Nevada

Looking back, Richard Bryan recalls more genteel era in politics in Nevada and the nation

Published

11 months ago

December 23, 2024

Looking back, Richard Bryan recalls more genteel era in politics in Nevada and the nation

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Richard Bryan won the first political contest he ever ran, for 8th grade class president at John S. Park Elementary School.

That was his first entry into a political career that would take him from the Nevada Legislature, to the office of the attorney general to the governor’s mansion and finally to the United States Senate.

He recounts that storied career in a new book, “My Life in Nevada Politics,” penned with award-winning Nevada writer and columnist for the Nevada Independent John L. Smith.

Longtime locals will recognize many famous names, the people behind streets, schools and government buildings, and newcomers will learn that many of the things they take for granted started with the ambitious Bryan, who says he set his sights on the governor’s mansion early in his grade-school career.

In an interview, Bryan recalls arriving in Carson City as a Democrat in 1968 to an Assembly newly controlled by Republicans. But the experience was not partisan.

“Part of the general collegiality, I believe, was derived from the building itself,” Bryan says in the book. “It was crowded, and we had no offices to retreat to. Only the leaders of each house had them. Legislators did not have a personal staff. You brought your work with you to your desk on the floor and shared from a pool of secretaries after the morning business was concluded. Everyone had to work around everyone else’s schedule. There was no cafeteria. That meant there was mingling on the floor during breaks.”

That meant getting to know other lawmakers, ones from other parties and from other parts of the state, which led to genuine friendships between lawmakers and cooperation in solving the problems the state faced.

But that collegiality faded over time, in Washington, D.C. and, to a lesser extent, in Carson City. In an interview, Bryan traces the unraveling to the election in 1994 of Georgia Congressman Newt Gingrich as Republican speaker of the House of Representatives. Gingrich discouraged Republicans from socializing with Democrats because he considered them rivals and not friends.

“The scholars I’m sure have their view,” Bryan said. “Mine is Newt Gingrich, by the way, a very intelligent and capable guy. But his predecessor … was of the old school, let’s work together. Gingrich believed that what was needed was not some modification but to take the structure down and build it again. And that was very partisan.”

The partisanship is part of the reason that Bryan decided after two terms in the. U.S. Senate not to run for re-election in 2000. His replacement? One of Gingrich’s House revolutionaries from the 1994 election, Republican John Ensign.

During his career, Bryan faced the bitter sectionalism that has plagued Nevada for decades. In college, he was initially rebuffed as his fraternity’s pledge president because he was from Las Vegas. But by making incessant trips to rural Nevada — and participating in traditional rural Nevada events — Bryan won over northern constituents. In his 1986 bid for governor, Bryan won every county in the state, something unprecedented in present-day Nevada politics.

In his time, Bryan also assembled an impressive list of firsts:

He was the first lawyer to head up the then-newly created public defenders office.
He was behind some of the state’s first conflict-of-interest laws.
He signed the bill creating the Nevada Film Office.
He opened a state trade office in Japan.
He hired the first woman to serve as chief of staff in the governor’s office, Marlene Lockard.
He brought the National Finals Rodeo to Las Vegas.
He got the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act passed.

Key to getting many of those things done was compromise, which Bryan considers a lost art because he says too many modern politicians think it requires you to surrender your principles.
“I never felt that,” Bryan said. “I guess among my critics I might have been too much of a pragmatist. What does it take to get this done? How can we work this out? Now, I wasn’t always successful. Sometimes, I mean, you had people kind of dug in and boy, there was not ability to do that.”

Bryan traces his path into public service to his father, who also held office.

“I think every citizen has an obligation, as he [Oscar Bryan] said, to pay your civic rent, to be involved. I like public service. Not everybody needs to do that. I think there’s something that’s fundamental. One, set your goal. Set your goal, work to it. … The point there is that everybody’s had a setback in their life, whatever it is, that could be a learning experience. It was for me.”

Bryan acknowledges that it would be difficult to campaign today as he did in the 1970s and 1980s, with the advent of social media, the 24-hour news cycle, the explosion of Nevada’s population and the increased partisanship that shuts out centrist candidates in favor of louder, more strident members of the fringe.

“I must say, it’s such a sad thing because it’s really harder today to get good people to run, Republican, Democrat, independent, whatever, because they’re saying, ‘I just don’t want to go through that.’”

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Nevada

Nevada officials warn of scams during government shutdown

Published

8 hours ago

November 3, 2025

Press Room

Nevada officials warn of scams during government shutdown

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — With the continued federal government shutdown, the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office wants to warn the public about scammers hoping to take advantage.

Officials said some scammers are impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial experts using artificial intelligence, which makes it easier for criminals to create convincing fakes.

“Scammers are always looking to take advantage of those in vulnerable situations – and as Nevadans feel the impacts of the federal government shutdown and changes to social services, we’re urging the public to be on alert,” Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar said. “Nevadans should be wary of any urgent requests and always verify who is asking for their money or personal information.”

Scams that involve digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among some of the top threats this year, according to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).

Officials said fraudsters can now clone voices and generate fake videos to impersonate trusted people or organizations, resulting in tricking victims into sharing personal information, transferring money, or granting remote access to devices.

“These scams are increasingly polished, personalized, and difficult to detect until after significant losses occur,” a release said.

The Nevada Secretary of State’s Office offered steps for the public to help protect themselves:

Verify official government communications

Verify that a communication from a federal, state, or local agency or other regulatory body is genuine by contacting their office directly using the contact information on their website.

Call the SOS Securities Division: (702) 486-2440, or reach out to the SEC, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and FINRA directly. For other agencies, be sure to independently search for contact information rather than clicking on links or calling numbers in the communication you receive.

Check before you invest

Fraudsters might also impersonate legitimate investment professionals — and many use phony personal websites to bolster their credibility. Individuals and companies are required to be licensed in the State of Nevada if they conduct securities business in or from the state.

Call the SOS Securities Division: (702) 486-2440
Check online: Search for broker-dealers and their agents here
Search for investment advisers and their representatives here

Confirm any “urgent” pleas from family and friends

Be on the lookout for scammers using AI technology to impersonate family or friends. AI-generated tools might be able to access personal information about you online or on social media, so be wary of any unsolicited communication asking you to invest your money — even if it sounds like it was written just for you.

No matter how urgent the plea — especially when accompanied by directives such as “don’t tell my ___ [parents/spouse/roommates]” — take time to independently verify the situation before agreeing to transfer money or securities out of your investment account. Consider creating a password or phrase for family members to verify their identity in case of an emergency.

If you think you are a victim of investment fraud, or know someone who might be, the SOS Office encourages you to report it. Report investment fraud at this link.

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Nevada

History, health and Wild Nevada talks highlight Carson City Senior Center events this month – Carson Now

Published

1 day ago

November 2, 2025

Press Room

History, health and Wild Nevada talks highlight Carson City Senior Center events this month – Carson Now

November not only means much cooler weather but also signals that the holiday season is around the corner. This month’s Carson City Senior Center activity lineup includes Veterans Day, history, health, planning and outdoor talks, a Meals on Wheels fundraiser and more. Check out below what’s happening this November at the Carson City Senior Center.

A Veterans Day Talk with Ken Beaton

Join author Ken Beaton on Tuesday, Nov. 4, for a Veterans Day talk about his book, which preserves WWII veterans’ stories. Beaton, a local teacher, veteran’s advocate, and author, will discuss the book’s journey from concept to publication and is available to answer questions, including about his new WWII romance book. The event is on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m. at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, Zephyr Room (west end). Free event, RSVP not required – just show up. For more information, call (775) 883-0703.

Living History: CCC Horizons Broadened…Hope Regained

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided jobs for millions of young men during the Great Depression and was one of the most successful New Deal programs. The CCC planted billions of trees and built infrastructure for parks nationwide, leaving a lasting environmental legacy. Join local historians David & Gayle Woodruff on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m. at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, Nevada Room (west end). RSVP not required – just show up. For more information, call (775) 883-0703.

Staying Sharp: Strategies for Maintaining Brain Health

Discover lifestyle and mental habits that help protect memory and cognition as we age, offered on Friday, Nov. 7, at 10:30 a.m. at the Carson City Senior Center at 911 Beverly Drive, Joshua Room (east end). The free workshop is brought to you by Comprehensive Home Health Solutions. RSVP not required – just show up. For more information, call (775) 883-0703.

An Encore Talk with Wild Nevada’s Chris Orr

Chris Orr is PBS Reno’s Senior Producer and host of the travel-adventure series Wild Nevada which has been broadcast for more than 20 years. The award-earning Wild Nevada series features Orr taking road trips and having outdoor adventures all around the Silver State. Wild Nevada is featured on more than 200 PBS members station across the country. Free event. RSVP is not necessary. This free talk is on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 1:30 p.m. at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, Nevada Room (west end). This Event Only – New Time (1:30pm) and Bigger Room (Nevada). RSVP not required — just show up. For more information, call (775) 883-0703.

Jewelry Sale to Benefit Meals on Wheels

The Carson City Senior Center will have its annual Jewelry Sale on Thursday, Nov. 6 and Friday, Nov. 7, from 9 to 2 p.m. Brand-new and gently used jewelry, handbags, wallets, pocket watches, belt buckles, and more will be on sale. All proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels Carson City. The event will take place in the main lobby of the Carson City Senior Center, located at 911 Beverly Drive. Call the Senior Center for more information (775) 883-0703.

Estate Planning Workshop Returns with Caren Jenkins in November

A 3-week Estate Planning Workshop covering an overview of Estate Planning, One Approach to Funding Your Trust, and Tackling Estate and Trust Administration. The workshop is offered by Caren Jenkins, a trusted attorney in Carson City with a broad reach in national estate and wealth planning on Thursday, Nov. 6, 13, 20, 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Carson City Senior Center at 911 Beverly Drive, Joshua Room (east end). Free event. RSVP at Reception.

Sunday Bingo Fundraiser for Meals on Wheels starts Nov. 9

A fundraiser for Meals on Wheels, with a progressive cash ball of $1,110 currently waiting for its next winner! Progressive jackpots and payouts of $25, $50, and $100 (game-dependent). Snack bar serving hot dogs and other goodies. All proceeds support Meals on Wheels. Bingo is played on the 2nd and 4th Sundays starting Nov. 9, doors open at 11 a.m., play starts at 1 p.m. at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, in the Sagebrush Dining Room. RSVP is not necessary, 21 and over. Call the Senior Center for more information (775) 883-0703.

Senior Center seeking Euchre Players

We are looking for more playing to start a Euchre game at the Senior Center. Euchre is a 4-player, trick-taking card game played in fixed partnerships using a 24-card deck. Call the Senior Center for more information (775) 883-0703 to sign up.

A Bus Trip to Watch ‘The Nutcracker‘

Join us on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 10:15 a.m. for a chartered bus trip to the Pioneer Center in Reno to watch the Nutcracker performance. Admission and transportation provided by SB118 from the 84th Legislative Session. Bring money for concessions and driver tip (optional). Limited seats available. Call the Senior Center for more information (775) 883-0703 to sign up.

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Nevada

Nevada High School Football 2025 Playoff Brackets, Schedule (NIAA) – November 1, 2025

Published

2 days ago

November 2, 2025

Press Room

Nevada High School Football 2025 Playoff Brackets, Schedule (NIAA) – November 1, 2025

The 2025 Nevada high school football regional playoffs began on Friday, October 31. The North and South Regionals will set the State Championship brackets, which begin November 14-15.

High School On SI has brackets for every classification in the Nevada high school football playoffs. The playoffs culminate with the championship games on November 22 and 25.