent)

Fiore says in court documents that feds labeled her a ‘domestic terrorist’

Fiore’s lawyer said the Department of Justice raised her threat level to that of a domestic terrorist because of her support of the Bundy ranching family. (The Nevada Independent)

Las Vegas mayor pro tem to receive award for leadership on LGBTQ+ issues

When Mayor Pro Tem Brian Knudsen first began campaigning for his spot on the Las Vegas City Council more than five years ago, he and his husband had to ask themselves an important question: How “out” did Knudsen want to be? (Las Vegas Sun)

Michele Fiore’s attorney says government classified her as domestic terrorist

The former Las Vegas city councilwoman was indicted by a federal grand jury in July on wire fraud and conspiracy charges. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Planet 13 expands Vegas footprint with acquisition of rival cannabis dispensary

A marijuana business consultant said the sale price was “a step in the right direction” for the Las Vegas industry. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada Medicaid to expand abortion coverage after state declines to appeal court decision

The state-managed health insurance program will now include abortion services alongside its other medically necessary health care options. (The Nevada Independent)

Federal Updates

A remote tribe is reeling from widespread illness and cancer. What role did the U.S. government play?

The discovery of a document with a passing mention of Agent Orange suggests the government may be involved in contaminating the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. (The Nevada Independent)

Massive $4.2B NV Energy transmission line gets federal OK

Greenlink West, a costly large-scale transmission line set to run between Las Vegas and Reno, received a final stamp of approval Monday from the Department of Interior. ( The Nevada Independent)

U.S. households median income back to ’19 levels–INFLATION ADJUSTED

The inflation-adjusted median income of U.S. households rebounded last year to roughly its 2019 level, overcoming the biggest price spike in four decades to restore most Americans’ purchasing power. (Las Vegas Sun)

Articles of Interest

Events marking 23rd anniversary of 9/11–Local events at park, Fire Station 5 planned

On the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the city of Las Vegas will host a variety of events to pay homage to the lives lost and all who sacrificed. The city will hold a ceremony at 6:45 a.m. at Fire Station 5 at 1020 Hinson St. The ceremony may also be viewed live on Facebook. It will include a longtime tradition called the “Tolling of the Bells,” according to a Monday news release. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Inside look at ‘dream’ rail–Brightline preview unveiled; line to be built in New York

New renderings released Monday provided the first look at the interior of the train sets that will run on Brightline West’s Las Vegas to Southern California high-speed rail line to be built in upstate New York. The American Pioneer 220 train sets will be built by Siemens Mobility at a planned $60 million, 300,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Horseheads, New York, Brightline announced Monday. Production at the facility is expected to start in 2026. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

472 miles of power lines approved–Feds announce project to connect Las Vegas and Yerington

The feds gave a final green light on Monday to 472 miles of energy transmission lines that will cut through some of Nevada’s most remote desert to connect Las Vegas and Yerington. During a news conference at NV Energy headquarters in Las Vegas, a slew of Biden-Harris and Nevada officials gathered to celebrate the progress of four green energy projects, two of which were given final approval and another two that are now accepting public comments about their draft environmental reviews. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Former US Sen. Dean Heller lists Nevada ranch residence for sale

Heller Ranch in Smith Valley, Nevada, was listed for sale at just under $3.4 million. Heller cited family reasons for his decision to sell the property.  (Reno Gazette Journal)

A’s ballpark agreements nearing final form

The near-completion versions of the development, non-relocation and lease agreements tied to the A’s planned Las Vegas ballpark are slated to be shown at the Oct. 17 stadium authority meeting, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO and President Steve Hill said during a board meeting of the tourism agency. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

9 months after attack, wounded professor is back at UNLV

The UNLV professor who was critically injured by an active shooter on campus in December 2023 returned to the classroom Wednesday, university officials said.(Las Vegas Sun)

NV Energy transmission line approval reflects fed race to develop solar power

Communities from Las Vegas to Reno can expect a boom of utility-scale solar developments in the coming years, after federal land managers approved a long-anticipated transmission line Monday meant to carry solar power across the West. (Nevada Current)

‘This is the time’: Mayor says I-15 widening needs to happen ahead of LA Olympics

The longtime Las Vegas mayor, who will term out at the end of the year, has long championed widening I-15 between Southern Nevada and Southern California. Usually, she points to the sometimes 20-mile-long traffic backups following holiday weekends on I-15 southbound, that start near Primm and head back toward Las Vegas. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Report calls out MGM, Caesars CEOs for ‘excess’ pay

Two Nevada gaming giants are featured in a new report calling out excessive CEO pay at large corporations. The “Executive Excess” report from the Institute for Policy Studies and Inequality.org analyzed what the organizations have deemed the “Low-Wage 100” — the S&P 500 corporations with the lowest median wages. (Nevada Current)

Indy Gaming: Boyd bets big on large sportsbooks even as mobile betting flourishes

Sports wagering on personal devices continues to outpace betting at a casino. Still, Boyd executives tout the company’s revamped book at Suncoast. (The Nevada Independent)

Court could clear the way for Americans to legally bet on US elections

Amid the explosion of legal gambling in the United States, some things have remained off-limits, including betting on the outcome of U.S. elections. But that could be about to change. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Uber-backed group continues drive for cap on attorney fees

The Nevadans for Fair Recovery group submitted more than 200,000 signatures at county offices on Wednesday in support of a ballot initiative seeking to cap attorney fees at 20 percent in civil cases. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Why there are so many lawyer billboards in Las Vegas?

Need a lawyer? It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find one on any major street in Las Vegas. Their billboards are hard to miss. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Wynn may use special bond offering to recover from $131M forfeiture

Individuals and companies from China, Latin America and elsewhere were a part of the illegal funds transferring scheme in which Wynn Las Vegas is forfeiting $131 million. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Smoke invades Vegas valley

Smoke from three major California wildfires drifted into the Las Vegas Valley, blanketing the region in a haze of unhealthy air Wednesday. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Remembering the ones we lost on 9/11

Honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11.  9/11 anniversary marked—Biden, Harris and Trump come together at ground zero. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Fire claims homes near Reno–Evacuation warnings spread as officials begin investigation

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said officials believe the fire started in the Davis Creek area and are asking the public to come forward if they were in the area the day the fire sparked. Deputies have begun to interview people who may have been involved, he said. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Clark County sends 34 personnel to Davis Fire—Wildfire near Reno is 37 percent contained

A 34-person strike team from the Clark County Fire Department and three other local fire departments in Southern Nevada is being deployed to Washoe County to assist with efforts to fight the Davis Fire near Reno, the county announced Wednesday in a news release. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Money rolls in on U.S. election bets after ruling, but appeal looms

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — People began betting Thursday on which political party would win control of Congress in the November elections after a judge’s ruling allowing the wagers — the only ones to be legally approved by a U.S. jurisdiction. (Las Vegas Sun)

Car insurance going up—‘Las Vegas partygoers ’ are partly to blame for area increases

According to the Nevada Division of Insurance, six auto insurers, including Allstate and Farmers, will raise auto rates for private vehicles by at least 10 percent in October. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Remembering ‘Caesar ’of Caesars Palace

GARY SELESNER was the longest-serving president ever at Caesars Palace. But that duration does not paint the complete picture of his career. Selesner was responsible for some of the most distinctive and successful restaurants, shows and amenities during the resort’s remarkable evolution  over the past two decades. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Making a major power play—MGM International signs with Lincoln County solar farm

A solar farm in the remote Nevada desert will double MGM International’s capacity to use solar energy, the company announced Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Davis Fire devastation hits home–11 houses lost to blaze as community reels

For Jo Anna Warthin, the plundering Davis Fire in Northern Nevada has meant the loss of a tight-knit community in which her family has lived for generations. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Laying foundation for A’s ballpark–Team president talks of construction plans

With the design of their Las Vegas ballpark sitting at about 50 percent complete, the Athletics and their stadium project team presented their plan to prospective contractors. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

‘An unusual situation’: CCSD board weighs next steps after trustee’s resignation

In the first meeting since Katie Williams resigned, it remained unclear how the board would now handle what some have called its most consequential decision: the search for a new superintendent. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

A’s Las Vegas ballpark: New details, construction schedule revealed

“We’re going to need help from these subcontractors here to make this all happen,” A’s President Dave Kaval said. “We’re talking about thousands of jobs, just for the construction. This is a great way to showcase that.” (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election News

Important Dates

General Early Voting                                      October 19^th                Days Until: 43

General Election                                             November 5^th              Days Until: 60

Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz makes campaign stop in Reno

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz dropped by Reno on Monday despite canceling a public rally because of the Davis Fire.  Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate landed shortly before 4 p.m. at Reno-Tahoe International Airport and headed to Washoe County Democratic headquarters with supplies of water, food and diapers for people displaced by the fire. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Judge tosses stadium suit-— Teachers union PAC fails to stop public funding for A’s park

A Carson City District Court judge threw out a union-supported lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 1, the public funding mechanism for the Oakland Athletics’ planned Las Vegas ballpark. District Judge Kristin Luis issued her order Friday. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Advocacy groups mobilize new Americans to be a voice in this fall’s elections

In battleground states like Nevada — where fewer than 10% of votes could sway the outcome of November’s elections — experts are focusing on a community that can cause an electoral shift: new Americans. (Las Vegas Sun)

Stakes are high for both Harris and Trump at debate tonight

Today’s debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris at 6 p.m. PDT at the National Constitution Center will become the latest high-stakes moment in an unprecedented presidential campaign playing out in Pennsylvania and other swing states. (Las Vegas Sun)

Walz tours Reno wildfire command site after canceling rally

The Minnesota governor’s trip was initially planned as one of his first stops on a tour of battleground states. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada unveils new top-down voter registration and election management system

Officials say the long-overdue project will speed up the release of election results and eliminate opportunities for errors. (The Nevada Independent)

Indy Explains: What Question 6 would mean for abortion rights in Nevada

Nevadans will vote on enshrining abortion rights in the state Constitution, though the measure would not change access to abortions in the Silver State. (The Nevada Independent)

 Trump, Harris spar–Presidential hopefuls clash on economy, abortion, border

Vice President Kamala Harris opened her presidential debate with Republican former President Donald Trump by touting her economic agenda, saying she was the only candidate on stage with a plan focused on “lifting up the middle class and working people of America.” (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Debate parties safe haven for partisans–Supporters on both sides declare victory

Nevada supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump each thought their candidate won the Tuesday night debate. As the presidential candidates debated onstage in Philadelphia, the campaigns and political parties held watch parties around the Las Vegas valley. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

In dramatic pre-debate shift, independents favor Trump

In the latest NPR/PBS News/ Marist poll, which came out hours before Tuesday’s debate in Pennsylvania, 49 percent of independent respondents said they are supporting or leaning toward Trump, while 46 percent said the same for Harris. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Walz holds fundraiser in LV prior to debate–Rally turns to drive for those displaced by fire

Vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz campaigned in Las Vegas ahead of the presidential debate on Tuesday. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Walz continues Nevada trip with Vegas fundraiser, coffee shop visit

Walz spoke to about 50 donors about the stakes of the election and the different outreach efforts and visions of both presidential campaigns. He then visited the TIABI Coffee & Waffle shop. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada groups mobilize new Americans to be a voice in this fall’s elections

Las Vegas locals and community organizers gathered Monday morning to raise awareness on how naturalized citizens can make their votes count in the upcoming election, in an effort led by advocacy groups like the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC), the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) and the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN). (Las Vegas Sun)

In raucous debate, Harris puts Trump on the defensive

The first-ever face-to-face meeting between Harris and Trump underscored just how much the race for the White House has changed since President Joe Biden dropped out after his miserable debate performance in June left Democrats in despair. Harris was for the most part able to deliver a crisp and clear message. Trump seemed angry and defensive. (Las Vegas Sun)

California proposal would cause jump in Nevada gas prices, Lombardo warns

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs sent a joint letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressing concerns that a proposal being considered in the California Legislature “would raise fuel prices and disrupt the regional economy,” Lombardo’s office said Tuesday in a news release. (Las Vegas Sun)

Trump’s support of Florida marijuana legalization may show growing bipartisan consensus

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s early Monday statement that he would vote to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida sent a strong signal that both major parties are moving to adopt popular marijuana reform efforts. But the campaign for the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed strong skepticism about Trump’s sudden embrace of reform. (Nevada Current)

Former teacher with Democratic ties faces Trump-backing Fox News guest in CCSD school board race

A veteran with ties to a controversial “parents’ rights” group and an experienced educator who wants to focus on improving communication are competing for one of three open seats on the Clark County School Board. Lydia Dominguez and Eileen Eady emerged in June as the top two vote-getters in a six-candidate primary for District B. (Nevada Current)

Question 2 removes ableist language from Nevada Constitution

Question 2 on the 2024 ballot this November would remove the words “insane,” “deaf” and “dumb” from Section 1 of Article 13 of the Nevada Constitution, and replace them with more inclusive person-first language, including “persons with a significant mental illness, persons who are blind or visually impaired or persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.” (Nevada Current)

SAUNDERS: ABC News’ Trump-Harris debate was a 3-to-1 affair

ABC News put a finger on the scale for Trump-Harris debate. Guess who it helped? (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Trump to hold rally in Las Vegas, days after debate

Former President Donald Trump is expected to highlight his economic plans at a rally in Las Vegas. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Republicans sue, claim voting fraud

A lawsuit from Republicans, including the campaign of former President Donald Trump, alleges that up to 4,000 noncitizens in Nevada might have voted in the 2020 general election, and that nearly as many such people will cast a ballot in November. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Brown’s campaign hit with FEC complaint over super PAC coordination

The U.S. Senate campaign of Nevada Republican Sam Brown is facing a Federal Elections Commission complaint alleging it accepted an illegal in-kind contribution from a super political action committee. (Las Vegas Sun)

What you need to know about Nevada’s 7 ballot questions in 2024

Here’s a rundown of the seven ballot questions on Nevada’s ballot and what advocates and opponents have to say about them. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

On the Record: Senate District 5 candidates Carrie Buck and Jennifer Atlas

In separate long-ranging interviews with The Nevada Independent, the candidates addressed questions across 14 different policy areas. (The Nevada Independent)

Poll: Nevada Latinos backing Harris, but margin with Trump closer than in 2020

Vice President Kamala Harris now holds a 23-percentage point lead over former President Donald Trump among registered Hispanic voters in Nevada.

Upcoming Fundraisers

Campaign Fundraiser for

Kerri Maxey

District Court Judge

Thursday, September 19, 2024

6:00PM-8:00PM

McFarling Law Group

6230 W. Desert Inn Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89146

RSVP: shelzenes@mcfarlinglaw.com

2025 Legislative Session Updates

Important Dates

First Day of Legislative Session         February 3^rd                Days Until: 143