Good morning, Sparks.

Today the Northern Nevada Chapter of ORCA held a workshop with local law enforcement and retail loss prevention officers to train on evidence gathering and case building to fight the rise in shoplifting incidents—efforts that aim to strengthen investigations and prosecutions in the region.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office said it answered 133 domestic violence cases from January through April and made 74 arrests + officers offered community tips to spot signs of abuse such as unexplained injuries and isolation +.

AmeriCorps members ended their work with the United Readers program in Northern Nevada last Friday—when federal funding cuts removed the crucial support for children's reading skills.

Program staff now urge residents to contact lawmakers—hoping to restore this key educational resource.

Makenzie Caufield, a Washoe County third-grade teacher, was named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year by Teachers of Tomorrow—she had previously been honored as Nevada Teacher of the Year.

She will use the $5,000 award for professional development courses and classroom supplies to support her students.

The Bureau of Land Management approved a Finding of No Significant Impact for changes to grazing practices—covering 38 allotments with 367 miles of stream habitat and 583 acres of lake habitat—to improve Lahontan Cutthroat Trout habitat in northern Nevada.

The decision creates a consistent plan for modifying grazing permits and advancing habitat restoration.

The RTC begins night construction Monday at 7 p.m. on the Mill Street Project—drivers will face single lane closures and flashing red signals that create a four-way stop.

Daytime work from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. will include utility improvements and temporary transit adjustments as a new signalized intersection is added.

Mom’s on the Run 2025

7-11 a.m. — Procter R Hug High School — Registration required — Celebrate Mother's Day with a community 5K run and walk supporting local women battling cancer.

Jaywalkers Weekly Meeting

5:30-6:30 p.m. — 1640 Prater Way, Sparks, NV — Free entry — Engage in supportive discussions on addiction recovery in a welcoming environment.

Fishin’ in the Dark Painting Party

1-4 p.m. — Engine 8 Urban Winery — $39.00 — Enjoy a creative afternoon of painting in a lively winery atmosphere.