🔋 Nevada’s role in lithium mining

😞 Government Shutdown Worries Nevada

The latest federal government shutdown lingers on with another Washington vote planned today. Don’t get your hopes up. The last budget showdown of this nature lasted 35 days. So far, the Vegas airport seems to be running okay, but Nevada has more than 22,000 federal employees, who may face furloughs, nonpayments, or outright firings. [KLAS/Nevada Current]

• City Cast Las Vegas digs deeper into the local effects of the shutdown, plus the pros and cons of a 1 October memorial on the Strip and what it really means for Spirit airlines to cut back on services in the latest Friday news roundup. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

⛏️ Nevada at the Center of a Lithium Mining War

Under the direction of the Trump administration, the Department of Energy is taking a 5 percent stake in Lithium Americas and another 5 percent stake in the company’s Thacker Pass lithium mine in Northern Nevada. This follows the U.S. government taking partial ownership in Vegas-based MP Materials, which operates the only active rare earth mine in the country. Critics say this is socialist stuff. Supporters argue it’s necessary to curb China’s dominance in lithium, which is critical for batteries in everything from phones to cars and weapons. [Associated Press]

💰 Historic Strip Hotel For Sale

Have $10 million lying around? You can place a minimum bid for the Diamond Inn Motel — whose “historic” pink elephant is included in the deal. (I think.) The property, across the street from Mandalay Bay, dates back to 1940, making it one of the oldest buildings on the Strip. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

👄 Taylor Swift Album Release Celebrations 👀

Taylor Swift’s new album is out today. Don’t panic. Here’s how to celebrate “The Last Showgirl in Las Vegas”:

• Life of a Showgirl Paint Night at The Pottery Shop (Town Square), 6-10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 ($9+)
• The Official Release Party of a Showgirl in movie theaters, Oct. 3-5. ($12+)
• Taylor Swift Record Release & Engagement Party at Millenium Fandom (Downtown), 8 p.m. - 3 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. (no cover)
• The Life of a Showgirl Album Listening Party + Brunch at Slater’s 50/50 (Lake Mead & Buffalo), 9-11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. ($52.21+)
• OTW Social Club: A Showgirl Night Fan Experience at Velocity Esports (Town Square), 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. ($20+)
• Themed cocktails at 108 Drinks (The Strat), Bottiglia (Green Valley Ranch), and Easy’s Cocktail Lounge (Aria) [Forbes]

It’s the last day of our fall membership campaign — and I only have three dogs — so this is the final edition of Critter Corner, at least for now 🐕

Say hello to Turner. It takes very little to make him happy. Morning walks and doggie treats are at the top of the list. He also likes to test his knowledge with the City Cast Las Vegas News Quiz when reading the newsletter on Fridays.

(Usual score: Zero out of five. He’s a dog.)

But he gets an “A” for effort. And “energy.” And for “eating off my plate.”

Become a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor and I’ll give him an extra snack tonight 👍

🗞️ Hey news junkies!

It’s time for the latest Hey Las Vegas news quiz. The questions are based on stories in the newsletter over the past week. Have you been paying attention?

Here’s the first question to get you started:

What will new Nevada voting machines include in 2026?

• A scanning device for government-issued ID
• A printer to produce a paper ballot
• A breathalyzer to ensure sober voting
• A tissue box to wipe away tears during emotional breakdowns

Results will appear at the end of the quiz.