Q&A with Nevada Week Host Amber Renee Dixon

Q: Nevada Week recently won an Emmy for reportage about how drought conditions have been pushing Nevada's own state mammal out of the region. How did it feel getting recognized for your work on this story?

A: I felt grateful. Our story was one of 11 nominees in the Environment/Science – News category. The video, which included desert bighorn sheep dangling from helicopters, was so compelling, and the subject matter explored not only the tangible impacts of drought but a unique relationship between conservation and hunting.

Q: On the topic of environmental coverage, an important deadline is looming for the Colorado River users this October. If states can't settle on an agreement, federal rationing guidelines will kick in. Who might be some of the people we might see and hear from on Nevada Week about that?

A: Southern Nevada Water Authority general manager, John Entsminger, is a frequent guest on Nevada Week. He also represents Nevada in the negotiations taking place between the seven states that use the Colorado River. Colby Pellegrino, also with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, is a Las Vegas native and provides perspective on how dramatically Lake Mead water levels have changed in her lifetime. From the Las Vegas Review-Journal, we enjoy having water reporter Alan Snel on the show. He follows not only Nevada’s role in Colorado River water negotiations but also what the other states involved are saying, doing and thinking.

Q: Midterm elections are coming up, including a closely-watched gubernatorial race between Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo and Democratic challenger Aaron Ford. What do you think Nevadans are going to be considering on the way to the polls, and how do you plan to cover those issues?

A: I think Nevada voters will prioritize the cost of living (including housing) and education when they cast their ballots in the midterm elections. Governor Lombardo ran on a platform of wanting to be known as "Nevada's Education Governor," and we will explore what he’s accomplished in this area during his tenure. We will also examine the current campaign promises of each candidate and compare their stated goals to how they’ve voted in the past on similar issues.

Q: The Nevada State Legislature returns in 2027. With a Democratic legislature and Republican governor, much of 2025's legislation was vetoed by the governor. Might there be increased partisanship or rifts between lawmakers when they head to Carson City?

A: There might be, and whoever wins the governor’s race will play a part in that. If Governor Lombardo retains his seat and Democrats maintain a majority (but not a veto-proof supermajority) in the Assembly and Senate, bipartisanship will be necessary to get anything of significance done.

Q: Nevada Week recently launched a dedicated segment about brain health. Tell us a little about that.

A: According to the state, Nevada has one of the fastest growing populations of people over 65 living with Alzheimer’s disease in the country. Tremendous research surrounding dementia diagnosis, treatment and prevention is taking place in the state and so our coverage is highlighting that while focusing on practical methods of prevention. I’m particularly proud of Nevada Week’s role in educating our viewers about Alzheimer’s disproportionate impact on women. In this season of Nevada Week, we’ll also be looking at what policies the state can implement to help people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Q: Why is a public affairs program like Nevada Week important to our community?

A: Where do I begin? Well, prior to Vegas PBS, I worked in commercial television news for more than 10 years. The standard amount of time that television journalists get to tell the story that they’ve likely worked on all day is one minute and 30 seconds. It’s nearly impossible to adequately cover any topic of substance in that amount of time. On Nevada Week, we’ve identified the most pressing issues the state is facing, and we find credible, expert voices to explain the numerous angles that often make up these issues. Nevada Week is 26 minutes long, and I think its slogan could very well be: If you want to feel smart, watch Nevada Week.