Joanne Goodwin writes about the people and communities behind Las Vegas hospitality, tourism, restaurants, entertainment, and neighborhood change. Her work uses historical context and people-centered reporting to explain how the visitor economy affects workers, residents, and the everyday life of Southern Nevada.
Joanne Goodwin studied history at The University of New Mexico, where she developed an interest in social history, migration, work, and the communities of the American Southwest. Her professional background includes regional museum projects, cultural organizations, archival research, and independent historical work focused on how local industries shape everyday life. At Vegas Report, she writes about hospitality workers, restaurants and entertainment, women in local business, neighborhood change, tourism, and the human side of the Las Vegas visitor economy. Her editorial approach combines historical records, oral accounts, and practical context, looking beyond promotional narratives to understand who benefits from growth and who absorbs its costs. Goodwin aims to give readers a clearer picture of Las Vegas by focusing on the people, workplaces, and communities that make the destination function.
Coverage Areas
Hospitality industryHotels, resorts, restaurants, entertainment venues, and related businesses that form a major part of the Las Vegas economy and visitor experience.
Social historyThe study of everyday life, work, communities, social groups, and the experiences of people who are often less visible in traditional institutional histories.
TourismVisitor travel and the economic and social systems surrounding destinations, including hospitality, employment, local businesses, transportation, and community impacts.
GlassBuild America 2026 set a new Las Vegas record for exhibit space and drew nearly 9,200 registrants to the September event at the Las Vegas Convention Center, signaling strong momentum for the glass and fenestration sector.
The Corner Store, a celebrity hotspot from New York, lands on the Las Vegas Strip this November, promising its signature comfort food and martinis in a new, much larger space.
Durango Casino & Resort is clearing out several original food hall and coffee spots to make room for a north-side expansion with bowling and luxury theaters. Closures start now, with more coming November 10, 2026.
A 15-year-old lost his life and two others were wounded during the First Friday arts festival in the Las Vegas Arts District. Organizers have called off future events while the city and police review safety.
Nine teams from high schools and technical colleges will go head-to-head at AAPEX 2026 in Las Vegas, racing to rebuild V8 engines as the event draws attention to the national shortage of skilled auto technicians.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Bar is now open at 63 CityCenter, serving up Southern comfort food, live music on two stages, and a Nashville-meets-Vegas vibe. The venue welcomes guests daily, with late-night hours Thursday through Saturday.
West Des Moines officials have unveiled a $6.5 million plan to expand the city’s public library, aiming to add space and new features as the community grows.
Fideuá Taste of Spain has shot to the top of Las Vegas’s Spanish restaurant rankings. The family-run spot now plans to franchise after a breakthrough year in 2025.
Las Vegas Rescue Mission will represent the city in a 24 hour livestream event tackling homelessness, addiction and mental health on October 8 9, joining a national network of unscripted conversations
Las Vegas shelter dogs are getting a break from kennel life as the Animal Foundation launches a month-long Doggy Days Out program through October 31, offering flexible foster outings to boost adoption chances
A decade-old pact between Las Vegas and Clark County on northwest infrastructure is set to expire in December, igniting disputes over who pays for public services and raising the stakes for land annexation and local taxes
Sushi Roku at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace now serves its signature Asian-inspired menu for lunch every day starting at noon, expanding options for Strip visitors and locals seeking midday dining
The Racing Zone near the Las Vegas Strip offers companies a new way to host team-building events with 22 advanced racing simulators and a full bar at 384 E. Tropicana Ave.
Volunteers handed out 2,500 meals at Grace City Church on Saturday, aiming to ease food insecurity in Southern Nevada. The event drew support from Clark County Commissioner candidate Manny Kress, Convoy of Hope, and Three Square.
A new Bravo TV series, premiering October 20, pulls viewers inside the chaos and construction setbacks that marked The Vanderpump Hotel’s opening in Las Vegas.
Metallica opens its Sphere Las Vegas residency on October 1 with 24 scheduled shows, promising different setlists for each night and immersive visuals. Limited tickets remain for the first performances and select 2026 and 2027 dates.
Auntie Anne’s and Activate Games join forces for a Las Vegas launch on October 3–4, featuring exclusive pretzel-themed games, giveaways, and early access to new interactive experiences at Town Square.
The Cannabis Co. will host its Canniversary Giveback on October 17 at 200 E Charleston Blvd, offering food, music, raffles, and special pricing while donating part of the proceeds to a local community fund
A new coalition of Las Vegas construction, real estate and housing leaders has formed to push for solutions to the region’s housing challenges, with a focus on affordability and land access
Sip Sip Wok, a new fast-casual Asian restaurant at Virgin Las Vegas, has yet to open after a rumored operator exit. The space features a dramatic redesign and video poker but faces questions about its future.
Animazing Gallery brings Beyond the Wall to the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort from October 16 to November 2, 2026. The show features original Pink Floyd artwork by Gerald Scarfe, Storm Thorgerson, and Ginger Gilmour.
Kurt Busch will drive the pace car for the South Point 400 on October 4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the venue honors his brother Kyle Busch during a weekend of tributes and NASCAR playoff racing.
The Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube will stay on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway calendar every March through 2027. This marks a decade of Pennzoil’s title sponsorship and keeps a major NASCAR weekend anchored in Southern Nevada.
Station Casinos is shutting down three original outlets inside Eat Your Heart Out food hall at Durango. New pop-ups and concepts are planned for the spaces after November 10.
Denny Hamlin grabbed his fifth pole of the season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, leading a rare Toyota top-five sweep for Sunday’s South Point 400. The stage is set for a high-stakes Cup Series showdown.
Golden Steer Steakhouse on Sahara Avenue has become one of Las Vegas’ most in-demand dining rooms, with reservations often booked four to six months ahead and walk-in hopefuls lining up before doors open
Las Vegas locals and visitors can get unlimited digital news, exclusive newsletters, and eNewspaper access with a subscription. Here’s what’s included and how to manage your account online.
The Corner Store, a New York favorite, opens November 9 on the third floor of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with exclusive Wagyu steaks and its signature martinis. Reservations are now available for this highly anticipated Strip arrival
Hundreds gathered at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden on October 1 to mark nine years since the Route 91 Harvest tragedy, with new details emerging on the planned 'Forever One' memorial near the original concert site
We use cookies to improve your experience and understand how visitors use Vegas Report.