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 The homepage of the newspaper on May 11, 2025 | |
| Type | Nonprofit |
|---|---|
| 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 anonprofit,digital-only newspaper covering Nevada based in theLas 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 theNevada Legislature, county commissions and municipalities.
According toForm 990 tax filings with theIRS, 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 whichThe Indy operates was founded in 2010, but revived in 2016, by Elizabeth Thompson alongside political analyst and commentatorJon 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 ofU. S. Senate Majority LeaderHarry 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 theLas Vegas Review-Journal by casino billionaire and ardentDonald Trump supporterSheldon Adelson[8] along with the decades-long decline of theLas Vegas Sun, the only other daily newspaper in theLas Vegas Valley.[9]
The founding board and editorial team included journalists such asCBS-affiliateKLAS-TV'snews anchorPaula Francis and news division head Bob Stoldal as well as theLas 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 theAssociated Press[10] andKUNR in partnership with theUniversity of Nevada, Reno.[11]
The Indy hosts public engagement fundraising events includingIndyTalks featuring discussion-format, on-stage interviews and an annual policy conference known asIndy Fest.[12] Both events feature elected officials, businesspeople, and other prominent community members.[13]
Significant reporting includes investigations into Nevada political figures, such asStorey 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 theEngelstad Foundation,Arnold Ventures, and theAmerican Journalism Project.[1] The outlet maintains a transparent list of donors publicly available on its website.