Legislative reporters discuss the final days of the session, reporter Daniel Rothberg talks about protecting workers in extreme heat and we get an update on the federal debt ceiling.  

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and new Indy team member Alex Couraud chat with the legislative team as they prepare for the end of the 82nd session. Then, reporter Daniel Rothberg discusses extreme heat in Nevada and a failed effort to provide workers with more protections. At the end of the show, Alex and Joey are joined by D.C. reporter Gabby Birenbaum to talk about the debt ceiling.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Alex Couraud - @Alexcouraud

Guests

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Daniel Rothberg - @danielrothberg

Gabby Birenbaum - @birenbomb

Read the stories

thenevadaindependent.com/article/live-updates-nevada-legislatures-second-house-passage-deadline

thenevadaindependent.com/article/d-c-download-amodei-leads-introduction-of-legislative-branch-funding-bill

Part two of a deep dive into the fentanyl crisis in Nevada: looking at the harm, effects and proposed solutions to the crisis.

This week, host Joey Lovato has a story months in the making looking into the deadly fentanyl crisis that Nevada is facing. Policymakers, policy experts, law enforcement, harm reduction advocates and those struggling with addiction discuss what the drug is, how it works and whether proposed bills will help curb the effects of the drug in Nevada. In this second part of the two-part series, Joey talks with harm reduction advocates to discuss realistic solutions to save lives, and talks with a recovering addict about what helped him get clean.

Host

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

A deep dive into the fentanyl crisis in Nevada: looking at the harm, effects and proposed solutions to the crisis.

This week, host Joey Lovato has a story months in the making looking into the deadly fentanyl crisis that Nevada is facing. Policymakers, policy experts, law enforcement, harm reduction advocates and those struggling with addiction discuss what the drug is, how it works and whether proposed bills will help curb the effects of the drug in Nevada. This is the first in a two-part series.

Host

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

The Indy puts out a poll, a possible train connecting Las Vegas and LA, and an overview of the economic forum.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis are joined by D.C. reporter Gabby Birenbaum to go over a new poll of voters in Nevada from The Indy. After that they all talk about Brightline, a company that hopes to connect Southern Nevada and Southern California by train. At the end of the show, reporter Sean Golonka explains the economic forum and what its findings mean for the rest of the legislative session.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Gabby Birenbaum - @birenbomb

Read the stories

thenevadaindependent.com/article/economic-forum-state-budget-will-have-251-million-more-than-expected

thenevadaindependent.com/article/poll-plurality-of-nevadans-support-public-funding-for-as-stadium

thenevadaindependent.com/article/poll-majority-approve-of-lombardos-early-job-performance

thenevadaindependent.com/article/biden-winning-hypothetical-matchups-against-trump-desantis-in-nevada

An overview of the 95-page education omnibus bill, a discussion on sundown sirens and a chat about the Oakland (Las Vegas?) A’s.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis chat with reporter Rocio Hernandez about the big education omnibus bill presented by Gov. Joe Lombardo. After that, Tabitha Muller comes on the show to discuss sundown sirens, their racist past and a bill that looks to end their use in Nevada. Then, to wrap up the show, Howard Stutz goes over the possibility of the Oakland A’s coming to Nevada.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Rocío Hernández - @rociohzz

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Howard Stutz - @howardstutz

Read the stories

thenevadaindependent.com/article/democrats-press-governors-office-on-bill-to-expand-school-choice-hold-back-students

thenevadaindependent.com/article/bill-aiming-to-close-loophole-on-sundown-siren-ban-passes-senate

thenevadaindependent.com/article/as-turned-down-1-plot-in-resort-corridor-before-settling-on-site-for-1-5b-vegas-stadium

Rolling back restorative justice measures in schools, the governor looks to veto a bill to expand the North Las Vegas City Council, a legislative update and baseball news.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis chat with reporter Rocio Hernandez about bills that look to roll back some restorative justice measures in schools. After that, reporter Naoka Foreman discusses a bill that would expand the North Las Vegas City Council and why Gov. Joe Lombardo said he would veto the bill if it passes. At the end of the show, the legislative team hops on the podcast to go over deadlines, votes, amendments, baseball and more.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Rocío Hernández - @rociohzz

Naoka Foreman - @naokadforeman

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Read the stories

thenevadaindependent.com/article/lombardo-pledges-to-veto-bill-expanding-north-las-vegas-city-council

thenevadaindependent.com/article/live-updates-nevada-legislatures-first-house-passage-deadline

thenevadaindependent.com/article/potential-deal-for-as-relocation-to-las-vegas-could-rely-on-500-million-in-public-financing

thenevadaindependent.com/article/lawmakers-vote-to-roll-back-restorative-justice-law-with-lone-legislator-opposed

A discussion on abortion and contraception access in Nevada, heavy snows bring possible flooding, and the next legislative bill deadline is already here.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis chat with reporters Gabby Birenbaum and Jannelle Calderón about a federal ruling that has removed a popular abortion pill from the market, they also go over the response from the Nevada delegation and abortion and contraception access bills that are going through the Nevada Legislature right now. After that, reporter Daniel Rothberg explains what all the snow and rain from this winter means for possible flooding in Nevada as the weather finally begins to warm. At the end of the show, the legislative team goes over another deadline the #NVLeg faced last week as we pass the halfway mark of the 2023 legislative session.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Gabby Birenbaum - @birenbomb

Jannelle Calderón - @NewsyJan

Daniel Rothberg - @danielrothberg

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Read the stories

thenevadaindependent.com/article/live-updates-nevada-legislatures-first-committee-passage-deadline

thenevadaindependent.com/field-notes/gabby-birenbaum/rech5dQuqbhIJASCc

thenevadaindependent.com/article/legislators-want-to-double-down-on-contraception-access-after-court-rulings

thenevadaindependent.com/article/record-snowpack-eases-drought-but-raises-a-new-risk-for-the-spring-melt-flooding

Rosen announced her campaign for reelection, lotteries may enter the Nevada market, legislators look to pass gun control bills and more.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis chat with reporter Gabby Birenbaum about Sen. Jacky Rosen’s campaign for reelection. After that, reporter Howard Stutz goes over a bill that might bring lotteries to Nevada. At the end of the show, the legislative team chats about gun bills, train bills, bills about disabilities and more.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Gabby Birenbaum - @birenbomb

Howard Stutz - @howardstutz

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Read the stories

thenevadaindependent.com/article/gaming-united-in-opposition-to-lottery-labor-backs-issue

thenevadaindependent.com/article/rosen-raises-2-4-million-has-record-6-million-on-hand-after-first-quarter-of-2023

thenevadaindependent.com/article/bills-raising-gun-purchase-age-limiting-firearms-near-election-sites-draw-heated-response

thenevadaindependent.com/article/nevada-bill-targeting-train-safety-gains-steam-amid-national-derailments

thenevadaindependent.com/article/proposed-bill-would-establish-bill-of-rights-for-people-with-disabilities

A feature episode exploring the structure of Nevada politics and where it all takes place.

This week, host Joey Lovato and photographer David Calvert go on a tour of the Nevada Legislative Building guided by Facilities Manager Jon Vietti and also by lobbyist Lea Case. Later, Nevada Independent CEO Jon Ralston talks about the structure of the Nevada government and talks about how politics has changed or stayed stagnant here in the Silver State.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Guests

David Calvert - @calvertphoto

Jon Vietti - leg.state.nv.us

Lea Case - @learosec

Jon Ralston - @RalstonReports

IndyTalks highlights and the second attempt at a bill deadline at the Legislature.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis chat about The Indy’s recent event with legislative leaders on major policy issues and how the legislative session is going so far. After that, the legislative reporting team comes on the show to chat about deadline day… well, the second attempt at a deadline day, as dozens of bills were introduced before the cutoff.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Read the stories

thenevadaindependent.com/article/video-tk-indytalks-tk

thenevadaindependent.com/article/live-updates-nevada-legislatures-bill-introduction-deadline-day

Digitizing water records, higher ed employees miss out on state bonuses, legislative accessibility and the deadline day delayed.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis chat with Indy reporters about how some water records are only on paper and are now being digitized. Then, Jacob goes over the complicated mess of the Nevada System of Higher Education employees being cut out of the first round of state employee retention bonuses. After that, Managing Editor Michelle Rindels joins the conversations to chat about the accessibility (or lack thereof) of legislators to reporters. At the end of the show, reporter Sean Golonka joins Joey and Jacob to go over the deadline day that was not. The legislature was supposed to have a deadline for introducing some bills, but they suspended the rules, and the deadline was skipped.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Daniel Rothberg - @danielrothberg

Michelle Rindels - @MichelleRindels

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Read the stories

thenevadaindependent.com/article/the-state-relies-on-old-records-to-manage-water-a-new-effort-seeks-to-put-them-online

thenevadaindependent.com/article/lawmakers-cut-thousands-of-higher-ed-employees-out-of-state-worker-bonus-bill

thenevadaindependent.com/article/an-accessible-legislature-sets-nevada-apart-lets-keep-it-that-way

thenevadaindependent.com/article/lawmakers-push-first-bill-introduction-deadline

A nursing shortage in Nevada, the president takes aim at resort fees, a bill to protect people experiencing homelessness and more.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis talk with Indy reporters about the continuing shortage of nurses in Nevada and a push to end resort fees. After that, our team goes over everything #NVLeg, including a big bill that looked to give homeless individuals more protections.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Howard Stutz - @howardstutz

Carly Sauvageau - @csauvageau_1998

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Read the stories

Biden’s call to end resort fees draws pushback from trade group; Strip executives mum

Nevada needs more nurses and more physicians. But what will it take to make it happen?

Lawmakers mull ‘Homeless Persons’ Bill of Rights’ amid crackdowns on sidewalks, parks

Internal Democratic Party strife, COVID relief dollars for K-12 education, Tesla gets more tax breaks and a roundup of legislative goings-on.

This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis talk with Indy reporters about the contentious Democratic Party chair election, federal pandemic aid dollars going to help fund K-12 education, Tesla’s expansion plans and the subsequent tax abatements the Governor’s Office of Economic Development granted the company, the snow in Carson City, legislative goings-on and more!

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guests

Gabby Birenbaum - @birenbomb

Rocío Hernández - @rociohzz

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Read the stories

Monroe-Moreno elected NV Dems chair, ousts democratic socialist incumbent

From face masks to tutors and bonuses, districts show how they spent wave of federal aid

Tesla gets $330 million in tax breaks, pledges to address infrastructure strain

Legislators consider bill to limit number, terms of higher ed regents

What happens when a clown retires? Often, they move to Las Vegas.

This week, host Joey Lovato and freelance reporter Savanna Strott dive into the world of retired clowns and circus performers in Las Vegas — a place that seems to attract them. Learn about why and how they all ended up there, the community they have built and how they help one another in times of hardship and heartbreak.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Savanna Strott - @SavannaStrott

Guests

Danise Payne - danisepayne.com

Jon Weiss - youtube.com

Peggy King - Facebook group

Dave Carlyon - davidcarlyon.net

Read the story

thenevadaindependent.com

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A pilot program that lets state employees bring their babies to work, a collaboration between state libraries and parks, and a discussion on the Reno and Nevada flags.

This week, Assistant Editor Michelle Rindels and Visual Content Editor Tim Lenard have a story on babies coming into the office as the state treasurer’s office looks to accommodate new parents better. After that, host Joey Lovato chats with Jenny Jackson with Nevada State Parks about their new program offering free park passes that can be checked out at libraries. At the end of the show, Joey talks with Ted Kaye, a flag expert, about the Reno city flag coming in second for best new city flag. They also discuss the Nevada state flag and more.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

—

0:50 - Babies in the office

Michelle Rindels - @MichelleRindels

Tim Lenard - @tim_lenard

10:30 - Library passes to state parks

Jenny Jackson - parks.nv

19:10 - City and state flags

Ted Kaye - nava.org/2022-survey

A glimpse into the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, an effort to better the environment for antelope and an update from our D.C. reporter.

This week, host Joey Lovato talks to Avery Hellman (aka Ismay), a performer from the 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. After that, reporter Richie Bednarski has a piece on the removal of fencing in far Northwestern Nevada in an effort to rehabilitate the natural habitat for antelope and other desert creatures. At the end of the show, reporter Gabby Birenbaum gives the lowdown on the State of the Union and more in our D.C. debrief.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

—

0:45 - Cowboy poetry

Avery Hellman - Youtube

Devon Blunden - Instagram

13:00 - Antelope range

Richie Bednarski - @photo_bednarski

23:40 - D.C. debrief

Gabby Birenbaum - @birenbomb

Interviews with former Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton and Attorney General Aaron Ford, plus audio scenes from the Legislature.

This week, CEO Jon Ralston and reporter Sean Golonka sit down with longtime Nevada lawmaker Maggie Carlton to talk about how the Legislature has changed over a quarter century, her thoughts on Gov. Joe Lombardo and more. After that, we have an interview with Attorney General Aaron Ford. You’ll also get audio scenes from day one of the legislative session in Carson City from hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

—

0:55 - Maggie Carlton

Maggie Carlton - @maggie_carlton

Jon Ralston - @RalstonReports

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

18:35 - Aaron Ford

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Aaron Ford - @NevadaAG

26:00 - Scenes from the legislature

Gov. Joe Lombardo sits down with NV Indy CEO Jon Ralston for an evening of questions and answers.

This week, The Indy’s CEO, Jon Ralston, sits down with Gov. Joe Lombardo on stage in Las Vegas to talk about everything Nevada – from the governor's first weeks in office to his plans for the future. Jon and the governor discuss the policies Lombardo’s implemented and the budget he’s proposed. The full 90-minute interview is available on our YouTube channel, but here on the podcast, we’ve got the highlights for you.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

—

0:40 - Gov. Lombardo interview

Jon Ralston - @RalstonReports

Joe Lombardo - @JoeLombardoNV

Gov. Joe Lombardo gives his 2023 State of the State address, and snowplow drivers help keep roads clear in Northern Nevada.

This week, The Indy’s legislative team stays up late to report on Gov. Lombardo’s State of the State address in Carson City. They break down the important talking points and get reactions. After that, we have a piece on snowplow drivers on Mt. Rose and what it’s like to work on the mountain during the winter.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

—

0:45 - State of the State

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

16:30 - Snowplow drivers

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Tim Lenard - @tim_lenard

The transition of power from former Gov. Steve Sisolak to Gov. Joe Lombardo, a food pantry in Southern Nevada trying something new and the Jewish community in Nevada facing adversity.

This week, The Indy’s legislative team goes over the transition of power from the Sisolak administration to the Lombardo administration. After that, we have a story on a food pantry in Southern Nevada changing how they approach their services. At the end of the show, reporter Tabitha Mueller has a piece on antisemitism in Washoe County schools and what’s being done (or not done) about it.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

—

0:45 - Transition of power

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

10:15 - Food pantry of the future

Rocío Hernández - @rociohzz

18:25 - Adversity in the Jewish community

Tabitha Mueller - @tabitha_mueller