The G3Wire: February 16, 2024

Along with extensive coverage and analysis of last Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIII, the Cannabis industry was featured heavily in the news this week in Nevada with the newly appointed Executive Director of the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB), Jimmy Humm, touting his pro-business approach to regulating the industry, the Governor’s appointment of a new CCB Board Member, and the CCB issuing the first state license for a cannabis consumption lounge in Las Vegas.  The Nevada Assembly Democratic Caucus announced its endorsement of Hanadi Nadeem for Assembly District 34 and more election coverage as we are now close to two weeks out from Candidate Filing.  And much more news below in Nevada this week for you to read and enjoy on this upcoming holiday weekend.  Happy President’s Day!

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governor Joe Lombardo and Controller Andy Matthews Announce New Nevada Open Finance Portal

Governor Joe Lombardo and Controller Andy Matthews announced the launch of the new Nevada Open Finance Portal, a website that provides detailed, up-to-date information on state spending. (gov.nv.gov)

Governor Joe Lombardo Appoints Dr. Vicki Mazzorana to Cannabis Compliance Board.

Governor Joe Lombardo announced his appointment of Dr. Vicki Mazzorana to the Cannabis Compliance Board. (gov.nv.gov)

State and Local Government Updates

Inside the 3-year strategic plan guiding Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo’s administration

The report first obtained by The Nevada Independent features almost 100 objectives and requires state workers to align their work with the plan. (The Nevada Independent)

How much does money matter in close Nevada legislative races?

It’s not everything, but an analysis of fundraising since 2016 revealed more than two thirds of winners had an early fundraising lead. (The Nevada Independent)

Ethics commission dismisses complaint against assemblywoman over nonprofit ties

A three-member panel found no evidence that Michelle Gorelow (D-Las Vegas) committed wrongdoing when she voted to give $250,000 to an organization that hired her as executive director weeks later. (the Nevada Independent)

Nevada judge strikes down independent redistricting commission ballot petitions

 The organization backing the petitions, Fair Maps Nevada, began pushing the proposed ballot measures late last year — the third attempt by the group to put an independent redistricting commission before voters in as many election cycles. (The Nevada Independent)

Youth, parents call for better learning environments, gun control

The theme was youth issues and election questions, which inspired conversations from those as young as 8 up to senior citizens on topics such as gun reform, discipline at schools, the state of local news coverage, voting, environmental hazards and the future. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada water law ruling backs state engineer’s powers, further stalls Coyote Springs project

The court’s decision last month gives the state’s top water official the authority to regulate how underground supplies are distributed. The ruling, a blow to stalled plans for the Coyote Springs master-planned community north of Las Vegas, enhances the survival for an endangered species of fish native only to natural springs in the area. (Las Vegas Sun)

PUC: NV Energy customers, not shareholders, on the hook for employee bonuses

Brown, the only new member of the PUC appointed by Gov. Joe Lombardo, departed from the Commission’s precedent of requiring ratepayers and NV Energy to share in the cost of company bonuses, and instead placed the entire burden on customers, even though NV Energy’s own evaluation determined employee performance fell short of the company’s goals. (Nevada Current)

Lombardo appointee doubles down on ratepayer-funded bonuses for NV Energy employees

The Nevada Public Utilities Commission is scheduled Tuesday to reconsider its decision in December to stick ratepayers with a $5.75 million bill for bonuses NV Energy paid its Southern Nevada employees last year. (Nevada Current)

State warns of ‘major’ vacancies in agency overseeing services for vulnerable populations

The adult protective services and long-term care ombudsman office, which provides oversight and advocacy for people living in residential facilities, has a 44% vacancy rate, while the home and community-based services has a 47% vacancy. (Nevada Current)

With contract settled, Clark County teachers union asks judge to dissolve no-strike injunction

The union filed a motion Monday asking a Clark County District judge to lift the preliminary injunction handed down Sept. 13 to halt the illegal rolling sickouts that caused eight schools to cancel one day of school each and disrupted classes at additional schools over the first two weeks of September. (Las Vegas Sun)

Board issues first state license for marijuana lounge in Las Vegas

Thrive Cannabis Marketplace was granted a conditional lounge license in June. Conditional licenses allow applicants to prepare for operation, but lounges can only open with a final license. (Las Vegas Sun)

Resignation offer of $250K for Jesus Jara to be considered by School Board

On Feb. 7, the Board declined to accept an initial conditional resignation — which would have cost at least $395,000 — or to terminate him for convenience, which would have cost close to $1 million in a salary buyout alone, plus the cash value of benefits through his earlier planned contract end date of June 2026. (Las Vegas Sun)

Federal Updates

GOP-led House impeaches Mayorkas, first time for Cabinet member

The U.S. House voted Tuesday to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, with the Republican majority determined to punish the Biden administration over its handling of the U.S-Mexico border after failing last week in a politically embarrassing setback. (Las Vegas Sun)

Illegal border crossings plummeted in January

The number of people crossing illegally into the United States from Mexico has dropped by 50% in the past month, authorities said Tuesday, as President Joe Biden comes under growing pressure from both parties over security at the border. (Las Vegas Sun)

IRS Advisory Council supports Nevada reps’ effort to raise slot tax reporting threshold

In a decision last November, the IRS Advisory Council said the threshold figure should be raised from $1,200 to $5,800 — $800 more than what members of the Congressional Gaming Caucus have been seeking. (The Nevada Independent)

Madams dispute claims in lawsuit about their Northern Nevada brothels

A federal lawsuit that seeks to end legalized prostitution in Nevada misrepresents what really happens at brothels, two madams say. (Reno Gazette Journal)

14 GOP-led states have turned down federal money to feed low-income kids in the summer. Here’s why

The reasons for the rejections, all from states with Republican governors, include philosophical objections to welfare programs, technical challenges due to aging computer systems and satisfaction with other summer nutrition programs reaching far fewer children. (Las Vegas Sun)

Articles of Interest

Nevada’s new cannabis regulator wants to uphold ‘gold standard,’ touts pro-business stance

Lombardo appointee assumes oversight as Nevada industry grapples with consumption lounges, considers how legal cannabis fits in at large events. (The Nevada Independent)

Sportsbook operators expect a Las Vegas Super Bowl to smash records

With Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIII taking place at Allegiant Stadium — the first time the NFL championship game has been played in Las Vegas — sportsbook operators once again predict betting on the game will hit a record total, possibly cracking the $200 million mark. (The Nevada Independent)

Man who attacked Las Vegas judge during sentencing indicted for attempted murder

A man who leaped over a judicial bench and attacked a Nevada judge during a sentencing hearing in Las Vegas last month that was captured in a courtroom video that went viral has now been indicted for attempted murder. (Las Vegas Sun)

Sleeping in vehicles, on sidewalks a misdemeanor in Sparks

Sleeping on a sidewalk or in a vehicle on public property is now a criminal misdemeanor in Sparks after the city council voted unanimously Monday to approve an ordinance change. (The Nevada Independent)

Wagering on Super Bowl LVIII sets a record at $185.6M

Despite dire predictions due to the public wagering on the underdog Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LVIII set a record for total wagers in Nevada and produced a small win for sportsbook operators. (The Nevada Independent)

Musk’s Court loss Nevada Gains

Neuralink has moved its legal corporate home from Delaware to Nevada after a judge struck down Musk’s $55.8 billion pay package as CEO of Tesla. Neuralink became a Nevada company on Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Economic victory for Vegas

Las Vegas tourism officials say the economic impact of Super Bowl 58 may be better than expected. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Washoe GOP leadership should welcome members, not chase them away

Do Republicans want to project an intolerant and authoritarian image? We see nonpartisan registration booming. Shouldn’t we enlarge the tent? Shouldn’t we signal that we have room for independents? (Reno Gazette Journal)

‘Heartbreaking’ findings in survey of Nevada LGBTQ+ students

Nevada LGBTQ+ students say they don’t feel safe talking with school staff and face discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, according to new findings from Silver State Equality. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Career College of Northern Nevada in Sparks abruptly shuts down, files for bankruptcy

In the notice, students were directed to several websites with information on closed school discharges, where student records have been sent and other guides on what to do when your school closes. (Reno Gazette Journal)

In 2021, Lombardo said ghost guns weren’t a “big issue” in Las Vegas. Police records tell a different story.  During his campaign for governor, Lombardo claimed the Las Vegas police department he led seized just 6 ghost guns in one year. But officers seized hundreds. (The Nevada Independent)

Pieces of Nevada’s history are endangered. Historians are raising awareness to help save them.

Preserve Nevada, the first statewide advocacy organization geared toward protecting Nevada’s cultural, historical and archaeological heritage, releases its list of the top 11 most endangered places in Nevada every other year. Here are the sites the organization is most concerned about. (The Nevada Independent)

Lack of A’s stadium designs is stalling plans for MGM Grand renovations

Plans for remodeling the front entrance of the MGM Grand Las Vegas are awaiting the final designs for a Major League Baseball stadium so connectivity between the resort and ballpark can be created. (The Nevada Independent)

A’s trying to work out extension at Oakland Coliseum this week

The A’s and Bay Area officials are expected to meet this week to negotiate a possible extension of the team’s lease for the Oakland Coliseum and give the club a permanent home until their stadium in Las Vegas is ready. (Las Vegas Sun)

‘No backstabbing’: A’s, Oakland have positive first meeting on Coliseum lease extension

A’s president Dave Kaval met with Oakland and Alameda County officials at the A’s executive offices in Jack London Square on Thursday morning to discuss a possible lease extension for the team at the Coliseum. (Las Vegas Sun)

DRI, UNLV join regional effort to confront climate change issues

A team of researchers at the Desert Research Institute and UNLV is joining forces with other regional universities to study climate challenges in the water-scarce Southwest as part of the project funded by the National Science Foundation. (Las Vegas Sun)

‘No backstabbing’: A’s, Oakland have positive first meeting on Coliseum lease extension

In a 45-minute meeting that was described as positive and informal by those in attendance, everything was put on the table to facilitate discussions about an extension that would keep the A’s in Oakland until at least 2028 — the earliest date their proposed ballpark in Las Vegas is expected to be ready. (The Mercury News)

Election News

Days until:

• Candidate Filing opens: 17
• Primary Election Day: 116
• General Election Day: 263

Important Dates:

• The Candidate Filing: March 5, 2024.
• The Primary Election is June 11, 2024.
• The General Election is November 5, 2024.

Nevada Assembly Democratic Caucus announced its endorsement of Hanadi Nadeem for Assembly District 34.

‘The good, the bad, the ugly’: Nevada GOP leaders talk caucus turnout

A little more than 60,000 Nevada Republicans — or 10 percent of the state’s registered Republicans — participated in the caucuses, about 20,000 fewer Republicans than participated in the state-run primary. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Trump meets with GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson

Former President Donald Trump dined with casino executive Miriam Adelson in Las Vegas on Thursday, his latest indication he is moving to consolidate the support of the Republican donor class. (Politico)

Watch live: Nevada Democracy Project listening session on youth issues, elections

The event is the second community listening session of the Nevada Democracy Project — an initiative focused on civic engagement and community conversations, produced by The Nevada Independent in partnership with Vegas PBS — that is focused on youth issues and election questions. (The Nevada Independent)

Upcoming Fundraisers

Assemblywomen Selena Torres, Erica Mosca, and Cecelia Gonzalez as they

celebrate filing for re-election on

Wednesday, March 6th at 5:00 PM

10810 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite 520

Las Vegas, Nevada 89315

____________________________________

Campaign Kickoff for

Gregory Hafen

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

5:30-7:30PM

Artesian Cellars

1731 Nevada Highway 160

Pahrump, Nevada 89048

_________________________________________________________________

Fundraiser In Support Of:

Assemblyman Bert Gurr

Assemblyman Gregory Hafen

Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy

Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts

Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama

Assemblyman Dr. Gregory Koenig

Assemblyman Toby Yurek

Monday, February 26, 2024

11:30-1:30 PM

The Brewers Cabinet

475 S. Arlington Ave.

Reno, Nevada 89501