Hello, Nevadans!

I’m working on a list of virtual community events and opportunities for Nevadans who are homebound to still be part of their community and not feel isolated. I’m asking for your help. Do you know where to find such events?

I’m thinking virtual concerts, skill-sharing groups, or virtual lunch/coffee meet-ups. Ways people can remain connected and find joy in their community.

I often come across workshops that are trying to sell you something, and that’s not my intent when I share our list of events in Monday’s newsletter. I do try to include accessible, free events at public/easy-to-get-to spaces, but I understand some of our readers might not be able to get around as easily.

I know how much Nevadans care about our neighbors. Send me your tips!

In today’s newsletter:

Thank you for starting your day with me!

We’re running our summer supporter drive through June 30, and we’re $145 away from our goal.

That means we only need about 12 Nevadans to donate $12. That’s it. Then we’ll hit our goal and be set to keep delivering the trusted, community-focused journalism Nevadans deserve.

Can you help us cross the finish line?

An exclusive, newsletter-first series exploring Nevada’s journey from the Silver State to the Server State. Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up here and don’t miss the next drop.

Nevada offers some of the most generous data center tax incentives in the country, hoping to attract tech investment and economic growth.

Under state law, qualifying data centers can receive tax abatements, in other words, reduced taxes, for up to 20 years.

Qualifying data centers can receive abatements on sales and use taxes for equipment purchases. That means when they buy servers, cooling systems, generators, and other infrastructure, they may pay a reduced tax rate—as low as 2%—for up to 10 or 20 years.

To qualify for a 20-year abatement, a project must invest at least $100 million, employ at least 50 Nevada residents, and pay wages at or above the statewide average. Smaller projects can qualify for 10-year abatements with a minimum investment of $25 million and 10 full-time Nevada employees.

Major tech companies have already established significant data center operations in Nevada. Just three projects developed by Apple, Google, and Vantage will produce nearly half a billion dollars in tax revenue for the state, even with the abatements, according to the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Supporters say these projects help diversify Nevada’s economy and bring billions in private investment. 

Recently, developers have announced multi-billion-dollar data center campuses in Storey County and the Reno region as demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure accelerates.

The question is: Can billions of dollars invested today deliver the long-term economic benefits Nevada is counting on?

What’s your take?

Las Vegas is home to Southern Nevada’s official America250 Nevada event, the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, “United We Celebrate 250.” (The Summerlin Council)

By Aleza Freeman 

America’s 250th anniversary is next week, and we’ve got you covered.

The Fourth of July is always a big deal in Nevada, but this year marks the United States’ Semiquincentennial, making it especially momentous.

Celebrations throughout the state will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence.

From parties and parades to concerts, historical reenactments, and fireworks, here’s how Nevada is celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

Joe Lombardo at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Minden, Nev., Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas)

By Lizzie Ramirez

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo has been able to count on the support of two of Nevada’s wealthiest men—Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta who, along their company Station Casinos, have collectively contributed nearly $5 million to Lombardo’s campaign and his affiliated PAC since 2022.

Now, after Lombardo vetoed a slew of bills during the 2025 legislative session that would’ve helped the workforce supporting Nevada’s tourism economy, the Culinary Union is questioning whether Lombardo’s decisions were influenced by his relationship with the Fertitta brothers. 

“These MAGA bros are the [second] largest donor by far to Lombardo, are also the largest law breakers in labor law history [in the] state of Nevada,” said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union. “[This] is something that we think is of interest to voters.”

🟣 BLM advances massive Pahrump Valley solar project. Nevada Current

“Once completed, Purple Sage Energy Center is expected to generate over 1.2 million megawatts of solar energy annually, enough to power more than 100,000 homes per year, according to the developer Noble Solar LLC … While the project will be built in Clark County much of the power generated will be sold in California.”

🟣 Local author Krista Diamond explores Las Vegas and celebrity culture in debut novel. KNPR

“The book is very much about the relationship between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, which is something that’s really personal to me. Unlike Ben, the narrator of the novel, I’m kind of an evangelist for Las Vegas. He’s a little more ambivalent towards it, but there is a lot of my love for Las Vegas and a lot of my love for Los Angeles in the novel.”

🟣 Before lawsuit, inspectors questioned safety of Nevada children’s facilities. The Nevada Independent

“Facilities subject to inspection include hospitals, group homes, foster homes and detention centers … In one instance, the report highlighted that a loaded firearm was unsecured and accessible to children in a foster home. The foster agency indicated that it was unaware that the parent possessed a gun.”

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

The Nevadan is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.