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On Tuesday, August 20, Charles Robert Williams, a 30-year-old resident of Dayton, was arrested by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division and Special Investigations Unit on multiple felony weapons and drug charges.

Williams first came under scrutiny in February when he posted a video on social media showing himself being chased by Lyon County Sheriff’s deputies, making him a suspect in a felony eluding case. His involvement in another crime came to light when he shared a video featuring himself in possession of a stolen firearm.

As an ex-felon, it is illegal for Williams to own or possess firearms.

On Monday, August 19, authorities executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence. Although Williams was not present at the time, detectives uncovered a variety of dangerous items, including brass knuckles, a stun device, a stolen handgun, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

The following day, detectives located and arrested Williams. They booked Williams into the Lyon County Jail on several charges, including being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a stun device by an ex-felon, felony eluding a peace officer, possession of dangerous weapons, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anyone with information about the investigation should contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division by email at detective@lyon-county.org or 775-463-6600.

A missing and endangered Utah woman and her three children have been found safe in Humboldt County, authorities announced on Tuesday, August 20.

The woman, 27-year-old Brittany Etta Deal, and her children were seen last in St. George, Utah, on Monday, August 19, before reportedly being picked up by David Remley. There was a protective order in place that prohibited Remley from contacting Deal.

The circumstances raised concerns when Deal and her children went missing.

Around 3 a.m. on August 20, authorities issued an “endangered missing advisory” after a concerned family member or friend contacted the police. A welfare check at Deal’s residence showed no one was at home.

The search for Deal and her children came to a positive conclusion on Tuesday when they were located by troopers and detectives from the Nevada State Police, along with officers from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and the Winnemucca Police Department. Remley was taken into custody following the discovery.

Further details about the incident and Remley’s charges have yet to be released.

As election season approaches, concerns about voter registration practices have resurfaced in Nevada, echoing past controversies linked to organizations like ACORN, and disbanded in 2010 after being implicated in a voter fraud scandal.

ACORN was known for its efforts to register voters, particularly among low-income and minority communities. However, the group faced accusations of submitting fraudulent voter registrations, leading to a nationwide scandal, that began in 2009, in Las Vegas with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1107.

In recent years, a new network of voter registration organizations has drawn scrutiny, particularly those connected to the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a political fundraising organization tied to Arabella Advisors. Critics argue that these groups have not only accepted donations from but have also adopted tactics reminiscent of ACORN’s, raising concerns about the integrity of voter registration efforts in states like Nevada.

The Sixteen Thirty Fund has become a significant player in national politics, supporting progressive causes and candidates. However, its reliance on “dark money”—funds raised for political campaigns without donor disclosure—has sparked debates about transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

It has caused concern in Nevada, given the state’s pivotal role in national elections. With memories of ACORN’s past controversies still fresh, some political observers are questioning whether the current landscape of voter registration efforts might lead to similar issues.

The controversy also focuses on a comment by President Joe Biden during the 2020 election campaign, where he referred to having “built the most extensive voter fraud operation” in history—a remark widely regarded as “misspeak” in the legacy media.

As Nevada prepares for upcoming elections, the scrutiny over voter registration practices is expected to intensify, with both sides of the political spectrum closely monitoring the situation. State officials have oft-repeated their commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process by claiming they will investigate voter fraud.

Once again, evidence of voter fraud is in the process of being overlooked by the legacy media, NGOs, and government agencies. Meanwhile, the legacy of ACORN and the current activities of groups connected to the Sixteen Thirty Fund continue to cast shadows on how Nevada conducts voter registration and the potential implications for elections.

A short distance from a now-viral TikTok capturing alleged racist harassment against a Black man stands a state historical marker that tells a lesser-known story—one of African American resilience and achievement in the heart of Virginia City.

The marker, “African Americans and the Boston Saloon,” commemorates William A.G. Brown, a freeborn Black man who owned and operated the Boston Saloon from 1866 to 1875. The establishment was more than just a bar; it was a symbol of the rich cultural and social contributions of Black Nevadans during the state’s early years.

The Boston Saloon, adorned with intricate gas lamps and crystal goblets, offered an upscale experience different from the typical rough-and-tumble saloon image of television and movies. Though the saloon burned in the Great Fire of 1875, the historical marker serves as a reminder of the significant role African Americans played in the development of Virginia City and Nevada.

Virginia City, fueled by the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Lode, was home to the state’s first sizable Black population. By 1860, all 44 Black Americans in the state resided in Virginia City and Storey County, which grew to around 100 by the 1870s, according to U.S. Census data.

These Black pioneers were not just laborers and service workers; Virginia City was also home to esteemed figures like W.H.C. Stephenson, Nevada’s first Black doctor, and civil rights leader George D. Cottle, who fought for Black equality.

Despite these achievements, the city was far from a racial utopia. Black residents faced systemic racism, including laws passed by the Nevada Territorial Legislature in 1861 that banned them from marrying white people, voting, or testifying in court. This racism earned Nevada the nickname “the Mississippi of the West.”

However, Virginia City’s boom was short-lived. By the 1880s, following the collapse of the mining industry, the city—and its Black population—dwindled. By 1900, census records showed only nine Black residents in the surrounding county. Today, the town’s Black population is 12.

Virginia City served as a small-scale representation of Nevada’s overall cultural and economic growth. The story of William A.G. Brown and the Boston Saloon serves as a reminder of the contributions of Black Nevadans in Virginia City.

As the November election approaches, Nevada emerges as a critical battleground state, with its six electoral votes poised to play a decisive role in determining the next occupant of the White House. Nevada’s electoral fate hinges on Washoe County, tipping the balance between Republican and Democratic contenders.

Nevada’s political landscape is a study in contrasts. While the rural counties lean Republican, their influence is countered by the Democratic stronghold of Reno and Las Vegas. The divide means that the final electoral outcome will largely depend on the voting behavior in Washoe County.

Historically, Nevada has mirrored national political trends over the past four decades. The state carried Donald Trump in 2016 but swung towards Joe Biden in 2020, with Biden securing a narrow victory by just 33,000 votes. With its population of about 500,000, Washoe represents 16 percent of Nevada’s electorate.

However, its political significance far outweighs its size due to its divided voter base. The county voter rolls reflect a near-even split between independents at 30.8 percent, Republicans at 31.4 percent, and Democrats at 29.8 percent.

Nevada voters also have the option to select “None of these candidates,” providing an alternative for those disillusioned with the mainstream choices.

Washoe County’s recent economic transformation also impacts its political landscape. The establishment of Tesla’s gigafactory in 2014, followed by investments from Panasonic and Google, has catalyzed a high-tech and manufacturing boom. This influx of tech workers, who often favor progressive policies, could shift the county’s political alignment.

However, this economic boom has also exacerbated housing affordability issues, with the average price of a single-family home in Washoe County now at $550,000, double the price from a decade ago. The rising cost of living has disproportionately affected lower-income residents, including many Latinos who have been hit hard by inflation. Traditionally, Latinos in the West have leaned Democratic, but growing disenchantment with the handling of economic issues by the party could shift support.

On the other side of the political spectrum, the Democratic Party benefits from the backing of the Culinary Union, representing casino and hotel workers. The union’s extensive door-to-door voter mobilization efforts have been a formidable force in past elections.

A growing wave of concern and frustration is sweeping through Washoe County as accusations emerge regarding the actions and decisions of the District Attorney’s office, particularly Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Mary Kandaris, in the aftermath of a contentious election recount. The issue has raised concerns about whether the DA’s office is serving the public.

The controversy began when Kandaris allegedly informed observers, including Drew Rebar, that the press would not be allowed to film or witness the election recount process. This decision sparked outrage, especially after local media outlets reported on the exclusion, leading to a reversal of the decision and eventual press access hours after the recount had already begun.

Further fueling dissatisfaction, the DA’s office charged over $152,000 for a recount of three races, which was expected to be conducted by hand but instead utilized the same machines that had initially tallied the votes, resulting in identical outcomes. The speed with which this recount was conducted, in mere hours rather than weeks, has led to accusations that the high cost was to dissuade others from demanding recounts in the future.

On Tuesday, July 9, DDA Nate Edwards advised county commissioners to vote according to their conscience on whether to certify the recount of the canvass. However, when Vice Chair Jeanne Herman and Commissioners Clara Andriola and Micheal Clark voted against certification, they were criticized by the press, labeling them as “election deniers” and “threats to democracy.”

The situation escalated when, the following day, Commissioner Andriola called for a revote under pressure, which led to the recount being certified. The move is opposite from the previous week’s advice from Edwards, with Kandaris providing what many believe was poor legal guidance by insisting the commissioners had no choice but to certify the recount.

Clark later revealed that he felt compelled to vote to certify under threats of criminal prosecution, fines, and removal from office. However, his explanation failed to address substantial evidence suggesting vote tampering and improper setup of counting machines.

Only Vice Chair Jeanne Herman stood firm, refusing to certify the recount, stating, “There are hills to ride on and hills to die on; I guess this will be the hill I die on as I cannot certify this recount.”

Her stance highlighted what she described as a lack of appetite for election integrity within the board and the at-large county.

The DA’s office is also under fire for not addressing voter rolls with nearly 11,485 illegal addresses, according to the county’s records still on file. Despite the DA’s office having the authority to investigate and address these issues, Kandaris has reportedly told those raising concerns to sue the county if they are dissatisfied with her responses.

The series of events has led to a call for accountability, with many questioning whether Hicks is aware of or supports the actions taken by his office.

The first court date for a family involved in a widely publicized incident in Virginia City, which gained national attention on TikTok over allegations of racism, is scheduled.

A pretrial conference is on Thursday, November 14, for Gary Miller, his wife Janis Miller, and their daughter Tiffany Miller. The hearing happens at the Justice Court in Virginia City, as confirmed by the Storey County District Attorney’s Office.

Storey County Sheriff deputies arrested the Millers on Wednesday, August 7, following an altercation on August 2 during the Hot August Nights classic car event in Virginia City. The incident involved a confrontation with Ricky Johnson, a Black canvasser gathering signatures for a petition to cap attorney’s fees in Nevada.

Johnson posted a video of the incident on TikTok, getting over a million views before being removed.

The video captured a heated exchange in which Johnson accused Gary Miller of using a racial slur and making a violent threat. Johnson claimed that Miller told him to “get out of my face with the N-word” and mentioned having “a hanging tree in my backyard for [racial slur] like you.”

The video also showed Janis Miller touching Johnson’s arm, which he described as an assault. Tiffany Miller was reportedly involved in obstructing the peace officer during the incident. However, acts like the use of the ‘N’ word by Gary Miller do not appear in the video.

The confrontation met widespread condemnation from several Nevada figures, including Governor Joe Lombardo, Attorney General Aaron Ford, officials from Virginia City, and Hot August Nights. The latter organization permanently banned the Millers from attending future events.

Gary Miller faces breach of the peace charges, a gross misdemeanor, and an unlawful act due to perceived race. Janis Miller faces a battery charge, and Tiffany Miller is charged with obstructing and delaying a peace officer, both misdemeanors.

The Storey County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is still investigating and has urged witnesses to come forward. Also under review by the SCSO are threatening and harassing phone calls received after the incident while working with state authorities to determine whether further investigations are warranted.

During a recent podcast, Democratic Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (AD-9) reflected on Nevada’s 2019 criminal justice reform bill, AB 236, calling it a “landmark” achievement and expressing pride in its passage.

Yeager emphasized that reforming the criminal justice system was one of his motivations for entering politics after his tenure as a public defender. The bill, crafted by a Democratic majority and signed into law by former Governor Steve Sisolak, was aimed at reducing Nevada’s prison population through modifications in sentencing, bail, probation, drug offenses, and felony classifications.

AB 236 lowered penalties for certain drug offenses and raised the amount required for felony charges related to methamphetamine and fentanyl possession. The legislation also increased the threshold for felony theft from $600 to $1,200, meaning those who steal goods valued under $1,200 would now face misdemeanor charges rather than a category D felony.

Yeager previously defended this change, noting on Nevada Newsmakers that the state’s low felony threshold was out of step with other states.

“Your average iPhone is going to be $1,200,” Yeager said. “So if you take an iPhone, you are looking at having a felony.”

Despite Yeager’s intent to modernize the justice system, the law has sparked significant controversy. Property crime rates have surged 15 percent in Nevada since AB 236 went into effect, while drug store thefts have jumped by 39 percent.

If this was not enough, Nevada is seeing a dramatic increase in car thefts as the crime rose 33 percent, becoming the ninth highest in the nation. Data shows that there were 11,481 vehicle thefts in Nevada in 2020 and 15,279 vehicle thefts in Nevada in 2022. Las Vegas finished among the top metros for increases in auto thefts with a 38.3 percent increase.

Attorney General Aaron Ford was involved in developing the bill and endorsed the reforms, which he and other supporters argued would promote fairer and more effective justice. However, critics argue the reform has had unintended consequences.

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks publicly criticized the bill, describing it as a “rubber stamp” for drug use in Nevada. In a presentation earlier this year, Hicks expressed concern over Nevada’s growing crime rate, particularly in Washoe County, and warned the state could become “another California.”

Hicks linked AB 236 to the rising crime statistics, citing cases like Debora Redden, a repeat offender facing charges of attempted murder after attacking a Las Vegas judge. Redden, who has multiple violent felonies on record, did not meet the seven-felony threshold for enhanced sentencing under the new law.

According to Hicks, Redden’s case showcases the dangers associated with AB 236 and reflects the broader issues tied to the bail reform movement. The bill, Hicks asserted, has allowed repeat offenders like Redden to continue committing crimes without facing heightened consequences.

Nevada families spent an estimated $525.1 million on back-to-school preparations this year, according to the Retail Association of Nevada (RAN), a slight decrease of 0.5 percent compared to last year.

Of the total spending, $369.1 million was on K-12 students, marking a 0.7 percent decrease from the previous year. Electronics was the highest amount, at $130.5 million. Clothing and accessories accounted for $106.9 million, followed by shoes at $71.9 million and school supplies at $59.8 million.

Nationally, households with K-12 students spent $38.8 billion, averaging $874.68 per family, a 1.7 percent decrease from the 2023 average of $890.07, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

For college students, who number approximately 114,000 across Nevada’s public and private institutions, RAN estimated that back-to-school spending reached $156.1 million. Electronics again topped the spending list at $41.1 million, followed by dorm and apartment furnishings at $22 million, clothing and accessories at $19.6 million, and food expenses at $17.1 million.

Nationally, college students’ spending totaled $86.6 billion, with an average of $1,364.75 per household, reflecting a minor 0.2 percent decrease from last year.

In shopping preferences, 57 percent of back-to-school shoppers and 50 percent of back-to-college shoppers turned to online retail sites. Department stores were popular among 50 percent of K-12 shoppers and 35 percent of college shoppers.

Other preferred shopping destinations include discount stores, favored by 47 percent of K-12 shoppers and 31 percent of college shoppers, and clothing stores, which were popular with 42 percent of K-12 shoppers. Meanwhile, 23 percent of K-12 shoppers preferred electronics stores, while college students frequented office supply stores and college bookstores, with 26 percent shopping both.

A Reno City Council meeting sparked a heated controversy over the fate of the former Community Assistance Center (CAC), as accusations of misinformation and questionable decision-making have led to demands for investigations from city and county officials.

During the meeting, Councilmember Jenny Brekhus revealed an email from a Washoe County employee to County Commissioner Mike Clark, which claimed that the City of Reno was not interested in a county proposal to rehabilitate the former CAC building to provide housing and services for the homeless population. The email stated, “The City of Reno is not interested in selling the building to the county to house people experiencing homelessness.”

Brekhus expressed concern, noting that Mayor Hillary Schieve had confirmed that “no one in the county spoke to anyone up here,” suggesting that high-level decisions were made without proper communication. Brekhus called for an investigation and proposed a 90-day delay before any vote to sell the building to an affordable housing developer.

However, the council denied her request.

The CAC, originally designed to house up to 175 people and provide wrap-around services for the homeless population, was closed in 2020 due to social distancing requirements during the pandemic. Since then, the building has fallen into disrepair, with a recent appraisal valuing the once $20 million facility at approximately $3.4 million due to damage and deterioration.

This spring, the City of Reno opened a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to determine the future of the building. Out of four proposals submitted, three were deemed viable, with the council ultimately approving a motion to enter into exclusive negotiations with Ulysses Development Group, a Denver-based affordable housing developer.

Clark has also called for an investigation, questioning the integrity of the information he received. In a statement, Clark demanded answers: “I would like to know if it is against policy for one county employee to direct another county employee to give disinformation to an elected official… Are there any consequences for intentionally sharing disinformation?”

The situation escalated when Clark forwarded an email exchange with Brown to the media and his attorney. In his email, Brown defended county staff, stating that the decision not to pursue the CAC for additional shelter operations is due to Reno zoning restrictions and resource limitations. Brown also criticized Clark’s accusations as “sensationalized, baseless rhetoric,” stating that county staff had not lied about the CAC, pointing to public discussions and articles.

The dispute between Clark and Brown has further complicated the already tense relationship between city and county officials. As both sides continue to exchange accusations, the controversy over the city’s approach to addressing homelessness and affordable housing remains unresolved, with potential legal and political ramifications on the horizon.