Las Vegas News

Pride Month:

Throughout the month of June, all coins tossed into the fountain in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will be donated to

Last Day for Current Poll:

Our latest Reader Poll surveying your choice for the best shopping in Las Vegas closes at midnight tonight; will LVA readers pick the same choice as USA Today's panel of Vegas experts, or do you know something they don't?

Caveman Celebration:

Kevin Burke, star of long-running comedy hit Defending the Caveman, currently performing at Harrah's, is celebrating his 3,000th performance on June 7 with a special $30 ticket offer for locals throughout the month of June. The deal also includes a buffet pass.

Casino for Chicago?:

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he's lobbying hard for state senators to sign off on a Chicago casino after the House voted for the measure on Monday. If succuessfully passed, the current bill would also pave the way for four other casinos, plus the introduction of slot machines to race tracks and Midway and O'Hare airports. Similar attempts in the past by other states to pass major gambling legislation have often been scuppered by votes from rival geographic regions and interest groups, however, comments today's Chicago Tribune.

Daredevils to B.A.S.E. Jump of MGM:

At 7:30 a.m. this Wednesday, June 1, Travis Pastrana, 17-time X Games medalist and current gold medalist in FMX, and "Nitro Circus" TV star and world-class extreme skier and B.A.S.E. jumper Erik Roner will B.A.S.E. jump from the Signature at the MGM Grand to celebrate the North American debut of Nitro Circus Live at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 4. The touring event is based on the MTV hit series "Nitro Circus," and is a fully choreographed production with displays in FMX, BMX, and skate, plus stunts launched off "crazy contraptions" and attempts to break world records.

Sands Bethlehem Expands:

A newe addition to the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Pennsylvania debuted over Memorial Day weekend, with the opening of 300-room Sands Hotel. It's the largest full service hotel in the Lehigh Valley and also features 16 Executive Suites and 6 Presidential Suites, an indoor pool, and room service from Chef Emeril Lagasse.

WSOP Underway:

Today sees the start of the 42nd annual World Series of Poker and the inaugural event is the Heads Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship, with a $25,000 buy-in and a maximum field of 256. The Main Event this year begins on July 7. Our newest gambling title, Annie Duke's Decide to Play Great Poker has been released to coincide with the 2011 WSOP and is available through June 20 for a publisher's exclusive discounted rate of $19.95 (reg. $34.95). If you're a poker enthusiast, be sure to take advantage of this limited duration offer. In fact, you don't even have to be a poker player to benefit from Duke's unique new approach, which teaches you how to be a great poker thinker, with lessons that extend into everyday life beyond the card room.

Margaritaville Casino:

Caesars Entertainment says it will add a Margaritaville-themed casino to the Flamingo. The $10 million 15,000-square-foot casino area will have 22 table games and 220 slots and occupy the space near the Margaritaville restaurant the was formerly Steakhouse 46. The opening is planned for October.

$1.3m Coast Giveaway:

This week Coast Casinos is launching "Winning Wednesdays," with $1.3 million up for grabs and top prizes of $50,000. One swipe per person after earning one point. See the B Connected players club booth for more details.

Concourse Renovations at McCarran:

As part of the ongoing $13 million renovations at McCarran International Airport, Gates C-1 through C-7 on the east side will open for the first time since last July tomorrow, May 31. Seven other gates, including C-8 through C-18 will then be taken out of operation as further upgrades are completed. In the meantime, many Southwest Airlines flights will depart from the B concourse, so passengers are encouraged to check which concourse their flight is leaving from.

Lennon Celebration Coming to Mirage:

In conjunction with the 5th anniversary of The Beatles LOVE by by Cirque du Soleil, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus will be at the Mirage for public tours and recording sessions June 6 – 11. Guests will be able to try out the latest in recording and video technology, including products from Avid, Epiphone, Apple, and others, plus the chance to win an Epiphone guitar signed by Yoko Ono. To enter, visit www.lennonbus.org/love.

Happy Memorial Day:

As always, South Point comes up big on this holiday, offering a free buffet for two for all active and retired military personnel (show military ID or DD214 at cashier). South Point is also awarding 5X points for slots and 2X points for video poker today. El Cortez is celebrating Memorial Day by serving free Whitecastle cheeseburgers to slot or table-game players from noon to 6 p.m. today.

Hangover Slots at Caesars:

Fans of the Hangover movie franchise, which just released a sequel, will have the chance to play the slot machine version this summer when Caesars Entertainment debuts the new IGT game at 37 casinos nationawide. The companies debuted the game publicly at a movie premiere last week for The Hangover Part II in Las Vegas. The slot features progressive bonuses themed after the first movie's funniest moments.

Packed House:

Las Vegas is overrun for the three-day weekend. Last year 311,000 people showed up for the weekend and this year looks like it's on track for more. Casinos are busy and roads are crowded, but chilly windy weather isn't helping the launch of pool season.

Year-Long Beer Fest:

Starting this October, Las Vegas will host the world’s only year-long beer festival. Located behind Bally's, the beer fest will apparently showcase 500 beers from 100 international brew masters, plus live bands, celebrity bartenders, and an above-ground pool and spa.

Downtown Fundraiser:

From 4-6 p.m. today Flightlinez zipline attraction at the Fremont Street Experience is hosting a fundraiser for various children's and veteran's charities, featuring band-members of the Dropkick Murphys, fans and participants of the Punk Rock Bowling events also taking place this weekend, and anyone else who wants to help. During the fundraiser the Flightlinez Zipline rides will be offered at the discounted rate of $15, with 100% of all proceeds being donated.

New Gazillionaire:

Absinthe, the much raved-about adult circus show in front of Caesars Palace, has a new MC. has a new Gazillionaire. Voki Kalfayan, the original Gazillionaire and creator of the character, has apparently left the burlesque carnival show after accepting a job with Cirque du Soleil. His role has now been taken Matt Morgan, while Kalfayan's offstage partner Anais Thomassian will continue in the role of Penny the puppeteer, reports Mike Weatherford in the R-J.

UFC Tonight:

In tonight's UFC main event, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is a -300 favorite over Matt Hammill. The Palms is holding a viewing party with a $25 admission charge. The Lift bar will air the fights for a $10 admission that can be recouped on food and drinks on a return visit.

Berlin at FSE:

Berlin plays a free concert at the Fremont Street Experience tonight at 9 pm. It's the first in a series hosted by former MTV V-J Nina Blackwood. Future concerts will feature Missing Persons, Colin Hay (Men at Work), Wang Chung, Loverboy, Toney Hadle (Sandau Ballet), and Howard Jones.

Food Truck Smash-Up:

From 5 p.m. this evening, Ellis Island's hosting a "smash-up" featuring five of the valley's top mobile eateries, live music, a Karaoke contest, craft beer, raffles, and a hot-dog eating contest.

Gold Spike Pool Party:

Downtown's renovated Gold Spike launches its season of free weekend pool parties today, with DJs fro 4-10 p.m. and live bands from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. There's also a bikini contest with a first-place prize of $500 cash, and evening BBQ, prizes, and giveaways.

UEFA Viewing Party:

Catch the UEFA Winner's Cup soccer finals at a free viewing party today in the Mirage's Terry Fator Theatre, when either Manchester United or Barcelona will take home their fourth championship. Doors open at 10:45 a.m.; the match kicks off at 11:45 a.m. Various pubs around town will also be airing the match, including the two Crown & Anchors.

Memorial Day Events:

Memorial Day Events: While this weekend has become synonymous with the official start of summer and is one of the biggest party weekends of the year in Las Vegas, a number of venues are remembering the true meaning behind the date, with various offers and celebrations remembering members of the armed forces who've given their life in the the line of duty, together with those who continue to serve their country. Here are some of the events we've heard about: Cravings at the Mirage's is offering a free buffet to active and retired military personnel today and tomorrow -- one buffet per ID only. In addition, Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is offering one free admission with the purchase of a full-price ticket. Springs Preserve is offering complimentary admission to active and retired members of the military on Monday, May 30. Stoney's on the Strip is waiving its cover for members of the military on Sunday. Palazzo is inviting guests to send words of encouragement to soldiers overseas while visiting the resort’s waterfall atrium and gardens, which have been decorated with more than 1,500 vibrant red, white, and blue blooms and will feature two digital kiosks for guests to write letters to deployed American soldiers stationed throughout the world now through July 4. The United Service Organizations Las Vegas center (USO LV) will distribute the letters to troops as they deploy, arrive home, and while currently overseas.

Led-Zep Tribute Band Postpones:

Tomorrow night's gig by Jason Bonham's Led-Zeppelin Experience show at Aliante Station has been postponed, as have other dates on their tour (including tonight's at LA's Green Theater) has been postponed as singer James Dylan has pneumonia. Jason Bonham is the son of legendary Led Zep drummer John Bonham, who died from drinking-related asphyxia when Jason was 14 years old. Tomorrow night's concert was to conclude the tribute band's N. American tour; the rescheduled date is Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, at 8 p.m. All tickets for tomorrow night’s performance will be honored on the Oct. 15 show date; those interested in a refund should contact the original point of purchase.

June LVA Live:

We just finished posting the June issue of our newsletter, which is now available for all LVA members to read. Highlights this month include evidence that casinos are actually getting looser, thoughts on how "Black Friday" will affect the 42nd WSOP, which is immiment, plus tips on a free wine & cheese play, a $200 freeroll, and a high-end lunch deal so good we included it in this month's Top Ten Values.

New Titles from Huntington Press:

It's been a busy few months, with lots of exciting new releases from our book-publishing wing. Whether your interest is in poker, advantage play, dining, the mob, or the darker side of Sin City, you'll find something to pique your interest at ShopLVA.com, where you can also take advantage of our exclusive publisher's special offers. Check it out!

Tropicana Transformation Complete:

Yesterday's much-anticipated debut of Nikki Beach at the Tropicana completed the 54-year-old Strip properties $180 million renovation, which also included renovating all the rooms and public spaces with a "South Beach" theme, new restaurants, and headliner Gladys Knight in the showroom.

Play Poker? Read This!:

The much-awaited new title from WSOP ToC winner and National Heads-Up Poker champ Annie Duke is now available for purchase at ShopLVA.com. What makes this different from every other poker book? For the first time, Decide to Play Great Poker teaches you how to become a great poker thinker, with lessons that apply well beyond the realms of the card room to life in general. "If this book doesn't improve your game, you aren't paying attention," says legendary player Doyle Brunson, and he should know. Available through June 14 at ShopLVA.com at an exclusive publisher's introductory price of just $19.95, this book really is a must-have addition to any poker player -- or thinker's -- library. For more information and an in-depth interview with author Annie Duke, check out the new edition of Vegas Seven magazine, where you'll also find publisher Anthony Curtis' latest column.

All-Stage Show Pass Upgraded:

Caesars Entertainment has added three more shows to its "All Stage Pass," including Absinthe at Caesars, Viper Vixens at O'Sheas, and Crown Comedy Jam at the Rio, meaning you can now see as many of up to 21 shows as you can in 48 hours for just $99 (plus tax and fees) with a Total Rewards card ($119 without, but the players club is free to join). All Stage Pass holders also receive preferred pricing of just $40 (plus tax) per ticket for premium shows, including Donny & Marie, Barry Manilow and Penn & Teller. The pass can be purchased at the Show Tickets Direct box office in front of Bally's, the Planet Hollywood box office, and the Crown box office at the Rio. For more info visit www.lventertainment.com.

Casino MonteLago Reopens:

Lake Las Vegas' Casino MonteLago, which has been closed for more than a year, reopens this evening, with ongoing celebrations through the weekend. The venue's due to open to the public at 9 p.m., following a VIP party and fireworks display over the lake.

MBay Buffet Pass:

Mandalay Bay's Bayside Buffet has upped the price of its all-day pass from $38 to $43 (previously the price on Sunday only). Brunch is also up by a buck, to $24.99.

Las Vegas This Weekend:

We cover the highlights of the pool and club scene in Spotlight on, so check that out for your guide to day/nightlife this weekend. That's only part of the picture this busy holiday weekend, however; here's the best of the rest. The Riviera welcomes Rich Little (5/25-6/5) and the Extreme Midget Wrestling Federation (5/27-5/29) Bill Cosby does stand up at TI (5/27) Chelsea Handler's at Caesars Palace (5/28) Ron White makes 'em laugh at the Mirage (5/28-5/29) The Gimme Shelter fundraiser features Skip Martin out at the Lake Las Vegas Resort (5/28) UFC 130: Rampage vs. Hamill takes place at the MGM Grand (5/28) Daniel Tosh takes the stage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center (5/29), while My Chemical Romance performs at the House of Blues (5/29) The Hard Rock Cafe welcomes Faith Evans (5/29) And it's the 13th annual Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival with bowling events at Sam's Town and live music at a number of venues in downtown (5/28-5/30) SOLD OUT Pools: The Red Rock 'n' Roll Friday Night concert series features The Barenaked Ladies (5/27) The Concerts on the Beach series at Mandalay Bay Beach kicks off with the Go-Gos (5/27) and Calle13 (5/29) The Beach Bunny supermodel finalist competition takes place at the Encore Beach Club (5/27) The Fire & Rain Bachelors will be hosting meet & greets at both the Las Vegas Hilton pool and Mandalay Bay Beach (5/27) RockStar Karaoke takes place at DayDream at the M Resort (5/28) Silverton's weekly "Bikinis, Bands & Burgers" party features Wailing Souls and For Twenty Daze (5/28) The Beatport Beach Party at TAO Beach features Dirty South (5/29) For a complete round-up of events, including all the celebrity hosts and big-name DJs in town this weekend, see Cool Pools and "Spotlight on..." (see above).

Bizarre Bazaar:

Contrary to the general sense over the past couple of years that Luxor was trying to "de-theme" itself (which is definitely tricky when you're a pyramid...), the property has just debuted a new Egyptian-themed shopping plaza. Located near the north valet entrance, Bazaar, The Marketplace, features more than a dozen stores, including several souvenir shops and a store selling discounted items from other MRI retail outlets, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

EC's 70th Birthday Celebrations:

The El Cortez is celebrating its 70th birthday this year with a series of events, starting tomorrow night with a wine walk at 7 p.m. and al fresco screeing of Bugsy on the Jackie Gaughan Parkway at 9 p.m. Admission to the wine walk is $20 per person and Lulu's On The Move food truck will be serving up munchies. Bugsy, starring Warren Beatty, was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and tells the story of the rise and fall of Bugsy Siegel, who once owned the El Cortez.

Plaza Update:

We've heard rumors that downtown's Plaza, the hotel portion of which (not to mention a chunk of the casino floor, too) has been undergoing a major remodel, is due to reopen in August. A call to the front desk confirmed that the property, which was the beneficiary of Fontainebleau's troubles, scoring a bunch of upscale furniture and fixtures on the cheap from the abandoned Strip property, is currently taking reservations starting Sept. 1.

LV Makes More Bad Lists:

Add to our unwelcome high ranking on lists such as the nation's most stupid, unemployed, foreclosed-on, and depressed states, the fact that Las Vegas has now been named the sixth most dangerous metropolitan area in the U.S. for pedestrians. That we average 2.5 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents each year, well above the national average of 1.6 deaths per 100,000, comes as little surprise -- we seem to have been reading about at least one fatality a day in the past week or so. As a state, Nevada ranked eighth most dangerous in the nation, with a pedestrian danger index of 105.3. To add insult to injury, a national allergy study released this week also ranked Las Vegas as the second-worst city of 30 metropolitan areas in the United States -- behind only Phoenix -- for ragweed allergies. In March, Pollen.com ranked Las Vegas the worst city for spring allergies because of the large amounts of mulberry, ash, and juniper in the air. It's now illegal to plant new mulberry bushes here, although existing plants are grandfathered in.

Cuts to NV Problem Gambling Funds:

In light of a billion-dollar budget shortfall, Nevada state officials are on the brink of halving the funding for gambling addiction, reports CNNMoney.com. Problem gambling programs are currently financed through $2-worth of the tax on each slot machines; the state's proposed budget would reduce that by 50% for the next two years, which concerns Carol O'Hare, executive director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling (and an Expert Contributor to our own Question of the Day feature). "When your addiction is tied to money and the biggest stress is the economy, your addiction may progress more rapidly," commented O'Hare.

Trump Plaza Future Uncertain:

Having completed the sale of its Trump Marina property, which is currently undergoing its transformation to Golden Nugget-branded resort-casino, Trump Entertainment has announced that it's now considering whether to sell or expand its Trump Plaza property in Atlantic City. A decision will apparently be made within the next two months.

More Poker Sites Seized:

Following the April 15 "Black Friday" seizure of the leading online poker sites by the DoJ and FBI in Manhatten, comes a report that Tuesday Federal attorneys in Maryland have seized ten more Internet gaming domains, and charged a further three individuals with illegal gambling and money laundering. As a result of the indictments, the U.S. Attorney's office has moved to seize ten more domains, the best known of which is Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson's Doylesroom.com. The others include Bookmaker.com, 2Betsdi.com, Funtimebingo.com, Goldenarchcasino.com, Truepoker.com, Betmaker.com, Betgrandesports.com, Betehorse.com, and Beted.com. Meanwhile Bradley Franzen, who owns a company that helps merchants process customer payments and was among those arrested in the first wave of this clampdown, this week pleaded guilty to three counts, including taking part in conspiracies to commit bank fraud and money-laundering. If found guilty when his case goes to trial this August, Franzen faces up to 30 years in prison.

Another Suspicious Package:

There's been a spate of suspicious packages followed by road closures and evacuations, and the latest has just been reported in the vicinity of the Charleston/Decatur intersection, so avoid the area for now if you can. (This item posted at 11:11 a.m.)

Historic Nevada Hotel To Reopen:

The five-story Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, which opened in 1907 and was the tallest building in Nevada for 20 years, has been sold (for the rock-bottom price of $200,000). Its 50 rooms, two restaurants, and bar were completely remodeled in the 1990s, but the hotel has been shuttered since 1999. The new owners, whose Tonopah roots extend all the way back to the founding of the town in 1900, plan to spend $500,000 to renovate the old property.

Memorial Day Weekend:

Check out the new Spotlight on... feature for our round-up of Memorial Day weekend highlights -- looks like it's going to be massive! Plus, stay tuned to Today's News for other events and activities outside of pool parties and clubs.

Martinis with the Mayor:

Tonight is the last chance to enjoy cocktails with our Bombay Sapphire Spokesmayor. You can toast Oscar Goodman goodbye from 5-7 p.m. at the The Martini (1205 S. Fort Apache), which will be serving up two specialty cocktails for the occasion: "The Oscar" is a Bombay Sapphire straight-up martini (his favorite) and "The Carolyn" is a Sapphire fresh Collins. Food specials will include Oscar Sliders, "Swimming with the Fishes" tuna sliders, Lefty's Mac N' Cheese Balls, Claiborne Calamari, Civella Chicken Wings, and Fat Herbie's Flautas. The red carpet (shouldn't it be blue?) will begin at 5:15 p.m., when Goodman and his famous showgirls arrive. If you don't know who Lefty, Civella, and Fat Herbie are, check out Of Rats and Men, John L. Smith's riveting biography of Goodman and his past life defending infamous mobsters.

Señor Frog's for TI:

The restaurant, bar and clothing line, which has multiple locations in Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as Myrtle Beach, Florida, and Hawaii, will open its first Las Vegas location at Treasure Island later this year, in a venue overlooking the Sirens of TI pirate show.

Local NASCAR Driver Busted:

NASCAR driver and Las Vegas native Kyle Busch was cited for careless and reckless driving this afternoon after deputies in North Carolina clocked him doing 128 mph in a 45 mph zone. When questioned, Busch apparently replied that the two-seat sport coupe he was driving was a Lexus "concept car" and "just a toy" that was on loan from the manufacturer.

Palms Place Pool Parties:

The pool at Palms Place will be launching a new Sunday Pool party June 5. "The Sunday Scene" will run all summer, from noon to 5 p.m., featuring DJ Scene and menu items from the Simon Sunday Brunch. Cover starts at $40, with ladies and anyone who orders the brunch admitted free. Must be 21+.

Ho Flip Flops Yet Again:

The bizarre saga of Stanley Ho's on-again, off-again feud with his family has taken another "on-again" turn, with a report from Bloomberg that the casino billionaire has again filed a lawsuit against various family members to regain control of his assets, following announcements earlier this year that all was well within the Ho clan and that all lawsuits were off. Ho now claims he was forced to broadcast a televised reconciliation statement against his will, and is again claiming that daughters Pansy and Daisy are trying to steal his empire. Analysts agree that the ongoing uncertainty about who's actually running the empire can only damage the company's stock price.

Springs Preserve for Free:

On Monday, May 30, enjoy complimentary admission to the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, courtesy of sponsorship from Target. In addition to all the usual exhibits and attractions, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. there will be live entertainment, face painting, food, kids' crafts, and presentations of the "Wild Things at the Springs" animal show at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., featuring animals including a lemur, an otter, and a two-toed sloth.

Landry's Completes Trump Purchase:

Tilman J. Fertitta announced today that his company has completed its acquisition of Atlantic City's Trump Marina, which has already begun its transformation into a Golden Nugget-branded resort-casino.

New Oprah Waxwork:

To coincide with the ending of her iconic daytime show, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas will unveil a new $300,000 waxwork of Oprah Winfrey at 11 a.m. today. She will join the likes of Barack Obama and Princess Diana in the "Spirit of America" exhibit. There's a 2-for-1 admission offer to Madame Tussauds in the 2011 MRB.

Herbst Rebrands:

In light of its emergence from bankruptcy and general rebirth, Herbst Gaming has announced that henceforward the company will be known as Affinity Gaming. The names of its casino properties will remain unchanged.

National Vegetarian Month:

If you're a veggie visiting Vegas in Vegetarian Month, check out our guide to wholly veggie/vegan eateries, plus our ever-growing list of vegetarian-friendly restaurants.

Pussycat Dolls Return:

It's been announced that Robin Antin's Pussycat Dolls will open in their new Burlesque Lounge at Planet Hollywood on June 4, with a guest performance from habitué of the stages of the Las Vegas Strip, Carmen Electra. We'll be adding our review of this, the new Viper Vixens show at O'Sheas, and the latest on the European-style pool scene in the upcoming update to Topless Vegas guide to strip clubs, burlesque shows, and topless pools.

Ask a Cop:

Have a question you'd like to pose to a Metro officer? Today at 4 p.m. @8NewsNow and @LVMPD will host an "Ask a Cop" Twitter chat; tune in and tweet out if there's something you'd like to ask...

Oprah Picks Osmonds:

A 2007 on-show reunion, which featured Las Vegas performers Donny & Marie, along with 124 other members of the Osmond clan, made the #10 spot on the departing chat-show queen's picks of the best celebrity moments on the "Oprah" show over the years. Click the link to see the other nine.

Allegiant Axes CA Route:

Service between Las Vegas and Bakersfield, which commenced last November, will be axed as of June 26, Allegiant Airlines has announced, citing insufficient demand for the thrice-weekly flights. Customers with tickets beyond the cancelation date will be contacted and issued refunds, reports VegasInc.

Wynn in WSJ:

Steve Wynn is interviewed in today's WSJ, talking once more about how he's looking away from the U.S. and towards China for his company's future.

Ground Broken for Ferris Wheel:

After numerous aborted attempts to bring a giant observation wheel to Las Vegas (see QoD archives, plus the May issue of the LVA newsletter for the background), ground was broken this morning on the latest such venture, part of an amusement park planned for the site across the Strip from Mandalay Bay. The Skyvue Las Vegas Super Wheel project was approved by Clark County Commissioners back in March and today groundbreaking ceremonies were held at the 11-acre site opposite Mandalay Bay. In addition to the giant observation wheel, which will accommodate up to 200 passengers at a time, the project will also feature restaurants, retail outlets, and other entertainment offerings. It's due to debut in 2013. The historic mid-century Diamond Inn motel, home to the famous pink elephant, will be demolished to make way for the complex. The neighboring Glass Pool Inn, also an iconic 1950s landmark, was demolished back in 2006.

Starpower at BMAs:

The Billboard Music Awards returned to Las Vegas last night after a five year hiatus, and lots of huge names were in attendence. Eminem and Rhihanna, who opened the ceremonies with a duet with Britney Spears, were two of the big winners of the night, with accolades going also to Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Cee Lo Green, Black Eyed Peas, Taio Cruz, Beyoncé, and U2, among many others, all of whom were in town for the awards.

BBQ in Reno:

Today's Parade magazine lists the best food festivals in each state. The choice from Nevada is the "Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off" in Reno, where "half a million BBQ lovers come for America's biggest rib cook-off, with some 100 tons sold." The cook-off runs Aug. 31-Sept. 5; get more information at nuggetribcookoff.com.

Big Stars in Town for BMAs:

Tonight the MGM Grand Garden Arena hosts the 2011 Billboard Music Awards and J-Lo, Rihanna, The Black Eyed Peas, Cee-Lo Green, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum will be among the music stars in town. The 3-hour telecast on ABC will be hosted by Ken Jeong, star of The Hangover, and the broadcast starts at 5 p.m. PT for live East Coast primetime, while tape delay will rebroadcast the Awards locally at 8 p.m.

Preakness Odds:

Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom is the morning-line favorite at 2-1 for today's Preakness Stakes. He's followed by Dialed In at 9-2 and Mucho Macho Man at 6-1. The long shots in the 14-horse field are Isn't He Perfect, Concealed Identity, and Norman Asbjomson, all at 30-1.

Las Vegan Wins on National Radio:

A Las Vegas massage therapist named Nicholas, who's with an unspecified Cirque show on the Strip, won the phone-in limerick challenge on NPR's "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" news quiz show this morning, with three out of three correct answers. He won the traditional prize -- Carl Kasell recording his voicemail message -- and he stole the show when a noise followed by silence had the panelists question whether he'd shot himself. Nicholas returned to the phone only to explain, at around 10:45 a.m., that "I'm just putting down my cocktail." If you didn't hear the show, you can catch the podcast at npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/.

Fezzik on the Radio:

If you missed LVASports' ace handicapper Fezzik on Sports X Radio yesterday (he forgot to tell us he was on...), you can catch the show in their archives.

Blue Man Food Drive:

Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blue Man Group is teaming up with Three Square to host the "Summer Stock Up" food drive, where locals can exchange nonperishable food items for a complimentary show ticket. The event takes place inside the BMG Theatre at the Venetian.

Wine Tasting at M:

Rock 'n Roll Wine is hosting a free wine and live-music event at M Resort's Hostile Grape winebar this evening, featuring wines from John Anthony Vineyards Napa Valley winery from 5-7 p.m. and live music from indie rockers War Tapes at 8 and 10 p.m. There's no cover for the event; text "grotto" to 83936 for a free glass of wine.

USA Today on Vegas, Part II:

As promised, the Travel section in today's USA Today features Part II of Kitty Bean Yancey's feature on the "Best of Vegas." This week she reveals the panel of experts' picks for "Nightlife," including restaurant, bar, show, nightclub, and strip club. (Check out the photo gallery, too.)

Latin Grammy's Returning:

The Latin Recording Academy has announced that the 12th annual awards show, scheduled for November 10, will once again be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Las Vegas has hosted the event since 2009.

Fatboy Slim Residency:

Norman Cook, a.k.a. Fatboy Slim of "Praise You" fame, is to be resident DJ at The Cosmopolitan's Marquee Day Club this summer. He's quoted as saying how Las Vegas "seems to be evolving into the Ibiza of the west coast."

Penn Gets M:

The Nevada Gaming Commission has unanimously approved Penn National Gaming's acquisition of the M Resort, reports VegasInc. M founder and CEO Anthony Marnell III will continue to run the property.

Magician on the Move:

Following the closure of his show at the Sahara, magician Rick Thomas will temporarily fill the gap at the Saxe Theater, left by the closure this week of Zen Magic. The venue in the Miracle Mile Shops will be his home until his new showroom at the Riviera is open. For now, Thomas and his tigers will perform at 3 p.m. daily starting June 3.

Accident Closes Northbound I-15:

Channel 8 News just reported how an overturned truck has closed all northbound lanes on the I-15 northbound at Russell Rd., causing major delays. Take Tropicana eastbound if you're trying to get to the airport. (This item posted at 12:19 p.m.)

Fitz Owner Passes:

Don Barden, proprietor of Fitzgeralds in downtown Las Vegas and the first African America to own a national casino company, died this morning from complications stemming from lung cancer. Our condolences to his family and friends.

More Chpt. 11 Filings:

It's been reported that both Nora's Wine Bar and Osteria on the west side of town, and the 10-month-old Lolita's at Town Square, have both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:

With some huge names from the music scene hosting pool parties all over town this weekend, it feels like Las Vegas is already gearing up for the big Memorial Day weekend (sign up now for LVAGold for free to get today's newsletter, with the lowest rates in town!) Here's the lowdown on top things to do, indoors and out: The twice monthly 'Nashville Unplugged' events takes place at Green Valley Ranch (5/20) The South Point welcomes The Las Vegas Tenors (5/20), and Sheena Easton (5/21-5/22) Jerry Seinfeld's back at Caesars Palace (5/20-5/21), followed by Kylie Minogue (5/22) Tim Allen makes 'em laugh at the Venetian (5/20-5/21 Glee Live! In Concert takes the stage at Mandalay Bay (5/21) Natalie Cole performs at the Cannery (5/21) System of a Down rocks out at the Pearl inside the Palms (5/22) The Billboard Music Awards take place at MGM Grand (5/22) And the USA Barbecue Championship, which is free and open to the public, takes place at the Orleans Arena (5/21-5/22) The Pools Scene: Ditch Fridays at the Palms Pool features Shwayze and Cisco Adler (5/20) The free Cool by the Pool party at the Las Vegas Hilton features a special Meet & Greet with the Fire & Rain Bachelors (5/20) Cee Lo Green hosts at Rehab at the Hard Rock (5/22) Will.I.Am takes to the turntables at Wet Republic at MGM (5/22) The Sunday International Waters Party at Encore Beach features Pete's Pool Party with Pete Tong (5/22) And Beatport Beach Party Sundays at Venetian's TAO Beach features Matt Darey and Glenn Morisson (5/22) See Cool Pools for more details on these and all the other poolside events this weekend, and through the summer.

New Look Show for Osmonds:

Sibling performers Donny & Marie debuted a completely revamped show last night that was 70 to 80 percent different, reports Robin Leach in the Weekly. After three years of performing the same routines, the pair apparently felt that it was time for a big change, both for themselves and their fans, particularly as the show enjoys a lot of repeat business.

Ho Scores:

Stanley Ho's SJM Holdings Ltd, which controls about 20 casinos in Macau, posted an 85 percent rise in Q1 net profit, which it reported amounted to HK$1.4 billion, beating an already high forecast of HK$1.2 billion. Shares in SJM have risen more than 250 percent over the past 12 months, particularly following the resolution of the much-publicized feud between Ho and members of his family over control of the company (See Today's News Archives.)

Another Military Offer:

PBR Rock Bar & Grill will be offering 20% off their dining bill to active military personnel throughout the month of June.

USA Today Polls on In-Room Gambling:

Today's USA Today online is canvassing readers about their thoughts on proposed moves to legalize in-room gambling at resort-casinos.

Strip Club Job Fair:

Chicas Bonitas, Las Vegas' only Latina strip club, is holding a job fair for all postions, including cocktail servers, bartenders, door personnel, house mom, dancers, and supervisors on May 19 from 2-6 p.m. For our review of Chicas Bonitas, see our Topless Vegas Pocket Guide.

Memorial Day Weekend at Mirage:

The Mirage is celebrating Memorial Day weekend with lots of savings for active and retired military personnel, who can enjoy complimentary admission to Cravings buffet Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Other discounts include two-for-one tickets for Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat Friday through Sunday, and 40% tickets to Terry Fator (a year-round offer only available through phone reservations and box office purchases.) Valid military ID must be presented to take advantage of these discounts.

MS Casinos Reopening:

Tunica's Gold Strike is due to reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday, as Mississippi floodwaters recede. Caesars Entertainment and Boyd Gaming hope to have their properties back in operation by Memorial Day weekend.

Pool Poll Closing:

Today's the last chance to vote in our current Reader Poll asking, "Which hotel has the best pool in Las Vegas, so make your voice heard if you haven't already. One pool has been leading since the beginning, and it's not the one we predicted!

Trump Transformation Underway:

Today's Press of Atlantic City chronicles the visual transformation of the Trump Marina into what will become the Golden Nugget.

24 Hours of Neon:

First we brought you the amazing Gigapan of Las Vegas (see Today's News, 5/12/2011); now, courtesy of Thrillist Vegas, enjoy some stunning timelapse footage of the city. We've never seen Las Vegas look so beautiful. Congratulations to cinematographer Philip Bloom on a fantastic job.

Music Night at Queen Vic:

Every Tuesday night the Queen Victoria British Pub inside the Riviera will host a free "Music Night," featuring Strip performers dropping by to showcase their talents. The event starts at 8 p.m. each week and don't forget there's a coupon for 25% off your food bill at the Queen Vic in the 2011 Member Rewards Book.

Another Wind Advisory:

A wind advisory has been issued until 11 p.m, with gusts of up to 50 mph expected and extra dust and debris in the air. Please drive/boat safely.

Bob Dancer Classes:

Bob Dancer has just posted his latest weekly column, which carries news of a new series of free video poker classes that he'll be teaching at Sam's Town, including instruction in some games that he hasn't taught in a while. Click the link for details.

Sahara Correction:

We've reported that, according to the R-J, the Sahara closed its doors well ahead of 2 p.m., as had been scheduled; however, a reader wrote in with the following update, so we just wanted to put things straight: "The R-J is incorrect. The Sahara closing announcement came a few minutes after 2 p.m. The doors were chained around a quarter after ... Announcements that they were preparing to close started at 1:30 and came on 3-4 times prior to 2 p.m. People were still leaving the Sahara up until the time the doors were chained. We left at 2:08 and were amongst the last folks."

Sahara Went Out Quietly:

It was anything but a grand exit for the Sahara yesterday, according to Anthony Curtis who stopped in to observe. Management did nothing to commemorate the casino's closing, as games were buttoned up and only a single bar serving two brands of beer remained open. There was a big sign at the cage that read "chips will not be sold." Crowds were sparse and they were padlocking some of the doors well before the announced 2 pm closing. It felt like they just couldn't wait to lock it up.

Jerry Lewis Retiring from Telethon:

The 85-year-old comedian, who's hosted the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Labor Day telethon for 45 years, announced today that he's retiring and that it's time for a "new telethon era." In a statement issued today, he said he'll make his final appearance on the show this Sept. 4, performing his song "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Sayounara Sahara:

We understand from the R-J that the Sahara officially closed at 1:40 p.m. today, about 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The final guests checked out at noon and the official closure was announced over loudspeakers, as the slot machines were finally shut down and the doors locked.

New Dimension to Total Rewards:

Caesars Entertainment's Total Rewards program has now added the Total Rewards Marketplace, which that allows members to earn Reward Credits and receive special offers when shopping online at popular retailers, including the Apple Store, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Target, Gap, Starbucks, and many others. Earn one Reward Credit for every $1 you spend; pay with your Total Rewards Visa card and you'll earn 2 Reward Credits per dollar spent on qualifying purchases.

Mohegan Sun Expanding:

The Mohegan Sun tribal casino in Connecticut is expanding into New York with a casino in the Catskills. The Mohegan Sun Concord is a planned $600 million resort at the site of the former Concord Hotel in Thompson, New York, scheduled to open in the spring of 2013.

New Garth Brooks Dates:

Tickets for Garth Brooks latest series of concerts at Encore go on sale this Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are $225, plus tax and fees, and are available exclusively at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 877/65-GARTH. The new dates occur from August through November; tickets for previous shows have sold out almost immediately.

Golden Grandma Turns 100:

Mildred Juanita Steely Myers, grandmother of Golden Gaming Inc.'s Blake Sartini, will celebrate her 100th birthday with family and friends in Las Vegas this Thursday. Myers was born in 1911 on her parents’ ranch in Clements, Calif., but she and her husband (who died in 1990), retired to Las Vegas in 1980.

Upgrade for Monte Carlo Pub:

While it no longer has its own brews, The Pub at the Monte Carlo has expanded its beer list to include more than 250 selections, plus it's expanded the food menu, and is bringing back dueling pianos every Thursday to Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Daltry Brings Tommy to Hard Rock:

On Saturday, Oct. 22, Roger Daltry, frontman for The Who, will perform rock opera Tommy in its entirety, along with other of the groups classic hits. Tickets, which start at $56 (plus fees) go on sale Friday, May 20 at 10 a.m.

Wynn Looks East:

In an interview with Bloomberg TV last weekend, Steve Wynn predicted that his company's Macau earnings will double when it opens a new resort in four years time. "We're really a Chinese company now, rather than an American company," he commented.

Nevada State Prison to Close:

One of the oldest prisons in American is to close, saving more than $17 million. The facility in Carson City, which was a former hotel that was purchased by the state in the 1860s, will shut within a year. Most of the 682 inmates, a some of the staff, will be transferred to the High Desert State Prison in Clark County.

New Magic Show:

The Magic of Paris is a new "European-inspired" magic show debuting June 1 at Paris, featuring Parisian sleight of hand artist Stephane Vanel performing close-up magic, together with a marionette puppeteer and dancers. The show will take place twice daily at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Anthony Cools Experience Showroom and general admission tickets are $30.

New Attraction:

Dig This Las Vegas is a "heavy equipment playground" that just opened at 3012 S. Rancho Drive, just minutes from The Strip, giving patrons the opportunity to experience waht it's like to operate a Caterpillar 315CL hydraulic excavators or D5 track-type tractors. The standard session lasts three and a half hours and costs $400, which includes a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Strip. Dig This is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cat-branded apparel for men, women, and kids is also available for purchase. A previous similar experience called Big Dig operated briefly in 2009, but is no longer in business.

Happy Hour Down:

The formerly great happy hour in T-Bones at Red Rock, a current Top Ten choice in the Las Vegas Advisor, is no more. Most of the items are still availble, but not for $5.

Rod's on Sale:

Tickets for Rod Stewart's first shows at Caesars Palace went on sale today. The dates are Aug. 24-Sept. 11 and Nov. 3-20; tickets start at $49 (base) at ticketmaster.com.

Last Chance to See Sahara:

The Sahara will close its doors tomorrow at 2 pm. Today's LV Review Journal is packed with coverage of the resort.

Mosaic to Silverton:

Nationally acclaimed vocal group Mosaic, which has performed on such high-profile shows as "America’s Got Talent" and CBS’ "The Early Show," has signed up for a multi-month engagement in the Silverton's recently renovated Veil Pavilion. The first performance will take place Friday, June 3 , with tickets priced at $15, plus tax and applicable fees, available from silvertoncasino.com or by calling 866/866-6868.

Wyrick to Hilton:

It's been confirmed that magician Steve Wyrick, who's had a turbulent career on the Strip (see Today's News Archives) and whose ambitious plans for a theater in the Miracle Mile Shops dissolved amidst a $54 million bankruptcy filing, will debut his new Ultra Magician show at the Las Vegas Hilton sometime soon. The schedule and ticket prices have yet to be announced.

Galaxy Macau Debuts:

The latest addition to the "Cotai Strip" opened today. The $1.9 billion megaresort from Galaxy Entertainment Group features three hotels, a rooftop wave pool, approximately 50 food and beverage outlets, and 450 tables and 1,100 slot machines. A 1,000-square-meter multipurpose event plaza and a cinema complex is due to open in September.

Suspicious Bag Closes Strip:

The Strip is currently closed in both directions at Tropicana Ave. as Metro's Armed Unit investigates a suspicious bag left on the grassy area outside the Excalibur Hotel and Casino property. (This item posted at 3:05 p.m.)

VegasStrEATS #3:

It's the third monthly VegasStrEATS festival downtown, hosted by El Cortez, featuring an array of food trucks, local streetwear vendors, live music, DJs, and lots of fun. No cover; come hungry.

Sensi Tweet-Up:

From 2 to 4 p.m., Sensi at Bellagio is hosting a Tweet-up, featuring a selection of wines and appetizer, plus entertainment by DJ Miss Joy. Tickets are $25 and will be available for purchase today from 1:30 p.m. at Sensi.

Beer & Tequila Fest:

Lee's Discount Liquor hosts its 5th annual Beer & Tequila Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton from 3 to 8 p.m. today, serving more than 300 handcrafted beers and 70 tequilas from around the world, plus live music and food. The event, which benefits local charities, including Opportunity Village, Spread the Word Nevada, New Vista Communities, and Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, takes place in the Conrad Room and tickets are $40 in advance from Lee's Discount Liquor stores, or $50 on the door. Sober rides will be available.

Big Dog's Birthday:

Big Dog's W. Sahara location celebrates its 19th anniversary today with a party in the parking lot party from 2-5 p.m., with BBQ specials, $3 pints of Big Dog's brews, live music, and more. Bring the family!

Helldorado Days:

The long-established "wild west" festival, which was revived in 2005 after a half-decade hiatus, continues downtown through Sunday with a rodeo, parade, fireworks, food, and more.

Stay on the Strip for $25:

Check out the newly posted Spotlight on... feature, with details on how to get a $25/night rate center-Strip this summer...

Pool Poll:

With expected temperatures in the 90s, it promises to be a great pool weekend, and we're fascinated by the voting in our current Reader Poll, which reflects how much the pool scene has changed since we last ran a survey, pre-Daylife, back in 2008. Be sure to post your ratings and reviews for any Cool Pool you visit this summer.

Huge News for Local Eatery:

We've just heard from an extremely reliable source that Chef Alex Stratta, whose eponymous restaurant at the Wynn closed suddenly earlier this year, will be acting as a consultant and overseeing kitchen and front-of-house changes at Marche Bacchus, the French bistro located up by The Lakes that was among the small number of non-casino restaurants to make the "Essential 50" in Eating Las Vegas.

Twitter Wars:

UFC president Dana White is challenging UFC and Strikeforce fighters to compete for more Twitter followers, with cash rewards every three months for those who've got the most followers, experienced the largest percentage increase in followers, and been most creative with their tweets. The plan will cost the UFC $240,000 a year. White himself has more than 1.4 million followers.

Gambino Family Members Convicted:

A federal judge in New York has sentenced nine members of the infamous Gambino crime family to sentences ranging from 18 to 100 months for various crimes, including running the family's Internet-based sports-betting business, regular card games, and other illegal gambling operations. For a unique insight into how Mob gambling operations are run, see Surviving the Mob, in which ex-Gambino street soldier Andrew DiDonato sheds unprecedented light on a little-known facet of the family's business operations.

Jackpot Bonanza at Sahara:

The Sahara Hotel and Casino, which closes its doors May 16 after almost 60 years operating on the Strip, is going out with a bang by giving out its progressive jackpot in $500 increments tonight. Drawing tickets will be handed out from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at multiple locations in the property, and the drawings will be held at 7 p.m. Winners must claim their prize by 11:59 p.m. The House of Lords restaurant will be closing at end of business Saturday as they're running out of food, an HP staffer with reservations for Sunday was just informed.

LVA in the Media:

There's been a flurry of media attention for LasVegasAdvisor.com and Huntington Press this month. Check out LVA in the Media for Anthony Curtis' nationally syndicated weekly Las Vegas digest, highlights from the May issue of Las Vegas Advisor, an in-depth interview with Andrew DiDonato, the subject of our Surviving the Mob title -- a Barnes & Noble top pick for New Releases.

Bellagio Bandit Charged with Second Robbery:

Anthony Carleo, the Las Vegas man charged with stealing $1.5 million in chips from the Bellagio on Dec. 14, has been charged with robbing the nearly $20,000 from the Suncoast poker room less than a week prior.

USA Today on Best of Vegas:

Today sees the first of a two-part feature by USA Today writer Kitty Bean Yancey, who asked a panel of informed Las Vegans, including our own Anthony Curtis, to pick the "Best of Vegas" in a number of categories. This week focuses on "Daytime," and Wynn/Encore and Cosmpolitan came out the big winners, with Best Resort and Best Adult Pool (Encore Beach Club) going to the former, and Best Buffet and Best Casino going to the latter, which was picked for ambience over gaming (Anthony recommended the El Cortez for some of the best gambling). Tune in next week for the "Best of Nightlife."

NBC Sportscaster Dead:

Daryl Hawks, an NBCChicago sports anchor since 2008, died this morning in Atlanta, where he was to cover Game 6 of the Bulls vs. Hawks game. The cause of death is unknown at this time. Hawks was just 38 years old.

Pickle-Eating Contest:

Friday at 4 p.m., Mirage's Carnegie Deli, home to the "Best Sandwiches in Las Vegas," according to an LVA Reader Poll, will host a deli pickle-eating contest, featuring competitive eaters from all over the U.S. The event, judged by mohawked man-about-town Al Mancini, is free and open to the public.

Las Vegas This Weekend:

It's a little quieter this week, after last weekend's crazy confluence of boxers, mothers, rockers, and more, but there's still no shortage of entertainment, indoor and out, and the forecast bodes well for pool parties: The Palms welcomes Elvis Costello (5/13) Jay Leno does stand up at the Mirage (5/13-5/14) Merle Haggard performs at Sunset Station (5/13) Stevie Nicks takes the stage at Caesars Palace (5/14) The Suncoast welcomes The Scintas (5/14-5/15) Hot 97.5 presents Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay (5/15) And the Annual Ice Cream Festival takes place at the Spings Preserve, with all-you-can-eat ice cream, sundaes, root beer floats, carnival games, and more (5/14) Pools: Lauryn Hill performs at the Boulvard Pool at the Cosmopolitan (5/13) Sean Kingston kicks off the Friday Night Pool Concert Series at the Red Rock Pool (5/13) T-Pain performs at Ditch Fridays at the Palms Pool (5/13) Free Saturday poolside entertainment kicks off this weekend at M Resort's DayDream pool, with entertainment by Wes Quave (5/14) The Sunday International Waters Party at Encore Beach features Steve Aoki and Lil Jon (5/15) And Beatport Beach Party Sundays at Venetian's TAO Beach features Above and Beyond (5/15) For details on the best of the Vegas pool scene, check out Cool Pools.

Trop AC Beaten at BJ:

The Tropicana Atlantic City lost more than $1.86 million at its blackjack tables in April, a loss unprecedented in the state since casino gambling was legalized in 1978. The Borgata only narrowly avoided a loss, winning less than $1 million on nearly $75 million in chips purchased, leading experts to speculate that the properties may have been hit by one or more cheats, or just gotten unlucky at the hands of one or more high rollers. The Trop revealed that one player beat the casino for $6 million. Other resorts in the jurisdiction fared better: Caesars made $7.6 million at the blackjack tables, for example.

World's Biggest Vegas Pic:

Check out this amazing gigapan of Las Vegas, a giant 270-degree Panorama taken of the Strip taken from atop Cosmopolitan on Memorial Day weekend. The composite features 616 separate raw images and the detail you can zoom into is amazing (if Bellagio wasn't in the way, you could see Anthony Curtis sitting at his desk in our offices behind the Rio!)

New Vegas Food Show:

Today, at 4 p.m. PT, Al Mancini, co-author of Eating Las Vegas, hosts the premiere episode of "Top of the Food Chain" on VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK, the city's only live online broadcasting network. Al, known for his colorful mohawk and controversial opinions, together with featured guest chefs, will answer questions from a world-wide online audience, helping his viewers get comfortable in any dining situation. The show will also be available as video-on-demand on the VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK website, and through a variety of syndication partners, including iTunes.

Venetian/Palazzo Revenue Plummets:

Sheldon Adelson may be regretting the decision to cut casino comps at Venetian and Palazzo, with Las Vegas Sands reporting a 47 percent decline in casino revenue in the first quarter and a 6 percent drop in room revenue, with occupancy dropping to 83.9 percent, reports Liz Benston in Vegas Inc. A low hold on table games also adversely affected gaming revenue. On the other hand, Forbes reports how the company's Macau operations reported impressive Q1 numbers with a $1 billion revenue increase -- approximately 60% -- on the same period for 2010, making it the market leader in that jurisdiction.

Ground Breaking at Boneyard:

This morning city leaders will cut the ribbon and break ground on the Neon Boneyard Park, located north of downtown Las Vegas. The $2 million project has been a long time coming, as funds were raised for the new visitor center, located within the historic La Concha Motel lobby, which was disassembled and transported downtown from the Strip. The park is located next to the Neon Museum, which currently houses the historic neon signage that's been salvaged from defunct and remodeled Las Vegas casinos and other locations.

Puck Off:

According to a report from "8 News NOW," celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is about to lose his 10-year contract to run the cafe at the Springs Preserve, according to the terms of which he was only obliged to share a cut of the profits with the water district if he surpassed $1 million in sales. That's all we've heard for now; we'll keep you posted.

Helldorado Days:

May 12-15 downtown Las Vegas hosts the annual Helldorado Days wild west festival, featuring a 4-day pro rodeo, parade, carnival, treasure hunt, golf and poker tournament, art show, exhibits, food, and more. Helldorado Days began in 1935, making it the longest running civic event in the history of Las Vegas.

Big Accolade for LV Chef:

The annual Beard Awards took place Tuesday in New York and José Andrés, the chef behind Cosmopolitan's Jaleo, received the top accolade of the night with the award for Outstanding Chef.

Visitation, Room Rates, and Revenue All Up:

The total Las Vegas visitor count was up 5.6 percent in March, compared with the previous year. Room rates were up 19.2 percent to an average of $111.13 a night, thanks largely to a boom in convention trade. Statewide there was a 5.1 percent increase in casino revenue compared with March 2010, with Strip revenues up for the first time after four months of straight decline. While recent table-game revenue has come largely from baccarat, March saw the highest take from blackjack since 2008.

New Pool Party:

SpyOnVegas has just announced a new series of pool parties. The Corona Light "It Only Gets Better Pool Tour" kicks off this Friday, May 6, at Tropicana's new Nikki Beach; future dates announced so far include May 14 at Palms Place and May 16 at Bare Pool Lounge at the Mirage. For details on these and all the other upcoming poolside events in Las Vegas, check out Cool Pools.

Free Cheese Tasting:

Just a quick reminder that the authors of Eating Las Vegas host the launch of Vintner Grill's new "High Cheese" series tonight, with a complimentary cheese-tasting, accompanied by some of the restaurants acclaimed small plates. It should be a fun event (never a dull moment with Curtas, Jacobson, and Mancini in the house), plus Anthony Curtis and other LVA staffers will be there to hang out and nibble on some fromage. Come join us!

Flood Danger Closes More Casinos:

It's now likely that all 19 of the dockside casinos on the Mississippi River will be closed within a few days because of rising flood waters. By yesterday a total of 15 venues were shuttered due to high water and if the river crests as predicted, the others will also be forced to close. It's business as usual at the 11 casinos on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, however, which are far from the rising river.

Lion King Ups the Ante:

Now in its final run at Mandalay Bay, Disney's The Lion King has just upped the price of its lowest-tiered ticket to $77 (formerly $66) (click the link for an LVA upgrade promo code).

Rod to Rock the Colosseum:

As anticipated, following his "trial run" last November, Rod Stewart has announced that he'll be commencing a two-year residency at Caesars' Colosseum on August 24. Tickets for the first 18 concerts of Rod Stewart: The Hits go on sale May 15.

More Layoffs in A.C.:

The Borgata, Taj Mahal, and Trump Plaza properties in Atlantic City have each cut their table-games staff in the light of recent deregulation that eliminated minimum staffing requirements. Bally's, Caesars, Harrah's, and the Showboat made similar moves last month.

Gold Strike Shrinking:

MRI is scaling down operations at the Gold Strike in Jean, closing one 500-room hotel tower, removing a quantity of slot machines from the floor, scrapping table games during midweek graveyard shifts, closing the coffee shop, and downgrading the steakhouse into a "three-meal-a-day" eatery (whatever that means). One 300-room hotel tower will remain in operation.

New Dancer Column:

Bob Dancer just posted his weekly column and it's all about a new video poker progressive that he and radio co-host Frank Kneeland (author of The Secret World of Video Poker Progressives) have devised, which will be debuting at M Resort very soon. If you're a video poker player, you should definitely check this out.

Epicurean Affair:

Now that Vegas Uncork'd is out of the way, the next culinary event on the horizon is Palazzo's "Epricurean Affair," which takes place poolside May 26. The lineup of participating chefs and restaurants has just been announced, and includes Binion’s Ranch Steakhouse, Dos Caminos, Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico and Table 10, Gilley’s, Hash House a Go Go, Lagasse’s Stadium, Lavo, Maggiano’s, Carnevino, Memphis Championship Barbeque, Morels, Nobu, Origin India, SUSHISAMBA, Tao, Valentino, Zine Noodles, and others. Tickets start at $100/person.

Grilled Cheese:

Tomorrow evening from 4-6 p.m. Summerlin's Vintner Grill stages the launch of its new nightly "High Cheese" cheese-tasting event, hosted by the authors of Eating Las Vegas, in which VG figures as one of the "50 Essential Restaurants". Sommelier Troy Kumalaa will be available to assist guests in finding the most complementary and interesting wines. This event is scheduled to take place from 4-5 p.m. week nights until further notice, featuring a different distinctive cheese each night.

Another Bad Poll Result for NV:

While Nevada continues to rank high in lists of the nation's most stupid, unemployed, foreclosed-on, and depressed states, among other things, we've apparently just dropped by five notches in the rankings of the states best to do business in. While Nevada remains one of the top 10 states to do business in, the Silver State fell five places from last year's No. 5 spot, according to a survey released today by Chief Executive magazine. No specific reason for Nevada's reevaluation was cited by the survey, in which Texas took the No. 1 spot for the seventh consecutive year.

LLV Casino Hiring:

Casino MonteLago aims to hire 100 staff ahead of its Memorial Day weekend reopening. Applicants may apply in person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The property's been closed since March 2009.

Pacquiao Performs -- Again:

We've just learned that Manny Pacquiao has a second passion -- singing -- and performed on stage at Mandalay Bay after Saturday night's victory over Shane Mosley. Here's a link to catch the end of the champ belting out La Bamba. Yes, really.

Derby Numbers Up:

The 137th Kentucky Derby 137 beat the attedance record held since 1974 with 164,858 race fans packing Churchill Downs Racetrack for Sunday's event; the previously held record of 163,628 was set during the 100th anniversary of the "Run for the Roses." Wagering was up, both on and off track, with wagering at Churchill Downs on the full Derby Day race card up 9.0 percent over 2010's number at $23.4 million. All-sources wagering on the card was $165.2 million, the third-highest in Derby history.

Legends Loves Locals:

Another entertainment offer, this time from Legends in Concert at Harrah's, which is celebrating its 28th anniversary with a $28 ticket for locals through the month of May. Non-locals click the link for other special offers, plus check out today's Question of the Day for some history of this long-running show.

George Wallace Hearts Military:

Comedian George Wallace is offering free tickets to his show at the Flamingo during the month of May. Starting Tuesday, May 10, military personnel, including active members, retirees, and dependents, can present their government-issued military ID in exchange for a free ticket to I Be Thinkin' through the end of the month.

DayDream Mondays Debuts:

The weekly industry party at M Resort's DayDream Pool, with free cover, a cabana/bottle special, and a buy two, get two deal on cocktails, when you show your industry card or ID. The party runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CEC Diversifies:

Caesars Entertainment Corporation has announced the creation of "Caesars Global Life," a new unit tasked with pursuing non-gaming developments, including hotels, restaurants, and nightlife venues, under the Caesars name and other brands owned by the company, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Licensing, franchising, and management agreements will also be entered into with third parties on Caesars Entertainment-owned properties in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, including the already announced partnership with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to develop a Nobu hotel and restaurant at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Proposed Airline Under Scrutiny:

LV AIR, a proposed Las Vegas-based air carrier that's gotten a bit of press lately, has gotten some press it didn't want. According to an article in the LV Review-Journal, the man behind the airline, Eneliko Smith, has a long history of failed projects and related problems with the law, which makes his plan for non-stop flights from New York’s JFK and California’s Palm Beach, along with service to Florida, Illinois, Michigan, and a half-dozen other states, sound unlikely.

High Wind Warning:

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the Las Vegas valley until 9 p.m. tonight, with gusts of up to 60 mph expected.

MS Casinos Remain Closed:

All nine casinos in Tunica were closed last week due to the flooding in the region. Casinos in other areas of Mississippi, including Greenville, Natchez, and Vicksburg, have also closed or are in danger of doing so. There have been no announced timetables for reopenings.

Poker Money Held:

An article in today's LV Review-Journal discusses the jam many poker players are in due to being unable to access funds tied up in the U.S. closing of the big online poker sites. Some interesting statistics in the story provide a sense of how many are potentially being affected. According to the article, of an estimated 8-10 million U.S. players online, 50,000 classified themselves as "pros"; the world poker market shrunk by 22% immediately after Americans were shut off from playing at PokerStars, FullTilt, and Absolute Poker. Of the three, only PokerStars is currently refunding money.

Happy Mother's Day:

Check out our guide to Mother's Day highlights in "Las Vegas This Weekend" (see "Today's News" 5/5/2011) and Anthony Curtis' recommendations in his Seven magazine column in the "LVA in the Media" section. Here are a couple of late-breakers. Moms get free admission to Madame Tussauds at the Venetian today only, with the purchase of one full-price ticket. Mention "Moms go free" at the Box Office to take advantage of this offer. South Point is giving 5X points on slots and 2X on video poker all day.

Extra Cabs:

The Taxi Authority has put out 80 extra cabs for the weekend to help cope with an expectes rise in demand. The biggest impact will be from tonight's Pacquiao/Mosley fight; the card kicks off around 6 p.m. at the MGM Grand.

Pacquiao/Mosley:

Manny Pacquiao is a big -850 favorite over Shane Mosley in tonight's championship fight. Oddsmakers also have the fight going under the distance, with over 11.5 rounds +145 and under 11.5 rounds -175. The fight is being shown on closed circuit throughout the MRI casino group, but it's a heafty $58.65 ticket.

Jazz on the Lake:

The "Jazz on the Lake" series at Lake Las Vegas kicks off tonight. The concert is free and there's an optional wine tasting for $25. The established jazz band Tommy Thompson takes the stage at 7 pm. There will be a free concert every Saturday in May, except on the 28th, when there will be a $20 charge for Skip Martin's Gimme Shelter fundraiser.

Derby Day:

The morning-line favorite in the 19-horse field is Dialed in at 9-2, followed by Nehro at 6-1 and Twice the Appeal at 8-1. The long shot is Decisive Moment at 47-1. Here are some promos we've heard about for today's Kentucky Derby. Jerry’s Nugget will serve free donuts and coffee from Uncle Angelo's Bakery and, from noon to 4 p.m., will offer hand-carved track sandwiches for $2 each at the race and sports book. Plus, place a $10-minimum wager and get a commemorative glass, or place a $25 bet on the Derby Matchup Parlay Card for a polo shirt. The limit's two glasses and two shirts per guests, while supplies last. Place a $20 wager on the race at Treasure Island and earn a free Derby glass, complete with a Mint Julep. The Palms is giving 7% back on all pari-mutuel wagers during the Kentucky Derby and is also offering an official Derby t-shirt for every $25 wager. A $20 bet at any Station or Coast casino gets a T-shirt. There's a viewing party at the Orleans with $2 beers and hot dogs. A $20 bet at South Point gets you into its party with "free food and drink." Blue Martini at Town Square is hosting a Kentucky Derby party with $6 mint juleps sponsored by Hollywood Hats and 93.1 The Party.

First Friday:

It's perfect weather for the monthly downtown arts festival, so check it out.

Buyer for Baseball Team?:

The Las Vegas 51s team apparently has a buyer who has plans to build a new ballpark for the team on a site west of Mandalay Bay. Chris Milam, owner of Silver State Baseball LLC, predicts his ambitious plan for the Las Vegas National Sports Center complex will cost $1.95 billion and feature a 17,500-seat NBA arena, plus a 36,000-seat venue for Major League Soccer.

JetMan Update:

Apparently, at the last minute Yves Rossy has cancelled his planned flight over the Grand Canyon, which only won FAA approval hours ago, claiming he did not have enough time to prepare.

First Gay Casino Nightclub for N.J.:

Last night Resorts Atlantic City became the first New Jersey casino to open a nightclub specifically targeted to the LGBT community, reports the Press of Atlantic City. The club, called Prohibition, ties in with the property's recent "Roaring '20s" rebranding, which in turn ties in with the city's use as the setting for HBO series "Boardwalk Empire," which is inspired by Prohibition-era Atlantic City. Las Vegas does not have a gay club in a casino, but Luxor, Rumor, and Mirage all host a weekly LGBT pool party, and the former two, along with Paris, market specifically to gay customers.

Rocket Man Gets Approval:

Swiss daredevil Yves "JetMan" Rossy has been granted FAA approval to fly over the Grand Canyon in his jet-propelled wing suit. Rossy has previously flown above the Swiss Alps and the English Channel and early Friday was given permission to fly over his next target — the Grand Canyon. The flights last on average between six and 13 minutes, before he runs out of fuel.

Ditch Fridays Debuts:

Today sees the official launch of the Ditch Fridays party at Palms Pool & Bungalows, hosted by Hugh Hefner and 2010 Playmates. The party starts at noon and the cover's $25. And here's the link to our current Reader Poll on the best hotel pool in Las Vegas.

Celebrity Chef Cooking Demo:

On Friday, May 13, Vegas PBS is hosting an cooking demonstration with celebrity Chef Hubert Keller. The event is taking place at 2 p.m. at the Educational Technology Campus and is open to the public with a $365 donation to Vegas PBS, which covers two entries, a Cuisinart Elite Collection food processor, and an autographed copy of Keller’s "Burger Bar" cookbook. Chef Keller has two restaurants included in Eating Las Vegas, including Burger Bar on the "Best Burger" list.

Ugrade for the Weekly:

The Las Vegas Weekly, the free arts and culture magazine, is to increase its distribution by 7,000 copies per issue, which will primarily be offered on the Strip, apparently.

Cinco de Mayo:

If you haven't made plans yet, don't forget to check out our Cinco de Mayo event guide.

Kentucky Derby Seminar:

Lucky’s Race & Sports Book will host a free Kentucky Derby betting seminar on Friday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at Terrible’s Hotel & Casino. The seminar will feature professional handicappers Richard Eng, whose weekly column appears in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and Dave Tuley, columnist for Daily Racing Form and operator of ViewFromVegas.com. Dan Shapiro, Lucky’s Director of Marketing, will moderate the seminar, and the event will feature free pizza and prize drawings.

New Topless Revue:

The Viper Vixens, the new topless revue at O'Sheas, opens tonight. Tickets are $56.59 -- watch out for a review in the next edition of Topless Vegas, which will also feature updates on the whole topless pool scene, which has changed significantly since last year.

Las Vegas This Weekend:

This promises to be one of the more eclectic weekends we've seen in awhile. With fighters, foodies, First Fridayers, Elvi, Playmates, Italians, motorbikes, and moms all in the mix, anything could happen... Comedian Jo Koy's at the MGM Grand (5/4-5/8), as is Martin Nievera (5/6), followed by the fight everyone's been waiting for: Pacquiao vs. Mosley (5/7) The Eastside Cannery welcomes Bret Michaels (5/6) Carlos Mencia does stand up at TI (5/6) while Kevin Hart makes 'em laugh at the Mirage (5/6-5/7) The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Finals takes place at the Sam Boyd Stadium (5/7) Jeff Dunham's at Caesars Palace (5/7) Ke$ha takes that stage at the Palms (5/7) The Annual Vegas Uncork'd culinary affair kicks off today and continues though Sunday (5/5-5/8) The Silverton hosts the San Genaro Feast (5/4-5/8) And the 2nd Annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest takes place on Fremont Street (5/6-5/7), while Rock The Block with Papa Roach is happening on Fremont East (5/7), and First Friday takes over the Arts District (5/6) Pools: The Pond at Green Valley Ranch hosts its Grand Opening/Cinco De Mayo party (5/5) Hugh Hefner hosts the 2011 Ditch Fridays kickoff with the 2010 Playmates at the Palms Pool (5/6) The new Recess Fridays kicks off at the Encore Beach Club. The event will be hosted by Susan Holmes McKagan and 100 swimsuits will be given away (5/6) Giuliana and Bill Rancic play host at Azure pool at the Palazzo (5/7) Beatport Beach Party Sundays at TAO Beach features Funk Agenda, John Dahlback, and Albin Mayers (5/8) Mother's Day Highlights: The Henderson Events Plaza hosts the first Art & All That Jazz festival this Mother's Day which is free and open to the public (5/7-5/8) All mom's eat free at P.J. Clarke's inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace (5/8) Fin, Onda, and Kokomo's at the Mirage will each offer special Mother's Day menus that allow moms to eat free (5/8) Free bull rides will be offered to all moms and grandmothers at PBR Rockbar, plus kids eat free so moms don't have to worry about making dinner when they get home (5/8) McCormick & Schmick's will be celebrating with a free Chocolate Truffle Trio for every mom and a special Sunday brunch menu. And if you want to make it extra special ask about the personal concierge service where you can get flowers hand delivered to your table (5/6-5/8) Benihana's at the Las Vegas Hilton will be offering a $29.95 per person Mother's Day dinner where all mothers will receive a $20 gaming voucher, 20% off spa services, and a chance to win a one-night stay in a Hilton suite or dinner for 2 at the Hilton (5/8)

Pool Poll:

It's neck and neck for the lead in our current Reader Poll -- if you haven't voted for your favorite hotel pool in Las Vegas, just click the link to take part.

Macau Revenue Still Climbing:

According to today's WSJ, at $2.56 billion, gambling revenue in the Chinese territory was up 45% in April from 2009, setting a third straight monthly record.

Cinco de Mayo:

This Thursday is May 5, when Mexico commemorates its victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Las Vegas will also be celebrating, mainly with tacos and tequila -- check out the new Spotlight on... feature for our round-up of the numerous festivities taking place in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs around town tomorrow.

Marie Osmond Marries:

According to gossip website TMZ.com, Marie Osmond remarried her first husband in Las Vegas this morning. The Donny & Marie co-star first married Stephen Craig in 1982 but Marie filed for divorce three years later.

Flooding Closes Casinos:

All nine of Tunica’s casinos have been forced to close as a result of the rise of the Mississippi River. It's expected that the properties will remain closed for at least three to six weeks, which could cost the state more than $10 million in lost tax revenue.

William Hill Buys Lucky's:

British bookmaker William Hill is acquiring Brandywine Bookmaking, parent company of the Lucky's sports book chain, for about $16 million. Hill recently bought Leroy's and Cal-Neva.

Pacquiao and Mosley Here:

Manny Pacquiao and "Sugar" Shane Mosley have both arrived in Las Vegas in preparation for Saturday's title fight at MGM Grand. The official fight press conference takes placde tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. PT.

Vegas Uncork'd:

May 5-8 sees the Fifth Annual Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit, the culinary festival that takes over the town, with demos, tastings, talks, and more. Click the link for a schedule of events, including a conversatin with the authors of Eating Las Vegas at Bellagio's Jasmine on Saturday morning.

Smoking Ban Challenged:

The owners of Bilbo's Bar & Grill are challenging the constitutionality of the 2006 Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act as it is applies to businesses, claiming that the law violates their right to commercial free speech by requiring the removal of shot glasses, ashtrays, and matches the bar used for advertising, reports today's Las Vegas Review-Journal. The Nevada Tavern Owners Association claims 100 bars have gone out of business as a result of the smoking ban.

Ladies Ditch for Free:

To celebrate the launch of its Ditch Fridays pool party, the Palms is offering free admission to ladies at the pool and all nightlife venues this weekend -- just click this link to register.

New Bob Dancer Column:

Video poker expert Bob Dancer's new weekly column just went live. Interestingly, he's not writing about video poker this week, however...

Downtown Poll:

Today's your last chance to vote in our current Reader Poll about downtown Las Vegas; at midnight, a new poll will go live.

Rodman Qualifies:

Congratulations HP author Blair Rodman for being one of the 218 announced qualifiers to play in the pending professional poker league. Similar to qualifying for professional golf or tennis, players had to meet rigid success criteria to make the cut.

Annie Duke in USA Today:

A story about the new Professional Poker League appearing in today's "Sports" section of USA Today includes a photo of Annie Duke, who will be the inaugural commissioner of the league. The as-yet unnamed league will debut with a tournament at the Palms August 9-10.

Palms Slot Emporium:

Following on from Arizona Charlie's Decatur's addition of a non-smoking slot room, and Eastside Cannery's "Classic Slot Room" comes an announcement from the Palms that a new "Slot Emporium" has been added by the poker room. The Slot Emporium apparently is a dedicated gaming area filled with a variety of slots that offer unique prizes, including an Xbox 360, a Harley-Davidson, iPads, MacBooks, Nikon cameras, designer purses, and gift cards, in addition to cash jackpots.

Sahara Shutdown:

Things are already winding down at the historic Strip property, ahead of its closure May 16. Yesterday was the last chance to ride Speed, the rollercoaster there, and the cage is no longer honoring the $50 for $40 buy-in coupon in the 2011 MRB, although the box office said they'd still honor the twofer for Rick Thomas' magic show.

New Show Opens Thursday:

The Viper Vixens, the new topless revue coming to O'Sheas, debuts this Thursday, May 5. Tickets are $49.95.

V Rewards Military:

Insupport of U.S. troops, the producers of BeatleShow! at Saxe Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops is inviting all active military personnel to see the show tonight through Sunday for free. Just show your military I.D. at the box office; guests accompanying military personnel will receive a half-priced ticket.

National Burger Month:

May is, apparently, National Burger Month and Las Vegas has no shortage of beef-in-a-bun options. Check out

Job Fair:

Tire Works is expanding its presence in Las Vegas and is hosting a two-day job fair in search of qualified people to fill a variety of positions this Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Tire Works Training Center, 5980 S. Fort Apache. If you're unable to attend, submit your resume to DJV@tireworks.com.

Talent Returning to Vegas:

Media columnist Carol Cling reports in today's R-J how "Americas Got Talent" is returning to Las Vegas for the fifth time this Wednesday and will spend eight days at Planet Hollywood's Theater for the Performing Arts as the judges select about four dozen acts to compete on the show from among hundreds of hopeful contestants.

Boyd Selling Jai-Alai:

Boyd Gaming has announced that it's selling its Dania Jai-Alai in Dania Beach, Fla. to a group of private investors for $80 million cash. According to a statement by Boyd CEO Keith Smith, the property "no longer fits [the company's] current growth strategy."

Tony Bennett to Palms:

Legendary singer Tony Bennett will perform for one night at the Pearl at the Palms on Sunday, July 24. Tickets start at $66 and go on sale Saturday, May 7 at noon.

Orleans Beats A.C.:

Although Atlantic City still ranks as the second most visited casino destination in the U.S., according to a new poll Orleans is more popular with tourists, pushing the New Jersey jurisdiction into the #3 spot. 47 percent of respondents picked Las Vegas when asked which casino destination they'd most like to visit.

Wynn on Online Gambling:

The Las Vegas Review-Journal carries an in-depth interview with the newly married Steve Wynn, who shares his perspective on online gambling, Macau, and politics.

Vintage Vegas:

Zowie Bowie brings its "Vintage Vegas" show to the Ovation theater at Green Valley Ranch tonight. The show is at 7 pm and there's $10 cover.

Quinn's Serving:

Quinn's Irish Pub at Green Valley Ranch is finally serving food. It had been the only Irish pub in town that we know of serving drinks only.

Tivoli Open:

The Tivoli Village shopping district has opened on the west side of town near Suncoast. The $700 million complex was delayed by the economy, but is now opening in stages over the next few months.

So Long to Santana:

He's moving his HQ here, but Carlos Santana wraps up his two-year residency at The Joint at the Hard Rock with a final concert tonight.

Larry King on Vegas Clinic:

Larry King will feature Las Vegas' Lou Ruvo Cleveland Brain Clinic tonight in his first special since ending "Larry King Live." Interviewees include President Ronald Reagan's son, Ron, and the special airs on CNN at 5p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. PT

Star for Pacquiao:

The Las Vegas Walk of Stars, which stretches down the Strip from Sahara Ave. to Russell Ave., will be adding a star in honor of Manny Pacquiao. The date for the formal dedication will be announced soon.

Car-a-Day:

South Point's giving away a Toyota Camry or Prius Hybrid each day during the month of May at a nightly 8:20 p.m. drawing. Earn one entry for every 5 points earned. There's free gasoline for runners up. Check with the players club for more details.