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Fashion historian Karan Feder reflects on Vegas’ unique cabaret culture and 40 years of iconic Barbie looks.
LAS VEGAS BUFFETS
Dezzy Hollow stops at Backstage Bar & Billiards, Sondheim’s Company opens at Reynolds Hall and more happening this week.
All-you-can-eat buffets may have faded a bit since the pandemic, but they’re still beloved among locals and tourists.
Republicans paint a picture of a crime-ridden country, but the data says otherwise.
After five years, Simp City is expanding while continuing a residency at Drai’s.
The Aces return from the Paris Olympics angling for a three-peat.
Photographs by Wade Vandervort
Photo Illustration
SUPERGUIDE
THURSDAY AUG 15
FRIDAY AUG 16
ABU DHABI COMBAT CLUB Thru 8/17, times vary, T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
LAS VEGAS
AVIATORS VS. OKLAHOMA CITY BASEBALL CLUB Thru 8/17, 7 p.m. (& 8/18, 6 p.m.), Las Vegas Ballpark, ticketmaster.com
BOMSHEL
8 p.m., Stoney’s North Forty, stoneysnorth forty.com
DE DONDE?
SHADOWLAND with Haxa, Psalm, 7 p.m., the Gri n, dice.fm
DEAD POSEY with Frankie & The Studs, Nightfeen, 8 p.m., Sinwave, dice.fm
SOFT ECHO with Heroine Honey, Two Man Riot, Sacred Neon, Night Weapons, 7 p.m., Swan Dive, swandivelv.com
With it being an election year, the U.S. southern border is under high scrutiny. Migrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela and other Central and South American countries come to the United States in search of a better life, and they’re often met with xenophobia. Mary Gallagher’s 1991 play De Donde? explores the experience of these migrants. Director Ana Gudiño tells the Weekly that the play is personal to her, and sparks a conversation about empathy. “These stories matter to me because, as an immigrant, they reflect on the experiences I grew up with,” Gudiño says. “While there’s considerable discussion about immigration and border reform, the conditions and treatment in detention centers often receive less attention. I hope the play fosters greater empathy for the individuals in these stories, who share the same goals and dreams as everyone else.” Thru 8/25, Thursdays-Sundays, times vary, $30, Majestic Repertory Theatre, tickettailor.com. –Shannon Miller
JOYRYDE With Collelo, Dyce, Aldo Alvaro, 10 p.m., Substance, seetickets.us
TIËSTO 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com
SATURDAY AUG 17
TAYLOR
TOMLINSON
8 p.m., & 8/17, Encore Theater, ticketmaster.com.
RICK SPRINGFIELD & RICHARD MARX
8 p.m., Pearl Concert Theater, ticketmaster. com
AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW
8 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs.com
ALAN PARSONS LIVE PROJECT
7:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall, thesmithcenter.com
MIKE DAWES
7 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter.com
THE DEAD SOUTH with The Builders and the Butchers, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster.com
PRESEASON: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS VS. DALLAS COWBOYS
7 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticketmaster.com
LAS VEGAS ACES VS. NEW YORK LIBERTY
1 p.m., Michelob Ultra Arena, axs.com
IFL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
1 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com
THE CHAINSMOKERS
11 a.m., Encore Beach Club, wynnsocial.com
DJ PAULY D
11 a.m., Marquee Dayclub, taogroup.com
ALESSO 11 a.m., Tao Beach Dayclub, taogroup.com
KASKADE Noon, Ayu Dayclub, zoukgrouplv.com
DUKE DUMONT
10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com
SAM BLACKY 10 p.m., Discopussy, tixr.com
2 CHAINZ
10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, draisgroup.com
ZEDD
10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com
GORGON CITY
10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com
DEZZY HOLLOW
In the world of hip-hop, listeners can often pinpoint which coast an artist hails from based on flow and samples. West Coast rap, with its innovative spirit, often intertwines with the sounds of funk—so much so that the subgenre g-funk pays homage to ‘70s sounds that influenced the legendary years of ‘90s rap. Dezzy Hollow, an up-and-comer from Oceanside, California, embraces this legacy on his latest album, Caught In The Funk. The 14-track project showcases Hollow’s ability to expand his range while staying true to the sound that raised him. His track “Slippin’” samples the Midnight Star’s “No Parking (On the Dance Floor),” and while familiar in sound, Hollow’s contemporary and laidback flow gives it new life—a testament to his mastery of old-school influences, making him one of the hottest new voices in the genre. 8 p.m., $35, Backstage Bar & Billiards, dice.fm. –Gabriela Rodriguez
I PREVAIL with Halestorm, Hollywood Undead, Fit for a King, 6 p.m., PH Live, ticketmaster.com.
SUPERGUIDE
TYGA with DJ Sourmilk, 11 a.m., Tao Beach Dayclub, taogroup.com.
DIPLO with ItsMurph, 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.
FRANK WALKER 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com.
LAS VEGAS ACES VS. LOS ANGELES SPARKS
3 p.m., Michelob Ultra Arena, axs.com
HOWARD JONES & ABC with Haircut One Hundred, 7 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs.com
WHISPERS OF TORMENT with Doctren, Alibis, Hollywood Nightmare, Ambers Wake, Scarlett Silhouette, 7 p.m., Sinwave, dice.fm
GREEN VELVET PRESENTS: LALALAND 11:30 a.m., LIV Beach, livnightclub.com.
DO IT ALL
MONDAYS DARK
8 p.m., the Space, mondaysdark.com
THE RUM RUNNERS 6 p.m., The Composers Room, thecomposers room.com
PROMISE MARKS 7 p.m., Maxan Jazz, maxanjazz.com
DJ E-ROCK 10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, taogroup.com
EMMA WILMANN with Je Leach, Carlos Rodriguez, thru 8/22, 8 p.m., Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, mgmgrand. mgmresorts.com
SUPERGUIDE
COMPANY
Stephen Sondheim’s critically acclaimed musical comedy gets a refreshing revival in this retelling of Company, which follows Bobbie, a woman whose single status becomes the topic of the town among her coupled friends. In this production, Tony Award-winning director Marianne Elliott gender-swaps the original male character to create an ever greater sense of societal pressure, because God forbid a woman over 30 isn’t married and loving it! In today’s culture of dating apps, hard-launching lovers on Instagram and navigating divorce one messy Facebook post at a time, Company feels more relatable than ever. Whether you’re single, looking or happily taken, this one will surely strike a chord. Thru 8/25, times vary, $35-$155, Reynolds Hall, thesmithcenter.com. –Amber Sampson
BRUNO MARS
9 p.m., Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com
GOATWHORE with Vitriol & Thantifaxath, 7 p.m., Backstage Bar & Billiards, seetickets.us
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS OPEN PRACTICE
6 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, raiders.com
NATIONAL STOCK HORSE ASSOCIATION FUTURITY DERBY Thru 8/25, times vary, South Point Arena, national stockhorse.com
MUSTARD
10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com
LAS VEGAS ACES VS. MINNESOTA LYNX
6:30 p.m., Michelob Ultra Arena, axs.com
DAVID BLAINE
8 p.m., & 8/23-8/24, Encore Theater, ticketmaster.com
COMPOSERS SHOWCASE
9:30 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter.com
STICKER with Viridian, Pleasure Cult, Mutual Head, 8 p.m., the Gri n, dice.fm
JOI JAZZ ORCHESTRA
7:30 p.m., Notoriety, notorietylive.com
E-TOWN CONCRETE with Hold My Own, Bayway, A-Block, Balmora, Khasm, 5:30 p.m., Eagle Aerie Hall, seetickets.us
DJ DIESEL with Kim Lee, 10 p.m., Encore Beach Club, wynnsocial.com
DO IT ALL
FASHION STATEMENTS
Vegas costume historian and book author
Karan Feder reflects on our unique cabaret culture and 40 years of iconic Barbie looks
Karan Feder in her home (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)
Every piece of clothing has a story, but few people can recognize and interpret it like Karan Feder.
Before moving to Las Vegas in 2004, the fashion historian served as a costume designer in Hollywood, working in television, lm and theater, and with the amboyant and fabulous Bob Mackie, who has styled everyone from Cher to Diana Ross and Miley Cyrus. Since those days, she has consulted and curated for several local museums, including the historic Liberace Museum, David Copper eld’s Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts, the Mob Museum and the Nevada State Museum, where she helped acquire more than 8,000 pieces from the Tropicana’s famed Folies Bergere, Vegas’ longest running show.
You started out in costume design. What was it about fashion preservation and history that made you want to make the leap over?
ing teeth to get people to realize how important stage costumes are.
You were there when the museum acquired a massive donation of costumes from Folies Bergere. As a costume enthusiast, was that like Christmas for you?
Feder has also lled several books with her bottomless knowledge, the latest being 2023’s Barbie Takes the Catwalk: A Style Icon’s History in Fashion, wherein she connects 40 years of Barbie fashion to designers’ inspirations of the time. That project is also a touring exhibition that will land at New York’s Museum of Arts and Design this fall.
Museum of Arts and Design this fall.
You didn’t really tap into the legacy of Barbie until you started this project. What made you want to start it in the first place?
I was working at the Nevada State Museum with their costume and textile collection and one of my colleagues there, David Porcello, had been collecting vintage fashion for his whole life. I learned that part of what he collected was also Barbie fashion—not Barbie dolls, but Barbie fashion. I thought that was such an interesting spin on the Barbie collector. When COVID hit, and I was no longer working at the State Museum, I thought, I really want to explore this Barbie fashion thing. There have been other exhibitions and other books about Barbie dolls. So our spin on this was let’s try to prove that Barbie doll fashion does re ect culture. When you look back you can in fact see the evolution of
Barbie doll fashion does parallel that of American fashion during that 40year span of time.
Why did you choose to cover just that first 40 years?
After about 2000, the internet became really prevalent in life. And when that happens, it basically opens the door to a vast amount of visual inspiration. At that point in time, I believe that the culture designers, those folks that were telling us what to wear, really lost control of the fashion narrative. Even if you’re not a fashion historian, you can think about the 1960s and there’s a visual identity. There’s a visual identity that the ’70s, the ’80s, the ’90s have. By the time you get to 2000, it’s really hard. There are so many di erent identity groups that de ne the decades going forward that it’s harder to pinpoint what’s going on.
One of the rst places I visited here, when it was still open, was the Liberace Museum. I was not aware of Liberace. I hadn’t followed his career. I wasn’t really well in tune with the costumes. He just sort of had escaped my radar. So when I landed here, I discovered Liberace, and I realized that that genre of costume was its own unique beast that Las Vegas has been promoting for decades. There are examples of it around the world, in other cabaret settings, but it really is unique and Las Vegas claims it as their own and I just fell in love with that genre. I was in a really unique position to interpret this for Las Vegas as an outsider. That’s when I really decided I wanted to make a right turn in my career, and not necessarily design anymore, but to preserve, interpret, display and save these cabaret costumes, especially in this town because I didn’t see any love for those costumes in this town at all.
With the Tropicana going and now The Mirage, preservation in this town feels more important than ever.
There’s an argument to be made that that’s why Las Vegas is so successful is because we are willing to forego the old in favor of the new if it’s going to advance us one step forward. I totally get that but I think you can do both. We can continually move forward and still embrace our legacy and make sure that we respect and are saving portions of our legacy so that the young generations can study what came before. The evolution is absolutely fascinating and the evolution here is really unique. Typically these younger towns, they’re not well-versed in saving yet. They don’t quite understand the importance of it. When I was at the State Museum, it was still like pull-
What was so great about that acquisition is that I had been bugging Tropicana for months. So when they nally did say yes, I was in heaven, I couldn’t believe it. And I was so scared that they were going to change their mind. There is no other collection in town that can show a single evolution of stage costumes from a single show … anywhere I don’t think in the world. The fact that pieces survived from the Tropicana over a 50-year period is super crucial to us. During that period of time, Lycra was invented, which totally rede nes the shape of costumes, especially dance costumes. The costumes before that had charming little darts in weird places, and took on an entirely di erent vibe. So no, it wasn’t too overwhelming. It was absolutely fascinating.
If you had to pick a Vegas entertainer or designer whose closet you’d want to raid, who would it be?
Right now, I’m after Celine Dion because for one thing, she really loves fashion. She has employed a number of haute couture designers to do her stage show for many years. I really hadn’t thought of Celine Dion as a good research subject until I watched her latest documentary, and I realized that she had an archive, like a really serious archive where she knows how important everything she has is and has saved it properly in a climate controlled setting. I’m really interested in her collection and in talking to her about her mission, in terms of how she decides what she wears, when she wears, who she wants to work with. Those are the interesting stories for me.
For more of this interview, visit lasvegasweekly.com
BILLY CURRINGTON
SATURDAY | SEPT 7
STEPHEN SANCHEZ
TUESDAY | SEPT 10
ANA BARBARA
REINA GRUPERA TOUR
SATURDAY | SEPT 14
LUCINDA WILLIAMS FEAT. MIKE
CAMPBELL & THE DIRTY KNOBS
FRIDAY | SEPT 20
SUSTAINED
APPETITE
BY BROCK RADKE
Casino buffets have dwindled recently, but the affection for the experience lives on
The South Point Hotel and Casino is a special place and a favorite of Las Vegas locals and visitors for a multitude of reasons. It has some things you won’t nd at any other casino, like an arena earmarked for rodeo and equestrian events, a TV studio for sports betting shows and $1.50 hot dogs served from a cart at the sportsbook.
But what truly endears the South Point to its many loyal guests is its classic Vegas casino portfolio: It has all the things casinos in this town once had before changing trends and di erent demands drove certain amenities away. It has a movie theater and bowling lanes. Its sprawling gaming oor has every slot machine and table game imaginable. The restaurant o erings include a steakhouse and a prime rib joint and a “gourmet room” from a bygone era—the iconic Michael’s, named for owner Michael Gaughan. He pioneered a trend of the past by o ering a full Chinese food menu for dinner and late-night guests at the 24hour co ee shop at his other casinos, and you can still nd that today at South Point’s Coronado Café.
And then there’s the bu et, which unbelievably has become an endangered species in casinos. In past decades, you could drive down the Strip or stroll down Fremont Street and nd only a few casinos that didn’t have an all-you-can-eat bu et; today, there are less than 15 valley-wide. But the South Point’s Garden Bu et is thriving, open every day, dishing up breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner … and Friday seafood night, and prime rib every night for dinner plus on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch.
“It’s such an important piece of our hotel. Our slot customers especially love the bu et and Mr. Gaughan has always made it a focal point at his hotels,” says Michael Kennedy, director of food operations. “The year before COVID, we did a full remodel of the entire line and made the kitchen bigger, expanded the salad
bar and added more action stations to the bu et, and guests are just thrilled with the di erent options.”
There are chefs cooking food in front of guests’ eyes at those stations, which are active at every meal period. There are seafood, Chinese, Mexican, Italian and barbecue stations in addition to the carving board and Mongolian grill, and brunch and breakfast omelet station. “There’s always something fresh and made-to-order, something coming out of the rotisserie or smoker or pizza oven,” Kennedy says. “We’re highlighting the things we can do, not just putting pans of food out and letting you go at it.”
It’s such a familiar, accessible and crowd-pleasing experience that it makes one wonder how bu ets could have become less popular in casinos. But the same factors that appeal to diners—variety and value—always made bu ets a tricky proposition for casinos.
It’s been described as the original loss leader for Vegas operators, a cheap (or sometimes free) meal that would satisfy gamblers and get them back to the tables. Bu ets evolved to become more family-friendly, o ering even more variety and meal times, during the boom years when themed resorts were attracting di erent demographics to Las Vegas. Casino food and beverage trends have come a long way, riding waves of ne dining, celebrity chefs, nightlife-adjacent restaurants and more casual “foodie” fare. Despite their high operating costs, bu ets seemed to persevere, likely because of that natural correlation between gamblers and diners. As Kennedy says, “if the machines are humming, life is good around here.”
The pandemic changed that. Everything closed and not everything reopened, and on the Strip and in the neighborhoods, bu ets became one of those casualties.
“If you go back in time, the concept of the bu et was to draw people into the casinos. They were not meant to make any money, but if you’re just bringing herds and herds of people in, the casino will make mon-
Garden Buffet at South Point
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
A.Y.C.E. Buffet at Palms
“ We noticed a lot of the other casinos were not reopening [buffets] and found an opportunity to be different, and I think it makes us shine a little bit more.”
– Marcus O’Brien, executive director of food beverage and property executive chef at the Palms
ey,” says Ramon Triay, general manager of Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace. “But with the pandemic, [casinos] saw it in another way because they were losing money in a lot of different places, and food and beverage had additional restrictions, so some places decided they could no longer do that.
“On our end, we always had profit. Bacchanal has always made a profit, so there was never any thought of it going away.”
Opened in 2012 and renovated six years later, Bacchanal always aimed to be the biggest and best, with nine of those chef-manned action stations, 250 menu items available every day and a focus on food quality in a 25,000-square-foot facility. “That focus has not changed, but what we have been doing lately is ensuring each one of the chefs is staying creative and bringing something to the table,” Triay says.
Executive chef Julio Castillo notes Bacchanal has vast vegan options, and unexpected items like frog legs, bone marrow and more. “We keep it fun and innovative, and always work on something new and different so people will keep coming back,” he says.
Other Strip casinos that brought their prominent buffets back to life include Wynn and Bellagio—two luxury resorts also known for elevating each dish and the atmosphere at this unique style of restaurant—and more value-oriented properties like Luxor and Excalibur. Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan, which pioneered the concept of individually plated dishes on the buffet line instead of “hotel pans” full of food to serve yourself, also stays active, as does the one at MGM Grand.
Locals’ casinos are doing well with their buffets, including the A.Y.C.E. Buffet at the Palms, the last major casino resort to reopen after the pandemic shutdowns. If you’ve spent any time there lately, you’ve probably seen the long lines. A.Y.C.E. is going through thousands of pounds of snow crab and sirloin steak every month, and recently added Tuesday and Wednesday lobster nights to the mix.
“We noticed a lot of the other casinos were not reopening [buffets] and found an opportunity to be different, and I think it makes us shine a little bit more,” says Marcus O’Brien, executive director of food and beverage and property executive chef at the Palms. “We also put in a reservation system so you don’t have to wait in line. Hopefully you’re coming early and enjoying other amenities within the casino, and doing the same after. And if
The Buffet at Wynn. (Courtesy/Douglas Friedman)
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
Market Place Buffet at Rampart Casino, JW Marriott
you’re a player, you’re getting taken care of within the buffet.”
A.Y.C.E. has been an important tool in reintroducing the Palms, which changed ownership during the pandemic, to Las Vegas locals, who remain in love with the buffet experience and are accustomed to finding it at their nearest neighborhood casino.
That became a bit of a challenge when Station Casinos announced in 2021 the company would not bring back buffets at its six properties spread out across the Valley. Officials also decided not to reopen its Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho casinos in North Las Vegas and Fiesta Henderson, most of which offered buffet dining.
And when the long-anticipated Durango Casino & Resort opened in the southwest last year, it did so not with a buffet, but with a trendy food hall called Eat Your Heart Out, which features newto-market restaurant concepts and favorite local operators dishing up tasty burgers, pizza, pasta, deli sandwiches, sushi, noodles and much more.
Durango general manager David Horn says changing trends may have put Las Vegas on the course for fewer buffets even before COVID caused so many closures. “That change was already starting and I think it was born out of the generational side of things. When you get to Millennials and beyond, the younger generations’ tolerance for buffets seemed to be waning,” he says. “It was more commonplace for my generation and up, and maybe it’s about healthy eating among other factors. That laid the groundwork for more food hall-style venues. We weren’t the first, but I think we put a unique spin on it.”
The Carnival World Buffet at the Rio was pretty famous, as far as buffets go, and that off-Strip casino moved in the same direction with its new Canteen Food Hall. Aria at CityCenter did the same with its Proper Eats, and Boyd Gaming, which closed all its casino buffets except for the Garden Court Buffet
Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace
at Main Street Station Downtown, recently converted the Fremont Hotel & Casino’s buffet into a food hall.
Durango’s twist on the food hall maintains the distinct identity of each outlet, Horn says, which enhances the diverse selection of quality cuisine. “Prince St. Pizza looks like their pizza place, Yu-OrMi Sushi looks like their venue. You create that identity and it’s less of a food court type of experience where the only thing different is the sign.”
Food halls don’t have the pay-oneprice or all-you-can-eat features of traditional buffets, but they do offer a value-oriented option that attracts families and groups, Horn explains.
There will always be evolution in the way customers want to eat and the way operators adjust to that change, but for now, in Las Vegas,
food halls are fun and edgy but likely won’t completely replace traditional buffets. After so many closures, there’s a growing nostalgia factor tied to the experience, and casinos like the Palms, South Point and the Rampart Casino at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Summerlin continue to listen to their guests and add new elements to their buffets.
Rampart Casino vice president of food and beverage Perry Wiley says the property’s Market Place Buffet completed a multimillion dollar renovation in 2019, which proved to be terrific timing after the pandemic subsided. The other nearby Summerlin casinos, Red Rock Resort and Suncoast, didn’t bring their buffets back.
“We stayed committed to it and we’re happy we did. With other casinos going offline, that makes us very
(Courtesy Caesars Entertainment)
unique in the market both for casino guests and local guests,” Wiley says. “We had been open five days a week until recently, and now it’s seven days a week and we’re happy to be able to offer that to our guests.”
Rampart’s Market Place Buffet was well-known for its themed nights, including Deli Night Dinner on Mondays and Aloha Night Dinner on Saturdays. After the renovation, it expanded that special programming while shifting its traditional style of operating into a more active, live-cooking presentation.
“What we’re really proud of is the Saturday and Sunday Champagne
brunch. Guests just love it,” Wiley says.
“Last month we added Fiesta Night Tuesday nights with all the favorite Mexican dishes. It’s been a lot of fun.
We actually brought in a mariachi band, and I don’t know if we’ll continue with [entertainment], but it’s fun.”
Las Vegas buffets have always been fun, a communal way to enjoy a meal that may feel a little indulgent and over-the-top, but that’s the Vegas way.
“The buffet is still a Vegas staple,” says Bacchanal Buffet boss Triay.
“People come to Vegas and they’re thinking about gaming, shows and dining, and buffets—everyone has that in their mind.”
VEGAS BUFFETS WE REALLY MISS
I’m an indecisive eater. For someone who dines out as often as I do, I’m really bad at ordering. That’s why I’ve loved eating at buffets through the years. Don’t like that fried chicken or lasagna that looked so good on the line? No problem. Go get a new plate and start over. (I probably still ate the fried chicken.)
Many of my favorite casino buffets are long gone. My dad used to haul our huge family to the Strip, park in valet at Bally’s and head upstairs to gorge on crab legs, prime rib and tiny desserts. It wasn’t the best buffet in town, but it was ours, perhaps an odd spot for family gatherings but always a fun one. I’d have a plate of crab legs in between every other plate.
The Carnival World Buffet at the Rio was legendary, and then they went ahead and opened a separate all-seafood buffet, eventually combining both offerings in one space. The Rio may have started the trend of styling each station to diversify the experience, making it feel like there were several different restaurants crunched into one all-you-can-eat experience. I loved starting my meal with a cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate milkshake from the station that looked like a drive-thru joint.
When I wrote about an all-day buffet super-pass from Caesars Entertainment that allowed me to eat at any of the company’s casinos for 24 hours, I discovered a bit of a hidden gem in the Spice House Buffet at Planet Hollywood. It had an entire station devoted to cupcakes—different sizes and flavors, all the colors. It was habit-forming.
But the buffet I might miss the most was at Green Valley Ranch Resort, where I’d duck in for a pretty cheap but wondrous breakfast once a week when I started working for the Weekly. Sitting for a bit and relaxing with hot coffee and a plate of French toast and bacon beats a drive-thru McMuffin any day of the week. Sometimes I’d linger until lunch dishes started coming out, always a treat. I’ll never forget you, bygone casino buffets. Thank you for your service. –Brock Radke
(Courtesy/Caesars Entertainment)
“When I
- Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking August 10 at the Thomas & Mack Center
BY THE NUMBERS
HOT SHOT
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, join hands with Nevada Democratic politicians August 10 at the end of a campaign rally at the Thomas & Mack Center.
(Steve Marcus/Staff)
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
officials promise fewer disruptions
First day of school
With the pop of a confetti cannon and music bumping from a DJ station, Matt Kelly Elementary School joyfully launched another school year August 12.
The school in Las Vegas’ Historic Westside continued its tradition of greeting families with a red carpet parade through the lunchroom, with teachers, school board members, other dignitaries and friends of the community all eager to slap high-fives and bump knuckles with children in their first-day best.
At Kelly and beyond, the Clark County School District welcomed back roughly 300,000 students. The start of a new school year comes with familiar challenges for CCSD.
EDUCATION ENTERTAINMENT
Staffing remains an issue, with about 1,100 teacher openings posted to the district’s jobs site. That’s about as many as it had to start the last school year, but about 300 fewer than the year prior.
Only about 41% of elementary school children were proficient readers as of 2023, according to the most recent state data available—but that’s about five percentage points better than 2021, the first year back after the pandemic closure and the unprecedented blow it dealt to student achievement.
According to district data, kids still struggle to consistently show up to school, as shown by last year’s 30.9% districtwide chronic absenteeism rate—but that too is improving, down
from 36% in 2022-23 and the dubious post-pandemic closure peak of nearly 40% in 2021-22.
Interim superintendent Brenda Larsen-Mitchell said she was grateful to district staff for their work educating children and to the community for its support. She called for continued support for the sake of students.
“To our parents, I’m very excited and proud to welcome our students back to the school year. I’m confident that if we all work together, we will demonstrate amazing results for our students and the community,” she said August 8 at a school board meeting, which was the last of the summer. “We need to work together as one community for all of our children.”
–Hillary Davis
Fans and audiences lamented the last installment of Dita Las Vegas: A Jubilant Review at Horseshoe Las Vegas in June. Many thought the residency, which lasted just seven months, was short-lived. Lucky for them, Von Teese is returning to the Strip—this time at a new venue. The Queen of Burlesque is bringing an all-new revue to Voltaire at Venetian for select dates through 2024. Beginning September 19, Von Teese will take over the intimate art-deco theater space to delight audiences with glamorous acts, opulent sets and the haute couture costumes she’s known for. “This exquisite jewel box of a theater complements the timeless allure of my show. I’m brimming with excitement at the thought of splashing around in my giant Champagne coupe, the sparkling glass bubbles floating overhead in this sumptuous cabaret-like theater,” Von Teese said in a news release. Tickets for Dita Von Teese at Voltaire go on sale August 15 at voltairelv.com –Staff
Construction of a 3.8-mile race course on and near the Strip for the Las Vegas Grand Prix won’t be as burdensome for residents this fall, officials told the Clark County Commission on August 6.
Terry Miller, project manager with Miller Project Management, in a presentation to the commission stressed that a condensed construction schedule and more communication with the community will enhance the process. Miller Project Management is charged with preparing the course for the second installment of the race weekend, which runs November 21-23.
Unlike last year, which brought nine months of road repaving among other construction, Miller said the setup would take just three months this time.
The plan presented to the commission addressed the hiccups of the Las Vegas race’s inaugural year, which brought commuting headaches for service industry workers and others who were delayed getting to the Strip.
Construction crews will move from Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue in a circular motion as they erect the track features along the circuit, only working at night on most projects except for the temporary vehicular bridge to be built along East Flamingo Road. The intersection of Flamingo Road and Koval Lane will be temporarily closed during work on the bridge. Weekly alerts regarding traffic will start September 1, Miller said. An interactive map detailing the delays will be rolled out this month.
–Grace Da Rocha
BY AYDEN RUNNELS
JD Vance, the U.S. Senator from Ohio who is Donald Trump’s presidential running mate, wanted the crowd of supporters in Henderson to believe Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats are to blame for rising crime.
One problem: Crime is mostly down.
Vance recited many GOP talking points about law and order during a speech last month at Liberty High School, proclaiming urban cities have become lawless and police forces are at risk.
FACT CHECK
another story. Crime is down across the board.
Violent crime—murders, rapes, aggravated assault and robberies—has steadily decreased in Nevada and across the nation. According to Nevada’s crime statistics, there were 15,956 average annual violent crimes here during Trump’s four years in o ce from 2016-2020; it dropped to 13,940 average annual violent crimes during President Joe Biden’s administration.
“We do not need a president who wants to turn our cities into sanctuaries for criminal aliens and then defund the police so there’s no one at home to stop them,” Vance said July 30 when talking about Harris, the Democratic nominee for president.
The numbers Vance
conveniently ignores tell
Crime data paints a picture disparate from Republican
The crime index in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s recently released 2023 annual report shows an almost 13% decrease in homicide o enses and 20% in forcible sex o enses in 2022.
narrative
The reduction in crime in Las Vegas is not an accident. Sheri Kevin McMahill made explicit his intent to reduce crime overall by 10% when he took o ce in 2023.
National statistics show violent crime decreasing by 15% from January to March of 2024 in comparison to the previous year, according to the FBI. The murder rate in Boston, Baltimore, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Seattle dropped by 40%.
“This continued historic decline in homicides does not represent abstract statistics. It represents people whose lives were saved—people who are still here to see their children grow up, to work toward fullling their dreams, and to contribute to their communities,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a June statement.
Republicans are also trying to pin crimes on undocumented immigrants, with Trump’s campaign speeches quick to repeat
false and misleading claims by singling out horrendous criminal acts committed by immigrants.
And retired Metro Lt. Randy Sutton at the Republican National Convention last month echoed those talking points in saying there’s an “endless tsunami of illegal aliens, no consequences for violent crime.”
“The abuse of our criminal justice system has all made America more dangerous than ever before,” he added.
He’s wrong, studies show.
A 2020 study published by the National Academy of Sciences found “considerably lower felony arrest rates” among people in the United States illegally than legal immigrants or native-born citizens, the Associated Press reported.
There is also no evidence supporting Trump’s long-standing claim that countries send their murderers, drug dealers and other criminals to the United States.
What the stats do show: Trump is a 34-time felon, being convicted in New York court in a scheme to illegally in uence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor. Harris is a former prosecutor having served as California’s attorney general.
Democrats in Nevada have exed their support for police even more so than their counterparts in other states. Sen. Jacky Rosen, whose reelection bid against Repub-
lican challenger Sam Brown was endorsed in May by two of the largest police unions in the state, has touted her support for law enforcement, even at the expense of butting heads with other Democrats.
“I’ve also broken with my party and the Biden administration when they tried to push policies that would weaken the ability of law enforcement o cers to respond to emergencies, which puts my community—our communities—at risk,” Rosen said during a news conference in May.
Rosen co-sponsored the bipartisan Recruit and Retain Act giving law enforcement agencies easier access to grants for recruitment pushes. Police across the country have reported struggling to recruit new o cers after the 2020 protests, including Metro, which has added 283 new o cers
since 2016.
Police funding in Southern Nevada has also thrived under the Biden administration, countering conservative claims the Democratic apparatus would lead to defunding of the police. Metro, Nevada’s largest law enforcement agency, received $19 million in federal contracts and grants
during the Trump administration, according to the federal government’s public spending database.
But the Biden Administration has awarded Metro over $24 million so far—including the three largest grants the agency has received since 2016, at over $3.6 million apiece. Metro Police also received $3
million for the Technology and Equipment Program, an invitational-only federal grant program made to bolster technological advancement in police departments. Metro’s advanced use of equipment such as drones has been a point of pride for the department in recent years.
The federal funding projects for advanced policing technology like the one Metro received were part of the Safer America Plan, a three-pronged project designed to bolster local law enforcement and round out crime prevention tactics introduced by Biden in August 2022. The plan included several grant initiatives, including a $10 billion Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program.
The Nevada System of Higher Education was the sole recipient in Nevada to receive grant money under that program, gaining $375,000 to hire three additional o cers.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 10. (Steve Marcus/Sta )
Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance speaks during a campaign rally at Liberty High School in Henderson on July 30. (Steve Marcus/Sta )
+With record-breaking temperatures at work in Las Vegas, new and enjoyable ways to cool o and escape the desert heat are a necessity. Look no further than Resorts World Las Vegas and its diverse array of pools. The Strip resort has something for everyone, from a poolside adventure for the whole family to a private refuge of relaxation for those in need of “me” time. For the fullest experience, embark on a safari—so to speak—of each of Resorts World’s unique pools. Breathtaking views of the Strip, lavish amenities, culinary wonders and the ability to craft your own experience will make you forget about the heat at this year-round oasis.
World is a destination for all ages, a fact best exemplified by the fun-filled Family Pool. Whether you’re swimming in the pool or sitting on one of the many lounge chairs at its edge, this pool has the potential to forge many new and exciting memories for your family. A nearby snack bar, Bites, is available for food and beverages, and three private cabanas with televisions, couches, misting fans and even more amenities are available to upgrade your experience. 3 1 1 2
Resorts
The Main Resort Pool, the heart of the Resorts World pool complex, is a special singular experience, though it’s made up of three separate pools. Have a bite at Agave Bar and Grill just steps away from the water, or reserve a daybed to take in the rest and relaxation that the water, poolside art and unrivaled service can o er you. Have to step away? Not to worry—the daybed is yours to come back to the entire day for which you reserved it.
More than a dozen private cabanas are available at the aptly named Cabana Pool, where palm trees and a round swimming pool create a tropical island e ect. The Cabana Pool, which also has a slew of deck chairs for guests at Crockfords, part of LXR Hotels and Resorts, is perfect for those who want to soak in the pool, dry o under the sun, or lounge in a private shaded area. With comfortable amenities that encourage you to let loose and unwind—including a private dedicated server, complimentary refreshments, a refrigerator and more—this pool experience sets a new standard for relaxation and o ers a level of comfortable isolation di cult to find elsewhere. 4 2 3 4
Taking a dip in the pool shouldn’t mean missing out on the Las Vegas entertainment scene, and that’s where the Athena Infinity Ultra Pool comes into play. This spot, with an opulent infinity pool and another pool with in-water seating, o ers delightful food and beverage options all day, and digital art shows, unforgettable concerts and more by nightfall. At the Strip’s first 21-plus infinity pool, a luxury experience is guaranteed. Reserve seating, from daybeds to a party bungalow, for the utmost comfort.
HARNESSING ANGER
Lewis Black winds down touring life with a Vegas stop
BY JULIE SEABAUGH
At 75 years old, Lewis Black is bidding farewell to performing his uniquely acerbic sociopolitical stand-up across the globe with the 15-month Goodbye Yeller Brick Road: The Final Tour. Following two weekend shows at the Venetian’s Summit Showroom, the longest-running Daily Show contributor continues his trek into March 2025 to include Canada and “things that I asked for along the way that are finally coming to fruition.”
Black originally began his career in New York City as a playwright. The author of three best-selling books and a six-time Grammy nominee (including two-time winner for
Best Comedy Album) looks forward to continuing hosting duties on the interactive Rantcast pod series. His 2023 special, Tragically, I Need You, has amassed nearly 2 million views on YouTube.
“Now we take a picture with every audience that’s there,” Black promises of his Vegas shows. “I turn around and my tour manager comes out, we take a picture, we’re all popping the bird. It makes for great pictures, and it’s a good way to say goodbye.”
What starts happening next April? What is your definition of “retirement from touring”?
I will probably still make “some” appearances. Like my friend Kath-
leen Madigan was in Atlantic City; I went down to see her and I did like eight to ten minutes. So I may appear from time to time, I may do the Rantcast live from time to time. We have to see how that goes.
Between ongoing “Back in Black” Daily Show segments and Inside Out 2 having premiered in June, is being known for your different personifications of anger something you’ll be able to put aside? Or are you just warming up with it?
I’ll still be doing the two. I’m not retiring from The Daily Show. And I’m hoping to do another Inside Out. I tried to suggest, “Hey, why not do a short version of A Christmas Carol with Anger as Scrooge?”
How have you seen Vegas comedy audiences change over the years?
I always called it the “Johnny Carson audience,” where folks coming there were from all over the country. So the audience was this diverse group of individuals that came from a variety of states. That’s always been present.
I started working there at Bally’s. They had a Catch a Rising Star—great club, great stage, great everything. The first time I took my parents out, I knew at Bally’s that my name would be up in jumbo letters. I go, “See? We’ve made it!” Then I ended up at the Tropicana for a long run, and on to the MGM Grand. There was probably something else in there. Then the Mirage. Those are the majors that I played.
The traffic has gotten to a point that’s intolerable. I watched it happen. Like, “Guys, you’re building all of this stuff! Maybe you want to think about traffic? Maybe you want to think about having that monorail go all over the place?” Now getting around is total madness and ludicrous and I won’t miss that.
I will miss Joe’s Seafood, the stone crab place. But what I really miss is that it used to be $2.99 for a prime rib. And I’ll miss the volcano at the Mirage. I’ll be sad that’s gone.
LEWIS BLACK August 16-17, 8:30 p.m.,
(Courtesy)
BIG SIMPIN’
Las Vegas’ Simp City enters its sixth year with a Drai’s residency and more ways to expand its robust R&B party
BY AMBER SAMPSON
Area15’s outdoor A-Lot is full of “Love” at the moment—Keyshia Cole’s, to be exact. The crowd’s a throng of swaying bodies, harmonizing to the chorus of one of the R&B singer’s most acclaimed singles of 2005—and that’s before she even hits the stage.
From an outside perspective, this is surely a Keyshia Cole concert. But in all actuality, it’s another night at Simp City, Las Vegas’ leading R&B party, where fans of everyone from Trey Songz to Bryson Tiller and Jeremih gath-
er under one roof to run back the classics that put us in our feels.
“We are at the forefront of R&B in Las Vegas right now. I want to make the claim that we brought it back as young’uns,” says Dame Dacuma, who founded Leverage Events and Simp City with his friends, Brilan Kelly and Jay Esguerra, in 2018. “We were the high school kids that always listened to what our parents or what our older siblings were listening to. So we got to enjoy that and kind of bring the 2000s, ‘90s music back into Vegas.”
Simp City, in many ways, has changed Dacuma, Kelly and Esguerra’s lives. It’s also what has kept Esguerra feeling connected to his late father, who shared his love of R&B. “He showed up to Simp City even when he was sick, and supported it from the beginning,” he says.
Six years in, and with an increasingly growing guest list, Simp City has touched down at some of the best venues on the Strip, but its crowning achievement has been clinching a residency at Drai’s Nightclub and
Beachclub. The signi cance of that isn’t lost on Dacuma, who says Drai’s was the rst nightclub to host Simp City.
“It was cool touching a lot of these di erent venues, and then nally circling back to Drai’s and being able to call it home,” Dacuma says. “Drai’s was always the club to go to, being younger. So to nally be able to sign a residency and party at the highest level as a 26-year-old in Las Vegas and to see how much the city’s grown, it’s super dope.”
“We’ve done Daylight. We’ve
done LIV Nightclub. We’ve done Hard Rock Live. But Drai’s has that presence of we’re touching some of the stages of the biggest acts ever,” Kelly says. “It holds that weight to know we’re creating this type of feeling and energy in the No. 1 hip-hop club.”
In college, Kelly remembers attending R&B Only, a renowned R&B party in Los Angeles with a “dope, nostalgic dance hall type of vibe,” and that experience alone was enough to convince him Vegas needed and deserved something similar.
Within months, Esguerra had yers ready to go for what would eventually become the fastest-growing R&B party in town. “I don’t think the goal was to throw a crazy big party,” Kelly says. “I think it was really just to always have a space that we could go to. The party gets bigger, but we’re really just kickin’ it.”
Demand has grown for R&B-centric events in a similar way goth and emo nights have become such a hit. In the last year, Seven:45, an R&B speakeasy, has garnered a following for its vinyl
listening lounge. And with Strip residencies from New Edition, Jodeci and DJ Cassidy bolstering the scene, there’s no limit to what a party like Simp City can achieve. Kelly shouts out new clubs like Downtown’s Substance, which he believes will bridge the gap between smaller theaters and larger venues for more eclectic events, too.
“I think that’s where you could test a lot of stu like afrobeat, amapiano. We plan on tapping into a lot of di erent genres other than Simp,” he says.
Trey Songz performs during a Simp City party at Drai’s on May 21. (Courtesy/ Attafocus)
SIMP CITY
September 1, 10:30 p.m., $20-$30. Drai’s Nightclub, leveragepresents.com
The founders have started expanding Simp City into San Diego, Orange County and Salt Lake City, with more cities to come. And as with Keyshia Cole, star-studded appearances are to be expected. It’s a Vegas party, after all.
“If I’m from LA, or if I’m from Arizona and Texas, I’m looking at Vegas like, yo, it’s a di erent style of nightlife and people expect that,” Kelly says. “It’s cool to give them the highest form of entertainment that we feel is worthy of saying that it’s from Vegas.”
A DUMPLING’S JOURNEY
Shanghai Taste ’s southwest spot brings more xiao long bao and new menu items
BY SHANNON MILLER
Shanghai Taste is famous for its xiao long bao. The handmade soup dumplings, filled with savory meat and broth, have created such a demand, the Chinatown favorite has expanded into the southwest. But believe it or not, it took years for co-creator Joe Muscaglione to convince chef Jimmy Li that they would sell. The restaurateur met Li in 2008 as a customer in his then-restaurant and stumbled upon the xiao long bao.
“He had a restaurant called Three Villages … and I ate there. It was really, really delicious,” Muscaglione recalls. “Then when I left, because you could park in the back, I looked in the kitchen and I saw people making xiao long bao. So I went back inside and said, ‘You make xiao long bao here? How come you didn’t tell me?’ He was surprised I knew what they were.”
Li wasn’t sure how the unassuming street food, often eaten for breakfast in his native China, would be received. It was kept under wraps for 10 years—all through the operation of their former
restaurant, Niu-Gu—until the business partners were invited to move into Shanghai Plaza in late 2019.
“We kept perfecting the recipe the best we could and tweaking it,” Muscaglione says. “And then when Shanghai Plaza opened, we [didn’t know] what to expect. We’ve been overwhelmed by support from both tourists and locals alike.”
Fast-forward five more years, and Shanghai Taste has opened a second location on Rainbow Boulevard and Windmill Lane. At 1,000 square feet, the kitchen is much larger than the Chinatown location, which was built for “a
SHANGHAI TASTE SOUTHWEST
8060 S. Rainbow Blvd. #130, 702-661-3689. Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
quarter of the business we do,” Muscaglione says.
The extra space will allow the southwest location to offer dishes the Chinatown location can’t. Some of those include the bean curd noodles and shrimp XO sauce ($17), which has a delicious chili flavor, and the Shanghai crispy shrimp ($17), a dish cooked with the shells on for an extra crunch. There’s also Li’s version of a beef stir fry ($17) with bell pepper, onion and oyster mushroom in black pepper sauce.
Available at both locations, the spicy wontons in chili oil sauce ($11) offer a hearty option. Shang-
A few favorite dishes from Shanghai Taste: traditional xiao long bao, spicy wontons in chili oil sauce, crispy shrimp and more. (Wade Vandervort/ Staff)
hai Taste’s signature fried chicken ($8) is also juicy and satisfying. And its baby bok choy, sauteed in garlic, ($14) refreshes the palate.
Muscaglione says they’re preparing the southwest location as a “centralized base” to dispatch large batches of xiao long bao to the Chinatown location. For now, Li is traveling between the two locations as the keeper of the sacred recipe.
“Our recipe is so secret, none of our dumpling makers that you see in our kitchen knows how to make the xiao long bao filling. Even with Jimmy Li himself, until we opened, only his mom knew it. We guard that secret,” he says.
FOOD & DRINK
ALL PARM, SOME FOWL
Chicken parm sandwich (Courtesy/Adam Friedlander)
Mario Carbone brings his wildly popular Parm to Proper Eats
BY AMBER SAMPSON
People plan trips around dining at Italian-American concepts like Carbone. The New York restaurant, conceived by Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi in 2013 and later imported to Las Vegas in 2015, is that reputable, that in-demand. But for the New Yorkers looking for mid-priced Italian sandwiches and soul food, there’s always been Parm.
This May, Major Food Group debuted its first West Coast Parm Famous Italian at Aria’s Proper Eats Food Hall. And if you’re wondering, yes: It’s the fast-casual Carbone we deserve.
All of the classics from Parm’s beloved East Coast locations make their triumphant and tasty return here. The chicken parm ($18) is a rib-sticker of a sandwich. Wedged between two soft sesame buns is a breaded chicken cutlet with reams of melted Parmesan, mozzarella and Parm’s famous red sauce. Parm’s herby and sauce-tossed meatballs ($12) could rival anything on this menu, but the spicy rotini ($19), a staple also found and highly requested at Carbone, shouldn’t be missed.
Other sandwiches like the meat-dense Italian combo ($18) and the house roast beef ($18) add a little variety to the sub game, with spicier notes seeping in from hot peppers and other savory ingredients. The crisply fried mozz sticks ($12) also make a pleasantly crunchy side dish—just make sure to save room for some cannoli ($7).
Carbone and Torrisi opened Parm in Little Italy 13 years ago with the intention of recreating dishes they grew up eating. Everything on this menu reflects that comforting, warm belly feeling of a quickly whipped-up wonder from your nonna’s kitchen.
On top of LA’s Wexler’s Deli and London’s Seoul Bird, Parm joins an admirable amount of restaurant imports that have come to Proper Eats. And the New York restaurateurs behind Major Food Group still have so many other concepts that could cross over. Either way, we’re off to a delicious start.
Las Vegas Aces return to play, seek three-peat after Olympic break
BY JACK WILLIAMS
After a monthlong hiatus, Aces basketball is back in Las Vegas.
The WNBA took a monthlong break for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where six di erent Aces competed for three di erent countries.
A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young competed for Team USA’s 5-on-5 team, Megan Gustafson was a part of Spain’s 5-on5 team and Ti any Hayes played for Azerbaijan’s 3-on-3 team.
Back on U.S. soil, here’s how the Aces fared in Paris and what to expect out of them for the second half of the WNBA season.
Friends to foes in a flash
The USA women’s basketball team dominated the competition in Paris, and the biggest reason was the chemistry between Wilson and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart— the WNBA’s last two Most Valuable Player award winners.
The pair started every game and paced America’s o ensive e ort for the most part.
In six games, Wilson averaged 19.8 points and 10.2 rebounds while Stewart chipped in 16 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Wilson had four double-doubles while Stewart threw down an impressive 26 points
in an 87-74 win against Belgium.
The height, speed and court awareness of the pair is what made Team USA special, and helped it escape in a couple games with rough starts.
The relationship between the two quickly turns back into a rivalry as the Aces will return to play against the New York Liberty on August 17 at Michelob Ultra Arena in a rematch of last year’s championship series. They’re the two favorites to win the title again, so their second meeting of the year— New York beat Las Vegas 90-82 in June— looms large.
ACES UPCOMING SCHEDULE
SPORTS
Aug. 17 vs. New York Liberty
1 p.m. on CBS
Darkhorse Olympic star
Young is known around Vegas as a “silent but deadly player.” The silent part might be changing as the sixth-year pro is drawing acclaim from far and wide after taking o on the international level in Paris.
She started as USA’s go-to player o the bench before eventually being thrust into the starting lineup. She had a breakout performance in an 81-68 win against Germany, pacing the Americans with a team-high 19 points, making ve of eight attempts from 3-point range.
Then, against Nigeria in the Olympic
Aug. 18 vs. Los Angeles Sparks 3 p.m. on Fox5
Aug. 21 vs. Minnesota Lynx 6:30 p.m. on ESPN
Aug. 23 at Minnesota Lynx 6:30 p.m. on ION
Aug. 25 at Chicago Sky 9 a.m. on CBS
Aug. 27 at Dallas Wings 5 p.m. on Fox5
Aug. 30 vs. Atlanta Dream 7 p.m. on ION
Sep. 1 at Phoenix Mercury, 1 p.m. on Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network
Sep. 3 vs. Chicago Sky, 7 p.m. on Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network
Tickets for home games start at $60 on axs.com.
Team USA poses for a picture with its gold medals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics on August 11 in Paris, France.
(AP Photo)
quarter nals, she was inserted into the starting lineup over veteran Diana Taurasi. Young kept her performance consistent, draining 60% of her shots to nish with 15 points.
Young can change games in an instant with her scoring ability, one of the reasons why she was ultimately included on the Team USA roster.
A strong Olympic performance is another accolade she can add to what’s been her best year so far. Young is averaging 18.5 points and 5.6 assists per game for the Aces.
International anchors
Outside of Team USA, Gustafson and Hayes were critical to their teams’ successes.
Gustafson played a huge role in advancing Spain into the Olympic semi nals for the rst time ever. She averaged 14.3 points and three rebounds over three games as one of Spain’s top scorers.
In 3-on-3 hoops, while Azerbaijan missed the knockout stage, Hayes had an impressive showing over the team’s seven games. She averaged seven points in contests that have a 21-point cap and led Azerbaijan in scoring in six out of seven games.
The success of Gustafson and Hayes in the Olympics is a testament to the Aces’ depth coming o the bench. The pair could push for starting roles in the second half of the season.
Resetting after the break
One of the biggest things that Aces coach Becky Hammon preached in the team’s nal game before the break, a 93-85 loss to the Chicago Sky, was that it needed to take the time o to mentally reset.
She said the urgency to win has not been there since training camp, which played into a 2-5 slide the Aces went through in June.
The team did go 10-2 after Gray returned from a foot injury, but Hammon cautioned that the point guard can’t be seen as the solution to everything.
Time o may have been the best thing for the Aces to get back in their best form.
They may have also avoided rookie standout Kate Martin missing games after she su ered a lower leg injury against the Sky and exited the game.
The initial return to WNBA play doesn’t set up as easy. They play on back-to-back days with the Los Angeles Sparks, a team they’ve struggled against this year, visiting town the day after the Liberty.
Las Vegas then faces another top WNBA team, the Minnesota Lynx, in two straight meetings.
The immediate stretch returning to league play could make or break the Aces when it comes to winning a third straight WNBA championship.
THE FUTURE OF SUCCESS IS OURS.
Led by the Foundation for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment, the 17th annual Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC) provides a unique opportunity to connect with a dynamic network of inspiring women leaders and discover powerful leadership strategies. This acclaimed #1 women’s conference in Las Vegas equips women leaders with the tools and tips to take control of their future, own their power, and achieve their ambitions.
Selena Rezvani
Creator”
(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)
LIKE UBER FOR LANDSCAPING, APP CONNECTS CONSUMERS TO WORKERS
BY KATIE ANN MCCARVER VEGAS INC STAFF
GreenPal co-founder Gene Caballero describes his envisioning of GreenPal, which o ers users a one-stop shop for booking landscaping professionals to take care of their lawn, as a “light bulb moment.”
Caballero attributed the app’s inspiration to his personal experience working in lawn care to make extra money from as early as junior high, and later working in sales on the West Coast—where he was in a prime position to see the growth of technologies like Uber, Lyft and AirBnb.
“So we knew that … if someone was going to summon a stranger to come pick them up, or allow a stranger to live in their basement for a weekend for extra money, then I would hope they would do the same with home services—speci cally landscaping,” he said.
GreenPal has been used by over 1 million homeowners and more than 50,000 landscaping professionals, Caballero said. The Nashville, Tennessee-based platform currently serves about 250 markets across the U.S., Caballero noted, a number that now includes the Las Vegas area.
The company o cially launched in Las Vegas late last month, after homeowners and landscaping professionals organically began to sign up in the area, he said.
“When you have both of those, we know that, ‘Hey, this is a market that we need to launch sooner than later,’ ” Caballero said.
Las Vegas homeowners can now not only get their regular mowing, edging and weed eating done through GreenPal, but also any other landscaping services—from planting to trimming hedges to snow removal and more.
Though GreenPal’s primary demographic before the COVID-19 pandemic was dual-income, no-children households, Caballero said it has shifted in recent years to include senior communities.
“The consumer mindset has kind of shifted,” he said. “We don’t want to call anybody. We don’t want to have to go anywhere. We want to hit a button and things magically happen. So I think that’s where GreenPal, for the homeowner-side, just ts right into your everyday use of apps and businesses.”
GreenPal is the rst true operating system for landscaping professionals, Caballero claimed, and basically any work outside of the home can be aggregated
through the platform.
“For the landscaping professional, that’s whose life we’re really changing,” he said. “So, not only do we handle their demand creation, we handle their scheduling … and also their payment process.”
Landscaping professionals looking to join GreenPal must be 18 years old or above, with a valid driver’s license and Social Security number and a valid bank account at a nancial institution. They also must send pictures of their previous work, Caballero said.
What homeowners look at most when choosing a lawn-care professional o GreenPal is ratings and reviews, he added.
“After every service, homeowners rate and review their vendors,” he said. “And that’s what we’ve been told feedback-wise from homeowners that’s the most important for them. So we do all that up front.”
The way GreenPal works, Caballero said, is this: If a homeowner in Las Vegas needs lawn work done, they just need to go to the platform’s website or app and enter their address and desired day of service. That alerts all the pre-screened vendors in the area, who can make a bid that will go straight to the homeowner for review.
The homeowner can then decide which lawn care professional to book based on vendor ratings, price and more. They enter in their payment information, so that once a vendor is done with the service and they upload a picture of it through GreenPal, the homeowner—if satis ed—can press the button and the vendor gets paid.
“It’s free for homeowners to sign up and get bids,” he said. “And it’s also free for landscaping professionals.”
As of early August, various local lawncare professionals in Las Vegas had already been booked hundreds of times through GreenPal, according to its website, with pleasant reviews.
The service is slated to launch in around 50 to 60 new markets this year alone, Caballero said. Even so, he emphasized, the platform’s biggest competition is still the status quo—word-of-mouth at the o ce or on Facebook.
“Our goal was to launch in as many markets as possible and just become the default way that homeowners nd and schedule and pay their lawn guy,” he said. “That is our goal.”
BY DAVID ROUNDS
When business owners review the challenges they face in the competitive marketplace, cybersecurity isn’t always at the top of that list. In 2024, that’s not only unfortunate, it can also be dangerous.
Today’s businesses face more cybersecurity risks than ever, and it is incumbent upon all astute business owners to entrust their IT teams, or external IT providers, with a mandate to take every possible measure to prevent fraudsters.
Workplace email security should always be a priority
Employee email—an invaluable method of communication—is also the most clear and present danger for an outside fraudster to successfully hack into company data.
Employee email is the source of approximately 95% of all cybersecurity incursions. That’s a frightening reality for business owners, because once an employee’s email is hacked, it’s possible for criminals to gain control of the business’s mailbox and obtain personally identifiable information (PII), considered a treasure trove of data by fraudsters. Using hacked workplace credentials, criminals can then take control over an employee’s computer and scan through the company’s network in search of PII.
The end result for companies—depending on the type and scope of the hack—may be a financial and public relations catastrophe and could require
Business owners beware: Take steps to protect emails and other company data
filing a report of the event to regulatory agencies or government entities.
While organizations of every size and scope are potential targets for cybercriminals, most often it’s the small- to mid-sized businesses that are the preferred hacking victims, due to the limited resources those companies have to commit to ensure data safety.
Of course, we’ve also heard about successful hacks against multinational companies and even government agencies; however, those types of attacks are usually undertaken more for their notoriety than rewards. But hacking incidents involving smaller businesses are viewed by fraudsters as their proverbial “bread and butter.”
With that in mind, performing regular data backups as well as software updates should be standard practice for all companies.
Best practice cybersecurity measures for every business
Regardless of organizational size, there are several important security measures that every business should undertake to help ensure the security of their proprietary data. In cybersecurity, as in health, prevention is vastly preferable and less expensive than finding a cure for the problem.
Given that, security measures required to prevent fraudsters from successfully hacking company data should always include the following procedures:
n Training employees about cybersecurity: Every employee who has access
to company email and/or data should be trained in cybersecurity best practices; that training should include recognizing signs of a phishing attack and reporting suspicious actions.
n Utilizing firewalls and antivirus software: Two of the most critical tools required to avoid hacking and ransomware attacks are the installation of a firewall and antivirus software. Think of these measures as being the IT equivalent of installing a locked screen door to your company’s online “front door.”
n Threat hunting: This is the next level of protection. Known as EDR, MDR or XDR, the “DR” means detection and response. This is software that actively hunts for malicious activity in your network. Traditional antivirus and firewalls are no longer enough. Think of this like a sentry in your company’s network.
n Disaster recovery plan: Backing up your company’s proprietary data is a commonsense and critical action that could prove invaluable in the event of a hacking attempt. But having a backup does no good if you do not have a recovery plan that has been tested. Also, be sure to secure data in a location not connected to your network, such as cloud storage that has separate credentials to access.
n Secure mobile devices: In the age of the smartphone and given the access to proprietary data they can provide, mobile phone security has taken on even greater importance. Businesses should create cybersecurity plans that require users to utilize protective passwords for their smartphones, as well as encrypt
data and install security apps.
n Control access and secure Wi-Fi networks: If multiple employees use the same device, each worker should have his or her own separate account; unauthorized individuals should never have access to use the device or the data it contains. It is also important to secure, encrypt and hide your company’s Wi-Fi network to restrict public access. End-users should never have local administrative rights over their machines. This allows them to install malicious software by mistake.
It’s also important for businesses to employ multifactor authentication. The days when a company, or employee, could rely on a simple password for cybersecurity are long gone; hackers today are far more sophisticated than in the past. However, with multifactor authentication, even if a hacker manages to obtain a security password, they can’t access an account without that additional authentication, which often involves a one-time code sent to either a cellphone or device.
Increased awareness means proactive protection
The Identity Theft Resource Center reports that last year almost 2,400 business data breaches were the result of cyberattacks. That’s more than the previous record for all types of data breaches in a single year.
For businesses, the threat posed by potential hacking has never been greater. However, the multiple, high-profile hacks in recent years has increased awareness of the risks posed by weak cybersecurity. It’s also why more businesses are investing in cybersecurity insurance policies. Given the negative financial impact of a successful hack, insuring data and IT systems simply makes common sense.
With the proper precautions and a clear-eyed view of the cybersecurity risks ahead, business owners can mitigate the likelihood that they or their companies will be among next year’s hacking statistics.
David Rounds is founder and CEO of NetEffect, a managed IT service provider based in Las Vegas.
VEGAS INC NOTES
Las Vegas Realtors announced the results of the association’s annual election of officers and board members, with Joshua Campa serving as 2025 president and George Kypreos as president-elect. Others elected were: Stephanie Grant, vice president; Nancy Anderson, treasurer; Merri Perry, immediate past president; Wendy DiVecchio, CEO; and directors Amy Allen, Kathryn Bovard, Lexy Glassman, Geoffrey Lavell and Zar Zanganeh. Directors not up for reelection who will continue to serve on the board include: Noah Herrera, Rob Morganti, Krystal Sherry, Chantel Tilley, Mark Reyes and Jennifer Weinberg
The Southern Nevada Home Builders Association promoted Taylor Booth to executive director of its official charitable partner HomeAid Southern Nevada Booth will be responsible for leading the organization and advancing HomeAid’s mission to offer safe, clean and dignified options to those in need. She will contin-
ue collaborating with industry partners on charitable events, project builds and renovations, working with service partners to support the unhoused community in Southern Nevada.
Ovation Development Corporation, a developer of multifamily housing, broke ground on a senior affordable senior housing community, Decatur Rome Senior Apartments, located in the northwest valley. The $78 million project, which was funded in part by Clark County Community Housing Funds and Nevada Housing Division’s Home Means Nevada Initiative, will bring 276 new affordable housing units to market.
The Collaboration Center appointed Steven Doctors as its new development director. Having previously worked alongside magicians Penn and Teller for 22 years as director of marketing, Doctors has a unique blend of creativity, strate-
gic thinking, and dedication to making a positive impact. His expertise in fundraising, strategic partnerships and community engagement will help raise awareness about programming and the organization’s expanding reach.
Premier Displays celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters and production facility in the southwest Las Vegas valley, where the company designs and manufactures exhibits and branded experiences—including architectural design, engineering, fabrication, metal work, graphics, painting, electrical, lighting, signage, and warehouse storage.
The City of Henderson has identified Woodbury Corporation as the developer for the next phase of discussions regarding the former Fiesta Henderson site. Henderson staff will present the exclusive negotiating agreement to the Redevelopment Agency on August 20.
Start the school year off right! Teachers from the Clark County School District are available for FREE homework help and tutoring at these listed library branches during the 2024-2025 school year. This drop-in service is available to help students complete their homework or provide some extra instruction in a variety of subjects.
PREMIER CROSSWORD HOROSCOPES
BY FRANK LONGO
ARIES (March 21-April 19): If the time allotted to complete, say, a postal worker’s delivery route was six hours, but he or she could easily finish in four, is it unethical for the worker to goof off two hours a day? Even if the work is always done work thoroughly and precisely? Is there any an ethical loophole in your life?
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Uranus symbolizes the talents we possess that can be beneficial to others. It so happens that Uranus has been cruising through Taurus since 2018 and will mostly continue there until 2026. These years are your best chance in this lifetime to fulfill your unique genius. The coming weeks will be especially pregnant with possibilities.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Mountaineer Edmund Hillary is renowned as the first person to summit Mt. Everest in 1953. Less famous was his companion in the ascent, Gemini mountaineer Tenzing Norgay. Why did Hillary get more acclaim than Norgay, even though they were equal partners in the accomplishment? In any case, I’m happy to speculate that if there’s a situation in your life that resembles Norgay’s, you will get remediation in the coming months.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Americans comprise just 4% of the world’s population but generate 20% of its garbage. During the next five weeks, you should decrease the volume of trash you produce and increase the amount of dross you recycle.. Attending to these matters will improve your mental health and maybe even generate fresh insights about how to live your life with flair and joy.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The coming weeks will be a wonderful time to waste time on the internet. You will spend long hours watching silly videos, interacting on social media, and shopping for products you don’t really need. Just kidding. It will actually be a fantastic phase to waste as little time as possible as you intensify your focus on the few things that matter to you most.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The coming weeks will be a favorable time to focus on big-picture thoughts, Virgo. You will be wise to meditate on how each part of your life affects every other part. You will generate good fortune as you become more vividly aware and appreciative of the intimate interconnectedness that underlies all you do.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An M&M candy is rounded but not perfectly round. It looks like a partially squashed sphere. An Iraqi man named Ibrahim Sadeq decided to try arranging as many M&M’s as possible in a vertical stack. He is now the world’s record holder in that art, with seven. You could achieve a comparable feat in your own domain. What’s challenging but not impossible?
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Many people brag about their hangovers. The stories they tell are often entertaining and humorous. In accordance with astrological omens, you should not get a hangover in the coming weeks, even an amusing one. Instead, studiously pursue extreme amounts of pleasurable experiences that have only good side effects.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Most famous musicians demand that their dressing rooms be furnished with specific amenities. Since the coming weeks may be as close to a rock star phase of your cycle as you’ve ever had, create a list of your required luxuries. This imaginative exercise will hopefully get you in the mood to ask for exactly what you need everywhere you go.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): According to some studies, over half the people in the world suffer from insomnia, don’t get enough sleep, or have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. An equally important problem: many people aren’t dreaming enough. Dreaming is key to our psychological well-being. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to enhance your relationship with sleep and dreams. Do all you can to make your time in bed deeply rejuvenating.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Only 47 people live on the volcanic Pitcairn Islands, which are located in the middle of nowhere in the South Pacific Ocean. Pollution is virtually non-existent, which is why the honey made by local bees is the purest on the planet. In accordance with astrological omens, I’d love for you to get honey like that in the coming weeks. I hope you will also seek the best and purest of everything.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 1816, a farmer discovered a secret about the wild cranberry bog on his land. Whenever big storms dumped sand on the bog, the fruit grew with more lush vigor. He tinkered with this revelation from nature and figured out how to cultivate cranberries. I recommend this as a teaching story, Pisces. Your assignment is to
