🚘 Beware fake rideshare drivers

🇮🇹 An All-New Venetian

The Venetian is spending $1.5 billion on renovations. I mean — you could just build a brand new hotel with that money, right? 🤔 Expect revamped rooms (which are already among the best on the Strip), restaurants, gaming spaces, and more. About $188 million is going towards the Convention Center alone, which should tell you something about what really makes Vegas tick. That part of the resort also doubles as the entrance to the Sphere 🌎 [KSNV]

• The Sphere looks better from the outside anyway. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🕸️ Black Widow Comes for Nevada

The woman dubbed the “Black Widow of Las Vegas” (back when news reporters used to do that kind of thing) is suing the state of Nevada after her murder conviction was vacated. Margaret Rudin served 22 years behind bars for the death of her mob-connected husband, but was found to have an unfair trial. [KVVU]

🚘 Beware Phony Rideshare Drivers

Scammers are posing as rideshare drivers at the Vegas airport, taking advantage of the crowds and chaos (which seem to grow by the day in the pickup area) and offering trips on the spot for cash. [KTNV]

• Harry Reid International Airport is full of secrets and extra-fun stuff ✈️ [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

💰 The Price of Pot

As the federal government moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, customers in states (like Nevada 🎉) that allow legal sales may benefit. The change would drastically lower the tax rate on cannabis, which could lower prices overall 🤑 [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in a Vegas movie theater. Of course, I get the arguments for pumping up the A/C when the triple digits hit, especially for businesses with foot traffic. Doors are opening and closing constantly. Customers complain. Line cooks and busboys in hot kitchens need the reprieve.

But lately, it seems like erring on the side of frigid has gone to extremes. The other day, I saw a shop thermostat set to 60 degrees. Then I walked past another storefront whose roaring A/C chilled the sidewalk from wide open windows. Much like grade inflation and tip creep, thermostat escalation has invaded the valley — an arms race that gives a whole new meaning to “Cold War” geopolitics.

So the wise Las Vegan always has a cardigan handy in summer (and women in particular know what I’m talking about). But perhaps the most singular pleasure I can recommend is the relief of stepping into your hot car after a frigid afternoon indoors. In direct sun, your vehicle-turned-solar-oven can reach 160 or 170 degrees — just above the minimum recommended by the North American Sauna Society to “guarantee the relaxing effects of a sauna.”

For two blissful minutes, sensation returns to your fingers, your lips unpurple, and your joints melt into the upholstery. You remember what it’s like to be human again. You remember sweat. You remember … how dang hot summer is, and how grateful you are for the A/C you’re now blasting in the car.

• Now check this out: Places to dine outdoors despite this %@#*! heat. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Judge Jails YouTuber, Culinary Backs Local Candidate, and the Raiders Head to Sea

This week’s Friday news roundup looks at a YouTuber jailed after a police confrontation, a State Senate race that could become a referendum on the Culinary Union, and a new cruise for Raiders fans. City Cast Las Vegas co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman talk to Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus about the details behind the headlines.