💸 Tips take a dip in Vegas

🚨 A Day of Violence

A gunman who killed four people in a Manhattan office building before turning the weapon on himself was issued a concealed carry weapons permit in Las Vegas despite having “a documented mental health history.” [CNN]

• On the same day, three people were killed and three others injured during a mass shooting at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno. Our Nevada hearts are with the victims and anyone else affected. [Associated Press]

🗳️ Aaron Ford Makes It Official

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford officially launched his campaign for governor. Not much of a surprise there, although it’s worth noting he has endorsements from Nevada’s two U.S. senators and all three of our state’s Democratic representatives in the House, giving him the easy edge for the Democratic nomination. [Nevada Independent]

🫤 Another Badlands Lawsuit

First, Yohan Lowie scored a $286 million settlement with the City of Las Vegas over squashing plans to build homes on the Badlands golf course. Now, the developer is suing Clark County, claiming more than $8 million in property taxes were collected on land he no longer legally owns. [KLAS]

• It’s hard to keep up with all this, but you can try. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🇨🇦 Blame Canada?

Everyone agrees tourism is down this year, but not everyone agrees why. According to LVCVA CEO Steve Hill, “very little of the drop is a Vegas issue” and much of the problem is a 20% decline in Canadian visitors, which is a consistent factor across the U.S. [MarketWatch]

• Meanwhile, service industry workers in Vegas say tips were down by as much as 50% in recent months. [Wall Street Journal]

🎸 Metallica at the Sphere?

Our buddy Scott at Vital Vegas is convinced Metallica is coming to the Sphere in the fall of 2026, which lines up with an opening in the band’s touring schedule. Not sure I want to see the old guy from the “Enter Sandman” video in high def, but I’m in. [Casino.org]

• We’re also starting to get a good look at what “The Wizard of Oz” will look like at the Sphere next month. [CBS News]

Is it just me — or are we noticing a trend here?

So what do you think? Was Las Vegas better when it was run by the mob?

The mob ran Vegas 200% better. Better entertainment, much cheaper food, and you could actually win (at the casinos).

— Robert K.

How many casino bosses wish they could operate with the impunity of a mob boss?

— Michael G.

We also got a lot — and I mean, a lot — of feedback to our City Cast Las Vegas interview with Sen. Jacky Rosen, in which the Nevada Democrat took issue with recent cuts to Medicare.

Spot on! The billionaire fascists have scored big time with their bought-and-paid-for lap dog Congress.

— RD M.

I do not agree with her. There are too many people taking from the government.

— Marie H.K.

She is a liberal crybaby — doom and gloom. They lost and can't get over it.

— Trane D.

Yes, I have Trump Derangement Syndrome and admit it. I worked over 30 years in government service, sworn to protect the Constitution, and I'm mad as hell. The country is in chaos. We have a convicted criminal as president. Please keep questioning what is happening to this state and nation.

— Cathy R.

So many people got healthcare who weren’t qualified. Wish this Rosen would stop pushing her own agenda and support what is helping our economy and people.

— Name withheld by request

I had a hemorrhagic stroke, and without medical help I would be dead. Without medical insurance I’d be homeless. Thank you Jackie Rosen!

— Jamie L.

Have something to say? Thoughts to share? Want to move on from politics (at least for a little bit) and talk about something else? Let us know 📬