The Raiders deal in las vegas has just been approved, and already there are critics.

Las Vegas Raiders fans celebrated Monday afternoon under the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.

It could be a hint of what's to come.

The latest numbers on weekly wage growth in the state may reflect an overall improved labor market in Nevada.

The number of open jobs was mostly unchanged in December from the previous month, leaving openings at a healthy level. The Labor Department said Tuesday job openings were flat at 5.5 million in December. Total hiring rose slightly to 5.25 million, while the number of people quitting fell.

Shortly before the rain fell on Thursday, the click of an officer’s cuffs and slam of a police car’s door marked an end to a workers’ protest at a Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Las Vegas.

The state’s unemployment rate has hit a nine-year low. But we can still do better.

Experts are bullish on Nevada’s overall economy this year, anticipating continued recovery from the recession and growth, they said. Four key markers support their outlook:

Christel Marie San Diego came to the United States from the Philippines four years ago with her own American Dream. After graduating from college and reading books like “Think and Grow Rich” and “The Power of Habit,” she plans to own a business — and perhaps outearn her parents.

Next year will not be a boom year for the Las Vegas economy, but it will be far from a bust.

Las Vegas’ economy has made big strides since the depths of the recession, when foreclosures, layoffs and bankruptcies were pummeling the valley.

It’s been speculated that payday loan stores have a specific business target: low-income, minority neighborhoods and other at-risk groups.

Las Vegas has plenty of flashing neon signs, but not all of them are for entertainment purposes — some signal hope for those who partake in a $50 billion-a-year nationwide industry.