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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.

DEF CON, recognized as one of the oldest and largest hacking conventions, happened in Las Vegas recently.

The event featured a “Voting Village” where hackers tested the security of electronic voting systems used in numerous states and municipalities. The findings from DEF CON will be published soon, but because there are less than 90 days until the election, there is insufficient time to address the discovered vulnerabilities.

According to POLITICO, many in the election security community are concerned that the lack of a rapid response system for fixing these issues could undermine trust in the election results. Historically, DEF CON has revealed several voting machine issues, but the findings are often ignored by the government and manufacturers.

The findings revealed numerous vulnerabilities consistent with those discovered in previous years. Voting machine vulnerabilities have been a topic of concern for over a decade, with Democrats and Republicans raising alarms about these issues in elections they have lost.

In 2016, Democracy Now warned about electronic voting machines, citing claims that such machines have historically been unreliable and have led to election manipulation.

The issue of election security has seen notable political figures also raising concerns. Democratic Senators Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, and Ron Wyden challenged the security of voting machines before the 2018 midterm elections, questioning their integrity.

The recent DEF CON findings are particularly concerning in Nevada, where close tabulations can significantly impact state and city leadership. The persistent and unresolved nature of these vulnerabilities raises questions about the effectiveness of any fixes that may have been implemented or reported by election officials.

Further complicating the situation is the rushed validation process for a new election reporting system, Voter Registration and Election Management Solution (VREMS), being implemented by Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar. Concerns remain about the rapid rollout of VREMS and the impact on election integrity following a glitch in the Presidential Preference Primary that led to public backlash and an emergency meeting.

Aguilar has since apologized for the glitch, attributing it to a technical error, and reassured voters of Nevada’s commitment to secure and fair elections. However, the rapid changes to election laws by Nevada Democrats during a pandemic and ongoing concerns about election security and unaddressed vulnerabilities have eroded confidence in the election process.

A multi-car crash in Lyon County resulted in the death of 71-year-old Donald Marquise from Madison, Ala. The crash occurred on Wednesday, July 24 at approximately 8:20 a.m., involving a 2016 Toyota Rav4, a 1996 Freightliner, a 2024 Ford Edge, and a 2017 Ram 2500.

The Nevada State Police say the collision took place at the intersection of U.S. 50 Alternate and U.S. 95 Alternate. Marquise, the driver of the Ford Edge, was taken to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the Ram 2500 was hospitalized with minor injuries, and two juveniles in the Ram sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The drivers of the Toyota Rav4 and the Freightliner did not report any injuries.

The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred when the driver of the Rav4 attempted to overtake the Freightliner by driving southbound in the northbound lane. To avoid a head-on collision, the driver of the Ram swerved to the right.

However, the left side of the Rav4 collided with the left side of the Ram, causing the Ram to spin out. The Rav4’s right side then struck the left side of the Freightliner’s trailer.

The Ram veered onto the dirt shoulder of northbound U.S. 50 Alternate before re-entering the roadway and crossing the northbound lane while spinning. It eventually struck the front left side of the Ford Edge.

The Edge rolled down an embankment and came to rest on its wheels. Meanwhile, the Ram overturned onto its right side, and both the Rav4 and the Freightliner made controlled stops on the right side gravel shoulder of the southbound U.S. 50 Alternate.

In July 2024, Storey County experienced a dramatic decline in single-family home sales and prices.

The county recorded only one sale of an existing single-family home, a staggering 80 percent decrease from the previous year and no change from last month. The median sales price for an existing single-family residence in Storey County dropped to $377,450, marking a 20.5 percent decrease from the prior month.

In contrast, Carson City’s real estate market showed more activity. The city saw 75 sales of existing single-family homes in July, reflecting a 47.1 percent increase from the previous month and a 23 percent rise from the same time last year. Despite this surge in sales, the median sales price for these homes fell to $527,405, a decrease of 5.8 percent from June, though it increased by 3.8 percent from the previous year. The median sales price for existing condominiums and townhomes in Carson City also decreased to $300,000, down 2.5 percent from June and 6.3 percent from the year before.

Washoe County, excluding Incline Village, saw 549 new listings and 434 closed sales. The median sales price for existing single-family residences in Washoe County rose to $607,500, a 1.3 percent increase from June and a 6.6 percent increase from the previous year. The median sales price for existing condominiums and townhomes in Washoe County was $362,500, reflecting an 8.2 percent increase from the prior month and a 9.8 percent rise from the previous year.

Lyon County’s market showed mixed trends. The county had 106 sales of existing single-family homes and manufactured properties in July, a 4.5 percent decrease from June but a 2.9 percent increase from the previous year. The median sales price for these properties was $386,845, an increase of 3.2 percent from June and a decrease of 0.6 percent from last year.

Douglas County experienced a 19.1 percent increase in sales from June, though it remained 11.1 percent lower than the previous year. The median sales price for existing single-family residences rose to $760,325, a 5.6 percent increase from June.

Churchill County reported 19 sales, a 9.5 percent decrease from June but an 18.8 percent increase from the previous year. The median sales price was $395,000, down six percent from the prior month but up 21.5 percent from the previous year.

After months of public feedback and nearly 1,000 responses to an online survey, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has decided on a solution to address the mismatched sound walls along Pyramid Highway in Spanish Springs.

The chosen remedy involves an artistic cover-up, estimated to cost taxpayers between $300,000 and $400,000. It includes painting wave patterns on the walls and adding metal artwork featuring fish and pelicans to conceal areas where the original artwork does not align due to a design flaw.

NDOT spokesperson Meg Ragonese noted that this approach is significantly more cost-effective than replacing the walls. She also mentioned the cost overrun would be part of the project’s taxpayer-funded budget.

Local artists will create the artwork.

Transportation officials explained that the mismatched artwork occurred due to a reversal in the design layout, which caused inconsistencies in the natural river scenes across various sections of the sound wall. NDOT publicly acknowledged their mistake only after the installation of the sections.

The 1954 film Johnny Dark, directed by George Sherman, offers a thrilling glimpse into the world of automobile engineering and racing. Starring Tony Curtis as Johnny Dark, Piper Laurie as Liz Fielding, and Don Taylor as Duke Benson, the film follows the ambitious journey of an automobile engineer who builds a unique sports car and races it from Canada to Mexico.

The film follows Johnny Dark and his colleague, Duke Benson, who work at Fielding Motors, a company known for its family-friendly vehicles. They become dissatisfied with the company’s direction and plan to develop a new sports car. Their plans are overheard by Scotty, the chief engineer, and Liz Fielding, the granddaughter of Fielding Motors’ owner, James Fielding, leading to trouble.

Tensions rise as Duke’s jealousy over Liz’s affection for Johnny leads to his dismissal after a crash during a practice run, which he blames on brake failure. As Johnny and Liz work on the car, a race from Canada to Mexico gets planned to showcase their creation. Despite initial setbacks and a breakdown that forces Johnny to push the vehicle into Las Vegas, with support from Scotty, Liz, and Duke, who returns to help, it culminates in a dramatic race to victory.

Filming for Johnny Dark occurred at various locations, including Universal Studios in California, Virginia City, and Reno. Many scenes were shot on Second and Center Streets and Mount Rose Highway in Reno, adding authentic Nevada landscapes to the film.

The cast includes Paul Kelly as William H. ‘Scotty’ Scott, Ilka Chase as Abbie Binns, Sidney Blackmer as James Fielding, and a range of uncredited roles such as Scatman Crothers, Brett Halsey and Nevada Senator Pat McCarran as himself. The movie is notable for being the final film featuring actor Lorin Raker, who portrayed a reporter.

Johnny Dark combines high-speed racing with a personal story of ambition and romance. It is set against the stunning backdrop of the Nevada landscape, making it a memorable classic in the car racing genre.

In his first address since assuming the role of Superintendent in July, Tim Logan outlined his strategic priorities for Lyon County School District, emphasizing a commitment to advancing student achievement and addressing critical district challenges.

Logan, who has been with the district in various capacities since 2018, including as deputy superintendent, highlighted the importance of differentiated instruction and the support available to teachers.

“We have the tools and professional development to enhance the way we reach our students,” Logan told the Nevada Appeal. “Every student should see growth in every classroom, and I believe we are making strides toward that goal.”

Logan’s immediate focus will be on improving reading proficiency across the district, with the implementation of five new curricula set to begin this year. Despite recent progress, current proficiency ratings for English language arts—33.5 percent in high school, 26.6 percent in middle school, and 30.8 percent in elementary school—indicate a need for continued efforts.

Addressing staffing challenges is also a priority. As of early August, the district had approximately 21 open certified teaching positions, 19 special-education positions, and one school psychologist vacancy. Logan stressed the importance of recruiting qualified staff to ensure effective classroom instruction.

“We’re committed to filling these positions and ensuring we have the necessary staff in front of our students,” Logan said. “This remains a significant challenge, but we are actively working to attract and retain talent.”

Logan also plans to tackle issues related to mental health support for students and the modernization of the district’s aging facilities. Many schools still utilize outdated technology, and there is a need for improvements to meet current educational standards.

“Our buildings must be upgraded to support modern education needs,” he noted. “This includes essential updates to infrastructure like air conditioning and doors.”

Chronic absenteeism is a concern, with Lyon County at 38.1 percent, compared to the state average of 34.9 percent. Logan aims to address this issue as part of his vision for the district.

Logan plans to seek additional funding for rural schools during the upcoming Nevada Legislature session.

“I am dedicated to using my understanding of Nevada’s unique needs to advance our schools,” Logan said. “I look forward to collaborating with other superintendents and engaging with legislators to address our most pressing concerns.”

As the new school year approaches, Logan is enthusiastic about the return of students, staff, and families on Tuesday, September 3, and he is eager to continue the district’s progress in the coming year.

The Washoe County CARES Campus (WCCC), the public agency tasked with addressing the growing homelessness crisis, has been criticized as a fraudulent and ineffective institution that has exacerbated the problem it claims to solve. Despite its mission, WCCC has not only failed to reduce homelessness but has also contributed to its exponential increase, raising serious concerns about the future of Reno.

From 2017 to 2024, the general population of Reno grew by 14 percent, while the homeless population surged by over 2,000 percent, from 80 to 1,800 individuals. If the trend continues, the homeless population of the city could skyrocket to 36,000 by 2031.

Since its inception in 2021, WCCC has consistently spent more money on its programs with diminishing results. In a recent phone call, the City of Reno Budget and Finance Department admitted that it is impossible to determine the total annual expenditure on homelessness, stating, “No one really knows what the total amount is.”

The blame for this ongoing disaster extends to every employee of WCCC who has remained silent, every nonprofit organization that benefits from its funding, and every politician who has supported its ineffective programs. Local law enforcement, firefighters, church leaders, sources within WCCC, and even a member of the judiciary echo the sentiments. Homeless individuals who utilize WCCC services have also expressed dissatisfaction, unanimously stating that these programs have done nothing to improve their lives.

The agency’s failure lies in the federal regulations that govern its programs. These regulations prevent the agency from requiring clients to be drug-free, maintain steady employment, avoid criminal behavior, or seek mental health treatment. As a result, many residents of the WCCC Homeless Tent and Safe Camp program remain trapped in cycles of addiction, crime, and violence, all while benefiting from free services like food, shelter, and transportation.

WCCC clients, who receive long-term rent vouchers with minimal behavioral requirements, often continue their destructive lifestyles in taxpayer-funded housing. Some have even turned their apartments into drug dens, refusing to work and engaging in illegal activities, but are the very individuals WCCC touts as success stories in its public reports.

The situation is made worse by the fact that WCCC does not allow unplanned tours, making it difficult for the community to see the reality of the homeless crisis in Reno. As a result, the county homeless problem has spiraled out of control, with potentially dire consequences on the horizon.

If not reversed, Reno could face a catastrophic influx of homeless individuals from cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento. The cost to send every one of these 20,000 homeless individuals to Reno would be approximately $500,000—a fraction of the $1.1 billion annual homeless budget San Francisco has.

With a combined homeless population of 20,000, the three California cities offer one-way bus tickets to other cities, including Reno, where WCCC provides lifetime subsidies without requiring lifestyle changes. Should this scenario materialize, the homeless population could swell to 22,000 in a matter of weeks, overwhelming law enforcement, social resources, and emergency services, leading to bankruptcy.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has filed a disciplinary complaint against Resorts World Las Vegas, one of the largest casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, alleging that the casino was involved in illegal bookmaking, permitting individuals with gambling-related felony convictions and connections to organized crime to gamble on its premises.

The complaint, filed on Thursday, August 15, focuses on several significant violations, particularly involving Mathew Bowyer, a Southern California bookmaker who recently pleaded guilty in federal court to running an illegal gambling operation. According to the complaint, Bowyer was allowed to gamble at Resorts World on 80 separate days over approximately 15 months despite losing more than $6.6 million.

The casino reportedly extended gifts, discounts, and even private jet flights to Bowyer without verifying the source of his funds. The NGCB 31-page complaint outlines 12 counts against Resorts World, with six directly related to Bowyer, including failing to distance itself from suspected illegal bookmakers, not reporting illegal bookings, and referring potential customers to these bookmakers.

Additional counts involve the casino providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in credit to individuals with histories of illegal gambling or organized crime. The complaint also alleges that Resorts World employees failed to report unusual activities and violations of the casino anti-money laundering program.

The NGCB, which has the authority to impose penalties, could consider actions ranging from fines to the revocation of the casino’s gaming license. The commission has yet to respond to the complaint.

Resorts World stated that it is working with the NGCB to address the issues.