😴 Did Nevada snooze on cyberattack?

🛎️ New Symphony Park Hotel Opens

A dual-branded resort is now open next to the Smith Center in Symphony Park. AC Hotel (geared towards business travelers) and Element (more of an extended-stay concept) are welcoming guests with plans for a grand opening celebration to hype up the property next month. [Review-Journal]

• Midtown is another new development reshaping a fast-growing corner of Downtown (while setting off a fierce debate about the city’s noise policy). [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🚔 Police Unleash the Grappler

Police used a device straight out of a James Bond movie to capture a murder suspect. As shown on video, “the grappler” is a net that shoots out from the police vehicle and tangles the tire axle of the suspect. [KSNV]

🖥️ Legislature Declined to Address Cyber Threats

Did Nevada blow a chance to protect itself from the recent cyberattack that continues to limit services throughout the state? Just months ago, the legislature failed to vote on a bill to create a centralized security center to better identify cyber-intrusions on state networks. [KTNV]

• In a unique form of torture, drivers are lining up for hours at DMV kiosks now that services are back online. [KVVU]

💉 Who’s Eligible for a COVID Booster?

Not you. Probably. The FDA recently restricted eligibility to those who are at least 65 or have high-risk underlying conditions. The Southern Nevada Health District is awaiting an updated seasonal COVID vaccine formula, but still has the old version in supply. [KVVU]

You may have noticed — September is loaded with food festivals, and one of our favorites, Picnic in the Alley, returns Saturday in a new environment.

😋 What is Picnic in the Alley?

”Picnic in the Alley is by women for everyone,” says co-founder Jolene Mannina. “It started in 2019 as a way to bring women in the community together to support and uplift each other … and it's evolved over the years.”

Guests receive a tasting glass and get to sample food and cocktails from some of the best women chefs and bartenders in town. You can also check out art installations and the Chat Room for compelling, in-person conversations.

🌳 A Change of Scenery

For the first time ever, Picnic in the Alley comes to GreenGale Farms, transplanting the event from its usual Downtown location to the Northwest Valley. The event space, which also has an animal sanctuary on property, is a lush green environment with meadows and an olive grove. “It’s a beautiful setting for Las Vegas,” Mannina says. “It takes you out of the desert.”

👀 What Else is New?

First-timers this year include Tacotarian, Jardin, the Summit Club, and Dustland. Mannina is resurrecting her Omakase Cantina (a former foodie attraction at Life is Beautiful) for Picnic in the Alley, inviting guests to sit down for four courses of small bites in a collaboration between Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa and Gina Marinelli of Harlo and La Strega.

👍 Food with a Purpose

Tickets are $150 with entry at 6:30 p.m. All profit benefits the Women’s Hospitality Initiative. “The mission is accelerating development and advancement of women leaders in the hospitality industry,” Mannina says.

It’s good to be a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor! As an added perk, our members get to shout out their favorite local people, places, and organizations.

• 📣 Lara T. wants you to know about the Painted Pup, a business by a local artist that “paints pet portraits in miniature.”

• 📣 Sam U. is a fan of Grouchy John’s Coffee. “John and J.J. have created a great, inviting atmosphere that is open to all in the community,” Sam says. “Grouchy Nation forever!”

• 📣 Lindsay G. is eager to spread the word on the Obodo Collective, an urban farm in the Historic Westside that “has a wonderful community garden and green grocer supporting one of our most food-insecure neighborhoods.”

Become a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor to share your own shoutout in the newsletter and on the podcast.