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- 🛣🔥 I-15 Reopens After Days of Chaos Following Truck Fire, Highlighting Regional Transport Issues
🛣🔥 I-15 Reopens After Days of Chaos Following Truck Fire, Highlighting Regional Transport Issues
Issue #235 - July 29, 2024
John Wu
29 Jul
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📆 Weekly Local Events for July 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit hereto lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Terrific Tuesday Fun Pickleball @ Police Memorial, Bring a Chair: (Every week on Tuesday @ 2PM)
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Live Music Yoga w/ Cheryl Slader @ Blue Sky Yoga: (Suggested Donation $12); 5:30 - 6:45 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Country Crossroads Dance, Rhythms Dance Studio & Event Center, 4545 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas: $15 Drop-in Rate / $50 for the whole month: 8 - 9 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🛣🔥 I-15 Reopens After Days of Chaos Following Truck Fire, Highlighting Regional Transport Issues
After nearly three days of significant closures on I-15 and extensive backups on I-40, the California Highway Patrol announced Sunday the end of a major disruption caused by a truck fire that ignited on Friday.
Incident Overview
The San Bernardino Fire Department reported the fire at around 10 a.m. on Friday. A semi-truck carrying lithium batteries flipped on northbound I-15 near Baker and burst into flames. The incident caused a massive traffic jam and road closures, stranding travelers and creating significant delays.
"I mean, I’ve never seen anything quite like it," said Benjamin Leffel, an associate professor of public policy at UNLV. "Many have called it the worst traffic jam of their lifetime. I have to agree."
Personal Accounts of the Traffic Nightmare
Leffel experienced the congestion firsthand as he attempted to drive back to Las Vegas from Los Angeles on Friday afternoon. "The estimated time of arrival just kept growing," he said. After spending nine hours in standstill traffic on I-40 and not even reaching halfway back to Vegas, he decided to turn around. "I had the choice of turning back, which is nice, but that’s not so nice for the people that stayed the course. I don’t know if they made it," he added.
By Saturday night, Leffel was still in Los Angeles, waiting for the roads to clear before making another attempt to return to Las Vegas. The prolonged delay highlighted the challenges faced by many travelers over the weekend.
Response and Challenges
On Saturday night, the California Highway Patrol had no estimate for when the roads could reopen. Despite multiple attempts to move the container from the freeway, the weight of the truck's cargo proved too great for the equipment on site. Northbound I-15 near Baker remained closed for an "unknown duration" due to the hazardous materials and chemicals involved, which also impacted the area's air quality.
The fire released dangerous chemicals, including hydrogen cyanide, chlorine, and sulfur dioxide, all posing significant health hazards in high concentrations. This necessitated a cautious and prolonged cleanup process.
Federal Involvement and Community Impact
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the situation on social media, stating, "I am in touch with FHWA personnel responding to the I-40 backup and I-15 closure in Nevada. Crews are onsite to provide water and fuel for drivers."
Leffel pointed out the broader implications of the incident, emphasizing the region's heavy reliance on private transportation and the urgent need for alternative options, such as a high-speed rail system between states. "It’s a risk. We wouldn’t be so vulnerable to having something as small as an accident completely stop travel. It’s scary," he said. "Let this historic traffic jam be the response to all the criticism of the LA to Las Vegas high-speed rail."
Conclusion
The resolution of the I-15 closure brought relief to countless stranded travelers, but it also underscored significant issues in regional transportation infrastructure. The incident has sparked renewed discussions on the necessity of diversified transportation options to mitigate the impact of such disruptions in the future. As the region recovers from the chaos, the conversation around implementing a high-speed rail system between Los Angeles and Las Vegas gains new urgency and support.
😋 Las Vegas Celebrates Paris 2024 Olympics with Special Culinary Offerings
While Paris prepares to host the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Las Vegas is joining the celebration with a variety of Olympic-themed food and drink offerings from July 26 through August 11. Here's a roundup of where to find these special treats:
Paris Las Vegas
Vanderpump à Paris is highlighting three cocktails that pay tribute to iconic Paris landmarks:
Louvre at First Sight: A mezcal-based cocktail served inside a glass pyramid ($26.95).
Eiffel Tower: A large-format drink featuring 12 signature shots ($129.95).
LoveLocked: A gin cocktail for two, served with a padlock and key ($49.95).
Aria
Bardot Brasserie is offering the Parisian Games Collins, a mix of Grey Goose Vodka, vanilla simple syrup, lemon juice, muddled strawberry, and Fever-Tree Club Soda ($20).
Planet Hollywood
Cabo Wabo Cantina in the Miracle Mile Shops is offering mix-and-match beer buckets with Heineken, Heineken Light, Dos Equis, Dos Equis Amber, and Tecate ($25).
Plaza Hotel & Casino
Carousel Bar features the Paris Martini made with vodka, Chambord, and lemon juice ($14).
Four Seasons Hotel
Press Lounge is presenting several special offerings:
Bottle of Lallier Champagne ($248).
Champ de Baies Royale: A cocktail with Lallier Champagne, crème de cassis, and fresh berries ($50).
Champion’s Elixir: A blend of Uncle Nearest Rye Whiskey, Hennessy VS Cognac, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, and Bénédictine ($27).
Citrus Olympiad: Made with Courvoisier VS Cognac, Aperol, lemon juice, strawberry, pomegranate, and mint ($25).
Veranda Restaurant offers dinner specials:
Salade Landaise ($32)
Sockeye Salmon Tartare ($36)
Pan-Seared Diver Scallops ($42)
Pan-Roasted Muscovy Duck ($45)
All desserts ($15)
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
LPM Restaurant & Bar presents a signature cheesecake topped with berry compote and glazed Olympic rings ($16).
PTs Tavern Locations
The special menu includes:
Wings with fries and a Jameson shot or cocktail ($15).
Gilroy & Gold Fever pizzas ($16).
Firestone Walker 805 pints ($6).
Patrón and Red Bull Watermelon margaritas ($10).
Cali Squeeze Blood Orange cans ($5).
High Noon cans ($4).
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
The Tavern offers:
The Games cocktail: Botanist Gin, Powerade Blue, lemonade, and soda water ($21).
Going for Gold cocktail: Hennessy VS Cognac, Fireball, Core Power Vanilla, Coca-Cola, and gold dust ($21).
Ribeye French Dip sandwich ($30).
These offerings allow residents and visitors in Las Vegas to join in the Olympic spirit with a variety of special food and drinks inspired by the Paris 2024 Games. Whether it's a cocktail inspired by Paris landmarks or a themed dish, there's something for everyone to enjoy while celebrating this global event.
🏎 Inside LVCVA’s $4 Million Grand Prix Ticket Spend for Executives and Celebrities
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) invested more than $4 million of taxpayer money on tickets for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, distributing these valuable passes to various executives, authority staff, and celebrities. The event, held over four days in November, featured tickets worth thousands of dollars each, providing access to prime viewing areas such as the LVCVA’s Skybox suite.
Allocation of Tickets
According to data obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal through a public records request, attendees received between one and five tickets each for the Skybox suite, which offered an exceptional view of the start-finish line directly across from the Formula One pit building. The suite could accommodate up to 500 attendees per night. Additionally, some individuals received $15,000 tickets to the Paddock spectator area, while others received $2,500 grandstand tickets.
The LVCVA distributed these tickets based on whether the recipients were customers of the LVCVA or Las Vegas, staff members, or individuals in sales and marketing positions.
Distribution to LVCVA Staff
Thirty-one LVCVA staff members received tickets to the Skybox suite for various nights, including top executives like CEO and President Steve Hill and Chief Operating Officer Brian Yost, as well as lower-level staff such as an intern who attended the opening night ceremony on November 15. Hill, along with LVCVA Vice President of Business Sales John Schreiber and National Sales Manager Jim McMichael, also received Paddock tickets for one night each.
Most staff recipients held marketing, sales, or event manager positions. On the race night of November 18, 26 staff members attended, hosting 420 customers from their respective departments.
Purpose of the Event
“The business purpose of these sales and marketing employees was to retain current customers and clients, as well as attract new customers and business to Las Vegas,” explained LVCVA spokeswoman Molly Castano.
The breakdown of attendees included:
Four building sales employees hosting 106 Las Vegas Convention Center customers.
Ten destination sales employees hosting 183 destination group customers.
Seven marketing employees hosting 94 leisure, international, and airline customers, as well as influencers and celebrities.
Two sports marketing employees hosting 37 sports customers.
Executive and Celebrity Attendance
Three LVCVA executives attended on race night: Hill for both Las Vegas Grand Prix and hosting responsibilities, Kate Wik for special guest/suite logistics and hosting responsibilities, and former senior vice president of communications Lori Nelson-Kraft for special guest/suite logistics.
Not included in the LVCVA’s ticket allotment were tickets provided to various Clark County commissioners, which were covered by the Las Vegas Grand Prix and not county funds.
Notable Recipients
The LVCVA also provided tickets to various sports executives, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff, and others from the NHL, NBA, MLS, and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Celebrities such as Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Kurt and Kyle Busch, Wayne Newton, Shin Lim, Giada De Laurentiis, and Kris Bryant were among the notable attendees.
Influencers sponsored by the LVCVA, including professional boxer Caleb Plant and social media personality Pierson Wodzynski, also received tickets. Additionally, executives from major trade shows and airlines were given tickets.
Financial Considerations
Last year, the LVCVA board of directors approved up to $7 million to purchase grand prix tickets for distribution. The tourism agency, which spends about $140 million annually on marketing Las Vegas, included this ticket purchase in its marketing budget. The LVCVA also sold some tickets to resort partners, potentially netting the agency up to $2.8 million.
Conclusion
The LVCVA’s substantial investment in Las Vegas Grand Prix tickets underscores its commitment to leveraging high-profile events for marketing and customer relations. By hosting key clients, influencers, and celebrities, the agency aims to boost Las Vegas's profile as a premier destination, despite the significant costs involved.
❎ FBI Investigates Assassination Attempt on Trump: Interview Scheduled with Former President
Former President Donald Trump has agreed to be interviewed by the FBI as part of the investigation into the attempted assassination that occurred in Pennsylvania earlier this month, according to a special agent’s statement on Monday. The FBI disclosed details about the gunman, revealing his prior research into mass attacks and explosive devices.
Background of the Incident
The interview with Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, follows FBI protocol to speak with victims during criminal investigations. Trump was struck by a bullet or a fragment during the assassination attempt on July 13 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“We want to get his perspective on what he observed,” stated Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. “It is a standard victim interview like we would do for any other victim of crime, under any other circumstances.”
Profile of the Gunman
Through approximately 450 interviews, the FBI has constructed a profile of the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks is described as a “highly intelligent” but reclusive 20-year-old, whose primary social interactions were with his family, maintaining few friends or acquaintances throughout his life. The FBI has not determined a clear motive for targeting Trump, but evidence suggests that the shooting was the result of extensive planning.
Investigation Findings
Investigators believe Crooks had been preparing for the attack for months, including purchasing chemical precursors for explosive devices found in his car and home. Additionally, Crooks used a drone to survey the rally site hours before the event. Rojek revealed that Crooks researched mass shootings, improvised explosive devices, and other high-profile assassination attempts, including the May attempt on Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.
On July 6, the day Crooks registered to attend the Trump rally, he searched online for “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?” referring to Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin of President John F. Kennedy.
Cooperation from the Gunman’s Family
Crooks’ parents have been "extremely cooperative" with the investigation, according to Rojek. They asserted they had no knowledge of their son’s plans, and investigators currently have no reason to doubt their claims. The FBI noted that Crooks conducted much of his planning online, away from the eyes of his family.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI continues to delve into Crooks’ background and activities to uncover any further details about the planning and motives behind the assassination attempt. The interview with Trump will be a critical component of the investigation, providing firsthand insights into the events of that day.
Conclusion
The FBI’s thorough investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump highlights the complexity and extensive planning involved in the incident. As the investigation progresses, the insights from Trump’s interview and ongoing forensic analysis will be crucial in understanding the full scope of the threat and preventing future incidents.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: July 26, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌🏠 Summerlin South - June 2024
*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count
This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.
Visit here to see the entire report.
📌✅We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
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Until next time, John Wu.