Week of March 15, 2023

From the editor’s desk

As a reporter who has filed more public-information requests than I can remember, I’m a fan of the annual Foilies awards, which recognize the often ridiculous efforts of federal and local governments to keep embarrassing information secret. Examples include the saga of musician Micky Dolenz, who is still fighting to get a copy of the FBI’s file on those subversive Monkees, and the tale of a school district that claims it would cost $18 million to determine if the district is spying on students’ parents by monitoring their social media posts.

Dying is easy; comedy is hard. Taylor Harker reports on Northern Nevada’s vibrant comedy scene, where novices overcome flop sweat, hone their skills and keep laughter alive.

Renoites don’t have to leave the city limits to find serenity and vast vistas. Whether you’re looking to break up a tedious commute home in rush-hour traffic, or enjoy a quick jaunt after lunch, Huffaker Hills and Rattlesnake Mountain offer a close respite from urban woes.

In honor of Women’s History Month, photo chief Dave Robert asked folks to name women who have been an inspiration in their lives. Their answers may surprise you.

Matt King’s Lucky13 column profiles Tye Sussmann, the guitarist and volcalist for Antapex, the head-banging band that he says is “metal to the max.” King also puts a spotlight on Protomartyr, a post-punk band that was nearly wiped out by the pause in touring during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is making a triumphal return to the Holland Project on March 25. Our Musicbeat goes on with Matt Bieker’s profile of Tripp Whitney and the Free Labor, Reno “country rockers”  whose debut album, Cowboy From Nevada, celebrates the hard work and integrity that built the Silver State.

Bob Grimm screened Scream VI, the latest entry in the comic-horror franchise that began in 1996 and has spawned a series of reboots. Although the film boasts a good cast of screamers, he says, Scream VI is a step back from the revitalized feel of last year’s fifth film in the series.

If you’ve attended any public gatherings or protests during the last few years, you may have noticed heavily-armed men in military costumes pretending to be battle-ready soldiers. Guest opinion writer Anthony Shafton urges lawmakers to rein in illegal private militias by allowing citizens to sue the often intimidating cosplayers.

Green beer aside, when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day libations, caffeine, whiskey, cream and sugar can be a liquid art form, says Michael Moberly, who takes readers on an Irish coffee tour of Midtown.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’ll see you in the funny papers.

Take care,

—Frank X. Mullen, Editor