Week of July 31, 2025
From the editor’s desk
On Friday, July 25, a federal judge ruled that Job Corps can continue to operate. This applies to all 99 of the federally funded campuses that were ordered to close in May—including our local one, Sierra Nevada Job Corps in Stead.
But as of this morning, according to a source who is close to the situation and asked to remain anonymous, the usual “hustle-bustle” and “upbeat” mood of the campus had been replaced with “a great air of trepidation.” Student and staff numbers were down, and the Department of Labor did not appear to be communicating expectations or guidelines on moving forward with much clarity or promptness.
But things took a turn this afternoon. The Senate Appropriations Committee met shortly after noon (our time) and approved a $1.76 billion budget for Job Corps to continue. This is the full amount that the programs nationwide need to operate normally.
The political news outlet News From the States appears to have been one of the first to report the details:
The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Thursday largely rejected Trump administration proposals to slash funding for education programs, medical research grants, health initiatives and Ukraine security assistance.
Instead, senators from both parties agreed to increase spending in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education spending bill for fiscal year 2026, as well as the Defense bill, and rebuked the White House’s move to dismantle the Department of Education.
The pushback against President Donald Trump was significant as Congress heads toward a possible standoff and partial government shutdown when the fiscal year expires on Sept. 30.
This spending bill passed out of the Senate committee with a bipartisan 26-3 vote. While this doesn’t mean Job Corps’ future is fully secure—the bill still needs to be OK’d by the full Senate, and then the House and, ultimately, the president—this is definitely a positive step.
In other news: The August print edition of the RN&R hits newsstands this weekend! Be sure to pick one up at your favorite grocery store, shop or watering hole. And thank you for reading!
Take care,
—Kris Vagner, managing editor
From the RN&R
Finding the fox: A Susanville wildlife photographer was the first to get a professional picture of the elusive, endangered Sierra Nevada red fox—and his search is not over
By Sarah Russell
July 31, 2025
Here’s a data point for those of you lobbying to switch “STEM” to “STEAM” by integrating arts into science education: A photographer who’s just trying to get a great wildlife shot also happens to be helping ecologists piece together their understanding of a rare fox.
A high school team’s robot failed at its attempt to pitch at an Aces game, but the kids know engineering is all about trying again
By Jason Sarna
July 31, 2025
“Even though you have all these teams from different places competing against each other, it’s a really connected community of students who just want to help each other out,” said team member Dana Schrock.
11 Days a Week: July 31-Aug. 10, 2025
By Kelley Lang
July 30, 2025
Coming up in the next 11 days: a week and a half of classic car events from Hot August Nights; a playa fashion show; and more!
Seven Magic Mountains sculpture no longer bound for Washoe County
By Kris Vagner
July 29, 2025
The piece was initially slated to remain at that site, south of Las Vegas, for three years. Its stay has been renewed through 2026 but cannot be renewed again, as the museum’s lease with the Bureau of Land Management expires then.
Marvel is again marvelous: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is a stylish, funny return to form
By Bob Grimm
July 28, 2025
Set in a sort-of futuristic ’60s, the art direction/look of this film marks a Marvel high point, and the score is great, too. The movie has a lot of heart to go with some consistent laughs.
It’s still rock ’n’ roll to him: HBO Max’s Billy Joel two-parter is one of the best music documentaries ever made
By Bob Grimm
July 28, 2025
Directors Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin cover the entire life of Joel—the whole thing, warts and all.
Patronage performances: For the Song continues bringing talented musicians to Northern Nevada for shows—and making sure they’re properly paid
By Matt King
July 26, 2025
For the Song has been consistently hosting concerts in its two years of existence. In August, For the Song will feature two artists: Walt Wilkins and the Ramble, and Raul Midón.
Guest comment: A national mesothelioma registry could help end misdiagnosis in Nevada veterans
By Jonathan Sharp
July 26, 2025
Because this disease develops slowly and mimics more familiar illnesses, it is often misdiagnosed and only detected accurately when it has already advanced to an alarming stage.
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