Giving Thanks to our Citizen Writers, Investigators and Commenters

Weekly highlights of our reporting with bonus content.

We wanted to thank the community for giving back and sharing so many insights in the past week on our different platforms, from discussions about motels still being torn down, how to help the unhoused, frustrations about not being able to buy a home, the development of the Jacobs Entertainment district, as well as sharing favorite spots, places and activities in northern Nevada.

You can find these conversations on the Our Town Reno Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit and affiliated Biggest Little Streets Instagram.

We find that the back and forths, even when seeped in clear polar opposite disagreement, have for the most part become more civil in recent weeks.

The idea of this reporting initiative is to facilitate these important debates, and once our content is posted to comment only on occasion, when tagged, or when our style of journalism itself is under attack.

We believe in the micro story, a new element to bring to the table of local consideration, raising a flag when we see something awry, highlighting current challenges, giving a platform to someone who has never been written about to raise awareness, promoting a hard working local or shining our light on someone doing meritorious work in the community.

Over the years, our posts have led to people helping each other directly, changes at our shelters and to discussions at City Council and the legislature.

One article we released this week about dangerous overcrowding at the Washoe County jail came from public records requests by a reader whose brother died there after being hog tied in 2015 and who has become an important activist for the community.

An anonymous Citizen’s Forum contribution was about trying to buy a home locally and becoming increasingly frustrated.

Another Citizen’s Forum was a heartfelt volunteer ballon ride which prompted emotional recollections.

Up and coming local MMA fighter Payton Talbott reached out to us telling us of a huge August fight on his calendar, and we were more than happy to write about his quest.

Do you want to be featured or do you want to contribute your own opinion piece to spread new ideas or photo series to be promoted as a local photographer? Do you have an alert we should look into? Never hesitate to reach out.