This Is Reno Radio

A federal judge has rejected the city of Reno's effort to keep police body camera footage confidential in an excessive force lawsuit. Meanwhile, Washoe County is considering new agritourism rules that could help small farms welcome visitors, and Reno residents criticize the city's $22 million Axon police technology contract.We are Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth, editors of This Is Reno, and in today’s episode we are discussing police transparency, local government decisions, economic development and workplace discrimination. We're also sharing some positive news about Reno's arts community and the next generation of local journalists.🔊 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.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

This Is Reno editors Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth are back with the latest in Reno news covering local government, lawsuits and elections.We break down Reno’s proposed $22 million police technology contract, questions in the Ward 4 council race and the latest local court disputes. We examine what Reno’s planned departure from Flock Safety could mean for surveillance, review claims about Councilmember Meghan Ebert’s attendance and discuss property records involving challenger Eddie Gomez.We also cover David Flippo’s missing financial disclosure, the NV Energy–Tract lawsuit, facial recognition litigation and Washoe County School District’s $46.5 million property purchase. Along the way, we find plenty of paperwork — and plenty of arguments over who has to turn it in.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

We are back. After a late-summer break, Kristen and Bob return with a packed roundup of Reno-area news.This episode covers our public records litigation against the city of Reno, an election integrity complaint involving  mayoral candidate and Reno City Council member Kathleen Taylor, the ongoing NV Energy lawsuit involving proposed data centers and new developments in the GPS tracking lawsuit involving Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and former Washoe County Commissioner Vaughn Hartung.There’s also plenty happening at the Washoe County School District, from declining enrollment and school performance ratings to concerns about student violence and findings from a state audit.One of our biggest updates involves the Jason Killinger false arrest lawsuit by Reno police. New court filings raise additional questions about facial recognition practices at the Peppermill casino and how Reno police handled information indicating Killinger had been mistaken for someone else.And we close with some good news: This Is Reno won 16 Nevada Press Association awards, including “podcast of the year.”🔊 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.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad, editors of This Is Reno, discuss the massive wildfire evacuations in Reno’s North Valleys and why we believe emergency communication remains a serious problem for residents and local news media.We also dig into Doral Academy’s proposed South Reno campus, a state audit raising concerns about charter school oversight, an ethics complaint involving former Washoe County Manager Eric Brown and new developments in the Jason Killinger facial-recognition lawsuit. We wrap up with the Reno Satanic invocation at the Washoe County Commission, the latest in the Anna Scott federal murder case and downtown’s curious new Reno bike detour.🔊 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.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

This week on the This Is Reno podcast, we — editors Kristen Hackbarth and Bob Conrad — dig into several investigations and controversies unfolding across Reno and Washoe County. We discuss the federal indictment of former Washoe County Department of Alternative Sentencing chief Justin Roper, developments in the Anna Scott murder case, wildfire prediction markets, the increasingly contentious debate over Reno-area data centers, another leadership shakeup at the Washoe County Library System and uncertainty surrounding Reno City Clerk Mikki Huntsman.We are also joined by investigative journalist Kelsey Penrose to discuss her extensive reporting into music promoter Brandon Deriso and the reopening of Club Underground — a project that required months of source development, lengthy interviews and a deep dive into court records. We end on a lighter note with some of This Is Reno’s recent arts and culture coverage — because after federal court, government investigations and data centers, everyone could probably use a little art.🔊 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.Please keep us going by becoming a paying member: SUBSCRIBE HERE.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

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.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

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.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

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 updatesTwo 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 readersThe 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 feeWashoe 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 caseThe 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 pagesThe 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 investigationReno 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 closureWe 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 caseWe 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/4958240Stay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter. https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

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 changeThe 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 upsetOne 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 contestsWe 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 backlashA 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 earlySummer 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 projectsSeveral 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 levelWe 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.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/

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 backlashThe 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 cultureWe 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 pressuresA 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 useWe 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.Stay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter. This Is Reno NewsletterThis summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.Support the showStay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter: https://thisisreno.com/newsletter/