Kristen Hackbarth
@kristenhackbarth.bsky.social
Journalist, Nonprofit Communicator, Stepmom, Dog Mom, Human, YOLO
My latest for @thisisreno.bsky.social, follow up on a story I've been covering since Feb. 2024. The complaints were dismissed, which was reported by others, but we looked at what led to the dismissal and what happened after, w/ @bobconrad.bsky.social : thisisreno.com/2025/10/devo...
Reno Council Member Attacks Nevada Ethics Commission over Dismissal
Reno City Council member Devon Reese attacks Nevada Commission on Ethics, claims exoneration. Commissioners defend executive director.
thisisreno.com
October 5, 2025 at 3:43 PM
My latest for @thisisreno.bsky.social, follow up on a story I've been covering since Feb. 2024. The complaints were dismissed, which was reported by others, but we looked at what led to the dismissal and what happened after, w/ @bobconrad.bsky.social : thisisreno.com/2025/10/devo...
Reposted by Kristen Hackbarth
Hepatitis B shot for newborns has nearly eliminated childhood infections with this virus in the US
Hepatitis B shot for newborns has nearly eliminated childhood infections with this virus in the US
Before universal vaccination for hepatitis B began in 1991, 18,000 children contracted the virus by age 10 each year, and most of them developed chronic illness and liver damage. Vaccination reduced…
buff.ly
September 22, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Hepatitis B shot for newborns has nearly eliminated childhood infections with this virus in the US
Thank you @aprilcore.bsky.social for making my Friday. nevadacurrent.com/2025/09/19/b...
Boulder City flushes plans for ‘10-foot tall, 11-foot wide, 6-foot deep turds’ at Pinkbox Doughnuts • Nevada Current
Pinkbox Doughnuts is attempting to open a new shop in Boulder City by the end of the year, but the company’s plans for a pair of poop emoji-shaped mascots in front of the building, and the fact public...
nevadacurrent.com
September 19, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Thank you @aprilcore.bsky.social for making my Friday. nevadacurrent.com/2025/09/19/b...
I know a little bit about AI, I probably know more about public health communications than I give myself credit for, and I know enough about AI in public health communications to share with others. Join me Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. ET for PHCC's AI In Action webinar: bit.ly/4nd44eI
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: AI in Action: Strengthening Public Health Communications with Care & Clarity. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the web...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work, think, and communicate. It is now a force across sectors and can, if used responsibly, lead to better communications, greater efficiency, and ...
bit.ly
September 17, 2025 at 2:46 PM
I know a little bit about AI, I probably know more about public health communications than I give myself credit for, and I know enough about AI in public health communications to share with others. Join me Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. ET for PHCC's AI In Action webinar: bit.ly/4nd44eI
Reposted by Kristen Hackbarth
🎤 Our latest podcast: "Burner trash and the price of ribs."
👉 Listen: thisisreno.buzzsprout.com
With @kristenhackbarth.bsky.social & @bobconrad.bsky.social
___
#thisisreno #renonews #reno #renonv #biggestlittlecity #sparksnv #renotahoe #journalism
👉 Listen: thisisreno.buzzsprout.com
With @kristenhackbarth.bsky.social & @bobconrad.bsky.social
___
#thisisreno #renonews #reno #renonv #biggestlittlecity #sparksnv #renotahoe #journalism
September 17, 2025 at 1:01 AM
🎤 Our latest podcast: "Burner trash and the price of ribs."
👉 Listen: thisisreno.buzzsprout.com
With @kristenhackbarth.bsky.social & @bobconrad.bsky.social
___
#thisisreno #renonews #reno #renonv #biggestlittlecity #sparksnv #renotahoe #journalism
👉 Listen: thisisreno.buzzsprout.com
With @kristenhackbarth.bsky.social & @bobconrad.bsky.social
___
#thisisreno #renonews #reno #renonv #biggestlittlecity #sparksnv #renotahoe #journalism
We usually cover stuff like this as a straight news story, but I had so many thoughts on how it missed the mark that I couldn't help but write it as an editorial, with @bobconrad.bsky.social
thisisreno.com/2025/09/resi...
thisisreno.com/2025/09/resi...
Residents Criticize Washoe County's PR-Driven 'State of The County'
Washoe County's 'State of Washoe County' presentation was criticized for focusing on positive aspects while ignoring pressing issues like crime and homelessness.
thisisreno.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:15 PM
We usually cover stuff like this as a straight news story, but I had so many thoughts on how it missed the mark that I couldn't help but write it as an editorial, with @bobconrad.bsky.social
thisisreno.com/2025/09/resi...
thisisreno.com/2025/09/resi...
I haven't been to the CDC's BRFSS page in a few weeks, but this is new and gross. 🤮 "Any information on this page promoting gender ideology is extremely inaccurate and disconnected from truth ... This page does not reflect reality and therefore the Administration and this Department reject it."
September 3, 2025 at 10:11 PM
I haven't been to the CDC's BRFSS page in a few weeks, but this is new and gross. 🤮 "Any information on this page promoting gender ideology is extremely inaccurate and disconnected from truth ... This page does not reflect reality and therefore the Administration and this Department reject it."
This keeps unravelling, and @thisisreno.bsky.social seems to be the only outlet covering it with any substance.
The latest from me and @kristenhackbarth.bsky.social Hackbarth:
1. More details have emerged in the U.S. Secret Service investigation into Washoe County’s department of alternative sentencing. MORE ⬇️
SUBSCRIBE: thisisreno.com/2025/07/das-...
1. More details have emerged in the U.S. Secret Service investigation into Washoe County’s department of alternative sentencing. MORE ⬇️
SUBSCRIBE: thisisreno.com/2025/07/das-...
Reno Police Join Secret Service in DAS Investigation
Former DAS employee speaks out as investigations into Washoe County's department of alternative sentencing continue and an attorney seeks sanctions.
thisisreno.com
July 28, 2025 at 4:10 PM
This keeps unravelling, and @thisisreno.bsky.social seems to be the only outlet covering it with any substance.
Millions of dollars in efforts to "clean up the lake" and zero effort to pass policies to prevent the mess in the first place. Sounds about right for Nevada.
thisisreno.com/2025/07/neva...
thisisreno.com/2025/07/neva...
Report: Nevada Lacks Policies to Curb Plastic Pollution
Nevada needs improvement in tackling plastic pollution, according to a recent report by Ocean Conservancy. State lacks policy action to reduce plastics.
thisisreno.com
July 23, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Millions of dollars in efforts to "clean up the lake" and zero effort to pass policies to prevent the mess in the first place. Sounds about right for Nevada.
thisisreno.com/2025/07/neva...
thisisreno.com/2025/07/neva...
This week we called out some local media for their lazy journalism. They didn't like it. We have the receipts. thisisreno.com/2025/07/loca...
Reno Journalism: Copy-Paste Vs. Original Reporting
Local journalism suffers from imitation and laziness, resulting in redundant coverage and missed stories. More original reporting is needed.
thisisreno.com
July 15, 2025 at 3:37 PM
This week we called out some local media for their lazy journalism. They didn't like it. We have the receipts. thisisreno.com/2025/07/loca...
We're still working to learn more about what's behind the closure of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, but this week their entire staff was laid off. via @thisisreno.bsky.social with addt'l reporting by @bobconrad.bsky.social
thisisreno.com/2025/07/truc...
thisisreno.com/2025/07/truc...
Fiscal Mismanagement Closes Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation
Layoffs at Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation: Financial mismanagement leads to dismissal of executive director and 40 layoffs.
thisisreno.com
July 3, 2025 at 5:12 PM
We're still working to learn more about what's behind the closure of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, but this week their entire staff was laid off. via @thisisreno.bsky.social with addt'l reporting by @bobconrad.bsky.social
thisisreno.com/2025/07/truc...
thisisreno.com/2025/07/truc...
I'll be interested to see dysfunction on full display as Washoe commissioner talk about this report on Wednesday. thisisreno.com/2025/06/wash...
Consultant calls for ‘reset’ to improve Washoe County leadership
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
June 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
I'll be interested to see dysfunction on full display as Washoe commissioner talk about this report on Wednesday. thisisreno.com/2025/06/wash...
This is right on target. Reno's city leaders keep talking about "activation" but it's clear they just want to improve optics, not create a place people really want to be.
With the Right Target Audience, a City Sells Itself
Tourists, sports leagues, and splashy headlines won’t build your city. Residents will.
open.substack.com
June 3, 2025 at 2:32 PM
This is right on target. Reno's city leaders keep talking about "activation" but it's clear they just want to improve optics, not create a place people really want to be.
Cuts to public health funding would have a negative impact on thousands of Nevadans. The proposal to cut vital CDC programs related to cancer prevention and early detection sucks, but we’re continuing our work because it’s valuable and important. lasvegassun.com/news/2025/ma...
Trump’s budget request stokes fears that cancer patients could be cut off from treatment
A cancer screening became the moment that would ultimately save Samantha Gonzales-Russell’s life.
lasvegassun.com
May 28, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Cuts to public health funding would have a negative impact on thousands of Nevadans. The proposal to cut vital CDC programs related to cancer prevention and early detection sucks, but we’re continuing our work because it’s valuable and important. lasvegassun.com/news/2025/ma...
The full series on how employee pay affects local governments in Reno and Washoe County is now posted. This is more of an explainer than an investigation, but reveals information most people aren't aware of, and some still don't care about.
thisisreno.com/investigatio...
thisisreno.com/investigatio...
Investigations
Get news from This Is Reno, Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
May 19, 2025 at 7:13 PM
The full series on how employee pay affects local governments in Reno and Washoe County is now posted. This is more of an explainer than an investigation, but reveals information most people aren't aware of, and some still don't care about.
thisisreno.com/investigatio...
thisisreno.com/investigatio...
Part 3 of this week's series. The benefits are healthy, far healthier than what the average private sector worker gets. That's kind of the point: Average citizens working in the private sector whose tax dollars are supporting benefits they don't get and having services cut, in part, because of that.
Reno and Washoe County employees receive full employer-paid PERS contributions, comprehensive health insurance, and additional perks like longevity pay and tuition reimbursement. These benefits aim to attract top public servants but come at a significant taxpayer cost.
The privilege and price of government benefits (part 3 of 6)
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Part 3 of this week's series. The benefits are healthy, far healthier than what the average private sector worker gets. That's kind of the point: Average citizens working in the private sector whose tax dollars are supporting benefits they don't get and having services cut, in part, because of that.
This started as a simple data story, but it grew into much more. Looking at local government budgets for @thisisreno.bsky.social
‘Employees are our biggest expense’: A look at local government pay (part 1 of 6)
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
May 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM
This started as a simple data story, but it grew into much more. Looking at local government budgets for @thisisreno.bsky.social
Reposted by Kristen Hackbarth
A bill at the Nev. Legislature intended to improve master planning has morphed into legislation that allows Reno City Council members to have more control over planning commissioners. The changes come after council members criticized commissioners who raised concerns about data centers.
Legislative bill will allow Reno council members to remove planning commissioners at will
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
May 1, 2025 at 11:16 PM
A bill at the Nev. Legislature intended to improve master planning has morphed into legislation that allows Reno City Council members to have more control over planning commissioners. The changes come after council members criticized commissioners who raised concerns about data centers.
Using the First Amendment to argue that others' First Amendment rights should be curbed, from people who should probably read a more diverse selection of materials.
Legislative bill aims to protect access to books in libraries
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
April 9, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Using the First Amendment to argue that others' First Amendment rights should be curbed, from people who should probably read a more diverse selection of materials.
Great overview of what's happening in the Forest Service. This won't just have negative impacts in the wildfire prone West; the southern region has in the past burned more land in prescribed fire than the rest of the nation combined. Fire risk in the South is going to go up.
Trump Said Cuts Wouldn’t Affect Public Safety. Then He Fired Hundreds of Workers Who Help Fight Wildfires.
The White House and DOGE have sought to eliminate thousands of jobs from the Forest Service. The wildland firefighting force is one of many targets within the agency.
www.propublica.org
April 9, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Great overview of what's happening in the Forest Service. This won't just have negative impacts in the wildfire prone West; the southern region has in the past burned more land in prescribed fire than the rest of the nation combined. Fire risk in the South is going to go up.
The gaslighting from a state senator was so blatant during this hearing. It'll be interesting to see if legislators move this bill forward or wind up striking all but the study from it. Story only on @thisisreno.bsky.social
Fire consolidation bill criticized by Washoe County residents at legislative hearing
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
March 31, 2025 at 2:44 PM
The gaslighting from a state senator was so blatant during this hearing. It'll be interesting to see if legislators move this bill forward or wind up striking all but the study from it. Story only on @thisisreno.bsky.social
"Senate Bill 319 will allow a fire board to merely proclaim taxes are needed to fund a new fire protection district, and the Board of County Commissioners has to approve taxes be levied by Washoe County’s treasurer."
This could mean thousands of $$/yr more taxes for the avg homeowner in Washoe Co.
This could mean thousands of $$/yr more taxes for the avg homeowner in Washoe Co.
Editorial: Washoe County fire regionalization bill is a disaster
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
March 25, 2025 at 1:38 PM
"Senate Bill 319 will allow a fire board to merely proclaim taxes are needed to fund a new fire protection district, and the Board of County Commissioners has to approve taxes be levied by Washoe County’s treasurer."
This could mean thousands of $$/yr more taxes for the avg homeowner in Washoe Co.
This could mean thousands of $$/yr more taxes for the avg homeowner in Washoe Co.
And it gets worse. The investigation was confirmed to be by the U.S. Secret Service, so there are apparently some financial crimes happening as well.
Government sanctioned constitutional violations, lack of oversight thanks to carve outs in state law, and likely a lot more. @thisisreno.bsky.social will continue to pursue details on what's happening at Washoe County's DAS and Sober 24.
Defense attorneys order clients not to go to county's Sober 24 after criminal investigation launched
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
March 7, 2025 at 6:26 PM
And it gets worse. The investigation was confirmed to be by the U.S. Secret Service, so there are apparently some financial crimes happening as well.
Government sanctioned constitutional violations, lack of oversight thanks to carve outs in state law, and likely a lot more. @thisisreno.bsky.social will continue to pursue details on what's happening at Washoe County's DAS and Sober 24.
Defense attorneys order clients not to go to county's Sober 24 after criminal investigation launched
Reno's independent, online news and events source. Established in 2009.
thisisreno.com
March 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Government sanctioned constitutional violations, lack of oversight thanks to carve outs in state law, and likely a lot more. @thisisreno.bsky.social will continue to pursue details on what's happening at Washoe County's DAS and Sober 24.