The Middle Ground

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia sits down with Las Vegas City Councilwoman Franciss Allen-Palenske to discuss her re-election campaign, accomplishments from her first term, and her plans to tackle public safety, homelessness, and economic growth in the next four years.

In the second half of the show, Michelle Maese, President of SEIU Local 1107, and Jody Dominick, RN and Secretary-Treasurer, join the conversation to break down Senate Bill 182 — landmark legislation that would establish safe staffing limits for nurses in Nevada. They share how the bill could reduce burnout, improve patient outcomes, and protect frontline healthcare workers.

From city council priorities to the future of healthcare in Nevada, this episode covers the policies and people shaping our communities.

In this episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, host Tom Letizia sits down with Dr. Ali Caliendo, a leading advocate for kinship care and the founder of Foster Kinship. They discuss the vital role of kinship caregivers in providing stability and a sense of belonging for children who cannot be raised by their biological parents. Dr. Caliendo shares insights into the challenges faced by kinship families, the unique benefits of kinship care over traditional foster care, and the support systems needed to help these families thrive. She also highlights the critical work of Foster Kinship, including their programs for caregiver support, advocacy, and child welfare training. Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or just interested in making a difference, this episode offers a powerful look into the world of kinship care and its impact on communities.

In this episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, host Tom Letizia sits down with Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony for an in-depth conversation about the state’s future. They cover everything from economic development, public safety, and small business support to the critical role of tourism in Nevada’s economy. Lt. Governor Anthony also shares his perspective on the challenges facing the state, including water conservation, education reform, and his efforts to protect women’s sports through the Lieutenant Governor’s Task Force to Protect Women’s Sports.

In this episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, host Tom Letizia sits down with Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, the largest union in Nevada. They dive into the union’s long history of fighting for fair wages, comprehensive healthcare, and job security for its 60,000+ members in the hospitality industry. Ted shares insights on the challenges facing workers in Las Vegas, the union’s role in shaping state and national politics, and what lies ahead for labor movements in an era of rapid change.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, we sit down with Henderson City Councilwoman Carrie Cox to discuss her re-election campaign, her vision for Henderson’s future, and the challenges of navigating city politics. We dive into her priorities for economic growth, public safety, and community engagement, while also addressing the controversies surrounding her time on the council. From strengthening relationships with fellow council members to championing small businesses and public safety, this is a candid conversation with one of Henderson’s most talked-about leaders.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with Karen Rubel, President & CEO of Nathan Adelson Hospice, to discuss the vital role of hospice care in Southern Nevada. Karen shares her journey in healthcare leadership, the mission of ensuring that no one ends the journey of life alone, afraid, or in pain, and the challenges of managing a nonprofit hospice organization. They also explore the innovative programs at Nathan Adelson Hospice, including their support for veterans, pediatric care, and holistic therapies. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, compassion, and the power of community in end-of-life care.

🌟 TODAY’S SHOW HIGHLIGHT! 🌟

🔥 An insightful conversation on the state of education with John Vellardita, Executive Director of the Clark County Education Association, and Russell Letizia, alongside your host Tom Letizia. 📚🎙️

🎧 Tune in to hear about the future of Nevada’s schools, the challenges our teachers face, and what it means for our community’s growth.

Today on The Middle Ground, we sit down with Jonathan Ullman, President and CEO of The Mob Museum in Las Vegas. Jonathan shares the fascinating backstory of the museum, including how former Mayor Oscar Goodman championed the project despite early skepticism. We dive into the origins of the museum, its most iconic exhibits, and how it has become a world-renowned cultural destination. Jonathan also discusses the importance of preserving Las Vegas history, the challenges of balancing fact and myth, and what the future holds for this one-of-a-kind institution. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the intersection of history, crime, and culture in the heart of Sin City.

In this episode of The Middle Ground Show, host Tom Letizia sits down with Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy II to discuss the critical issues facing District D and the broader Las Vegas community. From the challenges of affordable housing and economic growth to the importance of public safety and community investment, McCurdy shares his insights on building a brighter future for Southern Nevada. Tune in to hear about his journey from the State Assembly to the County Commission, his fight for working families, and his vision for a stronger, more connected community.

On this episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of the Clark County School District, the fifth-largest school district in the nation. They discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Nevada’s public schools, including teacher recruitment, academic recovery, digital learning, and the importance of community involvement in education.

From innovative magnet programs to rising graduation rates, Jhone shares her vision for preparing Nevada’s students for a rapidly changing world. It’s an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at the leadership needed to guide one of the country’s most diverse and dynamic school districts.