The Nevada Independent has announced they will be selling advertising on their website. Such a great idea. We thought why not? Contact PIcon at documents@piconpress.com if you’re interested in drinking deep.
Picon Press Media LLC
Many folks don't trust the media. That's not news. At Picon Press Media LLC, we hope to regain that trust through nonpartisan coverage that is grounded in public records and guided by transparency, not innuendo or online grandstanding. We'll follow the facts - for you.
“Pandagate” … Sparks' $18 Million Deficit Doesn't Stop Taxpayer-Funded Zoo Trip
Pandas Over People at the City of Sparks ???
While the City of Sparks drowns in an $18 million deficit, two city councilmembers somehow found it essential to jet off to Washington DC—with a special stop to snap panda selfies at the National Zoo.
That's right. As the city offers early retirement packages, freezes positions, and whispers about upcoming layoffs, Councilmembers Bybee and VanderWell were busy cooing at Bao Li and Qing Bao at the Smithsonian's National Zoo—presumably on the taxpayer dime.
Fiscally Sensitive, Not in Sparks
In what can only be described as fiscal gymnastics, Mayor Ed Lawson delivered a somber State of the City address on February 24, 2025, while riding his motorcycle—because nothing says "we're in a budget crisis" quite like a mayoral motorcycle moment. Perhaps the motorcycle was necessary to keep His Honor awake during his own speech, much as it kept us from slipping into a complete video coma.
"We're going through some hard times now," Lawson gravely intoned after the video ended. "We're going to have to have some layoffs in the future. We're just going to have to buckle up."
Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson's War on Transparency
Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson is trying to shut down public records access with AB 51. Hiding behind the "National League of Cities" like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Don't be fooled—this bill has Lawson's fingerprints all over it.
His brilliant idea? Nobody gets public records without photo ID. Apparently, the mayor needs to know exactly WHO is asking questions. Planning to shame them on social media later, Ed? What ARE you so desperate to hide?
Krutz vs. Sparks
Former Sparks City Manager Neil Krutz has finally filed his long-awaited lawsuit against Mayor Ed Lawson and Councilmembers Vanderwell, Bybee, Abbott, Anderson, and Dahir. After much anticipation, we expected a juicy complaint packed with explosive exhibits and salacious allegations.
What did we get instead? A document so bland it could put an insomniac to sleep.
Mayor Lawson’s Public Records Power Grab, AB 51.
Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson is apparently channeling his social media rantings into actual legislation. AB51, the "We'd Rather You Didn't Look Too Closely" bill, aims to make public records about as accessible as Fort Knox – but with more paperwork.
The irony is rich: The League of Cities, whose mission statement reads like a love letter to transparency and innovation, is backing a bill that treats public records requests like classified CIA operations. What's next – secret handshakes and decoder rings?
