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Three people arrested in rural Nevada over altercation that Black man says involved a racial slur

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Three people arrested in rural Nevada over altercation that Black man says involved a racial slur


RENO, Nevada (AP) — Three people were arrested and charged Wednesday in connection with a verbal altercation last week in Virginia City, Nevada, during which a Black man said a racial slur was directed at him by a man who also said “they have a hanging tree” for people like him.

The incident occurred when Ricky Johnson was collecting signatures for a ballot measure during the popular Hot August Nights classic car festival in Virginia City, a tourist town just south of Reno. Johnson began videoing after the alleged racist comments were directed at him. In the video Johnson demands that the man repeat the words on video.

A loud, profanity-filled argument on both sides followed before a woman told Johnson he was on her property. Johnson repeatedly asks her not to touch him as they move the conversation into the street, the video shows. At no time on the video is the “hanging tree” comment repeated, nor are any racial epithets uttered.

Johnson posted the video to TikTok on Aug. 2, drawing prompt condemnation from local and state officials. The Storey County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Johnson and others involved, then turned over evidence to the district attorney.

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On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office issued a news release saying two women and a man had been arrested and booked into jail. The man in the video was charged with breach of peace, a gross misdemeanor that includes making threatening comments based on race. One of the women was charged with battery and the other with interfering with a peace officer, both misdemeanors.

The arrests drew quick praise from Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, who is Black.

“The public outcry was heard loud and clear, and steps have been taken to hold these individuals accountable for their racist and unlawful actions,” Ford said.

Johnson, from Houston, was in Virginia City working for Advanced Micro Targeting Inc., a Texas-based company that provides voter outreach and get-out-the-vote services. He was collecting signatures for a proposed Nevada state ballot initiative aimed at capping fees that attorneys collect from clients in personal injury cases.

The verbal altercation occurred in downtown Virginia City, an old mining town that attracts tens of thousands of tourists who walk its wood-planked sidewalks filled with old saloons and stores.

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“I’m still shaking every time I think about it,” Johnson told The Associated Press by phone Monday before returning to Texas.

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Kelety reported from Phoenix



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Lexicon Bank honors CARE Complex for aiding Southern Nevada families in need

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Lexicon Bank honors CARE Complex for aiding Southern Nevada families in need


A Southern Nevada nonprofit that provides meals, hygiene resources, and housing assistance is getting a boost of visibility from a local bank’s community recognition program.

Lexicon Bank recognized CARE Complex through its Community Spotlight Program during June, highlighting the organization’s work serving individuals and families experiencing economic hardship throughout Southern Nevada.

CARE Complex is located in Las Vegas’ Corridor of Hope and operates as a centralized hub of essential services. The nonprofit provides meals, hygiene resources, mail, and locker services, along with on-site support aimed at meeting immediate needs with dignity and consistency.

Founded by Michael Swecker, CARE Complex connects vulnerable individuals with services intended to address both urgent needs and long-term success.

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The organization’s key programs include Community Table, which provides meals and monthly pre-packed grocery bags; Homeless to Home (H2H), which offers financial assistance for qualifying individuals and families facing eviction or housing instability; and Step Into Success, which supports participants as they work toward self-sufficiency and long-term stability.

The recognition follows Lexicon Bancorp’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, held in May, which celebrated “A Year of Philanthropy” and highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting local nonprofits and strengthening the communities it serves.

Lexicon Bank’s monthly Community Spotlight Program features organizations working across Southern Nevada and encourages community members to learn more, volunteer, and support their missions.

More information about CARE Complex, its programs, and ways to get involved is available at www.carecomplex.org.



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Nevada QB Thaddeus Thatcher commits to Oregon State, breaks down his decision

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Nevada QB Thaddeus Thatcher commits to Oregon State, breaks down his decision


Las Vegas (Nev.) Arbor View quarterback Thaddeus Thatcher announced his commitment to Oregon State and broke down why he chose the Beavers. 

After taking official visits to Oregon State, UNLV, UCF and Michigan, the talented signal caller announced for the Beavers moments ago. 

“I’m very excited about my decision,” Thatcher said. “Coach Shep (Jamarcus Shephard) has assembled a really great staff and I’m really excited to work with coach (Mitch) Dahlen.

“Coach Dahlen has worked with so many draft picks and it’s really exciting to have the opportunity to be developed by someone like him.”

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The potential to compete for early playing time was another big factor for Thatcher. 

“They’re going to give me a chance to compete for a spot right away,” Thatcher said. “That’s something I was interested in and so I’m excited about the opportunity.

“My whole family gets along with the entire Oregon State staff and we really believe in Coach Shep. I really think he’s going to be able to get things back on track and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

We originally had a commit prediction in for Michigan with Thatcher and there was strong buzz he was close to committing following his unofficial visit back in early April. 

Thatcher decided to take his official visits instead and the Beavers hosted him on May 29. Oregon State started to build momentum with Thatcher following the trip and the Beavs were able to hold off strong competition.

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Thatcher is one of the region’s top dual-threat quarterbacks and two-sport athletes. He’s a talented basketball player as well but his fixture is on the grid-iron. 

As a junior, Thatcher completed 168-240 passes (70%) for 2,625 yard and 29 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He also rushed for 605 yards and seven more scores and will be a four-year starter for the Aggies, one of the top teams in the state. 

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After transgender sports ballot initiative dropped, proposal introduced for ‘27 Nevada Legislature

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After transgender sports ballot initiative dropped, proposal introduced for ‘27 Nevada Legislature












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Transgender sports proposal by Nevada assemblymember after ballot initiative is dropped | Politics and Government | News























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