KUNR Public Radio: Local News Feed

Nevada ranks first in the nation in job growth, according to a recent Gallup survey. But as Reno Public Radio’s Noah Glick reports, state leaders say there’s still much work to be done.

The 33rd annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is underway in Elko. Reno Public Radio’s Noah Glick is there and reports this year, event organizers and performers are putting more of an emphasis on storytelling. Pray our blessing, our amen and all together find our way oh my tribeswomen, my tribesmen For there’s but one way back to glory, oh kith and kin, and that’s through story. Andy Wilkinson delivered the keynote address, or in this case, keynote poem, Thursday. He’s an artist in residence

A new report shows student growth and achievement are not necessary for Nevada's teachers to be rated as effective. Nevada is one of 30 states that require student growth factors to be a portion of a teacher's evaluation. Growth is measured as the academic progress a student makes between two points in time, typically year over year. However, according to research conducted by the non-partisan National Council on Teacher Quality, state policy does not actually require any particular score on the

For the first time since the Great Recession, the City of Sparks is creating a strategic plan for arts and culture. Reno Public Radio's Michelle Billman reports. The city is home to the Sparks Heritage Museum, a new venue called the Restless Artists Theatre, and The Generator, a maker-space where many Burning Man artworks are crafted. Francine Burge, with the city, says this is not the first attempt to create a long-term vision. "We've had a few committees and a few strategic plans, but I think

Washoe County is being sued by the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Governing Board over the county’s proposed legislation to gain more representation on that board. Our reporter Bob Conrad, of ThisisReno.com , has the story. The planning board has 10 members -- four from the city of Reno, three from Sparks and three appointed by the county. The bill draft request to the legislature, approved by the commissioners, would change that composition. Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler says no entity

Washoe County has been inundated with complaints about its new agreement with Waste Management and the company's difficulty serving customers during winter weather. Our reporter Bob Conrad, of ThisisReno.com , has the details.

For the first time since record-keeping began, Nevada is no longer among the top ten states with the highest suicide rates. In 2015, 558 people in the Silver State took their lives. Historically, Nevada has had some of the highest suicide rates in the nation. But according to the latest data collected by the Centers for Disease Control, Nevada is seeing improvement. Misty Vaughn Allen is with the state Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Suicide Prevention. She spoke with Reno

Education Savings Accounts have become an incredibly controversial topic in Nevada since lawmakers approved the voucher program in 2015. So far between 8,000 and 9,000 students have signed-up for the program despite a Nevada Supreme Court decision striking down the state's previous attempts to fund the ESA’s. Jumping, clapping and waving bright yellow scarves on the steps of the amphitheater at the State Capitol in Carson City, hundreds of children danced to the music of Justin Timberlake as

Local economic leaders are warning of major gaps in affordable housing if the region fails to ramp up its development efforts. Reno Public Radio’s Noah Glick reports.

Faith-based leaders from Northern Nevada are voicing their opposition to a pair of executive orders designed to limit immigration and refugee resettlement in the United States. Reno Public Radio's Paul Boger has more. President Donald Trump is moving forward with his signature campaign issue to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Many politicos believe the promise helped Trump set himself apart from other Republicans candidates during last year's primaries. But some in Northern Nevada are