Good morning, Sparks.

Between January 1 and June 30, Nevada recorded 194 traffic deaths—down from 214 last year—while Washoe County saw an increase from 22 to 27 deaths with passenger fatalities rising from 9 to 15.

Last weekend, Washoe County SAR rescued two hikers from Cross Peak — a caller reported that one hiker became unresponsive amid a mental health crisis while his friend sought help near Pinebluff Court.

Rescuers hiked the trail, secured the patient in a rescue litter wheel, and transferred him to a local hospital for further evaluation.

A crash closed a portion of I-80 east near Boomtown Garson Road when a commercial truck hit debris, punctured its diesel tank, and spilled gas on the roadway—NDOT cameras showed traffic backing up near Cabela Drive—with no injuries reported and traffic being diverted until cleanup is complete.

A photo gallery featuring 86 pictures from Hot August Nights captured classic car displays at Victorian Square in Sparks on August 7 and at the Atlantis Casino Resort in Reno on August 5—showing local enthusiasm for vintage vehicles.

An ADP report showed that Nevada’s job-stayers earned a median annual wage of $52,400 in July—a 4.9% increase from the prior year—while the state lost 4,800 jobs between May and June, with government and construction sectors hit hardest and Las Vegas shedding 2,300 jobs.

Unemployment dropped slightly to 5.4% in June, though overall pay remains below national levels.

United Readers will restart its literacy program in Northern Nevada classrooms this fall after receiving an AmeriCorps grant of up to $570,000 from United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (announced on August 5).

The program, which helped over 700 children achieve an 84% improvement in reading skills last year, is set to add more than 25 mentors in 10 schools and operate at about half its previous capacity.

Education Alliance has partnered with Caesars Entertainment—aiming to distribute essential school supplies to schools with the highest needs.

The organization is reconfiguring its efforts to ensure that vital resources reach these schools promptly.

Local food banks in Nevada are warning that proposed federal cuts will slash $170 million from SNAP funding and reduce overall aid by $186 billion over the next decade — officials say many families will lose vital food support.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto described the changes as unfair and cruel at a Friday event — urging those in need to check their eligibility for assistance.

The Truckee River Flood Management Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony today in Wadsworth for a new Bridge Street Pedestrian Bridge to reduce flooding.

The new bridge will cost about $2,400,000 — designed by J-U-B Engineers Inc. and built by MKD Construction — and will be raised to allow better water flow.

Construction on Mill Street was halted for Hot August Nights but will resume Sunday night, August 10 — as crews work day shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and night shifts beginning at 7:00 p.m. —.

Drivers will see lane closures and flashing red signals, and Matley Lane will be closed for 14 days — with a detour via Vassar Street —.

FRIDAY on a SATURDAY Double Feature

6-11:59 p.m. — West Wind El Rancho 4 Drive-In Theater — Tickets available on Eventbrite — Enjoy a nostalgic movie night with a drive-in double feature of 'FRIDAY' and 'NEXT FRIDAY'.

Nugget Rib Cook-Off

9:30 AM – 6:00 PM — Victorian Square — Free admission — Savor over 250,000 pounds of ribs while enjoying live music and vibrant vendors at this spectacular barbecue festival.