One of the more amusing facts of this election season:

Mike Leonard of Mike's Reno Report appears to have more followers than Devon Reese received votes.

Think about that for a moment.

Picon is always surprised when members of the media don't take a moment to verify campaign claims.

Ward 2 Reno City Council candidate Vanessa Vaupel reportedly told KOLO she knocked on 1,000 doors. But did she really?

Based on what we've heard from readers, it appears a more accurate description may be that she dropped literature at 1,000 doors.

Free Press Frenzy: Devon and Eddie Chase Headlines

Picon is amused that today the City of Reno is holding a gathering to discuss data centers.

Why? Because suddenly City Councilmember Devon Reese has discovered concerns about data centers after voting for them and accepting campaign contributions from people connected to the industry. Then, after apparently noticing he might be struggling in the mayoral primary, he called for a moratorium.

Picon's guess is that Devon is simply chasing headlines.

We were not going to write about the City of Reno Ward 2 race because, frankly, it feels like nobody cares about some of these local races anymore. We see it in this race and over in the Ward 4 race in Sparks. We still cannot believe Sparks residents appear willing to embrace Adam Mayberry without asking harder questions about using “Save Our Schools” funds to buy books — you know, the funds that raised Washoe County sales taxes to some of the highest in the nation and were supposedly earmarked solely for building and rehabilitating schools. Add in some of Mayberry’s comments about the Seeno’s Wingfield Springs housing project and you would think voters might pause. Instead, they seem to shrug and move along.

Which is why we have grown tired of city council races altogether.

Today’s round in the courtroom between Eddie Lorton and Mike Leonard before Judge Pierre Hascheff raises a question plenty of Reno residents are probably asking:

Is Justice Court really where campaign feuds and “Breaking Bad” memes belong?

According to reporting from KUNR, the dispute centers around a Walter White meme Leonard allegedly sent to Lorton, with the quote “I am not in danger. I am the danger.” Lorton testified he viewed it as threatening, while Leonard said it was never intended as a threat.

The City of Reno apparently has a new message for residents:

Thank you for paying your city fees — now pay extra to pay them.

Residents handling city bills online or by card are increasingly frustrated over service fees attached to credit card and debit card payments. Want to pay your sewer bill, permits, or other city fees electronically? That convenience now comes with an added charge passed directly onto taxpayers.

And while city hall pinches residents for processing fees and “convenience charges,” the city somehow still has money available for splashy downtown events and parades that many residents believe function more as promotional campaigns for the J Resort than revitalization for the rest of downtown Reno.

So let’s get this straight.

Naomi Duerr is throwing her support behind Vanessa Vaupel—a candidate who’s been in Reno for, what, two years?

And here’s where it gets even more interesting.

If Eddie Lorton wants to talk about transparency, maybe he should start with his own backyard. Take a look at your C&E filing yesterday.

What about his team? They can’t help you out?

Why does Michael Leonard and Mike’s Reno Report matter? Simple: people actually read it — and they act on it.

In less than a year, Leonard has built a growing, loyal audience — especially among Republicans — and that influence is very real.

Just ask Eddie Lorton.

Leonard was once in Lorton’s corner, even helping him behind the scenes. That didn’t last. Turns out, working with Lorton is one thing — dealing with the fallout is another.

We have had a bunch of readers asking us to post this application. Here you go.

High-density development is knocking on the door of the Old Southwest—again.

We were contacted about a sign that has been up on Plumb Lane near Jessie Beck Elementary, and residents should take notice. This isn’t just another project—it’s a preview of what the developer—working hand-in-hand with the City of Reno—may be planning for your neighborhood.

And don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns as “not in my backyard.” That’s a lazy talking point used to shut residents up and shame them.

There’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
There’s The Little Engine That Could.

And now, Reno gets its own work of fiction:
Eddie and the 4th of July Parade.

Because let’s be honest—this isn’t about patriotism, community, or even the Fourth of July. This is about one thing: getting Eddie Lorton’s name in the headlines. He wants voters to think he’s a parotic guy to get some extra votes. Cuz no one wants to lose for a fifth time.

And shame on any media outlet willing to play along—yes, including the Reno Gazette Journal.

There was an interesting sight at today’s meeting of the Community Homeless Advisory Board.

Former Washoe County Manager Eric Brown — yes, the same Eric Brown who recently exited county government and is reportedly looking for his next professional chapter — made an appearance in the audience.

According to those present, Brown didn’t exactly make a splash.

Memories of the 83rd Nevada Legislative Session came rushing back when we saw a notice for a Regional Fire Services Study meeting scheduled for March 19.

The meeting was pushed out by the City of Reno — which is interesting timing given the city is dealing with the ongoing issues surrounding the Reno Police Department.

This latest discussion stems from the fire services summit involving the City of Reno, City of Sparks, and Washoe County.

Sound familiar?

Credit where it’s due: Jackie Bryant showed a measure of appropriate gravity during yesterday’s press conference in Reno regarding the suspension of Chief Nance. Bryant appeared visibly affected—almost a little verklempt—which conveyed that the situation was serious and unsettling for the city’s leadership.

By contrast, Hillary Schieve came across very differently. Rather than projecting the same sense of gravity, her presentation felt more like another stop on a promotional press tour—something closer to selling her Spooge sunscreen line than addressing a moment of institutional concern. Whether intentional or not, that contrast underscores a basic rule in public life: optics matter.

After we published video of the March 2 meeting of the Reno Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board — where Hillary Schieve appeared during public comment — one of our readers actually did what we always hope people will do:

They watched it.

And then they asked a question.

The question concerned Paul Klein, who serves on the Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board. The reader asked whether Klein is affiliated with Tri-Strategies and whether there is any professional overlap with Eddie Ableser, the former airport authority board member who recently resigned, you know, yesterday. Oh, and a favorite of Mayor Hillary Schieve.

Apparently, if you want excitement at your next event in Reno, the formula is simple: make a campaign contribution and suddenly an elected official is thrilled to attend.

Now before anyone gets the wrong idea, this isn’t a knock on the Bonanza Casino. Far from it. The casino’s owners, Russ Sheltra and Margo Sheltra, have been part of the Reno community for decades. They’ve supported countless nonprofits, treated their employees well, and have long been known for looking out for Reno’s senior population. Their reputation as community stewards is well earned. Russ and Margo deserve a round of applause.

If anything, the Shelta's simply had the unfortunate timing of landing in the middle of campaign season.

Enter Devon R

Credit where it’s due: Mike’s Reno Report resurfaced an old municipal court case involving Angela Gianol — now a candidate for Reno Municipal Court Department 1 and currently a prosecutor in the criminal division of the Reno City Attorney's Office.

In that case, Gianol reportedly urged the court to rely on an undercover officer’s testimony rather than a difficult-to-hear audio recording.

That’s not gossip.
That’s jurisprudence.

Because here’s the real question for voters:
When objective evidence is unclear, how much weight should a judge give to officer testimony?

Public comment at Reno meetings comes with a familiar rhythm: step up, state your name, watch the clock, and wrap it up before the buzzer.

Three minutes.
No back-and-forth.
No “asks.”
No extended dialogue.

Citizens are reminded regularly that public comment is for input — not interrogation.

So it was hard not to notice what unfolded at the March 2, 2026 meeting of the Reno Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board.

Credit where it’s due.

Kudos to Nico and the team at Our Town Reno for staying on the Reno-Tahoe Airport trustee residency story and refusing to let it fade into the next news cycle. Accountability reporting isn’t glamorous. It requires documents, timelines, follow-ups, and the willingness to ask the same question until someone finally answers it.

And in this case, the persistence mattered.