Politics and Policy

Amid the pandemic, it’s election season. The Nevada Legislature is expected to gavel in early 2021, and right now, we are headed into the primaries. Paul Boger spoke with KUNR’s Bree Zender, to give an outlook on the June 9 primaries.

Nevada is facing a budget crisis. According to estimates, sales and gaming taxes fell drastically during the state’s COVID-19 related shutdown in March and April, leaving a gaping budget hole for the current fiscal year ending June 30. So, how are lawmakers and others addressing the issue?

The U.S. House of Representatives passed new COVID-19 relief legislation that drops some restrictions to receiving aid, like requiring a social security number. KUNR’s Stephanie Serrano spoke to a Nevada resident who was ineligible for federal aid in the first go-around due to her husband's immigration status and is awaiting the Senate’s decision.

COVID-19 has changed just about every aspect of daily life over the past few months, and that includes Nevada’s June 9 primary. For the first time, the Silver State is holding a mail-in election to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. While many voters have already cast their ballot, others have questions. KUNR’s Paul Boger spoke with Wayne Thorley, Nevada’s deputy secretary for elections, to learn more about the primary.

This weekend some businesses and restaurants in Nevada will open for the first time since mid-March. It's welcome news for many owners that have struggled to get by in recent months, but for some Nevadans, the phased-in approach to reopening isn't moving fast enough. Some city and county leaders are making their displeasure known.

Nearly two-months after shuttering non-essential businesses in Nevada, Governor Steve Sisolak says the state will move into phase one of reopening at 12:01 am Saturday morning. That means retail establishments, restaurants, barbershops and salons across the state can reopen tomorrow, but not without some restrictions. To help us break down the governor’s order, KUNR’s Paul Boger spoke with Bree Zender about the changes.

Tens of thousands of DACA recipients are experiencing increased levels of emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials with the Nevada System of Higher Education are extending their support by debunking misinformation during a time when recipients nervously await the Supreme Court’s decision on whether or not to rescind the immigration policy.

Across the country, groups have taken to the streets in recent weeks protesting so-called “stay-at-home” orders meant to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. They argue the measures that are supposed to keep people safe are actually doing more harm to the economy. KUNR’s Paul Boger spoke with Lucia Starbuck who’s covered the local protests for our media partner This Is Reno.

Thousands of delegates were set to participate in Nevada’s Democratic county conventions over the weekend. But like nearly every aspect of life over the past month, the novel coronavirus pandemic has forced party leaders to push the process online.

The Washoe County Commission is backing a potential lawsuit meant to overturn emergency restrictions on antimalarial drugs used to treat COVID-19.

When will Nevada reopen its economy? That's on all of our minds right now. On April 21, Gov. Steve Sisolak discussed what criteria must be met for that to happen, but he didn't give a set timeline and there's still a lot left up in the air. KUNR's Michelle Billman and Bree Zender discussed what the benchmarks to reopen look like.

The U.S. Congress is putting together another stimulus package — its fourth — in an effort to lighten the heavy effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Catherine Cortez Masto is one of Nevada’s senators. She spoke with KUNR’s Bree Zender about what’s in the works.

Nevada lawmakers have approved a plan to spend $8.2 million in state money to address the COVID-19 pandemic.