⚕️ Nevada's COVID-19 recovery funding from the American Rescue Plan Act has not yet been fully spent. $789 million remains unused, and that's an issue because by the end of 2026, any remaining funding would have to be returned to the federal government. This came to a head in the most recent state Interim Finance Committee meeting. As noted in the meeting, a considerable amount of the unspent money is held up in the Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, which has used only roughly 15 percent of its allocation.
The Office is confident it will meet the deadline despite extensive federal permitting and a recent cyberattack complicating things. The state is also dealing with significant policy changes to the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program which accounts for a large amount of the unspent funds. The state had to resubmit its broadband plan, which now favors satellite internet over fiber optics and has removed federal language concerning fair labor and civil rights, although the state vows to still comply with all existing state and federal laws. Lawmakers are now demanding a detailed, project-by-project accounting of the progress at their next meeting.
🏈 The NFL Fall League Meeting yesterday came at a difficult point in the schedule for the Raiders. Owner Mark Davis addressed the losing season and the blowout loss to the Chiefs with patience. Although Davis is known for dramatic midseason firings of coaches and general managers in response to team performance, he noted that the Aces' turnaround this season was a lesson in faith. The Aces lost to the Minnesota Lynx by 53 points before their franchise-record winning streak and ultimately their championship win.
🎵 Alicia Keys's semi-autobiographical, coming-of-age Broadway musical is all grown up and leaving the nest. And like any happy parent, Keys may visit it every once in a while. A new "Hell's Kitchen" cast has assembled in Cleveland for a national tour that will take them to the South, Midwest and West on a 28-city parade through 2026. Those who catch the musical on the road may also get an extra treat. Keys says she's likely to show up on some stops as a fairy godmother as it crosses the nation. With a Las Vegas stop slated for June 2025, there's always a chance the Grammy-winning artist will stop by to make an appearance. Read the full story on the Broadway musical here.
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