Follow the Money: Ahead of legislative session, sitting lawmakers report raising more than $10.6 million in combined big-money donations

Nevada’s congressional Democrats split Thursday over whether to give Gen. Lloyd Austin, President Joe Biden’s nominee for defense secretary, a waiver from the law that requires the Pentagon’s chief be at least seven years past active duty.

Members of the public can watch hearings through the legislative website and through livestreams on YouTube, and those who want to participate in hearings will do so by reservation and through Zoom. Public comment can be made by phone, or through videoconference at designated sites that are being developed in locations across the state.

The reported rate reflects people who don’t have a job but are looking for one, but does not include those who have withdrawn from the labor force, perhaps because they are discouraged or are focusing on caregiver duties. It also does not include those who are working part-time but would rather be working full-time.

Gov. Steve Sisolak announced a two-year budget this week that restores significant cuts lawmakers made to the state’s budget over the summer as tax revenues plummeted and the state struggled to stay financially afloat amid the economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Southern Nevada apartment rents increased significantly in the last quarter of 2020, rebounding from a decline earlier in the year and surpassing pre-pandemic highs, according to a new report from the Nevada State Apartment Association (NVSAA).

During a Wednesday meeting of the legislative budget subcommittee, state Department of Administration Director Laura Freed said the agency was still in the process of negotiating with the seven bargaining units (represented by four employee unions) who had organized to collectively bargain with their employer — the state.

This week’s Indy Environment newsletter looks at the potential for lithium mining in Nevada as Gov. Steve Sisolak focuses on encouraging the “new energy economy.” Lithium is an essential ingredient for electric vehicles, but it can be challenging to bring projects online.

The lawsuit urges the ATF to take accountability and revoke the firearms license it awarded JA Industries, formerly Jimenez Arms, which was sued last year on allegations of breaking federal firearms law and repeated violations of the Gun Control Act.

President Biden set the pace for his administration with executive orders that include cutting the funding for the construction of the border wall with Mexico and re-enlisting the U.S. in the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, garnering praise from Nevada Democrats and progressives.