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![]() The homepage of the newspaper on May 11, 2025 | |
Type | Nonprofit |
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Format | Online |
Owner(s) | Nevada News Bureau, Inc. |
Founder(s) | Elizabeth Thompson Jon Ralston |
Publisher | Jon Ralston (CEO) |
Editor | Michelle Rindels Riley Snyder |
Managing editor | Hali Bernstein Saylor |
Staff writers | Senior Reporter Howard Stutz Reporters Gabby Birenbaum Amy Alonzo Tabitha Mueller Rocío Hernández Eric Neugeboren Isabella Aldrete |
Spanish Language Editor | Luz Gray |
Founded | 2017 |
Political alignment | Nonpartisan |
Headquarters | 7455 Arroyo Crossing Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada 89113 |
Website | thenevadaindependent |
The Nevada Independent (also, The Indy) is an nonprofit, digital-only newspaper covering Nevada based in the Las Vegas area. In addition to general interest stories, The Indy specializes in government and politics journalism and reports year-round on the state government, the biennial meetings of the Nevada Legislature, county commissions and municipalities.
According to Form 990 tax filings with the IRS, The Indy received 76. 54% of its funding from public support in 2023, a slight decrease from 79.14% in 2022. [1]
The foundation under which The Indy operates was founded in 2010, but revived in 2016, by Elizabeth Thompson alongside political analyst and commentator Jon Ralston. It began with a staff of seven. [2] According to its 2023 tax filings, it now has a staff of 31. [1] [2]
Ralston and Thompson cited a need for independent news coverage [3] in the context of major changes in Nevada. [4]
These changes included the retirement of U. S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and major political influencer in the state. [5] Along with political power shifts as a result, there was a major consolidation of news media in Nevada including the controversial [6] and at-first secretive [7] 2015 purchase of the Las Vegas Review-Journal by casino billionaire and ardent Donald Trump supporter Sheldon Adelson [8] along with the decades-long decline of the Las Vegas Sun, the only other daily newspaper in the Las Vegas Valley. [9]
The founding board and editorial team included journalists such as CBS-affiliate KLAS-TV's news anchor Paula Francis and news division head Bob Stoldal as well as the Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist John L. Smith. [2]
The Indy has expanded its newsroom over time, adding coverage areas such as health care, education, environment, and gaming.
In 2024, the outlet also began a formal content-sharing agreement with the Associated Press [10] and KUNR in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno. [11]
The Indy hosts public engagement fundraising events including IndyTalks featuring discussion-format, on-stage interviews and an annual policy conference known as Indy Fest. [12] Both events feature elected officials, businesspeople, and other prominent community members. [13]
Significant reporting includes investigations into Nevada political figures, such as Storey County Sheriff Gerald Antinoro's ethics violations, [14] the Nevada Attorney General's investigation into fake elector certificates in the 2020 presidential election, [15] and safety violations at Nevada Gold Mines. [16]
Its funding model relies primarily on donations, foundation grants, and limited sponsorships. Major donors include the Engelstad Foundation, Arnold Ventures, and the American Journalism Project. [1] The outlet maintains a transparent list of donors publicly available on its website.