😣 Problems for the Vegas Loop

⬇️ A Boring Investigation

We’re learning more about the safety issues affecting the construction of the Vegas Loop, Elon Musk’s underground Tesla tunnel on and around the Strip. OSHA is investigating a complaint that claims 15-20 employees with the Boring Company were burned by chemicals while working with hoses and that there has been a spike in injuries over the past two months. The Boring Company is also accused of failing to provide adequate safety training and protection. [KVVU]

• Vegas Loop Update: A new station was originally set to open at the Westgate today, but is now planned for late March. Hey Las Vegas was told the delays are construction-related, which should surprise nobody in Las Vegas right now. The Vegas Loop currently has active stations at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Resorts World.

• And… Is the expansion of the Vegas Loop a good thing anyway? [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🏎️ Screw it, Sue F1

It appears any chance to avoid litigation has passed. A spokesperson representing at least seven Vegas businesses who claim sales tanked in the wake of last year’s F1 construction says there’s “no other option” but to move forward with a lawsuit against Formula 1 seeking more than $25 million. F1’s response: “Can’t we just talk?” I’m paraphrasing there, but you get the idea. [KTNV]

• City Cast Las Vegas dives into the real winners and losers of F1 in Las Vegas. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🐮 Does Las Vegas Really Need Another Steakhouse?

Hear me out. This one is different. It’s in the Southwest, it’s on the third floor of a new building, and it’s not attached to a casino. It’s actually by a Target. 😯 If all goes according to plan, Skyline will open as early as 2025 near Flamingo and the 215. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

• What’s your favorite steakhouse in Vegas? Tell us.

🎥 The Smith Center Feels Like a Night at the Movies

The Smith Center announced 10 shows for the upcoming 2024-2025 Toyota Broadway Las Vegas Series, kicking off with Mrs. Doubtfire on July 30. The lineup has a few other stage productions inspired by hit movies (Back to the Future: The Musical, Shrek: The Musical) as well as Company, the Cher Show (not starring Cher), Kimberly Akimbo, The Wiz, Parade, & Juliet (not a typo), and in the biggest news of all, the return of Hamilton.👏 In other words, there’s a lot of variety here that’s worth your attention, whether inspired by a movie or not. [Smith Center]

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From the “This is Awesome” department…

We’re truly floored by the response to our City Cast Las Vegas membership program, which kicked off Monday. Here’s what a few had to say after signing up:

"I want to support local journalism, especially going into an election year. City Cast Las Vegas does a great job promoting local arts, community, restaurants, and current events." (Stephanie C.)

“Been here since 1995 and call Vegas home. You show me a side I might not see and that’s amazing in my book.” (Joanne L.)

"I’m committed to the Las Vegas community. I live on Fremont Street, teach at CSN, and volunteer at the Smith Center! Becoming a City Cast member felt like a solid next step in supporting our community. Vegas is such a unique place and I love how City Cast provides a daily reminder of that.” (Diana W.)

Eliminate FOMO and sign up as a founding member for ad-free listening, insider updates, and more to come!

✍️ The Readers Always Write

😡 Some have the departure of CCSD superintendent Jesus Jara on their minds.

“It's time to celebrate. Jara is OUT!!!! Woohoooo. Finally!” (RaShelle R.)

🥕 Or a story we shared about the high cost of groceries in Nevada.

“Poor, poor explanation as to why groceries cost more in Las Vegas. Every place you live in has foods brought in from other areas, not just Las Vegas. We live right next door to the dairy state of California. Ridiculous … Since COVID is somewhat over, all grocery prices have doubled. This is due to nothing else but corporation greed.” (Eileen R.)

❄️ Or the continued closure of Lundy Elementary School on Mt. Charleston.

“There was a time when [Lundy and Blue Diamond ES] were far from any others, but now their existence should be questioned because of the enormous per-pupil expenditure for these two schools. It also seems that transporting students from Lundy to Indian Springs is a waste since Bilbray is so much closer.” (Mike W.)

After a Rough Start, is the Fontainebleau Ok?

Between executive departures, confusion over tier matching, and the drama of Nachogate, the Fontainebleau got off to a rocky start, but the future holds promise and potential for the newest resort on the Vegas Strip. Journalist Arash Markazi knows the property well, and weighs in on its prospects during a conversation with co-host Sarah Lohman.