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Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joins COURIER founder Tara McGowan to make the case for why he should be Nevada’s next governor, from taking on Trump in court to tackling rising costs across the state. He also opens up about relying on public assistance as a young father and how that experience still shapes his approach to the job.

Here’s another look from last month’s Great Reno Balloon Race. This shot feels like fall, and that’s what I loved about it. I can almost feel the crisp air.

As always, a big thanks to Charlene A. for sharing Your Nevada!

There’s plenty to do now that the weather is nicer—if you’re out and about, grab a couple of pictures and send them in for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Related: Celebrate the changing season at these 11 Nevada fall festivals

Our supporter drive wrapped up on Sept. 30, and we’re grateful to every reader who chipped in. Whether you gave $5 or $500, you helped keep The Nevadan delivering factual, free information to communities across Nevada.

That support matters more than ever. More than 3,500 newspapers have closed across the country since 2005, and the newsrooms that remain face shrinking funding and growing pressure, including attacks from the federal government. Your support is how we keep doing this work.

If you missed the campaign, it’s not too late. Reader support keeps us going year-round.

Located along the E.T. Highway, which runs parallel to the infamous Area 51, Rachel attracts alien enthusiasts and UFO conspiracy theorists from all over the world. (Aleza Freeman)

By Aleza Freeman

There are currently 1,834 open Nevada cases listed on the National UFO Reporting Center website, including 29 for 2026, with mentions of rising discs, domed-shaped objects, color-changing light orbs, oddly moving craft, and other anomalies. 

And consider this: According to a report by 8 News Now, only 1 in 4,000 sightings are ever reported. 

From the existence of aliens, living or dead, at Area 51 to the alleged alien-induced death of a beloved family pet, here are seven of the freakiest UFO sightings in Nevada history.

Gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford, attorney general of Nevada, speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

By Lizzie Ramirez

Democratic Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is facing questions from the GOP locally and nationally for a clemency sponsorship that appeared on the Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners’ agenda on Sept. 16. 

According to Ford’s campaign, he did not seek a pardon for a pregnant woman’s killer, and he would have “unequivocally” voted no to any form of clemency or sentence modification.

The sponsorship involves Norman Smith, who was convicted in 2015 for the manslaughter of Tinesha Adams, who was 16 to 17 weeks pregnant. 

The sponsorship, however, wasn’t for the manslaughter charges, despite the Nevada GOP framing Ford as sympathetic to a convicted pregnant woman’s killer.

🟣 Western water supplies increasingly threatened by wildfires, new research finds. KUNR

“The pattern matters because much of the West’s water originates in forested mountain watersheds … [Fires] can degrade water quality and create problems for reservoirs, dams and water treatment systems. In some cases, post-fire flooding, sediment and nutrient pollution can affect treatment operations for years.”

🟣 Nevada receives federal approval to give Medicaid to newly released inmates. Fox 5

“The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Nevada’s waiver, meaning it can now cover health services for eligible youth and adult inmates. Those eligible for Medicaid who are leaving jails and prisons can begin treatment, fill prescriptions and connect with community providers before being released.”

🟣 A Shoshone girl returns to Duck Valley 126 years after her death. Nevada Public Radio

“‘I don’t speak Shoshone. My mom speaks a little bit of Shoshone, but maybe my kids have the opportunity to become fluent. And I think that’s fantastic because I think language is the first layer of culture.’”