Hi, Nevadans!

We’ve got just a week left in October—are the months flying by for you, too?

Before you get into this newsletter, take ten seconds to check in with yourself. Have you taken a deep breath today yet? You know, the ones where your whole body lifts, your lungs and your diaphragm fill with air. Have you had some water? When’s the last time you looked up from your screen to rest your eyes? 

It can be hard to stay mindful and grounded when everything around us is going so fast. And that’s why I’m attending a group meditation class this weekend. Do you have any mindfulness tips? 

Have a great weekend!

We’ve got the continuation of our civic vocab refresher this week.

So far in our Civic Check-in series, we’ve talked about the rise of authoritarianism and fascism. But there’s another threat that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: oligarchy.

An oligarchy occurs when power is held by a small group of elites—think billionaires, political insiders, CEOs, or military leaders—who either run the government directly or influence it from behind the scenes.

There are even subtypes of oligarchy:

Plutocracy: When money equals power.

Kleptocracy: When those in charge use their position to enrich themselves—often at everyone else’s expense.

Don’t miss the next part of our Civic Check-in series. 

A terrifying theme park, a frightening festival, a petrifying parade, and a murderous mansion are among the best and scariest Las Vegas Halloween haunts for 2025. (Universal Horror Unleashed)

By Aleza Freeman

If you’re still looking for ways to partake in Halloween festivities, check these out before the end of the month! But don’t fret, there are a couple of experiences that are available year-round in Las Vegas. 

Gather your friends, family, and spooky neighbors this season and visit haunted houses or maybe a haunted mansion, a frightening festival or a petrifying parade. Here are eight of the best ways to celebrate and scream your heart out this Halloween.

(KFF Health News illustration; Getty Images)

By Phil Galewitz, KFF Health News

With the federal shutdown entering its fourth week, spurred by a stalemate over the cost of health insurance for 22 million Americans on Affordable Care Act plans, a new report shows that over 154 million people with coverage through an employer also face steep price hikes—and that the situation is likely to get worse.

It’s the first time in two decades that the cost of covering a family of four has risen by 6% or more for three consecutive years, data from KFF shows.

Over the last five years, the average premium for family coverage has increased by 26%, compared with a 29% increase in workers’ wages and nearly 24% growth in inflation. The average cost for family coverage is now about the same as a new Toyota Corolla hybrid.

The average annual premium for an individual health plan provided by employers increased by 5% to $9,325—nearly $3,000 higher than in 2016, according to the survey.

Reach 70,000+ Nevadans who care about their communities! Sponsor the Nevadan’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jannelle Calderón with stories by Aleza Freeman and KFF Health News. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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