RAN August 2023

Smart Retail Stores in Nevada: An Economic Powerhouse in Disguise

By Bryan Wachter

SMALL RETAIL STORES, NESTLED IN THE HEART OF NEVADA, FROM Las Vegas Boulevard to the tranquil streets of rural areas, are more than just quaint places for commerce. They represent a formidable yet often overlooked force in Nevada’s economy, contributing significantly in terms of employment, tax revenue, community development, and innovation.

As of 2020, small businesses in Nevada represented 99.1% of all firms, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. These businesses, including small retail stores, employed 41.8% of the state’s private workforce. The scale of employment becomes even more impressive when narrowed down to the retail sector. Small businesses in the retail sector accounted for about 20% of the total private employment in the state, underlining their role as vital job creators.

Nevada’s Gross State

Wachter

Product (GSP) also receives a hefty contribution from the retail sector. In 2019, retail trade accounted for approximately 14.5% of the state’s GSP, amounting to around $20 billion. Given the substantial presence of small businesses, a considerable part of this output likely comes from small retail stores.

Besides direct employment and GSP contribution, the economic footprint of small retail stores extends to tax revenues. Nevada’s sales tax rate in 2021 stood at 6.85%, with some localities adding as much as 1.53% on top of that. Retail stores, as final

points of sale for consumer goods, contribute significantly to these revenues. Furthermore, retail businesses paid out $3.5 billion in wages in 2019, with a significant portion of this coming from small retail stores considering their employment reach.

However, the economic impact of small retail stores goes beyond the measurable numbers. These businesses enhance community development and identity. Often, they serve as social gathering points, fostering a sense of community cohesion

Bryan

Industry Updates

RILA ISSUES STATEMENT ON CARD NOT PRESENT TRANSACTIONS RULE

In a June 30, 2023 news release The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has welcomed the Federal Reserve Board’s final rule on debit card transactions for “card not present” transactions, set to take effect on July 1. The rule’s enforcement is seen as a victory after a longstanding effort to get major banks, Visa, and MasterCard to comply with debit reforms, which will promote competition and potentially save consumers billions in hidden swipe fees.

With the enforcement of this rule, banks will be obliged to adhere to the law, marking a significant step towards increasing competition in the payment market. However, RILA believes more needs to be done and encourages the Federal Reserve and Congress to address debit interchange costs for merchants and extend reforms to credit card transactions, respectively.

2,000

ORGANIZATIONS URGE SWIFT PASSAGE OF PBM REFORM

In a July 12, 2023 news release announced a letter to Congress

led by FMI – The Food Industry Association and the National Community Pharmacists Association with the support of almost 2,000 employers, patient advocates, pharmacies, providers, and businesses advocating for the passage of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation. The proposed reform aims to tackle the anticompetitive practices of certain PBMs and increase transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The organizations suggest that substantial PBM industry reforms are necessary to

Smart Retail Stores in Nevada

prioritize patient welfare, promote competition and transparency, ensure equitable pricing and access to vital medications, and decrease costs to plan sponsors. The letter also highlights the importance of states’ rights in PBM reform legislation and argues against claims that health insurance costs rise faster in states that have implemented PBM reform.

The signatories believe that by passing PBM reform measures that also uphold states’ rights, Congress could lower prescription drug costs,

Continued on next page

Continued from page 1 and contributing to the unique character of Nevada’s towns and cities. They frequently support local activities and sponsorships, extending their socio-economic imprint further.

Moreover, vibrant neighborhoods with thriving small retail stores tend to see an increase in real estate values, leading to a rise in community wealth. This increased wealth consequently fuels further economic activity and enhances the

overall health of the state’s economy.

Small retailers in Nevada also have a track record of driving innovation. Their need to remain competitive against larger chains and online marketplaces promotes a culture of creativity and adaptation. They constantly evolve their product offerings, services, and business models, contributing to an ecosystem of innovation that benefits the broader economy.

In the face of the recent pandemic-induced economic turmoil, the resilience of small retail stores in Nevada has come to the forefront. Many have shown remarkable adaptability, pivoting to online shopping and delivery services, a testament to their agility and survival spirit.

Nevada’s small retail stores might not grab headlines like the state’s larger corporations or the entertainment industry, but their contribution

to the economy is fundamental. They are significant job creators, contributors to GSP and tax revenues, innovators, and community builders. Their resilience, adaptability, and continued contribution to the Nevada economy should not be underestimated. Their economic impact is truly significant, demonstrating that small is indeed mighty.

Small Business, Big Impact: Nevada’s Stake in Local Politics

RAN

Staff Report

NEVADA IS OFTEN RECOGNIZED FOR ITS

glittering skylines, robust gaming industry, and emerging tech sector. Still, it’s the state’s small businesses that truly form its backbone, providing local communities with essential services, goods,

and employment. As important contributors to the state’s economy and social fabric, small business owners hold a powerful position to shape Nevada’s future. One often-overlooked method of doing so is by financially supporting state and local political campaigns.

Industry Updates

alleviate the financial stress on patients and the healthcare system, enhance access to affordable medications, and promote a healthier, more competitive business environment. They are ready to support Congress in these efforts and anticipate the positive effects PBM reform could have on all Americans.

BACK-TO-CLASS SHOPPING EXPECTED TO REACH RECORD LEVELS

In a July 13, 2023 news release the National Retail Federation (NRF) announced that their annual survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics shows record spending is anticipated for both back-to-school and back-

Many small business owners question the efficacy of their political involvement, wondering if their contributions can compete with the resources of multinational corporations. However, they would do well to remember that the impact of their donations is not solely about the

Continued from page 2

to-college shopping this year. Back-to-school spending is projected to reach a record high of $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year, while back-tocollege spending is set to hit $94 billion, a $20 billion increase from the previous year. The rise in spending is primarily driven by increased demand for electronics, with 69% of back-to-school shoppers intending to buy such items, a surge from 65% the previous year. As for college students and their families, they are expected to spend an average of $1,366.95 per person, another record high. The top shopping destinations for these consumers are online

platforms, department stores, and discount stores.

FMI ENDORSES SENATE LEGISLATION BANNING SNAP PROCESSING FEES

In a July 21, 2023 news release FMI - The Food Industry Association has expressed its support for the Ensuring FeeFree Benefit Transactions (EBT) Act introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján and Peter Welch. The bill aims to prevent the imposition of processing fees on grocers for purchases made with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Similar legislation was previously introduced in the House of Representatives by

financial magnitude but the strategic leverage they gain in the policymaking arena. Laws regulating taxation, labor, environmental practices, or licensing can either nourish or strain small businesses. By backing candidates who pledge to foster a business-friendly

Continued on page 4

Representative Shontel Brown. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher commended the senators for their leadership in safeguarding SNAP participants’ access to grocers nationwide. The organization believes that adding fees to SNAP purchases would burden retailers and customers, potentially leading to increased costs and negatively impacting SNAP participants’ ability to shop at their preferred supermarkets. FMI is actively supporting the passage of the EBT Act to protect the SNAP program’s integrity and ensure equal access to food for millions of Americans.

Back-to-School Spending to Reach $528 Million Statewide Projected Spending Surges

STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE FLOCKING TO RETAILERS

across the Silver State to gear up for the new school year. An estimated $528.0 million will be spent on clothes, backpacks, and school supplies for the upcoming academic year, according to the Retail Association of Nevada (RAN). For retailers, the back-to-school shopping season is just behind the

winter holidays in terms of importance.

RAN projects that $371.7 million will be spent on K-12 students, an increase of 7.3 percent from last year. Big-ticket electronics lead the way with an estimated spending of $136.1 million. Clothing and accessories sales come in second with expected spending of $107.4 million, followed by shoes ($69.6 million) and school supplies

with Electronics in the Lead

($58.6 million). On a national level, families with students in grades K-12 will spend $41.5

billion, based on a recent survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), Continued on next page

Nevada’s Stake in Local Politics

environment, owners can have a real stake in the legislative outcome.

Small businesses aren’t islands unto themselves; they thrive in symbiosis with their local communities.

Political candidates often campaign on agendas including infrastructure enhancement, education reform, and public safety improvements. These are not remote issues confined to the halls of government. They directly affect the conditions in which businesses operate and their customers live. Investments in local politics are investments in community welfare

and, consequently, in the conditions conducive to business prosperity.

The political involvement of small businesses also extends beyond immediate policy concerns. By rallying around specific candidates, they foster a sense of unity within their ranks, creating an organized front to advocate for common interests.

Furthermore, customers today increasingly patronize businesses that are perceived as active, caring members of their communities. A small business that contributes to political campaigns sends a clear message

about its commitment to the well-being of its locale, potentially attracting patronage and customer loyalty.

Finally, as an early primary state, Nevada punches above its weight in national politics. Policies shaped here often resonate on a national scale. Through their involvement in local politics, Nevada’s small businesses can contribute to policy discussions beyond their state’s borders.

Small businesses, by virtue of their role as community cornerstones, are uniquely positioned to shape Nevada’s political

Continued from page 3

landscape. Financial contributions to political campaigns are not just about influencing policy in their favor but are investments in community development, stakeholder unity, and national dialogue. Nevada’s small business owners should recognize this potential for impact and consider becoming more active players in the political field. The benefits are tangible and far-reaching, promising a more prosperous future for the business community and the state as a whole.

Back-to-School Spending

with average spending per household of $890, up from $864 last year.

For college students, of whom nearly 115,000 are enrolled in public and private institutions in Nevada, RAN estimates total expenditures of $156.3 million for backto-college preparations. Electronics once again lead as the largest spending category with $38.5 million. Dorm and apartment furnishings follow at $21.8 million, with clothing and accessories at $20.9 million, and food expenses at $17.3 million. Nationwide, the NRF reports that college students’ spending is projected to reach $94.0 billion, with average household spending of $1,367.

Clark County schools lead return to campus with classes starting on August 7. Washoe County schools start a week later on August 14. As for colleges, including the University of Nevada campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, and the College of Southern Nevada, they’ll kick off classes on August 28.

The significant rise in expected spending this year can be primarily attributed to the surging demand for electronics. This trend is driven by several factors, including the increasing integration of academic work with electronic sources, the growing need for parents to stay connected with their children easily and the widespread desire for every child to have their own device for audio

Continued from page 4

consumption. Notably, about 69 percent of back-to-school shoppers are planning to purchase electronics or computerrelated accessories, a substantial increase from last year’s 60 percent. As a result, the total expenditure on electronics in the United States is projected to reach an alltime high of $15.2 billion. When it comes to shopping preferences, online channels are popular among both K-12 and college shoppers. About 55.0 percent of respondents among K-12 shoppers plan to use online retail sites such as Walmart, Amazon or Target. Department stores are the second most favored shopping destination for both groups, with 45.0 percent

Average Back-to-School Spending

n K-12 n College

of K-12 shoppers and 35.0 percent of college shoppers intending to shop there. Other notable shopping destinations for K-12 shoppers include discount stores (45.0 percent), clothing stores (41.0 percent), and electronics stores (23.0 percent). For back-tocollege shopping, popular locations include discount stores (33.0 percent), office supply stores (25.0 percent), and college bookstores (26.0 percent). While 55.0 percent of shoppers have already embarked on their backto-school shopping as of early July, a majority (85.0 percent) still have at least half of their shopping ahead, suggesting a bustling period for Silver State retailers in the weeks to come.

Source: National Retail Federation

$2.7 MILLION GRANTED FOR RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN NEVADA

Governor Joe Lombardo’s office has announced the award of over $2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to six projects in rural Nevada. The projects, benefiting nearly 14,000 Nevadans in various communities, include construction initiatives, ADA compliance projects, and a new fueling system at the Tonopah Airport. The CDBG program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to create suitable living environments, provide affordable housing, and generate economic opportunities for low and moderateincome individuals. With additional investments from Nevada counties and cities, the program has contributed over $100 million to rural communities since its establishment in 1982.

KOLO Reno

SAM BROWN TO RUN FOR NEVADA SENATE SEAT

Sam Brown, a decorated Army veteran, is launching another bid for a Nevada Senate seat

Nevada News

with the endorsement of Senate campaign committee chair Senator Steve Daines. Brown previously lost the GOP primary for a Senate seat in 2022 but is now aiming to unseat Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen. His campaign emphasizes his military experience and commitment to pragmatic leadership. However, he will face a primary challenge from Jim Marchant, a former Nevada state lawmaker. Daines’ endorsement signals support from top Senate donors and highlight Brown’s fundraising abilities. The race is expected to be competitive, with Nevada being a battleground state in the 2024 Senate elections.

RETAIL THEFTS ON THE RISE IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

Retail thefts have become a major concern in Southern Nevada, with reported incidents increasing by 26.5% in 2021 alone, according to the National Retail Federation. The Home Depot’s Vice President of Asset Protection, Scott Glenn, highlights the growing problem, stating that theft has never been as bad as it is now. Thieves are stealing various

items, from copper wire to generators, leading to financial losses for retailers and potential cost increases for consumers. Southern Nevada’s Metro Police are prioritizing efforts to prevent retail theft and tackle organized theft operations, which can involve reselling stolen goods online through third-party sellers. Retailers are implementing enhanced security measures, but the issue remains a serious concern.

News 3 Las Vegas

CORTEZ MASTO SECURES $4.8M FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS IN NORTHERN NEVADA

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto has announced that Nevada will receive $4.8 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco to build more affordable housing. The funds will support projects such as the Orovada Street Senior Apartments in Reno and affordable homes on Washoe Tribal Trust Land near Carson City in collaboration with the Washoe Housing Authority. Cortez Masto has been advocating for Nevada to receive its fair share of affordable housing funds, and this funding is reported to be the largest non-federal investment

in affordable housing for the state in recent memory. The money will also support affordable housing projects in Las Vegas and Pioche. Nevada developers and nonprofits can apply for next year’s Nevada Targeted Fund and the general Affordable Housing Program to access these funds.

Reno Gazette-Journal

LOMBARDO, EBERT ANNOUNCE $70M FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Nevada’s Department of Education and Governor Joe Lombardo’s office have announced the release of the first round of $70 million in funding for the Early Childhood Innovative Literacy Program. This funding, made possible by the passage of Assembly Bill 400 during the 2023 session of the Nevada Legislature, will support early childhood literacy and readiness programs for children under six years of age. The program aims to strengthen early literacy and school readiness initiatives and encourages innovative approaches to early childhood education. The funding will be distributed through a competitive grant application process, prioritizing projects that demonstrate success in

WALMART LAUNCHES OPEN CALL 2023

Walmart has begun accepting applications for its tenth annual Open Call event, a cornerstone of its $350 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are invited to pitch their products, made, grown, or assembled in the U.S., to be sold in Walmart or Sam’s Club stores or online. Open Call, scheduled for October 24 and 25, offers small and medium businesses a chance to reach new customers and expand their manufacturing footprints, creating more job opportunities. The event also provides access to valuable business insights through mentoring sessions with Walmart leaders and one-on-one pitch meetings with merchants.

Walmart News Release

AMAZON’S 2023 BACK-TO-SCHOOL ADS EMPHASIZE

‘SPEND LESS’

Amazon’s 2023 backto-school campaign features actor Randall Park and emphasizes cost-saving strategies for parents on school supplies through Amazon’s deals. The campaign includes 30-, 15-, and 6-second spots across various platforms, aiming to reach

National News

audiences through TV, online video, digital, and social media during the summer. The decision to focus on spending less comes as parents navigate ongoing macroeconomic challenges anticipated to affect overall back-toschool spending this year. This messaging aligns with Amazon’s approach in its 2022 back-to-school campaign, reiterating its commitment to providing cost-effective solutions for customers during this important retail period.

Retail Dive

U.S. RETAIL SALES SHOW MODERATE INCREASE

U.S. retail sales showed a moderate increase in June, with a 0.2% rise, slightly below economists’ expectations of 0.5%. The Commerce Department’s report indicated mixed performance across different sectors, with declining sales at service stations and building material stores, but growth in spending elsewhere. Despite slowing momentum in spending growth, consumer resilience remained evident. The report did not alter expectations for the Federal Reserve to resume raising interest rates this month. Core retail sales, excluding certain categories, increased

by 0.6%, suggesting continued growth in consumer spending, a key component of the U.S. economy. Reuters

RETAIL CRIME SPREADS BEYOND MAJOR CITIES

Retail crime, including planned and brazen heists, has become a significant problem in Wichita, Kansas, surprising many due to the gravity and pervasiveness of the thefts. Authorities report losses of tens of thousands of dollars per month at stores like Victoria’s Secret and Cabela’s. Kansas’ attorney general, Kris Kobach, links the surge in retail crime to drug addiction, particularly fentanyl, which is fueling criminal enterprises involved in organized retail crime. However, new legislation, such as the INFORM Act, aims to tackle the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods online by mandating online marketplaces to collect and verify specific information from highvolume third-party sellers. Kansas is attempting various solutions to combat retail theft and preserve public safety. CNN

PRIME DAY DRIVES RECORD U.S. E-COMMERCE SALES OF $12.7

BILLION

Amazon reported that

the first day of its Prime Day sale on July 11 was its biggest sales day ever, though specific revenue figures were not disclosed. Prime Day shoppers saved over $2.5 billion worldwide, surpassing previous records. The event also had a significant impact on the broader U.S. e-commerce sector, with sales increasing by 6% year over year on July 11 and 6.4% on July 12, according to Adobe Analytics. The two-day event led to a total of $12.7 billion in online sales in the United States. Many shoppers took advantage of deals to purchase household essentials they had been holding off on, contributing to the overall surge in e-commerce sales.

Retail Dive

AMAZON PRIME DAY MAY BE CONSUMERS’ FINAL SPLURGE PRE-RECESSION

As Amazon Prime Day begins with deeper discounts, analysts expect slower sales growth amid consumer concern about an impending recession. Many Americans anticipate a severe economic downturn within the next six months, leading to a pullback in discretionary spending. Retailers, including Amazon, are already

Nevada’s Call to Action: Retail Leaders as Political Catalysts

IT SHOULD BE NO SURPRISE TO ANYONE THAT THE RETAIL industry has always been the heart of America’s economy. In Federalist Paper No. 35, Alexander Hamilton writes that merchants, by their economic role, are uniquely positioned to understand the nuances of governmental policies and their effects. Just as Hamilton argued for the inclusion of these vital economic actors in the political fabric, we too should look to the retail leaders of Nevada to bring their expertise into the realm of governance.

Nevada’s retail leaders, much like the merchants of Hamilton’s time, are not only experts in commerce but also seasoned navigators of complex economic landscapes. Their day-to-day involves juggling the demands of supply chains, market fluctuations, and evolving customer

By Bryan Wachter

needs. Now, imagine the transformative impact of such expertise on our state’s legislative arena. Bringing this wealth of practical knowledge to bear on policy-making would lead to decisions that both stimulate business growth and safeguard consumer interests.

Efficiency is the lifeblood of retail. In an industry where ‘doing more with less’ is the modus operandi. Nevada’s retail leaders have honed this principle into an art form. Imagine the immense benefits of bringing this ethos of efficiency to the public

have steered the sector through the tide of digital transformation, ensuring its continued relevance. Their visionary leadership in our legislative offices could propel the evolution of our public services, keeping them abreast with the demands

pragmatic solutions that serve the best interests of our diverse communities. This is not a call to displace existing public servants, but an appeal for diverse representation within our state legislature. As in a vibrant mosaic, Nevada’s political landscape should reflect the wide array of experiences and expertise within the state. The inclusion of retail leaders would only add to this richness, promoting wellrounded policies that resonate with Nevada’s unique character.

sector. The government could optimize the use of taxpayer dollars, ensuring every cent is used effectively and responsibly.

Retail leaders in Nevada are no strangers to innovation. They

of the 21st century.

Moreover, retail leaders excel in the art of negotiation. This skill, forged in the crucible of complex business dealings, could invigorate political discussions in Nevada. They could drive

So, to Nevada’s retail leaders, consider the uncharted journey from the boardroom to state legislature. This is a ripe opportunity to shape the policies and public services of the Silver State using your knowledge and experiences. In this vision, retail becomes not just an economic anchor, but a powerful catalyst for political transformation. Let’s herald the dawn of a retail-political renaissance in Nevada. Let’s rise, lead, and shape the future of our state.

Bryan Wachter

“Nevada’s retail leaders, much like the merchants of Hamilton’s time, are not only experts in commerce, but also seasoned navigators of complex economic landscapes.”

Pro Group Captive Management Services Sweeps Nationwide Awards

Shortlisted for Prominent National Award and Executive Management Recognized

PRO GROUP CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT SERVICES,

A

20 year respected Nevada firm, has been named U.S. Game Changer of the Year, U.S. Company of the Year, and Alternative Risk Transfer Solutions Provider of the Year, receiving top honors with votes received from global judges in over 163 countries worldwide. Also just announced, Pro Group has been shortlisted by Captive Review, celebrating the elite of America’s Captive Insurance Professionals and firms. Pro Group Captive Management Services (PGCMS) has been shortlisted as US Captive Manager of the Year.

Captive Review shared that the North American captive market has had another recordbreaking year. As the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, there has been more interest in captive insurance solutions than ever before. Market

conditions play a part in that, and recognizing the talent in the industry that continues to find new and innovative ways to maximize the value a captive structure can offer is key.

The US Captive Review Awards recognize and reward those providers who are leading the way in product and service development and delivery. The rigorous

These Awards aim to encourage the raising of captive insurance professional standards and recognize those who have contributed to global innovation and excellence”. She went on to say “Pro Group is a passionate team of seasoned professionals with unique expertise in the captive industry. As a Captive Manager, we are proud of the decades

as the fifteenth most powerful and influential leader in the industry globally.

Pro Group President Robert Vogel shared “Renea is a dedicated leader that paves the way for not only the success of Pro Group over the last 18 years, but for our clients and the industry. She has a servant’s heart and has been a long standing and respected thought leader, advocate and consummate professional representing the Captive industry and Pro Group.”

judging process, based on the views of a diverse panel of industry experts, ensures that the Awards acknowledge those driving up service standards across the sector and standing out from the crowd.

Renea Louie, COO of Pro Group said “It is an honor for Pro Group to be shortlisted in the prestigious National Captive Manager of the Year category.

of

work and progress

we have contributed to the industry and serving our clients worldwide to dynamically grow and manage their risk.”

Captive Review also announced this year, The 2023 Power 50, the Who’s Who of the mustknow people in the world of captive insurance.

More than 7,800 captive insurance professionals responded and voted Pro Group’s COO Renea Louie,

Renea Louie said “I could not be more honoured to be named to the Power 50 annual list of the 50 most influential captive insurance professionals for the fifth consecutive year. Authorities from around the world were selected, representing the best of the best of the industry. These professionals are the highest respected leaders, and I am humbled and fortunate to collaborate and work with them.”

Important Information for SIG Members

NRS requires all existing members of a self-insured group to be notified of all new members. NRNSIG new members are listed below.

DealDish Inc

Maxit Health Consultants Prof LLC

Sucasa Personal Homecare, LLC

NRNSIG members who wish to register a negative vote on a new group member, please write NRNSIG at 575 S. Saliman Road, Carson City, NV 89701, indicating which member and the reason(s) for the negative vote

Fun Facts About August

l August is named after Augustus Caesar (grandnephew of Julius Caesar), the first emperor of the Roman Empire

l August is the last full month of Summer and the end of Winter in the Southern Hemisphere (below the equator)

l August is popularly known as harvest month.

l The Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich in 1762 - August is now named as National Sandwich Month.

l August is referred to as the dog days of Summer. This is in reference to the hottest and most humid months and that is typically August.

Nevada News

Continued from page 6 improving literacy and serving areas with higher proportions of children in need. “I applaud Governor Lombardo and the Nevada Legislature for their vision and commitment, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this investment will have on the lives of our youngest learners,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jhone Ebert.

Carson Now

LOMBARDO WITHDRAWS NEVADA FROM U.S. CLIMATE ALLIANCE

Governor Joe Lombardo announced

last week that Nevada is withdrawing from the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states focused on addressing climate change and achieving goals set in the Paris Agreement. In a letter to the Alliance’s Executive Director, Lombardo cited a conflict between the Alliance’s ambitious goals and the state’s energy policy objectives outlined in a March executive order that emphasizes a diverse energy portfolio, including the use of natural gas. Lombardo’s decision makes him the only governor elected in the last cycle to withdraw from the bipartisan

National News

Continued from page 7 experiencing challenges as consumers prioritize practical staples over more expensive indulgences. The economic outlook remains uncertain, and traditional indicators may not fully reflect consumers’ cautious approach to spending, impacting retail performance. Forbes

group, sparking criticism from environmental and progressive groups who view the move as reckless and endangering the planet and communities.

Las Vegas Review-Journal

JUDGE REJECTS NV GOP’S ATTEMPT TO BLOCK PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

Carson City judge James Russell has denied the Nevada Republican Party’s motion to halt the state’s presidential primary election scheduled for next year in favor of a caucus. The ruling was issued on Monday, dismissing the state party’s lawsuit

filed in May, which aimed to challenge a 2021 law that transitioned the state from a caucus to a primary election. The Nevada Republican Party still intends to hold a caucus in February to allocate presidential delegates and is seeking to avoid a state-run primary to prevent confusion among voters and save taxpayer money. Democrats in 2021 signed laws to move Nevada to a presidential primary, advancing the state’s position in the nominating calendar, a move opposed by Republicans in the Legislature.

Nevada Independent

INFLATION SLOWS, FALLING BELOW 5%

In June, grocery

inflation in the United States declined, with foodat-home prices increasing at an annual rate of 4.7%, down from the previous month’s 5.8%, according to the Consumer Price Index data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The food-at-home index remained steady in June compared to May, showing no increase as it did last month. Overall inflation also saw a decline in June, reaching 3%, the slowest year-over-year rate

since March 2021, when it was at 2.6%.

Grocery Dive

TARGET ALLOWS MORE WORKERS TO WEAR SHORTS AMID EXTREME HEAT

Target has updated its dress code to permit a larger number of its USbased employees, totaling around 440,000 workers, to wear shorts as extreme heat becomes a challenge in retail and other job sectors. While Target

previously allowed outdoor workers to wear shorts, the recent policy change now extends to the majority of store workers. The company also has other measures in place to protect employees who work in extreme heat, including providing frequent water and rest breaks. The move comes as heat-related hazards in the workplace have become a growing concern, and employers are urged to prioritize worker safety under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. CNN