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Deadline 2.0 and legislative leaders talk shop

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

The rules are made up, and the deadlines don’t matter

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

 Nurse shortage, resort fees, and homelessness

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

Taxes, Teslas, Teachers and Turmoil

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

Send in the clowns

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

PODCAST SURVEY

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How is the state accommodating new parents?

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

State of the West

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

Kicking off the legislative session

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

IndyTalks with Gov. Joe Lombardo

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

State of the State and state of the snow-covered roads

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

Old administration, new administration, red administration, blue administration

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

How Nevada weathers winter weather

Snow in Northern Nevada, new laws taking effect and plants in the Downtown Reno Library.

This week, host Joey Lovato sits down with Chris Smallcomb, the meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Reno, to talk about the big snowstorm that hit Northern Nevada on New Year’s Eve, what it means for the drought, and a whole lot more. After that, reporter Sean Golonka lets listeners know what new laws are going into effect in 2023. At the end of the show, reporter Lucia Starbuck, with our partners over at KUNR Reno Public Radio, chats with Joey about her story on one library that’s bringing nature indoors.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

1:00 - Snow in the Sierras

Chris Smallcomb - @downslopewind

15:40 - New laws

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

21:45 - Library plants

Lucia Starbuck - @luciastarbuck

Rewind episode: Queer art and a scientist

This week we are rewinding to share some of our favorite podcast stories from the past year. We start with a piece about queer artists in Nevada as they find their voice and their community through their art. After that, host Joey Lovato interviews nuclear scientist Taylor Wilson, who, at 14, achieved nuclear fusion with a reactor built in his parent’s garage in Reno. Joey and Taylor talk about science education, what makes Nevada such a rich state for the field and more.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

0:50 - Queer art

Brandon Copley - Instagram

Jenny Snaza - Instagram

Lynn Comella - @LynnComella

13:40 - Nuclear energy and Nevada

Taylor Wilson - @Taylor_Wilson

Rewind episode: Authors and showgirls

This week we are rewinding to share some of our favorite podcast stories from the past year. We start with an interview with Nevada author Robin McLean, whose recent book has received high praise from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She talks about what it means to live out West and more. After that, we have a story from reporter Savanna Strott on showgirls in Las Vegas as she follows them around for a day.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

0:50 - Robin McLean

Robin McLean - website

16:00 - Showgirls

Savanna Strott - @SavannaStrott

Rewind episode: Symbols, caves and monsters

This week we are rewinding to share some of our favorite podcast stories from the past year. We start with a piece on state symbols in Nevada, one of host Joey Lovato’s favorite topics. After that, we explore some caves — literally — and talk about the uniqueness of the cavernous systems in rural Nevada. At the end of the show, we have a few monster stories from our Halloween episode of IndyMatters.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

0:40 - State symbols

Sheryln Hayes-Zorn - nvhistoricalsociety.org

11:40 - Caves in the desert

Gretchen Baker - gretchenbaker.com

Kelsie Jackson - nps.gov/grba

21:40 - Monsters in the desert

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

2022: A year in review

To wrap up the year, some reporters on Team Indy go over their favorite stories from 2022 and what they will be following in 2023.

This week, host Joey Lovato talks with a few of the reporters from Team Indy about what they liked reporting on this year and what issues they will be following in their reporting next year. We also say goodbye to Assistant Editor Jackie Valley, who is departing after six years on staff, and have an update on Nevada’s status in the order of states voting in the Democratic primary elections in 2024.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Jackie Valley - @JackieValley

Daniel Rothberg - @danielrothberg

Tim Lenard - @tim_lenard

Howard Stutz - @howardstutz

Rocío Hernández - @rociohzz

Sean Golonka - @s_golonka

Jannelle Calderón - @NewsyJan

Carly Sauvageau - @csauvageau_1998

Naoka Foreman - @naokadforeman

Gabby Birenbaum - @birenbomb

Poetry in the West

Nevada’s poet laureate, continuing crisis on the Colorado River and our new D.C. reporter.

This week host Joey Lovato sits down with Gailmarie Pahmeier, the first Nevada poet laureate in more than 50 years. They talk about poetry, Pahmeier’s role and a statewide project she’s working on with the Nevada Arts Council. After that, environmental reporter Daniel Rothberg talks about the ongoing water crisis facing Nevada as negotiations for water conservation continue for states in the Colorado River Basin. At the end of the show, The Indy’s new D.C. reporter, Gabby Birenbaum, introduces herself and talks about the upcoming year as power shifts on Capitol Hill.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

0:40 - Poet Laureate

Gailmarie Pahmeier - nvartscouncil.org

14:40 - Colorado River negotiations

Daniel Rothberg - @danielrothberg

23:35 - New D.C. reporter

Gabby Birenbaum - @birenbomb

Showgirls and nuclear science

The life of a working showgirl, Nevada’s nuclear future, and National Guard recruitment.

This week freelance reporter Savanna Strott has a story about showgirls in Las Vegas. Once regarded as an art form, today’s showgirls say their hustle is a sales job — and they want more respect for their business. After that, host Joey Lovato interviews Taylor Wilson, a nuclear scientist based in Reno who, at age 14, built a nuclear reactor in his parents’ garage. At the end of the show, KUNR and Mountain West News Bureau reporter Kaleb Roedel has a short story about National Guard recruitment in Nevada. 

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

0:30 - Showgirls

Savanna Strott - @SavannaStrott

13:20 - Nuclear energy and Nevada

Taylor Wilson - @Taylor_Wilson

26:50 - National Guard

Kaleb Roedel - @kaleb_roedel

Rewind episode: Composting and gambling

This week we are rewinding to share some of our favorite podcast stories from the past. We start with a story about a company that helps people compost in Reno. Down to Earth Composting picks up food scrap and turns it into compost for their customers. To learn more, we followed one of their workers who traverse the city by electric bike to pick up the compostable materials. After that, gaming reporter Howard Stutz goes over the history of gambling in Nevada. From the Old West to the mob days to the modern Las Vegas Strip and beyond, Howard goes over it all.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

0:40 - Composting

Oz Kupoglu - downtoearth

Mike Harrison - No Twitter

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Tim Lenard - @tim_lenard

14:40 - History of gambling

Howard Stutz - @howardstutz

The 2022 Election Dissected

A post-Election Day overview with Jon Ralston, Jacob Solis and Joey Lovato.

This week Nevada Independent CEO Jon Ralston joins hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis to go over the results from the election and opine on wins and losses. They break down who won, analyze why they won, examine voter turnout and talk about what the future holds for Nevadans. Between it all, you’ll hear from voters themselves, giving insight into how they made decisions at the ballot box.

Hosts

Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_

Jacob Solis - @jacobsolisnv

Guest

Jon Ralston - @RalstonReports

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