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Verse 1:
Woke up this mornin’, sun barely in the sky,
Reached for my coffee, but it was cold and dry.
Life’s been feelin’ like that cup, oh so stale,
Tryin’ to find some warmth, but all I do is fail.

Chorus:
Life’s like a cup of cold instant coffee,
Bitter and cold, ain’t no sugar to see.
Tryin’ to heat it up, but it just won’t do,
Life’s like cold instant coffee, and I’m feelin’ blue.

Verse 2:
Days keep passin’, like a slow, sad song,
Nothin’ seems to change, everything feels wrong.
Lookin’ for some flavor, in this empty cup,
But all I taste is sorrow, can’t seem to fill it up.

Chorus:
Life’s like cold instant coffee,
Bitter and cold, ain’t no sugar to see.
Tryin’ to heat it up, but it just won’t do,
Life’s like cold instant coffee, and I’m feelin’ blue.

Bridge:
Maybe one day, I’ll find a way,
To brew a fresh pot, and chase these blues away.
But for now, I’m stuck in this cold, dark place,
Sippin’ on my sorrow, with a bitter taste.

Chorus:
Life’s like cold instant coffee,
Bitter and cold, ain’t no sugar to see.
Tryin’ to heat it up, but it just won’t do,
Life’s like cold instant coffee, and I’m feelin’ blue.

Outro:
So here’s to hopin’, for a brighter day,
When life’s like a fresh brew, and the blues fade away.
But until then, I’ll keep on singin’ this tune,
Life’s like cold instant coffee, under a pale, lonely moon.

The Washoe County Registrar of Voters (ROV) denied media access to the observation area on Sunday, June 30, during the recount of ballots for three candidates challenging the final votes on Tuesday, June 11, primary day.

KRNV reported in a thread posted to X, “Washoe County isn’t letting media into today’s election recount and their ballot counting YouTube stream is no longer active after election day. Results are expected by the end of the day.”

Initially, the ROV barred the press from the galley without explanation, and cameras in the counting room, accessible via YouTube only on Election Day, were already turned off. After about 45 minutes, the office reversed its decision, allowing media personnel into the observation area.

Within the hour, Ben Margiott, a journalist with the same television station, added to the thread, “Update: 45 minutes after we posted about how media were not allowed in to observe the recount, media can now have access to the observation booth.”

For over a year, the Washoe County ROV has faced intense scrutiny over its adherence to Nevada election laws. Allegations include making last-minute, unregulated changes and accepting assistance from Democratic operatives to address the office’s issues, even compensating these organizations.

Observers question whether the initial media restriction was an attempt to hide something illegal or simply a result of incompetence. They want to know what occurred during the 45-minute blackout.

The incident has further fueled concerns about transparency and the integrity of the election process in Washoe County.

Senator Jacky Rosen is demanding NBC News correct what she describes as a “demonstrably false headline” and “misleading reporting” related to their interview with Amy Brown, the wife of Republican challenger, Captain Sam Brown.

In the interview, Amy Brown revealed that she had an abortion, allegedly for the first time publicly. However, Jezebel, a feminist-centric website, which cannot recall the article when searched for, reported that Brown had previously spoken about her abortion on at least three occasions, always in the context of opposing reproductive freedom.

“This information contradicts the entire premise of Sam and Amy Brown’s political interview with NBC News,” her campaign said. “It is alarming that the Browns failed to disclose to NBC News that they had shared this story multiple times before and in an entirely different context of advocating for anti-abortion policies. It is also concerning that NBC News failed to properly vet these claims.”

In response to Rosen’s demand, Brown’s campaign renewed his pro-life stance, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

“Like President Trump, I believe the issue is now correctly left at the state level and applaud his leadership,” said Brown.

Nevada’s abortion laws were codified in 1990 when voters passed a ballot initiative codifying abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with extensions if the mother’s life is in danger.

As inflation continues to impact Nevadans, Democrats have positioned abortion as a central issue for the 2024 election. They are backing the Reproductive Freedom Amendment, a ballot initiative aimed at enshrining abortion rights into the state constitution. Senator Rosen has signed this petition and is advocating for the restoration of federal protections for abortion.

On the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a coalition of abortion rights groups announced a $100 million campaign to restore federal protections for the procedure. The coalition, including Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and Reproductive Freedom for All, is forming Abortion Access Now, a national 10-year campaign to prepare policies for future Democratic control of Congress and to build public support.

Pro-life advocates in Nevada argue that the Reproductive Freedom Amendment could remove the six-month limitation on abortions, potentially allowing them up to the moment of birth if the health or mental health of the mother is at risk. Additionally, Nevada’s status as the number one state for human trafficking has raised concerns about the lack of parental consent for minors seeking abortions. And though Nevada has a parental notification statute, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in Glick v. McKay, placed an injunction on it, which remains in place.

Her demand for a correction from NBC News shows her self-possessed grandiosity in panic mode.

He was the first appointment of the day. Jenna slipped her phone into her back pocket before checking her tablet to confirm his name as he sat down.

“Hello, Mr. Thompson?”

The man looked up from his seat, his face worn with grief. He was young, his eyes distant, carrying shopping bags and clutching a manila envelope.

Taking his silence as acknowledgment, Jenna continued softly, “Hello, sir. My name’s Jenna. We’ll be over here.”

Guiding Mr. Thompson to his seat opposite hers at the computer, Jenna noticed he stood beside it, hesitant.

“What can I do for you today?”

Mr. Thompson spoke with measured sadness, “Well,” he began, “My son, he passed away. Last Monday. I need to cancel his account. I have his death certificate.”

He held out the manila envelope.

Jenna’s heart sank. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” she said genuinely, hoping her words offered solace. “What was the phone number for the account?”

Mr. Thompson retrieved his phone and navigated to his son’s contact, his movements slow and deliberate. Reading aloud the number, he paused, reflecting on the reality he now faced.

Jenna entered it into her computer, pulling up Andrew Thompson’s account.

“I’ll just need to take a quick look at that death certificate, sir,” Jenna said, her voice gentle and careful.

Mr. Thompson wordlessly placed the death certificate on the table. Jenna verified the information, feeling the weight of the moment.

“Do you want to transfer these services to another location, sir?”

Mr. Thompson shook his head. “Just cancel,” he murmured, his thoughts already occupied with cleaning out his son’s apartment.

Jenna nodded solemnly and proceeded to cancel Andrew’s account.

“Okay, sir,” she said, indicating the items in his plastic bags. “You can go ahead and put that modem into the bin there next to you,” gesturing toward the Return Bin for old electronics.

Mr. Thompson placed Andrew’s old modem into the bin, his movements steady but tinged with sorrow.

“Will you take this too?” he asked, holding up an ethernet cable, his expression distant.

“Of course, sir. Go ahead and put that in the bin as well,” Jenna replied softly, acknowledging each item with reverence.

“What about this?” Mr. Thompson asked, showing her a cell phone with a cracked screen and a Pokeman case.

“Yes, sir. We’ll take that as well,” Jenna assured him.

Mr. Thompson then revealed something unexpected—a dried-up umbilical cord. Jenna hesitated, her heart aching for the man’s loss.

“Will you take this too?” Mr. Thompson asked quietly.

Jenna blinked back tears, her voice gentle. “Yes, sir,” she managed. “You can put that into the bin.”

Mr. Thompson complied silently, then retrieved a small, gray urn.

Removing the lid, he showed Jenna its contents—ashes, remnants of a life now gone.

“Will you take this too?” he asked, tears now evident on his exhausted face.

Jenna nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Yes, sir. You can leave that here too.”

Mr. Thompson nodded slightly, his hands trembling as he poured the ashes into the bin, a cloud of gray dust rising silently.

Showing Jenna the empty urn, Mr. Thompson waited for her nod before placing it gently into the bin atop the ashes. He closed the lid and then stood before her.

“Will that be all, sir?” Jenna asked softly, her own emotions raw.

Mr. Thompson nodded silently, his grief palpable.

Jenna felt heavy, hollow, and deeply moved. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely audible as Mr. Thompson turned and walked out the door.

Jenna watched Mr. Thompson walk away, his shoulders slightly slumped under the weight of sorrow. The door closed softly behind him, leaving a lingering sense of loss in the quiet office.

She took a moment to compose herself, wiping away a stray tear. She wanted to leave work, go home, and hug her daughter, but the day was still young.

(Verse 1)

Well, I woke up this mornin’,
With the weight of years upon my soul.
Time slipped through my fingers,
Like sand in an old dusty hourglass.

(Chorus)

Oh, time, oh time,
Why you gotta be so cruel?
You stole my youth, my dreams,
Left me with these blues.

(Verse 2)

I’ve seen lovers come and go,
Promises fade like smoke in the wind.
Memories haunt me like a ghost,
And regrets dance in the moonlight.

(Chorus)

Oh, time, oh time,
Why you gotta be so cruel?
You stole my youth, my dreams,
Left me with these blues.

(Bridge)

I tried to hold on tight,
But time slipped away like water through my hands.
Now I’m sittin’ here, singin’ my sorrow,
As the clock ticks on, relentless and unkind.

(Chorus)

Oh, time, oh time,
Why you gotta be so cruel?
You stole my youth, my dreams,
Left me with these blues.

(Outro)

So I’ll pour another glass of whiskey,
And let the notes of my guitar weep.
Maybe in the next life,
Time won’t be such a heartless thief.

Washoe County Commissioners Alexis Hill and Clara Andriola have certified their election results, raising ethical and legal questions.

The issue is whether a commissioner running for re-election should recuse themselves from certifying election results when serving as the tie-breaking vote. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) provide the legal framework for this situation.

NRS 281A.400 addresses standards for ethical conduct by public officers and employees, prohibiting conflicts of interest. NRS 281A.420 requires public officers to disclose any conflicts of interest and abstain from voting on matters where they have a significant financial interest. Additionally, NRS 293.387 outlines the procedures for canvassing the vote and certifying election results. The Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) contains regulations interpreting these ethical standards.

Under NRS 281A.420, a public officer must disclose any conflict of interest and abstain from voting when their interests could materially affect their decision-making. A commissioner running for re-election and involved in certifying their election results has a direct personal and monetary interest in the outcome, creating a conflict of interest.

To maintain the integrity and impartiality of the election, the commissioners should recuse themselves from the certification process. This ethical obligation supports public trust and ensures the certification process is free from undue influence or the appearance of impropriety.

The fact that Andriola acted as the tie-breaking vote to certify the election results exacerbates the ethical concerns, undermining public confidence in the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. An independent body or the remaining commissioners without conflicts should handle these decisions.

Despite these concerns, the commissioners did not recuse themselves from certifying the election results, violating NRS 281A.420. Recusal would have been the appropriate action to uphold ethical standards and ensure public trust in the election process.

In cases of conflict, involving an independent entity or following alternative procedural mechanisms is necessary to ensure impartial certification of election results.

District Attorney Mary Kandaras downplayed the significance of the canvass of the vote, but NRS 293.387 clearly outlines the procedures for canvassing returns and certifying the abstract of votes.

The statute ensures the canvassing process accurately reflects the votes cast and mandates actions to correct clerical errors. If a commissioner certifies a canvass with significant errors, it could lead to legal challenges from candidates or voters, court reviews, and possible overturning of the certification.

Ethical violations could lead to investigations by the Nevada Commission on Ethics, resulting in sanctions, fines, or disciplinary actions. Errors in certification can undermine public trust in the electoral process, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the election results.

The county may need to correct certification errors through administrative procedures, potentially reconvening the board to address discrepancies and issue a corrected certification. If negligence or deliberate misconduct is suspected or found, the commissioner may be subject to removal from office under NRS 283.440.

Last Friday, June 21, 2024, Washoe County’s election system faced intense scrutiny when Commissioners Jeanne Herman and Alexis Hill voted against certifying the 2024 Primary election results.

Despite their opposition, the election was ultimately certified due to votes from Commissioners Clara Andriola and Bob Lucey, raising significant conflict of interest concerns as they were certifying their elections. The situation has sparked debates about ethical standards, yet it has gone unchallenged by the Secretary of State, the Ethics Board, or law enforcement.

In response to these events, three candidates, Lily Baran (Democrat), Paul White (Nonpartisan), and Mark Lawson (Republican), have filed for hand recounts of their elections. Furthermore, several injunctions and lawsuits have been filed in the 2nd Judicial Court, aiming to compel the Registrar of Voters (ROV) to conduct hand counts of the votes instead of machine recounts.

The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) specify that votes must be recounted in the manner cast, necessitating a hand count for proper inspection. The requirement emphasizes transparency and accountability, ensuring each vote gets reviewed.

Despite these legal requirements, the ROV has been accused of attempting to expedite machine recounts over the weekend, avoiding the mandated hand counts. Critics argue that recounting votes using the same machines that initially counted them fails to provide an accurate check, likening it to verifying a cash register tally without an independent audit.

The financial burden imposed on candidates seeking recounts is also under scrutiny. For instance, Lily Baran’s race, with 1,269 votes, required an upfront payment of $50,560. Similarly, Paul White’s race (38,750 votes) and Mark Lawson’s (9,357 votes) also demanded the same upfront fee. These high costs are seen as prohibitive, potentially excluding non-elite candidates from pursuing recounts.

The estimated 645 hours per race for recounts by the ROV and the additional $9,350 per day for the machine vendor have triggered further allegations of inefficiency. Critics argue that this, carried out under secrecy, undermines public trust in the electoral process.

Candidates and their supporters want adherence to the law, pointing to the importance of hand counts to verify the integrity of the election results. The Franklin Project has already covered the costs, ensuring taxpayers bear no additional financial burden. Despite this, the ROV’s reluctance to perform hand counts has raised questions about their motives.

In addition to recount concerns, other election-related issues have surfaced. Marsy Kupfersmith, a nonpartisan candidate for Washoe County District 4 Commissioner, was denied ballot access despite submitting 114 signatures, 14 more than required. The ROV and Secretary of State’s office rejected her candidacy, claiming only 90 signatures were valid without providing specifics. Kupfersmith has filed an appeal, seeking a fair resolution.

Drew Ribar, another candidate, has filed a Writ of Mandamus requesting a new election after being left off the sample ballot in his assembly race. This oversight against a well-known opponent is seen as a significant disadvantage, prompting legal action to rectify the situation.

Nevada welfare offices and other state agencies have reportedly been distributing voter registration forms to individuals who may not be U.S. citizens without requiring proof of citizenship.

The practice has raised concerns about the integrity of the voter registration process and has led to calls for federal intervention to stop it. Surprisingly, federal voting forms do not mandate proof of U.S. citizenship, even though it is illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections.

The 1993 National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) mandated states to register voters at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and other agencies where U.S. citizens apply for public benefits. These offices are required to provide voter registration forms along with application papers. If an applicant declares U.S. citizenship, it is accepted as valid, leading to automatic voter registration.

To address these concerns, the House Administration Committee has approved the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote by mail, at a DMV, or welfare agency office. Despite this, House Republican leaders have not yet brought the SAVE Act to the floor, but there is a possibility that it may happen before the August recess.

While the bill may pass the House, it faces significant obstacles in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Nonetheless, several Republican senators have already expressed their support for the legislation.

Only Arizona, which recently enacted a law prohibiting the practice for state forms but not federal ones, stands alone.

Dubbed the “Port of Nevada,” a sprawling 224-acre inland port operation and intermodal ramp owned and developed by Industrial Realty Group, LLC (IRG) is set to launch. The venture, undertaken in collaboration with Union Pacific Railroad, CMA CGM Group, and the Port of Oakland, aims to revolutionize freight transport between Fernley and Oakland.

Stuart Lichter, President of the Port of Nevada and IRG, highlighted the significance of the direct rail access linking Reno to the West Coast, which promises to enhance the capacity and efficiency of cargo freight transportation.

“This collaborative venture will provide our clients with a more efficient, reliable, and environmentally sensitive way to transport goods,” Lichter stated.

The Port of Nevada features a state-of-the-art rail facility integrated into Union Pacific’s extensive network. The facility supports a range of operations, including bulk commodity and intermodal trans-loading, storage of diverse commodities, and opportunities for build-to-suit developments and on-site storage solutions.

Direct rail access promises cost savings and supply chain efficiencies but also positions the Port of Nevada as a sustainable solution amidst ongoing supply chain challenges and the weather-impacted and congestion-prone Interstate 80 corridor.

Clients opting for rail transport can expect to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate impacts from road conditions, trucking regulations, and carbon emissions. Union Pacific notes that transporting one ton of cargo nearly 400 miles consumes just one gallon of diesel fuel while contributing only two percent of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions compared to medium- and heavy-duty trucks’ 25 percent.

French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM Group, the exclusive ocean carrier partner of Port of Nevada through 2024, ensures global connectivity to key markets in Asia and Europe, further enhancing the port’s strategic importance.

Local economic development authorities, including the Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), support the project, with each emphasizing its role in bolstering the region’s economic landscape and attracting advanced manufacturing businesses to Nevada.

Taylor Adams, CEO of EDAWN, highlighted the coastal connectivity provided by IRG as a critical asset for companies in Western Nevada, pledging ongoing support for the project’s expansion and growth throughout the region. Jeff Sutich, Executive Director of NNDA, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the project’s alignment with Nevada’s focus on onshoring businesses and its designation as a federally designated Tech Hub.

The 2024 Washoe County primary recounts will commence Friday, June 28, following recount requests by three candidates before the Wednesday, June 26 deadline.

The interim registrar, Cari-Ann Burgess, said the recount would happen over the weekend. According to Nevada Revised Statutes, the candidates who requested recounts are responsible for the costs if the recounts do not change the election results.

Mark Lawson, a Republican candidate for Washoe County Commission District 4, Paul White, a candidate for Washoe County School Board District G, and Lily Baran, a progressive activist who finished just 15 votes behind Frank Perez in the Reno City Council Ward 1 race, have all filed for recounts. Lawson and White, despite being behind by significant margins, also requested recounts.

Drew Ribar, who lost to incumbent Assemblyman P.K. O’Neill in the Republican primary for District 40, has filed a petition for a new election with the Nevada Supreme Court. Ribar argues that his exclusion from the sample ballot distributed to Washoe County voters severely impacted his chances due to lack of name recognition. Ribar, who lost by over 50 percentage points, called for the county to redo the election, citing concerns about “election interference.”

Meanwhile, a renewed debate over election methods emerged as Former Nye County clerk Mark Kampf, invited by Commissioner Clara Andriola, who oversaw hand counts in 2022, presented the benefits and challenges of hand-counting paper ballots to county commissioners. The discussion sparked sharp reactions from public commenters. Some criticized the idea as impractical and prone to error, while others argued that hand-counting paper ballots would increase voter confidence.

Washoe County voting machines automatically digitally record and print a physical copy of each ballot cast.

Andriola did not explicitly support a transition to hand counting but advocated for auditing results by hand with a small sample.

“There’s nothing statutorily in place right now that would prevent that self-audit,” she said.

The Nevada Secretary of State mandates risk-limiting audits of elections. A spokesperson explained that post-election tabulation audits use a random sampling of paper ballots to ensure the accuracy of election outcomes.