The G3Wire

December 20, 2024

Attorney General Aaron Ford plans to run for governor in 2026.  Ford’s potential entry into the race would make him the highest-profile Democrat to consider challenging Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, who plans to run for re-election.  The Legislature’s top state Senate Democrat, Nicole Cannizzaro, plans to introduce a massive, $500 million education bill in February’s upcoming legislative session that would establish universal prekindergarten and continued funding for teacher raises. The omnibus measure also focuses on increasing accountability and transparency in Nevada’s education system, particularly in Clark County.  And Nevada officials will embark next month on a key step toward constructing a massive campus that will provide transitional housing and other supportive services to the growing number of Southern Nevadans experiencing homelessness. Check out these news links and so much more below!

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governor Lombardo Announces Incoming Deputy Chief of Staff

Governor Joe Lombardo announced Debi Reynolds as his incoming Deputy Chief of Staff, following the upcoming retirement of Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Wells on January 3, 2025. (gov.nv.gov)

State and Local Government Updates

Expectations for growth high at Nevada State

Nevada State University is looking to triple its enrollment in the next 20 years, launching an initiative this fall to expand its Henderson campus with the development of about 450 acres into classrooms, student housing and sports complexes. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Records on official’s exit withheld–County, Justice Court refuse newspaper’s requests
COURT officials and the county won’t release records that would shed light on why Las Vegas Justice Court Administrator Jessica Gurley left her job abruptly in October. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

License cameras prompt concern–Firm funds Metro’s installations in city

The Metropolitan Police Department installed and operates license plate cameras throughout the city thanks to money donated by a venture capital firm, according to emails between Metro and one of the firm’s partners. (Las Vegas Sun)

Filipino community in Las Vegas pushes for its own cultural district

The Clark County Commission in November discussed the possibility of establishing a “Filipino Town” cultural neighborhood in the area between Flamingo Road and Desert Inn Road along South Maryland Parkway. A decision could come in the spring. (Las Vegas Sun)

8 new Nevada laws for 2025 include tax-free diapers, payment for dementia caregivers

Eight new Nevada laws go into effect Jan. 1 on drones, diapers and dementia. Other legal changes will affect wages for people with disabilities, motorcycle fines, outdated language in the state Constitution and communications with female prisoners. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada payday loan ballot initiative dead after supporters stop getting signatures

Legal uncertainty of the proposal prompts supporters to abandon efforts to gather signatures, but some parts could be brought before the Legislature next year. (The Nevada Independent)

Schools are bracing for upheaval over fear of mass deportations

“CCSD schools are safe places for all students and their families,” the district said in a statement. “The district does not report undocumented immigrants to authorities, nor does CCSD ever ask students or parents about their immigration status.” (The Nevada Independent)

From a casino implosion to major fines, here are the top Las Vegas gaming headlines of 2024  

Each year brings new challenges and opportunities for Nevada casinos, adding to the ever-changing and endlessly intriguing tale of gambling in the Silver State. 2024 was no exception. From casino closings and implosions to messy regulatory scandals and multibillion-dollar deals, Nevada’s gaming industry added plenty of new chapters to its storied history in the last year. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Washoe County School District remains second largest district in Nevada… barely

Enrollment at state-authorized charter schools continues to outpace growth at traditional public school districts in Nevada, official enrollment counts show. (Nevada Current)

Indy Explains: How might the Nevada National Guard help with mass deportation?

Lombardo — alongside every other Republican governor except Vermont Gov. Phil Scott — said that he is ready to “utilize every tool” at his disposal to prevent illegal immigration. (The Nevada Independent)

Sibella’s gaming license revoked by commission

The Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday took away the gaming license of the former top executive of the MGM Grand and Resorts World Las Vegas. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Mesquite police chief on administrative leave

According to a lawyer for the city’s police union, Mesquite Police Chief MaQuade Chesley has been placed on administrative leave. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Federal Updates

Applications open in NV for $156M in federally funded community rooftop solar

Nevada’s “green bank” is now looking to distribute $156 million in federal funds to help thousands of low-income households benefit from solar power, whether they own property or not. (Nevada Current)

Former DOD official accused of conflict of interest over payments tied to Nevada firm

Michael Henry, former technical director for the DOD’s Joint Staff J-6 Joint Tactical Integration Element, was indicted earlier this year on federal charges of allegedly steering contracts to a company from which he received financial benefits. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Camping bans, penalties rise after Supreme Court ruling, worsening ness, experts say

The National Homelessness Law Center tracked cities that have passed anti-homeless camping bans or expanded existing camping bans to make them more punitive since the high court’s decision. It found 99 ordinances were passed in 26 states that restrict unhoused people from sleeping and camping, according to data it provided to States Newsroom in November. (Nevada Current)

FTC to require listing of ‘junk fees’–Hotels, promoters fall under new rule

The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday said it will soon require hotels, vacation rental platforms and live event promoters to disclose any fees up front when they list prices. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

New Biden admin rule targeting ‘junk fees’ includes mandated disclosure of resort fees

The use of resort fees for amenities is common in Las Vegas, where hotels will now be required to disclose them upfront, but not what they will be used for. (The Nevada Independent)

Social Security COLA coming to Nevada beneficiaries in 2025

Hundreds of thousands of retirees in Nevada are set to see increases to their Social Security benefits in the new year. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Trump vows to fire federal workers who won’t return to office. What it could mean in Nevada

President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that he plans to fire any federal employees who don’t physically return to their offices full time once his administration takes over; such a move could affect thousands of Nevada federal employees. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Fed cuts rate, but only two for 2025–Upsetting news for stock market

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday by a quarter-point — its third cut this year — but also signaled that it expects to reduce rates more slowly next year than it previously envisioned, mostly because of still-elevated inflation. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Rosen: No CORRUPTION bill ready for Biden–Government pension ends after conviction

Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen announced this week that her bill aimed to punish corrupt politicians passed both congressional chambers and was sent to the president to sign into law. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

ICE explores Nevada for sites to hold immigrants

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is considering proposals to expand its immigration detention capacity in Nevada, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Indy Explains: What to know about Southern Nevada’s future homeless services campus

Hospitality companies, which have grappled with homelessness on the Las Vegas Strip, are expected to make significant financial contributions to the project. (The Nevada Independent)

Articles of Interest

New forgery charges filed against Nevada fake electors in new jurisdiction

Prosecutors filed charges in Carson City after their initial attempt in Clark County was dismissed over venue concerns this year, though an appeal is pending. (The Nevada Independent)

Timeline: Four years later, few consequences for Nevada ‘fake electors’

Trump lost the Silver State in 2020, but his allies hatched a plan to try to overturn the election results in part by identifying themselves as their states’ true electors. (The Nevada Independent)

State scraps plan to change Windsor Park relocation funding source amid outcry

Officials worried that the existing funding would not meet federal spending deadlines, but Democratic legislators and Windsor Park residents were skeptical. (The Nevada Independent) 

Settlement with gaming regulators kicks ex-Strip executive Sibella out of industry

Former Resorts World president, who was sentenced on federal charges, will pay a $10,000 penalty, lose his gaming license and agree to a five-year ban. (The Nevada Independent)

Trump announces push to end daylight saving time — what do Nevadans think?

President-elect Donald Trump announced plans Friday to end daylight saving time, in a post on his social media site Truth Social. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Indy Gaming: Why Penn is betting big on M Resort expansion

A second hotel tower is under construction that will double the size of the Henderson casino. Executive says a sportsbook rebrand could be in the works. (The Nevada Independent)

Applications open in Nevada for $156M in federally funded community rooftop solar

Nevada’s “green bank” is now looking to distribute $156 million in federal funds to help thousands of low-income households benefit from solar power, whether they own property or not. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Badlands on council agenda–Approval of settlement to end legal battle to be discussed

The Las Vegas City Council could take action Wednesday on a settlement over the failed Badlands golf course, which would help wrap up a lengthy legal battle with a developer who wanted to build homes on the defunct course. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Workers file suit against NGM –Claims withholding of pay for all time worked

A class-action lawsuit filed against Nevada Gold Mines claims the Elko operation fails to pay employees for all time worked, including overtime. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Sphere countdown on New Year’s Eve will go global

Vegas officials estimate there will be 340,000 guests coming to the destination for New Year’s Eve, they said during Wednesday’s news conference held at the center of a busy Fashion Show mall, where shoppers and Strip tourists stopped to take pictures of the showgirls and an indoor firework display at the end of the event. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Badlands saga nears ending—Nonbinding $636M deal reached, but requires final review

The Las Vegas City Council unanimously approved a $636 million nonbinding agreement over the fate of the failed Badlands golf course, a significant step in ending a yearslong legal battle with a developer who wanted to build homes on the defunct course. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

No flight of fancy on New Year’s–Helicopter to sweep Strip tracking radiation

Early on New Year’s Eve, a helicopter will fly 300 feet above the ground on the Strip, weaving through the maze of towering resorts for a matter of national security. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Culinary reaches contract agreement with Fontainebleau

The Culinary Union announced Thursday it had reached a tentative contract agreement with Fontainebleau Las Vegas. While the union did not share many details, it said on the social media platform X that the deal covers 3,000 workers and “meets (the) LV Strip standard.” (Las Vegas Sun)

‘People are trapped’: Will high home prices, interest rates continue in 2025?

The Reno-Sparks home market has been dealing with high median home prices and mortgage rates since the pandemic. What does 2025 have in store? (Reno Gazette Journal)

Reno-Sparks median home price flat in November; Fed signals fewer rate cuts

The median home price in Reno-Sparks held steady in November while housing supply remained up compared to the previous year. (Reno Gazette Journal) 

Election News

State lawmakers to stay course–Nevada delegation standing by priorities after election

Nevada’s congressional delegation all won re-election in November, and though they’ll make legislation under a new yet familiar administration, the six members of Congress said their priorities and bipartisan efforts will remain the same. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford says he intends to run for governor

Ford, who is termed out from his role as the state’s top lawyer, said he is considering running in 2026, the first Democrat to openly do so. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo plans to run for re-election in 2026. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada’s 2024 electors include 2 ‘fake’ from ’20

Nevada’s six electors — two of whom were part of a “fake electors” scandal in 2020 — cast their electoral votes for President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, putting a bow on the 2024 presidential election. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Legislative Updates

Important Dates

First Day of Legislative Session         February 3^rd                Days Until: 45

• Check out the 971 bill draft requests that have been submitted up until now–BDR List. 

• Bills from the 83^rd Legislative Session – to date: 166 bills

Probate reform sought—‘Vulnerable’ Nevadans preyed upon

A Nevada lawmaker is looking to reform the probate system after a Las Vegas Review-Journal investigation exposed a cottage industry reaping big paydays selling dead people’s homes through court while heirs often got nothing. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Top Nevada Senate Democrat proposes universal pre-K, continued teacher raises

Though the proposed legislation will likely have a more than $500 million price tag, Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro said it should save the state money in the future and lead to better academic outcomes. (The Nevada Independent)

Legislators question CCSD on close-call with budget

State Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro grilled Clark County School District leaders Monday over their potential budget deficit and miscalculations that forced some schools to either cut programs, raise class sizes or use carry-forward funds. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Lawmaker questions why state is using secret algorithm to determine at-risk student funding

Nevada is using a secret algorithm to determine which students are considered at-risk enough to warrant additional education funding, raising concerns about transparency.

Presidential Transition Updates

What Trump’s campaign promises could mean for Nevada

What promises did Trump make to Nevadans across his many campaign visits to the Silver State? Some — such as his pledge to conduct a mass deportation campaign — would affect the entire country but be particularly consequential in Nevada, which has the highest share of undocumented immigrants of any state’s workforce. (The Nevada Independent)

D.C. Download: How Cortez Masto, Rosen might vote on Trump Cabinet nominees

Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) will be part of the minority next year, and as such, likely won’t swing any decisions — President-elect Donald Trump can afford to lose three Republican votes on any nominee. But it’s their first opportunity to take stances on Trump policy via his personnel and question them on Nevada-specific issues. (The Nevada Independent) 

Advocates rally Nevadans to protect families amid Trump’s deportation threats

A month away from retaking office, President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to deport millions of immigrants calls on using military forces to deport migrants and potentially create detention camps to hold them, he told Time magazine last week. (Las Vegas Sun)

Despite Trump’s claim, deportations likely wouldn’t ease housing crisis, most experts say

The mass deportations of immigrants that President-elect Donald Trump has promised aren’t likely to make a dent in the nation’s housing crisis, many experts say, despite what he and his supporters claimed during his campaign. (Las Vegas Sun)

Elon Musk, tapped for key role in Donald Trump’s administration, has many ties to Nevada

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is set to play a key role in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who already tapped the self-described “Technoking” to head a planned new agency focused on efficiency. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Despite Trump’s claim, deportations likely wouldn’t ease housing crisis, most experts say

The mass deportations of immigrants that President-elect Donald Trump has promised aren’t likely to make a dent in the nation’s housing crisis, many experts say, despite what he and his supporters claimed during his campaign. (Nevada Current)

Chances for government shutdown escalate after Trump and GOP reject stopgap spending bill

Efforts to prevent a partial government shutdown from starting this weekend fell apart Wednesday when numerous Republicans, on and off Capitol Hill, expressed their frustration with the many extraneous provisions added to a short-term funding package. (Nevada Current)