Local Stories

Advocates for Nevada Personhood Initiative Have Different Strategies for Success

Over the past six months, two different groups have filed six different petitions to place a Personhood question in front of voters in November. KUNR's Kate McGee examines each group's strategy and that of their opponents...

Self-Driving Cars: Nevada a Pioneer in Governing New Technology

The Nevada Legislative Commission has approved new regulations that govern the use of autonomous vehicles—self-driving cars. Reno Public Radio’s Michael Hagerty reports how Nevada’s DMV is pioneering the regulation of technology that’s closer to hitting the streets than you might think.

Jazz Brunch Sunday February 19th

The Scot and Graham Marshall Group will be performing from 11 am to 1 pm at the Nevada Museum of Art.

City of Reno Unveils New Website to Increase Transparency

The City of Reno launched a new website, TransparentReno.com, to make it easier for citizens to access information about city finances.

200 Open Positions at Nevada Department of Corrections Reveals a Job Difficult to Fill

Nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the country, but the state's Department of Corrections has 200 job openings. More than half of those are for prison guards.

Meet the Candidates: Mitt Romney

In preparation for Saturday's Nevada Republican Caucus, KUNR's Kate McGee looks at each GOP candidate coming to the Silver State and their chances of victory in the first Republican campaign race in the West.

Meet the Candidates: Ron Paul

Meet the Candidates: Newt Gingrich

Meet the GOP Candidates: Rick Santorum

Reno City Council Approves Mobile Food Truck Regulations

The Reno City Council unanimously approved regulations to mobile food vendors in the city on Wednesday. The ordinance will be read for a second time February 8th.

Vice President Joe Biden to Discuss College Affordability in Reno

Two days before the Democratic caucus in the Silver State, Vice President Biden is travelling to Reno to talk about college affordability.

Nevada Attorney General Holds First Domestic Violence Review Meeting

Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto held the first state Domestic Violence Fatality Review meeting Thursday in Reno.

City of Reno, Food Truck Vendors Compromise on Some Proposed Mobile Food Regulations

Food Truck Vendors and officials with the City of Reno compromised on some of the proposed regulations for food trucks in the city. The Reno City Council is slated to vote on the regulations Wednesday.

Jazz Brunch this Sunday January 15th, 2012

The Russ Patrick Band featuring Drummer Russ Patrick and his 5 piece swing band will be playing at the Jazz Brunch this Sunday. Come join Danna O'Connor for some great weather and music.

Washoe County Health District Launches New Anti-Smoking Campaign

The Washoe County Health District is using the New Year as a way to get smokers to put out their cigarettes and quit smoking.

Reno Air Racing Association President Testifies in front of NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board held a hearing Tuesday in Washington about air show and air race safety regulations across the country.

US Post Office Holds Public Meeting to Discuss Possible Closure of Reno Processing Center

The United States Postal Service is looking to close the Reno processing center as part of a nationwide plan to reduce costs. But local employees and customers aren't happy about the plan.

Reno City Council Recommends New Ward Map for Approval

2010 Census figures show Reno's population has shifted, which means the City council must reorganize its five wards.

Crews Continue to Contain Two Thousand Acre Caughlin Wildfire

A wind-whipped wildfire starting early Friday morning, quickly spreading to 2,000 acres and displacing over 9,500 residents.

Reno City Council Chooses Design for Virginia Street Bridge

The City Council approved the 'Pony Truss' bridge design from five options. Three were static bridges and two were moveable. But the city still has a long way to go before construction can begin.

UNR Again Recommends Board of Regents Close Fire Science Academy

Budget cuts and a tough economy have forced the University of Nevada, Reno to again recommend the Board of Regency close the Fire Science Academy in Carlin.

Plan to Shift Part of Golf Course onto California Parkland Causes Controversy

A plan from the California Parks Department to shift part of the Lake Tahoe Golf Course away from the Upper Truckee River to the Washoe Meadows State Park is causing controversy among some residents.

Nevada Casino Winnings Drop 6 Percent in September

Casinos across the state won $864 million in September, with the state collecting over $51 million in taxes. But winnings still dropped nearly 6% from September 2010.

Nevada Chosen to Help Create Teacher Evaluation Program by National Governor's Association

The National Governor's Association has chosen four states and territories, including Nevada, to create a state-wide teacher evaluation system.

Reno Planning Commission Recommends Plan to Rezone Part of UNR Farmland

A plan to rezone 104 acres of the University of Nevada, Reno's Mainstay farm was recommended for approval by the Reno Planning Commission Wednesday night.

Nevada Public School Students Show Improvements in Math, Science

The National Assessment of Educational Progress shows Nevada students are improving, but still lag behind students across the country.

Nevada Lawmakers Introduce New Export Initiative for Businesses

Nevada officials are encouraging businesses in the state to sell their products internationally. They've announced a new initiative to help local business owners take those first steps.

Court Hearing to be Held on Nevada Redistricting Maps

Nevada Democratic lawmakers approved a new redistricting plan Monday. A court panel is holding a hearing Thursday before a district judge to discuss the maps.

Nevada's Role in 2012 / Hospital Consolidation

Aired 10/14/11 - Host Brandon Rittiman talks with experts about the spat between Nevada and New Hampshire over early primaries. Also, a look at why consolidating hospitals in Reno may not hurt competition as much as you might think.

Saint Mary's For Sale?

The Reno area's second-largest hospital appears to be up for sale. What does that mean for healthcare in our area and can a buyer help fix the bottom line?

Nevadans' Shrinking Incomes Lead Nation

New figures from the US Census Bureau show Nevadans lost more income than residents of any other state.

Nevada Redistricting Process to Include Public Input

Open meetings will be held next month to give the public a chance to weigh in on Nevada's redistricting process, which is being run by the judicial branch.

11 Dead After Reno Air Race Crash

An airplane lost control and dove into a seating area at the Reno Air Races Friday. It left 11 dead and dozens more seriously injured.

Reno Postal Service Plant Targeted for Closure

Nearly 300 jobs are at stake if the mail processing plant closes. The proposal would force mail sent from one part of Reno to another to first pass through Sacramento.

Mark Amodei Heads to Washington

Mark Amodei did a few media appearances and then flew to Washington the day after winning Nevada's special election. He joined in the sport of interpreting what his win means for the 2012 presidential race in Nevada.

Amodei Wins Seat in Congress

Republican Mark Amodei enjoyed a more than 20-point victory over Democrat Kate Marshall in Tuesday's special election. He hopes to take office this week.

Project Aims to Revitalize Sutro Street

A $1 million Federal grant will help revitalize Sutro Street between Mill Ave. and McCarran Blvd. The hope is to go beyond a typical road improvement project and give business a boost in the area.

Reno Pair Arrested for Counterfeit "Washing"

Reno police say you should be on the lookout for fake $100 bills. These are harder to detect than others, because they were made by "washing" real bills of smaller value.

Polling Places Change For Many Washoe County Voters

If you wait until election day, Sept. 13 to vote in the upcoming special election, you may have a different polling place than you used in November. Here's how to find yours.

What Will the Future Virginia Street Bridge Look Like?

Reno's iconic Virginia Street bridge is set to be torn down and replaced. The City of Reno wants to know which new bridge design you like best and why.

Nevada Demands Changes in Effort to Protect Lake Tahoe

Nevada threatens to break up it's forty-year partnership with California to safeguard Lake Tahoe. Reno Public Radio News Director Brandon Rittiman reports for NPR News.

Rescue Gone Wrong: Three Die Going Over Waterfall in Yosemite

Three friends fell to their deaths when they went into the river above Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park. Two of them died attempting to rescue others.

Sponsor Creates Free Reno Air Races Game

A sponsor of the Reno Air Races released a new video game that lets you pilot a racing plane. It comes in the form of a free smartphone app.

Get Paid For Your Old Fridge

Don't throw away that clunky old refrigerator or freezer! If you get your power from NV Energy, the company will buy your old fridge and haul it away for free to be recycled. For a link to the program, read on.

Yosemite Cracks Down on Scalping Problem

Scalpers are snatching up $20 campsite reservations and selling them online for as much as $120 per night. Reno Public Radio's Brandon Rittiman goes on assignment for NPR's Morning Edition.

Winter Olympics: Pyeongchang 2018, Reno-Tahoe 2022?

As South Korea celebrates a winning bid to host the Winter Olympic Games, ambassadors from the Reno-Tahoe area position themselves for a possible bid for 2022.

New Ramp Meters on I-80

Reno will have the area's first ramp meters on three eastbound onramps of Interstate 80.

Army Guard Prepares for Fire Season

Go aboard a Blackhawk helicopter as pilots with Nevada's Army National Guard train with firefighters on the ground to be ready for the fire season ahead.

Unclaimed Casino Vouchers Help State Budget

Nevada lawmakers approved an interesting new way to help balance the state budget. Brandon Rittiman explains they passed a bill that takes money that gamblers throw away.

76th Legislative Session Ends

The 76th legislative session ended with a budget deal and plenty of last-minute action on controversial bills.

Governor and Lawmakers Reach Budget Deal

Governor Brian Sandoval and state lawmakers reached a budget compromise on Wednesday, which is expected to bring the legislature to a close by its deadline.

K-12 Budget Goes to Governor's Desk

Democrats passed a K-12 funding bill that adds $700 million to the figure Gov. Sandoval proposed spending on Nevada's public schools.

Gov. Sandoval's Special Address

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval gave a special address to the state Tuesday night, drumming up support for his budget plans.

K-12 Budget Debate Turns Ugly in Assembly

In the first of a series of large-scale committee hearings on Governor Brian Sandoval's budget cuts, Democrats and Republicans argued late into the night Tuesday. It ended in a stalemate.

Some Lobbyists Re-file After KUNR Investigation, Others Being Scrutinized

In the wake of a KUNR investigation into business relationships between lawmakers and lobbyists at the Nevada Legislature, some lobbyists have re-filed their registrations to disclose the relationships. Others contend their relationships are not direct enough to compel disclosing.

KUNR Investigation: Lobbyists Don't Report Business Relationships

In a KUNR Special Report, Brandon Rittiman looks into the disclosures required of lobbyists at the Nevada Legislature. We found several business associations with lawmakers went unreported and that the disclosure law leaves some gray zone.

Mining Taxes / LGBT Issues

Why not tax mining companies more to balance the budget? Host Brandon Rittiman discusses with Tim Crowley from the Nevada Mining Association. Also, a look at policy bills that could affect the LBGT community.

Part 2 of UNR's Cut Plan Released

The University of Nevada, Reno announced the second part of its plan to cut nearly $40 million. These cuts would result in 70 more jobs being cut.

Lawmakers Hold Education Hearing at UNR

A few hundred students showed up Thursday to a joint budget subcommittee inside Lawlor Events Center.

Parents of Autistic Kids Worried About State Cuts

A hearing on autism policy shed light on a lack of funding to help autistic kids. Brandon Rittiman reports.

Casino Vouchers / State Credit Downgrade / Student Protests

AIRED 03/25/11 - Host Brandon Rittiman talks about a proposal to take the money gamblers throw away, the downgrade of Nevada's credit rating, and how much influence students really have over higher ed funding.

Sharron Angle Steps Up Campaign Early

Seemingly undaunted by her loss last year to US Senator Harry Reid, Republican Sharron Angle says she's "getting back on the horse." She's campaigning early in a bid for the US House of Representatives.

Students Protest Against Higher Ed Cuts

Hundreds of students took to the capitol complex Monday in Carson City to protest cuts to higher education. KUNR’s Brandon Rittiman reports students are making a bigger presence for themselves than we’ve seen in past rounds of cuts.

Rape Victim Advocates for Concealed Weapons on Campus

Amanda Collins was raped on the UNR campus in October 2007. She had a concealed weapons permit at the time, but didn't have her gun because weapons aren't allowed on campuses in Nevada. SB 231 would change that.

Nevada Legislature Makes Major Decisions in Secret

Reporter Sandra Chereb of the Associated Press takes an in-depth look at the Nevada Legislature's habit of hashing out the big details in a back room, rather than in the hundreds of public meetings it holds along the way.

Why Mining Taxes Won't Likely Be Changed

Mining taxes have long been a bone of contention throughout Nevada's recession. Brandon Rittiman explains changes to those taxes aren't likely.

Lawmakers Scrutinize Education Funding

Lawmakers had an intense discussion about paying for education at the Nevada Legislature. Teachers are upset about a proposal that would undo pay raises for continuing their own educations.

Special Report: Why Nevada Doesn't Have a Big Union Fight

With all the attention on unions and collective bargaining in states like Wisconsin, why isn't Nevada's republican governor pushing a similar agenda?

Democrats Call on Governor to Revise Nevada Budget

Democrats say the Governor's plan to tap into school districts' bond reserves is flawed and leaves his budget with a $425 million hole.

Dems Push For New Teacher Evaluations

Democrats in the Nevada Legislature rolled out a series of bills aimed at improving the way teachers are evaluated. The idea is to make it easier to get rid of bad teachers while rewarding those who perform well.

Panel Proposes Restructuring Nevada's School System

A blue ribbon task force gave its report to the education committees of Nevada's legislature. They recommend, among other things, scrapping the current board of education.

Reid Calls for End to Legal Prostitution

Speaking to a joint session of Nevada's legislature, Sen. Harry Reid (D) called on lawmakers to outlaw prostitution in the state. Nevada is the last state where brothels operate legally.

Jockeying Begins Over Higher Ed Funding

A joint hearing at the legislature brought out some passionate discussion on funding for higher education. Nevada Chancellor Dan Klaich told lawmakers not to do anything to the Millennium Scholarship.

Poll: Nevada Voters Support Tax Increase

A new poll by the Retail Association of Nevada shows that support for new taxes is at an all-time high.

Dems Propose First Change to Sandoval's Budget

At the Nevada legislature Tuesday, Democrats announced their first serious attempt at changing Governor Sandoval’s proposed budget.

V-day: We Challenge Lawmakers to Say Something Nice About Political Opponents

With the legislature up and running on Valentine's day, we put a challenge to lawmakers from both sides: tell us something you love about the other side.

HHS Director: Healthcare Exchange Could Stay if Reform Law Dies

Nevada's Health and Human Services Director Mike Willden says he's talking to Governor Sandoval about keeping the healthcare exchange required by the controversial healthcare reform law, even if the US Supreme Court strikes the law down.

Will Tax Reform Take a Backseat to the Budget?

The Nevada's Legislature's tax committees held their first meetings Tuesday. They focused on a breakdown of the current budget situation, rather than looking at proposals to change any taxes.

Legislature Launches New Web Tool to Track Session

The new program called "NELIS" will give you more access to the materials lawmakers have when making decisions and make it easier to track bills and issues.

Ceremony Opens 2011 Nevada Legislature

The 2011 session of Nevada's legislature began Monday in Carson City. Day one was mostly ceremonial, though committee meetings start up first thing Tuesday.

76th Legislature Begins

Monday marks the first day of Nevada's 120-day legislative session. The budget will be the biggest issue for lawmakers to deal with, but they'll also have to deal with redistricting and a large number of policy issues.

Friday on BTH: School Cuts and the GOP Tax Debate

This Friday at 9am, host Brandon Rittiman sits down with Washoe County Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison to go over proposed cuts to schools. We'll also explore what's going on in the GOP camp ahead of the session with Nevada's senior senator and newest senator both live in the studio. Senators Dean Rhoads and Greg Brower will take your calls.

Lawmakers Explore Mental Health Cuts

On Tuesday, Nevada legislators hears passionate testimony about the potential harm that cuts to mental health services could cause.

Mixed Reaction to College Cuts

Of all the cuts proposed by Gov. Brian Sandoval, the reduction in spending on Nevada's higher education system seem to be causing the most buzz.

Bracing For Cuts, Reno Area School District Freezes Spending

Effective Wednesday, Washoe County School District is under a spending freeze. They don't know how much of a cut they'll be facing when the legislature is done with the budget, but they don't want to make the problem worse.

Lawmakers Begin Budget Hearings

Nevada's legislative session doesn't begin until February 7, but in the meantime legislative leaders are holding informational hearings to get up to speed on the impact of Gov. Brian Sandoval's proposed cuts.

Sandoval, Democrats Posturing After Budget Proposal

After Monday night's State of the State address, we heard ultimatums from both sides of the aisle. Can they craft a budget agreement even if they won't back down from their big issues?

What's in Gov. Sandoval's Budget?

Governor Sandoval's first state of the state address is important, but more important than his words are the budget proposals behind them. They include big cuts, some creative one-time funding, and shifting the problem down to local governments.

Amber Alert Issued for Reno Boy

UPDATE: SUNDAY 1/23/11 8:30AM: The missing boy was found overnight and safely returned to protective custody, according to police. Police found him with his mother in the Sun Valley area. Officers say they were forced to use a taser on the mother during a brief struggle on the scene, but they were able to arrest her.

Chancellor Predicts Millennium Scholarship Will Survive

In an interview you'll hear on KUNR's "Beyond the Headlines," (airs 9am Friday 1/21/11) Nevada Chancellor Dan Klaich says those predicting an end to the Millennium Scholarship should think again.

Sandoval Took $100k From MGM Casinos

Nevada law says campaigns can only take a maximum of $10,000 from any one contributor. So how is it that Gov. Sandoval's election campaign got ten times that much from MGM? Brandon Rittiman explains.

Greg Brower Appointed to Nevada Senate

On Tuesday, the Washoe County Commission unanimously voted to pick Greg Brower (R) to become the newest Nevada Senator. He fills the vacancy left by the retired Sen. Bill Raggio.

Washoe Commission Picks Brower for Senate

UPDATE 1/18/11 1PM. Former Assemblyman Greg Brower was appointed the next State Senator. More detail to follow soon.

Tax Cut = Tax Increase?

Gov. Brian Sandoval has plans to let the tax package enacted by the last legislature expire. Trouble is, that would cause taxes on some businesses to go up. Brandon Rittiman explains how.

Sen. Bill Raggio Resigns

Nevada State Senator Bill Raggio announced his resignation Wednesday. He'll leave office on January 15.

Gov. Sandoval Takes Office

Brian Sandoval was sworn in as Nevada Governor Monday. He's painting an optimistic picture as the state's budget crisis looms.

Tree Recycling Underway

Itching to put the outdoors back outdoors? Here's where to get rid of your Christmas tree, the eco-friendly way.

Free Light Show For the Holidays

Looking to get out of the house for a little while this Christmas? Here's a fun show that you can take in for free.

Nevada Picks Up Seat in Congress

The first big wave of data from the 2010 US Census came out Tuesday.

Local Governments Strategize Ahead of Legislative Session

In Nevada, state lawmakers aren’t the only people who can propose a bill. Several constitutional officers and even local governments get to request bill drafts before the legislature meets in February. But as Brandon Rittiman reports, it’s a power a couple local governments are passing on this time around.

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