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Bert Johnson
Reno/Tahoe Reporter
Bert Johnson is a reporter and producer based in Reno, where he covers the state legislature and stories that resonate across Nevada. He began his career in journalism after studying abroad during the summer of 2011 in Egypt, during the Arab Spring. Before he joined Nevada Public Radio and Capital Public Radio, Bert was a contributor at KQED and the Sacramento News & Review. He was also a photographer, video editor and digital producer at the East Bay Express. He also previously worked as a producer on Insight with Beth Ruyak.
Bert likes tinkering with bikes, backpacking the Sierra and studying Spanish, which has helped him cover stories in Mexico City and Puerto Rico.
Tribal Governments Excluded From Nevada Mining Tax Deal, Advocates Say
June 9, 2021
Native Americans say they were left out of negotiations that led to a new tax on gold and silver mining — and the revenue it generates — from their own ancestral lands.
Nevada Democrats Make Vote-By-Mail Permanent, Expand Automatic Voter Registration In Final Days Of Session
June 4, 2021
Nevada Democrats passed sweeping election reforms during this year’s legislative session, which wrapped up at midnight on Memorial Day.
Nevada Lawmaker’s Refusal To Follow COVID-19 Rules Shows Influence Of Conspiracy Theories On GOP, Experts Say
May 26, 2021
Experts say a recent spat between a Nevada assemblywoman with far-right sympathies and Democrats in the statehouse illustrates the influence conspiracy theories have had on mainstream politics.
‘A Tax On The Poor’: Nevada Lawmakers Consider Removing Jail Time For Unpaid Traffic Tickets
May 6, 2021
Nevada is one of just 13 states where an unpaid ticket can land people in jail. For the fifth legislative session in a row, lawmakers are weighing a bill that would decriminalize minor traffic violations.
Nevada Bill To Outlaw Ghost Guns Could Reduce Violent Crime In California
April 19, 2021
Officials in both states say unmarked, privately-manufactured firearms are showing up at crime scenes in growing numbers — and threatening public safety.
Last Summer, Nevada Lawmakers Promised More Criminal Justice Reform. Here Are Some Of The Bills They’re Considering
April 14, 2021
Following a special legislative session dealing with police reform, legislators promised they weren’t done. Here are some of the bills they’re considering in the 2021 regular session.
Nevada Lawmakers Buck National Trend, Seek Expanded Voter Access
April 9, 2021
The state’s Democrat majority is looking to adopt universal mail balloting.
Native Issues Getting More Attention In Nevada Legislature, But Leaders Say Representation Still Lacking
April 2, 2021
Nevada lawmakers are considering several bills that would directly affect Native Americans, but advocates say the state is still behind the curve when it comes to responding to tribal residents’ needs.
Nevada Seeks To Address ‘Equity Crisis’ In COVID-19 Vaccine Access
February 23, 2021
State data shows early vaccine rollout has disproportionately gone to white Nevadans. But public health officials hope a new coalition will help ensure more equitable access moving forward.
Following Winter COVID-19 Surge, Nevada Restarts Phased Reopening
February 12, 2021
A spike in COVID-19 cases prompted Nevada to pause its reopening plan in November. Now that trends are improving, it’s ready to start loosening restrictions again.