Nevada News Roundup: 'Fake Electors' Case Dismissed Again, Kalshi Fights $120K-a-Day Fine, Fires Burn in the North and More

Published Aug 17, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Nevada news. A Las Vegas judge dismissed the state’s 2020 “fake electors” case for a second time, prediction-market operator Kalshi is fighting the Nevada Gaming Control Board over a fine it says should run $120,000 a day, and wildfires prompted evacuation orders in Northern Nevada. A federal court also rejected the Department of Justice’s request for Nevada’s complete voter-registration list, and a Nevada man was charged with funneling 140 guns to Mexican drug cartels.

Nevada ‘fake electors’ case dismissed for the second time

A Clark County judge dismissed the case against Nevada’s 2020 “fake electors” for the second time, saying prosecutors did not prove the charges. The defendants were accused of forging a certificate related to the 2020 presidential election, and the attorney general said the state will appeal. (Politico, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Reno Gazette Journal, PBS, Aug. 13-14, 2026)

Kalshi fights Nevada gaming regulator over geofencing fine

Prediction-market operator Kalshi is pushing back against the Nevada Gaming Control Board over a fine tied to geofencing compliance, accusing investigators of violating federal law. The control board argues Kalshi should pay $120,000 per day for noncompliance with a court order while the dispute continues. (Reuters, The Hill, The Nevada Independent, Aug. 15-16, 2026)

Wildfires prompt evacuations and a fallen-pilot memorial in Northern Nevada

Immediate evacuation orders were issued as wildfires rapidly spread across Nevada and Northern California, including the Bug and Stallion fires. Insurance experts urged residents to document their belongings, and Gov. Joe Lombardo ordered flags at half-staff Monday to honor fallen firefighting pilot Christopher V. Andersen. (FOX Weather, Carson Now, IQAir, FOX5 Vegas, KSNV, Aug. 11-16, 2026)

Federal court rejects DOJ request for Nevada’s complete voter-registration list

A federal court rejected the Department of Justice’s request for Nevada’s complete voter-registration list and voters’ personal information. The ruling sided with the state in the Trump administration’s suit over the voter rolls. (The Nevada Independent, KTVN, KLAS 8 News Now, Democracy Docket, Aug. 14-15, 2026)

Nevada man accused of funneling 140 guns to Mexican drug cartels

A Nevada man was charged with funneling 140 guns, including powerful “military-style” rifles, to violent Mexican drug cartels, according to the Department of Justice. The DOJ described the rifles as among the weapons trafficked across the border. (Fox News, Aug. 16, 2026)

For more on the Silver State, see the Nevada guide.