What is the status of the water levels of Hoover Dam and then Lake Mead? My visit last December, things were looking very dismal for both.

With more and more people using Uber and Lyft, could you please tell us where the pickup and dropoff locations are for each of the casinos on the Strip, as well as Fremont Street and Container Park? We use these services a lot and often the stops are kind of hidden.

On my next trip to Las Vegas, I'm thinking of making a side trip to Zion National Park in Utah with an overnight stay in Mesquite. What's the best place to stay in Mesquite, and when’s the best time of year to visit Zion?

We’re thinking of spending some time in Death Valley next spring during wildflower season. How hot will it be and can you give us some safety tips? (We’re a couple in our 60s, pretty fit, but inexperienced in desert hiking.)

I have visited Las Vegas since 1969 and moved there in 2004, now living in Pahrump since 2009. I mention all these dates for a reason. I recently explored the downtown streets in Las Vegas, searching for a business that I no longer found in the phone book but did exist when I moved to Las Vegas. I was dismayed at the state of the downtown businesses, many closed and in disarray, littered with homeless. It all seems ripe for cheap realty acquisition and renovation of downtown casino businesses. Has all hope abandoned Las Vegas or is there some positive future in the works?

Are there any websites that keep jackpot payout statistics by casino? Particularly jackpots in the million-plus range?

Can you still bypass the line at the Bellagio by sitting at the bar?

I was playing blackjack during our last visit to Las Vegas. The dealer was dealing from a hand-held double deck. On three almost back-to-back deals, every player at the table showed a good and potentially winnable hand. On all three occasions, the dealer drew a 21 and beat every player. I’ve seen some amazing tricks and am aware of what can be done with a deck of cards. Is it possible that some dealers are so good that they can control a hand now and then to give the house a bigger advantage? In this case it sure seemed like it.

What’s up at Stage Door Casino? We stop in every time we are in town. When we went last night, we were carded and wanded at the door. And there were several security personnel around. They even told us we could no longer have plastic glasses for a "traveler." Were gray-haired seniors, so the carding seemed ridiculous.

Do you guys know how to get into the debate? Buy tickets, scalp, volunteer to work? Any ideas or suggestions?