KUNR

Amid Rising Rents In Washoe, More Seniors Are Struggling

More than a third of Washoe County residents are 50 years or older. Across the country, the aging population is experiencing unprecedented growth. A recent report from the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies found the nation is unprepared to meet the housing needs for seniors. Reno Public Radio’s Anh Gray explores how the lack of affordable housing in Northern Nevada is impacting low-income seniors in particular.

Image quote reading: "In order to buy a median-priced home, a family must make $72,000 a year and put down a 20 percent down payment. That's a 21 percent jump from the same time last year."

Priced Out: An Overview of Issues Affecting Affordable Housing in Northern Nevada

Interview: Lander County Schools Facing Financial Challenges

Despite Being Remote, Eureka Schools Lead State in Academics, Graduation

By Paul Boger • May 7, 2018

Eureka County is among the few districts in the state that can boast a 100 percent graduation rate. It also has some of the highest reading and math scores as well as the state's highest average ACT score. With fewer than 300 students, the Eureka County School District is among the smallest and most remote in the state. Despite its size, students there out-perform their peers in larger districts.

South Lake Tahoe to Allow Two Cannabis ‘Microbusinesses’

By Kaleb Roedel & Claire Cudahy • May 4, 2018

An image of marijuana in a display case at a dispensary. — Michelle Matus

The City of South Lake Tahoe will allow two cannabis "microbusinesses," a model being described as the "craft breweries of cannabis." Our contributor Kaleb Roedel of the Northern Nevada Business Weekly has the story.

Amid Opioid Epidemic, New Mental Health, Addiction Treatment Hospital Opens in Reno

By Kaleb Roedel • May 3, 2018

Nevada DHHS Director Mike Willden, left, Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital CEO Steve Shell, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, and VOA Northern Nevada Regional Director Pat Cashell participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony — Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

A new mental health and addiction treatment hospital has opened in south Reno. This news comes as Northern Nevada continues to grapple with the opioid crisis. Our contributor Kaleb Roedel of the Northern Nevada Business Weekly has the story.

Interview: Elko Mayor Discusses the Future of Area's Economy

By Paul Boger • May 2, 2018

In rural Nevada, two industries dominate local economies -- agriculture and mining. Nowhere in the state is that more true than in the city of Elko. As the largest municipality in Northeastern Nevada, Elko plays a special role in shaping the economy for the rest of rural Nevada.

Rural Nevada Towns, Counties Slow To Adopt Pot

By Paul Boger • May 2, 2018

A vast majority of Nevada's cannabis dispensaries are concentrated in either Clark or Washoe Counties. There's also a handful in Fallon, Carson City and Pahrump– as well as a few others on tribal land, but cannabis retailers have yet to open a shop in most of rural Nevada.

KUNR Goes to Fly Geyser

By Bree Zender & Joey Lovato • May 2, 2018

The infamous Fly Geyser, situated on the private land north of Gerlach, has been closed to the public for nearly two decades. But now, the land's new owners – the Burning Man Project – are opening the geyser for public viewing. Reporters Joey Lovato and Bree Zender got a rare chance to check out the Geyser. Take a virtual road trip to see the landmark that has been popular for nature photographers but rarely seen by the public.

Rural Nevada Luring Business While Facing Labor Shortage, Housing Crunch

By Michelle Billman • May 1, 2018

The Northern Nevada Development Authority attracts new businesses and supports existing businesses in Lyon, Douglas, and Storey Counties, along with Carson City. The organization has reduced the vacancy rate of industrial spaces across that region from 26 percent back in 2010 to about 3 percent today, though challenges remain. Our News Director Michelle Billman spoke with the organization to learn more about what they’re grappling with as they continue expanding economic growth in these smaller communities.

Homes Or Gardens? Developers And Urban Farmers Grapple Over Vacant Land

By editor • Apr 28, 2018

Vacant lots dot lower-income neighborhoods across the country. In many cities, urban growers have planted in those lots, repurposing abandoned city land into gardens with farmers markets and healthy food.

But cities often still register such plots as "vacant," which allows them to be snatched up by housing developers. In communities where both housing and fresh food are needed, the fight over valuable vacant land is prompting policy reform — and tense collaboration — between developers and gardeners.

City of Reno Approves New Affordable Housing Project

By Noah Glick • Apr 26, 2018

A new affordable housing project is set to begin near downtown Reno.

Reno Public Radio's Noah Glick reports.

See Reno's New Flag

By Noah Glick • Apr 26, 2018

The city of Reno officially has a new flag. The Reno City Council Wednesday unanimously approved the new design created by Reno native Tucker Stosic. The Reno Arts and Culture Commission had asked residents this year to submit and vote on potential new flags online. The website received dozens of submissions and more than 1,000 comments and 1,500 votes. The new flag will officially be unveiled at the Reno Aces game on May 9, in honor of Reno's 150th birthday.