AGP Executive Report

Prediction Markets Crackdown: Nevada gaming regulators say Kalshi will withdraw sports, election, and entertainment prediction contracts from the state and fully comply with geofencing by Aug. 12 or pay $120,000 a day. Local Governance & Ethics: North Las Vegas hired a former top official as a consultant shortly after he said he was leaving city work—raising questions about process and oversight. Water & Public Safety: Lake Mead’s record-low levels continue to expose long-hidden human remains, boats, and relics, underscoring how drought is reshaping the Colorado River Basin. Federal Courts & Voting: A federal appeals court kept in place blocks on parts of Trump’s mail-in voting and citizenship-list order in 23 states, leaving deadlines and compliance in limbo. Jobs & Economy: Nevada’s job growth under Gov. Joe Lombardo outpaced California, with DETR reporting gains in the Las Vegas area and continued momentum in leisure and hospitality. Sports Betting Policy: Nevada lawmakers are also moving to ban sports prediction market contracts, aligning with the regulator’s enforcement push. National Politics: Trump-Thune tensions are rising inside the GOP as the Senate majority leader faces pressure over major legislation. Tech & Youth Safety: A lawsuit accuses Discord and Meta of enabling online extortion and abuse of a teen, testing how far social media liability can go.

Mail Voting Fight in Federal Court: A Biden-appointed majority on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to lift an injunction blocking President Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 states and D.C., keeping limits on federal citizenship lists and mail-ballot rules in place while appeals continue. Nevada Energy Costs: NV Energy’s planned “daily demand charge” would bill homes based on each day’s highest 15-minute power use, with solar customers potentially seeing higher bills and less ability to offset charges with excess generation. Democrats Push 2028 Calendar: South Carolina was selected to lead Democrats’ 2028 presidential nominating schedule, with Nevada expected next, as the party reshapes early-state influence beyond Iowa and New Hampshire. Nevada Child Safety: A new analysis ranks Nevada among the states with the highest hot-car child death rates, highlighting the role of Good Samaritan laws. ICE Vigil in Carson City: Indivisible Nevada held a nationwide vigil at the Nevada State Capitol complex criticizing ICE actions and calling for accountability.

Mail-in Voting Fight: A federal appeals court blocked key parts of President Trump’s executive order tightening mail-in voting rules in 23 states, keeping an injunction in place and setting up a likely push toward higher-court review. Nevada Primary Calendar: The DNC panel recommended South Carolina go first in 2028, with Nevada also on the early list but losing the top spot—an outcome that keeps Nevada Democrats in the middle of a high-stakes intra-party fight. Data Center Backlash: A Nevada-focused land-use dispute resurfaced after the BLM approved a Townsite Data Center project near Boulder City, reigniting local concerns about impacts and who gets a say. Election Integrity & Noncitizen Voting: The broader national debate over noncitizen voting and election rules continues to swirl, with Nevada tied to the same policy pressure points. Local Governance: Nevada’s housing and community oversight issues remain active, from short-term rental policy debates to enforcement questions that residents say could have been handled better. Sports & Business: Las Vegas sports hospitality and major entertainment economics keep moving—while Nevada’s business community watches how federal and state policy shifts could affect growth.

Election Integrity in the Courts: A federal appeals court kept in place an injunction blocking parts of President Trump’s mail-voting executive order in 23 states and D.C., rejecting the administration’s bid to pause the ruling while it appeals. Nevada Primary Calendar Fight: The DNC chose South Carolina to lead off the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating schedule, with Nevada expected to follow next—an outcome that reshapes the early-state power map and leaves Iowa out. Prediction Markets vs. Nevada Regulators: Kalshi reached a settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board after a ban on its sports prediction market; Kalshi must complete geofencing by Aug. 12 or face $120,000 daily penalties, while the company also escalates a dispute with Netflix over a documentary trailer. Local Governance: Carson City reminded residents that high-powered electric dirt bikes are treated as motor vehicles and are illegal on city streets and paths, with citations and towing for violations. Public Safety: Nevada ranks among the highest for child hot-car deaths, with 25.0 fatalities per million children since 1998, according to a new analysis.

Democratic Primary Calendar Fight: The DNC’s rules panel picked South Carolina to lead the 2028 presidential nominating race, leaving Iowa out and putting Nevada next—setting up a high-stakes early contest that could reshape momentum for candidates. Election Integrity & Federal Pressure: Nevada’s election officials are also facing a broader national fight over voting rules as states and Democrats warn the Trump administration could use federal power to pressure election systems. Carson City Ballot Error Fix: A nonprofit is offering pro bono help to Carson City after June ballot mistakes left some uncontested candidates off the primary ballot, with officials saying affected names will appear on the November general election. Nevada Courts & Local Notices: Carson City estate and trust notices continue to roll in, along with Nevada Transportation Authority filings for consent-only tow services. Business/Legal Watch: Paramount paused its $111B Warner merger amid U.S. antitrust challenges, while the CFTC moved to tighten how prediction market event contracts are certified. Public Safety Notes: Nevada County’s police blotter includes reports of juveniles throwing knives at trees and other incidents.

Democratic Primary Calendar: The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to keep South Carolina first in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, with Nevada second (Feb. 1) and New Hampshire third (Feb. 8). The full early lineup is South Carolina (Jan. 22), Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia, with Iowa pushed out of the early window—an outcome that sparked backlash from Iowa Democrats and GOP criticism of “coastal elites.” Nevada Politics: Nevada Democrats say the Silver State will still be the “first true test” in the West, even as the state loses the lead-off slot. Federal Election Fight: Wisconsin AG joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration conditions tied to FEMA and DHS emergency funding, including demands that states share voter registration lists and assist immigration enforcement. Local Governance: Lake Link’s expanded fare-free microtransit service launched July 15, with ribbon-cuttings across Nevada and California marking broader South Shore coverage.

Carson City City Hall Plan Advances: The Carson City Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to move forward on a term sheet for a lease-purchase deal tied to a revamped $30 million downtown city hall, with the Hop and Mae Adams Foundation slated to develop and build on city parking lots behind the Nugget Casino, though final approval and public process still come later. Nevada Hospice Fraud Push: A Nevada County nurse is hosting a July 29 town hall in Grass Valley after meeting with elected officials in Washington, D.C., aiming to spotlight hospice fraud, how to spot reputable providers, and Medicare hospice basics. Federal Funding Fight Hits Nevada: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford filed suit with a coalition of AGs to block the Trump administration from using FEMA/DHS counterterrorism and disaster grant money to force election and immigration-related conditions, arguing it’s unlawful coercion. Wild Horse Roundup Scrutiny: A report highlights controversy over the BLM’s Callaghan Herd Management Area roundup, citing internal records that question the agency’s rationale and documenting animal deaths and long-term holding costs. Prediction Markets in Nevada: Two Nevada lawmakers introduced a bill to treat sports-style prediction market contracts like gambling, closing a federal loophole that lets platforms avoid state oversight. DNC 2028 Calendar: The DNC is set to vote on Friday on which states get early primary slots, with Nevada and South Carolina among the contenders. Oil Prices, Wallet Pressure: Oil pushed above $100 a barrel amid renewed Middle East conflict, and analysts warn higher fuel costs can flow into groceries and back-to-school spending.

Nevada Elections & Campaigns: State Sen. Carrie Buck is positioning herself to challenge Rep. Dina Titus in Nevada’s 1st District, arguing voters are “ready for change” after her 2020 win in a blue-leaning seat. Voting Rights & Federal Pressure: A new wave of Trump administration threats is pushing states to tighten voting rules, with critics warning it’s meant to reduce turnout and set up federal interference; Nevada is among the states at the center of the noncitizen-voter dispute. Legal Fight Over Public Safety Funding: Nevada AG Kwame Raoul and a coalition of states are suing to block FEMA and DHS from conditioning emergency and counterterrorism grants on election and immigration demands. Local Governance & Community Impact: EDAWN is rebranding as “Northern NV Now,” and NDOT is set to close Reno’s Spaghetti Bowl ramps overnight for bridge resurfacing. Sports & Nevada Business: Harbinger Sports Partners, led by Mark Cuban, bought a minority stake in the Athletics as the team prepares to move to Las Vegas in 2028. Gaming/Policy Watch: Nevada lawmakers and stakeholders are weighing the IRS’s controversial 90% gambling loss rule and its “phantom income” tax impact.

Nevada Elections & Federal Pressure: Nevada officials are pushing back on federal claims about noncitizens on voter rolls, after DHS alleged tens of thousands of potential noncitizens are registered while Nevada’s top election leaders call the figures “wildly speculative,” keeping the spotlight on election data-sharing and trust. Public Safety & Local Governance: Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam is weighing a regional metropolitan police approach to improve backup and staffing across Reno, Sparks, and the county, while also facing ongoing fiscal strain concerns. State Government & Ethics: Questions are growing over Gov. Joe Lombardo’s viral traffic stop, with an ethics complaint filed alleging he used his office improperly. Energy & Utilities: NV Energy filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to revise electric tariff language and to advance its expanded solar access plan for 2027-2029, setting up a new round of public comment and possible intervention. Water & Industry: Nevada water regulators posted a geothermal water diversion application tied to Dixie Valley for industrial use, as the state continues to manage competing water demands.

Election Integrity & Federal Pressure: Nevada officials are pushing back on White House claims tied to noncitizen voting, as DHS threatens states over voter-roll access and funding. Legal Fight Over Grants: A federal judge ruled the Trump administration can’t revoke already-awarded grants just because priorities changed, a win for states challenging the policy. Renewables & National Security Review: Democratic state AGs joined a lawsuit targeting a Trump-era halt on onshore wind projects, arguing routine security reviews were frozen. Healthcare Policy: Nevada’s mental health parity enforcement spotlighted insurers’ alleged violations, with regulators and advocates pressing for stronger compliance. Public Safety: Northern Nevada wildlife officials say unsecured trash is driving more black bear calls and urge residents to secure bins and remove attractants. Education & Cost of Living: Federal data shows more than 90,000 Nevadans in student-loan default, adding pressure to an already strained repayment system. Local Government & Schools: Legal Aid Center and CCSD reached a settlement expanding dyslexia and reading supports, including services for students in foster care. Water & Regional Planning: Colorado River rules are expected next week, with states still deadlocked on how to share shrinking supplies. Business & Growth: Henderson is moving forward with requirements for data center operators to enter development agreements, while Southern Nevada’s growth debate keeps circling back to connecting education, infrastructure, and industry.

Nevada Elections & Federal Pressure: Nevada officials are pushing back on claims tied to noncitizens on voter rolls as DHS and the Trump administration press states for election data and compliance, with the broader debate fueled by a New Jersey “software error” that improperly registered thousands of noncitizens. Carson City Governance: Carson City posted multiple legal notices ahead of an Aug. 6 Board of Supervisors hearing, including a proposed ordinance on development standards and parking exemptions in a redevelopment area, plus another measure repealing the city’s Cultural Commission. Public Utilities & Energy Costs: NV Energy filed with the Nevada Public Utilities Commission on its expanded solar access plan for 2027-2029, and Sierra Pacific sought tariff language changes tied to its “best bill” guarantee—both with deadlines for public input. Water & Western Policy: The Colorado River system hit another record-low milestone as Lake Mead and Lake Powell storage fell to levels not seen since the 1950s, raising fresh questions for Nevada and other basin states as federal water planning nears. Local Land-Use & Federal Land: Nevada City is hosting a July 30 workshop for its 2027-2035 Housing Element update, while separate coverage highlights how federal land and endangered-species processes can drive local planning decisions. Business & Jobs: Interblock named Kay Oswald as CEO, and Nevada’s gaming and healthcare sectors continue to see corporate updates and filings.

Election Integrity Fight: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a Motor Vehicle Commission software error improperly registered about 6,600 noncitizens to vote in 2023-24, with fewer than 400 later casting ballots—prompting an investigation, vendor replacement, and voter-roll cleanup. Nevada Policy & Governance: Nevada’s secretary of state is pushing back against Trump’s election claims, as federal pressure mounts on states to share voter registration data and tighten safeguards. Water & Energy: Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record-low combined levels, with Mead at about 27% full and Powell at 23%, raising alarms for Colorado River-dependent states. Public Health Funding: Medicaid coverage for Planned Parenthood clinics is restored after a federal pause, but the yearlong disruption already forced closures in California and Nevada. State Economy & Jobs: June unemployment rates were mostly steady nationwide, with Nevada holding around the mid-4% range. Defense & Tech: A University of Nevada, Reno engineering team was selected for the DARPA Lift Challenge, aiming to advance heavy-lift drone logistics. Community & Education: UNR Extension and the Nevada Department of Agriculture are gearing up networking and grant-writing events to strengthen Nevada’s farm-to-fork food economy.

Student Debt Fallout: A new AP look shows federal student loan defaults hitting record levels—about 9.5 million borrowers (1 in 5) are now in default after pandemic-era protections ended, raising fears of wage and Social Security garnishment. Local Ballot Watch: Nevada County Elections assigned Measure M to the Pleasant Ridge Union School District bond question for the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election, with written arguments due July 27 and a 55% approval threshold. Nevada Utility Costs: NV Energy is moving ahead with daily demand pricing starting in January, shifting bills toward peak 15-minute usage and sparking confusion and pushback over who pays for grid upgrades. Carson City Legal Pushback: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joined a 21-state coalition urging the U.S. Trade Representative to drop Trump’s tariff plans after courts rejected earlier attempts. Federal Courts, Big Business: A judge ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to pause their $81B merger for at least two weeks while states’ antitrust case proceeds. Immigration Enforcement Flashpoint: ICE lodged an arrest detainer in a Utah murder case tied to a suspect arrested in Las Vegas, as advocates and officials trade blame over detainer outcomes.

Election Integrity Fight: The RNC is suing to block “never residents” from voting, expanding a North Carolina court win to Nevada and five other states—raising fresh questions about who counts as eligible in state elections. Nevada Politics: A Nevada Independent opinion blasts Gov. Joe Lombardo for refusing to stand up to Trump’s election claims, pointing to his vetoes on fake-elector penalties and endorsements of election deniers. Antitrust in the Spotlight: A federal judge paused Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery’s $81B merger for at least two weeks after states argued it would “extinguish competition,” with a preliminary injunction hearing set for Aug. 3. Federal Funding & Courts: AG Kwame Raoul and allies won a ruling limiting the Trump administration’s ability to yank billions in grant money using a broad OMB clause. Student Debt Fallout: New reporting shows student-loan defaults hitting record levels as COVID-era protections end, with about 1 in 5 federal borrowers now in default. Local Nevada Notes: Nevada Athletics announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class, including a 2008 softball team.

Election Integrity Clash: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin is pressing Nevada and other states to “scrub” voter rolls and use the SAVE system, warning officials could face penalties and even prison if they don’t comply—while Nevada’s secretary of state disputes the federal claims about noncitizens on voter lists. Courts & Voting Rules: A federal appeals court granted a temporary stay that lets the U.S. Postal Service move forward with a mail-in ballot rule tied to citizenship verification, keeping the broader legal fight alive. Local Governance & Transparency: Carson City supervisors advanced a proposed $30 million City Hall deal while questions remain about funding, parking, and transparency. Energy Policy: Western governors, including Nevada’s, are pushing to streamline permitting for transmission lines through a new task force aimed at cutting delays that drive up power costs. Public Health & Revenue: Nevada lawmakers are weighing a major cigarette tax hike, with advocates arguing it could raise revenue and reduce smoking—while fiscal analysts warn past increases faded as fewer smokers remained. Tech & Environment: A legal shortcut helped a Boulder City data center developer avoid extra public review under a Trump-era executive order, raising concerns about future land-use fights. Sports & Community: The Las Vegas Aces signed Japan national team guard Mai Yamamoto, and the Warriors won NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with Yaxel Lendeborg starring.

Election Integrity Pressure: Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar pushed back on DHS chief Markwayne Mullin’s threats tied to noncitizen voter-roll claims, arguing Nevada elections are state-run and the allegations are baseless. Public Safety & Accountability: A national debate is resurfacing over whether police departments should publicly name officers involved in fatal incidents; Nevada is cited among agencies that routinely release names. State Revenue vs. Health Policy: Nevada lawmakers heard arguments to nearly double the cigarette tax, but analysts warned revenue tends to fade as smoking rates drop. Energy Permitting: Western governors, including Nevada, are moving to streamline permitting for transmission lines to keep power projects from stalling. Local Health Access: Southern Nevada’s street medicine team is bringing care to homeless patients, including medication refills for chronic conditions. Tech & Federal Land Review: A Boulder City data center approval drew scrutiny after a former BLM official alleged a legal shortcut shut out public review. Sports & Governance: WNBA suspended Toronto coach Sandy Brondello for comments about Angel Reese, adding to the league’s ongoing officiating and race tensions.