From JD Vance to film tax credits, antisemitism to ICE detention, panelists tackled some of the biggest issues of the moment at The Nevada Independent’s sixth annual IndyFest conference.

For those who missed the ideas festival held Nov. 14-15 at the Durango Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, The Indy is sharing full videos of the discussions. 

ICEd in Nevada

UNLV Immigration Clinic Director Michael Kagan and immigration attorney Martha Menendez argue conditions in President Donald Trump’s second term are what they feared in his first term. Click below to watch our immigration policy panel moderated by Indy CEO Jon Ralston and Co-Editor Michelle Rindels. 

The GOP Island

Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) gives Trump a "B" grade, tells his side of the story about a controversial public lands sale amendment he backed over the summer, and explains why he’s OK with the federal government having a stake in a Nevada lithium mine. Click below to watch the interview with Indy CEO Jon Ralston and D.C. Correspondent Mini Racker.

No Shrinking Violets Here

Kevin Williamson, national correspondent with The Dispatch, argues antisemitism is on the rise in part because there is money to be made in right-wing activism, and Commentary Magazine’s John Podhoretz says his role in helping Tucker Carlson find early career success is “the greatest crime I have ever committed.” Click here to watch the panel moderated by Indy CEO Jon Ralston.

A Steep Climb

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alexis Hill lays out her property tax plan to raise money for education, tells billionaires they should be scared of her taking office, and argues tax incentives for businesses such as movie studios leave Nevadans with “scraps.” Click below to watch the interview with Indy CEO Jon Ralston and Co-Editor Michelle Rindels. 

Silver and Gold

Author and data guru Nate Silver makes predictions about the future of AI and the nominees for the 2028 presidential race. Click below to watch the interview with Indy CEO Jon Ralston.

State of Economy

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill argues parking and resort fees aren’t going away, economist Andrew Woods explains why film tax credits are unlikely to pencil out for Nevada, and Latin Chamber of Commerce President Peter Guzman notes the troubling signal behind Hispanic grocery stores’ flourishing. Click below to watch the panel discussion moderated by Indy CEO Jon Ralston and Managing Editor Hali Bernstein Saylor.

State of Gaming

Phil Satre, non-executive chairman of the board at Wynn Resorts, shares how new technologies have created challenges for responsible gaming, and Ayesha Molino, chief public affairs officer for MGM Resorts International, discusses how the resort industry is approaching homelessness and trespassing on the Las Vegas Strip. Click below to watch the interview with Indy CEO Jon Ralston and Co-Editor Michelle Rindels. 

A Bulwark Against Trump?

The Bulwark Publisher Sarah Longwell argues the Jeb Bush-style Republican isn’t coming back, Bulwark Senior Reporter Will Sommer describes how the rise of the “new right” explains JD Vance, and Bulwark Culture Editor Sonny Bunch asserts that mobile sports betting has placed an “addiction machine in everybody’s pockets.” Click here to watch the panel discussion moderated by Indy CEO Jon Ralston.