COVID-19
Sisolak: Virus doesn’t discriminate, people shouldn’t either
Gov. Steve Sisolak is pushing back against racism directed toward the Asian-American community amid the health crisis caused by COVID-19. Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus, Asians have become the target of racism, hate and vitriol with people like President Donald Trump referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese Virus.” News outlets from around the […]
Congress clears 2nd major coronavirus package; 3rd in the works
WASHINGTON — A second major coronavirus package cleared the U.S. Senate Wednesday and is now headed to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bill passed 90-8, with overwhelming bipartisan support. The multi-billion dollar measure aims to slow the spread of a new coronavirus and stimulate the economy as a major recession looms. The package […]
What’s considered an essential business? Here’s what we know
Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Tuesday all “non-essential” businesses across the state should shut down by noon Wednesday in order to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis. He stressed the importance of social distancing (meaning staying six feet away from one another) and rebuked a question from a reporter who asked about potential loopholes, saying in no uncertain […]
Carolyn Goodman is not helping
Everyone hates everything about this, and wants it to end as soon as possible. That includes Carolyn Goodman. Unfortunately, she’s defeating her own purpose. Wednesday at a City Council meeting, the Las Vegas Mayor called on the governor to rethink the decision announced Tuesday to close down casinos, bars and other “nonessential” businesses for 30 […]
Union leader: No trickle-down bailout
Members of UNITE HERE, including 60,000 workers of Culinary Local 226, are in immediate need of unemployment benefits, health care, food, housing and sick leave, says president D. Taylor. “I represent 300,000 members but I’m speaking on behalf of millions of workers,” Taylor said during a Wednesday morning teleconference with reporters. He also wants workers […]
With little relief in sight, small business owners wait in limbo
The employees at Big B’s Texas BBQ had been wiping down every hard surface in the restaurant every 30 minutes. After every customer, they were cleaning and re-cleaning. Their cashier was wearing and changing gloves regularly. The picnic tables that make up the seating in their dining area were already spaced out, but they considered […]
Public officials try to offer assurances
Questions for Nevada Rep. Susie Lee and local officials during a tele-town hall Tuesday reflected the palpable anxiety in Southern Nevada — and that was before Nevada announced the closures of non-essential businesses for 30 days. “We have a small business in Vegas and we closed down voluntarily to protect our employees and everyone else, […]
Sisolak orders casinos, non-essential businesses closed
Less than three weeks after declaring he had no intention of ever banning tourists or building a wall on the California/Nevada border, Gov. Steve Sisolak is building that wall, albeit figuratively. “This is not the time for casinos to remain open,” Sisolak announced at a news conference Tuesday. “All gaming machines will be shut down […]
State insurance exchange opens special enrollment period
The Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, the state-based marketplace created through the Affordable Care Act, is offering a special enrollment period through April 15. The announcement comes days after Gov. Steve Sisolak signed a declaration of emergency in response to the increased number of positive COVID-19 cases. “I am calling on all uninsured Nevadans, even […]
Community resources in Southern Nevada for people affected by coronavirus
Here are some of the ways state and local governments, non-profit organizations and businesses are trying to help people. This list will be updated as more information becomes available. Financial Unemployment: Nevada has waived the work search requirement and the seven-day waiting period for people filing for unemployment. The unemployment insurance claim filing system is […]
Nevada isn’t closing too much. It’s closing too little.
Whatever you think of Wallet Hub, Nevada’s poor showing in its ranking of the “Most Aggressive States Against the Coronavirus” released Tuesday makes sense. The more a state’s workforce is employed in accommodations, food service, entertainment & recreation, the lower the state ranks. Nevada ranked 50th in that category, in a two-way tie with Hawaii. […]
Reno to shut down bars, nightclubs, gyms and restaurants to combat coronavirus
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, Reno is shutting down bars, nightclub, gyms and restaurants, Mayor Hillary Schieve announced Monday. In an afternoon press conference, the mayor phrased the effort as a shutdown of “non-essential” businesses and said grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and medical would remain open. Later, the city issued […]