Numerous piles of cremated human remains have been found on federal land in Searchlight, Nev.
The piles were illegally dumped on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Authorities are investigating the source of the illegal dumping
More than 100 piles of cremated human remains have been found in a mass gravesite an hour southeast of Las Vegas, and no one knows how they got there or who they belong to.
A tipster allowed to remain anonymous by KLAS-TV/Las Vegas furnished these photos of the grisly scene. (Image: KLAS viewer)
KLAS-TV/Las Vegaswas alerted this week by an anonymous tipster who happened upon the grey piles of powdered and pulverized bone on the side of a highway near the town of Searchlight on July 28.
If there was a doubt about what the piles consisted of, that doubt was shattered by a broken urn found at the scene.
The tipster took multiple photos of the piles surrounded by cacti, desert brush, and mountains.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which owns the land, confirmed that the remains are human and is investigating this as a case of illegal dumping. Las Vegas police were initially involved in the investigation, but have deferred to the BLM. The Clark County coroner’s office isn’t participating.
Nevada law allows individual, noncommercial scattering of cremated remains for “casual use,” but BLM policy restricts funeral homes and other commercial businesses from disposing of remains on federal land.
That distinction is now central to the federal investigation.
No suspects have been identified.
This news comes three weeks after Nevada revoked the license of a Las Vegas funeral home. McDermott’s allegedly allowed months to transpire — in one case, 10 of them!! — before cremating eight bodies, all of which were transferred to another funeral home.
The funeral home’s owner, Chris Grant, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the bodies waited so long because he was still waiting for the required approvals from the Clark County Social Services Department.
There is no reason to believe the two cases are related.
Selena Gomez just enjoyed what appears to have been a bachelorette party down in Mexico — and on the very same weekend that her fiancé Benny Blanco seems to have had his bachelor party out in Las Vegas.
But where was Taylor Swift?! That’s the question on everybody’s mind when it comes to the Only Murders In The Building star and her longtime BFF at this point. Because Taylor was a no-show south of the border! And that’s especially notable because these two so often spend major milestones together!
So, paparazzi pics started popping up on Monday that show Selena spending some time on a luxury yacht down in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over this past weekend. She can be seen in the photos in a strapless black swimsuit and sunglasses. And she’s there with a ton of other girlfriends, with the group appearing to have the time of their lives on the boat and then again later while opting for a walk around Cabo.
But like we said, Travis Kelce‘s girlfriend wasn’t there! She can’t be seen in any of the yacht or about-town pictures at all.
Normally, we wouldn’t think much of it. Maybe Selly G had a girls’ weekend and Taylor just couldn’t come out for this one, ya know?! But here’s why we think this might have been a bachelorette party: because Benny was simultaneously in Sin City having what appeared to be his bachelor party. Yeah…
Blanco posted a series of pics to his Instagram Stories over the past few days like these (below), while also thanking Resorts World Las Vegas for his whirlwind weekend:
That one comment in particular, Benny writing — “I’ll never forget this weekend” — makes us wonder whether it was something as formative as a bachelor party, ya know?!
And we’re not the only ones thinking that. A TMZ report on Monday night cited sources who claimed the Vegas trip was indeed Benny’s bachelor party! The whole thing went down in a private 5,500-square foot villa 65 stories above the Strip (!) which the outlet says goes for an average of $25,000 per night and includes its own private butler.
Whoa!!!
And not only that, but People further cited a source on Monday evening who claimed Benny popped up at XS Nightclub over the weekend to see Marshmello perform. Blanco’s close pal Lil Dicky was said to be part of that group, as well. And considering Benny was just a central part of Lil Dicky’s wedding not too long ago, well, it would seem as though this crew is having major life milestones all around!
No confirmation yet on whether the Cabo yacht move actually was Selly G’s bachelorette party. But we definitely can’t help but wonder, especially in light of Benny’s big weekend in the desert. And if all that’s the case, well, we ask again: where was Taylor??
Thoughts or theories, Perezcious readers?! Drop ’em (below)…
Tourism in Las Vegas is slumping this summer, costing the city billions. That could signal trouble ahead for the U.S. economy. Andres Gutierrez has new details.
Downturn in Las Vegas tourism prompts strategic re-assessment on how to attract customers
Canadians travelling to Las Vegas less
Pro sports boosting casino traffic
With Las Vegas casino operators reporting Q2 earnings in late July, a new report by Octus Research shone a spotlight on how both MGM and Caesars were experiencing a downturn in the number of customers, prompting a strategic reassessment on how they are attracting and retaining customers, and Canada is a big part of that.
Octus Research released several reports analyzing the softening visitor numbers at Las Vegas casinos, and how a decline in Canadian tourism has had an impact on those numbers. Image/Mark Keast.
Tourism Numbers Have Been Softening
Both resorts have been experiencing midweek softness, reduced visitation from international travellers, especially from Canada, and a weakening in their value-tier offerings, the report said, with one of the the key findings from the earnings report being that MGM and the industry in general will have to be more thoughtful about how to attract value-oriented customers.
There are those in Las Vegas now who scoff at the narratives that Vegas is in trouble, that the town is over-priced, and that younger people are less interested in going to there to gamble.
However Casino.org’s Devin O’Connor has written several pieces on the state of Las Vegas tourism, with July being the second-worst month of 2025 in terms of foot traffic.
Mixed Bag of Opinions on Sin City Tourism
According to the Octus report, summarizing the MGM and Caesars earnings, June 2025 visitor volumes fell 11.3%. Las Vegas visitor volumes have declined each month so far in 2025. MGM CEO William Hornbuckle suggested during MGM’s call that “value-oriented properties” that are more sensitive to economic swings are experiencing relatively greater ADR pressure.
Caesars reported 97% occupancy compared with 99% in the same period a year earlier. The company started with a “strong April,” then May and June began to decline. Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg said during the earnings call that “the forward booking numbers have stabilized, but that it was not ‘some huge bullish turn.’ Rather, more ‘as if your tire had a leak and you patched it.’”
According to the Octus report: “Reeg said the company’s international business is softer, especially Canada. Caesars was down 27,000 room nights during the second quarter, and Canadians were a “significant piece of that,” even though they are only “3% or 4% of the total pie.” He added that when he looks at the business as a whole, the company’s consolidated performance does not suggest that there is anything particularly concerning about the U.S. consumer.
Steve Hill, President and CEO of LVCVA, said that Canadian visitation is down roughly 15% to date.
Kyle Owusu, CFA, Director of Credit Research at Octus, points to two determining factors regarding a continued Canadian visitation decline: The state of the Canadian economy and the extent to which Canadians remain upset with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made public comments this year about how Canada would be better off as the U.S.’s 51st state, plus ramping up a tariff war with Canada.
Restoring Las Vegas as a value destination will go a long way in reversing downward visitation trends, according to an industry expert. Image/Mark Keast
Trump Anger Factor
Canadians are angry, and there has been more of a focus on travelling domestically, or to places like Europe, then travelling into the U.S., on top of a nation-wide movement to “buy Canadian” in grocery stores.
“My base case is continued year over year declines through the first half of 2026 before the year over year trends begin to stabilize in the second half of 2026, but it’s hard to forecast destination travel trends from Canada to the U.S. with any degree of confidence given the high degree of human emotion involved,” said Owusu.
“I think the shift in booking behavior will change how Las Vegas properties market to and price for Canadian visitors, but it depends on the asset,” he said. ““Canadian volumes represent a low-single-digit % of overall Las Vegas visitation so if certain assets are performing well enough with U.S. consumers, or U.S. consumers and other international travels ex-Canada, and operators think they can get away with holding firm with regard to price then they probably will.”
Restoring Las Vegas as a value destination as opposed to its reputation as a expensive luxury destination, factoring in criticism over high resort fees and high food and beverage prices, matters a lot, and will entice getting more Canadians to come back, Owusu added.
Restoring Las Vegas as a Value Destination
“That’s hard to quantify percentage-wise, but restoring the value destination appeal matters a lot. Vegas has benefitted from price increases for the past four years, especially within the hotel, food and beverage business line,” said Owusu. “Eventually you start to hit a ceiling regarding how much value you can deliver in relation to how much you’re asking people to pay.
“If we are heading into a more uncertain global trade environment, restoring value destination appeal probably matters with regard to most (if not all) destination assets that aren’t catering to high end or luxury consumers, and we appear to be heading into an increasingly uncertain environment, so I think restoring Las Vegas’ value destination appeal is going to be front of mind for operators in 2026.”
On a broader note, regarding travel to the Vegas Strip, Owusu mentioned that: “The key takeaway is for now, casinos catering to luxury customers have been spared from the pressure affecting destination travel.”
T-Mobile Arena, home of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. Image/Mark Keast
Pro Sports Teams Having a Positive Impact
Pro sports teams in Las Vegas is another important factor in luring Canadians to the city, according to a Toronto-based marketer, with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders about to start a new season, and the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights ramping up in October.
The new MLB baseball team is set to land in an exciting new stadium, designed 33,000-seat, fixed-roof ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip where the old Tropicana Casino used to be, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and HNTB, an architectural firm, in 2028.
“The key for us is to bring players into the casinos,” said Lora Green, one of the managing partners at Casino Marketing Group in Toronto, an exclusive service, where her company puts together white glove, exclusive trips for her network of high-roller gamblers to luxury casinos like Caesars Palace.
“So having NFL, NHL, and MLB in Las Vegas is a great draw for clients. They can enjoy a live sporting event and go back to the casino and gamble, hoping their teams win and they win in the casino as well.”
A disruptive passenger caused an Air Canada flight to make an emergency landing at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport overnight.
The Federal Aviation Administration said around 10:30 p.m. Friday, Air Canada Flight 1705 landed safely at O’Hare after the crew reported a passenger disturbance.
The flight left from Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario, Canada, and was headed to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Air Canada did not provide further information about the incident or what the passenger did.
The incident was resolved, and no arrest was made.
The flight was able to take off again and landed in Las Vegas three hours late.
So far this year, airlines have reported more than 1,000 unruly passenger incidents, according to the FAA. Violators could face civil penalties up to $37,000 per violation.
A disruptive passenger caused an Air Canada flight to make an emergency landing at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport overnight.
The Federal Aviation Administration said around 10:30 p.m. Friday, Air Canada Flight 1705 landed safely at O’Hare after the crew reported a passenger disturbance.
The flight left from Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario, Canada, and was headed to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Air Canada did not provide further information about the incident or what the passenger did.
The incident was resolved, and no arrest was made.
The flight was able to take off again and landed in Las Vegas three hours late.
So far this year, airlines have reported more than 1,000 unruly passenger incidents, according to the FAA. Violators could face civil penalties up to $37,000 per violation.
Ready for Las Vegas Labor Day fun? There will be lots to do, with concerts, pool parties and nightlife events, offering visitors a high-energy end to summer. Headliners include Chelsea Handler at The Chelsea, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, performing Saturday, August 30, followed Sunday, August 31, by a live edition of The Basement Yard Podcast at the same venue. At Luxor, the Blue Man Group adds extra theatrical flair with an additional 2 p.m. show on Saturday.
The Sphere hosts three performances courtesy of Insomniac x Tomorrowland Unity from Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31. Rock fans can catch Pantera at T-Mobile Arena on Friday, August 29, while G-Dragon takes the stage there Sunday, August 31. At Virgin Hotels, Clipse and EARTHGANG perform Friday night.
Daylife and nightlife venues across the city ramp up the Las Vegas Labor Day close of summer vibe. Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan will host DJ Bijou on August 29 and Lil Jon on August 30. TAO Beach at The Venetian kicks off on Friday, August 29 with Timmy Trumpet, followed by Zedd on August 30 and Fisher closing out on Sunday, August 31.
Encore Beach Club at Wynn presents SOFI TUKKER with Brandi Cyrus on August 29, Marshmello on August 30, and Diplo on August 31. Drai’s Beachclub at The Cromwell offers a full program, including DJ IRV G on August 28, Waka Flocka on August 29, French Montana on August 30 and Jacquees on September 1.
Beyond individual venues, the broader EDM calendar reveals a non-stop roster. Encore Beach Club features Sofi Tukker on August 29. TAO Beach and Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand also host events that day. Martin Garrix, Tyga and more fill the nights at Omnia, Hakkasan and other clubs. On Saturday and Sunday, DJs including Zedd, Marshmello, Lil Jon, John Summit, French Montana and Fisher anchor daytime gatherings at major pool venues. Late-night performances include the Chainsmokers at XS, Lil Wayne at Zouk, Deadmau5 at XS and Metro Boomin at LIV.
Las Vegas Labor Day brings a nonstop blur of music and revelry. From poolside DJ sets to arena and nightclub performances, the city once again proves it knows how to turn a long weekend into an all-day, all-night spectacle.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A new “Vegas Myths Busted” publishes every Monday, with a bonus Flashback Friday edition. Today’s edition originally ran on July 9, 2024.
Las Vegas is the second driest city in the US after Yuma, Ariz., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with an average rainfall of just 5.37 inches a year. So why on Earth was a big city built in such a waterless hellscape?
Large portions of downtown Las Vegas used to look like this. This is Stewart Ranch, circa 1905. Occupying the site of the Old Mormon Fort, its water supply came entirely from a bubbling creek fed by mountain runoff. (Image: nps.gov)
Because it wasn’t.
While rain barely falls on Las Vegas, it falls plenty in the mountains surrounding it. For more than 15,000 years, runoff from snowmelt and downpours at higher altitudes fed springs and streams that broke through the desert floor and flowed freely (and, during storms, uncontrollably) through Las Vegas.
Large portions of downtown Las Vegas used to look like this. This is Stewart Ranch, circa 1905. Occupying the site of the Old Mormon Fort, its water supply came entirely from a bubbling creek fed by mountain runoff. (Image: nps.gov)
Rather than a harsh desert, the region was actually an oasis inside a harsh desert when it was founded in 1905. (“Las Vegas” is Spanish for “The Meadows.”)
Today, its underground aquifers are drained nearly dry and the mountain runoff is funneled into concrete flood channels that deliver it directly to Lake Mead. But when they were allowed to (and could) flow naturally, the main waterways — Las Vegas Creek, Duck Creek, and what’s known today as the Flamingo Wash — provided ample water to drink and bathe with, as well as to sustain lush grass and thickets of mesquite and willow trees that supported their own diverse array of nondesert wildlife.
This water source allowed Native Americans to survive and thrive here for at least 5,000 years. Then it made Las Vegas a vital stop on the Old Spanish Trail between Santa Fe and Los Angeles.
In fact, it was while mapping that trail in 1829 that Raphael Rivera, a scout for the first Mexican expedition through Southern Nevada, bestowed upon the region its Spanish name.
Two unidentified hunters stalk prey in an unidentified Las Vegas waterway in an undated photo. (Image: Las Vegas Springs Preserve)
Related Bonus Myth
The first permanent European settlement in Las Vegas wasn’t abandoned because of a lack of water. A combination of factors caused 32 Mormon missionaries to ditch the Old Mormon Fort two years after they built it on the Las Vegas Creek in 1855.
These factors included disappointing mining and crop yields, dissension among the leaders, deteriorating relations with the Native Americans they tried converting to Mormonism, and the beginning of what the Mormons refer to as the Utah War against the US government, which they returned home to help fight.
Troubled Water
In 1902, Las Vegas pioneer Helen J. Stewart sold most of her ranch on Las Vegas Creek, and its water rights, to Montana Sen. William A. Clark and his San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. This allowed the railroad to build a system that pumped running water from the creek directly to the 1,200 business and residential lots it sold in what eventually became downtown Las Vegas.
Five years later, the new city’s residents began drilling wells into the aquifer for extra water. Often, these wells weren’t capped, allowing copious amounts of the precious resource to gush aboveground where most of it evaporated. People didn’t understand where the water came from, and the force with which it gushed gave them the misconception that its supply was endless.
By the summer of 1935, so much more of its water was pumped out than had been naturally replenished, Las Vegas Creek dried up for the first time. This prompted Nevada State Engineer Alfred Merritt Smith to declare Las Vegas dangerously overdrawn.
An unidentified man and his pooch pose in front of a ranch house on Las Vegas Creek circa 1902. (Image: UNLV Special Collections)
Smith proposed metering water usage, but the Nevada State Legislature opposed all such anti-development crazy talk.
By 1962, the water table finally sank so low, the Las Vegas Springs stopped flowing to the surface entirely. This killed most of the vegetation its springs and streams had sustained, as well as several distinct species of frogs and fish.
By 1972, the last remnant of Las Vegas Creek was doomed to be paved over for a new expressway. This remnant still quenched a green but slowly dying half-mile swath of vegetation just west of downtown and adjacent to the Meadows Mall. (Get the name? Most people don’t because there aren’t many meadows left in Las Vegas.)
By this time, Las Vegas was drawing most of its water from the Colorado River, via pipes poked into a completely full Lake Mead, so no loud alarm bells sounded.Preserve)
Until UNLV archeology professor Claude Warren conducted a survey that found evidence of human occupation on the site dating back thousands of years.
One of 14 habitat ponds restored with Las Vegas Creek water by the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. (Image: Las Vegas Springs
The Las Vegas Valley Water District, with the help of concerned citizens, used this surprise to get the Las Vegas Springs added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. And that’s what forced the Nevada Department of Transportation to divert US 95 around the 180-acre site.
To protect, and attempt to restore, what little remains of the Las Vegas Springs, the Las Vegas Springs Preserve was established on the site in 2007.
To date, according to the organization’s website, it has restored seven acres of wetlands, including a stream and 14 habitat ponds.
That may be a drop in the bucket, but it beats doing nothing at all.
Look for “Vegas Myths Busted” every Monday on Casino.org. Visit VegasMythsBusted.comto read previously busted Vegas myths. Got a suggestion for a Vegas myth that needs busting? Email corey@casino.org.
Kilty Cleary is a Los Angeles-based media and marketing pro with 18+ years of experience. He’s worked with top brands like Sporting News and Sports Illustrated, building key partnerships and creating engaging content. Follow him on X and IG @theonlykilty
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The Phoenix Mercury (21-13) and Las Vegas Aces (22-14) sit in a virtual tie in the WNBA standings, occupying the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds in the upcoming WNBA playoffs. This game looms large, as it could be the difference between getting home-court advantage in the first round.
Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates with Kiah Stokes #41 after stealing an inbound pass during the final moments of the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena on August… Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates with Kiah Stokes #41 after stealing an inbound pass during the final moments of the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena on August 15, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Aces defeated the Mercury 86-83.
Phoenix finds itself on a two-game winning streak, the last of which was an impressive comeback victory on the road against the Golden State Valkyries. Phoenix allowed a whopping 59 points in the first half before tightening the screws and giving up just 32 in the second half en route to a 98-91 win. Kahleah Copper led the team in scoring with 25, while Alyssa Thomas put up a near triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Las Vegas is currently riding an eight-game win streak after dispatching the Atlanta Dream 74-72 on Tuesday night. A’ja Wilson was the star, scoring 32 points on 12-for-24 from the field to go with 12 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks. Jackie Young added 16 points, with Chelsea Gray dishing out 11 assists in the victory. The Aces have just eight games left, making this even more important than it is for the Mercury.
This will be the fourth and final meeting between the Mercury and Aces, with the Aces holding a 2-1 lead in the season series.
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Las Vegas tourism is showing signs of strain as both visitor numbers and consumer spending continue to decline. Recent data from the Nevada Department of Taxation highlights a drop in sales across several key sectors between July 2024 and May 2025, compared with the same period the previous year.
Restaurants and bars recorded nearly 11.7 billion dollars in revenue, down 1.6 percent, representing a loss of about 191 million dollars. Clothing, shoe, and jewelry stores fell by 140 million dollars to reach 4.05 billion. Motor vehicle and parts dealers slipped to 6.05 billion dollars, a decline of more than 191 million. Furniture, electronics, and appliance stores also saw decreases, falling by 28.5 million to 1.7 billion in total sales.
Industry analysts attribute the downturn to both higher costs of living and fewer visitors. The president of the Retail Association of Nevada said the combination of reduced Las Vegas tourism and inflationary pressure has cut into consumer spending, leaving businesses with a smaller pool of customers. Locals are also feeling the strain, limiting their discretionary purchases.
Tourism data confirms the slowdown. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that the city welcomed approximately 19.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025, a decline of 7.3 percent compared to the same stretch in 2024. The numbers for June alone showed an 11.3 percent year-over-year drop, signaling a sharper contraction heading into the summer months.
Las Vegas tourism remains a cornerstone of the local economy, which depends heavily on visitor spending to support jobs and businesses. With Clark County’s population at roughly 2.3 million, the region relies on millions of tourists each month to sustain its hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors. A prolonged dip in visitors could have wider consequences, including reduced tax revenue and pressure on employment.
Economists warn that Las Vegas’s dependence on tourism leaves it particularly vulnerable to broader economic uncertainty. Persistent inflation, weaker consumer confidence, and global economic challenges may continue to weigh on visitor demand. For now, the outlook for Las Vegas tourism remains cautious as the city navigates these headwinds.
More than 300 sculptures and paintings from the former Mirage are now up for bidding in an online auction
The items include the famous bronze mermaid and brass dolphins sculptures
The online online runs from now until Sept. 19
Hard Rock International is auctioning off relics from the Mirage, which it is in the midst of transforming into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.
The Mirage’s atrium and volcano were both destroyed by the property’s new owners to make room for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel. (Image: tripadvisor.com)
The 30-day online auction, hosted by LA-based Prime Auctioneers on liveauctioneers.com, spans decades of history from the game-changing hotel opened by Steve Wynn in November 1989. It includes more than 300 pieces of artwork and memorabilia once displayed front-of-house and behind the scenes.
The auction includes two of these bronze mermaid statues, which famously welcomed guests at The Mirage’s check-in area in front of the large aquarium. According to multiple sources, they were designed by Arlin Robins. (Hard Rock)
Going to the highest bidder will be the famous bronze mermaid and brass dolphin statues (two each), 50 pieces from glass artist Dale Chihuly, and numerous items tied to the defunct resort’s volcano attraction and Siegfried & Roy show. (No, not, the Siegfried & Roy statue. That was donated to the Neon Museum!)
“The Mirage stood as an iconic destination that featured an extensive collection of artwork that helped define the resort’s unique atmosphere throughout the years,” Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Las Vegas, said in a statement. “This auction gives collectors, Las Vegas enthusiasts, past guests who adored The Mirage and historians the chance to acquire authentic pieces from this storied resort.”
Florida-based Hard Rock International purchased the operations of the Mirage for $1.076 billion from MGM Resorts in 2022. It shuttered the iconic resort on July 17, 2024 and immediately began demolishing some of its features and gutting the contents of the tri-tower main structure.
The second Hard Rock Las Vegas (the first is now Virgin Hotels Las Vegas) is expected to open, complete with a guitar-shaped tower where the volcano once stood, in the second half of 2027.
To register and see the Mirage Collection auction items, click here. Online bidding is open now through Sept. 19. Live bidding begins Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. PT.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tourism in Las Vegas is slumping this summer, with resorts and convention centers reporting fewer visitors compared to last year, especially from abroad, and some officials are blaming the Trump administration’s tariffs and immigration policies for the decline.
The city known for lavish shows, endless buffets and around-the-clock gambling welcomed just under 3.1 million tourists in June, an 11% drop compared to the same month in 2024. There were 13% fewer international travelers, and hotel occupancy fell by about 15%, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Mayor Shelley Berkley said tourism from Canada — Nevada’s largest international market — has dried up from a torrent “to a drip.” Same with Mexico.
“We have a number of very high rollers that come in from Mexico that aren’t so keen on coming in right now. And that seems to be the prevailing attitude internationally,” Berkley told reporters this month.
AP AUDIO: Las Vegas tourism is down. Some blame Trump’s tariffs and immigration crackdown
AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on a drop in tourism in a major U.S. city.
A Trump slump
Ted Pappageorge, head of the powerful Culinary Workers Union, called it the “Trump slump.” He said visits from Southern California, home to a large Latino population, were also drying up because people are afraid of the administration’s immigration crackdown.
“If you tell the rest of the world they’re not welcome, then they won’t come,” Pappageorge said.
The Vegas dip mirrors a national trend. The travel forecasting company Tourism Economics, which in December 2024 anticipated the U.S. would have nearly 9% more international arrivals this year, revised its annual outlook to predict a 9.4% drop. Some of the steepest declines could be from Canada, the company said. Canada was the largest source of visitors to the U.S. in 2024, with more than 20.2 million, according to U.S. government data.
Canadian airline data shows fewer passengers from north of the border are arriving at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Air Canada saw its passenger numbers fall by 33% in June compared to a year earlier, while WestJet had a 31% drop. The low-cost carrier Flair reported a whopping 62% decline.
Travel agents in Canada said there’s been a significant downturn in clients wanting to visit the U.S. overall, and Las Vegas in particular. Wendy Hart, who books trips from Windsor, Ontario, said the reason was “politics, for sure.” She speculated it was a point of “national pride” that people were staying away from the U.S. after President Donald Trump said he wanted to make Canada the 51st state.
“The tariffs are a big thing too. They seem to be contributing to the rising cost of everything,” Hart said.
The sky’s not falling
At the downtown Circa Resort and Casino, international visits have dipped, especially from Canada and Japan, according to owner and CEO Derek Stevens. But the downturn comes after a post-pandemic spike, Stevens said. And while hotel room bookings are slack, gaming numbers, especially for sports betting, are still strong, he said.
“It’s not as if the sky is falling,” he said. Wealthier visitors are still coming, and Circa has introduced inexpensive package deals to lure those with less money to spend.
“There have been many stories written about how the ‘end is near’ in Vegas,” he said. “But Vegas continues to reinvent itself as a destination worth visiting.”
On AAA’s annual top 10 list of top Labor Day destinations, Las Vegas slipped this year to the last spot, from No. 6 in 2024. Seattle and Orlando, Florida — home to Disney World — hold steady in the top two spots, with New York City moving up to third for 2025.
Reports of declining tourism were news to Alison Ferry, who arrived from Donegal, Ireland, to find big crowds at casinos and the Vegas Strip.
“It’s very busy. It has been busy everywhere that we’ve gone. And really, really hot,” Ferry said. She added that she doesn’t pay much attention to U.S. politics.
Recession-proof businesses
Just off the strip, there’s been no slowdown at the Pinball Museum, which showcases games dating back to the 1930s. Manager Jim Arnold said the two-decade-old attraction is recession-proof because it’s one of the few places that offers free parking and admission.
“We’ve decided that our plan is just to ignore inflation and pretend it doesn’t exist,” Arnold said. “So you still take a quarter out of your pocket and put it in a game, and you don’t pay a resort fee or a cancelation fee or any of that jazz.”
But Arnold said he’s not surprised overall tourism might be slowing, citing skyrocketing pricing at high-end restaurants and resorts that “squeezes out the low-end tourist.”
The mayor said the rising cost of food, hotel rooms and attractions also keeps visitors away.
“People are feeling that they’re getting nickeled and dimed, and they’re not getting value for their dollar,” Berkley said. She called on business owners to “see if we can’t make it more affordable” for tourists.
“And that’s all we want. We want them to come and have good time, spend their money, go home,” the mayor said. “Then come back in six months.”
Las Vegas — Army veteran Earvin James Sr. never pictured himself in a Las Vegas food pantry. But with a fixed income and rising grocery prices, he had no choice.
“Because you go to these stores now, a pack of toilet tissue costs you $8, and it used to be $5 for a 12-pack,” James told CBS News. “Everything is going up in this country except helping out the senior citizens.”
Most of the food at the Helping Hands of Vegas Valley food pantry comes from the Three Square food bank, a nonprofit that supplies nearly every major food pantry in Southern Nevada.
“We’re already hearing from our partners that they’re feeling the strain of rising demand, more people coming in the door needing help,” said Beth Martino, president and CEO of Three Square.
President Trump’s recently passed tax and spending plan, the “big, beautiful bill,” significantly changes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.
States will pick up much more of the SNAP costs, and there are new, stricter requirements for recipients.
“In a state like Nevada, we have very few options to raise more revenue to meet the financial demands of a program like SNAP and Medicaid,” Martino said. “So the future for a lot of those people is very uncertain.”
The warehouse at Three Square felt the pinch in June when it had to contend with smaller food pallets.
“We were facing a real crisis with not having enough food on our shelves to meet the need,” Martino said.
According to an analysis in May from Three Square, about one in seven residents in Southern Nevada is food insecure, meaning they do not know where their next meal is coming from. This year, child hunger rose to 22% in the region that Three Square serves, up from 18% in 2024, according to nonprofit’s data.
“It was very difficult to ask for assistance,” said Clara Blackwell, a volunteer at Helping Hands.
Blackwell knows the courage it takes to walk into the pantry and ask for help. Her husband, son and granddaughter all died within weeks of each other. On a fixed income, she now volunteers here to help others find what kept her afloat.
“Lately, I’ve seen a lot of people coming here,” Blackwell said. “They have no choice. They have no choice at all. I said, ‘Well, you know what? Come reach out and see what you can get.’”
Andres Gutierrez joined CBS News Detroit in September 2022. He comes from KSHB-TV in Kansas City, Missouri, serving as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor.
Station Casinos has announced a major renovation project at Green Valley Ranch, continuing its strategy of reinvesting in its properties across the Las Vegas Valley. The company confirmed that nearly 500 hotel rooms and suites at the resort will undergo a full redesign, with the project expected to be completed in phases through next year.
Ken Janssen, vice president and general manager of Green Valley Ranch, said the goal of the project is to update the resort’s accommodations with modern design and upgraded features. He noted that the rooms and suites will be “completely reimagined” to align with the overall upscale positioning of the Henderson property.
The redesign, developed in collaboration with Avenue Interior Design, will include changes aimed at creating what Station Casinos describes as a more refined and contemporary atmosphere for guests. Work on the West Tower is scheduled to be finished this fall, with the remainder of the hotel upgrades expected to follow in 2026.
In addition to the room renovations, Station Casinos is also investing in convention space improvements as part of the same initiative. The total cost of the project is estimated at around $200 million. Company officials indicated that further updates to Green Valley Ranch will be announced in the months ahead, though no details were provided.
The upcoming changes mark the latest in a series of property upgrades for Station Casinos, which has recently completed similar work at other resorts in its portfolio. For Green Valley Ranch, the renovation underscores its role as one of the company’s flagship destinations, aiming to maintain its competitiveness in a crowded market of Las Vegas luxury and locals-focused resorts.
Ready to see classic rock band Heart in Las Vegas in November? We hope so, because they’ve added new shows to their 2025 Royal Flush Tour, including three performances in Sin City. The band will present “An Evening with Heart” at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on November 12th, 14th, and 15th at the BleauLive Theater.
These Las Vegas appearances are part of an expanded fall schedule that runs through December and includes stops in Anaheim, Seattle, Omaha, Green Bay, Cincinnati, and Nashville. Several of the tour’s fall dates will feature guest artists, although the Las Vegas performances will be full evenings dedicated exclusively to the band
The Royal Flush Tour began earlier this year and completed its summer run in August after visiting major cities across the United States. The tour marks a major return to the road for the band, led by founding members Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson. They are joined on stage by Ryan Wariner, Ryan Waters, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido, and Sean T. Lane.
Heart in Las Vegas has long been a draw for fans, with the city’s venues providing an ideal backdrop for the band’s extensive catalog of rock hits. The “An Evening with Heart” format will feature two full sets each night, with no opening act, offering a more immersive experience for concertgoers.
The addition of Las Vegas dates reflects the ongoing popularity of Heart and the city’s continued status as a destination for major live music events. For fans, the November shows present an opportunity to see one of rock’s most enduring acts in a premier entertainment setting.
Mayra Alejandra embodies the essence and style of Selena Quintanilla in this new Tribute Show in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, May 29, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– This summer, Las Vegas welcomes a moving and intimate new tribute to one of the most beloved artists in Latin music history – Selena Quintanilla. Queen Selena (QueenSelena.com), a heartfelt celebration of the life and legacy of Selena, will debut on June 20, 2025, with performances Thursday through Sunday at 9:00 PM inside the Pegasus Showroom at the Modern Showrooms at Alexis Park Resort.
Starring powerhouse vocalist Mayra Alejandra, performing in both English and Spanish, under the musical direction of Roberto Vazquez, Queen Selena features a live band and offers an up-close, emotionally rich concert experience honoring the voice, style, and soul of Selena – from “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” to “Amor Prohibido” and “Dreaming of You.”
“This show was created to connect with the audience – not from a distance, but in the heart,” says Executive Producer Pete Housley. “Selena’s music is deeply personal to so many people. In the Pegasus Showroom, we’re able to present that music in a way that feels direct, emotional, and unforgettable. Mayra simply embodies the spirit of Selena; she’s unforgettable.”
Located just off the Las Vegas Strip, the Pegasus Showroom provides a uniquely personal setting for audiences to celebrate Selena’s legacy in a space designed for connection and storytelling. Featuring elegant visuals, intimate staging, and a live performance filled with passion, Queen Selena is both a concert and a cultural tribute to a once-in-a-generation artist.
Tickets are on sale now on QueenSelena.com, TicketKite.com and most major ticket outlets.
Show Details:
Title: Queen Selena
Opening Date: June 20, 2025
Schedule: Thursday-Sunday at 9:00 PM
Location: Pegasus Showroom, Modern Showrooms at Alexis Park Resort
The Modern Showrooms, located within the Alexis Park Resort Hotel in Las Vegas, are home to a curated collection of live entertainment in an upscale, boutique setting. With multiple intimate venues including the Pegasus and Athena showrooms, the complex offers a theatrical experience designed for audience connection and artistic authenticity. Known for its focus on tribute shows and culturally rich productions, Modern Showrooms delivers a distinctly personal alternative to the mega-theater scene of the Strip. Queen Selena joins an impressive lineup of shows including All Shook Up, All Motown, Sinatra Live!, and more.
Honoring Sacrifice with Protection – One Door at a Time
LAS VEGAS, May 28, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Boss Security Screens, a national provider of premium security doors and security screens for windows, has announced the launch of its new “Doors for Heroes” program – an initiative dedicated to donating high-quality security doors to the families of military service members and law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Through partnerships with respected nonprofits such as Folds of Honor, Boss Security Screens will identify and support Gold Star families and law enforcement survivors who can benefit most from increased security and peace of mind in their homes.
“We believe real heroes deserve more than just recognition-they deserve action,” said James Kerr, Founder of Boss Security Screens. “By offering secure, durable protection for the homes of families who have sacrificed so much, we hope to provide not only safety, but a small sense of comfort and gratitude.”
The “Doors for Heroes” program will donate fully installed security screen doors to selected families at no cost. Each door is custom-built and professionally installed, featuring the same high-strength stainless steel mesh and tamper-resistant frames trusted by law enforcement and first responders across the country. All doors include the company’s 15-year parts & labor warranty and No Break-In Guarantee.
Boss Security Screens will work directly with nonprofit organizations and military support networks to facilitate referrals, ensuring that the assistance reaches those most in need. The program is expected to begin installations in select regions this summer, with plans to expand nationwide.
“This isn’t about charity – it’s about standing beside the families of those who stood for all of us,” Kerr added. “These security doors represent safety, but also solidarity.”
An L.A.-VEGAS rivalry settles the score with a ‘No Blood? No Foul!’ Full Contact Basketball™ battle on Dec. 1 at Tarkanian Basketball Academy
Online, November 25, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Forget the NBA – this is basketball unleashed. Say goodbye to endless whistles, soft fouls, and players in bubble wrap. Brawl Ball is giving fans what they’ve been craving: raw, relentless, no-holds-barred chaos on the court.
With aggressive defense, breakneck speed, unfiltered trash talk, Brawl Ball isn’t just a game-it’s an all-out full-court war. Even the announcer trashes players when they deserve it.
On December 1, the sport’s newest rivalry will explode as NBA Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond’s Team Los Angeles battles former NBA star Monty “Buck” Buckley’s Team Las Vegas at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy. The carnage tips off at 1 p.m. PST, airing live on DirecTV’s Stadium Stream, Amazon Prime and over a dozen platforms like BIGO, reaching up to 165 million fans.
Born on the streets of Venice Beach, Brawl Ball has skyrocketed to become the world’s most outrageous take on basketball. Viral clips of brutal body checks, wild takedowns, and even a player wielding a steel chair during a game have redefined what it means to dominate the court.
Forget fouls-here, it’s “No Blood? No Foul!” Out-of-bounds doesn’t exist, and two 15-minute halves ensure that every second is packed with adrenaline.
This isn’t just basketball; it’s Full Contact Basketball™. A game where toughness matters as much as tactics. With legends like Richmond backing the league, and semi-pros competing for a spot in the 2025 season, Brawl Ball is basketball’s future-and it’s ruthless, raw, and ready to take over.
Las Vegas fans, this is your chance to witness history. Don’t miss the most intense basketball action you’ll ever see – it’s a show like no other. If you love basketball, YOU NEED TO BE HERE LIVE to experience the chaos firsthand! Visit www.BrawlBallOfficial.com/VIP for FREE tickets. LIMITED SEATING!
NBA legend Mitch Richmond brings ‘No Blood? No Foul!’ Action to Live TV and Vegas Court
LAS VEGAS, November 25, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Forget the NBA – this is basketball unleashed. Say goodbye to endless whistles, soft fouls, and players in bubble wrap. Brawl Ball is giving fans what they’ve been craving: raw, relentless, no-holds-barred chaos on the court.
With aggressive defense, breakneck speed, and unfiltered trash talk, Brawl Ball isn’t just a game – it’s an all-out full-court war. Even the announcer trashes players when they deserve it.
On December 1, the sport’s newest rivalry will explode as NBA Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond’s Team Los Angeles battles former NBA star Monty “Buck” Buckley’s Team Las Vegas at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy. The carnage tips off at 1 p.m. PST, airing live on DirecTV’s Stadium Stream, Amazon Prime, and over a dozen platforms, like BIGO, reaching up to 165 million fans.
Born on the streets of Venice Beach, Brawl Ball has skyrocketed to become the world’s most outrageous take on basketball. Viral clips of brutal body checks, wild takedowns, and a player wielding a steel chair during a game have redefined what it means to dominate the court.
Forget fouls – here, it’s “No Blood? No Foul!” Out-of-bounds doesn’t exist, and two 15-minute halves ensure that every second is packed with adrenaline. This isn’t just basketball; it’s Full Contact Basketball™. Where toughness matters as much as tactics. With legends like Richmond backing the league, and semi-pros competing for a spot in the 2025 season, Brawl Ball is basketball’s future – and it’s ruthless, raw, and ready to take over.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making. TUNE IN LIVE on December 1 (1PM Pacific, 4PM EST) to see the most exciting, chaotic, and adrenaline-fueled basketball game you’ll ever watch. This is more than a game. It’s a revolution, and you need to be part of it. Brawl Ball is rewriting the rules, and you’ll want to say you saw it first.
Check your American Express credit cards for a new offer that can save you $100 on Hilton stays in Las Vegas and other Nevada locations. You can find this offer in your Amex consumer and business credit cards. Check out the details of the offer below.
Offer Details
Get a one-time $100 statement credit by using your enrolled eligible Card to spend a minimum of $500 in one or more purchases on room rate and room charges, when you pay for your stay at participating Hilton properties in Nevada from 11/1/2024 to 3/17/2025. Book at hilton.com.
Important Terms
Offer valid only at participating Hilton properties located in Nevada. Excludes Hilton Grand Vacations.
Excludes all other US and international Hilton locations.
Reservations must be made online at Hilton.com, via the Hilton Honors App or by calling 1-800-445-8667.
Excludes gift card purchases.
Offer does not apply to advance purchase rates, including Advance Purchase, Save Now & Pay and Non-refundable rates.
Offer only valid on room rate and room charges. Offer not valid for lodging stays that are paid for before the promotion start date or after the promotion end date.
About Amex Offers
Amex Offers are an extra perk on all American Express credit cards, charge cards, and even prepaid cards. You can see these offers in your accounts either as a statement credit or extra Membership Rewards points for spending a certain amount at an eligible merchant. You will need to add the offer to a specific card, and then use that card to get the credit. Here are a few things you should know:
Guru’s Wrap-up
This offer is limited to participating Hilton properties in Nevada only. So you can use it if you plan to travel to Las Vegas through mid March 2025.
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