Hello, Nevadans!

Thank you to those of you who have helped me replenish my Your Nevada folder. Get ready to see some new views! Today: Gardnerville.

If you’ve been meaning to share a unique aspect of the state that others might not see every day, send it my way!

In today’s newsletter:

Thank you for starting your day with me!

Image credit: Getty Images

Midterm elections tend to have lower turnout than election years when the president is chosen. It’s perceived that midterms have lower stakes, but Nevadans will be voting in several important races this year.

Governor, attorney general, lieutenant governor, city council, judges, Congress, state Legislature, and questions that could change our state Constitution. The positions hold power and their decisions affect our daily lives. 

If this is your first time voting in Nevada or if you know someone who will be voting for the first time, check out our first timer’s guide to voting! 

Early voting in Nevada starts Oct. 17. Fulfilling your civic duty doesn’t have to be a chore, make a date out of it! My mom and I have the tradition of casting our votes and then getting pancakes. 

Do you have a plan to vote in the midterms?

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

Patches of Aspens, cottonwoods, and maple trees are turning bright colors of red and gold along the lake and in the canyons as viewed on Oct. 17, 2021, Lake Tahoe. (George Rose/Getty Images)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

What is there to do in Tahoe when it’s not sunny enough for swimming or snowy enough to ski?

September through November is one of the best times to visit Lake Tahoe.

The communities around the lake are offering a variety of events this month, including moonlit kayaks for those still wanting to enjoy outdoor recreation, and costume contests for people wanting to get into the Halloween spirit.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (left), a Republican, is running for reelection in a tight race against Democratic state Attorney General Aaron Ford in the Nevada governor’s race. (Ronda Churchill/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Las Vegas Review-Journal file/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

By Robert Gundran

The Nevadan sent both campaigns questions on the demand charge, utility regulation, data centers, and utility campaign contributions. Aaron Ford’s campaign responded. Gov. Joe Lombardo’s campaign didn’t, so positions are taken from public record and statements. 

The governor’s clearest power over utility rates is choosing the people who set them. All Public Utilities Commission of Nevada commissioners are appointed by the governor. 

NV Energy’s new daily demand charge is set to take effect in southern Nevada on Jan. 1, about two months after Nevadans choose their next governor. 

Lombardo, whose appointees to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada approved the charge, says the decision belongs to independent regulators. Those same independent regulators are appointed by the governor. Meanwhile, Ford sued to block the charge and said as governor, he would stop it 

🟣 Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada seeks community help in packing meals for seniors. KTNV

“The non-profit recently launched a new opportunity for volunteers to lend a hand bagging hundreds of frozen meals for homebound seniors. The meals are distributed seven at a time with staff ensuring each one has the right nutritional value.”

🟣 Google challenges Las Vegas police’s warrant as an ‘illegal general warrant.’ The Nevada Independent

“The challenge, filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County in September, is tied to a July homicide of a homeless woman. Google says that LVMPD served the company with an ‘invalid’ warrant, known as a ‘reverse search’ warrant, requiring the company to pull data on individuals who searched a specific set of keywords … The case represents a unique legal challenge to law enforcement’s surveillance use, an increasingly hot-button issue in Nevada and beyond.”

🟣 NDOW captures mother bear and two cubs at Rancho San Rafael, plans Monday release. News 4

“The bears were not acting aggressively or causing problems, but because of the number of people in the area, wildlife officials decided to tranquilize them as a precaution … NDOW identified them as an adult female, estimated to be about 10 years old, and her two female cubs.”

🟣 Abortion is on the ballot again as post-Roe policies continue to evolve. KFF Health News

“The measure received strong support two years ago, with 64% of voters in favor. Nevada law requires two majority votes to enshrine constitutional amendments, so voters will need to support the expanded protection again in November for it to be enacted. The Nevada ballot measure wouldn’t change the state’s existing law allowing abortions up to 24 weeks after conception.”

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was composed by Jannelle Calderón, featuring stories by USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and Robert Gundran. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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