On today’s show, Kristen and Bob break down a packed local news week: The ongoing Lear Theater debate, a fresh round of NV Energy refunds and climate grades, the city of Reno scraps a much-anticipated data-centers meeting while Sparks presses ahead. There was also an ADU ordinance hiccup, and we do a rundown of our Nevada Press Association awards for the year. This episode was recorded Sept. 27, 2025.
Lear Theater proposal sparks process questions
- Reno City Council discussed an unsolicited proposal to renovate the historic Lear Theater; the city previously estimated at least $17M in repairs and must coordinate with the State Historic Preservation Office.
- Confusion over the agenda language—specifically a “potential sale” reference—prompted criticism from the Historical Resources Commission chair; historian Alicia Barber noted “sale” wasn’t in the proposal. A public “Lear Summit” is now being planned to broaden input.
NV Energy’s refunds, billing errors and a climate grade
- After misbilling residential categories for years, NV Energy issued $5.4 million in initial refunds and now says about $32M more will be credited to overcharged customers, roughly $40 million total.
- In Sierra Club’s “Dirty Truth” report, NV Energy received a “B,” amid discussion of coal retirements and added natural gas power.
City of Reno cancels Oct. 1 meeting; Sparks presses forward
- A long-anticipated Oct. 1 meeting on data centers was removed from Reno’s calendar; the city cited a need for a “regional approach.”
- Those partners already meet via the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency.
- In Sparks, council members discussed a pause/moratorium and directed staff to draft development standards; business voices urged a single regional rule set.
ADU ordinance delayed by drafting error
- Reno’s accessory dwelling unit ordinance—recently amended to remove a short-term-rental ban—was postponed after an entire section was accidentally struck between readings; an attentive public commenter spotted the mistake.
In our newsroom: awards roundup
- We discuss our seven Nevada Press Association honors this year, including Editorial of the Year, plus prior SPJ recognition and photo/story awards.
This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.
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