Reno News Roundup: GPS tracker lawsuit update, EV fee discussions and our beleaguered downtown

Kristen and Bob recap the latest Reno news headlines, such as the not-so-shocking news that “John Doe” in the GPS tracker case is Robert Beadles. We also award ourselves two “dookies,” clarifying a Verdi TV district budget gap and misleading school spending reporting. A $1.4 billion road repair backlog could lead to increased fees on electric and hybrid vehicles, plus the dramatic rise in the cost of living and Reno’s beleaguered downtown. 

Recorded Nov. 3, 2025

GPS tracker case update

The “John Doe” behind the trackers is Robert Beadles. We review the 2022 case of a GPS device secretly placed on Mayor Hillary Schieve’s car and another on former Commissioner Vaughn Hartung’s vehicle.

Verdi TV district and WCSD budget reporting

We award ourselves “one dookie” for implying actual spending at the Verdi TV district, clarifying the roughly $100,000 shortfall is projected and covered by reserves. Another dookie is awarded for WCSD reporting on the $275,000 facilities consulting contract versus the main operating budget and teacher contracts.

Road funding and EV fees

A Washoe RTC presentation shows the region faces about a $1.4 billion 10-year road maintenance deficit and new discussions focus on having EVs and hybrids contribute, by way of new fees, because they do not contribute—or contribute less—to fuel taxes. 

The city’s economic outlook

An economist told Reno’s council the area’s cost of living is up 29% since 2018, and a young family would need about 33 years of saving to afford a home, up from eight years in 1990. We also touch on AI’s job impacts, a need to build talent in healthcare and the growing interest in changing Nevada’s property tax structure.

Enforcement and quality-of-life downtown

Council member Kathleen Taylor pressed for stricter enforcement of ordinances downtown, including against jaywalking. We cover complaints about loud music and other deterrents from visiting downtown.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.