Hi, Nevadans!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday last week! And that you’re able to rest before the new year.

I don’t usually do resolutions, but I try to go into the new year with an intention. My intention for 2025 was to be more go-with-the-flow and lean into change and challenges rather than fighting them or trying to take control of the situation. And while I had no idea what 2025 would bring, I feel I did just that, both at work and in my personal life.

Do you set resolutions? What is a life-changing habit you started as a resolution?

See you in 2026!

Jannelle Calderón

Newsletter Editor, The Nevadan / El Nevadense

🕯️ Kwanzaa: West Las Vegas Library Grand Opening Celebration — Tuesday, Dec. 30, 3-8 p.m. at West Las Vegas Library (1861 N. MLK Blvd.) Come to the brand new West Las Vegas Library to honor the fifth principle of Kwanzaa: Nia (Purpose). Enjoy an evening of community, music, cultural crafts, and friendly board and card games. Event is free to attend.

📔 A December to Remember: Celebrating Culture & Community — Through Jan. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum (900 N. Las Vegas Blvd.) This exhibition features cultural displays, live performances, and interactive workshops for all ages. Upcoming programming includes German Christmas customs (Dec. 31), Native American Yaqui and Blackfoot traditions (Jan. 2), the impact of African music with Harold Akyeampong (Jan. 3), and Islamic holidays with Rania Hammoudeh (Jan. 4). The December to Remember exhibition is included with museum admission ($14 for adults and $7 ages 3-11) or membership. For more information and to RSVP visit the museum’s website.

🔮 2026 Psychic Fair & Healing Expo — Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 3-4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Reno Public Market (299 E. Plumb Lane) Receive an aura reading, tarot, spirit guide and past life readings, an energy healing, and attend seminars and workshops. Meet the teachers, healers and readers of the Reno Psychic Institute. Shop crystals, jewelry, and other spiritual products. Get tickets online.

Ordinary Nevadans who performed extraordinary acts of kindness in 2025

A good Samaritan making a donation. (Getty Images/Unsplash)

By Aleza Freeman

‘Tis the season of giving. As another year draws to a close, we’d like to take a moment to recognize some ordinary Nevadans who performed extraordinary acts of kindness in 2025.

From a Reno resident on a quest to reduce road rage on Nevada roads to an 8-year-old Las Vegan who’s ensuring no student at her school gets bullied, these Nevadans made headlines by going above and beyond to spread kindness in their communities without expecting anything in return.

Since kindness is contagious, we hope these stories will inspire you to perform your own acts of kindness in 2026.

See how these neighbors are making a difference

Feds demand compromise on Colorado River while states flounder despite water shortage: “Colorado River states have until Feb. 14 to reach a new water sharing agreement before current operating rules expire at the end of 2026 —or the federal government will step in with their own plan. Despite the fast-approaching deadline, states reiterated many of the same issues they did during previous years at the conference, namely, which water users will need to sacrifice more water to keep the Colorado River stable as overallocation, climate change, and rising demand sucks the river dry.” (Nevada Current)
Airbnb ‘likely to win’ legal battle against Clark County, Nevada according to judge: “It is the latest development in the long-running battle between Airbnb and short-term rental owners against Clark County and the state that began in 2021 with the passage of SB363, legislation that sought to provide a pathway for Airbnbs to become licensed in Nevada. The move comes after Du denied a motion to dismiss the case filed by Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford earlier this month. Ford declined to comment on the earlier proceeding. Jackie Flores, president of the short-term rental association, called it ‘a big win.’” (The Nevada Independent)