IndyMatters
373 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsIndyMatters is a weekly podcast from The Nevada Independent. Every week hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis will bring you stories from around the Silver State that focus on politics, policy, education, the environment and more..
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Episodes
A preschool on wheels
February 20, 2024 20:08 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MBVegas hosts the Super Bowl, a new program offers pre-K on wheels and reporter Sean Golonka gives a fond farewell. Host Joey Lovato talks with reporter Howard Stutz about what it was like to cover the Super Bowl and how gaming and tourism numbers look after the big game. After that, reporter Rocío Hernández explains … Continue reading "A preschool on wheels"
The Indy’s latest community listening session
February 15, 2024 00:04 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBHighlights from a community listening event put on by The Nevada Independent and Vegas PBS. On this episode of IndyMatters, host Joey Lovato brings your highlights from a community listening event that is co-moderated by The Indy’s Naoka Foreman and Vegas PBS’s Amber Renee Dixon. The event, which is the latest installment of The Nevada … Continue reading "The Indy’s latest community listening session"
Early voting and early departures
February 06, 2024 20:06 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MBWhat early voting numbers tell us about the primary and caucus, and pushback as the Clark County superintendent seeks a contract buyout. This week, host Joey Lovato chats with CEO and Editor Jon Ralston and reporter Sean Golonka about what early voting turnout data can tell us about Nevadans’ presidential preferences. After that, education reporter … Continue reading "Early voting and early departures"
Spy Plane Wreckage in Nevada’s Desert
January 30, 2024 18:52 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MBA crashed spy plane in Nevada’s desert offers insight into the state’s history of military aviation testing and the UFO conspiracy theories it touched off. On Oct. 25, 1967, an SR-71 Blackbird spy plane called Aspen 28 crashed outside of Lovelock. This week, host Joey Lovato heads out into rural Nevada with nuclear physicist and … Continue reading "Spy Plane Wreckage in Nevada’s Desert"
Super Bowl comes to Sin City
January 23, 2024 23:07 - 23 minutes - 31.9 MBThe Super Bowl will be in Las Vegas in February. What does that mean for the city, tourism, traffic and more? This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis discuss the implications of football’s biggest event coming to Las Vegas both to the tourism industry as a whole and for the average resident priced out … Continue reading "Super Bowl comes to Sin City"
The economics whiz behind Nevada’s biggest tax policies
January 17, 2024 17:19 - 22 minutes - 31.2 MBA profile on the analyst who has influenced Nevada’s biggest tax policies of the past two decades and a story on sealing abandoned mines. This week, host Joey Lovato talks with reporter Sean Golonka about Jeremy Aguero, who has had a singular role in controversial tax and stadium deals that shaped the state. After that, … Continue reading "The economics whiz behind Nevada’s biggest tax policies"
How to participate in Nevada’s primaries and caucus
January 10, 2024 00:16 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBA breakdown of caucuses vs. primaries in Nevada and all the information you need to know to participate. This week, host Joey Lovato talks with reporters Jacob Solis and Gabby Birenbaum about the difference between the Republican caucus and both parties’ primaries in Nevada, giving you important information you need to know on how to … Continue reading "How to participate in Nevada’s primaries and caucus"
What’s to expect in Nevada in 2024
January 02, 2024 20:22 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBWhat new laws are on the books and what big news should Nevadans look out for in 2024? This week, host Joey Lovato talks with reporters Sean Golonka and Eric Neugeboren about new laws that took effect for Nevadans at the start of the year. After that, CEO/Editor Jon Ralston and Managing Editor Michelle Rindels … Continue reading "What’s to expect in Nevada in 2024"
The Indy’s Best of 2023
December 19, 2023 19:07 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBReporters at The Indy reminisce about their favorite stories that they reported on this year, and we say a farewell to co-host Alex Couraud as her podcasting internship comes to a close. Hosts Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_ Alex Couraud - @alexcouraud Read the stories Lyon County student-run turkey farm serving up lessons on business, agriculture … Continue reading "The Indy’s Best of 2023"
Faith, politics and choice in death
December 12, 2023 21:09 - 32 minutes - 45.3 MBFollow along as IndyMatters takes a deep dive into physician-assisted death. It’s an issue that has a long history in the Nevada Legislature and is the topic of much religious debate across the country. In today’s episode, host Alex Couraud gives an intimate picture of one of life’s hardest topics – death. She talks with … Continue reading "Faith, politics and choice in death"
Geysers and winter water predictions
December 07, 2023 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBA geyser is reemerging in south Reno, and a look at what we might expect from this winter. This week, host Joey Lovato and reporter Alex Couraud talk to scientist Taylor Wilson about a geyser that is reemerging in south Reno and what it could teach us about energy, space and the origin of life. … Continue reading "Geysers and winter water predictions"
Poems on the sidewalk
November 28, 2023 21:52 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBA public art project about water, a discussion about the Nevada Democracy Project and a chat about GivingTuesday. This week, host Joey Lovato chats with reporter Daniel Rothberg about a public art piece in Reno that stretches through much of downtown. Later, Joey and reporter Naoka Foreman discuss the Nevada Democracy Project and how community … Continue reading "Poems on the sidewalk"
Hunger this holiday season
November 21, 2023 18:13 - 21 minutes - 29.1 MBHappy Thanksgiving from the IndyMatters team. In today’s episode, learn about how hunger is affecting our state this holiday, and what a special flower means to Nevada. This week, host Alex Couraud focuses on food insecurity in the Silver State by highlighting work being done by The Community Food Pantry of Northern Nevada — a … Continue reading "Hunger this holiday season"
All gas no breaks: F1 in Vegas
November 14, 2023 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBThe pros and cons of bringing one of Europe's most popular motorsports to Sin City. This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis talk about Formula One (F1) on the eve of the first F1 race in Las Vegas in over 40 years. They go over the possible economic benefits and the struggles Southern Nevadans … Continue reading "All gas no breaks: F1 in Vegas"
Episode 300!
November 07, 2023 21:42 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBA celebration of IndyMatters after 300 episodes, some big news from Editor Elizabeth Thompson and a discussion about the state of the news industry and the history of The Indy with CEO Jon Ralston, Co-Managing Editor Michelle Rindels, Spanish Editor Luz Gray and former Assistant Editor Jackie Valley. Host Joey Lovato - @Joey_Lovato_ Guests Jon … Continue reading "Episode 300!"
Ghost tours and Picon punches
October 31, 2023 21:19 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBA journey through Carson City’s past and a visit to some haunted places, followed by a history of Nevada’s (almost) state drink. This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Alex Couraud bring you two stories to mark Nevada Day and Halloween. Alex and reporter Carly Sauvageau take a haunted tour through the state’s capital and learn … Continue reading "Ghost tours and Picon punches"
Honestly, what the heck is going on in D.C.?!
October 25, 2023 20:23 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MBCatching up on House speaker chaos in D.C., learning about a furry friend in Nevada’s waterways, and a cyberattack on the Clark County School District (CCSD). This week, host Joey Lovato catches up with D.C. reporter Gabby Birenbaum as the two talk about the tumult of the House not having a leader for three weeks. … Continue reading "Honestly, what the heck is going on in D.C.?!"
Mayor Goodman retrospective
October 17, 2023 20:13 - 21 minutes - 15 MBAn interview with outgoing Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and a recap of the annular solar eclipse that passed over northeastern Nevada. This week, host Joey Lovato talks with reporter Carly Sauvageau about her interview with Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman – looking back on her career as mayor as she is termed out and … Continue reading "Mayor Goodman retrospective"
Highlights from our annual IndyFest
October 12, 2023 20:31 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBA recap of IndyFest 2023, The Nevada Independent’s annual conference focusing on politics and policy issues in and around Nevada. This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis take listeners through the highlights of several of the panels from IndyFest 2023, which covered everything from the repercussions of wildfires to the Read by Grade Three … Continue reading "Highlights from our annual IndyFest"
Discovering ‘Latinidad’ in Nevada
October 03, 2023 18:04 - 20 minutes - 9.56 MBThe Indy celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by profiling two Latino-owned businesses in Nevada and their impact on their communities. This week, host Alex Couraud and reporter Jannelle Calderon explore the history of Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the diversity that exists within the Latino community in Nevada. Alex chats with Gerzon Chaves, owner of Tiempo … Continue reading "Discovering ‘Latinidad’ in Nevada"
Cantaloupes!
September 26, 2023 20:14 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBThe Indy goes to Fallon for the annual Cantaloupe Festival, hosts a live event on the plight of local news and discusses Latino voter trends. This week, host Alex Couraud and reporter Carly Sauvageau head out to the annual Fallon Cantaloupe Festival and County Fair. After that, we have a short segment from our event … Continue reading "Cantaloupes!"
MGM faces cyberattack
September 19, 2023 21:50 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBMGM faces fallout after a major cyberattack, Republicans change messaging around vote-by-mail, and CCSD faces off with teachers union. This week, host Joey Lovato sits down with reporter Howard Stutz to talk about a cyberattack that MGM Resorts International faced, slowing hotel services and interfering with company operations. After that, D.C. reporter Gabby Birenbaum discusses … Continue reading "MGM faces cyberattack"
Confusion over Republican primary plans
September 12, 2023 22:05 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBWhat happens after Burning Man, Republicans face confusion before the primary/caucus and a quick news round-up. This week, host Joey Lovato talks with AP reporter Gabe Stern, who helped cover the aftermath of a very wet and muddy Burning Man this year. After that, D.C. reporter Gabby Birenbaum explains the complicated situation happening in Nevada … Continue reading "Confusion over Republican primary plans"
What’s going on with the A’s?
September 05, 2023 21:48 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBAn update on the A’s coming to Las Vegas, the effects of nuclear testing on “downwinders,” and a new elections newsletter. This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis chat with reporter Howard Stutz about the Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas. Then, host Alex Couraud chats with reporter Carly Sauvageau about her story on … Continue reading "What’s going on with the A’s?"
Hurricane fallout in Nevada
August 29, 2023 18:29 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBHurricane Hilary’s effect on Nevada, Las Vegas’ manufacturing industry problem and The Indy’s new education newsletter. This week, hosts Joey Lovato talks with reporter Amy Alonzo about Hurricane Hilary’s effect on Nevada. After that, host Alex Couraud talks with reporter Eric Neugeboren about how the manufacturing industry in Southern Nevada is struggling to find land … Continue reading "Hurricane fallout in Nevada"
Inside the 1990 campaign that keeps abortion legal today
August 22, 2023 17:19 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MBHow a 1990 campaign keeps abortion legal today in Nevada, challenges to expanding record sealing for low-level convictions after a veto, and the latest on Opportunity Scholarships. This week, host Alex Couraud talks with reporter Noel Sims about her historical research into a referendum passed in the ‘90s that helped secure abortion rights in Nevada today. … Continue reading "Inside the 1990 campaign that keeps abortion legal today"
Public lands vs. sprawl
August 15, 2023 17:59 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBHow the federal government sells off public lands, North Las Vegas uses AI to help translate during meetings, and Gov. Lombardo fights an ethics commission fine. This week, host Joey Lovato talks with reporter Gabby Birenbaum about a big story she’s been working on about how Congress privatizes federal land for Nevada's urban areas to … Continue reading "Public lands vs. sprawl"
Facing the Fentanyl Crisis: After the dust has settled
August 08, 2023 19:39 - 29 minutes - 20 MBHost Joey Lovato sits down with fellow reporters, the attorney general, public defenders and harm reduction advocates to recap how the Legislature tackled fentanyl. In the third installment of the Facing the Fentanyl Crisis series, host Joey Lovato talks with Indy reporter Sean Golonka and AP reporter Gabe Stern about what actions the Nevada Legislature … Continue reading "Facing the Fentanyl Crisis: After the dust has settled"
A trip through Nevada’s mushroom law
August 02, 2023 17:17 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBHost Alex Couraud and co-host Joey Lovato report on the psychedelic drug psilocybin in Nevada, taking listeners on a journey through the research, history and legalization efforts of “magic mushrooms” both in the state and nationally. In June, Gov. Joe Lombardo signed into law SB242, a measure authorizing a study into the therapeutic uses of … Continue reading "A trip through Nevada’s mushroom law"
What legislators were the most and least successful this session?
July 25, 2023 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBFoster care faces a shortage of homes in rural Nevada, The Indy analyzes the success rate of legislators' bills for the 2023 session and street vendors in Nevada get legitimized. This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Alex Couraud hear from KFF Health News reporter Jazmin Orozco Rodrigez about her story on the foster care system … Continue reading "What legislators were the most and least successful this session?"
Union negotiations break down in Clark County School District
July 18, 2023 17:48 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBThe CCEA and CCSD face an impasse in contract negotiations, data sheds light on voter turnout in Nevada and libraries in Washoe County face criticisms. This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Alex Couraud hear from education reporter Rocío Hernández about the ongoing contract negotiations between the Clark County Education Association and the Clark County School … Continue reading "Union negotiations break down in Clark County School District"
Trump in Nevada and Sam Brown runs for Senate
July 11, 2023 21:01 - 21 minutes - 15 MBThe struggle to find a new higher ed chancellor, Sam Brown announces his run for Senate and Trump visits Las Vegas. This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Jacob Solis discuss the Nevada System of Higher Education’s ongoing search efforts for a new chancellor after the Board of Regents decided not to move forward with any … Continue reading "Trump in Nevada and Sam Brown runs for Senate"
Fourth of July sparks friendly debate about Nevada
July 04, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBIndy staff participates in a lively debate between Northern and Southern Nevada, and one team member debates with the fine folks over at City Cast Las Vegas. This week, hosts Alex Couraud and Jacob Solis chat about their preferences in Northern and Southern Nevada, and then they jump over to a debate recorded a few … Continue reading "Fourth of July sparks friendly debate about Nevada"
LGBTQ+ Identities Color Rural Nevada
June 27, 2023 21:33 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBThe Indy explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ community members who live in rural Nevada, focusing on how smaller, rural places can be shaped by trans perspectives. This week, host Alex Couraud talks with Evie La Rue, Kimi Cole, Nathan Robertson and Fernando Gonzalez about their experiences as LGBTQ+ folks in Goldfield, Carson City, Ely and … Continue reading "LGBTQ+ Identities Color Rural Nevada"
A giant legislative recap
June 21, 2023 01:02 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBThe Indy’s legislative team goes over the entire 82nd session of the Legislature, from education to criminal justice, the budget and more. This week, host Joey Lovato sits down with legislative reporters Tabitha Mueller, Jacob Solis and Sean Golonka to go over the entire session. They’ll discuss the budget, K-12 education, higher education, criminal justice, … Continue reading "A giant legislative recap"
New staff, new session
June 13, 2023 19:23 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBThe regular legislative session wrapped up, but now a second special session is underway. Learn about the action in Carson City, The Indy’s two new team members, and the headway the Nevada delegation is making in Washington. This week, hosts Joey Lovato and Alex Couraud chat with legislative team members Jacob Solis, Sean Golonka and … Continue reading "New staff, new session"
We came, we sined, we died
June 07, 2023 22:32 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MBThe 82nd session of the Nevada Legislature has wrapped up, but there are still a few things left to do, and Team Indy has all you need to know. This week, host Joey Lovato chats with legislative team members Jacob Solis and Sean Golonka about the special legislative session Nevada is now in and how … Continue reading "We came, we sined, we died"
Budget showdown and extreme heat
May 30, 2023 21:52 - 23 minutes - 31.9 MBLegislative 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 … Continue reading "Budget showdown and extreme heat"
Facing the Fentanyl Crisis: Nevada’s search for solutions
May 23, 2023 22:15 - 40 minutes - 55.2 MBPart 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 … Continue reading "Facing the Fentanyl Crisis: Nevada’s search for solutions"
Facing the Fentanyl Crisis: Politics and practicality in Nevada
May 16, 2023 21:04 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MBA 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 … Continue reading "Facing the Fentanyl Crisis: Politics and practicality in Nevada"
Chugga chugga cha ching
May 09, 2023 17:31 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBThe 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 … Continue reading "Chugga chugga cha ching"
The education omnibus is upon us
May 02, 2023 18:48 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MBAn 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 … Continue reading "The education omnibus is upon us"
Deadline days and the Oakland A’s
April 25, 2023 19:59 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MBRolling 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 … Continue reading "Deadline days and the Oakland A’s"
Precipitation and legislation
April 18, 2023 19:07 - 21 minutes - 30 MBA 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 … Continue reading "Precipitation and legislation"
Monster trains and Mega Millions
April 11, 2023 20:37 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBRosen 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 … Continue reading "Monster trains and Mega Millions"
The building where it happens
April 04, 2023 21:45 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MBA 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 … Continue reading "The building where it happens"
Deadline 2.0 and legislative leaders talk shop
March 28, 2023 21:44 - 21 minutes - 30.1 MBIndyTalks 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 … Continue reading "Deadline 2.0 and legislative leaders talk shop"
The rules are made up, and the deadlines don’t matter
March 21, 2023 19:47 - 22 minutes - 30.3 MBDigitizing 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 … Continue reading "The rules are made up, and the deadlines don’t matter"
Nurse shortage, resort fees, and homelessness
March 14, 2023 21:58 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBA 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 … Continue reading " Nurse shortage, resort fees, and homelessness"