The Old Blog in the Desert

Amber Howell, the former director of Washoe County Health and Human Services, has filed a $300,000 lawsuit against the county, alleging retaliation and discrimination after she reported federal policy violations.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Nevada, claims county employees targeted Howell after she flagged misconduct related to county housing programs. Howell states that in the summer of 2022, she discovered that a county employee overseeing the Continuum of Care program was giving preferential treatment to a homeless client at the Cares Campus.

The client, despite a low housing assessment score, a criminal background, and accusations of mistreating staff, was allegedly moved to the top of the wait list for federal housing vouchers and secured a permanent housing match. Howell asserts that this action violated U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development policies.

Howell claims she raised concerns with an assistant county manager, but no action was taken. In April 2023, Howell says the county launched an investigation into her following complaints from county employees who accused her of substance use on the job.

Despite testing negative for drugs and alcohol, Howell was placed on unpaid leave weeks later.

During the investigation, Howell says she was diagnosed with multiple mental health disorders and began seeking treatment. She notified the county of her conditions and requested leave under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, in July 2023, she received a letter from the county manager recommending that the county commissioners terminate her employment.

According to Howell’s attorneys, the county forced her resignation by pressuring her to release her health records in a public meeting if she challenged her termination. They argue that the county retaliated against Howell for flagging the initial policy violations and discriminated against her by failing to provide reasonable accommodations as required by federal law under the ADA.

Just weeks before early voting and Election Day, Washoe County’s interim Registrar of Voters (ROV), Cari-Ann Burgess, has requested a leave of absence due to personal stress.

The recommendation came from County Manager Eric Brown, who cited “self-identified personal stress” as the reason for the decision in an email sent to the Washoe County Board of Commissioners. In his email, Brown emphasized that while he suggested a leave of absence, he did not ask Burgess to step down despite staff leaving a meeting with that impression.

Brown also highlighted concerns about Burgess’ recent behavior. The county’s Human Resources department still has to meet with Burgess to finalize her leave and the ROV team to address any possible confusion.

It marks the third time Washoe County has seen a registrar step down in just over two years. Burgess assumed the interim role in January 2023 after the resignation of Jamie Rodriguez, who cited long hours and the need for a better work-life balance.

Rodriguez herself had replaced former Registrar Deanna Spikula, who resigned after 15 years, citing harassment and threats from the public. Despite Spikula’s claims, the Nevada Secretary of State found no credible evidence to support her allegations.

Recent controversies include misprinted ballots that cost the county $178,000 in reprints and the refusal of the Washoe County Commission to certify primary election recount results. After pressure, the commission eventually reversed its decision, certifying the election.

Washoe County officials have assured the public that the ROV office is prepared for the upcoming election, with Deputy Registrar Andrew McDonald and experienced staff stepping in to ensure smooth operations. However, the high turnover has sparked criticism, particularly from Washoe County Commissioner Mike Clark, who has blamed management and described the situation as “embarrassing” for the county.

Clark and Commissioner Jeanne Herman have been vocal critics of County Manager Eric Brown and have repeatedly questioned the integrity of the county’s election process. Their stance aligns with Robert Beadles, who has unsuccessfully sought to remove Brown and other county officials through lawsuits, claiming election results remain skewed.

As the general election approaches, the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office has reiterated its support for the Washoe County ROV office, affirming that they are working closely to ensure a successful election process.

Brown has been a key figure in each event.

As Google expands its footprint in Storey County, its antitrust battle escalated as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) opened its case against the tech giant in a Virginia courtroom, accusing it of monopolizing the online advertising market.

Prosecutors claim that Google has dominated the infrastructure behind online ad sales, controlling more than 150,000 transactions every second. The trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, will determine if Google used its size and influence to eliminate competition and restrict customer options.

In her opening statement, DOJ attorney Julia Tarver Wood argued that Google used monopoly-building tactics by acquiring competitors, locking in customers, and controlling how transactions with the online ad market took place.

“Google is not here because they are big,” Wood said. “They are here because they used that size to crush competition.”

Google’s defense, led by attorney Karen Dunn, countered by saying that the DOJ’s case relies on outdated views of the industry. She pointed out that Google’s tools now work with competitors’ systems and that the company faces stiff competition from Amazon, Comcast, and others in the rapidly changing digital ad market. Dunn likened the DOJ’s case to a “time capsule” filled with relics like BlackBerries and Blockbuster cards, reflecting an earlier era.

The DOJ aims to show that Google’s control over the tools used by publishers and advertisers has stifled competition, leaving companies like Gannett and News Corp dependent on Google’s platform. Gannett executive Tim Wolfe testified that the company has been tied to Google’s ad server for over a decade with few alternatives. Similarly, former News Corp executive Stephanie Layser said her company was “held hostage” by Google, which controlled a significant portion of its ad transactions.

If the court rules against Google, the DOJ could demand the divestiture of Google Ad Manager, a platform that includes its publisher ad server and ad exchange. The trial comes amid a wave of antitrust cases against Big Tech, with the DOJ recently winning a separate ruling against Google in a search monopoly case and launching lawsuits against Apple.

The trial could last several weeks.

A troubling disconnect between Nevada’s high school graduation rates and student proficiency levels in core subjects has raised questions about the state’s education system.

While over 80 percent of Nevada’s high school students graduate, data reveals that only 20 percent are proficient in math, and less than 50 percent are proficient in math and English. The disparity has led many to ask how the state can report high graduation rates despite low academic performance.

In an email exchange with the Nevada Department of Education (NV DOE), the agency admitted that students must participate in assessments for English Language Arts (ELA) and math to graduate but are not required to meet any specific proficiency level on these tests.

“Proficiency levels on both assessments are not used to calculate the graduation rate,” the email stated.

The revelation means that graduation status is not contingent on performance in these core academic subjects.

The explanation has raised concerns about the validity of the graduation rate as an indicator of student readiness. Critics argue that mandating proficiency tests without requiring students to demonstrate proficiency undermines the purpose of education.

One frustrated observer questioned, “Why are students mandated to take proficiency tests as a graduation requirement if proficiency isn’t a requirement for graduation? What is the requirement—having a pulse?”

The Nevada Department of Education (NV DOE) has issued a 22-page manual explaining how they calculate graduation rates, but many individuals have found the document too complicated to understand.

The difficulty in assessing data on graduation metrics has only fueled suspicion that the education system is masking the issue.

During a Reno City Council meeting on Wednesday, August 28, a seemingly innocuous consent item sparked debate after Councilman Devon Reese proposed an amendment to item B.19., addressing management benefits for employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, with Reese adding a provision granting a six months severance pay and benefits to Assistant City Managers (ACMs) if terminated without cause after the appointment of a new city manager.

Reese explained that the measure aimed to “reduce their anxiety” by offering financial protection. Council member Kathleen Taylor seconded the motion.

However, Councilwoman Meghan Ebert was the lone dissenting voice, arguing that termination risk comes with the territory of high-level positions. She questioned whether similar protections would eventually be extended to other appointed positions and expressed concern the decision was made without input from the city manager.

Despite Ebert’s objections, the motion passed, raising questions about the relationship between council members and city staff. In an email response, Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus expressed skepticism, stating that these “golden parachute” provisions could hinder a new city manager’s ability to make necessary changes within the leadership team.

Brekhus suggested that such provisions could deter qualified candidates for the city manager position, signaling undue influence from the Mayor and Council in city administrative operations.

The decision comes after former City Manager Doug Thornley’s resignation earlier this year following a travel expense scandal. An investigation revealed questionable travel reimbursements for several council members, including Reese, Taylor, and Councilman Oscar Delgado Martinez. Thornley, whose salary and benefits amounted to nearly $350,000 in 2021, left amid scrutiny over his approval of travel expenses, some of which were deemed extravagant or unnecessary.

Reese is currently under investigation by the Nevada Commission on Ethics for possible violations, including using his position to secure unwarranted privileges. The investigation followed reports of city-funded trips where Reese rented a car and traveled extensively despite staying at a hotel where the conference he attended was being held. Martinez also faced ethics complaints over his travel expenses, which led him to reimburse the city $1,844.70.

Assistant City Managers have typically been at-will employees without severance protections. However, with this newly passed resolution, they will now receive severance benefits if terminated without cause. The move has stirred concerns among residents and critics, who view it as an example of the City Council and top staff growing too closely aligned, particularly ahead of upcoming elections in November where Reese, Taylor, and Martinez are all up for re-election.

City of Reno media representative Rebecca Venis confirmed the addition to the resolution, noting that severance benefits will now apply to three ACMs. The move follows last year’s decision to award Thornley a $20,000 bonus and better severance terms shortly before his departure.

The Nevada GOP, the Republican National Committee (RNC), the Trump campaign, and a Republican voter have filed a lawsuit against Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar, the Democratic National Committee, and the Nevada Democratic Party, alleging that non-citizens have been illegally allowed to register to vote and influence Nevada’s elections, in violation of state law, which permits only U.S. citizens to vote.

The lawsuit claims that Aguilar has failed in his duties to maintain accurate voter rolls and to investigate potential violations. The plaintiffs assert, “Francisco Aguilar, the current Secretary of State, is failing in his list-maintenance and investigatory duties to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered and voting in Nevada elections.”

They further argue that Nevada law, specifically NRS 293.675(3)(i), requires the Secretary of State to ensure that only U.S. citizens are on the voter rolls.

According to the complaint, evidence shows that thousands of non-citizens may be registered to vote in Nevada. The plaintiffs cite data from the 2020 election, claiming that 6,360 individuals from the DMV’s non-citizen file were also registered to vote, and of these, 3,987 cast ballots in that election. Additionally, the lawsuit estimates that more than 11,000 non-citizens are registered to vote in the state, with over 3,700 potentially able to vote in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley condemned the alleged voter registrations, stating, “Allowing non-citizens to vote suppresses legal voters, undermines the democratic system, and violates the law. Democrats continue to put non-citizens first and Americans last as they allow non-citizens to vote and interfere in American elections.”

Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald emphasized the importance of preserving election integrity.

“Any efforts to allow non-citizens to vote threatens the very foundation of our elections and diminishes the power of lawful voters across our state. This isn’t just a legal issue—it’s about protecting the rights of Nevadans,” he said.

This lawsuit is part of a series of legal challenges led by the RNC’s Election Integrity Department in Nevada. Earlier this year, the RNC and Nevada GOP filed another lawsuit alleging five counties, including Storey, were violating the National Voting Rights Act (NVRA) for not maintaining accurate voter rolls.

The case is still ongoing, with the RNC pledging to continue pursuing legal avenues to ensure election integrity.

In addition, the RNC and Trump campaign have previously challenged Nevada’s acceptance of mail-in ballots up to four days after Election Day. The plaintiffs argue that this practice violates federal election laws. The case is under appeal following a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Miranda Du, who dismissed the case on the grounds of standing.

In September, nonpartisan voters narrowly surpassed Republicans in registering to vote in Nevada, while Democrats trailed in third place. According to the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office, the state saw an increase of 30,321 active registered voters during the month.

Nonpartisan voters led the way with 9,141 new registrations, followed closely by Republicans at 9,071. Democrats added 8,801 new voters, while the Independent American Party saw 1,488 new members, and the Libertarian Party gained 136. Minor political parties collectively registered 1,684 new voters.

Nonpartisan voters now represent the largest voting bloc in Nevada, accounting for just over a third of all active voters. Democrats remain the second-largest group, with Republicans close behind in total numbers. The increase in registered voters comes after a summer purge of approximately 140,000 inactive voters, with over 100,000 removed from the rolls in Clark County alone.

As of September, Nevada had 1,975,090 active registered voters. Of these, 663,613 are nonpartisan, making up 33.6 percent. Democrats account for 30.04 percent, with 593,223 registered voters, while Republicans hold 29.08 percent, with 574,270 voters. The Independent American Party has 88,248 registered voters or 4.47 percent, and the Libertarian Party of Nevada has 15,942 members, representing 0.81 percent. The remaining 39,794 voters, or 2.01 percent, are affiliated with other minor political parties.

The September increase reflects a 1.56 percent growth in Nevada’s active voter registration since August. Republicans grew by 1.61 percent, Democrats by 1.51 percent, and nonpartisan voters by 1.40 percent.

With voter registration deadlines approaching, new voters wishing to receive a mail-in ballot must register by October 22. Those registering after Wednesday, October 23, must vote in person, with in-person registration available up to and on Election Day.

Reno City Council member Devon Reese is being investigated by the Nevada Commission on Ethics after credible evidence emerged suggesting he violated two state ethics laws.

It follows a September 2022 report, where Reese failed to disclose business ties with employee unions and did not recuse himself from negotiations or votes concerning contracts with those groups. In March 2023, Reese reached a deferral agreement with the commission, agreeing to attend ethics training and avoid further violations for two years.

However, with new ethics complaints surfacing, that agreement may be revoked. On Tuesday, September 17, the panel determined there was “just cause” to pursue the violations.

Reese allegedly breached NRS 281A.400(2), which prohibits using a government position to secure unwarranted privileges, and NRS 281A.400(9), which bars leveraging a subordinate’s influence for personal benefit.

The investigation revealed that Reese used city funds to attend a $21,000 training at Harvard Kennedy School and added days to city-funded trips, incurring extra expenses. While Reese claimed to have repaid the city, no records confirm these payments.

Adding to the controversy, Reese blocked local news outlets last year, sparking further scrutiny. And while the Nevada Secretary of State dismissed the complaint, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling may revive the issue, as blocking the press or constituents on social media could be deemed unconstitutional censorship under the First Amendment.

Republican Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo took the stand Monday, September 30, in the federal wire fraud case against now-suspended Pahrump Justice Court Judge Michele Fiore.

Fiore faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud for allegedly misappropriating funds meant to memorialize a fallen police officer. Fiore, a political figure often embroiled in controversy, stands accused of raising money to fund a statue commemorating slain Las Vegas Metro police officer Alyn Beck, only to divert those donations for personal expenses.

Lombardo, who served as assistant sheriff when Beck and Officer Igor Soldo died in 2014, personally contributed to the statue fund. In 2019, “Lombardo for Sheriff,” donated $5,000 toward the project.

However, Lombardo’s involvement in the case warrants scrutiny. While on the stand, he acknowledged having donated to Fiore’s political campaigns over the years—a relationship that raises questions about the integrity of his financial and political dealings.

When Fiore’s defense attorney, Michael Sanft, pressed him about his campaign contributions and whether donors knew where their money would go, Lombardo appeared defensive.

“I don’t understand why I’m being asked these questions when I’m a victim and a witness,” he testified, attempting to distance himself from the legal intricacies of Nevada’s notoriously lax campaign finance laws.

Lombardo’s reluctance to engage with the implications of his donations speaks volumes. His $5,000 check, intended for the statue, was almost immediately funneled into an account controlled by Fiore’s daughter, Sheena Siegel, and used to cover personal expenses—including Fiore’s rent—according to testimony by FBI forensic accountant Sandra Harris. Similar fraudulent transactions occurred as Fiore continued receiving donations for the memorial, according to federal prosecutors, who allege she altered campaign documents to cover her tracks once she knew she was under FBI investigation.

The pattern of mismanagement and ethical lapses in Fiore’s political career, which includes her time as a Las Vegas City councilwoman and now-suspended judge, mirrors her entangled relationship with Lombardo. While Fiore faces charges, Lombardo’s history also deserves a critical eye.

Not only did he financially support Fiore, but his tenure as Clark County Sheriff was marked by troubling decisions, including his quick handover of authority to the FBI following the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. That decision, which allowed federal authorities to take control of the investigation the day after 58 people died, raised serious concerns about his judgment and willingness to defer to external powers when local leadership was most needed.

While the government rested its case before noon on Monday, the testimonies given—including Lombardo’s—highlight deeper concerns about the political culture in Nevada, where figures like Fiore and Lombardo operate in murky ethical territory, their fates intertwined in a system that seems more interested in preserving political power than ensuring accountability.

Comstock Inc., via its subsidiary Comstock Metals Corporation, has announced new revenue streams from contracts with two commercial companies for the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels.

“We recognized our first in-take revenues from the receipt and processing of end-of-life solar panels and our first off-take revenues from reprocessed and shipped materials, such as recycled aluminum,” said Corrado De Gasperis, Executive Chairman and CEO of Comstock Inc. “Our team is now engaged with nationally recognized customers to decommission, transport, and process solar panels from their facilities.”

Operating from a commercial demonstration facility in Silver Springs, Comstock Metals recently expanded its services in response to customer demand. In addition to recycling, the company now offers de-installation, transportation, and storage of solar panels, allowing for a more comprehensive service package.

The expansion is supported by the company’s newly permitted capacity to store large volumes of solar panels, positioning Comstock Metals as a leader in reducing landfilled electronic waste while recovering valuable materials.

Dr. Fortunato Villamagna, President of Comstock Metals, highlighted the rapid growth of these new services.

“We quickly adapted to customer requests and have already completed several deinstallations, with more projects under negotiation.” Villamagna said.

Comstock Metals has received materials from several new, nationally recognized customers, coordinating the decommissioning of solar panels from various facilities and transporting them to Silver Springs for recycling.

“We are now expanding decommissioning services with additional, large-scale customers for long-term, revenue-generating supply commitments,” Villamagna added.

As the company expands its market presence, it is building long-term agreements and increasing its range of services to ensure that materials stay out of landfills and ecosystems.