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.
Christian Louboutin’s flagship Las Vegas boutique at The Shops at Crystals is undergoing a full renovation and will reopen this fall. The store, known for its red-soled heels, is currently operating from a temporary space inside the mall.
Marathon Burger, the Los Angeles smashburger brand founded by Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, is expanding to the Las Vegas Strip with its first ever 24 hour drive thru location. The opening date has not yet been announced.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is rolling out a property-wide partnership with Carín León, including a limited-edition smoothie and immersive experiences, ahead of his Sphere residency debut. The collaboration runs through the 14th at Cymbiotika Wellness Bar.
A new restaurant and lounge called Alkeif is preparing to open at Kangnam Square on South Jones Boulevard, bringing a fresh concept to the Chinatown corridor. The opening timeline and menu details remain under wraps.
A 14,000-square-foot Uptown Jungle Fun Park is set to open at Sprouts Plaza on South Rainbow Boulevard by winter 2026, bringing new family entertainment and dining options to southwest Las Vegas neighborhoods.
Southern Nevada pediatricians are reporting a surge in severe head and facial injuries linked to e-bikes and e-scooters, with Intermountain Health urging families to rethink safety as summer and back-to-school seasons approach
Reno’s Going Batty Quilt Shop will debut a new location at Village Square on West Sahara Avenue this fall, bringing its fabric selection, sewing machines, and classes to Las Vegas for the first time.
Raising Cane’s is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special-edition Plush Puppy available August 27–September 22. Net proceeds from Las Vegas sales will support Hearts Alive Village, a local animal welfare nonprofit.
Brew Tea Bar is preparing to open its sixth shop at Valley View Business Center in Paradise, expanding its presence in the Las Vegas Valley. The new location is expected to debut later this year or in early 2027.
Bojangles is set to open a new location at 3685 W Flamingo Rd in Central West Las Vegas this fall, bringing its Southern-style fried chicken and biscuits to a high-traffic corridor near the Rio Hotel & Casino.
DD’s Discount is set to open a new location at Charleston Plaza on E Charleston Blvd in Central East Las Vegas, joining Albertsons, Ross Dress for Less, and other retailers later this year. The opening date has not yet been announced
Air Supply returns to Westgate International Theater for two nights on September 4 and 5, performing their classic hits and introducing new songs from their latest album, A Matter of Time
EVEREVE, the women’s fashion retailer, will debut its first Las Vegas-area location at The District at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, expanding its presence in Southern Nevada with a 3,228-square-foot store opening soon.
AEG Presents Las Vegas has introduced Fee Free Tuesdays, a weekly ticket promotion for select performances at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Resorts World Theatre, and Bel-Aire Backyard at Durango Casino & Resort.
Bowties Outlet, a longtime Las Vegas bridal and formalwear boutique, is preparing to reopen at 1210 Hinson St in the Westside neighborhood later this year, following permit approval and construction progress.
Mark Rich’s New York Pizza & Pasta is set to reopen at Rock Springs Plaza near Summerlin and Desert Shores, bringing back its classic thin-crust pies and Italian dishes after several years away from the Las Vegas Valley.
Backstreet Boys’ Howie Dorough is debuting his first Spanish-language single, “Coquí,” with a series of intimate performances at Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas, highlighting his Puerto Rican heritage and connecting with local fans through music and conversation
The PBR Teams Championship is set for November 6-8 at T-Mobile Arena, but fans can catch Cort McFadden and the Las Vegas High School Rodeo team at Las Vegas Ballpark’s Country Night on August 27
Amish Jam Jelly Honey House is expanding with a new shop at Downtown Container Park, 707 E Fremont Street, Suite 1070, expected to open later this year. The specialty food retailer already operates two Las Vegas Valley locations.
Singer-songwriter Heather Anne Lomax will headline her first Las Vegas show at The Space on Friday, August 28, marking the release of her new album WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE. Tickets are $20 for this all-ages event.
Tivoli Village will host its next complimentary Full Moon Yoga session on Friday, August 28, offering an evening of movement and mindfulness in The Piazza. Registration details and future dates are available on TivoliVillageLV.com
Arizona Charlie’s will award four Toyota Camry Hybrids across its Boulder and Decatur locations, with the first giveaways scheduled for August 28 and 29. Guests can enter by earning base points while playing at either Las Vegas casino.
Pinches Tacos at The Gramercy introduces a football-themed menu for the season, featuring Chili Cheese Fritos, carne asada Philly cheesesteak, burgers, and wings. The restaurant opens daily at 10AM and offers a lively game-day atmosphere.
Man Gai Thai, a new Thai restaurant focused on authentic chicken rice, is set to open at Sahara West Center in the Richfield neighborhood. The opening is expected later this year or early next year at 3441 W Sahara Ave B3.
Significant Other Kitchen and Cocktails, a new all-day restaurant and bar, is set to open in Paradise across from Harry Reid International Airport this October, bringing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails to 1725 E Sunset Rd.
The SHERO Foundation’s 10th annual “I AM RADIANT” Fashion Show will take place August 30, 2026, at Macy’s inside Fashion Show Las Vegas, highlighting local youth and survivor-made jewelry in a live runway event.
The 25th Anniversary 9/11 “Never Forget” Tribute will take place September 11 on Fremont Street, featuring a sunrise Freedom Ride and an evening march of first responders to honor those lost in 2001.
Las Vegas magician Mat Franco will tape his first Netflix special at The LINQ Hotel in October 2026 and is launching a new partnership with Fantasy Claw Arcade, offering exclusive prizes and show tickets for visitors.
Las Vegas will mark National Fantasy Football Draft Day on August 21 with a city proclamation and a multi-day festival at Circa Resort & Casino, featuring live podcasts, industry panels, and fan competitions.
Smith’s Food & Drug will open a new 122,000-square-foot supermarket at 900 W. Tule Springs Parkway in North Las Vegas, with completion targeted for 2027. The project marks the chain’s 48th Nevada location.
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