The G3Wire

August 9, 2024

Election news is dominating the headlines again this week. A new poll of likely Nevada voters found Vice President Kamala Harris with a nearly 6 percentage point lead over former President Donald Trump — the largest lead for a Democrat in any presidential poll of Nevadans this cycle. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report published an amended analysis of the presidential race on Thursday, Aug. 8, stating that Arizona, Nevada and Georgia have been re-categorized as “toss up” states after previously being thought of as “leans Republican.” In other Nevada news, Governor Joe Lombardo announced the launch of Nevada’s Climate Innovation Plan, a strategic initiative designed to propel Nevada towards a sustainable future. And the Nevada Supreme Court will allow the state Board of Pharmacy to continue classifying marijuana as a Schedule I drug on par with heroin, in a reversal of a district judge’s previous ruling.  These exciting news links and so much more below!

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governor Lombardo Announces Nevada Climate Innovation Plan  

Governor Joe Lombardo announced the launch of Nevada’s Climate Innovation Plan, a strategic initiative designed to propel Nevada towards a sustainable future. (gov.nv.com)

State and Local Government Updates

‘Questions about transparency’–Vacation cash-out not part of superintendent severance

What wasn’t publicly disclosed was that in his final days in office, he already was cashing out all his unused vacation. Jara cashed out more than $48,000 in unused vacation pay on Feb. 9, two days after the board rejected a proposed $500,000 severance deal that included a cashout of unused vacation and sick leave. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Who’s grooming who? School board candidates fight ‘agenda’ of inclusivity

The Moms for Liberty member passionately demanded that the Clark County School Board ban a book detailing the author’s struggles with their coming-of-age story. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

NV Energy partnership influenced resolution changes, Reno council member says

The resolution passed after all critical language was removed, leaving the final version “watered down,” council member Jenny Brekhus said. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Meet Joe Ernst: New Washoe schools leader fueled by his belief in students

New Washoe County School District Joe Ernst stepped into his new role last month. He’s the district’s fifth superintendent in the past decade. (The Nevada Independent)

Indy Explains: How would Question 1 on Nevada’s 2024 ballot affect the Board of Regents?

Though a similar question addressing the Board of Regents failed on the 2020 ballot, proponents believe the renewed effort will fare better in 2024. (The Nevada Independent)

Schieve GPS tracker update: Arguments over John Doe’s identity now in judge’s hands

The man who hired a private investigator to spy on Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and ex-Washoe Commissioner Vaughn Hartung wants his name kept secret. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Judge: John Doe can’t hide name in Schieve GPS tracker case, but door open for appeal

A private investigator must reveal the name of who hired him to spy on Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and former Washoe County Commissioner Vaughn Hartung — but the order would be delayed if the matter is appealed, a judge decided Thursday. (Reno Gazette Journal)

WCSD principal addressed Black cafeteria manager over dialect, lawsuit alleges

A Black school cafeteria worker is suing the Washoe County School District for racial discrimination after she says the principal of Bohach Elementary School told her that white teachers didn’t like the accent she used when talking to students. (Reno Gazette Journal)

State court OK’s board to classify marijuana–Ruling allows it to be kept on Schedule I list

The Nevada Supreme Court will allow the state Board of Pharmacy to continue classifying marijuana as a Schedule I drug on par with heroin, in a reversal of a district judge’s previous ruling. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Long arm of the law–Special section of Metro show off force’s crime-fighting robots

Metro’s ARMOR, or All-Hazard Regional Multi-agency Operations and Response section, supports SWAT teams throughout the Las Vegas Valley with a team of robots in tow. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Lombardo’s climate plan puts emphasis on mining

The 33-page “Climate Innovation Plan” focuses on Nevada’s production of minerals needed to transition away from fossil fuels and the removal of federal red tape for clean energy projects. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Federal Updates

Cortez Masto provision relaxing waste rock dumping included in mining permit reform bill

Legislation meant to speed the development of mining projects on public lands in Nevada and elsewhere cleared a crucial huddle last month, prompting objections from conservation groups and cheers from extraction industry allies. Billed as the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, the legislation includes provisions lawmakers say would accelerate the construction of utility-scale energy projects and transmission infrastructure needed to deploy more renewable energy. (Nevada Current)

State gets scammed out of close to $1 million in federal funds 

A federally funded state program that provides loans in various forms to help small businesses is out $937,000 after falling prey to a fake identity scheme that may not be confined to Nevada. (Nevada Current)

Poll: Nevadans want a ban on stock trading among members of Congress

A bipartisan majority of Nevada voters believe members of Congress should be barred from holding and trading stocks in individual companies — an ethical question that has ensnared many members of Congress, including several Nevadans. (The Nevada Independent)

Articles of Interest

Inflation, immigration worries push some Nevada Hispanics toward GOP

Here in Nevada, where a larger share of Hispanic people have made it into the middle class than in any other state, some see inflation and immigration as reasons to reconsider their long-held loyalty to the Democratic Party. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Not just Nevada — lithium is draining water across the world, study reveals

As Nevada gears up for the next few years of its lithium boom, a new study is calling attention to what’s most at stake — water. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

F1 to give update on 2024 race to county—Grand Prix needs to get events permit

Las Vegas Grand Prix officials are expected to provide an update to Clark County officials next week for this year’s race — a necessary step toward getting a special events permit for the November event. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Tipping scale back–Those who earn gratuities believe tax on them unfair

While some Democrats and union leaders have called the proposal a pandering move for votes, others — including Democratic members of Congress in Nevada — have nonetheless signed onto bills in the House and Senate. Members of Congress introduced the “No Tax on Tips Act” in the Senate side and the “Tax Free Tips Act of 2024” in the House that would amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude tips from the federal income tax. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Retirees with 6-figure public pensions surge–’19 state law widens recipients’ confidentially

The number of retirees who took home six-figure annual payments from Nevada’s government pension system nearly doubled in recent years. But because of a 2019 state law, officials release less information about the recipients. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Hearing held, but no ruling yet in suit challenging Green Party’s Nevada ballot status

The Green Party has not been on a Nevada general election ballot since 2008. A Carson City judge heard arguments but did not issue a ruling on a lawsuit seeking to block the Green Party from the 2024 Nevada presidential ballot. (The Nevada Independent)

Renters aim to dump ‘junk fees’

It’s an issue prospective renters will be all too familiar with the advertised rent on your dream apartment might not be telling the whole truth. Lurking behind the listing, fees are added on to that base cost. These might be application fees, administration fees, mandatory trash collection fees and more. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

July median home sale price up over a year ago in Las Vegas

The median sales price of a single-family home in Southern Nevada was $480,000 in July, a report released this morning from Las Vegas Realtors showed. (Las Vegas Sun)

Sheriff’s office wraps up investigation of viral Virginia City racism incident

The investigation results of a Virginia City incident that went viral over racism allegations has been sent to Storey County district attorney. (Reno Gazette Journal)

NV Energy’s LV customers may no longer have to subsidize power bills in the north

The Public Utilities Commission is seeking to end its policy of having NV Energy’s Southern Nevada customers, who earn less than their northern counterparts, pay for the costs of preparing for natural disasters, primarily fires at Lake Tahoe. (Nevada Current)

Tahoe sees some of the best and worst water clarity in 2023; what does that mean?

Overall, the annual average visibility also dropped to 68.2 feet from 2022’s 71.9 feet. The lake’s clarity is also far from its historic 97.4 feet, according to the report. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada governor condemns racist Virginia City incident from viral TikTok video

Nevada’s governor is the latest to condemn racism following an incident at a Hot August Nights event in Virginia City last Friday. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Reno-Sparks apartment rent goes up again as Biden pushes for rent control

One apartment report has Reno-Sparks posting the third-highest average apartment rent in the area’s history as vacancies get tighter. (Reno Gazette Journal)

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. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Gaming sector not immune to Monday’s stock market tumble

Monday’s stock market drop didn’t spare the shares of the gaming industry’s publicly traded casino operators and equipment providers. (The Nevada Independent)

F1 work begins in Sept., less disruptions pledged

Infrastructure work needed for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place mainly overnight, with set-up work beginning in September and tear-down activities lasting through December. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

New weapon detectors at CCSD–Officials, police outline safety measures

As Lt. Bryan Zink walked through the Clark County School District’s new enhanced weapons detection system, red lights flashed on either side. The screen a few feet away circled where his weapons were. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Mortgage defaults trending up–UNLV study shows notices on rise since early’ 22

Notices of mortgage defaults in the Las Vegas Valley have been on the rise this year, according to a new report from UNLV. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Homeowners in rush to refinance–Mortgage rates lowest since February

The Mortgage Bankers Association’s refinance index, which tracks home loan application volume, surged 16 percent last week from the previous week to its highest level in two years, the association said Wednesday. Refinance applications were up nearly 60 percent versus the same week last year. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Question 5: Nevadans to vote on exempting diapers from sales tax

Nevadans this year will have the opportunity to exempt diapers from sales tax, something advocates say will bring a little relief to the wallets of parents of young children and adults with incontinence issues. (Nevada Current)

Small mussel, big threat: What Tahoe water managers are doing to keep out invasive species

Zebra and quagga mussels are considered “the most serious threats to streams and lakes in the Lake Tahoe region.” (The Nevada Independent)

Carson City judge set to rule on A’s stadium bill constitutionality

A Carson City judge said she would issue a ruling, but didn’t provide a time frame, following a 90-minute court hearing concerning public financing for the proposed A’s stadium. (The Nevada Independent)

Rural Nevada sheriff probes potential hate crime after Black man says he was racially harassed

Ricky Johnson, who was collecting signatures for a ballot measure, recorded a confrontation with another man he said directed a racial slur at him. (The Nevada Independent)

Indy Gaming: Vegas sports betting broadcaster splits from DraftKings

Three year after being acquired by DraftKings, VSiN is once again a traditional media company with CEO Brian Musburger planning its growth in the sports betting industry. (The Nevada Independent)

For the first time since 2017, state removes numerous feral horses from Virginia Range

The developer of the property is digging trenches to install water lines on a new development off of Rio Wrangler Parkway, a heavily congested area. Between 2012 and 2016, the Nevada Department of Transportation reported 116 horse-related crashes on all roads in the Virginia Range. The horses had allegedly been illegally fed, drawing them to repeatedly return to an active construction site. (The Nevada Independent )

Who are the Millers? What we know about family arrested in viral Virginia City incident

Three members of the Miller family were charged and arrested over a racially charged incident that went viral on TikTok. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Election News

Important Dates

General Early Voting              October 19                  Days Until: 71

General Election                     November 5                Days Until: 88

Nevada secretary of state warns of ‘rogue’ commissioners ahead of 2024 general election

Nevada’s elections are under “the threat of rogue county commissioners” who face “conspiratorial pressures,” and the Nevada Supreme Court needs to intervene.  That’s the argument of Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar in a legal filing Thursday against three Washoe County commissioners who opposed certifying recount results in two primary races. (Reno Gazette Journal)

INSIDE THE GOP MACHINE –With veto power at stake, Lombardo active in legislative races

Lombardo, a first-term governor, has taken a more active role in down-ballot races than previous governors, building a sort-of “Republican machine” not previously seen in the state’s modern history. But Lombardo wouldn’t call his efforts a “machine.” (Las Vegas Review Journal)

GOP sees Lee as best hope to pick up House seat in Nevada

Republicans smell blood in the water in Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, and they’re pouring resources into the race in an effort to pick up a seat that’s been held by a Democrat for five of the past six election cycles. (Las Vegas Sun)

Is Nevada still a swing state? Why Dems, GOP are bullish on their 2024 chances

Between an interview with National Republican Senatorial Chair (NRSC) Steve Daines (R-MT) and new Democratic memos, it’s clear that both parties believe #WeMatter more than ever. (The Nevada Independent)

Agencies team up on school safety campaign around Las Vegas

Metro and other local police departments around the valley will partner with Clark County School District Police to have high visibility around schools to ensure drivers are following laws and pupils are walking or riding safely. (Las Vegas Sun)

Kamala Harris officially becomes the Democratic presidential nominee 

WASHINGTON — The Democratic National Committee announced late Monday that Vice President Kamala Harris had secured the support of 99% of delegates to formally become the party’s presidential nominee, following the conclusion of a five-day virtual vote. (Nevada Current)

Harris selects Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as running mate

Vice President Kamala Harris picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate on Tuesday, choosing an affable longtime politician who Democrats hope can keep newfound party unity alive in a campaign barreling toward Election Day. (Las Vegas Sun)

How secretary of state elections became the new battleground for election deniers

In the 2022 midterm elections, Trump endorsed four candidates in crucial battleground states running for secretary of state: Jim Marchant in Nevada, Kristina Karamo in Michigan, Mark Finchem in Arizona, and Kim Crockett in Minnesota. All four of them lost the election to Democratic incumbents Jocelyn Benson in Michigan, Steve Simon in Minnesota, Cisco Aguilar in Nevada and Adrian Fontes in Arizona. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Hospitality workers’ union endorses Harris, dismissing Trump’s pledge of tax-free tips

The endorsement includes a commitment by the union to have its members knock on more than 3.3 million doors for Harris in swing states. (The Nevada Independent)

Report: Undocumented immigrants in Nevada paid $500 million in taxes in 2022

With no personal income tax in Nevada, the majority of undocumented peoples’ tax payments came from property or sales tax on things such utilities, household products and gasoline. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada Sen. Cortez Masto part of small group that advised Kamala Harris on vice president

Harris personally invited Cortez Masto to be part of a small group of allies who would pre-interview the six finalists to be her vice-presidential running mate. Cortez Masto was the only U.S. senator in the group, and she said it was her first time being part of such a vetting process. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Washoe school board president happy with former teacher being picked for Harris VP

When Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz visits Nevada this week with Vice President Kamala Harris, it’ll be the second recent trip after a stop in Reno about a month ago. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Tim Walz debuts as Kamala Harris’ VP pick at raucous Philly rally: Recap

PHILADELPHIA − Kamala Harris introduced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate to a roaring crowd in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening, thrusting the outspoken Midwesterner into the national spotlight while adding a key ally to her fast-moving campaign for the presidency. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Harris brings in Walz as VP pick—Minnesota governor on joining Dem ticket: ‘I’m all in’

VICE President Kamala Harris announced Tuesday that she had chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, looking to strengthen the Democratic ticket in Midwestern states. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Trump, Harris set to debate

ABC News says that both Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his Democratic counterpart, Kamala Harris, have agreed to meet in a debate on Sept. 10. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada reproductive rights advocates mobilize for Rosen’s reelection, ballot initiative

The organization is an almost 40-year-old PAC that helps support pro-choice women who are running for offices through fundraising and other resources. Mackler said Nevada had long been a battleground state, but one where women running for office and candidates EMILY’s List supports have largely succeeded. Nevada is one of four states with two female U.S. senators — Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Trump, Harris in dead heat in poll of 7 critical battleground states

A survey conducted by Ipsos found the Republican presidential nominee and his Democratic opponent are in a dead heat struggle for seven swing states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada. (foxnews.com)

Rosen says Republicans can’t be trusted in election year

U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen prides herself on being one of the most bipartisan senators in Congress, but on Thursday at a Las Vegas roundtable on reproductive freedom, Rosen unloaded on Republicans – including her 2024 election opponent, Sam Brown. (yahoo.com)

Republicans No Longer Have the Advantage in 3 Key Battleground States

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report published an amended analysis of the presidential race on Thursday, Aug. 8, stating that Arizona, Nevada and Georgia have been re-categorized as “toss up” states after previously being thought of as “leans Republican.” (aol.com)

Elko County will not hand count 2024 general election ballots

Commissioners missed the deadline to present a plan to the secretary of state’s office, but would like to see paper ballots hand counted in future elections. (The Nevada Independent)

Cook Political Report shifts Arizona, Georgia, Nevada toward Harris

All three states had been considered “lean Republican” in early July, while President Biden was still in the race and falling further behind Trump both on the national level and in the key battleground states. But with polls showing Harris getting back within the margin of error of Trump, or in some cases slightly ahead, the three swing states have been moved to be a “toss Up.” (thehill.com)

Former NV GOP congressmen: Elections are secure, but chances for fraud remain

Reps. Joe Heck and Jon Porter commended how Nevada weeds out voter fraud, but they said new election procedures have increased distrust of the process. (The Nevada Independent)

New Nevada poll sees Harris with biggest lead over Trump yet

A new poll of likely Nevada voters found Vice President Kamala Harris with a nearly 6 percentage point lead over former President Donald Trump — the largest lead for a Democrat in any presidential poll of Nevadans this cycle. (The Nevada Independent)

Upcoming Fundraisers

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

(702) 545-8777 or Tom@LetiziaAgency.com