Nevada tops U.S. unemployment: Causes, context, and why it’s beyond politics
Nevada currently holds the highest unemployment rate in the U.S. at 5.8% as of June 2025, driven by its heavy reliance on tourism and hospitality, seasonal job fluctuations, and structural economic challenges. Attempts to politicize the issue by blaming specific leaders or policies oversimplify the problem, as the state’s high unemployment stems from long-standing systemic issues rather than short-term political decisions.
No Tax on Tips explained
The "No Tax on Tips" provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill lets Nevada’s tipped workers, over 5% of the workforce, deduct up to $25K in tips from federal taxes. The tax break could add $250 million to the state’s economy, though reporting hurdles and the 2028 expiration temper optimism.
Vegas tourism trends: Data defies political spin
Las Vegas welcomed 23 million visitors from January to July 2025, down from 2024’s record 25 million, yet matching or exceeding January–July totals of 2021–2023 and doubling 2020’s low, per LVCVA data. With 2024’s peak 41.7 million visitors and $100 billion economic impact capping a robust decade, 2025’s strong conventions and Convention Center renovation project counter claims of a tourism decline.
Nevada’s voter roll plan: Robust security meets bias concerns in HAVA compliance
Nevada’s Secretary of State unveiled a plan to ensure accurate voter rolls, featuring daily agency coordination, advanced duplicate detection, and strong security measures like firewalls and multi-factor authentication. Yet, concerns persist over potential bias among unelected staff, with a NPJ piece, "Bad Form" (https://nevadapoliticaljournal.com/opinion/badform), citing errors by officials that have disenfranchised voters, sparking calls for better oversight.
Nevada’s Ethics Commission: All Bark, No Bite
The Nevada Commission on Ethics, tasked with enforcing ethical conduct, boasts a balanced eight-member board and powers to investigate and penalize. Yet, critics call it a paper tiger, its paltry fines failing to curb political misconduct.
U.S. Attorney for Nevada: Key role, recent leaders, and major cases
Nevada’s U.S. Attorney leads 100+ prosecutors, tackling 1,000+ cases yearly—from fraud to organized crime. Protecting rights and recovering money for victims, the office fights for justice.
Shifting voter confidence in Nevada
A post-2024 election poll by The Tarrance Group for the Democracy Defense Project reveals sharp partisan shifts in Nevada voter confidence. Conducted July 12-16, 2025, with 550 likely voters, it highlights evolving trust in elections and views on integrity measures, underscoring Nevada’s role as a key swing state.
ABLE Nevada: Tax-free savings for Nevadans with disabilities to secure their future
ABLE Nevada empowers individuals with disabilities to save and cover expenses such as education, housing, and therapy without jeopardizing Medicaid or SSI benefits. For Nevadans like Maria, this program supports funding job training, fostering greater independence and financial security.
Nevada lost its spot as a top U-Haul destination in 2024
Nevada fell from 11th to 35th in U-Haul’s 2024 Growth Index, with more departures than arrivals, ending its net-gain run. California, its top resident source, ranked last at 50th, with 51% leaving, keeping Nevada appealing due to proximity and affordability.
Trump’s GENIUS Act: How it shapes Nevada’s crypto future
Trump signed the GENIUS Act, regulating stablecoins to boost crypto innovation. Nevada could see economic growth, attracting crypto firms to Las Vegas. Yet, Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen warn of weak regulations and risks tied to Trump’s crypto ventures, echoing Nevada’s 2008 financial woes. The Act’s impact depends on upcoming federal rules.
Nevada launches Health Authority to consolidate healthcare programs
Nevada launched the Nevada Health Authority under SB494, consolidating Medicaid, the state’s health insurance exchange, and public employees’ benefits programs. Led by Stacie Weeks, the NVHA aims to cut costs, boost efficiency, and expand healthcare access for Nevada’s 3.2 million residents. With 10.2% of Nevadans uninsured in 2023 and a shortage of primary care providers, the authority seeks to leverage state purchasing power to lower costs and attract more doctors.
Aaron Ford’s actions as Nevada AG: Public good or political ambition?
An analysis of Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford’s 2025 press releases reveals an agenda centered on social justice and steadfast opposition to Trump administration policies, resonating with many Nevada voters, but potentially at odds with the state’s diverse electorate.
Nevada's nonpartisan voters may gain access to primaries under new proposal
Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) introduced Assembly Bill 597 to allow Nevada's 840,000 nonpartisan voters—36% of the electorate—to participate in major party primaries for state and presidential elections, potentially reshaping the state's primary process.
Silver State looking purple
Nevada's latest NVPOP poll reveals a vibrant purple state, with voters optimistic yet divided on party leadership. Economic concerns like housing and inflation unite Nevadans across party lines, shaping a dynamic political landscape.
Nevada considers alternative training pathway for hygienists
Nevada’s dental hygienist shortage restricts preventive care, especially in rural areas. Governor Lombardo’s legislation introduces an alternative training pathway for licensure to address this workforce crisis.
No tax on tips: House Republicans’ legislation and its impact on Nevada
House Republicans’ No Tax on Tips legislation promises significant financial relief for Nevada’s tipped workers, potentially saving Las Vegas servers thousands annually. However, the policy’s temporary nature and Democrats-opposed budget cuts spark debate over its long-term impact on the state’s hospitality-driven economy.
Latest lands bill: How it impacts Nevada
A federal lands bill, part of a tax package, allows selling 460,000 acres in Nevada and Utah to ease urban growth but lacks clear details. Critics fear it prioritizes corporate interests over public welfare, risking Western land management.
Nevada’s $191M budget blow: Cuts loom as revenue dips
Nevada faces a $191 million budget shortfall for the 2025-27 biennium, with an additional $160 million deficit in the State Education Fund, prompting concerns about potential cuts to state programs and services.
Gov. Lombardo defends charters, slams attacks on teacher pay
Governor Joe Lombardo is doubling down on his commitment to ensuring equitable treatment for public charter school teachers and students.
When faith and policy clash
A new NaLEC poll reveals a dynamic Christian electorate—engaged, diverse, and vocal when policies clash with their faith.