Welcome to Middle Ground

In today’s episode, we were honored to host Shelley Berkley, the newly elected Mayor of Las Vegas. As the city’s first mayor without the Goodman name in 25 years, Berkley brings a wealth of experience as a former U.S. Congresswoman and academic leader. Her transition into this critical role marks the beginning of a new chapter for Las Vegas, and we delved into the key issues shaping her vision for the city.

A Candid Conversation with Mayor Shelley Berkley

Her Motivation for Running
Mayor Berkley shared the personal and professional motivations behind her decision to run for mayor. After an illustrious career in Congress and a decade as the head of Nevada’s largest medical school, Berkley explained why now was the perfect time to step into local government and lead Las Vegas through its next phase of growth.

1. Her First Month in Office
   Reflecting on her initial days as mayor, Berkley discussed the challenges and opportunities she has encountered, from assembling her leadership team to setting priorities for her administration.
2. The Badlands Settlement and Financial Challenges
   One of the most pressing issues discussed was the contentious Badlands development dispute. Berkley outlined her approach to addressing the financial challenges posed by the settlement while ensuring the city maintains essential services. She provided insight into her ongoing dialogue with stakeholders and detailed safeguards she plans to implement to prevent similar disputes from burdening taxpayers in the future.
   • Message to Yohan Lowie: When asked directly about the developer at the center of the Badlands dispute, Berkley delivered a measured yet firm message, emphasizing the need for accountability and fair resolution.
3. Homelessness and Social Equity
   Tackling homelessness is a key pillar of Berkley’s agenda. She outlined her plans for addressing this complex issue, balancing compassion with accountability, and discussed initiatives to create long-term solutions for housing and support services.
4. Building on the Goodman Legacy
   With over 25 years of leadership under the Goodman family, Berkley acknowledged their lasting impact on the city while articulating her unique vision. She aims to build upon their legacy with a fresh perspective, focusing on economic growth, community engagement, and innovative approaches to governance.
5. Wildfires and Regional Collaboration
   Berkley also touched on the recent wildfires in California and their impact on the region. As Las Vegas grows, she emphasized the importance of regional partnerships and proactive measures to address shared challenges like environmental disasters.
6. Next Steps for Las Vegas
   The conversation concluded with Mayor Berkley’s outlook on the future of Las Vegas. From economic development to enhancing public safety and infrastructure, she shared her goals for fostering a vibrant, sustainable city that meets the needs of all residents.

This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of Mayor Shelley Berkley as she navigates the complexities of her new role. Whether you’re a Las Vegas resident or simply interested in the dynamics of leadership, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing one of the world’s most iconic cities.

From her first month in office to tackling pressing issues like homelessness and development disputes, Mayor Berkley is shaping a bold new vision for Las Vegas. Tune in to hear her story.

Welcome to Middle Ground

In today’s episode, we are honored to feature Glenn Cook, a towering figure in Nevada journalism and an advocate for truth in reporting. Glenn serves as the Executive Editor and Senior Vice President for News at the Las Vegas Review-Journal—Nevada’s largest and most respected news organization. For nearly three decades, Glenn has been a steadfast presence in the Review-Journal newsroom, rising through the ranks from copy editor to columnist, and now steering the newsroom in its mission to deliver impactful, high-quality journalism that holds power to account.

Glenn Cook’s remarkable career exemplifies dedication to journalistic excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona and a master’s in communications from UNLV. Over the years, his incisive editorial and column writing has earned him numerous state and regional accolades, cementing his reputation as a fearless champion for transparency, accountability, and the principles of a free press.

Exploring Journalism’s Past, Present, and Future

In this thought-provoking interview, Glenn delves into the evolving landscape of journalism, not just in Nevada but across the globe. Together, we explore pivotal issues shaping today’s media environment, including:

1. The Changing Face of Journalism in Las Vegas:
   Glenn shares his reflections on how the journalistic landscape has transformed over the years and the strategies the Review-Journal employs to stay relevant and impactful amid these changes.
2. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Newsrooms:
   With AI rapidly influencing all industries, Glenn provides insight into how the Review-Journal leverages AI technology for efficiency while safeguarding the integrity and credibility of its reporting.
3. The Rise of Social Media and Credibility Challenges:
   Social media is now a dominant source of news for many. Glenn discusses how the Review-Journal cuts through the noise to deliver reliable and credible information to its readers.
4. Combating Misinformation and Distrust in Media:
   In an era where trust in media is eroding and misinformation is rampant, Glenn highlights the proactive steps the Review-Journal takes to restore faith in journalism and maintain its role as a watchdog of democracy.

Behind the Headlines

Listeners will get a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run Nevada’s largest news organization in a rapidly changing media environment. Glenn’s stories of triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned along his journey offer invaluable insights into the state of modern journalism and the path forward for newsrooms.

Whether you're a journalist, an avid news consumer, or simply curious about the forces shaping the information you read daily, this episode promises to be an enlightening and engaging exploration of journalism’s most pressing questions.

Glenn Cook’s Commitment to the Free Press

A defining theme throughout the conversation is Glenn’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of a free press. In an age where the fight for truth often feels more critical than ever, Glenn reminds us of the indispensable role journalism plays in fostering transparency, accountability, and an informed public.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of journalism with Glenn Cook on Middle Ground. Tune in to learn how Nevada’s leading news organization is shaping the future of media and empowering communities with the information they need to thrive.

Journalism matters. Facts matter. And Glenn Cook’s voice is one you’ll want to hear.

In this compelling episode of Middle Ground with Tom Letizia, we sit down with Peter Guzman, the dynamic President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce of Nevada. Guzman shares his inspiring journey, deeply rooted in his father's immigration from Cuba and the cultural values that shaped his upbringing. From his family's transition to life in the United States to becoming one of Nevada's most prominent business leaders, Guzman provides invaluable insights into his personal and professional evolution.

We explore the Chamber’s pivotal role in Nevada’s political, economic, and cultural landscape. Guzman sheds light on the Chamber’s impactful endorsement process, its ability to shape elections, and how it balances the priorities of the Latino community with the broader needs of Nevada’s business sector. With stories of past successes and challenges, Guzman emphasizes the Chamber's legacy of empowering Latino entrepreneurs and advocating for policies that benefit both businesses and families.

The conversation dives into critical issues facing Nevada today, including workforce development, immigration reform, and the growing influence of the Latino vote. Guzman discusses how the Chamber supports immigrant entrepreneurs, the importance of initiatives like the H-1B visa program, and the challenges of labor shortages in key industries. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the Chamber, its evolving role in the community, and upcoming initiatives to further strengthen its impact.

Listeners will also gain insight into Guzman’s personal leadership philosophy, his vision for the next generation of Latino leaders, and the Chamber’s role in shaping Nevada’s cultural and economic future. Packed with anecdotes, lessons learned, and a forward-looking perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, advocacy, and the power of community-driven change.

Join us for this enriching discussion as Peter Guzman reflects on his career, the growth of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and the incredible contributions of Nevada’s Latino community to the state’s success.