Brian Bahouth

Any one of three joint resolutions passed during the recent special session of the Nevada Legislature could ultimately change the way and rate at which mines are taxed in Nevada, and rural counties and mining companies are worried. As a warning, this story contains language that some readers may find offensive.

Researchers at the Desert Research Institute in Reno are teaming up with League to Save Lake Tahoe citizen scientists to find the source of microplastics in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Sierra Nevada Ally reporter Brian Bahouth has the story.

A 60-game Major League Baseball season is poised to get underway later this month, but Minor League Baseball Triple-A affiliates across the nation recently announced that their 2020 season has been canceled, and that includes the Reno Aces. Contributor Brian Bahouth of the Sierra Nevada Ally reached out to the team’s general manager to break down the details. 

While many communal activities are on hold during the pandemic, for some, none is more important than Little League Baseball. Contributor Brian Bahouth with the Sierra Nevada Ally has the story.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is making final regulatory preparations to reopen casinos as soon as June 4. Our contributor Brian Bahouth with the Sierra Nevada Ally reports. 

On Thursday, Governor Sisolak will meet with the Intertribal Council of Nevada to discuss issues related to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Our contributor Brian Bahouth with the Sierra Nevada Ally reports.

With the launch of a community-based testing program next week, Elko County Commissioners are optimistic Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak will soon initiate Phase Two of the Nevada Roadmap to Recovery. Contributor Brian Bahouth of the Sierra Nevada Ally has the details.

The Reno Aces are sizing up what a 2020 season might look like. Sierra Nevada Ally reporter Brian Bahouth has the story.

On Saturday, many retail businesses across the state reopened for the first time in 51 days, after having been shuttered due to nonessential business closures in mid-March. Brian Bahouth of The Sierra Nevada Ally visited Virginia City as several shops opened their doors.

Even though Nevada cannabis companies have been deemed essential businesses and continue limited operations, due to the federal prohibition on marijuana, none of the companies are eligible for federal small business relief. Our contributor Brian Bahouth with the Sierra Nevada Ally reports that some companies may not make it without a lifeline, even with the recent allowance of curbside pickup.

The Domestic Violence Resource Center in Reno saw an unprecedented increase in the number of domestic violence hotline calls in March, and as Sierra Nevada Ally reporter Brian Bahouth reports, the trend continues in April.

A brothel owner in Wells, Nevada has been awarded a federal emergency loan to keep her brothel alive during the mandated shutdown of nonessential businesses to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. But contributor Brian Bahouth of The Sierra Nevada Ally says that funding is not currently available.

Washoe County is prepared for a surge of COVID-19 patients who cannot self-isolate.

If a homeless person living in the Downtown Reno Events Center develops COVID-19 symptoms or diagnosis, they lack the ability to self-isolate. Likewise, an infected individual living with an elderly or immune compromised person may struggle to find a safe place to wait out the sickness.

Real estate agents in Northern Nevada have long relied on virtual technology to sell houses, and under the restrictions of safe social distancing, the industry continues to churn. Brian Bahouth of The Sierra Nevada Ally spoke with the president of the Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors about what’s next for her members and industry.

Since the first of March, airline passenger volume in the United States has dropped by more than 80 percent. People are still allowed to fly, and freight terminals are busy, but the passenger numbers at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport are down to a trickle and the airport reaches deep into the regional economy.

Reno’s homeless shelters closed on March 21 because social distancing protocols could not be safely maintained. The City of Reno opened the downtown Reno Events Center to provide safer housing for approximately 400 people, but the increased complexity and cost of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic is driving an anticipated budget deficit for shelter operators, that may well surpass $1 million.

During an online press conference Sunday afternoon, Governor Steve Sisolak announced a statewide residential and commercial eviction moratorium. 

Over the weekend, the Reno area’s largest homeless shelters closed in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The City of Reno opened the downtown Reno Events Center for more spacious, emergency housing. While many took advantage of the new lodging, some are afraid of the close confines of mass shelters, no matter the size.

Bars and restaurants are a central part of Reno’s Midtown District, which is now grappling with the 30-day, statewide shutdown of all non-essential businesses ordered by Governor Steve Sisolak.