The state’s unemployment rate continued to pull away from the national rate in June, which remained at 5.5 percent, according to a report released today by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation.

The unemployment rate in Las Vegas Valley was a bit higher than the state’s average, standing at 6.5%. The area shed 6,200 jobs in June and for the first time since 2002, year-over-year growth declined for four consecutive months.

Two factors were cited as reasons for the increase in the rate. They included recent disappointing gaming revenue, and more people re-entering the workforce in order to cope with rising prices of things like fuel and food.

The only sliver lining in today’s report – make that gold lining – was that in mining areas, such as Elko and White Pine counties, the unemployment rate remained below 5 percent thanks to the fact that gold prices remain near their historic highs.

Las Vegas drivers are once again near the bottom of a list when it comes to America’s best drivers. According to the Allstate Best Drivers Report, Las Vegas came in at 165 out of 200 cities. It found that Las Vegas drivers are likely to experience a car accident every 7.9 years, compared to the national average of every 10 years. Sioux Falls, Idaho drivers were ranked the safest. Do you agree with the report?