The G3Wire

October 18, 2024

This week in Nevada, GOP candidate Sam Brown spent Thursday’s Nevada Senate debate taking shots at Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen as he still faces a polling deficit with Election Day creeping nearer.  The Las Vegas City Council delayed a vote on a proposal to strengthen its camping ban in line with a recent Supreme Court decision, which mostly affects the homeless population that congregates and sleeps in public spaces.

In a 50-50 presidential election, the vote from those younger than 35 could be more meaningful than ever. But campaigns have to get them to turn out. And maybe it is all in the stars…”The Comet of the Century,” will be most visible in the southwestern evening sky from Oct. 12 through Oct. 19, rising higher in the sky with each passing day. The full moon will be on Oct. 17, which will reduce visibility on later dates. These Nevada news links and so much more below!

State and Local Government Updates

CCSD faces suit on finances–Ex-worker alleges mismanagement

The Clark County School District cited the costs of cybersecurity and litigation as the two primary causes of its potential $10.9 million budget deficit. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Clark County introduces proposed camping ban

Clark County on Tuesday introduced a draft of a proposed ordinance that would target people experiencing homelessness who camp in public spaces. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Camping ban vote delayed in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas City Council delayed a vote on a proposal to strengthen its camping ban in line with a recent Supreme Court decision, which mostly affects the homeless population that congregates and sleeps in public spaces.  Staff recommended postponing a possible vote until at least the next City Council meeting on Nov. 6, Councilman Brian Knudsen said at Wednesday’s meeting. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada is getting the world’s first lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory

Supermaterials trailblazer Lyten will invest over $1 billion to build the world’s first lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory in Reno, Nevada. The new factory will be capable of producing up to 10 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of batteries annually once it’s fully online. Phase 1 (rendering pictured above) is set to go live in 2027. (electrek.com)

A’s ballpark agreements to be presented at Las Vegas Stadium Authority meeting

Nearly final versions of three outstanding agreements between the Athletics and the Las Vegas Stadium Authority are scheduled to be presented this week. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Henderson adopts new water conservation plan

Henderson adopted a new joint water conservation plan with the Southern Nevada Water Authority on Tuesday. The plan sets goals and details conservation efforts through 2029. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Here’s what will happen to library executive who took Super Bowl tickets

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Executive Director Kelvin Watson faced an ethics complaint after accepting tickets to Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Ethics panel OKs deal for library chief

The executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District who accepted free Super Bowl tickets is required to implement ethics training for himself and his staff in accordance with an agreement approved Wednesday by the Nevada Commission on Ethics. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada’s chief officers disclose sponsored trips to foreign lands, Burning Man

Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, led the pack of six officers with $45,000 in travel expenses paid by outside groups. He went to South Africa, Poland, Israel and South Korea, trips sponsored primarily by the Attorney General Alliance (AGA), according to his financial disclosure report for 2023. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Source: A’s ballpark financing ‘in place,’ but public discussion will wait until December

LVCVA CEO Steve Hill said the owner of the Oakland Athletics has the equity” to build a $1.5 billion Las Vegas baseball stadium. (The Nevada Independent)

Judicial discipline commission to weigh Michele Fiore’s suspension

The Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission has scheduled a hearing Friday to determine if the group will take away the salary of Michele Fiore, who was found guilty of wire fraud. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Concerns raised after head of state’s indigent defense efforts fired by governor’s office

Advocates and experts warn the decision could compromise efforts to meet a legal mandate to provide public defenders for those in need. (The Nevada Independent)

Federal Updates

Voters in California and Nevada consider ban on forced labor aimed at protecting prisoners

Nevada incarcerates about 10,000 people. All prisoners in the state are required to work or be in vocational training for 40 hours each week, unless they have a medical exemption. Some of them make as little as 35 cents hourly. (apnews.com)

Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors 2024

This report grades governors on their fiscal policies from a limited‐​government perspective. Governors receiving an A are those who have cut taxes and spending the most, whereas governors receiving an F have increased taxes and spending the most. (cato.org)


Listeria causes major recall—Nearly 10 million pounds of chicken, meat products affected

So, you’ll want to keep reading if you shop at Walmart, Kroger, Albertson’s, Publix, H-E-B, Target, Meijer, Amazon Fresh, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Giant Eagle or buy products with chicken by name brands Atkins, Boston Market, Dole, Fresh Express, Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s, Don Pancho’s, Bistro 28, Jenny Craig or El Monterey. This list comprises of a lesser-known company in addition to several popular stores and brands. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Articles of Interest

Nevada volleyball forfeits San Jose State game amid trans player controversy

The University of Nevada, Reno women’s volleyball team has announced it will forfeit its upcoming game against San Jose State University over concerns about a trans athlete, according to a media report. (Nevada Current)

Senators demand another antitrust investigation into pharmacy middlemen

A federal antitrust watchdog is already conducting an investigation into and has filed a lawsuit against huge pharmacy middlemen. Now two U.S. senators want the Federal Trade Commission to open a separate investigation into an emerging practice of their even bigger parent companies. The middlemen are called pharmacy benefit managers or PBMs. (Nevada Current)

Indy Education: $18M center bringing hands-on financial literacy lessons to Vegas students

Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit organization that has been offering financial literacy curriculum to local students for almost 30 years, has opened a new 44,000-square-foot center in East Las Vegas where it can bring its lessons to life.  (The Nevada Independent)

‘Comet of the Century’ to appear in Nevada skies this weekend; meteor shower later this month

A just-discovered comet will be visible in Northern Nevada’s skies beginning this weekend.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), called “The Comet of the Century,” will be most visible in the southwestern evening sky from Oct. 12 through Oct. 19, rising higher in the sky with each passing day. The full moon (a frequent nemesis for skywatchers) will be on Oct. 17, which will reduce visibility on later dates. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Telles sentencing hearing scheduled for killing of Review-Journal reporter

District Judge Michelle Leavitt will determine how enhancements on Telles’ murder charge will affect how many years he will spend in prison before he is eligible for parole. (Las Vegas Review Journal)


Surprise honor for educator–CCSD math instructor is selected Nevada Teacher of the Year

Sitting in an auditorium at the Advanced Technologies Academy on Monday morning, math teacher Mike Patterson said he thought he was at an assembly to recognize the school’s math department.

But the audience —consisting of dozens of students, administrators and fellow teachers — was there to celebrate Patterson himself, who, unbeknownst to him, was being recognized as 2025’s Nevada Teacher of the Year. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Who is Las Vegas man arrested outside Trump rally with guns?

A Las Vegas man was arrested with guns and fake IDs about a quarter mile from former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Coachella Valley, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said Sunday.

Indy Gaming: Trop demise subtracts Vegas rooms. It will be 3 years before supply rebounds

Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim is considering the company’s options for the site, which will also house a 33,000-seat baseball stadium for the relocated Athletics. (The Nevada Independent)

A’s agreements headed to Stadium Authority–3 items on Thursday meeting agenda

Nearly final versions of three outstanding agreements between the Athletics and the Las Vegas Stadium Authority are scheduled to be presented this week. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Why Nevada casinos won’t use a new gun-detection system being used in other states

But the innovative weapons detection system wouldn’t be allowed in Nevada casinos, an industry expert said, because gaming regulations prohibit third parties from monitoring casino security camera video, an essential part of how ZeroEyes works. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Former President Bill Clinton coming to Las Vegas to support Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign

Former President Bill Clinton will speak in Las Vegas on Tuesday in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, officials announced today. Clinton’s visit to Southern Nevada will follow former President Barack Obama, who will be here Saturday to mobilize voters on the first day of early voting. (Las Vegas Sun)


German’s killer gets maximum sentence—Telles’ life prison term gives him parole eligibility in 26 years

District Judge Michelle Leavitt sentenced Telles to 28 years to life in prison for killing German in September 2022 — the maximum sentence she could impose. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Plans for Trop site show three hotel towers with 3,000 rooms surrounding A’s ballpark

Clark County will kick off a review process for the plans filed Wednesday. Bally’s wants the initial phase to be built at the same time as the stadium. (The Nevada Independent)

A’s Vegas ballpark price tag could grow before construction begins

The A’s plan to begin construction on the ballpark as early as April, but the team has some leeway if it takes longer to get work on the project started. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

A’s Las Vegas ballpark may be flanked by Bally’s towers

The initial plan’s renderings place the $1.5 billion, 33,000-fan capacity Major League ballpark near the center-rear of the 35-acre site. Three 495-foot-tall hotel towers will rise beside the 290-foot-tall stadium on the property’s northeast and southwest corners, providing a combined 3,005 rooms, according to plans submitted to Clark County. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election News

Important Dates

  • General Election:        November 5th              Days Until: 19
  • Early voting for the general election begins on October 19 and runs through November 1.
  • The last day for counties to receive and count postmarked mail ballots is Saturday, Nov. 9.

The early voting blog, 2024

Updated, 8:50 PM, 10/14/24

Another SOS update shows a few hundred more mail ballots from rural Nevada and some counted from Washoe (109-102, Dems, but that’s a tenth of a percent of total voters, so don’t get excited). (The Nevada Independent)

Longtime educator fending off tech businessman in lone Washoe County School Board race

The election comes at a critical moment for the district as it gears up for the next legislative session, which provides school leaders with an opportunity to advocate for greater K-12 education funding as they work to address issues such as school violence and teacher pay.  (The Nevada Independent)

Seaman seeks promotion to Las Vegas mayor after five years on the council

Victoria Seaman, who is in the middle of a four-year term on the Las Vegas City Council, is seeking to win election as Las Vegas mayor. Seaman faces a formidable challenge in front-runner Shelley Berkley, who served 14 years as a Democratic congresswoman representing a district that included a large portion of the City of Las Vegas. Berkley, 73, finished ahead of Seaman in the 15-candidate primary by almost 7 percentage points. (The Nevada Independent)

‘Squishy’ state Assembly district sees Lombardo-backed Republican challenging Democrat

In her first two election cycles, Democratic Assemblywoman Elaine Marzola faced Republicans who had advanced to the general election by defeating more moderate counterparts. This year, Republicans appear to be taking a new approach to the highly competitive Assembly District 21. (Nevada Current)

At North Las Vegas roundtable, Trump paints himself as bringer of Latino prosperity

Fact checkers say Latinos fared similarly under Biden and Trump, with one expert calling it “a tie.” (The Nevada Independent)

3 of 6 Mesquite City Council seats up for grabs in November, including mayor’s seat

Half of the six Mesquite City Council seats are up for grabs in next month’s elections, including the mayor’s position. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Melania Trump’s surprising defense of abortion rights provokes speculation

In a surprising turn of events, proponents of women’s rights and the passage of Nevada’s Question 6, which would enshrine the individual right to abortion in Nevada’s constitution, gained a new ally last week: former first lady Melania Trump. (Las Vegas Sun)

Harris is laying out a new plan to empower Black men as she tries to energize them to vote for her

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing a plan to give Black men more economic opportunities and other chances to thrive as she works to energize a key voting bloc that has Democrats concerned about a lack of enthusiasm. (Las Vegas Sun)

What’s a sovereign citizen? Trump rally gun suspect shows radical signs, sheriff says

Vem Miller, the Nevada man arrested at a checkpoint in southern California allegedly en route to a Donald Trump campaign rally, was associated with a far-right movement called the Sovereign Citizens, according to the local sheriff. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Voter roll lawsuits dropped

A conservative organization dropped legal challenges it had filed attempting to force four Nevada counties to address its claims that voter rolls in those counties may have included thousands who had moved out of the area. (Las Vegas Review Journal)


Larson vows change in Henderson–Takes on incumbent Shaw for City Council

Henderson City Councilman Dan Shaw in November is facing a challenge from one of his constituents, who says that he has been so unresponsive to her neighborhood’s concerns that it inspired her first run for office. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)


Harris introduces a major push for Black voters

Harris’ plan calls for providing 1 million loans that would forgive up to $20,000 for Black entrepreneurs and people of other races to start a business, in an effort to close the capital gap that Black people often face. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Trump calls for adding 10,000 border agents–Wants to give $10K retention and bonus

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. — Former President Donald Trump on Sunday proposed hiring 10,000 additional Border Patrol agents and giving them a $10,000 retention and signing bonus, after he derailed a bipartisan bill earlier this year that included funding for more border personnel. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Board of Education seats up for grabs–Candidates vie for District 1, 3

Two seats are up for grabs on the State Board of Education, which sets policy standards and oversees Nevada’s public education system.  The board has four elected members from each congressional district and seven appointed members. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The deciders: The issues and states that will determine who wins the White House

It’s been a wild few months in the presidential race: President Joe Biden dropped out and Vice President Kamala Harris captured the Democratic nomination. Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and was targeted again at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

At Reno rally, Trump makes many promises of prosperity, calls Democrats the enemy

Former President Donald Trump spoke for about 75 minutes in Reno rallying supporters to chant along with him that he would make American powerful, wealthy, healthy, strong, proud, safe and great again. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Georgia Breaks Turnout Record as Harris, Trump Hit Key States

The presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is in the home stretch, as officials in Georgia announced that the first day of early voting in the state set a record. Georgia has three weeks of early voting and is one of the key swing states Harris and Trump are hoping to win over this election. Throughout the week, both candidates are barnstorming the battlegrounds as they make their final appeals to voters across the U.S. Live updates have ended. (newsweek.com)

As Nevada youth vote grows to a quarter of electorate, campaigns hope to improve margins

In a 50-50 presidential election, the vote from those younger than 35 could be more meaningful than ever. But campaigns have to get them to turn out. (The Nevada Independent)

On the Record: Senate District 11 candidates Dallas Harris and Lori Rogich

The Nevada Independent explores Harris’ and Rogich’s views on key legislative issues in a race that could be key to Democrats gaining a supermajority in the Senate. (The Nevada Independent)

Half the seats on Nevada Board of Education up for grabs

Four candidates are running for two seats on the State Board of Education, which sets policy standards and oversees Nevada’s public education system. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Harris, Culinary Local 226 are mobilizing their efforts for Election Day push in Nevada

Before her nationally televised town hall in Las Vegas last week, Vice President Kamala Harris took part in a more private meeting.  The Democratic presidential nominee made a visit to the headquarters of Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, taking photos with members and speaking about her proposals, including to tackle housing costs and price gouging. (Las Vegas Sun)

Harris’ interview with Fox News is marked by testy exchanges over immigration and more

Harris’ interview marked her first foray onto the network, which is popular with conservative viewers, as she looked to broaden her outreach to GOP-leaning voters with less than three weeks until Election Day. Her nearly 30-minute sit-down with Baier repeatedly grew heated, with the two talking over each other. (Las Vegas Sun)

Trump vows to levy ‘horrible’ tariffs on imports, rejecting fears of inflation spike

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump defended his plans for steep tariffs on Tuesday, arguing economists who say that those higher costs would get passed onto consumers are incorrect and that his proposals would benefit American manufacturing.  (Nevada Current)

What you need to know about Nevada’s 7 ballot questions in 2024

Nevada voters will have a lot more to decide this year than simply choosing their favorite candidates. Seven ballot questions — some put forward by the Legislature and some through petition drives — could make significant changes to state laws, from overhauling how the state conducts elections to eliminating sales taxes on a key grocery item for many Nevada families. Here’s a rundown of the seven questions on the Nov. 5 ballot, what they propose, and what supporters and opponents have to say about them. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election forecasts, fundraising favor Democratic incumbents in Nevada congressional seats

Polling is typically sparse for individual U.S. House races. But several political projections indicate Democratic incumbents U.S. Reps. Steven Horsford, Susie Lee and Dina Titus are on track to retain their seats. (Nevada Current)

New safety measures in place as Clark County prepares for November elections

Clark County is boosting security to better protect poll workers and election facilities in response to an uptick in threats nationwide. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

On the Record: Assembly District 21 candidate April Arndt

The Indy reached out to the candidates for Assembly District 21 to learn about their policies. Republican April Arndt agreed to an interview, while Assemblywoman Elaine Marzola did not after multiple requests, citing a lack of availability. (The Nevada Independent)

Democrats continue fundraising dominance in Nevada congressional races

From July through September, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) raised about $3.5 million more than her GOP opponent, Sam Brown. In the three House races in Southern Nevada, Democrats raked in hundreds of thousands more than their opponents. (The Nevada Independent)

Website linking Assembly candidate to Taliban supporters called Islamophobic

A website launched last month by Republican Assembly candidate Brandon Davis alleges his Democratic opponent, Hanadi Nadeem, a practicing Muslim, supports and admires Taliban sympathizers. (The Nevada Independent)

Democrats hope redrawn district give them the edge in Washoe state Senate race


A historically competitive legislative district in Washoe County could be the deciding factor in the Democrats’ quest to clinch a two-thirds supermajority in the state Senate. (Nevada Current)

Clark County’s top election official optimistic results will be released more quickly than in 2020

Counties in Nevada can begin processing and counting mail ballots beginning Monday. It’s one of several procedural changes that have been implemented by election officials in hopes of avoiding a repeat of the last presidential election, which left an impatient nation waiting on results from the Silver State for five days. (Nevada Current)

Nonpartisan Greg Kidd is well-funded but faces long odds to beat US Rep. Mark Amodei

Greg Kidd, a financial technology investor based at Lake Tahoe, has put more than $1.5 million into his first-ever political campaign in hopes of toppling longtime U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei. (Reno Gazette Journal)

2024 election: Senate candidates go toe-to-toe in debate

Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen and GOP Senate candidate Sam Brown went face-to-face Thursday night, just two days until early voting begins and less than three weeks before Election Day. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Trump returning to Las Vegas for rally with Gabbard, Ramaswamy

Trump is set to be the keynote speaker for “The United for Change Rally” hosted by Turning Point PAC and Turning Point Action starting at 4 p.m. on Oct. 24. (Las Vegas Review Journal)


‘Gaping loophole’ in campaign-finance law: Dan Bilzerian, others give big to politicians

A well-known legal loophole has allowed Las Vegas celebrity Dan Bilzerian and others to shovel mounds of money into Nevada politics. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Millions pour into groups supporting abortion, ranked-choice voting ballot questions

Much of the funding driving the marquee ballot questions is coming from large, out-of-state groups that are working to advance these policies via ballot measures in multiple states and are fueling high-dollar TV ad blitzes. (The Nevada Independent)

On the Record: Congressional District 3 candidates Susie Lee and Drew Johnson

Although the swingy district backed Republican Donald Trump in 2016, Democrat Lee has represented it since 2019 and forecasters favor her re-election. (The Nevada Independent)

Legislative Updates

Important Dates

First Day of Legislative Session         February 3rd                Days Until: 109

Check out the 539 bill draft requests that have been submitted up until now–BDR List.

Proposal hails Indigenous Peoples Day–Bill would establish October state holiday

Nevada’s only sitting Indigenous legislator, Assemblywoman Shea Backus, plans to introduce a bill in the next session that would make Indigenous Peoples Day a statewide holiday on the second Monday of October. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Culinary endorsements mum on races featuring legislative leaders

State Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, D-Las Vegas, and Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, D-Las Vegas, both face Republican opposition on the Nov. 5 ballot. Whether they’re successfully reelected, they won’t have the backing of Culinary Union Local 226 in their respective races. (Las Vegas Sun)


Speaker Yeager’s PAC spends $80K on attack ads of Republican legislator

Speaker Steve Yeager’s Strong Nevada PAC gave $80,000 to Ending Carson City Corruption, which has funded ads against Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

With supermajority at stake, fundraising battle is tight in key Nevada legislative races

Across the 10 most consequential contests, Democrats raised more money than Republicans in six of them from July through September. (Nevada Independent)

Democratic legislators vying for open City of Las Vegas council seat

Assemblywoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong currently represents Assembly District 6 while Cameron C.H. Miller previously served in Assembly District 7 but resigned in October 2023 after his family moved from the district. (Nevada Current)

Upcoming Fundraisers

Reception in Support for

 Governor Joe Lombardo

Friday, October 18, 2024

5:30 p.m. – _7:00 p.m.

Brasserie St. James

901 South Center Street

Reno, NV 89501

Please RSVP with Tim Perez at

(702) 242-1414 or

tperez@octoberinc.org

______________________________________

Fundraiser Supporting

Nevada HOPE PAC

Thursday, October 17, 2024

6:00pm-7:30pm

Full Address to be sent out with RSVP

Berrer@nvsenatedems.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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