How we’re reporting on immigration right now

Immigration has become one of the most closely watched and emotionally charged issues in the country since President Trump returned to office. We’ve seen an increase in ICE raids, legal battles, protests in Nevada and across the US, and reports of people dying in custody or being killed during encounters with authorities—developments that affect families and communities here at home.

Our newsroom has been covering these moments with depth and care, showing up on the ground right beside our community.

Stories like these take time, verification, and thoughtful editing. If our reporting has helped you better understand what’s happening in our state, we hope you’ll consider supporting The Nevadan. Thank you for reading and being part of this community.

Hi, Nevadans!

Happy February! January felt like it lasted three months. These recent sunny days have me excited for spring and summer. I don’t hate cold weather, but when it’s cloudy for several days, and sunset is at 4 p.m., I don’t want to leave the house. I’m excited to get outdoors.

Speaking of going outside, spring is also festival season in Nevada. Here are 38 festivals coming in March, April, and May.

Also, in today’s newsletter:

Have a great week!

Tap the graphic above to see a Google map of events across Nevada.

Looking for something to do this week? We’ve rounded up Galentine’s, Super Bowl, outdoorsy and artsy events, and opportunities to support your community across Nevada—from Elko to Reno to Las Vegas. Tap the graphic above to open a Google map of the following events statewide.

🍅 Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series | Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. (Reno)

👸 Galentine’s Day Drag Bingo | Friday, 6:30-8 p.m. (Las Vegas)

🎻 OkCello Genre-Defying Cellist in Concert | Friday, 7-8 p.m. (Las Vegas)

🏈 Biggest Big Game Bash | Sunday, 11 a.m. (Las Vegas)

🏆 “The Big Game” Watch Party at RPM | Sunday, 3-9 p.m. (Reno)

🦅 Eagles & Agriculture | Feb. 5-8 (multiple cities)

💫 Death Valley Dark Sky Festival | Feb. 6-8

🎟 Carson City Lights | Feb. 6-15

🎭 Papier Mache Workshop, Traditional and Festival Masks of Mexico | Fridays in February, 5-7 p.m. (Las Vegas)

👗 Communities in Schools Prom Closet Donation Drive | Now through Feb. 20 (Elko)

Did we miss something? Send your event for next week’s edition. ⬇️

From hot air balloons to barbecue, there’s a 2026 spring festival for every Nevadan. (Tucker Riggins/Unsplash)

By Aleza Freeman

With more than three dozen festivals planned across the state throughout March, April, and May, there’s no excuse to be bored this Spring in Nevada.

Nevada festivals have something for people of all ages. You’ll find food festivals, cultural festivals, music festivals, and everything in between, at a variety of distances and price points (including free). No matter what you’re into, there’s likely a Nevada festival for you.

From donkeys and oysters to beer and whiskey to reading and drilling, here are 38 Nevada festivals you won’t want to miss during the spring of 2026.

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) speaks to media after a Senate Democratic policy luncheon, Oct. 17, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

By Naoka Foreman

The bill originally passed the House without the support of Nevada Democrats and needed  Senate Democrats’ support before going to President Donald Trump’s desk for final approval. Nevada’s federal delegates have aligned against the measure, saying it lacks sufficient oversight of DHS, which funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The measure puts $10 billion into ICE’s annual budget.

“I’ll be voting against any government funding package that contains the bill that funds [ICE],” US Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) wrote in a statement on X.

Democrats, along with several Republicans, are demanding broad reforms to DHS, including a mandate that ICE wear body cameras, standardized use of force rules, bans on masks worn by agents, and independent investigations of the recent fatal shootings of US citizens.

Tahoe residents press lawmakers for greater TRPA oversight. KUNR

“Residents raised concerns about growing development in the basin, declining water clarity, overcrowded parking, and risks related to wildfire and emergency evacuations.”

Community mourns Shirley Raines, beloved philanthropist. News 3

“Shirley Raines, the founder and CEO of Beauty 2 The Streetz, has died. She was 58. The organization provides beauty and hygiene services to those in need, most recently in Las Vegas.”

Nevada’s first-in-the-nation primary bid gets boost. CBS News

“An influential Latino political group is arguing that Nevada should be the first state to vote in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, directly challenging New Hampshire’s traditional claim on the first-in-the-nation primary.”

January’s most popular Nevada restaurants on Yelp. Reno Gazette-Journal

“From Mexican food to Asian fusion, the popular restaurants in Northern Nevada show the variety of food available in the area.”

Colorado River governors see progress after DC meeting. Nevada Current

“Arizona stands to see the largest cuts if the states can’t reach an agreement, because its Central Arizona Project is one of the newest users of the river water, making it legally one of the first to be cut.”

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jannelle Calderón with stories by Naoka Foreman and Aleza Freeman. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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