KUNR Public Radio

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12/12/2025

Las Vegas construction union leader, Vince Saavedra, made a misogynistic remark about Democratic Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch regarding her actions to kill the bill to significantly expand film tax breaks during the special legislative session last month, while co-hosting a recent podcast interview with gubernatorial hopeful, Democratic Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford.

La Rue Hatch told KUNR she found Saavedra’s comments “deeply disturbing and downright offensive. Misogynistic language has no place in our public discourse and should never be allowed to stand unchecked. Unfortunately, despite the first female majority legislature in the nation, misogyny still rears its ugly head in Nevada politics, and it is unacceptable.”

Erin Vilardi, founder and president of the national organization Vote Run Lead, acknowledged that Ford made a clear delineation from Saavadre’s comments, but said men must call out other men.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/y2rxz9wz
🎙️Reporting by KUNR’s Lucia Starbuck

The nonprofit Somos Votantes Education Fund, in partnership with the nonprofit Undo Medical Debt, erased more than $133 ...
12/11/2025

The nonprofit Somos Votantes Education Fund, in partnership with the nonprofit Undo Medical Debt, erased more than $133 million in medical debt for Washoe and Clark County residents through its Seeds of Relief program.

Medical expenses are the most common contributor to personal bankruptcies, according to the National Library of Medicine. Debt has big ripple effects, said Melissa Morales, the founder and president of the Somos Votantes Education Fund.

“People don't get the health care that they need, they don’t go to the doctor, they don’t get treated when they’re sick,” Morales said.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/2a8f9yc6
🎙️Reporting by KUNR’s Lucia Starbuck
📷Courtesy of the Somos Votantes Education Fund

New research shows that mountain regions around the world are warming faster than the lowlands below them. Scientists sa...
12/11/2025

New research shows that mountain regions around the world are warming faster than the lowlands below them. Scientists say that could have big consequences for the Mountain West, where communities rely on snow and ice for their water supply.

The study found that rising temperatures in high elevations are changing how winter works in the mountains: more storms are falling as rain instead of snow, and the snow that does accumulate is disappearing earlier in the spring.

Scientists warn this could strain ecosystems, increase wildfire risk, and intensify competition for water among farms, cities and tribes across the region.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/6nmee6s5
🎙️Reporting by Kaleb Roedel with the Mountain West News Bureau
📷Andrew Nixon / California Department of Water Resources

A new analysis from the nonprofit Headwaters Economics shows that many rural roads in the Mountain West may be more vuln...
12/11/2025

A new analysis from the nonprofit Headwaters Economics shows that many rural roads in the Mountain West may be more vulnerable to flooding than people realize. That’s because the culverts and stream crossings underneath them aren’t built to handle today’s storms.

One solution is known as stream-simulation design. Instead of forcing water through a narrow pipe, these crossings mimic the natural shape and flow of the stream.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/mutbu3px
🎙️Reporting by Kaleb Roedel with the Mountain West News Bureau
📷Getty Images

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) has launched a new program to help pet owners afford essential veterinary car...
12/09/2025

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) has launched a new program to help pet owners afford essential veterinary care, with the goal of keeping pets in their homes and out of the shelter system.

Grant funding is based on medical urgency and financial need. Pets must have a positive prognosis, and spay or neuter is required. All funding must be approved in advance and is paid directly to the veterinarian.

HSTT encourages pet owners to apply early, noting that timely treatment can often prevent more serious or life-threatening health problems.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/4ckvb9th
🎙️Reporting by Maria Palma
📷David Baileys / Getty Images

BREAKING: As of Monday, the Trump Administration has withdrawn controversial new funding guidelines for homeless service...
12/08/2025

BREAKING: As of Monday, the Trump Administration has withdrawn controversial new funding guidelines for homeless services.

On Nov. 14, HUD announced it would change its priorities from housing support to mandatory treatment for addiction and mental illness, including involuntary commitment. Local officials and advocates worry it could reduce funding for programs that help unhoused people get off the streets.

Since this story aired last week, HUD has withdrawn this grant guidance. Federal officials plan to release another update but haven’t said when.

Follow KUNR Public Radio for future updates. Stay tuned.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/3bsp2c9x
🎙️Reporting by KUNR’s Alejo Cruz and Bert Johnson
📷Alejo Cruz / data via Washoe County

Earlier this year, the Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) faced big delays when it came to federal funding, as ...
12/08/2025

Earlier this year, the Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) faced big delays when it came to federal funding, as well as changes to national rules for refugee resettlement.

After several months of waiting, the center’s refugee resettlement program is now fully funded through September 2026. With this support, the organization can begin rehiring staff.

In the coming year, the center plans to open an immigration clinic, expand English classes, and seek more private and international funding. It also hopes to launch leadership programs abroad and open a Washington, D.C. office.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/4x99wye4
🎙️Reporting by Maria Palma
📷Maria Palma / KUNR Public Radio and NNIC

12/04/2025

We'd love to hear about your most memorable gift!

Email our reporting intern Mariel Day at [email protected], call her at (775) 750-6923, or send us a message and your story might be aired on the radio.

We can't wait! 🎁🎄✨

12/02/2025

Today is Giving Tuesday and it’s the perfect time to support KUNR Public Radio.

After a challenging year, your generosity helps us continue to bring you the news and stories you count on. Your trusted voice for Northern Nevada and Eastern Sierra is powered by you.💙

Consider making a donation today ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/3p6jdzvx

A new study in the Rocky Mountains has found a steep drop in the number of young American pikas, which are small, high-a...
12/01/2025

A new study in the Rocky Mountains has found a steep drop in the number of young American pikas, which are small, high-altitude mammals known for their distinctive squeaks and rock-pile homes.

Researchers say the 50% decline could be an early sign of deeper ecological shifts as the climate warms.

Along with hotter summers, pikas are also facing lighter and less consistent snowpack, which historically insulates them during winter. On top of that, shifts in alpine vegetation may be affecting their food supply.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/2evzekc5
🎙️Reporting by Kaleb Roedel with the Mountain West News Bureau
📷RickP66 / Getty Images

After a year of financial trouble and staff cuts, the Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) has finally received t...
11/28/2025

After a year of financial trouble and staff cuts, the Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) has finally received the federal money it was owed. But it also comes with a major change in the center’s work.

Under a new federal policy, the U.S. is limiting refugee admissions to 7,500 per year, and many of those spots are being set aside for white South Africans.

The center’s executive director, Carina Black, said the staff does not agree with the policy, but accepting the new arrivals allows the center to continue its mission. The first Afrikaner families are expected to arrive in Reno in December.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/2eu8akxb
🎙️Reporting by Maria Palma
📷Northern Nevada International Center

Winter has been slow to arrive around Lake Tahoe, but recent snowfall is finally helping ski season take shape. Still, n...
11/27/2025

Winter has been slow to arrive around Lake Tahoe, but recent snowfall is finally helping ski season take shape. Still, not every resort is seeing the same conditions.

Heavenly Mountain Resort opened on Monday after getting more than 20 inches of new snow in the past week. Northstar is checking conditions day by day. Kirkwood plans to open on Dec. 5.

Palisades Tahoe has delayed its planned Nov. 26 opening and will announce a new opening date once conditions improve. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is already open.

🔗Hear the full story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/mvtz7r8n
🎙️Reporting by Maria Palma
📷Kat Fulwider / KUNR Public Radio

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