Good morning, Reno.

Today at 10 a.m., applications open for the 2026 Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive where 55 riders can guide 300 steers across the Nevada desert; the event will run from June 14 to 18 and offer horseback travel, meals, and a public cattle drive through Reno.

The $3,000 ride—available only to those 18 or older with 20 hours of riding experience—is expected to fill quickly.

Hot August Nights kicked off yesterday with a kickoff party at the new central venue on the University of Nevada campus, drawing thousands of classic cars from 1979 or earlier and live rock performances.

Today the venue is active from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.—with headliner The Spazmatics set to perform at 8:15 p.m.—as car shows, cruise events and vendor displays continue through Saturday.

The Washoe County School District faces a teacher shortage with 58 vacant positions as the new school year approaches.

Principals are actively hiring for key roles, especially in special education, and the district will use long-term substitutes if these positions remain unfilled.

Washoe County School District has partnered with Southwest Foodservice Excellence to serve healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner as the new school year approaches.

Mike Supple said they have rolled over previous meal balances to ease family burdens—Southwest prepares 60,000 items a day and gathers feedback from students and parents.

Washoe County School District carried over more than $100k in school meal debt from 35 schools into the 2025-2026 school year after federal free meal support ended, and district officials said they will work with families on repayment plans while ensuring that no student goes hungry — the debt is managed using nutrition services revenue rather than the general fund.

The Washoe County library board voted on July 30 to begin recruiting a new director after Jeff Scott resigned in April amid internal disputes—HR said recruitment will start in January with public input and a new director expected in March.

Sam Brown, a retired U.S. Army captain and two-time Senate candidate, was confirmed as Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Services last week.

He will oversee the upkeep of 155 national cemeteries — including managing memorial programs and federal grant distribution.

On July 30, officials unveiled a new highway sign at Guinn Peak to honor former Governor Kenny Guinn who helped secure highway funding.

Governor Joe Lombardo, NDOT Director Tracy Larkin Thomason, and Guinn's family attended the event, and the sign now marks the highest point on I-580 between Reno and Sparks — a tribute to his legacy.

Since Monday, August 4, construction at Reno-Tahoe International Airport has expanded along Loop Road with two major projects—the new Central Utility Plant and Police and Airport Authority Headquarters Building—underway, causing lane closures, parking relocations, and adjustments to the overflow parking walking path. RNO advises travelers to slow down in construction zones and allow extra time for parking.

Hot August Nights Featuring John Waite

8:15 p.m.–2:15 a.m. — Nugget Casino Resort — Check event page for costs — Enjoy a vibrant car culture showcase paired with live music by John Waite.

Cowboy Bigfoot and Asphalt Socialites Concert

8 PM — Club Underground — Tickets starting at $5.15 — Experience a night of rock and pop music from local talents.

Sip and Crunch

1-4 p.m. — Nevada Sunset Winery — All proceeds support cleft lip and palate awareness — Indulge in a delightful evening of freeze dried candy and wine pairings.

Picnic in the Park

5-7 p.m. — Bartley Ranch Regional Park — Free entry — Enjoy a wholesome plant-based potluck picnic with community discussions on a plant-based lifestyle.

Portrait Society of Reno

10 AM – 2 PM — Nevada Fine Arts — Free and paid options available — Celebrate the vibrant art scene with local artists in Reno.

Annual Invitational Golf Tournament

8:00 AM shotgun start — Lakeridge Golf Course — Registration opens at 7:00 AM — A competitive day of golf benefiting Family Respite Care of Nevada.

The Emo Night Tour

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Virginia Street Brewhouse — Ticketed event — Experience the best emo songs from bands like My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy in a nostalgic dance atmosphere.

Joe Samba with Wheeland Brothers

8-9:30 p.m. — The Alpine — Tickets from $25.15 — Enjoy a night of great music with Joe Samba and Wheeland Brothers in Reno.

Building Confidence Workshop with Emily Jaenson

3:30-6 p.m. — Zephyr Wine Bar + Bottle — Free entry — Empower yourself with practical tips and leave with a best-selling book on confidence.

Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Victorian Square — Free entry — Celebrate barbecue culture with top pitmasters and free concerts at this annual rib competition.