Good morning, Reno.

Four independent bookstores have opened in Reno this past year, including Thistle and Nightshade (a 2024 addition that now offers a community room for book clubs).

Local owners say the trend reflects growing support for small businesses while keeping money in the local economy.

Several local events fill the calendar this week in Reno, including the Great Italian Festival on Virginia Street, live shows at local theaters and SNAFU Con at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Dragon Lights, concerts, sports matches and literary events add vibrancy from Oct. 5-11.

Gas prices in Reno increased by six cents on Oct.

5, marking a rise from last week.

Evacuation orders for All Bull Fire areas were lifted on Oct.

5 after containment improved. Fire crews continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure safety.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife darted a bear family at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park after calls at 3 p.m. on Monday indicated sightings near Dragon Lights (the festival continued without interruption); the mother and her two cubs will be released together into the wild.

Lightning struck in Tahoe National Forest on Oct.

5, sparking several fires that prompted fire crews to work on containing the spread, while officials monitor conditions closely.

A DRI study shows that wildfire smoke increased air pollutants in Reno nearly 6 to 10 times during smoke days.

The research found that smaller particles like PM2.5 pose health risks, and experts advise checking local air quality and limiting outdoor activities (especially for vulnerable groups).

Researchers at Desert Research Institute (DRI) discovered that microplastic levels in the Truckee River rose nearly tenfold during spring runoff compared to fall, with particles increasing from 0.4 to 3.7 per liter.

The findings may help water managers plan efforts to reduce pollution.

Lightning sparked more than 50 fires in Tahoe National Forest over the last 24 hours — fire officials are monitoring the situation to assess the fires' impact.

The Nevada Air Guard returned home on Oct.

5 after completing its deployment as part of Operation Epic Fury & is scheduled to resume routine training this week.

Reno is adjusting downtown traffic signals to give pedestrians extra seconds at busy intersections (using leading pedestrian intervals) to improve safety.

The change will target high foot traffic areas with a history of crashes and uses current signal equipment with no extra cost.

Lanes on U.S. 395 in north Reno will be reduced from Oct.

6 through 12 plus the Nevada Department of Transportation is resurfacing local bridges; drivers are advised to allow extra travel time or use alternate routes.

Nevada’s exchange shows a 17% rise in ACA premiums for the 2027 plan year and offers a pre-screener tool for comparing plans (according to the Division of Insurance).

Enrollment will begin on Nov. 1.

Local residents and visitors are gathering today to view emerging fall colors in community parks and along local streets (a clear sign of autumn’s arrival).