IndyMatters

Mike Willden, chief of staff for departed Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, looks back on an exceptionally long career in Nevada state service and the major changes he's seen along the way, including implementing and then defending a Medicaid expansion against repeal efforts in 2017. With reporters Riley Snyder and Michelle Rindels.

In this week's episode of IndyMatters, Nevada Independent reporter Daniel Rothberg sat down with UNR President Marc Johnson, who shared his thoughts on the future of the university as it sees increasing enrollment and pushes for a top-tier research status.  Johnson also discussed his views on free speech amid tension on campus over how to regulate hateful speech and maintain a culture of inclusion.

Editor Jon Ralston and reporter Riley Snyder chat with newly appointed state Sen. Dallas Harris, a PUC lawyer who reveals how she voted on Question 3, what she thinks about arguments that state workers should not be allowed in the Legislature and much more. Come for the issue to and fro, stay for Riley betraying his alma mater ("University of Nevada at Reno") and Jon saying he wants the senator to be sued. Then, Jon and Managing Editor Elizabeth Thompson discuss the new senator and the state budget debate to come.

Attorney General-elect Aaron Ford sat down with Editor Jon Ralston and reporters Michelle Rindels and Riley Snyder to discuss his plans to try enacting a stalled voter-approved gun background check law and to defend the state’s marijuana industry against any potential federal crackdown. 

Editor Jon Ralston and Managing Editor Elizabeth Thompson chat about early voting, the U.S. Senate race, the governor's race and much more. There is passion, information and humor.