A major thunderstorm with heavy winds, including a 71 mph gust, hit Las Vegas on July 19, resulting in snapped power poles, uprooted trees and flash floods throughout the city, including inside Strip casinos.
Despite the relatively short duration of the storm, a new daily rainfall record of .22 inches was set at McCarran International Airport, breaking the 1951 record of .17, and temperatures dropped more than 20 degrees in less than a half-hour.
Gilley’s at Treasure Island and the casino at Caesars Palace both sustained serious roof leaks that resulted in flooding. Severe power failures also plunged some Strip and downtown casinos into darkness for a period of time. Despite the damage citywide, no serious injuries were reported.
» "Bertha" debuts downtown: New parking meters have been put in place downtown. The system, dubbed "Bertha," uses 233 solar-powered meters that control 1,200 spaces. They accept coins and credit or debit cards, with rates remaining at $1 per hour with a two-hour max.
» Steampunk at MBay: Rick Moonen’s RX Boiler Room has opened at Mandalay Bay. Moonen converted his fine-dining room upstairs restaurant to a "steampunk" theme, featuring comfort food and specialty cocktails.
» Show and drinks: Get your drinks on the house when you see "Rock of Ages" during Drink Us Dry Saturdays at the Venetian. Buy a ticket for the 10 p.m. show and drink unlimited domestic beer in the Zebra Lounge from 8 to 10, or pay $25 for an upgrade to an unlimited open bar.
» Rogue Toys: A new store called Rogue Toys has opened at 616 Las Vegas Blvd. S., carrying vintage toys, including G.I. Joes, Barbies and "Star Wars" figures. The store is near the vintage Sweet Spot Candy Shop.
Question: Is a real strip club planned for a Las Vegas casino? Which one is it and when will it happen?
Answer: The first topless club in a casino will open soon, but not in Las Vegas. The Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City will debut a $25 million, 36,000-square-foot Scores in August. The club will be on the second floor of the Taj.
