The G3Wire

August 2, 2024

Nearly 600 Olympic athletes have been competing for gold and a handful of those athletes include eight homegrown Nevada Olympians showing up for the Silver State. Currently, the United States is leading the medal race with 43 medals. An alarming number of home insurance carriers are denying new applications in Nevada — a clear indicator that the Silver State is facing a growing crisis as climate change elevates wildfire risk, state officials said. In an interim legislative hearing on commerce and labor this week, Scott Kipper, Nevada’s insurance commissioner, said there was an increase from 264 to 481 policies that were canceled or refused renewal because of wildfire risk from 2022 to 2023. And Vice President Kamala Harris is set to launch a battleground tour next week with her yet-to-be-named running mate, with stops in seven swing states stretching from Pennsylvania to Nevada. These Nevada News links and so much more below!

State and Local Government Updates

AG appeals Nevada fake electors case to state Supreme Court

The case against the six Nevada Republicans who submitted an invalid slate of electoral votes for former President Donald Trump in 2020 is moving up to the Nevada Supreme Court, after Attorney General Aaron Ford on Friday appealed a Clark County judge’s dismissal of the charges brought by his office. (The Nevada Independent)

Did Washoe school trustee Rodriguez violate law? Judge says no, ethics commission says yes

A judge last month cleared a Washoe County School Board trustee of ethics violations, but now the Nevada Commission on Ethics wants the state Supreme Court to overrule that decision. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada state panel to lawmakers: Attracting teachers will require reforms, money

The Nevada State Teacher and Education Support Professional Recruitment and Retention Advisory Task Force supports 29 potential solutions to combat chronic educator vacancies, task force leaders told lawmakers last week. Of those 29 recommendations, at least 18 would require more funds from the state or districts. (Las Vegas Sun)

Citing Lombardo’s vetoes and ‘whiny letters,’ organizers chide his response to housing crisis

Housing justice organizers on Tuesday called on Gov. Joe Lombardo to address the rising number of evictions and criticized the governor for “only sending whiny letters” to the White House as a way to solve the state’s housing crisis.

Clark County School Board plans to select new superintendent in October

Clark County School District expects to have a new superintendent picked by the end of October, according to a timeline approved earlier this month and discussed by trustees again Thursday. Hazard Young Attea Associates (HYA) — the search firm hired by the district — plans to begin advertising nationally for the position in August. (Nevada Current)

Former UNLV president to return to school as a fellow with the Lincy Institute

Len Jessup, who during his tenure as the UNLV president helped elevate the university to a top research institution, is returning as a fellow with the school’s Lincy Institute, officials announced Wednesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

CCEA hosts new CCSD staff— Lombardo delivers keynote speech to more than 900 educators

Excitement and nerves floated in the air of the Caesars Palace ballroom Tuesday morning as more than 900 new Clark County School District teachers and licensed professionals gathered to meet with union members and listen to remarks from Gov. Joe Lombardo. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Indy Gaming: A’s still looking to close stadium financing deal

It might be time for Oakland Athletics to call a financial closer. The team is seeking financing to close its part of the deal surrounding a $1.5 billion baseball stadium in Las Vegas. (The Nevada Independent)

Indy Education: Construction over college? Program aims to give Vegas teens options

In this week’s edition of Indy Education, read about a summer program meant to spark high school students’ interest in construction trade careers. (The Nevada Independent)

City owes $30M in back interest in Badlands case

A judge on Thursday ordered the city of Las Vegas to pay nearly $30 million in back interest to the developer who had intended to build a sprawling housing project on the defunct Badlands golf course. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

3 dead including white supremacist gang leader, 9 others injured in Nevada prison brawl

Three prisoners, including a white supremacist gang leader, are dead and nine other inmates were injured in a maximum-security prison brawl in Nevada this week, officials said. (yahoo.com)

NV AG’s office says alleged apartment price-fixing is ‘on our radar’

The Nevada Attorney General’s Office said the real estate tech firm RealPage, which has faced accusations of price-fixing rents in multiple states, is on its “radar” but wouldn’t say if it was investigating corporate landlords that use the software. (Nevada Current)

Federal Updates

Biden proposes term limits, code of ethics for Supreme Court

President Joe Biden said Monday that “extremism” on the U.S. Supreme Court is undermining public confidence in the institution and called on Congress to quickly establish term limits and an enforceable ethics code for the court’s nine justices. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

What’s inside Rosen’s new Pershing County lands bill?

The bill, like many introduced since 2016, aims to eliminate the “checkerboard” land pattern that runs along I-80 and greatly expand conservation areas. (The Nevada Independent)

U.S. home prices hit a record high as sales fell. Here’s how housing experts explain the trends

U.S. median home prices hit a record high for the second month in a row as sales continued to fall, according to a report released last week, as potential buyers continue to lie in wait for lower mortgage rates. (Nevada Current)

Senate passes bill to shield kids from harmful online content

WASHINGTON — The Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation Tuesday that is designed to protect children from dangerous online content, pushing forward with what would be the first major effort by Congress in decades to hold tech companies more accountable for the harm that they cause. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Joining the effort: Cortez Masto introduces bill to kill sports wagering tax

An effort to kill a federal excise tax on sports betting picked up steam with bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate. (The Nevada Independent)

Rosen bill recognizes heat as disaster–Classification could aid affected communities

The Extreme Heat Emergency Act, introduced Wednesday, would classify extreme heat as a major disaster under the Stafford Act, which recognizes events such as floods, fires, explosions, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes as disasters eligible for a presidential Major Disaster Declaration, according to a statement from Rosen’s office. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Senator pursues bill for national monument

The Nevada site of three bloody Native American massacres could be on its way to a national monument designation. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Bipartisan deal to expand child tax credit fails in Senate

Both of Nevada’s senators voted in favor of a long-stalled package to expand the child tax credit, but the proposal was ultimately killed by Senate Republicans. (The Nevada Independent)

Harris is planning a tour of battleground states next week with her yet-to-be-named running mate

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to launch a battleground tour next week with her yet-to-be-named running mate, with stops in seven swing states stretching from Pennsylvania to Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)

U.S. Senate fails to advance expanded child tax credit, despite broad House support

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans and two independents blocked a bipartisan tax package Thursday that would have temporarily expanded the child tax credit and revived tax breaks for some business activities. (Nevada Current)

Articles of Interest

Las Vegas Sands quietly helped fund Nevada voter ID initiative

The contribution was the Sands’ largest contribution on the state level this election cycle. (The Nevada Independent)

‘We’re first cousins’: Harris’ longstanding ties to Nevada could benefit her 2024 run

Between her presidential bid and time in the White House, the vice president has spent a ton of time in the Silver State. (The Nevada Independent)

Hedge fund Apollo expands Vegas footprint with $6.3B deal buying IGT, Everi

IGT and Everi Holdings canceled their previously merger agreement and will now be acquired by hedge fund Apollo Global Management for $6.3 billion. (The Nevada Independent)

What to know about President Biden’s election-year proposals to change the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden is using his final six months in office to push sweeping changes to the Supreme Court and a constitutional amendment to ensure that presidents are not immune from criminal prosecution. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Project 2025 decried as racist. Some contributors have trail of racist writings, activity

Former President Donald Trump has spent weeks distancing himself from Project 2025, a sprawling 900-plus page manifesto that seeks to create a blueprint for the next Trump presidency. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Bipartisan probe forms

Congressional panel to look into attempt on Trump’s life. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Telles files new motions to have case dismissed

Weeks before his murder trial is expected to begin, former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles has renewed his efforts to have a judge throw out the charges against him. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Back-to-back records at Reid–Airport officials report 5.1M passengers in June

Harry Reid International Airport had back-to-back record months, reporting 5.1 million passengers arriving and departing in the month of June, airport officials said Monday. June was the third-best month in history, trailing May, the second-best month ever, and October 2023, the best ever. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

LV Valley’s heat toll:63 dead this year

Las Vegas’ summer heat has claimed the lives of 63 people in Clark County this year, according to the county coroner’s office. That number will only grow. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Vegas man charged with threats to officials including judge, prosecutor in Trump hush money trial

The indictment lists 11 alleged victims by initials, including two in a phone call from Nevada to New York that “threatened to kill A.B. and J.M.,” referring to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Judge Juan M. Merchan. (The Nevada Independent)

Washoe County library cancels Drag Story Hour

The decision comes after a librarian was injured when a self-described First Amendment auditor tried to force his way into a recent Drag Story Hour. (The Nevada Independent)

Green burial facility opens -At the end, Valley residents can have bodies turned to dirt

When Nevadans reach the end of their lives, they’ll now have another option: returning their bodies to Mother Earth as dirt.  Earth Funeral, a green burial company based in Washington, opened a facility in Las Vegas on Wednesday that will allow Nevadans to choose what the company calls an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Record fiscal year with $15.8B–Casino win performance drove total

Strong casino win performances in June propelled the state and Southern Nevada to several all-time records for the fiscal year, including the highest win total in history at $15.8 billion, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported Wednesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

8 homegrown Nevada athletes represent Team USA at Paris 2024 Olympics

Nearly 600 Olympic athletes sailed down the Seine River in France, dawning red, white, and blue as they represented Team USA.A handful of those athletes include eight homegrown Nevada Olympians showing up for the Silver State. (News3lv.com)

Caesars sells World Series of Poker brand for $500 million

Caesars Entertainment sold the World Series of Poker for $500 million to an online gaming investment company. Caesars retained the right s to host the live tournament in Las Vegas. (The Nevada Independent)

Wildfire risk costly for Nevadans–Home insurance rejections rising fast with climate changes

An alarming number of home insurance carriers are denying new applications in Nevada — a clear indicator that the Silver State is facing a growing crisis as climate change elevates wildfire risk, state officials said. In an interim legislative hearing on commerce and labor this week, Scott Kipper, Nevada’s insurance commissioner, said there was an increase from 264 to 481 policies that were canceled or refused renewal because of wildfire risk from 2022 to 2023.(Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election News

Important Dates

General Early Voting              October 19                  Days Until: 78

General Election                     November 5                Days Until: 95

RFK Jr. has enough valid signatures to make Nevada ballot, officials say

Officials verified about 22,000 signatures, more than the roughly 10,000 needed to qualify. The only other obstacle is a still-pending lawsuit by Democrats seeking to block Kennedy’s ballot access.(The Nevada Independent)

Fact checking Heritage Foundation claim that Nevada law says Biden must stay on ballot

• Question: Is The Heritage Foundation correct that Nevada law may require President Joe Biden’s name stay on the November ballot?

• Short answer: No. The conservative think tank’s Oversight Project looks at one part of Nevada’s election law but ignores the part specifically about presidential elections. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Harris campaign events highlight dangers of restricting abortion, push for increased access

“The path to freedom runs right through Nevada. It runs right through Las Vegas,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood, during the Henderson event. (Las Vegas Sun)

Las Vegas Sands quietly helped fund Nevada voter ID initiative

The casino company gave $1.5 million to a pro-Lombardo PAC that spent a similar amount supporting the initiative. (The Nevada Independent)

New PACs that spent big on Nevada primaries finally disclose sources of income

North Las Vegas officials supported an effort to oust Sen. Dina Neal while a new Lombardo-affiliated group poured $1.4 million on the voter ID ballot question. (The Nevada Independent)

In first Nevada trip, Vance says Harris ‘owns every failure’ of Biden admin

He accused Harris of being culpable for record-setting border crossings, a “cover-up” of President Joe Biden’s health and an economy that saw high inflation (which has since eased). He also said electing his running mate — former President Donald Trump — is the only way America will regain its strength domestically and internationally. (The Nevada Independent)

Vance visits Vegas

GOP vice presidential nominee swipes at Harris on immigration. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Besieged Project 2025 head steps down–Trump had disavowed highly criticized plan

NEW YORK —The director of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 vision for a complete overhaul of the federal government stepped down Tuesday after facing pressure from Donald Trump’s campaign. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Audition time almost over –Harris ’VP contenders make their pitch as decision looms

AMBLER, Pa. — Democrat Josh Shapiro had a dual message for enthusiastic voters in suburban Philadelphia this week, telling them Kamala Harris belongs in the White House — and then reminding them of all he’s done as governor of battleground Pennsylvania. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

States to begin drive to hire poll workers for 2024 election amid threats

Poll worker demand is high. With concerns over the harassment and threats election officials face, and with the traditional bench of poll workers growing older, hundreds of counties around the country are in desperate need of people who are willing to serve their communities. (Las Vegas Sun)

Can Harris energize minority Nevada voters who had soured on Trump, Biden?

Harris’ favorability among Black voters already surpasses Biden’s by 7 points, according to a mid-July poll from the left-leaning pollster Data for Progress. (The Nevada Independent)

Trump at Black journalists ’event–Appearance on panel is combative at times

CHICAGO — Donald Trump challenged Vice President Kamala Harris’ identity politics on race during an appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago that quickly turned combative Wednesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Mayoral candidates trade barbs–Badlands becomes source of debate fodder

The two candidates headed into the runoff to replace Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman highlighted their bona fides and traded barbs on Wednesday over the city’s increasingly costly legal battle with the would-be developer of the former Badlands golf course. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

GOP-aligned super PAC boosts Brown on Nevada airwaves with $4 million ad buy

A super PAC affiliated with the fiscally conservative Club for Growth is dropping $4 million on a new ad campaign to boost Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown in Nevada. (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

RSVP berrer@nvsenatedems.com

___________________________________

Fundraiser to Support

Jennifer Atlas

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

5:30-7:30pm

Full address to be provided with RSVP

berrer@nvsenatedems.com

_____________________________________

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