Governor Joe Lombardo announced Monday his appointment of Andrew Coates as the incoming Nevada State Public Defender.
Coates currently serves as Deputy General Counsel in the Office of the Governor. Prior to his current role, Coates served as the Nye County Public Defender and handled numerous criminal cases across rural Nevada.
“I’m honored by Governor Lombardo’s appointment, and I’m committed to ensuring that the Nevada Department of Indigent Defense Services upholds the highest standards of legal representation for those in need,” said Andrew Coates. “Access to justice is a fundamental right, and I will work tirelessly to make sure that right is protected for every Nevadan.”
“Andrew has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and to serving Nevadans,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “His experience as both a public defender and state legal advisor makes him uniquely qualified for this role. I am confident Andrew will guide the office with integrity and ensure that all Nevadans receive fair representation under the law.”
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Coates will begin his appointment on January 21, 2025.
CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) -Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar is calling a federal court ruling against the Trump administration a “big victory” after a judge struck down a presidential executive order tied to voter “election requirements.”
The ruling blocks an executive order that would have mandated states require voters to provide proof of citizenship to register.
Aguilar said the decision is a recognition that states have the responsibility to run their elections.
“The constitution is very clear in that states have that duty and obligation,” Aguilar said.
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Nevada and 18 other states described the ruling as an overwhelming victory in court.
The court also stopped threats to withhold funding from states that refused to comply with proof-of-citizenship requirements and it throws out a demand for states not to count ballots received after Election Day. However the Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling on the latter of the two in the coming days.
Aguilar said the executive orders were intended for partisan gain.
“I think the fact the president is trying to federalize elections shows he’s trying to influence the election, and again that’s wrong,” Aguilar said. “Voters should decide elections, the president should not choose his voters for our elections.”
Aguilar also said the cost to taxpayers if the executive orders had remained in place would have been an unfair burden.
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“To hold states hostage from resources I think is detrimental to the overall responsibility of the federal government,” he said.
NV Energy has issued a Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) watch for multiple regions in northern and eastern Nevada, warning customers of potential proactive power shutoffs this weekend due to elevated fire weather conditions.
In the Carson City and Genoa areas, a temporary power outage is possible on Saturday, June 27, from approximately 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The impacted zones include South Carson City/Jacks Valley and South Carson City/Clear Creek.
Meanwhile, a separate 24-hour PSOM watch has been issued further east for parts of Elko County. Residents in East Elko and Spring Creek could experience proactive outages beginning Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m. through Sunday, June 28, at 10 a.m.
NV Energy officials stated they are actively monitoring local fire weather and will provide regular status updates to affected customers. The utility provider noted that any customers currently experiencing a power outage outside of these designated PSOM zones should report it directly via NV Energy’s online Outage Center.
