This Is Reno Radio: Recent Episodes

This Is Reno

Podcast from Reno, Nevada featuring news, interviews, analysis and more. The host is Bob Conrad, This Is Reno's publisher and editor.

Welcome back to the This Is Reno Podcast, hosted by us — Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth — This Is Reno’s editors.

Broadcasting on KWNK Community Radio at 97.7 FM in Reno and available wherever you get your podcasts, we have another dive into the biggest stories shaping Reno and Northern Nevada.

This episode explores the growing backlash over Flock automated license plate readers, Reno's effort to crack down on illicit massage parlors tied to human trafficking, NV Energy's legal fight over proposed data centers, the latest in the Anna Scott murder case, campaign transparency questions in Nevada's Congressional District 2 race and the public reaction to Gold 'N Silver Inn's reopening.

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Hosts Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad return to discuss several of the week's biggest stories affecting northern Nevada.

We discuss the debate surrounding proposed federal changes to public grazing regulations, Washoe County's long-awaited updates for equine businesses, state of Nevada classified employee staffing proposals, NV Energy's transmission line project and Jacobs Entertainment's newest development plans.

Along the way, we opine on how public participation, transparency and local planning continue to shape Reno's future — including observations about cattle, horse regulations and giant LED signs.

🔊 Listen to this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, BuzzSprout and KWNK Community Radio at 97.7 FM every Sunday at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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This Is Reno’s Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad are back with a slate of big news items from the past couple weeks. We start with corrections from our last show before diving into election updates, expanding surveillance technology in the Reno area, local government accountability, nonprofit failures and high-profile cases in local court.

Listen to this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, BuzzSprout and KWNK Community Radio at 97.7 FM every Sunday at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Note: This podcast discusses crimes of alleged sexual assault and may not be suitable for everybody.

Corrections and election updates
Two points from the previous episode about Reno's mayoral election rules and Jim Marchant's involvement in the 2020 election controversy get corrected. We then review finalized primary results, discuss several competitive local races heading toward the general election, and we comment on the extremely low voter turnout and what it could mean for November.

Sparks approves new license plate readers
The Sparks City Council's decision to replace Flock Safety license plate readers with Axon's platform drew considerable controversy. City officials argue the switch offers stronger privacy controls and greater local oversight.

The new Oddie Boulevard project is suffering
After residents raised concerns about neglected landscaping and unsafe bike lanes along Oddie Boulevard, city of Sparks officials said they lack resources to address maintenance backlogs. We suggest Sparks consider a permanent municipal goat squad to address vegetation concerns. Then we backtrack on that idea.

Proposed EV and hybrid registration fee
Washoe County officials are considering an advisory ballot question to add registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles to help fund road maintenance. We mull fairness, declining gas tax revenue, alternative funding ideas and the challenges of creating an equitable system.

Tripling down on ‘Eddy Plaza’The unnecessary but continuing controversy surrounding redevelopment proposals for Reno's City Plaza, reveals slightly modified, heels-dug-in messaging from The Eddy’s owners. Residents are encouraged to submit competing ideas for maintaining activation of the downtown space.

Rupert Murdoch court transparency case
The long-running Rupert Murdoch family trust litigation in Washoe County was opened to the public last week, but few actually attended the court hearing. We discuss the Nevada Supreme Court's ruling on the case’s being sealed from the public, the media's fight for court access and why public access to judicial proceedings remains important.

City of Reno’s new website features broken links and 404 pages
The city of Reno's newly launched website featured numerous broken links and missing pages, causing problems in finding basic information. Beyond the technical issues, we argue that government websites should prioritize reliable public access over cute features.

Reno City Clerk investigation
Reno City Clerk Mikki Huntsman was placed on administrative leave last week while an outside investigation is underway. We explain why we chose not to publish unverified rumors, emphasizing the importance of confirming information and responsible reporting.

Northern Nevada Literacy Council’s closure
We broke the news on the abrupt closure of the Northern Nevada Literacy Council, and it draws comparisons to other recent nonprofit failures. We discuss possible causes, including financial mismanagement, leadership challenges and the broader difficulties facing nonprofit organizations.

The Taji Hillson criminal case
We provide an extended update on the Taji Hillson case, reviewing the recent bail hearing, the prosecution's reliance on alleged confessions, possible false confessions and the presumption of innocence. We also compare the case with past wrongful convictions while discussing prosecutorial discretion and broader criminal justice concerns.

Listen to the podcast about Cathy Woods: https://www.buzzsprout.com/883765/episodes/4958240

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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Reno voters delivered a strong message in the 2026 primary election, and the results could reshape local government for years to come. This Is Reno editors Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad analyze the mayoral race, county commission contests, school board elections and the surprising defeat of some incumbents.

We also discuss the backlash over a proposal involving Reno's City Plaza, summer heat concerns, Washoe County School District decisions and efforts to improve Nevada's public records laws. Throughout the episode, they examine how local issues are influencing voter sentiment and what those changes could mean heading into November.

Listen to this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, BuzzSprout and KWNK Community Radio at 97.7 FM every Sunday at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Reno voters: A desire for change
The biggest story of the election was Kate Marshall's dominant performance in the Reno mayoral race. She is headed for a runoff against Council member Kathleen Taylor, but her commanding primary lead over the rest of the field suggests many voters are looking for a new direction at City Hall. We discuss the struggles of incumbent-backed candidates, public frustration with development issues and whether growing dissatisfaction with the status quo contributed to the results.

Several local contests remained too close to call at the time of recording, including Reno's Ward 2 council race and a Washoe County School Board seat. We note that Reno's political landscape may look considerably different by the end of the year.

DA’s race: A major upset
One of the most consequential races was challenger Wes Duncan's strong showing against longtime Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks. We outline the concerns raised during the campaign about prosecution policies, court backlogs and leadership within the district attorney's office. The race, we argue, reflected dissatisfaction from a broad coalition of groups that do not often find themselves aligned politically.

Surprises emerge across county and statewide contests
We also discuss several unexpected outcomes including Mike Clark's apparent defeat in the Washoe County Commission race, Teresa Benitez-Thompson's wide lead among Democrats in the Congressional District 2 primary and the emergence of key statewide matchups all signal an eventful election season ahead.

City Plaza proposal sparks community backlash
A controversial proposal involving Reno's City Plaza generated some of the strongest public reactions we have seen in some time. Bob discusses why residents pushed back so forcefully against the idea presented by The Eddy’s owners, the plaza's role as a community gathering space and what the debate reveals about public attitudes toward downtown redevelopment.

Summer heat returns early
Summer is healing up with the region seeing July temperatures in mid-June. Kristen covers local cooling resources, fan distribution programs for seniors and practical advice for avoiding heat-related illnesses. We also mention sun hoodies as an underrated survival tool during Reno's hottest months.

School district approves key contracts and projects
Several big decisions were made by the Washoe County School District, including approval of Superintendent Tiffany McMaster's contract and plans for future facilities projects. We clarify confusion surrounding WC-1 funding and explain what district leaders approved regarding administrative facilities and the long-term future of Wooster High School.

Redevelopment agency changes
Attention then turns to governance changes at the Reno Redevelopment Agency. Kristen highlights changes that will allow the city manager to designate an executive director for the agency and concerns about oversight, contracting authority and accountability.

Public records debate continues at the state level
We conclude with Bob’s update on Nevada's Public Records Task Force and ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency. Bob mentions tension between government agencies and public records requesters, and we argue that transparency remains one of the most important issues facing government at every level.

This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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Hosts Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad catch up on several weeks of major Northern Nevada stories in the latest This Is Reno podcast — from proposed RTC transit fare hikes and Washoe County budget concerns to heated debates over data centers, housing growth and police department leadership changes.

We also dive into the complaints surrounding the Sierra Reflections development, Reno’s temporary data center moratorium and how AI is changing local journalism.

There are changes proposed by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, including planned RTC Access fare increases from $3 to $4 per ride and raising the qualifying age for senior mobility services from 60 to 65. We raise the optics of cutting senior benefits while simultaneously approving an 8% salary increase for the RTC executive director ahead of retirement.

Sierra Reflections development sparks backlash
The controversial Sierra Reflections housing project south of Pleasant Valley has more than 2,000 residents opposed to the development. We discuss concerns about traffic, mercury-contaminated dust and ethics complaints filed against county commissioners over campaign contributions tied to developers.

Reno police leadership and department culture
We discuss the appointment of Corey Solferino as Reno’s new police chief without a formal national search process. The episode also explores allegations raised by retired officer Gabe Smith regarding departmental culture, training deficiencies and accusations involving officer misconduct. We also revisit broader concerns about transparency and public records delays by the city of Reno.

County budget pressures
A lengthy portion of our chat focuses on the Washoe County Board of Commissioners budget discussions for fiscal year 2027. We explain how staffing levels remain below pre-recession highs despite population growth, while county officials increasingly rely on AI tools and efficiency measures to stretch limited resources.

New Washoe County development code updates encouraging smaller single-family homes under 1,200 square feet through density incentives. This is an attempt to address affordability challenges, changing household sizes and aging population trends while debating the aesthetic and traffic impacts of newer housing developments across the valley.

The data center moratorium debate and AI use
We discuss the Reno City Council’s temporary moratorium on new data center applications after intense public opposition. Environmental groups, tribal members and residents raised concerns about water use, energy consumption and long-term sustainability, while union representatives and industry supporters defended the projects for providing jobs.

We take a turn to respond to a call that This Is Reno stop using AI, explaining how AI assists with transcription, fact-checking and meeting coverage while emphasizing that all content is still reviewed and edited by humans. We argue that AI allows small local newsrooms to produce more public-interest reporting despite shrinking resources and declining local news ecosystems, and that there is no way to escape using AI in running a digital news publication.

‘A seat at the table’
Kristen has an appearance on “A Seat at the Table” hosted by congressional candidate Greg Kidd to discuss news deserts and the collapse of local journalism coverage in Northern Nevada. We reflect on the challenges independent media organizations face in maintaining community accountability reporting.

Finally, we wrap up election-related coverage with a discussion about the county’s new centralized Registrar of Voters warehouse. There is expanded security, equipment consolidation and increased public observation space designed to improve election administration ahead of the June primary election while joking about inevitable conspiracy theories surrounding ballot counting.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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Reno teacher Shaughn Richardson and retired California educator Sue Granzella discuss in this special episode her book “Pushed to the Edge: Teacher Stories from the Culture Wars.”

The educators discuss how the pandemic accelerated teacher burnout, how school board politics have transformed classrooms and why many educators feel increasingly unsupported and targeted. Granzella also shares firsthand accounts from teachers across California dealing with book bans, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, parental backlash and threats tied to culture war controversies.

The discussion also explores teacher shortages, education funding, union support, and the widening gap between what educators are expected to do and the resources they actually receive. They talk how classrooms evolved from the 1980s through the pandemic era, including increased administrative demands, technology changes, smartphones, AI, and growing pressure on educators. Sue describes how expectations kept piling onto teachers without support being removed elsewhere.

The pandemic
Sue recounts the emotional exhaustion of teaching during COVID-19, including delivering supplies to students’ homes, learning new technology on the fly, supporting multilingual families, and participating in contentious union bargaining sessions. She explains that repeated shifts between virtual and hybrid learning ultimately pushed her into retirement.

After retiring, Sue says the Proud Boys disrupting a Drag Story Hour event near her former school inspired her to begin interviewing teachers across California. What started as outreach to hear educators’ stories eventually became a book documenting how political and cultural conflicts are affecting schools.

Sue explains how she cold-emailed teachers across urban, suburban and rural California districts seeking stories about harassment, censorship and classroom conflicts. She says many educators initially hesitated out of fear or trauma but eventually agreed to share their experiences anonymously.

Navigating political pressure
The conversation shifts toward how teachers balance following district rules with protecting students and teaching honestly. Sue describes educators learning education law in detail to defend themselves against complaints and investigations, while others stay silent out of fear of losing their jobs.

Shaughn and Sue discuss how school board races have become central battlegrounds in national political conflicts. Sue shares stories from Temecula, California, where organized political groups backed school board candidates pushing anti-CRT and anti-diversity policies. Teachers and community members responded by organizing recalls and running their own campaigns.

Despite burnout and threats, Sue says she was inspired by how deeply committed many educators remain to students and public education. She describes teachers continuing to organize, speak publicly, and support one another even after facing harassment and intimidation.

When asked what advice she would give younger educators, Sue encourages them not to isolate themselves. She says finding supportive colleagues and maintaining strong professional relationships is essential for surviving the emotional demands of teaching.

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In this May 7, 2026 episode of the This Is Reno podcast, hosts Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad dive into a packed week of local news, ranging from controversial Reno Police Department training records to growing frustration over city spending priorities, homelessness statistics and the future of the historic Lear Theater.

Episode description
We unpack new details surrounding questionable training records involving command staff at the Reno Police Department. Ongoing investigations are examining whether mandatory police training requirements were properly completed and documented, according to several sources. Training records obtained by This Is Reno were called “bizarre” by members of local law enforcement.

We also discuss criticism over Reno’s proposed police budget increase, public frustration with surveillance technology partnerships and calls from residents to prioritize housing, mental health response services, and community investment over expanded policing.

The episode covers Washoe County’s developing heat mitigation plan, renewed controversy over the future of the historic Lear Theater and ongoing concerns about how local officials present homelessness data to the public.

Throughout the show, we highlight a growing disconnect between local government leadership and frustrated residents who feel their concerns are increasingly being ignored.

Also included is our May Day protest coverage and the acting Reno Police Chief’s response to resident concerns about Flock license plate readers.

We conclude by reflecting on rising tensions in Reno surrounding affordability, governance, policing and public trust. Across multiple issues, residents increasingly want greater transparency, accountability and involvement in decisions affecting the community.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad break down several major local stories shaping Reno and Washoe County. Topics include Reno’s reversal on regulating data centers, allegations of mismanagement within Washoe County housing and homeless services, the Washoe County School District superintendent search, ethics questions involving the District Attorney’s Office and renewed controversy over the Lear Theater. We also preview our 2026 local election guide and examine RTC’s attempted land negotiations involving Wooster High School.

Reno data center debate intensifies
Reno City Council’s unanimous decision to begin developing standards and requirements for data centers came only after months of public concern. Residents have raised issues about water use, power demand, tax incentives, noise and limited long-term job creation. We discuss political tensions surrounding calls for a moratorium and shifting positions by one local politician.

Tahoe timeshare trouble
A legal dispute involving Club Tahoe involves owners who alleged long-running governance problems, poor maintenance and lack of transparency from board leadership. A judge appointed outside oversight to manage elections and operations.

Downtown Reno noise complaints continue
Recent code enforcement complaints focused on loud bass and vibration from events near J Resort and Glow Plaza. A city of Reno employee filed a code complaint. He reported shaking walls and windows from music events.

Washoe County internal investigation
A bit portion of this episode centers on an internal investigation involving Washoe County Housing and Homeless Services. An internal report described billing issues, contractor payment concerns and operational problems affecting shelters. We discuss county criticism over release of the report and public accountability questions.

School district superintendent search
Washoe County School District’s decision to move forward with a single internal candidate rather than conduct a national search has drawn criticism. We discuss whether succession planning provides stability or limits competition and transparency in leadership hiring.

Ethics complaint against district attorney
An ethics complaint has been filed against District Attorney Chris Hicks involving allegations connected to workplace hierarchy and family employment relationships. The complaint stems from Bob’s investigation into nepotism allegations against Hicks.

Election guide preview
We preview our local election guide featuring candidate responses to reader-submitted questions. Key topics include climate change, food systems, housing and services for older residents. The guide focuses on Reno-area races and legislative seats.

Lear Theatre frustration grows
There are continued delays over the future of the historic Lear Theatre. After public engagement sessions and multiple past studies, city leaders opted to issue another request for proposals rather than commit to stabilization or redevelopment.

RTC and Wooster High School land proposal
A Regional Transportation Commission agenda item proposed negotiations to purchase part of Wooster High School property for a replacement transit facility. The item was later pulled after the school district said it had not been notified.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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This week's This Is Reno podcast covers a range of Reno and Washoe County news, from a whip craft art exhibit at the Holland Project to local political and legal developments.

Hosts Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth discuss the Washoe Republicans' decision to endorse primary candidates despite criticism, a months-long investigation into alleged nepotism in the Washoe County District Attorney's office and a federal lawsuit filed by former interim Registrar of Voters Carrie Ann Burgess alleging retaliation.

🎨 "Whip Craft" exhibit and Reno’s whip ban
A new exhibit called "Whip Craft" has opened at the Holland Project, highlighting the art and craft of whip making. Reno has a whip ban in place, but incidents of whip cracking continue, including one observed recently near the Wells Avenue bridge.

🏛️ Washoe Republicans and primary endorsements
Commissioner Mike Clark raised concerns that the Washoe County Republican Central Committee — roughly 120 members out of approximately 100,000 registered Republicans in the county — voted to endorse candidates in primary elections, a practice both Clark and the national group Red Move discourage.

⚖️ DA's office nepotism investigation
Bob details a months-long investigation into alleged nepotism in the Washoe County District Attorney's office. The series centers on DA Chris Hicks and his wife, Nicole Hicks, who was promoted to a chief deputy position in December 2024, placing her in a direct reporting line under her husband.

📋 Carrie Ann Burgess lawsuit
Former interim Washoe County Registrar of Voters Carrie Ann Burgess has filed a federal lawsuit alleging retaliation and discrimination after she was terminated the day after the county appointed a permanent replacement. Burgess's legal team has moved to disqualify the DA's office, noting it previously represented her in a related matter.

🤖 Facial recognition false arrest lawsuit update
A federal judge dismissed the false arrest claim in the Jason Killinger lawsuit against a Reno police officer, finding no legal precedent establishing that a facial recognition-based arrest is unlawful. However, the judge allowed a municipal liability claim to proceed, and the city of Reno is now a defendant in the case.

🚔 Downtown policing and redevelopment funds
Mayor Hilary Schieve has pushed to use Reno Redevelopment Agency funds to pay for downtown policing, despite legal analysis indicating that use would likely conflict with state law governing how redevelopment funds may be spent. A proposed workaround involves splitting Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney's salary between city and RDA funds and charging police time spent on blight-related calls to RDA accounts.

📹 Re-Secure program and surveillance concerns
The city is preparing to introduce a pilot program called Re-Secure, which would offer grants of up to $5,000 to properties in redevelopment areas to upgrade security infrastructure such as cameras. Any cameras installed must be approved by the Reno Police Department and integrated into the FUSUS surveillance system.

📰 AI in journalism and reader support
We close by discussing the role of AI in This Is Reno reporting, noting it is used to assist with writing community information pieces but does not replace original reporting. We mention the tension between paywalls and accessibility, arguing that direct reader support reduces reliance on advertisers and potential conflicts of interest.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth discuss the latest Reno news headlines, including a large-scale voter roll cleanup ahead of the June primary, approval of a major south Reno housing project and an ongoing investigation into Reno Police Department leadership. We also examine rising Waste Management fees, the latest in code-enforcement complaints and proposed nonprofit regulations.

Election update: Voter roll cleanup ahead of June primary
Washoe County’s registrar of voters reported that about 87,000 voter registrations were removed as part of routine maintenance, leaving about 312,000 active voters. Most of those removed had not participated in multiple recent elections or had moved out of the area, reflecting what officials describe as standard list maintenance required by Nevada law.

South Reno development approved after debate
Washoe County commissioners approved a 720-acre housing project south of Pleasant Valley following hours of public comment and debate. The project has been in development for decades and has evolved into a lower-density plan consisting primarily of single-family homes, with roughly 60% of the land preserved as open space.

Reno police department investigation continues
An ongoing investigation involving Reno Police Department leadership remains one of the biggest recent stories. Most of RPD’s command staff have been placed on leave as part of inquiries that may involve training certification compliance and potential fraud related to required POST training. RPD oversight shifted to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Officials have released limited information, and the situation remains fluid as investigations continue.

Waste Management fees to increase
Reno residents will see an increase in garbage collection fees beginning April 1 as the city works to address a budget shortfall. The increase is expected to be about $30 to $40 annually per household depending on service levels.

City officials have said the adjustment is necessary to help close a $24 million gap, driven by rising personnel and operational costs not matching tax income. The increase is one of the few revenue tools available to the city through its franchise agreement with Waste Management.

City considers nonprofit registration requirements
Reno officials are evaluating whether nonprofits operating in the city should be required to register, similar to businesses. The proposal is aimed at improving oversight, allowing the city to better track facilities and enforce safety standards.

County reviews equine business regulations
Washoe County is reviewing potential updates to regulations governing horse-related businesses as part of a broader effort to preserve the region’s rural character. The proposed changes are intended to support equine facilities such as stables and riding arenas, which some officials say are increasingly at risk due to ongoing development pressures. Public meetings and outreach efforts are planned to gather community input before any changes are adopted.

Many of the issues discussed in this episode reflect challenges linked to rapid population growth in the Truckee Meadows. As the region expands, local governments are facing increased demand for housing, pressure on infrastructure and rising costs of public services. These issues are contributing to policy decisions that often require balancing development, community concerns and long-term planning priorities.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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In this episode of This Is Reno Radio, editors Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad discuss the latest developments in a federal lawsuit stemming from a wrongful arrest at the Peppermill Casino. The case focuses on using facial recognition technology for arrests by the Reno Police Department.

We cover how the Reno City Attorney’s Office filed false statements in federal court documents, statements alleging a conspiracy between This Is Reno’s Conrad and the plaintiff’s attorney, Terri Keyser Cooper. The podcast also addresses concerns about AI policing practices, public records transparency and access to civil rights legal representation in northern Nevada.

This episode was recorded February 26, 2026.

The case’s origin

The episode opens with a recap of the original incident involving Jason Killinger, who was arrested at the Peppermill Casino after being flagged by facial recognition software as someone else. Despite presenting valid identification, he was detained for about four hours and arrested for trespass by a Reno police officer.

The story gained national attention after body camera footage was published online. While widespread outside Reno, local news media have ignored the story.

Officer apologizes, admits lack of training

Newly filed court documents reveal deposition testimony from the police officer, Richard Jager, who acknowledged he had not received training on facial recognition technology and arrests. He apologized to the plaintiff during a deposition.

Reno police held a training in September 2025, stating that facial recognition alone is not sufficient probable cause for an arrest. This occurred well after the lawsuit had already been filed. The plaintiff has moved to amend the lawsuit to include a Fourth Amendment violation and add the city of Reno as a defendant.

Fabricated claims

The episode addresses a response filed by the Reno City Attorney’s Alice Herbolsheimer that alleged case details were improperly shared with the media. Herbolsheimer wanted Keyser-Cooper investigated by the Nevada State Bar. This Is Reno’s reporting, however, came directly from the publicly filed court documents to which Herbolsheimer was responding. An errata was later filed by her correcting part of the record, though Conrad argues more needs to be corrected and clarified.

Legal and ethical questions

The discussion covers other issues, including:

Whether previous arrests using facial recognition could face legal challenges,
Allegations in filings that media coverage contributed to threats against the officer and
The role of public records like PACER in court reporting.

The episode also touches on challenges in finding civil rights attorneys in Reno willing to take on cases against local police.

AI-based policing accountability

We conclude by reflecting on Increasing reliance on AI in law enforcement, transparency in public institutions, ethical responsibilities of government attorneys and the balance between judicial proceedings and public accountability through the media.

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This Is Reno publisher Bob Conrad speaks with civil rights attorney and author Alec Karakatsanis about his book “Copaganda.” The talk was one of The Radical Cat bookstore’s author talks and was streamed by Radical Cat online Thursday, Feb. 18.

The conversation explores how police public relations efforts shape mainstream news media narratives, influence public perception of crime and impact policy decisions at local and national levels.

From killings by police to body-worn cameras and expanding surveillance technology, this show covers the intersection of journalism, police propaganda and accountability reporting. Karakatsanis discusses what he calls the “punishment bureaucracy” and offers recommendations for journalists and citizens seeking to critically evaluate police activity.

KWNK 97.7 FM runs This Is Reno Radio on Sundays at 7.

1. What is “Copaganda”?
Karakatsanis defines “copaganda” as messaging that narrows the public perception of safety and threats, amplifies fear of certain crimes and populations, and promotes policing and incarceration as main solutions. He argues that media framing focuses on street crime while overlooking corporate misconduct, environmental harms and systemic issues.

2. Media framing and police narratives
The conversation discusses journalist responsibilities when covering police activity. Conrad shares examples from Reno where local reporting of police activities is either scant or favors government narratives. Media outlets may rely heavily on police press releases, leading to uniform coverage across platforms. The discussion also covers national coverage following protests in 2020 and how news media characterized police actions as “missteps” rather than systemic issues or criminal actions.

3. Body-worn cameras and transparency claims
The pair also discuss body-worn cameras. Karakatsanis argues that these devices were promoted as accountability tools but are frequently used in low-level prosecutions and plea-bargaining processes.

Karakatsanis and Conrad also talk about surveillance systems such as license plate readers, ShotSpotter and integrated camera networks. Karakatsanis questions whether such technologies address root causes of crime, emphasizing broader structural factors like inequality, housing access and healthcare.

4. The “punishment bureaucracy”
Karakatsanis explains his use of the term “punishment bureaucracy,” which he uses instead of “criminal justice system.” He argues that the phrase better captures the interconnected institutions involved: police, prosecutors, courts, jails, prisons, probation systems and private industries tied to incarceration.

5. Academic Copaganda
The conversation also covers academic research and public policy. Karakatsanis critiques certain studies advocating increased police staffing, arguing that research framing and messenger credibility can influence public debate. He provides book recommendations for listeners seeking more on the history of police.

6. Local Reno issues and public records
Conrad closes the conversation with examples from Nevada, including challenges in obtaining unredacted body-worn camera footage. He references litigation related to officer image redaction under Nevada’s Peace Officer Bill of Rights and the Nevada Supreme Court’s decision to uphold redactions.

The episode concludes with reflections on the role of independent local journalism in scrutinizing official narratives.

This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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This episode of This Is Reno Radio dives deep into the local ripple effects of national immigration enforcement, as Reno-area students stage unprecedented walkouts in protest of federal ICE actions. Recorded Feb. 1, hosts Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad discuss the community’s response, challenges in property management and the city of Reno’s ongoing financial crisis. We close with a look at the future of Hot August Nights and the evolving political landscape leading into local elections.

1. ICE Out student walkouts
High school and middle school students across Washoe County staged large-scale walkouts protesting federal immigration enforcement after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by government agents. Thirteen of the county’s 15 main high schools participated, joined by Carson City students a day earlier. Hundreds of protesters gathered at Reno City Plaza.

2. Community reactions
Online reactions ranged from praise to criticism. Many adults accused students of being misled, but others applauded their civic engagement. We discuss Reno’s protest history, noting that this youth-led movement marked an unprecedented moment in local activism.

3. Journalism, photography and public spaces
We address concerns from individuals asking that protest photos be removed from news reportsand explain ourstance on protecting journalistic integrity and the public’s right to document in public spaces.

4. Housing and code enforcement issues
Local housing management complaints continue, particularly at Sky Vista Commons and The Vintage at the Crossings—properties managed by FPI Management and now, reportedly, Asset Living. Despite reassurances to the Reno City Council, tenants continue to report serious maintenance problems, including contaminated water and lack of heat.

5. Reno’s budget crisis and labor costs
The city of Reno faces a projected $24 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2027. Officials plan to hire a law firm for nearly $1 million to handle “complex labor negotiations.” Rising public employee compensation and PERS contributions are cited as major cost drivers. Some residents question whether these expenses will yield measurable benefits.

6. Hot August Nights and ‘Street Heat’
A new car show called “Street Heat” will debut at the Grand Sierra Resort during Hot August Nights in 2026. Though organizers say it’s a complementary event, it signals a fragmentation in the once-unified festival scene.

7. Political outlook
We tease future coverage of local elections, including the crowded race for Nevada’s Second Congressional District.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

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This Is Reno’s Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad unpack a year-long investigation into FPI Management, a national property management firm overseeing multiple affordable and senior housing complexes in Reno. Drawing from public records, resident interviews, court records and city council discussions, this podcast examines recurring maintenance problems, code violations and allegations of tenant intimidation. The conversation also covers the city of Reno’s response, including potential legal and regulatory actions.

How it began

We open with how routine coverage of Reno City Council meetings led us to notice repeated complaints tied to affordable Vintage Housing projects. These properties shared a common manager: FPI Management. What began as a single housing story expanded into a year-long investigation involving site visits, resident interviews and extensive public records requests.

Conditions inside FPI-managed properties

We discuss on-the-ground observations at Vintage Housing properties, including broken doors, deteriorating materials, faulty flooring, unreliable HVAC systems and long delays in repairs. Residents — many of them seniors — reported extended periods without heat, reliance on space heaters, sanitation issues and safety concerns related to snow removal, garbage buildup and pests.

Limited penalties

Reno’s code enforcement process allows landlords time to address issues before inspections occur. Documentation showed repeat violations and minimal fines, often capped at a few hundred dollars. City officials acknowledged publicly that these penalties appear to have little impact on a large corporate property manager.

Tenant retaliation and legal disputes

Several tenants alleged they were threatened with eviction after raising complaints. One case involving a senior resident drew community support and ended with a judge dismissing the eviction attempt. Fear of retaliation may discourage vulnerable tenants from reporting problems.

National lawsuits

Beyond Reno, FPI Management has faced lawsuits and investigations in multiple states, including allegations related to misleading marketing, pricing practices and leasing policies. These issues mirror complaints seen locally, suggesting systemic problems rather than isolated incidents.

Next steps

A recent city council meeting featured strong statements from elected officials, including Mayor Hillary Schieve and council member Naomi Duerr, who said they will contact Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford and explore options such as revoking business licenses. We talk about whether these discussions will lead to concrete enforcement or policy changes.

We conclude by discussing the disconnect between celebrating new affordable housing developments and ensuring long-term, livable conditions for residents. Without stronger oversight and incentives, problems tied to corporate property management may continue across Nevada.

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In the final episode recorded in 2025, This Is Reno’s Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth look back at the stories, controversies and figures that defined the year in northern Nevada. From local leaders making waves to overlooked investigations and courthouse drama, this year-end wrap-up highlights Reno’s big moments — the good, the bad and the quietly consequential.

🗞️ The newsmakers of the year

We spotlight four individuals who generated headlines in 2025:

Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch for her community advocacy and challenge to the state’s “Hollywood handout” session.
Commissioner Mike Clark, known for demanding transparency and mellowing his approach in 2025.
Olivia Tanager, Sierra Club Toiyabe director, credited for reinvigorating local environmental advocacy.
Manny Becerra, Reno planning commissioner, recognized for pushing for guardrails on data center developments.

The underreported stories of 2025

We highlight 10 major local stories that went largely unreported elsewhere:

Reno’s legislative maneuvering to allow city council members to fire planning commissioners.
Fire board legislation that would have allowed property “assessments,” criticized as an end-run around voters.
Peppermill Casino’s AI facial recognition error, leading to a wrongful arrest.
TMCC’s $300,000 settlement after an academic freedom case loss.
Reno’s skyrocketing employee costs and city budget transparency.
City travel audit failure (80% error rate) and elimination of the auditing office.
Councilmember Devon Reese’s ethics case, covered in depth beyond press releases.
Recurring radon issues in the Washoe County courthouse.
City landscape maintenance failures and fire hazards in public spaces.
Secret Service raid on Washoe County’s Department of Alternative Sentencing — the most underreported local story of the year.

Top-read stories of 2025

Based on web traffic, the most-read This Is Reno stories were:

Washoe prosecutor fired over disturbing videos.
Toro Bravo opens in downtown Reno.
City removes expiration on sewer fee credits.
McCarran Boulevard fatal crashes highlight safety concerns.
Investigation into Washoe County’s DAS department.
Early closures of local elementary schools.
School district lawsuit over special education funding.
SOBER 24 and DAS fallout.
Arrest of former Reno police commander Tom Robinson on child solicitation charges.
Rupert Murdoch trust case sealed in Washoe County, later reopened by Nevada’s Supreme Court — our most-read story of the year.

Looking ahead to 2026

We preview next year’s political landscape:

Major races: Reno mayor, district attorney, attorney general and governor.
Ongoing coverage: data center growth, fire study results and development oversight.

We close by urging candidates to be transparent — and early — with information as election season approaches.

✉️ Stay Connected

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Kristen and Bob this week break down Reno’s major local stories. These include the second straight year of budget shortfalls at City Hall, the ongoing downtown noise dispute after the J Resort Halloween EDM concert, TMCC’s $300,000 settlement with professor Lars Jensen, shifting city conversations on homelessness enforcement, concerns over souped-up e-bikes and scooters and takeaways from Nevada’s recent special legislative session.

City of Reno’s budget shortfall

Reno is staring at an estimated $24 million budget gap for a second consecutive fiscal year.
Slower-than-expected consolidated tax (C-tax) revenues alongside rising labor costs (wages, PERS, health care) are to blame.
Collective bargaining increases, particularly for police unions since 2019, outpace typical private-sector COLA ranges, intensifying costs to the city's general fund.
City leaders are exploring fee increases and franchise renegotiations.

Downtown noise controversy after halloween EDM show

A festival-grounds EDM show sparked widespread complaints after low-frequency bass was heard miles away.
Council is weighing how to measure and enforce noise (shifting focus to C-weighted levels for bass); ideas include trial permits and physical noise-mitigation structures.
Tension remains between downtown vibrancy and livability for growing numbers of residents.

TMCC's $300,000 lawsuit settlement

Truckee Meadows Community College agreed to pay $300,000 to end a long dispute with math professor Lars Jensen tied to speech and governance conflicts.
As part of the settlement, TMCC will issue a statement acknowledging adverse employment actions; Jensen will retire by July 1.
The Ninth Circuit previously ruled against TMCC, catalyzing the outcome.

Homelessness Policy: Services versus enforcement

Council discussion and police updates highlighted a push from some council members for “zero-tolerance” enforcement downtown despite limited homeless shelter capacity.
With community court discontinued, citations may translate more often into arrests—adding strain on already short-staffed RPD and complicating outcomes for unhoused residents.
Advocates note gaps in the city/county resource listings and warn that removing aid distribution downtown doesn’t address basic needs.

E-Bikes and scooters raise safety concerns

Reno police flagged a rise in modified high-power e-bikes/scooters ridden by youth at roadway speeds without helmets, plates or DMV inspections where required.
Police plan community education; parents could be liable in crashes involving underage riders on non-street-legal machines.

Nevada's Special Session: A big, fat dud?

Critics labeled the session a “dud” for lack of urgency and transparency.
Remote public comment was curtailed, and some high-profile bills were stalled.
One notable pass: an unfunded mandate establishing roughly $60M in grants aimed at expanding Nevada’s health-care workforce, especially in rural areas (awaiting the governor's signature).

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Kristen and Bob cover this week’s major Reno news — from a deputy district attorney’s firing over social media posts to lawsuits involving UNR and the Reno Police Department. We also discuss the return of the homelessness advisory board, our documentary on homelessness and Reno’s new “death café.”

📰 Deputy district attorney fired

A Washoe County Deputy District attorney, Aziz Merchant, was fired from the DA's office after local attorneys raised concerns over his social media videos. The content, described as misogynistic and suggestive of violence, drew public criticism and a swift response from the DA’s office.

🎓 UNR lawsuit over toxic academic environment

A graduate student in the University of Nevada, Reno’s clinical psychology program filed a lawsuit alleging harassment. She claims the department’s long-standing problems hindered her progress toward a doctoral degree.

🚔 False arrest lawsuit after AI facial recognition fail

A Reno police officer is being sued after a man was misidentified by Peppermill Casino’s AI facial recognition system. Despite presenting valid IDs, the man was arrested and later cleared. The city’s defense is that Real IDs can still be fraudulent.

🏘️ Homelessness advisory board to meet after 18 months

The county’s community homelessness advisory board plans to reconvene for the first time since May 2024. We also discuss the Good Neighbors Warming Shelter, which begins its second year providing overnight refuge at several churches.

🎥 Our documentary, “A City in Crisis,” is now available on YouTube

Our documentary, “A City in Crisis,” traces Reno’s homelessness challenges from 2010 to 2024. It features footage from local vigils and examines the gap between government responses and on-the-ground realities. The film is now available on YouTube.

⚖️ Self-professor First Amendment auditor hit with restraining order

First Amendment activist Drew Ribar was issued a restraining order after a judge found a pattern of harassment against attorneys and community members. While the court acknowledged his right to film in public, the judge determined that his behavior crossed into harassment.

🖤 Reno’s “Biggest Little Death Café”

A new monthly gathering at the Radical Cat bookstore brings people together to talk openly about death and dying. Hosted by two local death doulas, the event encourages honest conversation around end-of-life issues. The segment closed with reflections on why discussing mortality matters for everyone.

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Kristen and Bob recap the latest Reno news headlines, such as the not-so-shocking news that “John Doe” in the GPS tracker case is Robert Beadles. We also award ourselves two “dookies,” clarifying a Verdi TV district budget gap and misleading school spending reporting. A $1.4 billion road repair backlog could lead to increased fees on electric and hybrid vehicles, plus the dramatic rise in the cost of living and Reno’s beleaguered downtown.

Recorded Nov. 3, 2025

GPS tracker case update

The “John Doe” behind the trackers is Robert Beadles. We review the 2022 case of a GPS device secretly placed on Mayor Hillary Schieve’s car and another on former Commissioner Vaughn Hartung’s vehicle.

Verdi TV district and WCSD budget reporting

We award ourselves “one dookie” for implying actual spending at the Verdi TV district, clarifying the roughly $100,000 shortfall is projected and covered by reserves. Another dookie is awarded for WCSD reporting on the $275,000 facilities consulting contract versus the main operating budget and teacher contracts.

Road funding and EV fees

A Washoe RTC presentation shows the region faces about a $1.4 billion 10-year road maintenance deficit and new discussions focus on having EVs and hybrids contribute, by way of new fees, because they do not contribute—or contribute less—to fuel taxes.

The city’s economic outlook

An economist told Reno’s council the area’s cost of living is up 29% since 2018, and a young family would need about 33 years of saving to afford a home, up from eight years in 1990. We also touch on AI’s job impacts, a need to build talent in healthcare and the growing interest in changing Nevada’s property tax structure.

Enforcement and quality-of-life downtown

Council member Kathleen Taylor pressed for stricter enforcement of ordinances downtown, including against jaywalking. We cover complaints about loud music and other deterrents from visiting downtown.

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In the latest Reno news podcast, Kristen and Bob walk through a packed week: Washoe County got a new manager among four finalists for county manager, while the county commissioners put the little-known Verdi Television District on the hot seat.

Jacobs Entertainment dangles a downtown youth sports complex that was met with some environmental concerns. The Truckee Meadows Water Authority says our long-term water picture is better than people often think. Sparks faces a lawsuit over a teen suicide response, and Reno city staff offer candid criticism of their own city leadership.

Recorded Friday, Oct. 24, 2025

Washoe County’s next manager

Washoe County launched a nationwide search after former county manager Eric Brown left in June after nearly five years. They received about 900 applications and narrowed it to four finalists.

Verdi Television District grilled by the county

The Verdi TV District is a small government subdivision — like other GIDs — that collects taxpayer money but no public-facing information.

A legislative amendment, prompted by KOLO-TV’s reporting on the district, now basically requires these TV districts to post the basics: agendas, minutes, members, financials. Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch said even her office struggled to find any info on the district. Right now, a difficult-to-find website has only a couple of 2025 agendas.

Jacobs Entertainment’s new play: a downtown youth sports complex

In its regular update to the Reno City Council, Jacobs Entertainment brought a new shiny proposal: a 12-field youth sports complex downtown, to be built over six years, with four fields open by next June. Council members loved the tourism angle and the potential hotel demand.

Council members Naomi Duerr and Megan Ebert raised concerns that plastic turf will worsen the urban heat island downtown — some turf can get well over 120°F — and kids could literally burn sliding across it. There were also flags about PFAS or “forever chemicals.”

Water outlook: surprisingly solid

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) released its latest water resource plan. It’s long, but the headline is positive: The region has adequate water supplies for the next 20 years and, likely through the end of the century

Sparks lawsuit after teen suicide response

Newly released 911 recordings in a November 2024 incident show Sparks responders were told to stand down because the call didn’t yet meet a “medical emergency” threshold. REMSA arrived 28 minutes after a mother’s first call expressing concerns about her song’s wellbeing; by then a firefighter neighbor had already forced entry and started CPR. The teen later died. The parents, Sarah Toliver and Christopher Schatz, filed suit Oct. 7 alleging wrongful death and negligent training/supervision against the city of Sparks.

Reno city staff’s blunt internal comments

The city released a batch of staff comments about how Reno is being run — and they sound a lot more like what residents say than what city PR says. Complaints included:

“Reckless spending” and approving raises without revenue to cover them
Top-heavy management: “too many managers and analysts and not enough worker bees”
Manual, broken payroll system for a city this size
Short city-manager tenures leading to inconsistency
Hiring based on relationships versus qualifications
Departments operating like “island countries” instead of one organization

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Kristen and Bob give a rundown of the latest big news in Reno. We discuss the nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations, a regional child-exploitation sting that led to the arrest of a former deputy police chief, Washoe County’s move to dissolve its Department of Alternative Sentencing, an ethics case resolution involving a Sparks council member and questions over the library system’s funding.

Recorded Oct. 20, 2025.

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“No Kings” rallies

Large protests were held nationwide for the second time this year; organizers’ figures were debated, but Reno’s turnout was described as “thousands,” with no reported violence.
Demonstrators criticized what they said was increasingly authoritarian rhetoric and policies from the Trump administration.
Notable visuals included inflatable-costume groups; online reactions were heated and, often, racist and unnecessarily antagonistic.

HEAT sting & former deputy chief’s arrest

A two-day regional operation by the Human Exploitation and Trafficking team and partner agencies led to 13 arrests, including retired Reno Police Deputy Chief Tommy Robinson.
Tactics described included undercover online interactions posing as minors; charges cited included solicitation, attempted sexual assault, luring, attempted kidnapping and drug offenses.
Discussion touched on Nevada’s age-of-consent law, how online conduct can alter legal exposure, and defense claims of potential entrapment—claims local judges have not generally embraced.

Department of Alternative Sentencing to dissolve

Washoe County commissioners voted to begin dissolving DAS after audits and investigations sparked months of turmoil; officials framed the move as efficiency-driven.
Employees and union reps argued staff were being penalized for leadership failures; public defenders supported consolidating pretrial supervision in one agency for consistency.
Next steps include ordinance actions and administrative work; Jan. 1 was mentioned as a target to finalize changes, though legal and political hurdles could extend the timeline.

Ethics & Elections: Sparks Councilmember cleared in ethics probe

Rodriguez, who faced an ethics complaint for appearing in uniform during a prior school-board campaign, was effectively cleared in a settlement following court proceedings.
The conversation contrasted his case—use of an existing job photo—against Governor Joe Lombardo’s separate matter involving a uniformed campaign production, which resulted in a payment to the state’s general fund.
Broader context questioned whether the state ethics commission acts with sufficient teeth compared with standards in other professions.

Library system’s uncertain horizon

The Washoe County Library system advanced a budget that relies on the remaining “expansion fund” to keep branches open and fill vacancies in the near term.
Concern centered on what happens after those dollars are exhausted (around FY27), while there is leadership instability.

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Kristen and Bob return with a new discussion on the latest Reno news headlines. This episode covers Washoe County’s plan to dissolve its Department of Alternative Sentencing, results from the city of Reno’s community survey, the sewer-rate debate and feedback, Stonegate’s zoning appeal and Nevada DMV’s new tool for reporting unregistered vehicles.

Episode recorded Oct. 13, 2025

County moves to dissolve Alternative SentencingCommissioners were expected to advance dissolving the Department of Alternative Sentencing (DAS) after a year marked by an investigation tied to former chief Justin Roper and a federal raid of the office. An internal review released mid-year flagged numerous issues, including unauthorized traffic stops, misuse of county vehicles and weak controls. The audit committee counted roughly 70 findings. If dissolution proceeds, an ordinance would be drafted for final approval, aiming for a January 1, 2026 effective date.

Survey reveals mixed views of downtown, city servicesTop perceptions among respondents: Reno as a good place to live (about 64%), visit (57%), and work (52%); fewer than 4,000 people responded, above the city’s target but not presented as a representative sample. Lowest ratings were for travel by public transportation (10% “good/very good”), micromobility (~20%), and walking (16%). Downtown perceptions skewed negative: 9% “good” and 1.3% “very good,” while 65.3% rated the downtown experience “poor/very poor.” Services faring better included Reno Fire (72%), 911 (63%), and city activities (53.3%).

Sewer rates: vote delayed after public pushbackThe Reno City Council postponed a proposed 8% annual sewer-rate increase for the next two years, seeking more information. Public comments—just under 300 submissions—were overwhelmingly against the hike; only about a dozen supported it.

Governing board reverses StoneGate rezoning denialAfter the TMRPA Planning Commission twice said no, the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency Governing Board approved Stonegate’s appeal, allowing the rezoning to proceed. The board chair emphasized the decision addressed whether the prior denial was “legal and just,” not a specific project approval. The conversation also noted that data centers in Reno currently require a Conditional Use Permit.

Devon Reese ethics case updateThe Nevada Commission on Ethics dismissed complaints against Council member Devon Reese for not meeting the evidentiary threshold of proving personal enrichment when spending city of Reno taxpayer funds. During public comment—after the agenda item—Reese criticized the commission and threatened its director.

DMV launches unregistered-vehicle reporting toolThe Nevada DMV introduced an online form for reporting unregistered vehicles. The tool drew heavy early use.

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Kristen and Bob this week givea straight-ahead rundown of the major Reno-area news stories: a federal letter about the University of Nevada, Reno’s UndocuPack program, what was said at a community-led summit on data centers, a high-stakes Nevada Supreme Court dispute over police investigations, and major funding losses for LGBTQ+ programs at Our Center.

Recorded on Saturday, Oct. 4.

UNR’s UndocuPack under federal scrutiny

A U.S. Department of Justice attorney sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging an investigation into whether federal funds support UNR programs aiding undocumented students.
UNR temporarily disabled related web pages and officials said the program is supported with non-federal dollars, not federal aid prohibited for undocumented students.

Data centers press conference

After a city of Reno meeting was canceled, advocates held an alternate forum and press conference.
Speakers highlight power demand such as a 30-megawatt facility—roughly the energy needed for 21,000 homes.
Many agencies and local officials attended.
Reno says the issue is regional; Sparks has already directed staff to explore code changes for data centers.

Nevada Supreme Court fight over access to police investigative files

A case stemming from a Reno officer accused of photographing intimate images from motorists’ phones has ballooned into a push for a “bright-line rule” making any open investigative file confidential under the Nevada Public Records Act.
Attorney General Aaron Ford and multiple police agencies support the change; press and civil-liberties groups oppose it.
Critics warn the practice already trends toward blanket secrecy and could erode transparency.

Sparks firefighter-senior confrontation: civil case settled

The case involving Maureen Vegholm and Sparks firefighter Timothy Egan—captured on security video—has been settled.
Family members expressed anger at Sparks agencies; an official statement said the city hopes to bring closure.

Our Center loses key grants for LGBTQ+ programs

The LGBTQ+ community center says state-channeled federal grants—used for suicide prevention, mental health and substance-use prevention—are no longer available due to federal policy restricting programs serving LGBTQ+ youth exclusively.
Lost funding totals about $240,000 per year for four years plus another $129,000 previously under review.

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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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Kristen and Bob break down the latest Reno news headlines. This week, we discuss the Lear Theater’s future, a federal lawsuit tied to Burning Man, patient safety concerns at a Saint Mary’s Hospice, worker-safety allegations at UPS in Sparks, the city’s new arts board naming flap. We also give a nod to Nevada historian Guy Rocha, who recently passed away.

Lear Theater: What’s Next?

The Reno City Council was slated to discuss unsolicited proposals to buy the long-closed Lear Theater, despite a February directive to keep it off the “for sale” list.
Reno bought the property from Artown for $875,000.
Restoration remains unfunded; prior estimates top $17 million for any work that must meet state historic-preservation standards.
Council could reject proposals, entertain them, or issue an RFP. (They rejected it; more later.)

Burning Man Sued Over Alleged Trespass on Public Land

Two local YouTubers filed a federal lawsuit after being told to leave the Black Rock Desert post-event during cleanup in 2024.
The dispute centers on whether Burning Man’s BLM permit allowed exclusion of the public during cleanup and the scope of First Amendment access on public lands.
Defendants include Burning Man, BLM, and local sheriffs’ offices. Burning Man calls the complaint “frivolous.”

Saint Mary’s Hospice Care and Compliance Concerns

State inspections documented multiple deficiencies, including hygiene lapses and medication record issues at Saint Mary’s Hospice.
Parent company LHC Group (a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, associated with Optum) says a temporary admission hold was due to staffing shortages, not failed surveys.

UPS Sparks Facility: Worker Safety Allegations

Employees and Teamsters Local 533 cite ongoing hazards: welding sparks near active work areas, excessive noise, and nonfunctioning conveyor “start-up” buzzers (workers say some only resumed after media inquiries).
Roughly 10+ OSHA complaints over three years; formal records are delayed amid a state cyberattack.
UPS says alarms are operating and emphasizes safety; union maintains conditions are substandard.

Crisis Comms in the AI Era

Observation from recent stories: local institutions often issue brief, generic statements.
We note AI-generated responses can be more effective.

City Arts Boards Merge … and an Acronym Problem

Reno merged its arts bodies into the Arts and Culture Advisory Board.
The chosen acronym, ACAB, drew public mockery and confusion due to widely known alternate meaning.
City is recruiting members while the name and acronym remain.

In Memoriam: Guy Rocha

Nevada historian and former state archivist Guy Rocha has died.
Remembered for myth-busting columns, public talks and advocacy that helped move Nevada Day to a three-day weekend format.
Segment closes with reflections on Nevada Day traditions and the state’s identity.

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Kristen and Bob break down the top stories in Reno. This episode is first heard by This Is Reno’s paying members, who get this before it is published anywhere else. Get first access and exclusive content by subscribing at https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/

Burner trashPost‑Burning Man garbage littering northern Nevada generated a lot of online chatter. It appears the Burn’s longstanding “leave‑no‑trace” ethos has morphed into mass dumping of garbage at places like WalMart and Staples. While the event still injects cash into the local economy — airfare, hotels, retail, etc. — some say the financial benefits may be outweighing the environmental fallout.

Ribs and tariffsAfter numerous comments bemoaning the prices at the annual rib fest, Kristen did a deep dive into pork market data. She found a near‑20 % jump in St. Louis‑style rib costs over the past year. Trump tariffs on Canadian piglets and feed, and broader supply‑chain pressures that have been nudging food prices upward for several years, account for high rib prices. That’s causing some folks to grill in their own backyards instead of getting their samplers from Rasta Joe’s.

Can parking tickets rescue the city’s budget situation?By reconnecting its ticketing system to the DMV, the city of Reno unearthed — think of the bureaucratic equivalent of Raiders of the Lost Ark — thousands of old parking citations, raking in roughly $265,000 in just two months. But at least one motorist received a city-issued parking ticket dating back to 2021 for a car he had sold the year prior.

The situation was further muddied by a recent state‑wide cyber‑attack, including on the DMV, which delayed processing. Alas, the city is so far in the hole, because of lack of tax revenue and dramatically increased costs in recent years, particularly on employee salaries, that the cash infusion is only a drop in the bucket.

The ‘state of the county’ was propagandaWashoe County’s “State of the County” meeting resembled a glossy PR reel more than a substantive overview of what’s going on at the county. Critics noted glaring omissions: no discussion of the CARES campus, homelessness initiatives, crime statistics or upcoming fire‑service consolidations.

About that fire stationMeanwhile, residents of west Washoe Valley have a fire‑station deficit. Building a new station could cost upwards of $17 million — a sum the financially strapped Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District can’t secure, despite attempts at state and federal grants.

Lastly, congrats to Ed Pearce with KOLO TV for his lifetime achievement award.

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This episode is our first podcast in more than a year. Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad discuss the recent This Is Reno investigation Kristen did into spending at Reno City Hall. After months of digging, getting public records and combing through large amounts of information, we published a voluminous ten-part series about what we found.

This Is Reno subscribers got access to this podcast before anybody else. If you value local, independent journalism and appreciate Kristen’s extensive work in this series, please consider becoming a paying subscriber. Subscribers get access to all articles and extra benefits, such as getting behind-the-scenes information, like this podcast, before anyone else.

In this two-part podcast, we discuss how we approached this story, what we found and what prompted us to start looking into city council spending in the first place.

Read the series: https://thisisreno.com/investigation-city-hall-spending/

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This episode is the second podcast in a two-part series. Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad discuss the recent This Is Reno investigation Kristen did into spending at Reno City Hall. After months of digging, getting public records and combing through large amounts of information, we published a voluminous ten-part series about what we found.

This Is Reno subscribers got access to this podcast before anybody else. If you value local, independent journalism and appreciate Kristen’s extensive work in this series, please consider becoming a paying subscriber. Subscribers get access to all articles and extra benefits, such as getting behind-the-scenes information, like this podcast, before anyone else.

In this two-part podcast, we discuss how we approached this story, what we found and what prompted us to start looking into city council spending in the first place.

Read the series: https://thisisreno.com/investigation-city-hall-spending/

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Edward Coleman is the executive director of a new Reno nonprofit called the Black Community Collective. In today’s show we discuss why he started the collective and why it is needed in the greater Reno community.

We also discuss some of his recent efforts including his work on the City of Reno’s charter committee – and what he thought of how the Reno City Council responded to that committee’s proposals in August.

This show is also available on KWNK Community Radio in Reno.

Learn more about the Black Community Collective online: https://thebcc1.org

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The testimonials that Epic Brain Centers of Reno provide are hard to believe. Some of the anecdotes include those diagnosed with depression seeing results in few treatments. Other testimonials show people quickly recovering from conditions such as addiction and anxiety.

For this episode, I visited the Epic Brain Centers clinic in Reno. The clinic and the technology it uses are potentially revolutionary. Similar brain health treatments are being conducted across the country, unrelated to Epic Brain Center in Reno, including at the Mayo Clinic. Those clinics are also reporting remarkable results.

Included on today's show are Epic Brain Center's Jordan Scott and Judi Kosterman, who is the cofounder of the Brain Health Leadership Foundation. They walk us through the technology they use, what patients experience and how the non-invasive treatment is helping people with various conditions.

For more about Epic Brain Centers, visit them online at epicbraincenters.com. The Foundation is at www.bhlfoundation.org.

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Lyndsey Langsdale helps to run the Reno Food Systems farm on Mayberry Drive. The nonprofit operation has been in business since 2018. For today’s show we talk with Lyndsey about her vision for the farm.

I visited Reno Food Systems in the fall as the farm was still harvesting produce, volunteers and staff were weeding and the farm was preparing for the winter.

Lyndsey describes the purpose of the farm being a “vibrant, resilient, and just local food system cultivated by an empowered community.”

She gave me a tour of the farm and explained the operation.
Visit Reno Food Systems online at: https://www.renofoodsystems.org/

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One of the Reno area’s few substance use, and gambling, addiction treatment facilities is the Bristlecone Recovery Center. The nonprofit is named after bristlecone pine, a tree found in Nevada, Utah and California.

The center uses this analogy: This remarkable tree can fully regenerate itself, even on the brink of death. Just like the Bristlecone Pine, the people who seek help at our facility for addiction, gambling, and mental health issues have experienced negative environments, weathered many storms and come dangerously close to death.

On today’s show we talk with Peter Ott. He is the executive director of the center and he speaks candidly about the realities of addiction in the Reno area. He also discusses his hopes for the future of the community.

Learn more about Bristlecone at https://www.bristleconereno.com/.

Thank you for listening to the show on KWNK Community Radio at 97.7 FM and on your favorite podcast player.

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The Dutch Cycling Embassy came to Reno in September. They were here to discuss how the Netherlands became bike centric and to help the Biggest Little City’s cycling efforts. The Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance helped organize the Embassy’s visit.

For this episode, we spoke with people who attended the Think Bike workshops, as well as members of the cycling embassy, including Margot Daris and Dick Vanveen.

The group hosted a discussion at Craft where they played the "Together We Cycle" documentary about how the Netherlands became the country with the highest use of bicycles in the world.

David Grife with the Nevada Department Transportation and Scott Gibson with the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission both give their perspectives on the visit from the Dutch team.

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The heat of summer is one of the causes for why ducks and geese are dying at area ponds.

In this show, we hear from a wildlife veterinarian who explains why botulism is suspected in the regional water bodies, and how that is impacting waterfowl.

We also hear from an advocate for local senior citizens. She said people were taken by surprise when they learned the city of Reno was making plans to lease out a senior gathering space to a local nonprofit.

Also, acting Chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, Dale Erquiaga, responds to faculty concerns about evaluations of Nevada campus presidents.

Faculty said campus presidents are not getting the regular evaluations that the public deserve.

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Dr. Susan Enfield has been in Reno for just short of two months, and already she is making changes to the Washoe County School District.

As the new superintendent of schools, Enfield has generated optimism by saying in part she wants the district to own its mistakes and celebrate its successes.

In this show, we chat with Enflield about the future of the district and what she hopes to accomplish.

The This is Reno radio show can be heard on Sunday mornings on KWNK Community Radio at 97.7 FM on your favorite podcast player.

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If you’ve been to downtown Reno in the past few years, you have most likely seen the ambassadors in action. They wear blue shirts with the downtown Reno partnership logo and are often seen providing assistance to people.

They are also charged with cleaning up downtown. That includes litter control, graffiti removal and weed abatement. The group touts major successes since the ambassadors began working the streets of Reno, including things such as the amount of human and animal feces removed from streets.

The downtown Reno ambassadors were formed in 2018 as part of the downtown Reno business improvement district. That district is funded by fees levied on businesses and property owners downtown, including residents.

Yvonne Deslongchamp works with the Downtown Reno Partnership as an ambassador. In today’s show we discuss the successes and challenges she faces providing assistance to some of Reno’s most needy and marginalized members of our community.

The This is Reno radio show can be heard on Sunday mornings on KWNK Community Radio at 97.7 FM on your favorite podcast player. Subscribe and listen here.

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A man in a chicken outfit was recently protesting at U.S. Congressman Mark Amodei’s Reno office. He was one of about 20 who gathered in protest of an amendment by Amodei to the defense authorization bill in Congress.

The protesters said more than 350,000 acres transferred from federal ownership would devastate wildlife habitat and amount to a land and water grab. In this episode show we hear from some of those protesting – as well as from the Congressman.

We also hear from Dayo McIntosh, who brought her new business to Reno. Yateo, the business, features beauty products and a robot that blends essential oils.

Reno City Manager Doug Thornley joins us to answer questions about the Virginia Street bike and micro-mobility project. There have been a number of questions and allegations about how the Virginia Street micro mobility changes came to be in recent months. Bike advocates for years have been pushing for similar bike amenities on Center Street, one block to the east. Thornley tells us what’s next for the project.

Listen to This Is Reno radio on KWNK 97.7 Community Radio on Sunday mornings.

Sponsor: Truckee Meadows Water Authority is a podcast sponsor of ThisIsReno in support of locally focused journalism and to promote conservation in our community. To view summertime watering days and other important water resource management topics visit smartaboutwater.com.

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The pandemic tore apart the ability for people to collaborate on music. But it also forced artists to work together in other ways. One local musician and educator seized the opportunity to change how music is written and performed.

Trombonist Paul Fleming started a new local nonprofit during the pandemic. Renew Music is seeking to present classical, brass and jazz in ways that are more accessible to people. That’s while maintaining musical integrity and encouraging audience members to participate in how music affects them.

Paul explains the mission of the nonprofit plus his goals as a musician and educator to transform how we experience new and different forms of music. Visit https://www.renewensemble.org to learn more.

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Fil Corbitt is one of Reno’s most talented and better known podcasters. In a recent episode of The Wind podcast, Fil explored last year’s decision by the city of Reno to ban whips from downtown. I speak with Fil in this episode about the ban and what they found.

Also, the Washoe County board of commissioners recently approved a resolution that grants the county manager the authority to provide county employees with public relations and legal support. Up to $150,000 worth.

Washoe County Manager Eric Brown explains what’s been happening and what kinds of threats county employees have received.

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Public education is facing a protracted crisis. From lack of funding and bureaucracy to politicized attacks on teachers and staff, Washoe County, much like the rest of the country, is also no stranger to public education controversy.

For this show, I spoke with Calen Evans. A ten-year teacher, he is now the president elect of the Washoe Education Association. That’s the group that represents more than 3,500 teachers in the county.

Evans said he hopes to take the association in a more active direction under his tenure. In this show we talk about what he hopes to accomplish, the union’s endorsements for school board candidates and challenges facing the school district.

We also talk about the future of public education in Washoe County.

This show is sponsored by Truckee Meadows Water Authority reminding you to water on your address's designated watering days in order to conserve water. Visit smartaboutwater.com for details.

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A recent public comment at a Reno City Council brought up an issue that took many people by surprise.

The reason: A residential psychiatric facility is opening in a Reno neighborhood. That is of course creating a lot of questions for nearby residents.

But opposition to the facility also drew considerable negative responses. People commenting online condemned what they called NIMBY-ism and ableist attitudes by the neighbors who expressed concern.

For this episode we hear from one of the neighbors about why she is concerned. We also check in with Reno City Manager Doug Thornley about why such facilities can and do come to neighborhoods in Nevada.

Listen below and on KWNK 97.7 Community Radio.

Subscribe here on most major podcast apps: https://thisisreno.buzzsprout.com.

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Local business DJ Trivia has for nearly a decade been hosting games at local bars. But the City of Reno recently decided those games qualify as live entertainment.

As a result, a handful of bars have been forced to quit hosting the games – or get an expensive cabaret license.

In this episode we hear from two of the business owners impacted by the city’s recent crackdown on trivia games.

Also: The recent leak of a U.S. Supreme Court draft ruling could overturn the longstanding Roe v. Wade decision that gave women the right to choose to have an abortion.

The potential change to Roe v. Wade drew swift rebuke in Reno as dozens gathered at the federal courthouse to express their outrage. We chat with the ACLU’s Holly Welborn and Lilith Baran to talk about what the potential overhaul will mean for Nevadans

Speaking of the ACLU, the civil liberties organization recently sued the state of Nevada for continuing to list cannabis as a schedule 1 controlled substance. That listing by Nevada’s board of pharmacy, according to the ACLU, violates the Nevada Constitution in part because the state has legalized cannabis for recreational and medicinal use.

Sadmira Ramic with the ACLU explains the reason for the lawsuit.

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This Is Reno photojournalist Ty O’Neil recently returned from Ukraine where he was covering the conflict with Russia.

In this episode, we have a very special guest host. Lucia Starbuck interviews O’Neil about his recent visit to Ukraine to cover the Russian invasion. They discuss what he saw, the challenges he faced and how Ukrainians treated an independent journalist trying to cover the conflict.

His startling imagery was published in a series of photo galleries and articles on This Is Reno.

Listen to the podcast online here or on all major podcast apps. We also are on KWNK 97.7 FM community radio on Sunday mornings.

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Shouting, interruptions and threats marked a heated meeting of the Board of Regents on April first. The regents are the Nevada System of Higher Education’s governing board.

They met to approve a $610,000 severance with Chancellor Melody Rose.

Rose wanted to leave her position as chancellor after she filed a voluminous complaint against certain regents.

Regents argued and interrupted one another during the meeting. They ultimately approved the severance.

Rose had only been in the position since June of 2020

On this week’s episode is a breakdown of the April 1 regents meeting. I also speak with a University of Nevada faculty member, Amy Pason, about Nevada’s higher education system. We get her perspective on what happened with the regents, and what’s in the wake of the resignation of Chancellor Melody Rose.

Listen to this show Sundays at 8:30 a.m. on KWNK 97.7 FM, Reno's community radio station: https://kwnkradio.org/thisisreno/

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Washoe County recently fended off a major proposal to overhaul election laws.

The resolution was advanced by County Commissioner Jeanne Herman, and it would have forced people off voter rolls if they did not vote, mandated hand counting of ballots and would have required armed government agents to oversee polling locations.

The resolution was widely determined to be illegal, costly and unnecessary given voting protections already in place.

But that didn’t sway dozens of people to push for it during a day-long meeting. They were met by even more people speaking against the measure.

On this week’s episode we break down what happened at the county meeting and why Herman’s proposal failed so dramatically.

We also cover why members of the Sparks Fire Department issued a vote of no confidence against their fire chief.

Our show is also broadcasting Sundays on KWNK Community Radio.

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Reno’s Black Wall street was founded in 2020. The nonprofit was formed to meet the needs of black and underserved people of color in the Reno Sparks area.

The group is regularly hosting classes, outreach events and helping people in need. In this episode, three of the key people behind Black Wall Street Reno -- Chandra Mask, Romar Tolliver and Donald Griffin -- tell their story.

This episode also features the Everything That I Need from Reno band Last One Down. The song is from their single of the same name available on the major music apps.

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Lauren Gorman is a federal public defender in Reno. Last year she battled the federal government and won.

The case involved a man who illegally re-entered the United States from Mexico after having already been deported.

Gorman said the law criminalizing re-entry into the U.S. was based on blatant racism and violates the equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment. The reason: The laws criminalizing re-entry specifically targeted Mexicans and had been codified in federal laws since 1929.

Chief Judge for the District Court of Nevada, Miranda Du, agreed with Gorman’s arguments.

Du found those laws unconstitutional, but the federal government – President Joe Biden’s Justice Department – has since appealed.

In this episode, Gorman explains the case in detail – and where it’s headed.

This episode also features a new tune by Reno artist Kat Heart from Loud As Folk.

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The Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act is reportedly being drafted by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, and Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson says he’s pushing for the bill to get entered into Congress as early as this year.

The bill was discussed in early 2020 with a public meeting. Reception, however, was widely negative. In this episode, I interview Lawson about what has been happening with the bill.

Trustee reflects on school board serviceA former school board trustee has a new book out, which has already received a best-seller status on Amazon. Kurt Thigpen’s book, “How to Win an Election: An Essential Guide to Campaigning During Adversity,” covers his electoral success in 2020.

Thigpen reflects on his time serving as a trustee for the Washoe County School District in a climate of political belligerence and hostility.

Cares Campus crimeThe Nevada Cares Campus opened under the city of Reno’s lead last year and has since been plagued with allegations of rampant crime and drug use. It is now overseen by Washoe County and operated by the Volunteers of America.

Ben West, the head of security for Washoe County, said a number of challenges persist at the campus. A lack of adequate staffing is among the biggest problems.

This episode also features a new song by Bryan McPherson. McPherson’s new release, “How to Draw Everything” comes out on Valentine's Day.

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How to Win an Election: An Essential Guide to Campaigning During Adversity

Housing issues continue to be a concern for many Reno residents. Reno’s cost of living continues to rise and some community leaders say something needs to be done. We went to the Economic Development Authority’s state of the economy event in January and heard more.

This show features EDAWN’s Mike Kazmierski discussing housing and homeless issues. We also check in with a mental health expert who has concerns about a federal that, he says, is negatively impacting mental health professionals.

Last, COVID-19 continues to sicken people in Northern Nevada. Health officials are reporting record numbers of new cases spurred by the highly contagious omicron variant. Illnesses from omicron tend not to be as serious, but the Washoe County District Health Officer explains why increasing case counts are drawing concern.

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We recently spoke with the leading experts in the Washoe County community about the COVID-19 vaccines. This discussion dispels some of the myths about the vaccines as well as covers some information that is not yet known. Our panelists were:

Heidi Parker, executive director of Immunize Nevada where she leads and engages a diverse coalition of staff, volunteers, member organizations and funders so they are passionate about vaccines and access to preventive health care across Nevada’s rural, urban and frontier communities.
Jennifer Wheeler, chief pharmacy officer for Community Health Alliance, has been practicing pharmacy since 2002, starting as a technician and eventually graduating pharmacy school.
Dr. Trudy Larson, dean at the School of Community Health Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. Larsen is on the Governor’s COVID-19 Medical Advisory Team.
Heather Kerwin, epidemiology program manager for the Washoe County Health District. Much of her work is focused on deep diving into complex data and distilling it into understandable information.
Dr. Marie McCormack is a family medicine physician at Northern Nevada Medical Group. She has 28-plus years of experience in family medicine and has served in various leadership roles both in market and in rural communities in Nevada.

The Mask On, Move On campaign paid to advertise this event.

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Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval took over as president of the University of Nevada last year and quickly made the decision to shut down much of the in-person instruction due to COVID-19. In this podcast, Jeri Davis and Bob Conrad ask Sandoval about what he’s been doing in the past six months as president, as well as his vision for the university’s future. He answers questions about some of the legislation affecting Nevada higher education, including a new version of a bill he vetoed as governor in 2017.

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Reno historian, Dr. Alicia Barber, discusses with us some of the big development issues facing Reno, including what changes are planned for the Powning District. She writes The Barber Brief on Substack.

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Cathy Woods spent more than 35 years in prison for a murder in Reno she did not commit. Michelle Mitchell, a University of Nevada student, was murdered just across from the UNR campus in 1976.

Local prosecutors went after a woman named Cathy Woods as the main suspect. Three years after Mitchell’s murder, Woods confessed to the crime. However, she suffers from schizophrenia, and DNA evidence ultimately exonerated her. She was released from prison in 2015.

Evidence shows the real killer is -- likely -- Rodney Halbower, who is already serving time in prison.

For this episode, we speak with former Reno Police Lieutenant J. Andre Boles, who is now a true crime writer. Boles has two books about true crime in Reno, Nevada. His latest is Monster on Gypsy Hill, about the Gypsy Hill murders committed by Halbower.

Since this interview was conducted, Woods is set to receive $3 million in a settlement with the City of Reno. Settlements have already been made with Washoe County, the State of Nevada and Shreveport, Louisiana. Total settlements will top $10 million dollars.

Her attorney issued the following statement:

"Although there is no amount of money that could possibly compensate Cathy Woods for what she suffered as a result of being wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for over 35 years for a crime that she did not commit, the compensation will help her recover from this terrible ordeal."

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Black Lives Matter is an international movement that has emerged in the Biggest Little City. BLM demonstrations have been held in the past few years, often in the wake of national incidences of violence against Black people at the hands of law enforcement.

On May 30, a peaceful BLM demonstration was followed by rioting and vandalizing by a much smaller group that split off from the main protest.

What happened in the weeks to come was the creation of art meant to depict, visually, the struggles many in the Biggest Little City face because of their skin color.

For this episode, Jeri Davis and Bob Conrad interview muralist Joe C. Rock about the art now covering up vandalized portions of Reno City Hall. We also hear from David Gamble Sr. as he reads from his son's essay about growing up Black in Reno.

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George Floyd was killed at the hands of Minneapolis Police on May 25th. Four police officers have been charged for his death. Those charges include murder and manslaughter.

Floyd’s death triggered reactions around the world, including here in Reno.

Don Dike Anukam attended the rally reporting for This Is Reno. We hear from one of the rally organizers and go to the the Reno Police station where rioting began. Don also takes us into City Hall the morning after it faced hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages from vandals.

Lucia Starbuck also contributed to this report.

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An effort to recall Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has failed. The effort came nowhere near close to the needed signatures to succeed. For this episode, Don Dike Anukam interviews Wayne Thorley with the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office.

Hundreds of businesses in the greater Reno area faced complaints from employees. Lucia Starbuck spoke with Craig Madole with the Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors.

Lastly, Lucia has been investigating the COVID-19 outbreak at Arbors Memory Care in Sparks. Six staff members and 32 residents tested positive for COVID-19, and three residents died. We discuss her reporting and what she's discovered.

Don Dike Anukam and Lucia Starbuck contributed to this episode.

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People are still dying from the coronavirus disease in Washoe County, but many businesses are starting to reopen. That’s a big change that comes with some new rules. For this show, Lucia Starbuck interviews Arlo Stockham from the City of Reno about what the city is doing to make sure businesses follow the rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Nurses are protesting working conditions at Saint Mary’s Hospital in downtown Reno. They say employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and they don’t have the proper protective equipment to protect not just them themselves but also hospital patients.

Kelly Heywood with the nurses union says they held a demonstration to express concern about unsafe working conditions. The lack of proper protective equipment, she told This Is Reno, is putting staff and patients at risk.

Businesses start to reopen

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced the state has entered phase one. That means many businesses can reopen, but there are still a number of restrictions in place.

After the governor’s announcement, county and city officials said local jurisdictions will follow the state’s recommendations.

Washoe County Commissioner Bob Lucey says local governments are asking for cooperation and do not want to be heavy handed with businesses. Despite reopenings, officials say staying at home, wearing masks and social distancing should remain in place during phase one.

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Governor Steve Sisolak this week came under fire for lack of communication not just with the news media but with noted constituent groups as the Silver State grapples with COVID-19. That includes the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities. We spoke this week with Wes Harper from the League of Cities as well as state Senator Ben Kieckhefer about the governor not responding to various groups.

Sisolak on Thursday announced plans to gradually reopen the state. Reno-area officials were guardedly optimistic and provided responses to the governor's announcement. City Council Member Devon Reese and Sparks Mayor Ron Smith both responded to the new plans.

Health officials cautioned however that as the restrictions on some businesses are lifted, wearing masks and social distancing protocols should remain in place. The county this week reported a record spike in new cases as well as more deaths from the virus.

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COVID-19 continues to weigh heavy not just on the Silver State but around the world. Hundreds of protestors recently took to the streets in Nevada’s capital Carson City. Republican Assemblyman Jim Wheeler was there in support. Reporter Lucia Starbuck interviews him for this podcast.

When do businesses get to reopen?

Massive unemployment and business shutdowns characterize the state of Reno’s economy as health officials attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19. The question on everybody’s mind is when and how businesses get to reopen.

Starbuck spoke with Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve who says it’s simply too soon to tell when businesses can reopen, but she has a task force to start laying the groundwork for reopenings.

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COVID-19 testing in Washoe County

The process to get tested for COVID-19 in Washoe County continues to draw questions. County officials, however, opened up their testing location at the Reno Livestock Events Center to show what is involved in getting people tested. Lucia Starbuck interviewed Lisa Lottritz with the Washoe County Health District about the testing process.

How are Reno's seniors coping with COVID-19?

The most high-risk population affected by the coronavirus is seniors. The CDC says those over 65 and those who live in nursing homes and care facilities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

We spoke with Donna Clontz, chair of the city’s senior citizen advisory committee. Although one nursing facility in Reno had an outbreak of COVID-19 affecting 43 residents, Clontz says most senior facilities are on lock-down and took preventative measures to protect residents.

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Domestic violence is on the rise nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. But are those trends holding true for Washoe County? Sheriff Darin Balaam tells us they don’t have solid data, but it’s a major concern. He also explains why the pandemic has led to a major reductions in arrests.

Transparency takes a hit

One of the first things to take a hit during an unprecedented pandemic is transparency. Lucia Starbuck interviews media professor Patrick File from the University of Nevada, Reno journalism school about what is happening to the flow of information.

Landlords defy Governor’s directives

Landlords continue to violate Governor Steve Sisolak’s orders. This Is Reno has received complaints from tenants about landlords blatantly ignoring state directives. These include imposing late-fee penalties and threats of eviction, each of which violate the governor’s directives. Reno council member Naomi Duerr tells us what is happening — and what tenants can do.

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Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve is echoing Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak’s directive this week ordering people to stay at home. It’s the only way, they said, to reduce the impact of COVID19. We hear from both of them about what's being done in the Silver State to deal with COVID-19.

Also: The news media, particularly small, independent outlets, are suffering as a result of COVID-19. The Reno News & Review recently announced it was ending publication after decades of printing its weekly in Northern Nevada. The problem with news outlets going out of business is that when people need information, they frequently turn to news sources. Hear what Schieve and Sisolak said about this concern.

Lastly, the Washoe County Health District continues to be tight-lipped with information about COVID-19. District health officer Kevin Dick refused to answer questions from a Reno Gazette-Journal reporter. We report on what happened and why transparency is important, not just for reporters, but for other local governments.

Episode cover image: Gov. Steve Sisolak discusses measures to help the public with housing stability amid the COVID-19 public health crisis at a press conference at the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas, Sunday, March 29, 2020. (Rachel Aston/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Pool) @rookie__rae.

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Government alone cannot solve the COVID-19 crisis. But there is a lot of action happening on the ground as Reno continues to adjust to its new COVID-19 reality. We interview Reno City Councilmember Devon Reese about efforts to deal with the coronavirus.

Also: Renown nurses are saying they have to reuse personal protective equipment. But Renown CEO Tony Slonim says the hospital is ready to deal with coronavirus. We hear from Slonim about Renown's preparations to deal with what is anticipated to be a surge of new patients.

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"This is not the time to try to find loopholes."

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said the picture is grim but hopeful as the Silver State deals with fallout from COVID-19. Here in Reno, we’ve seen restaurants, bars and casinos shuttered. Now, the governor is saying that if a business is not essential, it may face criminal penalties if it does not immediately close.

The impacts to businesses facing closure remains to be seen. What is clear is that with increasingly vacant buildings, law enforcement has stepped up patrols.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam spoke a press conference and said law enforcement is stepping up patrols. We also hear from Sisolak's most recent, virtual press conference where he outlines why Nevada, like the rest of the world, is making such drastic decisions.

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Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak's full press conference on closing non-essential businesses in Nevada. March 17, 2020.

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COVID-19 has had major impacts in the Silver State. Governor Steve Sisolak on March 12 declared the Nevada to be in state of emergency. The City of Reno and Washoe County quickly followed suit.

In this episode, we check in with what the City of Reno is doing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 -- in particular which businesses were recently ordered to close.

There remains confusion about patient privacy and how potential COVID-19 patients may impact first responders. We interview Michael Arrigo of No World Borders, an expert in healthcare data and patient privacy.

Lisa Lee with the Foundation for Recovery conveys how the coronavirus is impacting Reno's houseless community and why advocacy groups demanded a moratorium on evictions and anti-camping ordinances.

Paul Enos of the Nevada Trucking Association gives us an update on the distribution of goods and food supplies and why shelves are emptying so quickly.

Cover image: Trevor Bexon.

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The City of Reno last week ordered more than 150 houseless residents to move from where they were living along train tracks near the Reno Aces baseball stadium. Officials said that services were offered to the houseless residents, but shelters are notoriously full and much of what was removed from the sites were personal possessions that could not be moved. We hear from the first reporter on the scene, Lucia Starbuck from Our Town Reno.

Also in this episode: Huffaker Elementary School was closed for a day while school district officials, working with the Health District, closed the school for a deep cleaning. We hear from health officials about the Coronavirus in the Reno area, as well as Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam's approach to hand-washing.

Special thanks to Scott King and Lucia Starbuck from Our Town Reno for reporting used in this show. Photo: Trevor Bexon.

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The City of Reno recently proposed cutting potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in special events funding. That announcement was met with alarm and confusion by those who rely on the city’s room tax dollars to fund various major events in the region. We spoke with officials about this major change.

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FEBRUARY 25, 2020: The Washoe County Lands Bill is back but with a new name. Now known as the Truckee Meadows Lands Bill, city and county officials recently held a meeting for the public to weigh in on what the bill could look like. The reception was overwhelmingly negative.

Also in this episode: The Reno community said goodbye to longtime politician and community champion. Former Mayor Bob Cashell passed away in mid February, and hundreds came out to celebrate his life.

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February 18, 2020: The Nevada Independent launched three years ago. An online-only news website, the Indy, as it is called, covers Nevada news, politics and government and has become one of the state’s larger news operations. In this week's radio show, produced in partnership with KWNK Community Radio, we talk with Independent Editor Jon Ralston, review some of the political activity hitting Northern Nevada and check in on the latest at Reno City Hall.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting, spoke last weekend at an LGBTQ+ drag show at The Emerson Bar in Midtown Reno. He was also campaigning for U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren. Wolf spoke to the crowd of nearly 30 activists, supporters and curious attendees. He spoke about his experiences from the June 2016 shooting and how it has impacted his life. He said he lost his partner Neil in a hail of automatic gunfire that took 53 other lives, including the gunman who was killed by police after a three-hour standoff.Interview by Don Dike AnukamSupport the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) visited northern Nevada Saturday, Jan. 4 ahead of the Nevada Democratic caucuses in February 2020. An estimated 300people attended Klobuchar’s Reno campaign event, which was held at Sundance Books and Music on California Avenue. Audio by Don Dike-AnukamSupport the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Reno news media interview presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren at Truckee Meadows Community College on December 10, 2019. Audio by Don Dike Anukam. Photo by Trevor Bexon.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Interview by Donnell Dike Anukam in September of 2019. Visit ThisIsReno.com for more about this interview.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

The Women of Midtown is a series of audio vignettes about a few of Reno's Midtown business owners. Carly Sauvageau interviews: Angela Watson of Black Hole Body Piercing; Lacey Shea and Momo Mendoza from Shea's Tavern; SUP's Kasey Christensen; Haley Mosely and Jessie Henderson of Two Chicks; and Junkee's Jessica Schneider. Photos by Andrea Laue.

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Tabitha Mueller and Bob Conrad sit down with Anjeanette Damon from The City podcast to discuss the origin of season two -- and what's next now that the season is complete.In case you missed it, The City season two is focused on Reno, Nevada and the city's battle for an identity. Thanks to KWNK Community Radio for hosting this interview.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

The Women of Midtown is a series of audio vignettes about a few of Reno's Midtown business owners. Carly Sauvageau interviews: Angela Watson of Black Hole Body Piercing; Lacey Shea and Momo Mendoza from Shea's Tavern; SUP's Kasey Christensen; Haley Mosely and Jessie Henderson of Two Chicks; and Junkee's Jessica Schneider. Photos by Andrea Laue.

Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

The Women of Midtown is a series of audio vignettes about a few of Reno's Midtown business owners. Carly Sauvageau interviews: Angela Watson of Black Hole Body Piercing; Lacey Shea and Momo Mendoza from Shea's Tavern; SUP's Kasey Christensen; Haley Mosely and Jessie Henderson of Two Chicks; and Junkee's Jessica Schneider. Photos by Andrea Laue.

Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

The Women of Midtown is a series of audio vignettes about a few of Reno's Midtown business owners. Carly Sauvageau interviews: Angela Watson of Black Hole Body Piercing; Lacey Shea and Momo Mendoza from Shea's Tavern; SUP's Kasey Christensen; Haley Mosely and Jessie Henderson of Two Chicks; and Junkee's Jessica Schneider. Photos by Andrea Laue.

Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

The Women of Midtown is a series of audio vignettes about a few of Reno's Midtown business owners. Carly Sauvageau interviews: Angela Watson of Black Hole Body Piercing; Lacey Shea and Momo Mendoza from Shea's Tavern; SUP's Kasey Christensen; Haley Mosely and Jessie Henderson of Two Chicks; and Junkee's Jessica Schneider. Photos by Andrea Laue.

Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

The University of Nevada's annual global climate change took place in late September. The event coincides with the annual climate summit at the United Nations. The UNR event is hosted by the College of Business' Nevada Leadership Program and the University Center for Economic Development.I got the chance to speak with three of the participants. Our conversations were wide-ranging. They were:1. Stallar Lufrano-Jardine, a doctoral student at the University of Nevada and is also the director of career services for the UNR College of Business.2. Pete Gower, an environmental planning consultant with Planning Solutions Inc. We walk about the effects of sprawl versus high-density development.3. Marco Velotta, who oversees the City of Las Vegas' manager for sustainability initiatives. In this next segment, we discuss how Reno and Las Vegas are the fastest-warming cities in America -- and what can be done about this concerning trend.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Reno's creative arts generate millions of dollars in the local economy each year. That includes personal income, government revenues, and total jobs supported by the arts. Our new podcast series takes a dive into the realities of being an artist and musician in the Biggest Little City. The series of four episodes is reported by University of Nevada student Carly Sauvageau and edited by Holly Hutchings.Episode 4: Literature in Reno"I make words like a cabinet maker makes cabinets."In this last and final episode of this series, Carly speaks withShaun Griffin, poet and writer, creative writing students at UNR, and slam poets.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Reno's creative arts generate millions of dollars in the local economy each year. That includes personal income, expenditures, government revenues, and total jobs supported by the arts. Our new podcast series takes a dive into the realities of being an artist and musician in the Biggest Little City. The series of four episodes is reported by University of Nevada student Carly Sauvageau and edited by Holly Hutchings.Episode 1: Reno's Do-It-Yourself Music Scene"We have something to prove. We deserve a seat at the table with everyone else."In our first episode Carly speaks with: Nick Eng, musician Tommy and The Tongues Clinton Neuerberg of Elephant Rifle and one of the founders of the Holland Project Ben Birkinbine, UNR professor and a member of the band Fine Motor* "Dead-Air" Dave, DJ, The X, 100.1Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Reno's creative arts generate millions of dollars in the local economy each year. That includes personal income, government revenues, and total jobs supported by the arts. Our new podcast series takes a dive into the realities of being an artist and musician in the Biggest Little City. The series of four episodes is reported by University of Nevada student Carly Sauvageau and edited by Holly Hutchings.Episode 3: The Reno Theater Scene"We live in a capitalist society. Nothing is free. If we can make theater more important here, it could be a business--perhaps."In this episode, Carly speaks with: Jill Engstrom, Actor Cody Hamilton, Actor Joe Atack, Good Luck Macbeth theater company Adriano Cabral, UNR theater professorSupport the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Reno's creative arts generate millions of dollars in the local economy each year. That includes personal income, expenditures, government revenues, and total jobs supported by the arts. Our new podcast series takes a dive into the realities of being an artist and musician in the Biggest Little City. The series of four episodes is reported by University of Nevada student Carly Sauvageau and edited by Holly Hutchings.Episode 2: Promoting the Arts in Reno"We're very lucky to have this business here that is showcasing and promoting the arts in Reno."Carly speaks with: Marketer Jacqueline Lampson Geralda Miller & Eric Brooks of Art Spot Reno Maria Patridge, ARTECH Lauren Hufft of Reno Art Works BreeAnn St. Onge, Sierra Arts Foundation Amanda Horn, Nevada Museum of Art Scott "Plasma," artist at The Generator Jerry Snyder, Board President, The GeneratorSupport the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

“We were there for protection.” That’s the storyline John Steven Olausen told police after he was arrested for the 1979 murder of undercover Reno Police Officer James Hoff. He and two others were waiting by the Truckee River in Reno past midnight and, along with a fourth man, took part in Hoff’s killing as part of a drug deal gone bad. This fourth episode of Solutions Season 2 features a never-heard-before interview between Steve Olausen and Reno Police Department detectives. This firsthand account of Hoff’s killing gives the perspective of one of the perpetrators of the crime both from ’79 and today: He claims he acted in self-defense.Learn more about this series, and listen to all of the episodes, here: https://thisisreno.com/solutions/Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

There have been few events that shocked the Reno community as much as the 1979 murder of undercover Reno Police Officer James Hoff. Jimmy, as he was known, was allowed by the Reno Police Department to engage in a drug deal that ended his life. While most put blame on the four youth who were found guilty of Hoff’s murder, retired law enforcement, and Jimmy’s stepbrother, also say that RPD supervisors never should have allowed the deal to go down the way it did.Two of youth were sentenced to life, and two others were sentenced to death for their role in Hoff’s killing. Steve Olausen’s sentence was later changed to life without the possibility of parole.In addition to Jimmy’s stepbrother, this episode features interviews with retired police who knew Hoff. We also speak with the former girlfriend of the killer who remains on death row. Kellie Morrissey-Schmanski speaks publicly about what lead up to the fatal drug buy.Learn more about this series, and listen to all of the episodes, here: https://thisisreno.com/solutions/Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Reno Police Officer James Hoff died in the line of duty. It was an undercover drug deal that went fatally wrong. But his legacy continues to be honored through today.Jimmy’s murder continues to draw raw emotion. Though not even alive when Hoff’s death occurred, the officer’s legacy as a fallen officer resonates through today to the men and women of the Reno Police Department.The James D. Hoff Peace Officers Memorial honors the risks law enforcement make each and every day. While law enforcement’s role in recent years has come under increasing scrutiny, the life-and-death scenarios faced by police remain.The role police had in Hoff's killing, however, remains unsettled.LLearn more about this series, and listen to all of the episodes, here: https://thisisreno.com/solutions/Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

John Steven Olausen struggled to learn. Just out of high school, but without a diploma, he had a learning disability, dyslexia, that hampered his ability to understand the basics. Olausen was caught in an ugly divorce between his parents. He was also easily influenced. His friends said he was a Boy Scout, willing to do anything for anyone at any time. It was these traits that would land him on death row within a year of coming to Reno, Nevada in 1979.Learn more about this series, and listen to all of the episodes, here: https://thisisreno.com/solutions/Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

What unfolds in this podcast is the story of how many lives were irreversibly ruined because of grave errors made by numerous people — from cocky, maladjusted youth to the highest levels of the Reno Police Department and state government. It is a story that reverberates through the consciousness of the Northern Nevada community to this day. Solutions season two launches October 8, 2018.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Jasmine Milligan Cividino is Reno's only certified KonMari consultant. That may or may not mean something to you, but for me, her business of helping people get rid of their stuff was life changing.For her, too: "Around the time that I discovered (Marie Kondo's) The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up, my life was in need of change," she writes. "I was a divorced single mother of five years and had been the head of a small business for 11 years. The significant responsibilities involved in running a household and a company were wearing me down. I no longer knew what made me happy or how to enjoy the company of my friends and family."My situation was different, but we both had a similar problem: too much stuff. Listen below to find out how "decluttering" or "tidying-up" worked for me, and why. Contact Jasmine at 775-636-4019.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

There is no silver bullet that will solve homelessness. But there are many solutions that can reduce houselessness. Our 5th episode, and the finale of our first season, covers some of what Reno locals are doing -- and recommending -- to solve the city's homeless crisis. We speak with houseless individuals, advocates, Reno's chief of police, and nonprofits about what can be done. We also visit Washoe County's Crossroads program, which has a high success rate but a lengthy waiting list. Solutions #5 relied heavily on the following sources:1. "A History of Homelessness in America," a presentation by Steve Carlson, Psy.D. 2. "The History of Homeless in America, 1640s to present" by Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness. http://www.dceh.org/the-history-of-homelessness-in-america-1640s-to-present/3. "Homelessness in America" by the National Alliance to End Homelessness. https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/4. "Amid booming economy, homelessness soars on US West Coast." Associated Press, Nov. 9, 2017. https://www.apnews.com/d480434bbacd4b028ff13cd1e7cea1555. "Driven Out." Pacific Standard. July 31, 2017. https://psmag.com/social-justice/driven-out6. "Bussed Out: How America moves its homeless." The Guardian UK, Dec. 20, 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2017/dec/20/bussed-out-america-moves-homeless-people-country-studySupport the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Solutions season 1 returns with its fourth episode, "If We Don't Build It, They Will Die." The podcast features Reno City Councilmember Neoma Jardon and the city's Reno Works Program. We debunk some myths about tiny homes, which the city is hoping to build. Solutions season 1 is covering the rise of the homeless in the Reno area and is hosted by Bob Conrad of ThisisReno.com.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Dana and Bob are back to discuss this week's big news, including: Behind the scenes at the FORTE Awards The latest on the City of Reno's agreement with Waste Management Controversial art at UNR? We discuss. The Off Beat FestSupport the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

A repeal of the Affordable Care Act would spell disaster for Nevada. That's according to Heather Korbulic of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange. Heather gives us an update on what potential changes mean for health insurance options in the Silver State. Also discussed: Reno's proposed vagrancy ordinances The strip club drama Street Vibrations, and Who wants Reno's effluentSupport the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

This week our hosts Bob Conrad and Dana Nollsch debrief President Donald Trump's visit to Reno, and how we covered it. Also on this episode, Jay Kolbet-Clausell talks about on-the-ground issues in Reno, including the city's newly proposed vagrancy ordinances. This episode is sponsored by Canfest, Reno's original, international canned beer festival, taking place Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Grand Sierra Resort.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

July is hot. Art is everywhere. Dana Nollsch, Kristen Power and Bob Conrad discuss a litany of Artown events. In other news, we cover a ton of events to check out this weekend, as well as: Maniacal drivers in Reno CanFest 2017 at GSR Shoplifting in Midtown Wildcreek High School versus the Wildcreek golf course Truckee River safety Marijuana's distribution problem and the Governor's statement of emergency* What our listeners want you to know.Thanks for tuning in.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

From 1930s through the '70s, marijuana has been the brunt of politicized legislation. Despite medical testimony to the contrary, Congress made marijuana cost prohibitive for doctors to prescribe with the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, and President Nixon criminalized the drug as part of his war on drugs. The effects of these laws have impact through today as states legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.Also covered: The Sparks Police Department is ticketing and arrested the homeless along the Truckee River Yelp and the Ronald McDonald House Charities are hosting the free "Home Away From Home" event June 28* The Wilbur D. May Center hosts a new exhibit with fiber and mixed media art * The Cannabis in Nevada Forum on June 22, sponsored by Reno Public Radio * The Cafe Deluxe's new locationSupport the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

The third episode of season one covers the issue of affordable housing in Reno, Nevada. Why is housing so expensive? What can be done about it? Who is impacted the most by housing prices? These questions and more are answered as we continue to explore the issue of homelessness in Reno, Nevada.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)

Episode 48 has us looking in depth at some topical news items plus some upcoming events in the Reno area. Issues we discuss: Should you be concerned with hemlock growing along the Truckee River? The inside scoop on legislation signed by the governor that will help protect the Hillside Cemetery from development A review of Murder in Green Meadows at Reno Little Theater A preview of Artown 2017* Five events to check out this coming Memorial Day weekend.Enjoy.Support the show (https://thisisreno.com/subscribe/)