July 26, 2024
Democrats have rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris since she announced her presidential run following President Joe Biden’s dropout and endorsement Sunday, but it is unclear if she will fare better than her predecessor in the critical swing state of Nevada. Governor Joe Lombardo wrote his second letter this week calling on President Joe Biden to address the state’s housing shortage, a week after the president announced an initiative to sell public land in Southern Nevada to increase affordable housing. Nevada is set to run out of land for new housing in about eight years, according to the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association. More than 80 percent of the land in Nevada is federally owned. And, according to a new report by the Nature Conservancy, there are nearly 400,000 acres — about four times the area of the City of Las Vegas — in Nevada that have already been affected by development and extraction that are suitable for renewable energy development. These Nevada news links and so much more below!
Updates from the Governor’s Office
Governor Lombardo Urges President Biden to Cut Red Tape on Housing Projects
Today, Governor Joe Lombardo wrote to President Biden to reiterate his call for the White House to eliminate bureaucratic housing barriers, which are preventing Nevada communities from achieving their housing and economic development goals. (Gov.nv.gov)
Governor Joe Lombardo, Treasurer Zach Conine, and Interim Finance Committee Chairwoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee Marilyn Dondero Loop announced that the State of Nevada has finalized funding for a new campus in Southern Nevada that will increase services for victims of domestic violence and trafficking. (gov.nv.gov)
State and Local Government Updates
‘Untouchable’: NV state workers have few ways to hold managers accountable for misconduct
In interviews with more than 30 current and former state employees and a review of state policies, The Nevada Independent found there are limited mechanisms in place to discipline higher-level state employees. (The Nevada Independent)
Michele Fiore pleads not guilty to federal fraud charges; trial date set
Nye County Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy charges in federal court on Friday. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Thousands sign petition opposing Clark County school policy banning cellphone use in class
More than 10,000 people have signed a new petition opposing a new Clark County school policy that will limit middle and high school students’ access to their phones. (The Nevada Independent)
Lawmakers stress need to look beyond red light cameras and other ‘back end’ traffic safety measures
As state lawmakers discussed, yet again, legislation to authorize the use of red-light cameras, some legislators turned the discussion to the role of infrastructure and other traffic safety mitigation measures. Lawmakers heard from state traffic safety and public health officials about the increased number of crashes and deaths in Nevada at Wednesday’s meeting of the joint interim Committee for Growth and Infrastructure and Health and Human Services. (Nevada Current)
In his final weeks leading the Clark County School District, Superintendent Jesus Jara gave new contracts to his top administrators with added benefits that could cost taxpayers $3 million, a Review-Journal analysis of public records found. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
NV’s total number of jobs grew in June, but so did unemployment
Nevada saw job growth in June, but the state also saw a slight increase in unemployment. On Thursday, the Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) announced that while the Nevada labor force grew by about 2,300 in June, unemployment in Nevada also increased to 5.2%. (Nevada Current)
Nevada heat demands more than cooling centers, lawmakers told
Despite Nevada having two of the fastest warming cities in the nation — Reno and Las Vegas — the state has taken the least action to protect the public from the impacts of climate change. (Nevada Current)
Lombardo doubles down, requests Biden allow public land sales for housing
Gov. Joe Lombardo wrote his second letter this week calling on President Joe Biden to address the state’s housing shortage, a week after the president announced an initiative to sell public land in Southern Nevada to increase affordable housing. (The Nevada Independent)
Thousands sign petition opposing Clark County school policy banning cellphone use in class
More than 10,000 people have signed a new petition opposing a new Clark County school policy that will limit middle and high school students’ access to their phones. (The Nevada Independent)
With 5 months left in Trustee Church’s term, tensions persist between him and president
Outgoing Washoe County School Board Trustee Jeff Church’s tenure is down to five months, but the bickering with Board President Beth Smith was unabated on Tuesday. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Nye County Judge Fiore suspended from bench
Michele Fiore, the Nye County judge who has been indicted on federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges, will be suspended from the bench by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline, according to an order released Wednesday. Fiore, 53, of Pahrump, was indicted by a Las Vegas grand jury on July 16. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
How much does Washoe County spend per person each day at Cares campus homeless shelter?
Short answer: $64 a day. That’s based on the number of beds each night and operational expenses for fiscal year 2024, which ended in June, as provided by Washoe County. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Federal Updates
Nevada leaders praise Biden’s ‘immense patriotism and selfless leadership’
Democratic lawmakers in Nevada are praising President Joe Biden for the work he’s done the past three years, including his decision today to end his reelection bid. (Las Vegas Sun)
CrowdStrike CEO called to testify to Congress over cybersecurity’s firm role in global tech outage
U.S. House leaders are calling on CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz to testify to Congress about the cybersecurity company’s role in sparking the widespread tech outage that grounded flights, knocked banks and hospital systems offline and affected services around the world. (Las Vegas Sun)
Biden continues to recover from COVID-19, stays out of public view after ending his 2024 campaign
President Joe Biden’s “symptoms have almost resolved completely” from COVID-19, according to his physician, as the president on Monday remained out of public view for the fifth straight day. (Las Vegas Sun)
Federal funds to empower Nevada tribes as climate challenges mount
Recent federal investments in climate resilience for Indigenous communities in Nevada have included funds to modernize tribal power grids against wildfires, build water storage for people reliant on well water and bring electricity to homes. (Las Vegas Sun)
Secret Service director faces mounting calls to resign over Trump assassination attempt
WASHINGTON — Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agency’s failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald J. Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony. (Nevada Current)
Horsford credits Biden for $800 million to help tribal communities in NV deal with climate impacts
As Nevada struggles with impacts of the climate crisis, U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford on Monday touted more than $800 million of federal investments being allocated to tribal communities in Nevada for mitigation measures and infrastructure projects. (Nevada Current)
Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner awarded $721,602 federal apprenticeship expansion grant
The United States Department of Labor announced the latest round of Apprenticeship Expansion Grant awards as part of its State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF). The grant seeks to help states increase and expand apprenticeship opportunities in high-growth, high-demand industries. The Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner (OLC) recently received $721,602 through the SAEF Grant to grow apprenticeship in Nevada. (Nevada Department Of Business & Industry)
Secret Service director heeds growing call to resign
WASHINGTON —The director of the Secret Service resigned Tuesday in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump that unleashed an outcry about how the agency failed in its core mission to protect current and former presidents. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada poised for $49M in federal water funds
A routine reauthorization of federal funds may give Nevada’s water infrastructure a needed boost. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Part of bill blocks probe into MGM cyberattack
A provision in U.S. House legislation could block the Federal Trade Commission investigation into the September cyberattack that temporarily crippled MGM Resorts International properties. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Governor again urges access to federal lands–Letter: Bureaucracy limits housing supply
Gov. Joe Lombardo again called on President Joe Biden to streamline the process for releasing federal land to make way for more housing in a letter sent Tuesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Articles of Interest
Tropicana blast permit reveals potential fall implosion time frame
The remains of the Tropicana are tentatively set to be imploded in early October to make way for the planned Oakland Athletics MLB ballpark to be built on a portion of the site, according to Clark County records. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada has very high levels of COVID-19 in wastewater. Should we worry?
Tourists who flocked in droves to Las Vegas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend helped spur a rise in COVID infections, experts say. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
How much did Nevada collect in unused cash-out tickets this year?
Gamblers left $24.4 million in Nevada casino vouchers in the fiscal year that ended June 30, according to preliminary results from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
As a Nevada community fights a lithium mine, a rare fish and its haven could be an ace in the hole
The Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge has been called the “Galapagos of the Mojave Desert,” but nearby residents fear a proposed lithium mine’s impacts on the region. (The Nevada Independent)
2 Tahoe beaches close after 85,000-gallon sewage spill at Carnelian Bay
A private contractor working to install a lighted crosswalk on Highway 28 in Carnelian Bay struck the main sewer export pipeline last week, releasing roughly 125,000 gallons of untreated sewage, most of which entered Lake Tahoe. (Reno Gazette Journal)
CrowdStrike says more machines fixed as customers, regulators await details on what caused meltdown
AUSTIN, Tex. — Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike says a “significant number” of the millions of computers that crashed on Friday, causing global disruptions, are back in operation as its customers and regulators await a more detailed explanation of what went wrong. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada Democrats continue to assail Trump over Project 2025 and its effects on middle class
Democrats in Nevada are warning that another Donald Trump presidency, with the Project 2025 right-wing manifesto as its bedrock, would “chip away at our fundamental freedoms piece by piece.” (Las Vegas Sun)
Last Sunday was hottest day on Earth in recorded history, climate agency says
“It’s certainly a worrying sign coming on the heels of 13 straight record -setting months,” said Berkeley Earth climate scientist Zeke Hausfather, who estimates there’s a 92% chance that 2024 will beat 2023 as the warmest year on record. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
FTC probe into MGM cyberattack could run into some obstacles
A House appropriations bill currently under consideration has a provision that could prevent the Federal Trade Commission from seeking cyberattack information from MGM. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Indy Gaming: Longtime MGM spokesperson’s three-decade journey to the Hall of Fame
Alan Feldman has become a leading advocate for problem gambling research. Also, Super-Book ends its business outside Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)
Mine expansion draws rebuke–Group chides BLM for not disclosing 660-acreplan for Lhoist
Mining companies are refocusing their attention on the bone-dry desert in Nye County as the U.S. Department of the Interior considers forbidding any new mineral claims in the area for the next 20 years. Lhoist, an existing clay mine in Amargosa Valley, quietly submitted a plan to expand its facility by 660 acres. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Pershing County Commissioner and hunting guide arrested on felony charges
Pershing County Commissioner Joe Crim and his hunting guide face one felony charge each in Washoe County for illegally killing a bear during last year’s season. (Nevada Current)
Bally’s accepts $4.6B buyout—Chairman says ‘business as usual ’for planned A’s ballpark
Rhode Island-based Bally’s Corp. announced Thursday it has accepted a buyout offer from Standard General LP, the company’s largest shareholder, for a reported $4.6 billion. New York-based Standard General is a hedge fund managed by Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Assign of the times–Southwest to ditch open seating policy beginning in 2025
Ultimately, the airline, under pressure from investors to provide better financial returns, made the decision in a bid to produce additional revenue streams and strengthen financial performance. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Harris rebuked on border issue—House Republicans pass resolution condemning performance
WASHINGTON — House Republicans are moving quickly to emphasize Vice President Kamala Harris’s role in the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S. border with Mexico, passing a resolution Thursday that condemns her performance in the job. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada man accused of leveling death threats at judges in DC, NY
A Nevada man accused of sending blunt death threats to federal judges, state officials and a member of Congress over the past eight months — a torrent of vitriol one prosecutor likened to “the Holocaust” — was ordered detained pending trial Tuesday by a magistrate judge who agreed the suspect was too dangerous to remain free. (Politico)
How Bally’s buyout might affect resort plans for A’s Vegas stadium site
A planned buyout of Bally’s Corp. by the casino company’s largest stockholder could help in financing a development to replace the Tropicana Las Vegas. (The Nevada Independent)
Airway Commerce Center marks project completion on challenging airport land
The Reno airport land along South McCarran Boulevard had languished for decades due to strict requirements for development. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Real estate fees are changing. What that means for homeowners and buyers
Changes to agent compensation and commissions from real estate lawsuit settlements seen as a potential game changer for consumers. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Indy Environment: Inside the push to make Nevada’s green energy development go brown
According to a new report by the Nature Conservancy, there are nearly 400,000 acres — about four times the area of the City of Las Vegas — in Nevada that have already been affected by development and extraction that are suitable for renewable energy development.
Uber-backed ballot question capping attorney fees widely supported, internal poll finds
Nevadans overwhelmingly support an Uber-backed ballot question that would cap how much attorneys in the state can charge in civil case fees, according to a poll conducted last week and commissioned by supporters of the proposal. (The Nevada Independent)
Election News
Biden drops out of presidential race; Nevada leaders react
Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place at the top of the ticket. Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto followed suit hours later. (The Nevada Independent)
Constitutional amendment to require photo ID for in-person voting OK’d for November ballot
November ballots will include a question on voter ID after the secretary of state’s office declared the initiative sufficient to appear on the ballot. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada’s Democratic delegates to meet to discuss Harris’ presidential bid
The state party will be meeting with delegates sometime in the next 48 hours to determine how the Nevada Democratic delegates are feeling about Harris as a candidate. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Democrats plan to push ahead with virtual roll call ahead of their convention, with Harris favored
The Democratic Party plans to push forward with a virtual roll call in which delegates to its convention can choose a presidential nominee before they meet in person next month in Chicago, with Vice President Kamala Harris heavily favored now that President Joe Biden has abandoned his reelection bid. (Las Vegas Sun)
Trump a smaller election betting favorite after Biden drops out
Former President Donald Trump remains the betting favorite to win the 2024 election at offshore sportsbooks after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
After Washoe recount and revote, experts say commission’s action undermined democracy
Experts say the proper arena for contesting elections is in the court system, not the certification process. (The Nevada Independent)
USA TODAY review: Kamala Harris secures votes needed to become Democratic nominee
WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris successfully moved Monday to shore up the support she needed to secure the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, potentially avoiding a bitter internal party dispute one day after President Joe Biden announced he’s backing out of his own White House campaign. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Nevada women in politics share conflicting views about Kamala Harris for president
Nevada women in politics shared conflicting thoughts about Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as the Democratic frontrunner after Joe Biden announced he would no longer seek re-election. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Nevada Democratic delegates unanimously back Harris for president
The state’s 49 delegates agreed Monday night to back Harris at next month’s Democratic National Convention.(The Nevada Independent)
Prominent GOP donor, billionaire businessman accused of repeatedly making racist, sexist remarks
A national civil rights leader is calling on Nevada to investigate a prominent Las Vegas businessman and Republican donor following allegations he repeatedly used racial slurs in the workplace and once pulled a gun on a Black truck driver. (Nevada Current)
Kamala Harris is “breathing new life” into the presidential election, Las Vegas election experts said, and could help enhance voter participation with a younger generation that was disillusioned with what until this week had been shaping up as a race between the two oldest major-party candidates in American history. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada election officials ramp up voter roll maintenance ahead of November election
RENO — Nearly 8% of Nevada’s active registered voters are receiving a postcard from county election officials that they will have to return next month or else they won’t automatically receive a ballot in the mail for the upcoming presidential election. (Las Vegas Sun)
Will Harris fare better in Nevada than Biden?
Democrats have rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris since she announced her presidential run following President Joe Biden’s dropout and endorsement Sunday, but it is unclear if she will fare better than her predecessor in the critical swing state of Nevada. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
‘Choice between freedom and chaos’: Harris holds 1st rally as presidential candidate
The vice president has scored the backing of Democratic officials and political groups, including congressional leaders Charles Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
MILWAUKEE — Vice President Kamala Harris hit the campaign trail Tuesday, a day after she appeared to clinch enough delegates Monday night to secure the Democratic presidential nomination. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
With Harris in race, experts see ‘cloud of uncertainty’ lifting, new energy among would- be voters
Kamala Harris is “breathing new life” into the presidential election, Las Vegas election experts said, and could help enhance voter participation with a younger generation that was disillusioned with what until this week had been shaping up as a race between the two oldest major-party candidates in American history. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada officials warn 150,000 voters their registrations may soon become inactive
Nevada counties have mailed notices to nearly 157,000 people warning them their voter registration is scheduled to be set to inactive unless they act, the secretary of state’s office announced Tuesday. (Reno
Gazette Journal)
The torch is passed–Biden addresses nation, nods to new generation
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden framed his decision to drop out of the 2024 race as a bid to unify the nation under a new generation of leaders, in his first public address since he ended his re-election campaign against Republican Donald Trump. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
U.S. House GOP spending cuts a preview of Project 2025, lead Dem appropriator says
The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday. (Nevada Current)
Democrats approve virtual vote by delegates to pick a presidential nominee
WASHINGTON — The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday. (Nevada Current)
Nevada Democrats say they’re ready to get to work to elect Harris as president
Donna West watched last week as her political party became overrun by uncertainty about the upcoming presidential election. (Las Vegas Sun)
Vance plans to swing by Nevada next week after his solo campaign debut
Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) will make his first official trip to Nevada on July 30 for a series of campaign rallies in Reno and Henderson. (The Nevada Independent)
Upcoming Fundraisers
Fundraiser to Support Assemblywoman
Angie Taylor
Saturday, August 3, 2024
5:00-6:30pm
Home of Dr. Ron Aryel
Full Address with RSVP
___________________________________
Fundraiser to Support
Shelley Berkley
for Mayor
Thursday, August 15, 2024
5:30-7:30pm
At the home of Michael Tang
RSVP for address
tom@letiziaagency.com
| 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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