Good morning, Nevadans!

I’m casting my net and asking for more Your Nevada. 

Now that the weather is nicer, I’m sure you’re all taking hikes, nature walks and exploring your community—and I want to see it. Plus, I think the other readers enjoy seeing your photos, as well.

You don’t have to be a pro; if something feels like “Nevada,” capture the moment and send it in to be featured in the newsletter.

In today’s newsletter:

Have a great week!

On the first day of early voting in 2024, Nevada recorded the most in-person voters since adopting universal mail voting for the 2020 election. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

You’ve probably already received your sample ballot, which serves as a study guide for your ballot—use it to take notes on candidates and mark it so you’re confident when filling out your ballot in the upcoming election.

But keep an eye out starting this week (Oct. 5-12) because mail ballots are starting to be sent out.

Unless you’ve opted out, every active registered voter in Nevada should receive their mail-in ballot this week. It might seem early since Election Day is Nov. 3, but don’t forget your vote counts just as much if you vote early.

Early voting in Nevada begins Oct. 17 and runs through Oct. 30. During this period, you can go to a polling site to vote in person or drop off your completed (and signed!) mail-in ballot.

And if you haven’t yet, you can also register in person during this window and vote the same day.

You’re election-ready. 🙌 Now help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

Celebrate Oktoberfest the right way this fall with your stein in hand! (Roberta Sant’Anna/Unsplash)

By Aleza Freeman

The biggest celebration of Oktoberfest in Nevada for 2026 is Munich’s sister celebration at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas, which serves the same Oktoberfestbier that’s served at the Oktoberfest in Germany, with 6.3% alcohol by volume.

There’s also a smattering of smaller festivals, including some with fun for the whole family, from Las Vegas to Reno.

Nevadans celebrate Oktoberfest with oompa bands, sing-alongs, folk dancing, games, contests, parades, and beer tents. Some will even dress in traditional German outfits while munching on traditional German dishes like bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. 

From trivia nights to celebrity beer tapping, here’s where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Nevada.

President Donald Trump speaks at an event at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

By Lizzie Ramirez

As Nevadans head into the election, some are wondering if Trump could retaliate against states if voters overwhelmingly vote for Democrats. Athar Haseebullah, executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLU), told The Nevadan he’s heard a “significant amount” of concerns from Democrats and Republicans alike.

“People are concerned about the administration’s actions, all across the country, if Republicans don’t prevail in the election,” Haseebullah argued in an interview with The Nevadan. “Anytime anybody seems to anger the president, it’s become increasingly clear that he does not have the mental capacity to engage in sound decision-making.” 

Los Angeles was the first city Trump targeted with immigration raids in June last year, followed by Washington, DC, Chicago, and Minneapolis—all blue cities. 

🟣 Nevada wild horses secretly shipped to ‘kill pens,’ and complaint alleges state role. 8 News Now

“The complaint seeks an urgent investigation to examine the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) role in capturing the animals, concealing the operation from the public, and facilitating their out-of-state transport into the slaughter pipeline. The complaint also questions whether the U.S. Bureau of Land Management played a part.”

🟣 UNLV alum and Disney’s first Black animator Ron Husband celebrated in bio film. Nevada Public Radio

“[He] quietly made history as Disney’s first Black animator—and later, supervising animator. He would go on to draw some of Disney’s most iconic characters, especially during the company’s late-20th-century run of animation blockbusters, starting with 1989’s ‘The Little Mermaid.’”

🟣 Las Vegas startup turns desert air into water, targeting data-center demand. News 3

“The technology works by drawing air through the system with fans, allowing the solution to capture moisture. WAVR says its design is intended to work even in very dry climates, including at low humidity levels.”

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was composed by Jannelle Calderón, featuring stories by Aleza Freeman and Lizzie Ramirez. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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