😮 A boat at the Bellagio fountains

🙈 Conflicts of Interest, a Vegas Tradition

The LVCVA fired an executive in charge of sports-related deals after she hired her ex-husband for a contracted position. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

• An audit found wasteful spending and misuse of taxpayer dollars at the Nevada Department of Transportation. A good example: a vehicle assigned to the director’s office that was used excessively for personal use. [KLAS]
• Las Vegas marshals are accused of making arrests outside their jurisdiction, leading to cases before the same judges they’re in charge of protecting. [KTNV]

⚓ The Bellagio Gets a Boat

A new restaurant by the team behind Carbone is taking over the old Picasso space at the Bellagio — yacht included 👀 Carbone Riviera will have an expanded patio with a dock for a 33-foot powerboat to take guests on a ride around the lake — presumably while the fountain shows aren’t in progress. More restaurant news:

• Bazaar Meat by José Andrés closes July 31 at the Sahara (with two special tasting menus to bid farewell) before moving to the Venetian later in the year.
• NADC (Not a Damn Chance!) a new smashburger popup, opens at Resorts World today for a limited time.
• O-Bar in the lobby of the new Otonomous Hotel welcomes guests July 16.
• Las Vegas still doesn’t have a Michelin guide. City Cast Las Vegas and Review-Journal restaurant reporter Johnathan Wright explore why the coveted Michelin stars left Vegas, how to rate a restaurant, and if it matters at all. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🎸 Kiss Kruises Into Vegas

The three-day Kiss Army Storms Vegas fan festival at Virgin Hotels is rebranding to Kiss Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas with added performances and a greater presence by the band itself. Not sure if ticket sales were a factor, but an abrupt change in marketing doesn’t usually happen if things are going well. [Blabbermouth]

• At press time, Kelly Clarkson remains scheduled for Caesars Palace this weekend after the singer blindsided not only her fans, but also her crew with a last-minute cancellation opening night. [New York Post]