Christopher Alvarez

Las Vegas

Multimedia Content Producer and Reporter at KNPR-FM (Las Vegas, NV)

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Articles

New Nevada law aims to close retirement gap for private workers

2 days ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

If you don’t have a retirement plan through your job, you’re not alone. Nearly 300,000 workers in Nevada lack access to a workplace retirement plan, according to the most recent estimate by AARP Nevada. But that could soon change. During the 2023 legislative session, Governor Joe Lombardo signed Senate Bill 305, which created a new state-facilitated retirement savings program. It’s called the Nevada Employee Savings Trust — or NEST — and it officially launches on July 1.
As AI transforms industries, how can it impact gambling in Las Vegas?

1 week ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

With artificial intelligence in just about everything now, researchers are starting to question how the speed and efficiency of this powerful tool can influence behavior. At UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, Kasra Ghaharian, director of research, just co-authored a study on unregulated AI systems and how they might exploit and prey on vulnerable gamblers. Guests: Kasra Ghaharian, director of research, International Gaming Institute, UNLV
Nevada's Taylor Wilson fused atoms at 14 - now he has a podcast

2 weeks ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

Reno-based nuclear physicist, Taylor Wilson, is not your typical scientist. Back in 2008, at just 14 years old, he achieved nuclear fusion… in his garage. Since then, he’s met former President Obama, earned major awards, and has worked on some seriously ambitious experiments. These days, his focus is on the potential of nuclear energy and radiation to do good — in areas ranging from medicine to clean power.
School’s out, summer’s in - where to go for family fun in Las Vegas

3 weeks ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

It’s summertime in Las Vegas — and that means school’s out. For many families, it’s a reason to spend some quality time together. But in a city built for tourists, packed with luxury hotels and big-ticket entertainment, what is there for locals — especially families — to actually do? Believe it or not, from indoor escapes to outdoor adventures, there’s something for just about everyone in the Las Vegas Valley.
Housing bill clears Nevada Senate, heads to Governor’s desk

3 weeks ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

On June 2, the Nevada Housing Access and Attainability Act passed in the state Senate and is now headed to the desk of Gov. Joe Lombardo, who is expected to sign it into law. The bill aims to increase affordable housing and speed up home construction across Nevada. Lombardo introduced the bill in April, but the version lawmakers approved differs from his original proposal.
Nevada’s trying to fix education-again. Will this time be different?

1 month ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

It’s no secret Nevada’s education system has long taken a backseat to powerhouse industries like tourism and entertainment — and the consequences are clear. The state consistently ranks near the bottom nationwide. According to U.S. News & World Report, Nevada is the 14th worst state for education overall and ranks fourth worst in Pre-K through 12th grade. It also faced the worst teacher shortage in the nation for the 2023-2024 school year.
In the 5 years since George Floyd's death, what has changed in Las Vegas?

1 month ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

May 25 marks five years since George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police, sparking protests about police conduct nationwide, including in Las Vegas. In the aftermath of that movement, what, if anything, changed about the Black experience in Las Vegas? What reforms have police made? Did George Floyd’s killing at the hands of Officer Derek Chauvin really change police behavior? The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said they couldn’t join us for this discussion.
Two Las Vegas owners talk about what Trump's tariffs mean for small business

1 month ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

Since President Donald Trump’s self-proclaimed “Liberation Day” in April, when he announced massive tariffs on international imports, those policies have been altered several times. The Washington Post reported Trump officials have announced new or revised tariff policies more than 50 times, and Trump has issued more than a dozen tariff-related executive orders. Tariffs are taxes. And since those taxes are passed down businesses, then consumers, it has businesses worried.
Inside the housing legislation moving through Nevada’s legislature

2 months ago | kunr.org | Christopher Alvarez

In April, Governor Joe Lombardo introduced the housing access and attainability act that he says will increase availability of homes and generate about 4 dollars for every one dollar invested. This comes at a time when the median price of a home in Nevada is at the record of $485,000. It's also at a time when the rate of evictions in Las Vegas is around 13 percent.
Reported ICE activity in Las Vegas raises alarm for immigration advocates

2 months ago | knpr.org | Christopher Alvarez

Federal immigration agents have reportedly been detaining people throughout the Las Vegas valley, with the help of the federal agents. But where and how are they arresting people? Videos of stops and detainments are circulating online, and while government and immigration attorneys have been urging education over panic, it’s scaring many Nevadans and alarming immigrant advocacy organizations.