Hi, Nevadans!

My name is Naoka Foreman, political correspondent at The Nevadan, and I’m temporarily taking over the newsletter for Jannelle while she’s away. I look forward to keeping you in the loop on Nevada politics this week and diving into stories that matter.

We’re entering week two of the ransomware attack on Nevada’s network systems, which has significantly impacted the functionality of government agencies. Several state departments had to revert to in-person and phone services only, as websites are assessed for safety.

While the intrusion was halted, it’s unclear what was taken as ransom and if demands followed. Gov. Joe Lombardo, who was scrutinized for a lack of presence at the initial press conference, said at a recent briefing that state and federal authorities are investigating the attack.

Did the shutdown affect you? Let me know by hitting reply!

🍷 Preview Night Art + Wine Walk — Thursday, Sept. 4 from 5-9 p.m. in the Las Vegas Arts District. A night filled with wine tasting and art exhibitions from local artists and vendors. Hosted by the Las Vegas Arts District and The Neighborhood Shops, join them for 16 different wine tastings and art showings across the arts district. Tickets can be found online and include a tote bag and a reusable cup!

🐫 66th Annual International Camel & Ostrich Races — Friday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 7 in Virginia City. Get up close to camels, ostriches, zebras, emus, and more as professional and amateur jockeys gallop, swerve, and falter their way to the finish line. Also check out the food trucks, craft and artist vendors, and camel rides for that must-have photo-op. Tickets can be found online.

🧩 Mentes Brillantes — Saturday, Sept. 6 from 6-10 p.m. at Gary Reese Freedom Park (850 N. Mojave Road). This free event celebrates neurodiversity with food, performances from local bands, and community resources to learn more about supporting the neurodivergent community in Southern Nevada.

🏳️‍🌈 Northern Nevada Pride — Several events happening Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. in Midtown Reno. At 10 a.m., the CommUNITY Pride Parade will take place on California Avenue between Arlington Avenue and Virginia Street, and is free to watch and attend. Afterwards, the Pride Festival will take place in and around Midtown until 9 p.m. There will be a $5 requested donation at the gates, or $10 pre-purchased tickets can skip the lines.

Gov. Joe Lombardo held a press conference regarding the recent ransomware attack on the state’s systems. He said state and federal authorities have stopped the intrusion, although many systems remain unavailable.

Immigrant advocates at the Nevada Immigrant Coalition. (Courtesy of Hector Fong)

By Naoka Foreman

During the 2025 Legislature, a flurry of bills aimed at mitigating President Donald Trump’s looming cuts and crackdowns passed through both Nevada legislative chambers, including Assembly Bill 217, the Student Safety Act. The policy primarily sought to prohibit school personnel from working with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other law enforcement officials to deport and detain unauthorized immigrants unless a warrant was issued.

The measure was an effort to curb ICE’s presence on school campuses as the Trump administration carries out a mass immigrant removal plan.

The Democrat-backed policy earned the support of several Republicans, though Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed it, citing “overly rigid” language that could “impede legitimate enforcement actions and place school personnel in legally precarious situations.”

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