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- 🚗 Vegas Loop Expands Tunneling as Boring Co. Eyes Autonomous Driving by Year-End
🚗 Vegas Loop Expands Tunneling as Boring Co. Eyes Autonomous Driving by Year-End
Issue #264 - August 27, 2024
John Wu
27 Aug
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
🚀Exciting News Ahead & We Need Your Support!🌟
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📆 Weekly Local Events for August 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to 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
🚗 Vegas Loop Expands Tunneling as Boring Co. Eyes Autonomous Driving by Year-End
The Boring Company’s Vegas Loop is making significant strides in its tunneling operations, with plans to introduce autonomous driving features in the system by the end of this year.
Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, recently shared that the early stages of autonomous driving will be implemented in the Tesla vehicles used within the Vegas Loop. "Hopefully, this will get started just lightly, using a driver assistance tool by the end of this year," Hill stated.
However, there is no set timeline for when full autonomy will be achieved, as the Boring Company continues expanding the Vegas Loop beyond the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Upcoming Stations Near Completion
The next phase of the Vegas Loop's expansion is nearing completion with the Westgate station, located just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center, awaiting final approval. "It will be open very soon," Hill said. Although the exact date is not confirmed, the station’s opening is expected in the near future.
Meanwhile, one of the Boring Company's tunneling machines, named Prufrock, is currently digging from the convention center’s central hall towards the Encore. The tunnel will first reach the convention center’s Silver Lot before crossing Desert Inn Road to create a second tunnel leading to Encore. Hill mentioned that this portion of the project is expected to be completed within the next few months, though a precise opening date has yet to be determined.
University Center Loop Progress
Tunneling is also underway from a lot acquired by the Boring Company last year, located between Paradise Road and University Center Drive, near UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. This line will connect Virgin Hotels Las Vegas to the convention center. Crews reached Virgin Hotels in May and have since continued boring towards the convention center.
Hill reported, "It's going well. We have connected into the Virgin hotel there, in front of the porte cochere." The tunneling work is visible at 4300 Paradise Road, near the Embassy Suites. The Boring Company is set to recover one of the machines from this location and relaunch it, while another machine continues to advance along Paradise Road.
Although there is no definitive timeline for when the University Center portion of the loop will become operational, Hill noted that it will be particularly useful for those traveling to and from Formula One’s Grand Prix Plaza during future Las Vegas Grand Prix races. This station near UNLV could also serve as a potential connection point for passengers traveling to Harry Reid International Airport. Tesla vehicles may surface at the station, continue down Paradise Road to the airport for drop-offs and pick-ups, and then return to the station, allowing riders to proceed to Virgin Hotels and the convention center.
Full Buildout and Future Plans
Currently, the Vegas Loop operates between three stations across the Las Vegas Convention Center campus and an offshoot to Resorts World. The full buildout of the system envisions 93 stations spread across 68 miles of tunnels, covering significant portions of the Las Vegas Strip, downtown Las Vegas, and neighboring areas.
The Vegas Loop utilizes Tesla vehicles, providing point-to-point transportation between stations through the underground tunnel system. While there is no specific timeline for the completion of the entire Vegas Loop project, progress continues as the Boring Company expands its operations and prepares for the future implementation of autonomous driving within the system.
🏈 Raiders' Final 53-Man Roster Prediction: Tough Decisions Ahead
As the Las Vegas Raiders approach the deadline to trim their roster from 90 players to the NFL limit of 53 by 1 p.m. Tuesday, the coaching staff faces several tough decisions. With a new NFL rule allowing two players to be placed on injured reserve before the deadline while still being eligible to return during the season, the Raiders have some added flexibility. This could be crucial as promising rookies Tommy Eichenberg and Trey Taylor might not be ready for the team’s September 8 opener against the Chargers.
Here’s a final prediction for the Raiders’ initial 53-man roster:
Quarterback (2)
Starter: Gardner Minshew
Reserve: Aidan O’Connell
Missed the cut: Carter Bradley, Nathan Peterman
Breakdown: The Raiders may opt to keep only two quarterbacks to allow for additional depth at other positions. Bradley and Peterman could be candidates for the practice squad.
Running Back (4)
Starter: Zamir White
Reserves: Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, Dylan Laube
Missed the cut: Brittain Brown, Sincere McCormick
Breakdown: Laube’s strong start in training camp earned him a roster spot, though he may not see much action early in the season. He could contribute more as the year progresses.
Wide Receiver (6)
Starters: Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker
Reserves: Kristian Wilkerson, DJ Turner, Tyreik McAllister
Missed the cut: Alex Bachman, Ramel Keyton, Tulu Griffin, Jeff Foreman, Jalen Guyton, Terrell Bynum, Keelan Doss, Dax Milne
Breakdown: McAllister’s impressive preseason performance, including an 81-yard punt return touchdown, likely secured him a spot over Jalen Guyton, who could return to the practice squad.
Tight End (4)
Starter: Michael Mayer
Reserves: Brock Bowers, Harrison Bryant, Cole Fotheringham
Missed the cut: Zach Gentry, John Samuel Shenker
Breakdown: The Raiders may keep a fourth tight end given their plans to use heavier formations under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
Offensive Line (9)
Starters: LT Kolton Miller, LG Jackson Powers-Johnson, C Andre James, RG Dylan Parham, RT Thayer Munford Jr.
Reserves: G Cody Whitehair, OT DJ Glaze, OT Andrus Peat, G Jordan Meredith
Missed the cut: G Ben Brown, OT Jalen McKenzie, OT Dalton Wagner, OT Andrew Coker, G Clark Barrington, G Jake Johanning, C Will Putnam, OL Corey Luciano.
Breakdown: Powers-Johnson must prove he’s ready to start after missing most of training camp. The Raiders have solid depth with Whitehair, Peat, and Meredith providing versatility across the line.
Edge Rushers (5)
Starters: Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce
Reserves: Tyree Wilson, Janarius Robinson, Charles Snowden
Missed the cut: Elerson Smith, David Agoha, Ron Stone Jr., TJ Franklin
Breakdown: Wilson hasn’t progressed as expected, but the Raiders will rely on him and Robinson for rotational roles. Snowden’s strong camp likely earned him a roster spot.
Interior Defensive Line (5)
Starters: Christian Wilkins, John Jenkins
Reserves: Adam Butler, Matthew Butler, Nesta Jade Silvera
Missed the cut: Marquan McCall, Noah Shannon, Tomari Fox, Byron Young
Breakdown: The surprise here is cutting Young, a third-round pick from 2023, after an underwhelming camp. The Raiders might seek outside help if they’re unsure about their depth.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo
Reserves: Luke Masterson, Amari Gainer, Amari Burney, Tommy Eichenberg (IR)
Missed the cut: DaShaun White, Kana’i Mauga, Jackson Mitchell
Breakdown: Gainer’s strong preseason finale likely secured his spot, while Eichenberg could start the season on IR, allowing the Raiders to keep an extra player temporarily.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Jack Jones, Jakorian Bennett, Nate Hobbs
Reserves: Brandon Facyson, Decamerion Richardson, M.J. Devonshire
Missed the cut: Sam Webb, Cornell Armstrong, Ja’Quan Sheppard, Rayshad Williams, Woo Governor
Breakdown: Facyson’s health remains a question mark. The Raiders must decide whether to place him on IR, keep him on the roster, or part ways. Governor was cut on Monday.
Safety (4)
Starters: Tre’von Moehrig, Marcus Epps
Reserves: Isaiah Pola-Mao, Chris Smith, Trey Taylor (IR)
Missed the cut: Jaydon Grant, Phalen Sanford
Breakdown: The Raiders have a solid group at safety. Taylor may start the season on IR but could return later, allowing the team to keep extra depth elsewhere.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Daniel Carlson
Punter: AJ Cole
Long Snapper: Jacob Bobenmoyer
As the Raiders finalize their roster, these predictions reflect the tough choices ahead as they prepare for the upcoming season.
❎ Harris and Trump Debate Preparations Marred by Dispute Over Microphone Muting
As the high-stakes debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on September 10 approaches, their campaigns are clashing over whether microphones should be muted when a candidate isn’t speaking. While such pre-debate negotiations are common, both candidates are under intense pressure to perform well, especially after President Joe Biden’s exit from the race following the first debate of the campaign.
The controversy over microphone muting isn’t new. Both Trump and Biden agreed to this condition in their June debate hosted by CNN, where microphones were muted when it wasn’t a candidate’s turn to speak. This measure was initially introduced to curb interruptions and keep the debate more orderly. However, Biden’s campaign has expressed regret over the decision, feeling it may have shielded Trump’s outbursts and contributed to Biden’s poor performance.
Harris’s campaign, led by spokesman Brian Fallon, is pushing for live microphones throughout the debate, arguing that Trump’s team favors muting because they don’t trust him to maintain a presidential demeanor for 90 minutes. “Trump’s handlers prefer the muted microphone because they don’t think their candidate can act presidential for 90 minutes on his own,” Fallon said, adding that Harris is prepared to handle Trump’s interruptions in real-time.
In response, Trump’s spokesman, Jason Miller, emphasized that Trump agreed to the same debate terms as the CNN debate and accused Harris’s team of seeking additional concessions, such as allowing notes and a seated debate format. Miller dismissed these requests, suggesting they were attempts to give Harris an unfair advantage.
Trump, speaking about the debate rules, expressed a preference for unmuted microphones but noted that the previous setup “worked out fine” and that he’s prepared for the upcoming debate under the agreed rules.
This year’s debates are being organized individually by host networks rather than by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which has added complexity to the negotiations. Historically, both candidates’ microphones have been live throughout debates, but the decision to mute microphones during portions of the 2020 debates was praised for producing a more substantive discussion. Whether this practice will continue or change for the Harris-Trump debate remains a point of contention.
🏢 Labor Day 2024: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and Travel Insights
For many Americans, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, bringing cooler weather and the conclusion of the season’s festivities. In 2024, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2, providing an extended weekend for families and friends to gather at barbecues, beaches, and other outdoor events.
What’s Open on Labor Day?
Despite being a major public holiday, most businesses remain open, offering plenty of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Retail Chains
Labor Day coincides with back-to-school season, so major retailers like Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s are expected to be open, often featuring special sales on school supplies and other items.
Grocery Stores
Large grocery chains such as Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s will operate on their usual schedules, ensuring you can pick up last-minute essentials for your holiday gatherings.
Fast-Food and Convenience Stores
Fast-food restaurants including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Starbucks, Subway, and Popeyes will be open, as will convenience stores like 7-Eleven. CVS stores will also be open, though pharmacy services may be unavailable.
Movie Theaters
Movie theaters, including AMC, Regal, Cinemark, and Alamo Drafthouse, will be open, offering a chance to catch up on summer blockbusters.
National Parks
For those seeking outdoor activities, national parks will remain open, providing a great opportunity to enjoy nature.
Small and Local Businesses
The status of small and local businesses may vary. It's best to check directly with your local retailers and service providers for their Labor Day hours.
What’s Closed on Labor Day?
While many businesses remain open, several important institutions will be closed:
Financial Markets: The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and other financial markets will be closed.
Banks and Government Offices: Most banks and government offices, including the U.S. Postal Service, will not operate, and there will be no mail delivery.
Public Libraries: Libraries will be closed, with many closing for the entire weekend.
Delivery Services: UPS and FedEx will not ship on Labor Day, though some locations may offer limited services. Amazon will continue to deliver select items.
Costco: The retail giant Costco will be closed, as is customary for major holidays.
The History of Labor Day
Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September in the U.S., has its roots in the late 19th century when the labor movement was gaining momentum. As workers shifted from agricultural to industrial jobs, they began advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable hours.
The first Labor Day parade was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union. Two years later, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making Labor Day a national holiday. The holiday honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement's achievements, such as the 8-hour workday and the prohibition of child labor.
Today, New York City continues to celebrate with a Labor Day parade, though it typically takes place on the Saturday following the holiday. In 2024, the parade is scheduled for September 7.
Labor Day Travel: Insights from AAA
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), many Americans will take to the roads for one last summer trip over the Labor Day weekend. Whether heading to beaches, mountains, or urban destinations, travel is expected to be heavy, especially on Thursday and Friday afternoons before the holiday and on Sunday and Monday as travelers return home.
Top 5 U.S. Labor Day Destinations:
Seattle
Orlando
Anchorage
New York
Boston
Top 5 International Destinations:
Vancouver
Rome
London
Paris
Dublin
AAA also reports that gas prices are expected to be lower than last year, with the national average around $3.50 per gallon, compared to $3.81 during Labor Day weekend in 2023. This could make road trips a more attractive option for many travelers.
Final Thoughts
Labor Day 2024 offers a chance to celebrate the end of summer with family and friends, whether through outdoor activities, shopping, or travel. While some businesses and services will be closed, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the extended weekend.
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: August 23, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - July 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.