This Is Reno Radio

This Is Reno
  • 4.6 (16)
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This Is Reno Radio is a podcast from Reno, Nevada featuring news, interviews, analysis and more. The hosts are Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth, This Is Reno's editors.

  1. Election updates, license plate readers and city hall controversies

    2d ago ·  Video

    Election updates, license plate readers and city hall controversies

    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 Stay 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.

    1h 1m
  2. Reno’s primary election results: Major upsets, City Hall shakeups and what's next

    Jun 17

    Reno’s primary election results: Major upsets, City Hall shakeups and what's next

    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.

    1 hr
  3. Reno transit fee hikes, data center moratorium and the Reno police shake-up 

    May 25

    Reno transit fee hikes, data center moratorium and the Reno police shake-up 

    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. Stay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter. This Is Reno Newsletter This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

    1 hr
  4. How the culture wars are reshaping public education, an interview with Sue Granzella

    May 21

    How the culture wars are reshaping public education, an interview with Sue Granzella

    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.

    1h 2m
  5. Police training scandal, housing crisis, heat mitigation and city hall tensions

    May 8

    Police training scandal, housing crisis, heat mitigation and city hall tensions

    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. Stay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter. This Is Reno Newsletter This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

    52 min
  6. Data centers, Washoe County investigation and the next school superintendent

    Apr 27

    Data centers, Washoe County investigation and the next school superintendent

    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.  Stay 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.

    58 min
  7. DA nepotism allegations, a facial recognition lawsuit update and the downtown policing controversy

    Apr 6

    DA nepotism allegations, a facial recognition lawsuit update and the downtown policing controversy

    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.  Stay 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.

    1 hr
  8. Investigation into Reno police leadership continues; major development approved

    Mar 21

    Investigation into Reno police leadership continues; major development approved

    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. Stay current on Reno news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter. This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.

    46 min
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4.6
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

This Is Reno Radio is a podcast from Reno, Nevada featuring news, interviews, analysis and more. The hosts are Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth, This Is Reno's editors.

Information

  • Creator
    This Is Reno
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Conrad Communications
  • Show Website
    This Is Reno Radio

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