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- 🏎 Formula 1 Unveils Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas With Interactive Attractions
🏎 Formula 1 Unveils Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas With Interactive Attractions
Issue #451 - March 2 2025
John Wu
02 Mar
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
🚀Exciting News Ahead & We Need Your Support!🌟
Hello, amazing subscribers! We're gearing up for some thrilling developments and can't wait to share them with you! But here's the thing – we need a little boost from our most valued members: You! 🙌
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Funeral Advantage Plan
There’s a new low cost final expense insurance plan available for seniors between 50-85. This plan can cover all of your final expenses:
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📆 Weekly Local Events for March 2025
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
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: 7PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
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)
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
🏎 Formula 1 Unveils Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas With Interactive Attractions
Formula One fans will soon have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of F1 with the opening of Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas. The 39-acre venue, home to the Las Vegas Grand Prix pit building, will open to the public on March 29, offering visitors three interactive attractions: F1 X, F1 Drive, and F1 Hub.
Located at 4400 Koval Lane, near Harmon Avenue, the plaza will be open daily, with extended hours on weekends. It will operate until late summer before temporarily closing to prepare for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix. A reopening date following the race will be announced at a later time.
The venue will also feature private event spaces, including the Turn 1 Lounge, Cool Down Room, and GPP Garage, available for year-round rental. Ticket prices for the attractions start at $26.50, with discounts available for local residents. Visitors can purchase tickets online at grandprixplaza.com or on-site.
F1 X: A 4D Interactive Racing Experience
F1 X is a tech-focused interactive exhibit designed to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Formula 1. The attraction is divided into three sections:
Learn: This portion includes a holographic exhibit, Becoming F1, which provides insight into the teamwork behind an F1 team. Fans can explore the history of the sport, view classic F1 cars, and examine key artifacts from 75 years of Formula 1.
Create: Visitors can build their own F1 team and car, selecting colors, team names, and logos before integrating them into an F1 simulator to test their performance on the track.
Experience: Guests can take part in hands-on racing challenges, including the Pit Wall Challenge, where they decide on pit stop strategies, and the Pit Stop Duel, which tests how quickly they can change a tire. The highlight is a 4D driving simulator where fans can race on a virtual Las Vegas Strip Circuit, complete with immersive visuals, sound effects, and even the scent of burning rubber.
F1 X is open to all ages, with tickets priced at $59 for locals and $79 for visitors.
F1 Drive: A Real Racing Experience
F1 Drive offers fans the thrill of kart racing on a 1,650-foot track designed to mimic the real-life Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. The experience begins inside the pit building, where drivers will compete in F1-inspired karts equipped with advanced technology, including:
31 turns and neon-lit straightaways
Realistic engine sounds from past F1 races
Live team radio updates, lap insights, and overtaking strategies
Drag Reduction System (DRS) and Energy Recovery System (ERS) controls
LED steering display with real-time performance data
After the race, drivers can celebrate their results on a winner’s podium, complete with a photo opportunity.
F1 Drive is open to guests 12 and older, with tickets starting at $30 for locals and $37 for visitors.
F1 Hub: Dining, Sim Racing, and Merchandise
F1 Hub serves as the entertainment and retail center of Grand Prix Plaza, featuring:
F1 Sim: A state-of-the-art racing simulator that allows fans to experience the precision and thrill of driving an F1 car. Tickets start at $26.50 for adults.
F1 Store: A flagship retail shop designed like an F1 garage, selling official F1 merchandise and exclusive Las Vegas Grand Prix collectibles. Local residents receive a 10% discount.
Fuel & Fork: A dining area offering casual food options such as pizza, burgers, and desserts, along with premium beverages and cocktails. Guests can enjoy their meals while watching iconic F1 race moments on large screens.
F1 Hub is free and open to guests of all ages.
A New Destination for F1 Fans
Grand Prix Plaza aims to grow Formula 1’s fan base in North America by providing immersive experiences that bring fans closer to the sport. Whether through 4D simulations, kart racing, or interactive exhibits, the venue offers an up-close look at the technology, strategy, and excitement behind F1 racing.
With discounted pricing for locals and a wide range of attractions, Grand Prix Plaza is set to become a premier motorsports destination in Las Vegas.
🏈 Raiders Leave NFL Combine Without a Quarterback, Explore New Options
The Raiders will not be leaving the NFL Scouting Combine with a new quarterback. Despite coming close to landing veteran Matthew Stafford, even reaching an agreement on a two-year, $90 million contract, the team ultimately failed to strike a trade deal with the Rams. Los Angeles opted to keep Stafford, signing him to a new contract.
This leaves the Raiders still searching for a quarterback as they weigh their next move. Throughout their time at the Combine in Indianapolis, Raiders coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Spytek, and the front office gained valuable insight into free agency and the draft market, setting the stage for critical decisions in the coming weeks.
Raiders Exploring Veteran Quarterback Options
The failed pursuit of Stafford signals the Raiders' intent to win now. As a result, they are expected to continue exploring veteran quarterbacks who could provide immediate stability.
One of the most realistic options is Sam Darnold. Both Carroll and Spytek have experience working with quarterbacks who have undergone career resurgences. Carroll revitalized Geno Smith’s career in Seattle, while Spytek was part of the Buccaneers' front office when Baker Mayfield led Tampa Bay to the playoffs. Darnold, who showed signs of improvement with the Vikings last season, could be the next quarterback to benefit from a fresh start.
However, Darnold's inconsistencies remain a concern. While he helped Minnesota to a 14-3 record, his poor performances in critical games against the Lions and Rams raise doubts about his long-term viability.
Industry insiders suggest that Darnold’s contract value could fall in the range of three years, $75 million, with around $40 million guaranteed—similar to Geno Smith’s deal with the Seahawks. If the Raiders sign him under those terms, they would gain a short-term solution while maintaining the flexibility to move on if needed.
Beyond Darnold, other veteran options include Justin Fields, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Russell Wilson. Each of these quarterbacks comes with challenges, whether due to age, injury history, or recent performance issues.
Evaluating Quarterback Prospects in the Draft
The NFL Combine also gave the Raiders a clearer picture of the upcoming draft class. Two of the biggest storylines in Indianapolis revolved around the rising stock of Cam Ward and the declining stock of Shedeur Sanders.
While neither quarterback participated in on-field drills, the movement in their perceived value could be part of a strategic effort by teams looking to position themselves for the draft.
For the Raiders, a potential drop in Sanders' stock could work in their favor. Holding the sixth overall pick, Las Vegas must determine whether it will need to trade up to secure the Colorado star or whether he might fall to them naturally.
Meanwhile, the team remains intrigued by Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. Despite an uneven final college season, Milroe possesses elite arm strength and athleticism, making him one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the draft. Some NFL executives believe his weaknesses are correctable and that he could be worth a second- or third-round selection. Many see him as a natural fit in a Chip Kelly-style offense, though he may need time to develop before taking over as a starter.
Decisions Loom on In-House Free Agents
Carroll has expressed confidence in the foundation of the Raiders’ roster, but key players are set to hit free agency.
The list of pending free agents includes critical defensive contributors like safety Tre’von Moehrig, linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Nate Hobbs, and defensive end Malcolm Koonce. Carroll has emphasized the importance of retaining some of these players, but financial constraints will force tough decisions.
The Raiders currently have the second-most salary cap space in the NFL at $93.2 million, but a significant portion could be allocated to a new quarterback and a potential contract extension for defensive star Maxx Crosby.
Spytek and Carroll used the week in Indianapolis to finalize their in-house free agency plan. With Moehrig and Spillane generating interest on the open market, the team must decide how to allocate its resources among its 18 unrestricted free agents.
The front office is in deep discussions with Carroll and his staff to ensure alignment between coaching needs and financial feasibility. Over the next two and a half weeks, the Raiders will finalize their strategy to keep key players while making necessary roster additions.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
With the Stafford deal off the table, the Raiders are entering a crucial stretch. Free agency and the draft will determine whether they find a veteran quarterback, invest in a rookie, or implement a combination of both approaches.
The team’s leadership is committed to making the best possible decisions to position the Raiders for immediate success while maintaining long-term flexibility. The coming weeks will reveal whether they can land the right quarterback and retain enough key players to remain competitive in 2025.
🎰 Apollo’s $6.3B Acquisition of IGT and Everi Moves Forward, Future Plans Remain Unclear
Apollo Global Management’s $6.3 billion acquisition of IGT and Everi Holdings remains on track, but there are still no clear details about how the newly restructured, Las Vegas-based IGT will operate once the deal is finalized.
Executives from IGT, the London-based slot machine and lottery giant, addressed the pending acquisition on Tuesday, reiterating that the deal is expected to close by the third quarter of 2025. Once completed, Apollo will take control of IGT’s gaming and digital business, turning it into a privately held subsidiary headquartered in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the existing IGT company will be rebranded, shifting its focus entirely to its global lottery operations, which span over 100 jurisdictions worldwide.
IGT CEO Vince Sadusky emphasized that the Apollo acquisition would generate more than $4 billion in gross cash proceeds, significantly improving the company’s financial position and shareholder value.
While the deal continues to progress, Apollo made no mention of the acquisition in its February 4 fourth-quarter earnings call with investors. Additionally, local IGT representatives had no new information to share regarding the transition.
Regulatory Approvals Still Pending
Before the acquisition can be finalized, the deal must go through regulatory reviews and gain approval from Nevada gaming authorities and other relevant agencies. So far, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has not provided any timeline for when these approvals may be completed.
The agreement between Apollo, IGT, and Everi Holdings was announced in July 2024, just five months after IGT had initially planned to acquire Everi for $6.2 billion. When Apollo stepped in with its larger acquisition bid, IGT and Everi canceled their previous agreement and proceeded with Apollo’s offer instead.
IGT’s Legacy and Future in Las Vegas
Both IGT and Everi have long maintained manufacturing operations in Las Vegas, while IGT’s slot machine business has deep roots in Reno, dating back to its founding by William “Si” Redd in 1975. The company rebranded as International Game Technology in 1981, later streamlining its name to IGT.
IGT has been a pioneer in the slot machine industry, best known for developing the Wheel of Fortune-themed slots, which have become some of the most popular and lucrative games in casino history.
Despite the ongoing transition, company executives have not disclosed any plans regarding potential workforce changes—whether jobs will be maintained, expanded, or reduced after the deal is complete.
Market Outlook
While the restructuring brings uncertainty about the future direction of IGT’s gaming division, most industry analysts have maintained their investment ratings on the company, indicating confidence in its long-term stability.
With Apollo already operating The Venetian and Palazzo on the Las Vegas Strip, its acquisition of IGT and Everi Holdings signals a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the gaming industry, both in casino operations and gaming technology development.
For now, the industry awaits regulatory decisions and further announcements about how the new Las Vegas-based IGT will take shape under Apollo’s leadership.
House Republicans are moving forward with their efforts to finalize a government spending package while simultaneously working to integrate and codify the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a controversial initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk aimed at eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending. According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Congress will take several weeks or more to evaluate Musk’s findings before enacting legislative measures to support his efforts.
Musk’s Sweeping Review of Government Spending
The DOGE initiative, launched in partnership with President Donald Trump’s administration, has been using advanced data analysis and AI-driven algorithms to scan federal expenditures and identify areas where taxpayer money is being wasted. Johnson claims Musk's findings suggest that as much as $1 trillion in unnecessary spending could be eliminated.
Johnson has credited Musk with uncovering massive inefficiencies that have eluded previous congressional oversight efforts. He stated that Musk’s unique access to government data and technological expertise has allowed him to "crack the code" on excessive spending, revealing mismanagement that lawmakers had been unable to detect for decades.
According to Johnson, Musk’s approach relies on AI-driven financial audits that constantly analyze federal transactions to pinpoint wasteful or redundant programs. The House Speaker has reviewed specific examples of egregious abuses and believes that, once the findings are fully vetted, Congress will have the necessary framework to make historic changes in how the government manages its budget.
Political Pushback and Calls for Oversight
While Republicans and fiscal conservatives have largely supported Musk’s initiative, many Democrats and critics have expressed concerns about the lack of formal oversight in the process. Opponents argue that Musk—despite his success in the private sector—should not have unilateral influence over government budget decisions without proper congressional review.
Some lawmakers worry that the initiative could lead to reckless budget cuts that eliminate critical programs affecting healthcare, education, and social services. Others have raised alarms about potential conflicts of interest, as Musk has significant business ties to government contracts through SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company.
Johnson, however, insists that essential programs will remain protected. He emphasized that the cuts would only target waste and inefficiencies, not programs that provide necessary services to Americans.
USAID Spending Review and Broader Implications
One of the first major agencies under scrutiny is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Johnson cited Musk’s findings that billions of taxpayer dollars were being misused in foreign aid programs that lacked proper oversight.
Under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a line-by-line review of USAID spending is underway. Johnson stated that while some programs are being cut, others—especially those aimed at countering Chinese aggression globally—are being granted waivers to continue operations.
This model of targeted auditing and selective funding is expected to be replicated across all federal agencies, signaling a sweeping realignment of government spending priorities.
A New Approach to Federal Budgeting
Johnson acknowledged that mistakes may occur in such an unprecedented effort, but stressed that they would be quickly corrected. The ultimate goal, he said, is to create a leaner, more efficient government that eliminates unnecessary expenditures while maintaining essential services.
While Trump and Musk’s vision for government efficiency is already in motion, the final impact remains unclear. If Johnson and House Republicans can successfully codify DOGE’s findings into law, it could lead to one of the largest budget overhauls in U.S. history. However, if opposition forces manage to slow the initiative or demand greater oversight, the reforms could face significant delays.
For now, all eyes are on the coming weeks of congressional debate, as lawmakers determine whether Musk’s initiative will become a cornerstone of the federal budget process or remain a controversial experiment in AI-driven government accountability.
🤖 New Report Highlights Growing Threats in Code Security and Cloud Pipelines
The 2025 State of Code Security Report highlights key risks and trends in code and cloud security, analyzing data from a vast number of repositories across various platforms. The findings reveal critical security challenges that organizations face in managing their code and infrastructure.
Key Findings:
Public Repository Exposure: Around 35% of repositories are publicly accessible, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and potential exploitation of sensitive data.
Secrets Leakage: A significant 61% of organizations have exposed confidential data, such as cloud credentials, in public repositories. This practice violates security best practices and opens the door to breaches.
Vulnerabilities in Self-Hosted Runners: The use of self-hosted runners, particularly those that are non-ephemeral, poses major security risks. 35% of enterprises are susceptible to attacks that allow lateral movement across repositories, increasing the threat of supply chain compromises.
Insecure GitHub App Permissions: Many GitHub Apps have overly permissive access rights, including the ability to modify code, creating an entry point for unauthorized changes and potential exploits.
Conclusions:
The report stresses the importance of a comprehensive security approach that considers all aspects of an organization's digital environment. Security vulnerabilities extend beyond code repositories to deployment pipelines and cloud infrastructures, creating multiple attack surfaces.
To mitigate these risks, organizations must adopt proactive security strategies that integrate code security, pipeline protection, and cloud security practices into a unified defense system. By doing so, companies can strengthen their security posture and stay ahead of emerging threats.
For a deeper understanding of these security challenges and recommended solutions, reviewing the full report is advised.
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 South - February 2025
*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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We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "SummerSouth Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Summerlin South together!
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Until next time, John Wu.