KUNR Public Radio: Local News Feed

Lee en español. Washoe County School teachers and students are returning to school and trying to adapt to a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district's approach to reopening schools includes individualizing materials and maintaining social distance in the classroom, which might be uniquely challenging in special education classrooms. KUNR’s Stephanie Serrano caught up with an elementary school special education teacher and has this story.

The United States Postal Service recently underwent operational changes that have caused mail delays across the country, worrying voters. But, the Postmaster General said it was not his intention to suppress votes.

Structural changes within the United States Postal Service have caused concern across the country, and locally. On Saturday, people rallied in front of the post offices in Reno, Sparks and Carson City to support the Postal Service, including its role in the upcoming election, and the delivery of essential services. KUNR’s Lucia Starbuck covered the rally in Carson City.

Sweeping changes to federal rules governing the investigation of sexual misconduct on college campuses finally took effect earlier this month. Sprawled across more than 2,000 pages of legal guidance, the changes cap a years-long regulatory march by the Education Department under Secretary Betsy DeVos toward reversing Obama-era rules governing such investigations.

Back in April, KUNR talked with multiple small businesses in Gardnerville about the early impacts of COVID-19 on their operations. At that time, Lindsey Torres, the co-owner of Carson Valley Dental Arts, was concerned about being unable to treat non-emergency patients and not having enough hours for her employees.

Hunter Rand works as a video production and broadcast journalism instructor at Spanish Springs High School in Washoe County. He’s only been a teacher for one school year, so the pandemic has already impacted a significant portion of his teaching career. KUNR reporter Natalie Van Hoozer spoke with Rand to explore how he’s been preparing for school starting back up.

Back in April, KUNR talked with Alycia Tanner, the owner of This and That Marketplace in Gardnerville, about the impact of COVID-19 on her business. This and That Marketplace is a retail location that hosts many small businesses selling a variety of home goods, along with refurbished furniture and other items. Previously, Tanner expressed concern about low sales and declining foot traffic. KUNR’s Jayden Perez checked back in with Tanner to see what’s happened since then.

The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly stopped spring sports earlier this year, and now, the Mountain West has announced it is postponing all fall sports. It's unclear if and when they will resume. KUNR’s Stephanie Serrano spoke to Lawson Hall, an inside linebacker for the Wolf Pack, whose senior season is on the line.

Lee en español . When it comes to immigration, Americans have a lot of misconceptions about immigrants. That’s one of the findings from a new national survey released Thursday from Public Agenda, USA Today and Ipsos Hidden Common Ground.

Student-athletes of color chasing the dream to play at the college level are faced with the harsh reality that most college towns are in predominantly white cities, like Reno. Finding a sense of belonging can be hard, but many find a trusting community in private areas, like the locker room, and in some cases, it becomes a space to escape racism. Editor's note: This story contains offensive and racist language.