If the walls could talk. The former Las Vegas home of the late Jerry Lewis is on the market for nearly $1.3 million. Built in 1964 in the fancypants Scotch 80s neighborhood, the property was the longtime residence of the famously philanthropic comic genius, starting at the peak of his career in the swinging 60s.

Lewis hosted many of his showbiz pals at his home during the three decades he owned it. However, like many Vegas homes of the era, the 7,325 sq. ft., 6-bedroom and 6-bath spread is now in need of a major upgrade. Set on a private .75-acre estate, the vaguely Colonial red-brick building features a second floor veranda that runs along its entire front facade. Inside, oak spindles and hand rails run throughout like a winding race track. Glossy floors, striped wall paper and 70s style furniture blast visitors back to a time of giant sideburns and polyester bell bottom pants.

The home also features enough marble to empty a quarry and enough wood built-ins to fell a forest. The gold-toned mirrors that lined the curved staircase in the foyer feel like an ode to a bygone era, as do the electric blue silk drapes in the home office. Theres a double-height formal living room along with a separate family room outfitted with a walk-in wet bar and massive, asymmetrically designed stone fireplace. The undeniably well-maintained and spacious, if considerably, dated kitchen has plenty of room for either an amateur or professional chef.

Some of the guest bedrooms do, thankfully, pull back on the natural wood theme. One of them is painted a garish shade of pink, while the master bedroom is so big it easily fits two huge beds and the master bathroom is sheathed in a dizzying array of floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

A few of the many high-profile folks who have owned homes in the Scotch 80s neighborhood include Nicolas Cage, Steve Wynn and The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, who formerly owned an estate previously occupied by Howard Hughes and, later, Andre Agassi. Given the propertys prime location in one of Las Vegass premier neighborhoods just a few miles north of The Strip, this residence will likely get completely gutted for a major makeover or torn down to make way for something more up to date.

Eric White with Luxury Estates International is the listing agent.

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Former Las Vegas Home of Jerry Lewis Hits the Market - Variety

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) Thousands of valley families could be left in jeopardy if Congress does not extend the extra $600 unemployment benefit and some nonprofits are bracing for a large increase in demand if that happens.

Three Square food bank is already seeing people prepare for the worst. When the pandemic first started, it saw 60% more people needing food every day. In the last couple weeks, it says it has actually seen an increase in people needing food.

RELATED: Las Vegas residents speak out about missing $600 unemployment benefit

The COO of Three Square, Larry Scott, says he believes people on unemployment are preparing to lose that extra money.

"We're already starting to feel the impacts of that," Scott said. "I think people are trying to find food sources today, knowing that it's about to come upon them."

Scott says they've had enough food up until this point, but if that need increases, it could be a challenge.

And that's on top of other challenges, including closing their building to their volunteers to help prevent spreading COVID-19.

"So what we did was have our volunteers meet out at our drive-thru sites in the open air where we can social distance them," Scott said. "We still have some volunteers, but they're at our drive-thru."

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Individual donations don't normally make up a large portion of their food, but Scott says they need the public's help now more than ever.

Option to donate is available here.

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Las Vegas food banks brace for increase in need, $600 supplement to unemployment could expire - KTNV Las Vegas

Not since the Golden Knights inaugural season has there been an exhibition game more anticipated than Thursdays.

After more than four months away, the Knights picked up where they left off.

Reilly Smith scored twice in the first period as the Knights grabbed a 4-1 victory over Arizona at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.

There was a flurry in the third where they grabbed some momentum, some power plays where we got on our heels a bit, coach Pete DeBoer said. But for sure through the first 40, 45 minutes of the game, I really liked how we put pressure on them offensively and didnt give up much defensively.

The Knights, who won 11 of their final 13 games before the season was paused March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic, saw plenty to build on before they open round-robin play against Dallas on Monday.

Smith helped the Knights win the special teams battle, as he scored short-handed and converted on a power play later in the first period. The Knights finished 1-for-6 (11 shots) on the power play.

Nick Cousins added an empty-net goal and two assists, and Alex Tuch finished with a goal and an assist as part of a seven-point effort from the third line.

When we have all our lines going, and I think we did tonight, its really tough on teams, Smith said. I think (the fourth) line did a great job being able to change momentum. In every game, other teams are going to get different momentum swings, and they did a good job shutting them down and we were able to build off that and create offense.

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury got the start and turned in a solid effort as he battles with Robin Lehner for the No. 1 job.

Fleury, who missed the first three practices during training camp, finished with 22 saves after a quiet first period when the Coyotes were held without a shot for more than 17 minutes.

Taylor Hall had Arizonas goal at 9:14 of the third period when he poked home a loose puck after a scramble in front.

Maybe at the start they brought it to us a bit, but we didnt take too long, Fleury said. Our guys found their legs and played very solid. They have a lot of speed on that team, but I thought we matched it, no problem. Like I said before, we controlled the puck a lot and created a lot offensively. It was fun to watch guys go.

The Knights played without left wing Max Pacioretty, who remains in Las Vegas to rehabilitate what DeBoer termed a minor injury.

Pacioretty, the teams leading scorer during the regular season with 32 goals and 66 points, was replaced by Chandler Stephenson on the first line against Arizona.

Smith notched a career-high 27 goals during the regular season and provided the offense for the Knights in the first period.

The winger forced a turnover and finished off a two-on-one with penalty kill partner William Karlsson at 8:42 and converted on a power play after Jonathan Marchessault drew a tripping penalty on Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

Smith dragged the puck around Arizonas Alex Goligoski and snapped a shot from the left hashmark past goalie Darcy Kuempers glove at 16:23.

I think we were probably a little sloppy at the start, Smith said. It seemed like there was a lot of bodies running into each other at the start of the game. I thought we did a good job cleaning it up after that.

Physical winger Ryan Reaves created a talking point with about six minutes remaining in the second period when he decked Arizonas Nick Schmaltz with a check to the head.

Schmaltz was forced to leave the game, and the hit will put Reaves back in the spotlight entering the postseason.

Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt left with about eight minutes to play, but DeBoer said Schmidt cramped up and was removed as a precaution.

Ive said this before, Youre never as good as you think you are, and youre never as bad as you think you are after a game, DeBoer said. Im sure theres some areas we can clean up but, you know, overall, considering the circumstances, I thought we came in and did a real good job of carrying over a real good camp into the first exhibition game. We want to build on that.

Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.

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Golden Knights strike early in exhibition win over Coyotes - Las Vegas Review-Journal

Temperatures have a chance to reach record levels for the final days of July in the Las Vegas Valley.

Records are a possibility as temperatures have been trending upward, National Weather Service meteorologist Caleb Steele said.

The July 30 record is 114, July 31s top temperature is 115 and the Aug. 1 mark is 116 at McCarran International Airport.

As of Tuesday morning, the projected high is 112 on Thursday, 113 on Friday and 112 on Saturday.

Tuesday should see a high of 108 after 107 was recorded Monday.

Winds will be about 10 to 15 mph on Tuesday afternoon, well below the gusts recorded Monday.

Wednesdays conditions include a projected high near 108 with light breezes.

Heat warning begins Thursday

An excessive heat warning covering all but the higher elevations of the region runs from Thursday morning through Saturday evening, the weather service says.

The expected high temperatures in the Las Vegas Valley will range from 110 to 115, while the Colorado River Valley will see highs from 115 to 120. Death Valley will see daily highs around 125.

Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid or limit any strenuous activities to early morning or late evening and to stay indoors during the hottest portions of the day. Checking on friends and relatives is also advised.

Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Marv_in_Vegas on Twitter.

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Near-record highs expected in Las Vegas for last days of July - Las Vegas Review-Journal

By Ricardo Torres-Cortez (contact)

Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | 6:45 p.m.

Scott Sonner / AP

Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley is shown during a news conference in Reno on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019.

The Douglas County Public Library in Northern Nevada and the Sheriffs Office are back on good terms following an apparent threat earlier this week that suggested law enforcement would not respond to the library over its support of the Black Lives Matter movement, according to a joint statement published today.

After Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley walked back his comments and clarified that his deputies would continue responding to calls for service at the library Tuesday, he and library Director Amy Dodson talked.

Sheriff Coverley and I had a very candid conversation about the statement and we both expressed our opinions regarding the intent of our exchanged correspondence, Dodson wrote in the statement published on the sheriffs website today. We agreed that we both support the people of Douglas County and this may have been an unfortunate circumstance of misunderstanding. The library respects and supports the work of the Douglas County Sheriffs Office and appreciates everything they do to keep our community safe.

I am passionate about and proud of the work the Sheriffs Office does for all members of this community, Coverley wrote. This has been a difficult time to be a law enforcement professional and can be disheartening when we perceive that our office may be under attack. My response was rooted in my belief that these issues need to be openly discussed in a way that values diversity and law enforcement.

Coverleys frustration came Monday in response to a diversity statement the library intended to propose at a board meeting Tuesday, which was ultimately postponed.

Citing support for Black Lives Matter, the four-paragraph statement denounced all acts of violence, racism, and disregard for human rights ... We resolutely assert and believe that all forms of racism, hatred, inequality and injustice dont belong in our society.

A growing number of libraries across the country have put out similar messages following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody in late May.

In its statement, the Douglas County library said it was going to add its name to a list of more than 170 public libraries in signing the Urban Libraries Council statement on race and social equality.

Learning about its intention to support Black Lives Matter, Coverley put out a letter Monday denouncing the movement and the proposed diversity statement, which he saw as an obvious lack of support or trust with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, adding, please do not feel the need to call 911 for help.

Most of the verbiage in Coverleys letter was copied from a letter by a group of state attorneys to U.S. senatorial and congressional leaders, the Nevada Independent reported.

The Black Lives Matter movement is not monolithic and doesnt have an official chapter in Nevada. Douglas County, with a population of about 47,000, is 89% white, according to the 2010 Census.

On Tuesday, he said his letter was more a public comment rather than a directive, vowing that his department would continue providing service to the library impartially.

The board meeting in which the statement was to be discussed will be rescheduled.

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Nevada sheriff mends ties with library over diversity statement - Las Vegas Sun

If you see someone driving around Las Vegas in a Raiders-themed Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 that looks like Jon Gruden, theres no need for a double take.

Southern Nevada Ford Dealers delivered to Gruden on Monday a 2020 edition of the souped-up muscle car, decked out in a silver-and-black paint job with Raiders painted on top of the rear spoiler and the teams famous pirate logo included on the ends.

Giving the already impressive vehicle an even more unique touch, it came with a Raiders Nevada specialty license plate embossed with JTWYN, a nod to late owner Al Davis memorable motto Just win, baby.

The Southern Nevada Ford Dealers couldnt be more proud to welcome Coach Gruden, to Las Vegas, said Steve Olliges, owner of Team Ford and member of the Southern Nevada Ford Dealers, who are a founding sponsor of Allegiant Stadium. We hope he enjoys driving the Mustang and we look forward to seeing him lead the Las Vegas Raiders to many victories this season and for many years to come.

The Shelby GT500 features a 5.2-liter V-8 engine, boasting a top speed of 186 mph powered by 745 horsepower.

Thats the Henry Ruggs III horsepower right there, Gruden said in a statement, comparing the car to the speedy rookie receiver.

Although nothing tops winning a Lombardi Trophy in the NFL, Gruden had high praise for the vehicle.

(Its the) best thing I will ever own, next to my Super Bowl trophy, Gruden said.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.

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Jon Gruden welcomed to Las Vegas with Raiders-themed Shelby GT500 - Las Vegas Review-Journal

By Shane Bean

Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | 2 a.m.

As a fourth-generation Nevadan, I was born into a family of outdoor enthusiasts who showed me the beauty of Southern Nevada.

As a child, some of my most enjoyable experiences were weekend trips spent in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Our family would pack what we needed for the day, crawl into four-wheel drive vehicles, and just drive. No maps, no timeline and no phones, just be back later.

It was the promise of the adventure we could find in new places we had never been. We would take our time, exploring the rimrock hillsides through the Sheep Range, and wonder what lay in wait for us on the next dirt road.

Often these days were spent listening to the exciting stories my grandfather would share about his time working in the National Park Service, managing a CCC crew during the Great Depression across the Spring Mountains and portions of the Sheep Range included in the wildlife refuge.

The laughing, the lessons, the memories that are irreplaceable are forever etched in my mind. During these adventures, we discovered desert springs where I saw my first bullfrog jump 10 feet to escape the obnoxious little kid chasing him. No matter how hard I try, I cannot describe the effect of January and February rains, activating the long dormant seeds in the ground that would cover a boring desert with entire mountainsides of yellow, purple and red. My first experience with the infamous chukar partridge was when 20 or so flushed at my feet as I walked past a small grove of lifeless creosote bushes clearly not so lifeless. The distinctive chuck-a chuck, chuck-a-chuck, chuck-a-chuck echoed through the canyons for the next two hours as they called themselves back together.

I heard for the first time the crack of two desert bighorn sheep butting heads directly above a large rocky hillside strewn with petroglyphs, still etched in my mind as clearly as the day I saw them. There is no replacement for those experiences, or the memories of sharing them with loved ones.

I have since shared these same experiences with my own children. The excitement of the first desert tortoise making his way across the desert in front of us, the scorpions that always seem to find a temporary home under tents, and the coyotes howling in the early-morning hours. Those experiences are irreplaceable, and I cannot imagine a Southern Nevada that no longer affords them these opportunities.

Unfortunately, availability of these experiences is slowly disappearing. Large swaths of the Spring Mountains have been cut off due to encroaching housing and road closures. Most areas of the Lake Mead National Recreation area are now closed to all vehicular traffic, only accessible by boat or foot. Access to the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge has been limited, with fences placed around areas that once were open to exploration.

Now, the United States Air Force has petitioned to take a huge part of the Desert National Wildlife Range, to add to the available test range. The bubble of Nevada outdoor experiences is shrinking around me. I cannot fathom a Nevada where I will not have access to these unique areas. While I support our armed forces my own late father was an Air Force veteran this specific area is unique and full of life.It is not simply empty land that has no use.I can appreciate the need in expanding the Nevada Test and Training Range to the Air Force, but Nevada has already given more than its fair share to the federal government its time we start maintaining these areas, not only for the wildlife in the region but for Nevadans to enjoy.

So much of our desert is enclosed with barbed wire and No Trespassing signs keeping these areas accessible to all is the responsibility of the state. When making the decision on whether to transfer this land to the Air Force, I hope our leaders in Congress will measure the need of the Air Force with the needs of Nevada residents and the long-term damage done by taking this irreplaceable resource from us.

Such a large part of our state is already owned and controlled by the federal government, and more and more is being sold to developers, while Nevadans are left with less and less. Fewer places to enjoy with our families. Fewer places to experience the quiet and escape the cities. Fewer places to show what Nevada has to offer beyond the glitter of Las Vegas.

Shane Bean is a hiker and hunter. He lives in Las Vegas.

Editors note: Southern Nevadas congressional delegation led successful efforts in both the House and Senate to include protections for the Desert National Wildlife Area in versions of the National Defense Authorization Act that passed both chambers. The fate of the area now lies in the hands of a House-Senate conference committee that will negotiate a final version of the NDAA, which is essentially the defense funding bill.

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Experiences at wildlife refuge are irreplaceable - Las Vegas Sun

Published Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | 7:37 a.m.

Updated 5 hours, 23 minutes ago

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A Tennessee woman has been charged with reckless homicide after her son fatally shot her daughter with a gun she had previously taken away from him, according to an arrest affidavit.

The shooting happened Tuesday as Tuwana Bynote's children were handling a gun, news outlets reported, citing the police report.

The affidavit says Bynote told police she knew her juvenile son had a gun for months and that she had taken it from him several times and hidden it, but he would find it. Bynote said she never removed the gun from the home.

The boy told police he unintentionally shot his sister while handing her the gun, police said. He said when his mother would take the gun, she always hid it in the same location and he would retrieve it.

The ages of the children are not listed in the affidavit. Bynote does not have an attorney listed in court records.

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Mother charged after son fatally shoots daughter - Las Vegas Sun

With the coronavirus still raging in Nevada, state casino regulators have opened more than 150 cases over noncompliance with health and safety policies, officials said Tuesday.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board said it has conducted more than 10,135 inspections and observations to enforce health and safety rules amid the public health crisis. Among its 156 investigations, the board has filed three formal complaints.

It did not disclose the targets of its open cases but posted copies of the complaints online. None involved properties in Southern Nevada.

The complaints included allegations that patrons did not wear face coverings or wore them improperly while playing slot machines.

The control board will present cases to the Nevada Gaming Commission to ensure that public health and safety remains a priority for the gaming industry, control board Chairwoman Sandra Douglass Morgan said in a news release.

Nevadas casinos were allowed to reopen June 4, more than two months after Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered them and other businesses closed to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

Contact Eli Segall at esegall@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0342. Follow @eli_segall on Twitter.

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Casino regulator investigating 150+ cases of health and safety noncompliance - Las Vegas Review-Journal

Sin City is home to a lot of restaurants and bars, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Las Vegans arent unearthing. To help guide readers to these potential discoveries, Eater Vegas enlisted some of the citys food players to share their recommendations for a feature dubbed Dining Confidential.

For this edition, Eater Vegas reached out to chefs and restaurateurs to find out where they are ordering takeout and delivery during the coronavirus pandemic.

Executive chef Joe Zanelli of Clique Hospitalitys Greene St. Kitchen says hes mainly been cooking at home, but has two spots hes turned to for takeout or delivery during the coronavirus pandemic. At Grimaldis Pizzeria, he orders the Margherita with roasted peppers and ricotta. At Cafe Breizh he turns to croissants, apple turnovers, sugar brioche, ham and cheese croissants, and assorted cookies.

Jeremy Jordan, the chef and partner at Cut & Taste Catering, orders from Sushi Bomb. His go-to orders? The coconut lover roll and Sushi Bomb roll.

Chef Dan Coughlin, who has two locations of Le Thai and plans to open 8 East at Circa in December, orders delivery from Chinatowns Chengdu Taste. Its probably for me the most flavorful and spicy Chinese food in Vegas. I like it so much that when we went to China a year ago we actually visited Chengdu, China. Some of his favorite dishes include mung bean noodle with spicy sauce, spicy wontons, toothpick lamb, chicken with red and green pepper, beef with golden sauce, Chengdu fried rice, beef with crispy rice, boiled fish with red and green pepper, stir fried green beans, and fried chicken with red pepper. Anyone of these dishes is a guarantee for me, he says.

All Dining Confidentials [ELV]

What (and How) to Eat and Drink in Las Vegas During the Coronavirus Pandemic [ELV]

A Running List of Las Vegas and Henderson Restaurants Expanding Delivery and Takeout Due to Coronavirus [ELV]

How Coronavirus Is Affecting Las Vegas Food and Restaurants [ELV]

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The coronavirus casino closure is ending, with cards to be dealt, dice to roll and slot jackpots to win starting Thursday in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. (June 4) AP Domestic

LAS VEGAS It's thequestion at the heart of a quagmire Nevada has yet to figure out:Should casinos be open?

COVID-19 cases areclimbing here. Death tolls are breakingrecords. The positivity rateis almost five times higher than what the World Health Organization considers safe enough to reopen.Yet tourists keep coming.

When the USA TODAY Network asked Dr. Brian Labus an associate professor at UNLV's School of Public Health who sits on Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak's Medical Advisory Team whether Nevada's casinos should remain open, his answer seemedsimple.

"From a public health standpoint," Labussaid, "no."

Butthe answer, he said, is more complicated.

"We cant figure out what is going to be the effect of all of these decisions that we make and we have to take all of those things in account to come up with something that is the right decision for Nevada," he said.

Labus said he doesn't envy the governor.

"I can focus on public health compared to focusingon everything."

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak speaks about masks during a press conference in the Nevada State Legislature Building in Carson City on June 24, 2020.(Photo: JASON BEAN/RGJ)

Sisolak's first order shuttering casinos showed what happens when the state's central economic engine is shut down.

Thousands of jobless Nevadans jammedan ill-equipped unemployment system, frontline casino workers and their family members got sick and died, visitors testedpositive after Vegas vacations.

Since Nevada casinos opened on June 4, hundreds of thousands have strolled the Las Vegas Strip,packedcasinos, waitedshoulder-to-shoulder for the Bellagio fountains to dance again.Many wentmasklessand defiedsocial distancing rules.

"By leaving the casinos open a certain number of people will get sick and potentially die," Labus said. "By closing them you create all of these other problems where people are going to get sick and potentiallydie. Trying to figure out the math on that it is pretty much impossible."

(Photo: Getty Images)

Nevada State Public Health Laboratory director Dr. Mark Pandori said the question of casinos and if they should be openisn't one he could answer.

Coronavirus:Rural Nevada detention centers, jails battle to keep COVID-19 from creeping in

But the question of why Nevada has seen an uptick in cases is aneasy one, he said:"It's whenuninfectedpeople are near the infected."

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In an email to Dr. Trudy Larson,another member of the state'smedical advisory team, the USA TODAY Network asked if the group would advise Sisolak to shut down Las Vegas casinos again.

Great question, Larson said in an email, and one the (medical advisory team) has not been asked.

It's a question many government officials are notwilling to address.

Nevada Gaming Control Board ChairwomanSandra Douglass Morgan did not make herself available for an interview.

In response to an interview request to Dr. Ihsan Azzam, Larson's medical advisory team colleague, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services directed all questionsto the governors office.

Casino companiespoint to Sisolak, too.

"That decision would not be our call," Caesars Entertainmentspokesman Richard Broome said.Our focus is on running the business as effectively as possible under the new health and safety directives and protocols."

Asked whether casinos will be closed again to keep people from unknowingly spreading or contracting COVID-19 while onvacation, Gov. Sisolak's office issued a statement that did not directly address the question.

Related:More infectious mutation of COVID-19 tied to spike in Nevada cases

Instead, the response pointed to the governor's recent order closing bars and the state's response to landing in the "red zone" for COVID-19 cases.

"Based on data review, ongoing assessments of criteria, and feedback from localities," the statement said, "the governor will make determinations on if, what and when adjustments need to be made to mitigate the spread."

Nevada casinos only reopenedsevenweeks ago. In that sevenweeks, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Nevada hassurged.

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Nevadas daily death toll from COVID-19 reached its highest number with 28 new deaths reported Tuesday a record that was again tied on Wednesday.The previous daily record was 14 deaths on May 6.The new numbers bring the total COVID-19 death count for the state to 704 as of July 21.

The total number of positive cases statewide is 38,657. Most of those more than 33,000 are in Clark County, home of the Las Vegas Strip.

The states seven-day average positivity rate reached a record high this week at 22%. The World Health Organization recommends a positivity rate of 5% or lower for testing for at least 14 days prior to reopening.

When casinos reopened on June 4,the positivity rate in Clark County was 4.9%. Masks wouldnot become mandatory in all public places until almost three weeks later.

Nevada health experts likeDr. Thomas Schwenk, dean of the UNR School of Medicine, contend the Silver State would have far lower numbers if the state stayed closed for longer and masks became required sooner.

A lot of us in health care saw early on if we would really jump on this and shut this place down and mask everybody and really take it seriously and really get behind this and enforce it and have clear messaging on the state and federal level that the community would rise up and take charge of this, he said. We did not do it as dramatically as we should have early on.

It's a problem not unique to Nevada,Schwenk said.It is a problem across the country with poor leadership and direction at the highest levels.

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The Las Vegas Strip is a challenging place to corral a pandemic.

The tools have been there all along, Larson said in an interview.What hasnt been there is a public acceptance of these tools, because nobodys had to do it before.

Less than a week after the Fourth of July, health officials said anuptick in cases stemmed from contacts exposed during social gatherings, domestic travel and a lack of social distancing.

In Asia, they wear masks during respiratory season so they dont get influenza, right? And guess what: It works," Larson said."Its always worked, but weve never had to do that, and were a different kind of society than a lot of those countries.

Vegas:'Las Vegas is in a world of hurt.' Venetian, Palazzo owner reports $985M loss in Q2

For almost two decades,Las Vegas was the "what happens here, stays here" destination a place people visit to forget about rules, worries and"to-do" lists.

"When you are on vacation you dont want to think about this outbreak, you want to get away from it," Labus said."But it is here too. It is following you. You cant get away from it because you are on vacation."

The tourists visiting Las Vegas despite the spread are not typical,he said.

"These are the people who definitelyarent interested in paying attention to all the requirements that we have in place," Labus said."If you are really scared about this outbreak, if you are concerned about getting sick, you arent going anywhere, especially you arent going to Las Vegas or Reno for vacation."

Contributing: Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette Journal.

Ed Komenda writes about Las Vegas for the Reno Gazette Journal and USA Today Network. Do you care about democracy?Then support local journalism by subscribing to the Reno Gazette Journal right here.

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Chris Urso / Tampa Bay Times

In this May 19, 2020, file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady runs across the field during a an NFL football workout at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Fla. Bruce Arians didnt give much thought to the prospect of opting out of trying to help Tom Brady win a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 67-year-old whose aggressive offensive philosophy is dubbed no risk it, no biscuit is one of the oldest head coaches in the NFL, as well as a cancer survivor who once retired because of healthconcerns.

By Barry Wilner, Associated Press

Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | 12:05 a.m.

Brady and Brees aren't the B words dominating the opening of NFL training camps.

Try baseball and babysitting.

As veterans report Tuesday for COVID-19 testing, with on-field work far on the horizon for now, eyeballs are focused on the pandemic issues in Major League Baseball. The coronavirus outbreak with the Miami Marlins, who won't be playing any games the rest of this week, is foremost in the football world.

You know, for whats going on in baseball right now, it affects everyone, Jets quarterback Sam Darnold said. "I mean, because you look at the game the Marlins had and, you know, they affect the players on the other team. ... Theres no good way of really going about it. And youve got to start canceling games.

"So its just a matter of what the league wants to do. And, if people start getting or contracting the virus within the NFL, itll be interesting to see how the NFL wants to handle it.

Titans coach Mike Vrabel said he is not using the word worried, but "obviously, (we're) always very concerned about the health and safety of our players and their family and the coaches and our staff in this building. But until we see how our protocols and our plan that the NFL and the players association worked so hard to put into place, till we see how those are going to function and work, we cant make any changes. We have to to follow the plan."

Nobody knows if the plan will work, of course.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said baseball players having positive tests led to the question of How does travel affect that and the testing when you go on the road and when you dont?

Quinn said he was enjoying baseballs return, so I was disappointed to see the outbreak had affected games being played. So, its definitely something we all discuss for sure.

What Broncos President Joe Ellis won't be discussing is keeping tabs of where his players go and what they do. At least not yet.

We cant control what happens when they go home. Were not going to babysit them and spy on them or anything like that," he said. Theyre grownups. Well just ask them to conduct themselves appropriately to take care of themselves such as theyll be taking care of the whole organization, their teammates specifically, and their coaches. And weve got some good guys on the team I think that can help get that message through to them.

The biggest news from NFL teams Tuesday dealt with opt-outs. Any player who decides not to play this season will get a $150,000 stipend if it is a voluntary move, and $350,000 if it is for pre-existing medical reasons.

Opting out were several key members of the New England Patriots: linebacker Dont'a Hightower, a defensive leader; safety Patrick Chung; offensive tackle Marcus Cannon; running back Brandon Bolden; and fullback Dan Vitale. Chung's decision was confirmed by a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.

Defensive tackles Star Lotulelei of Buffalo and Kyle Peko of Denver, Eagles receiver Marquise Goodwin, Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Vikings defensive tackle Michael Pierce, and Ravens kick returner DeAnthony Thomas also have opted out.

STAYING PUT

In one of the biggest moves of the day, defensive end Joey Bosa agreed to a contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers that two people familiar with the deal said is worth $135 million over five years.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the contract has not been finalized. ESPN was the first to report on the deal.

The Chargers confirmed Bosa has agreed to the extension but did not disclose financial terms.

Bosa was entering the fifth and final season of his rookie contract. There was some thought that he would hold out if an agreement had not been reached, but he reported to camp on Tuesday.

SHOWING UP

Running back Dalvin Cook arrived at Minnesotas facility for coronavirus testing as scheduled with the rest of the teams veterans, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team did not make the reporting process public.

Cook, who has begun the fourth and final year of his rookie contract with a base salary of slightly more than $1.3 million, is seeking a new deal. He backed out of the virtual offseason program last month after negotiations stalled.

Whether Cook will choose to take part in practice without a contract extension is unknown. With the first on-field workout not until Aug. 12, theres time for the team and his camp to come to an agreement. Simply showing up on Tuesday was critical for Cook, regardless of what his feelings might be about how the front office is approaching his status and value. According to the new collective bargaining agreement, Cook would have been subject to a maximum $50,000 fine per daily absence and forfeited a season of accrual toward unrestricted free agency had he held out.

INJURIES/ILLNESSES

The Titans placed their top draft pick, offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson of Georgia, on the COVID-19/reserve list. Wilson remains the one member of their six-man draft class who hasnt agreed to a contract. Linebacker Jayon Brown will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

San Francisco placed starting receiver Deebo Samuel on the non-football injury list after foot surgery and said he might miss the start of the season. Samuel suffered a fracture in his left foot last month during informal workouts with teammates in Tennessee and the timeline for his return remains unknown.

Samuel is being counted on to be a key part of the offense for the defending NFC champion 49ers. San Francisco lost receiver Emmanuel Sanders in free agency and was hoping Samuel could help fill that role in his second season in the NFL following a promising debut season.

Defensive lineman Ronald Blair, center Weston Richburg, defensive lineman Jullian Taylor, defensive lineman Kentavius Street and receiver Shawn Poindexter were all placed on the physically unable to perform list as they recover from knee injuries last season. Defensive back D.J. Reed was placed on the non-football injury list after suffering a torn pectoral during the offseason.

The Cowboys placed defensive tackle Dontari Poe and defensive end Tyrone Crawford on the physically unable to perform list. Both remain on the active roster.

Poe, who signed as a free agent, had surgery for a torn quadriceps muscle in November while with Carolina. Crawford, a starter the past six seasons in Dallas, has battled hip issues that limited him to four games last year.

Atlanta placed rookie safety Jaylinn Hawkins on the teams reserve/COVID-19 list hours after coach Dan Quinn said all rookies had negative tests. Hawkins, a fourth-round pick from Cal, could have tested negative and placed on the list after exposure to the coronavirus. Teams are not allowed to disclose if a player is in quarantine.

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NFL training camps opening with eye on baseball, babysitting - Las Vegas Sun

Brunch at Sparrow + Wolf

Sparrow + Wolf at 4480 Spring Mountain Road, will introduce brunch beginning this Sunday. Menu items will include smoked trout rillettes with smashed English peas and trout roe, $14; grilled shrimp and artichokes with preserved lemon and miso vinaigrette, $19; a duck confit cinnamon roll with duck-fat frosting and yuzu apricot chutney, $16; and a Japanese rolled omelet with dashi creme fraiche, soy and scallion ginger, $14. All-you-can drink Champagne is $28 with two cold-pressed juices, such as vanilla, strawberry and basil. The brunch is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays; reservations for parties of no larger than six are available at sparrowandwolflv.com or 702-790-2147.

Marrone to do pizza

Marc Marrone plans to launch Gemma Gemmas, a takeout-only pizza concept, Aug. 3. Its a concept close to the chefs heart, featuring a style of square pizza he used to make with his father growing up, which he describes as a cross between Detroit and Sicilian. The brands mascot is a tribute to his late father, while the company name is a reference to his grandmother. Gemma Gemmas will operate as a sort of ghost kitchen, preparing pizzas, roast pork sandwiches and other East Coast pizzeria classics for pickup or delivery out of the kitchen at Marrones Graffiti Bao.

DIY lasagna

In honor of National Lasagna Day on Wednesday, North Italia, 1069 S. Rampart Blvd., is offering at do-it-yourself lasagna kit that serves four to six people for $65. It comes with house-made Bolognese sauce, herbed ricotta, mozzarella, provolone and Grana Padana cheeses, a Caesar salad, Parmesan-garlic bread, a side of marinara and tiramisu. Call 702-507-0927.

Binge-worthy Black Sheep cocktails

If the new cocktail menu at The Black Sheep, 8680 W. Warm Springs Road, reminds you of your watchlist on your favorite streaming service, dont worry, youre not going crazy. The drinks are themed to binge-worthy shows and promise layers of flavor. For example, the Lil Sebastian, which is Wild Turkey rye, miso demerara and orange bitters, is a posthumous tribute to a beloved miniature horse from Parks and Recreation. If that one seems fairly obvious, youll have fun trying to identify the inspiration behind the Coo-Coo-Ca-Cha, Block Party, Kansas City Business Trip and three others. Theyre $13 each.

Finger Licking takes on Chinatown

Finger Licking Foodie Tours has launched a self-guided tour of the Spring Mountain Road neighborhood that shows why calling it Chinatown fails to do it justice. An offshoot of Lip Smacking Foodies group tours, Finger Licking has responded to the pandemic with tours guided by an app on your phone. It allows groups of two to six to visit three restaurants and have signature dishes at each over the course of two and half hours, with reservations, payment and even Uber rides (when necessary) taken care of in advance. The new itinerary includes stops at tapas spot Edo, Sparrow + Wolf and the Thai restaurant Lamaii for $125 per person. Book at fingerlickingfoodietours.com.

More temporary closings

Add Izakaya Go, Pokeman and the two Ramen Show locations to the local restaurants that have opted to close due to COVID-19 concerns. Go Hoashi, who owns all four, announced the closures on social media Sunday. He said he did it for public safety, so all of his workers could be tested before getting back to serving the public. Hes hoping to reopen once everyone gets their test results back.

Contact Heidi Knapp Rinella at Hrinella@reviewjournal.com. Follow @HKRinella on Twitter. Contact Al Mancini at amancini@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlManciniVegas on Twitter and Instagram.

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Las Vegas restaurants announce openings, a new brunch and more - Las Vegas Review-Journal

Gambling. World-class entertainment. And the prospect of an illicit encounter. Such are the pillars upon which Las Vegas was built.

In the Age of COVID, only the first remains an option, with a face mask and social distance, that is.

Strip room rates have tumbled in lock-step with hotel occupancy, especially in the midweek. Some properties, such as the Palazzo, are taking reservations only for the weekend.

So in all the years Ive been here in Las Vegas, Ive never felt more gloomy, I do say, about whats happening in Las Vegas short term, LV Sands President and CEO Rob Goldstein said during an earnings call Wednesday, in which the company reported a second quarter loss of $985 million.

It cannot make money with limited hotel occupancy or a negligible occupancy midweek, maybe a 50% capacity weekend, he said. In essence, were running a regional casino predicated on drive-in businesses. We have airlift somewhere around 40% of what it was and about 40% the occupancy of planes is much less than it was previously. So were in a world of hurt here in terms of Las Vegas.

Wynn Resorts, which paid its workforce during more than two months of closure, began laying off employees this week.

Vegas is dependent on airlift. Its dependent on group and convention. Its not a casino-driven market anymore, Goldstein said.

The seemingly endless parade of conventions, trade shows, and business conferences that kept hotels near maximum occupancy has dried up. The LVCVA reports 29 shows have cancelled thus far through September. The jobs that supported them have evaporated.

Nevada Public Radio reported last month that 3,000 to 6,000 union members work conventions each year in Las Vegas. Almost all are unemployed, as are the workers employed by convention facilities.

Following a combination of layoffs and furloughs about 100 working ambassadors remain, says Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Director of Communications Erica Johnson. A portion of those working ambassadors are dedicated to the security of the facility. The remaining entail sales, communications, marketing (were actively marketing the destination) and administrative roles to keep the agency moving forward on essential functions as we continue to reopen and rebuild the destination and hopefully soon recover.

Were promoting the destination domestically right now to leisure travelers for any day of the week, says LVCVA Senior Vice President of Communication & Government Affairs Lori Nelson-Kraft. The agency reports visitation has been decimated as a result of COVID. I think youre just seeing stronger demand on the weekends. I have noticed that many of our resort partners are doing promotional specials and discounted rates midweek to drive that visitation.

We are basically paying people to come here, said one hotel worker who asked not to be identified.

The LVCVAs award-winning advertising campaigns are the work of R&R Partners, which has held the agencys marketing contract for decades.

Last month, the LVCVA board approved a $110 million one-year extension. The company receives a monthly fee of $475,000, a content budget of $600,000 a month, and a 6.5 percent commission on its media buys.

The guru of Las Vegas tourism, R&Rs Billy Vassiliadis, did not return a call from the Current.

I think that there will be a premium on regional and local promotions for casinos around the country for the near future. Las Vegas will have to get creative or be content with the Southern California/Arizona/Utah market until things get better, says UNLV historian and author David Schwartz.

Once known as a destination for low-cost lodging and cheap buffets, Las Vegas attractions have become increasingly expensive in recent years. Some hotels have are easing or eliminating resort and parking fees in an effort to appear more affordable.

How did Las Vegas thrive in the days before the mega conventions? Are there lessons to be learned from our past?

Before conventions hotels had so few rooms that they werent under a ton of pressure to keep occupancy up, says Schwartz, adding its much different running a 200-room hotel at 20 percent occupancy than a 3,000-room one.

We basically let the weekends handle themselves and had little problem keeping the places full, says former gaming executive Richard Schuetz, who worked at a variety of properties in the 80s.

During the week day, our efforts were mainly directed at the wholesalers, says Schuetz.

We would down-rate for the L.A. Times to attract the free independent traveler out of California during the mid-week, and also worked to intercept the traffic on I-15, he says. It is surprising how many people would get in their cars in L.A. and head to Vegas without reservations.

We also relied on the billboards on the I-15 corridor, he says, noting they had a great radio station at Barstow and this was when folks listened to the radio.

Our weekends would generally run 40 to 50 percent casino, 40 percent Free Independent Traveler, and 10 percent wholesale.

Tour groups arranged by wholesalers helped put heads in beds.

Another popular promotion, the junket, faded away with the advent of players cards and database marketing, says Schwartz.

Actually, with air travel being so challenging these days it might not be a terrible idea for a casino to charter a plane to pick up a group of big players, he says.

Boyd Gaming is already partnering with a charter company out of Hawaii and the L.A. Times reports Wynn Las Vegas is wooing visitors with a jaunt via private jet.

LV Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson, who brought Comdex to Las Vegas in the early 80s, isnt giving up on the business sector.

The fact that people are working from home and communicating from home, that is never going to give up on the trade show business, he said during Wednesdays earnings call. To meet people, to do research, to do recruitment, to make announcements and product introductions, there wont be a substitute for that.

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Can Las Vegas find clues to surviving its future by revisiting its past? - Nevada Current

LAS VEGAS -- It was sometime in the winter of 1990-91, with the undefeated, top-ranked defending national champion UNLV Runnin' Rebels in the midst of a 45-game winning streak, when Stacey Augmon and Larry Johnson sat for a midseason photo shoot.

The two All-Americans and soon-to-be NBA lottery picks were the most high-profile players on the most high-profile team in the nation, a rollicking and raucous squad being bandied about as the greatest in college history. Yet this pic was to be a mood shot, in black and white. So Augmon pulled out a pair of Raiders caps, Los Angeles Raiders caps, threw one atop his head and handed the other to Johnson.

"Larry thought I was crazy because he's from Texas," Augmon, who grew up in Pasadena, California, said of the nearly three-decade-old memory. "I made him wear the hat. But after that, he became a Raider fan."

Indeed, Augmon's conversion of Johnson was a harbinger of things to come in Las Vegas, with the Raiders relocating to Sin City and many of its denizens suddenly clinging to everything with a Silver and Black motif.

With so many sporting figures from Southern Nevada and/or making their homes there -- we caught up with some, past and present, to talk about the Raiders' move. Other notables include Andre Agassi, NASCAR's Busch Brothers, Kurt and Kyle -- who both went to Durango High School -- Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr., the UFC. And the CBA has rolled through a few times, along with the WBL and the IBL, not to mention the XFL and the UFL.

The Las Vegas Raiders, though, after spending the previous 25 seasons in Oakland following 13 in L.A., are entering an entirely different environment than the roost the Rebels ruled.

"Vegas is the most unique city in America; it's a big town, little city," said Reggie Theus, who helped take UNLV to the 1977 Final Four. "There was what, 500,000 people there when I was [in school]? Now it's two million? Back then, you knew all the main players in town by first name. When you were out at dinner you'd see Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Lola Falana, Wayne Newton. And they knew us. But getting the NFL in town, that was shooting for the moon. Over the moon.

"It does feel fitting, though. You have to be a Vegas guy to understand Vegas. No doubt this was supposed to happen. What a phenomenal business move for the NFL."

And back then the Rebels, known for Gucci Row and deep NCAA tournament runs, were truly the biggest team sports show in town -- the only team sports show -- with UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian as big as any headliner on the Strip.

"It was more difficult to get a ticket to the UNLV basketball game," Tarkanian said on an HBO special about the Rebels, "than it was to the Frank Sinatra show."

2 Related

Yes, Sinatra recruited for Tarkanian.

The Raiders, with coach Jon Gruden, are bringing a certain star power that has been missing in Las Vegas since Tarkanian was forced to resign from UNLV in 1992.

"Tark was like a rock star," said Greg Anthony, the point guard on that national championship team and a Las Vegas native who went to Rancho High School. "I didn't think you would ever say this about someone who had his physical characteristics, but ladies loved him ... and men wanted to be around him. He had a quick wit and was great with stories. He was revered by celebrities, entertainers, politicians, corporate types and even by some considered to be organized crime figures.

"Coach had the 'it factor' and coaching in Vegas lent to that. No matter where he went, Coach was the focal point."

Chucky, Tark the Shark. Tark the Shark, Chucky.

Indeed, some see a correlation in mystique between the renegade Raiders and Shark's band of Runnin' Rebels, who counted the likes of Tyson, MC Hammer and Evander Holyfield among their fans. The Rebels were addressed in their locker room by NFL great Walter Payton before their 1990 NCAA title game demolition of Duke.

"Tarkanian gave them a personality that was different than everybody else," Raiders owner Mark Davis said. "Bigger than life. The towel. They would win games magnificently and everybody else jumped on board. And I did, too.

"All those guys are important to us. Augmon. Reggie. That's a bridge that we value."

Told the late Tarkanian once said he was a Chargers fan, Davis paused.

"Well," Davis smiled, "nobody's perfect."

There is a history between the Raiders and Las Vegas, linked by late radio announcer Bob Blum, who was friends with Al Davis. In 1964, the Raiders played the Houston Oilers in an exhibition game at Cashman Field. And in 1972, Ken Stabler, George Atkinson, Tom Keating and Tony Cline held a kids clinic at UNLV's year-old Las Vegas Stadium ... the day after the Raiders thumped the Los Angeles Rams 45-17.

Maybe Augmon, who already has bought season tickets for 2020, was onto something with his choice in headwear after all.

Southern Nevada has changed. Gone are the 99-cent breakfast specials, affordable all-you-can-eat buffets, cheap hotel rooms, free parking and the Rebels dominating not only the national scene, but Las Vegas.

We're a long way from 1994, when Las Vegas was the undisputed king of trash sports, with the International Hockey League's Thunder, the Arena Football League's Sting, Roller Hockey International's Flash, the Continental International Soccer League's Dustdevils and the Canadian Football League's Posse all calling Vegas home.

But the NFL and the Raiders?

"I would never, ever have thought I'd see anything like this in that town," said Augmon, who became a Raiders fan when the team moved to L.A. in 1982, when he was a freshman at Pasadena Muir High School. "But Vegas definitely can support it. The hotels are going to sell out the suites and everyone else is going to fill in. The money's there. I mean, even if a basketball team goes there, the money is definitely there and people are flying in and loving Vegas."

Tarkanian's Rebels repped Las Vegas with a certain swagger that embodied Sin City.

The Raiders are bringing their own swag.

"I'm sure," Theus said, "wherever Tark is, he's doing a happy dance."

As are other members of Las Vegas' royal sporting court:

The worst birthday the Golden Knights' right wing has ever had? Try his 15th.

A day earlier, on Jan. 19, 2002, the Tuck Rule effectively ended the Raiders' season on a snowy night in New England in what would be Gruden's final game as Raiders coach ... until he returned in 2018.

"Not just my birthday," Reaves rued, "that ruined my whole year. I was watching it on TV and I just had my hands on my head like, 'What the hell is going on here? Are they just trying to screw us over?'

"From that point on, I've hated the Patriots and Tom Brady. Deflategate? They should have been kicked out of the league."

Reminded that Brady and his new Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad are scheduled to come to Las Vegas for an Oct. 25 game, Reaves exhaled.

"Yeah," he said with an 18-year-old grudge, "then they'll get stomped, too, at Allegiant Stadium."

Reaves, the Golden Knights' enforcer, has had football in his blood since birth and Raider Nation citizenship since Jerry Rice came to the team in 2001. Yes, even as a kid born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada.

And why not? His dad, Willard, was a CFL star running back, the league's Most Outstanding Player in 1984, a year after Warren Moon was feted, a year before Mervyn Fernandez. Willard had a cup of coffee in the NFL, playing in one game with Washington (he was thrown for a 1-yard loss by the Philadelphia Eagles' Jerome Brown on his lone carry) and two games with the Miami Dolphins (he returned a total of six kickoffs for 84 yards) in 1989.

Yeah, football seemed to be in the younger Reaves' future (his brother Jordan is a defensive end with the Saskatchewan Roughriders). But a knee injury and the allure of hockey was too strong. So Ryan kept rooting for his favorite team from afar ... until that team arrived in his new city this summer.

"Just the vibe of watching the games, the Black Hole, the team just fascinated me," Reaves said. "Besides our [Golden Knights] jerseys, I like the L.A. Kings' jerseys, that black and silver. Like the Raiders.

"The Raiders, the Bad Boys, I guess that does complement my style. I didn't fight as much when I was younger."

Vegas sports royalty welcomes Raiders How Chiefs pulled off Mahomes, Jones deals Jets' safety plan includes McDougald, Davis 2020 training camps: Previews for 32 teams Athletes react to Washington Football Team

Reaves, who scored the game-winner against, yup, Winnipeg in 2018 that lifted the then-expansion Golden Knights into the Stanley Cup Finals, attended the Raiders' home opener last September in Oakland with his young son and sat in Davis' owner's suite. Now, his son, who is 4 years old, asks whenever they pass Allegiant Stadium, "When will the Raiders play in their new home?"

"I'm so excited; I've only been to one Raider game," said Reaves, who counts running back Josh Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram as his favorite players. "But now that their stadium is literally across the street from our arena, you best believe I'm going to every game I can."

Two notable things went down on the Las Vegas sports landscape in the spring semester of Greg Maddux's junior year at Valley High School in 1983 -- the Runnin' Rebels ascended to their first No. 1 national ranking and the Stars set up shop at Cashman Field in North Las Vegas as the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.

"And that was it," Maddux, a four-time Cy Young Award winner and Hall of Famer, said more than 37 years later. "Tark was bigger than Frank Sinatra back then. He was Vegas."

Yeah, there's a generation (or two) gap when it comes to Las Vegas' old and new school baseball royalty. Consider: The last time the Raiders won the Super Bowl, in January 1984, Maddux was a high school senior. And the last time the Raiders actually played in a Super Bowl, in 2003, Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant were 10 and 11 years old, respectively. Neither recall watching Tarkanian at UNLV or his overshadowing Ol' Blue Eyes, and why would they? Both were born the same year the Shark finished his 19-year run with the Rebels.

But the NFL? That's a universal language all three baseball lifers understand. Especially with the Raiders now calling their hometown, well, home.

"The whole city's excited ... we never thought we'd get an NFL team and being able to see the Raiders there, they're going to have the support of the city," said Harper, a Las Vegas High graduate, the 2012 National League rookie of the year and 2015 NL MVP. "It's going to be different to see all these major sports teams coming in and possibly MLB now and possibly the NBA.

"Especially Gruden coming. It's going to be fun."

Harper was a Dallas Cowboys fan growing up. "In Vegas, you kind of just root for the best and the Cowboys were America's Team ... my dad was such a Cowboys fan," he said. "He loved Emmitt [Smith] and [Troy] Aikman."

Maddux gravitated toward the NFL team in whichever city he was playing: "When I was in Chicago, I liked the Bears. When I was in Atlanta, I was a Falcons fan. Even in San Diego I followed the Chargers."

Bryant was football agnostic. "It's kind of like when we got the Golden Knights," said Bryant, a Bonanza High graduate, the 2015 NL rookie of the year and the 2016 NL MVP. "I never really paid attention to hockey, but now I find myself watching more and more of it. Same with football ... now I feel like I'll be more invested in it just because we have a team in our city now, and that's exciting.

"[Las Vegas] was never really known for sports. Obviously, it was just known for gambling, a tourist city."

So much so that Bryant is still asked by Las Vegas know-nothings: "What casino do you live in?"

"I always tell people there's a city outside of the Strip," Bryant laughed. "Now we have major league sports, which is a whole other dimension that brings a lot to the city. Vegas has a lot to offer. Just hot there in the summers, but it's perfect for sports."

Yes, Bryant said Raiders season tickets are in his future.

"Vegas does things right," said Maddux, who also is the volunteer pitching coach at UNLV. "I'm fired up. I never thought it possible. I never thought I'd see a hockey team in the desert.

"I never thought I'd love the Raiders."

How transcendent was Cunningham as UNLV's quarterback? He had his No. 12 UNLV jersey retired during a Rebels game ... in which he was playing. And while he would go on to a 16-season NFL career in which he would go to four Pro Bowls and be named the PFWA's 1990 NFL MVP, it was at UNLV where he was an All-American ... punter.

Yes, Cunningham cut his football teeth in Southern Nevada but never allowed himself to think his adopted city would one day play host to the NFL.

"Never. Not in my wildest dreams," Cunningham said. "Now, I'm believing that Magic Johnson is going to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas. I mean, who would think the Golden Knights would come here? Ice hockey, in the desert?

"No one would have ever thought that anything would rule over Las Vegas besides UNLV basketball. When I was in school, it was UNLV basketball ... and then us."

Enter the Raiders, some 36 years later.

"I'll tell you what, looking back I think I'd be in shock because we were always told there would never be an NFL team in Las Vegas because of the gambling aspect," Cunningham said. "The shift now is, Wow. Amazing.

"We truly are the entertainment capital of the world."

Cunningham moved back to Las Vegas late in his NFL career. He became an ordained minister and established his own church, Remnant Ministries, in Las Vegas. And this summer he was hired by Gruden, his offensive coordinator for one season with the Philadelphia Eagles, as the Raiders' team chaplain.

Having grown up in Santa Barbara, California, the younger brother of New England Patriots fullback Sam "Bam" Cunningham, he knew all about the so-called "Badass" Raiders of Snake, Ghost, Tooz and the Soul Patrol and how they upended his brother's Patriots team en route to a Super Bowl XI title.

Then the Eagles' 1985 second-round pick got to play against a different vintage of Raiders in Los Angeles, referencing a backfield of Marcus Allen with Bo Jackson, Roger Craig and Eric Dickerson in consecutive seasons, and Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes, who first played with Sam Bam's Patriots.

"I always had something in my heart for the Raiders," Cunningham said.

And the Raiders had something for him, sacking him 23 times in four games against him.

"But I'll be the first to confess that back when the Eagles let me know they would not be retaining me [in 1996]," Cunningham said, "I put a billboard up in Oakland that said, 'Need a quarterback? Call Randall Cunningham.'

"It didn't happen."

It was on the off day between Games 6 and 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals when a handful of Laimbeer's Detroit Pistons teammates took the then-Los Angeles Raiders up on an offer to use their El Segundo facility to work out and rehab. Yes, even as Detroit was playing the Raiders' "Showtime" Lakers neighbors.

"I didn't go that day," recalled Laimbeer, now coach of the WNBA Aces. "But I did get some Raider gear. They loved seeing us in their gear because they embraced our image."

Ah, yes, the late 1980s' convergence of the Bad Boys Pistons and the Silver and Black Bad Boys of the NFL. Three-plus decades later, Laimbeer finds himself in the unique position of welcoming his old comrades to his new city as a three-time WNBA championship coach while his star player, Wilson, is welcoming a college buddy from South Carolina in rookie receiver Bryan Edwards, a third-round draft pick

Wilson and Edwards lived in the same apartment complex in Columbia, South Carolina, in college and now Wilson might offer some advice not only on Las Vegas real estate, but on being a pro in Sin City.

Jeremy Fowler polled a panel of more than 50 coaches, execs, scouts and players to come up with top 10 rankings for 2020:

QB | RB | TE | WR | OT Interior OL | Edge DT | LB CB | SafetyMore NFL coverage

"It's nice to be an athlete in Las Vegas at this time," said Wilson, the NCAA player of the year and WNBA rookie of the year in 2018. "There's a lot of support from the community. It's a big thing for me."

Especially when Davis shows up and sits courtside for Aces games.

"He is always there, always supporting us," Wilson said of the Raiders' owner. "It's huge to have his support ... he never shies away from supporting us and that's huge."

Laimbeer is intrigued with the prospect of Las Vegas gaining the NFL to go along with the WNBA and the NHL, as well as Triple-A baseball, UFC and professional boxing. He's also curious about the "sustainability" of it all for a county with a population of just over 2.2 million.

"This is a long-starved city for professional sports," Laimbeer said. "It's a big, small town, where everybody is going to know the players. They know former players. There's nowhere to hide."

Most of those attending Raiders games, Laimbeer said, will be "inbound" fans.

"And the Raiders have two different big markets to draw from [in Oakland and Los Angeles], which is great for Las Vegas," he said. "Winning is key. Consistent winning is what keeps them, and that's what they haven't done for a while."

Indeed, the Raiders have had one winning season with one playoff appearance since 2002. Las Vegas' three-year-old NHL team presented a blueprint as an expansion team playing for a title.

"The Knights came in with such a roar, it took away any question marks," Laimbeer said. "They were winning and competing for a Stanley Cup, so it created an experience. Las Vegas is all about workers, hearty people.

"Football is football; it's the No. 1 sport in the country."

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Vegas sports royalty welcomes the Raiders with open arms - ESPN

LAS VEGAS Rick and JaNeen Bird areLas Vegas loyalists.

On Thursday morning, the retired Arizona couple stood outside Bally's,waiting for Elvis and the showgirls to open the resort for the first time in four months.

Rickcarrieda plain blueface mask in his pocket until it was time to go inside. JaNeenwore hers the entire time,a black maskwith her candidate's nameonit.

"President Trump," it read above a tiny American flag. "Keep America Great."

These Birds have for years refused to fly the Vegas coop. They've visitedThe Strip more times than they can remember.

They come forthe video poker machines, seafood dinners and live entertainment.

Theirson evengot marriedat the same Las Vegas wedding chapel where they renewed vows on their 30th wedding anniversary.

"We're very loyal," JaNeen said.

They lastvisited in June, whenNevada casinos reopened after a statewide shutdown that lasted almost three months.

The'verefused to let COVID-19 get in the way of their enjoyment even if the pandemic has changed the tourist town they love.

"It's not as much fun," JaNeensaid.

The shows are shuttered, half the casinos are closed, and there's always someone telling you to put a mask on.

That's what happened to them at the Paris pool.

"Some (expletive) said, 'You have to wear a mask,' so we didn't go to the pool," JaNeen said. "I don't know who madethat rule. Whatan idiot."

There is no wayshe's wearing a mask by the pool in 100-degree heat, she said.

Next to the couple stooddozens of Vegas vacationers with cell phone cameras pointed at dancers and showgirls.

There was less than 6 feet of distance between many of them, but no one was there to tell them to social distance.

After the confetti cannon exploded, JaNeen and the crowd cheered and walked through the resort's revolving door.

Within an hour of Bally's reopening, the old hotel-casino was back to old form.

New arrivals rolled their luggage towardregistration and their rooms.

Boyfriends and husbands hovered over girlfriends and wives sliding player cards and cash into slot machines.

Many pulled masks down to their chinsto sip beer andsmokecigarettes.

Jason Molinar is a Las Vegas local who visited Bally's to gamble on reopening day.

The 54-year-old Army veteranshowed up wearing rubber gloves, a sun hat and two masks.

He said he's doing his part to protect Las Vegasfrom the economic dangers of the pandemicby spending money at casinos.

"We have to open up Las Vegas," Molinar said. "It's going to kill Las Vegas if we don't."

Ed Komenda writes about Las Vegas for the Reno Gazette Journal and USA Today Network.

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These Las Vegas loyalists arent letting COVID-19 ruin their vacations - VVdailypress.com

Associated Press Published 1:37 p.m. MT July 27, 2020

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2017, file photo, Clark County Coroner John Fudenberg updates the media on the status of the work his bureau is handling in the wake of a mass shooting in Las Vegas. Fudenberg, whose work during three decades of government service included leading his office's efforts in recovering and identifying the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017, is stepping down. Its been an amazing journey, Fudenberg said, after taking a voluntary retirement, effective Aug. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)(Photo: John Locher, AP)

The Las Vegas public official who led the identification of victims after the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history is retiring after nearly three decades of government service.

Clark County Coroner John Fudenbergs work heading the office handling notifications, autopsies and investigations after 58 people were killed at an outdoor music festival in October 2017 drew praise from Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak for his deep sense of professionalism and compassion."

Clark County Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick called Fudenberg one of the heroes of that horrific event," theLas Vegas Sun reported.

Sisolak was Clark County Commission chairman at the time, and fielded media questions with Fudenberg and Sheriff Joe Lombardo, the head of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Kirkpatrick was a member of the commission, which has jurisdiction over the Las Vegas Strip.

Fudenbergs staff of about 100 reached next-of-kin and conducted autopsies of victims from Nevada, California, 13 other U.S. states and Canada. They determined all 58 died of gunshots.

Another 413 people were wounded by gunfire and police say more than 450 more were injured fleeing bullets rained rapid-fire from upper-floor windows of a high-rise casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The shooter killed himself before police reached him.

Police and the FBI found the gunman, a 64-year-old former accountant and high-stakes video poker player, had amassed an arsenal of military-style weapons and meticulously planned the attack. They theorized he may have sought notoriety, but said they never found a clear motive for the carnage.

Its been an amazing journey, Fudenberg, 51, told the Sun after announcing he would take a county voluntary retirement offer. His last day is Aug. 7, and he said he looked forward to driving with his daughter to her college this fall.

Fudenberg began his career in government in 1991 as a corrections officer in Las Vegas. He became a Las Vegas city marshal before his predecessor as coroner, Mike Murphy, recruited him in 2003 as No. 2-ranking administrator in the medical examiners office. Fudenberg was named coroner when Murphy retired in 2015.

A county spokesmantold the Las Vegas Review-Journalthat Fudenberg was among about 420 employees to take voluntary retirement as a cost-saving measure due to budget issues from the coronavirus pandemic.

We call ourselves the last of the first responders, Fudenbergtold the Review-Journalin 2018. When the police are done securing the scene, when the firefighters and hospitals are done saving who they can, were just getting started.

He recalled food still cooking on grills, cellphones scattered and a breeze blowing empty plastic cups past overturned chairs on the artificial grass of the shooting site, where a crowd of 22,000 had been attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

Its like everyone vanished suddenly, he told a 2018 panel discussion.

He said he didnt think anyone who experienced such an event would ever get over it, but said he learned to understand and deal with it in a healthy way. He said he learned to appreciate life and not focus on small annoyances.

The Review-Journal pointed to a years-long public records legal battle between the county, representing Fudenbergs office, and the newspaper over the release of coroners autopsies.

The Nevada Supreme Court in February ruled that the autopsies are public records, although the coroner could withhold some sensitive, private information.

Fudenberg declined to talk with the Review-Journal about the legal battle, saying he preferred to just keep it positive.

The Clark County coroners office is a good spot with good people there, he told the Sun. Theyre going to do great.

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Coroner who handled Vegas mass shooting aftermath to retire - The Spectrum

Shelley Berkley

Monday, July 27, 2020 | 11:45 a.m.

Shelley Berkley

Editors note: This column first appeared in Newsweek.John Lewis was more than just a man; he was a giant in the fight for civil rights, and one of the finest Americans this country has ever produced.I have so many memories of this man, whom I knew long before we became colleagues in the U.S. Congress. As a Jewish woman serving in Congress, I could always count on John to be a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship. His support came from his memories of his own struggles in the early years of the civil rights movement, and the recognition of the bedrock support he received from the Jewish community. He recalled walking arm-in-arm with rabbis and prominent leaders of the Jewish community in furtherance of the cause of social justice and equality for all. John served as both a buffer and a bridge between the African-American and Jewish communities. He helped to foster greater understanding of the goals, as well as the suffering experienced by both peoples. I only wish there were more John Lewises at this time in our nations history.He knew how it felt to be treated differently because of the color of his skin, and he helped others feel that difference. In 2018, he was the keynote speaker at the Touro University Nevada Gala to raise money for diversity student scholarships. John recounted the story of Bloody Sunday. His powerful voice had the crowd hanging on to every word, as he described the scene with vivid detail. Alabama state troopers beat him so savagely that they cracked his skull as he and others tried to peacefully walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the march from Selma to Montgomery. I thought I was going to die that day, he told the crowd, just as he had told countless other eager listeners throughout the years. I had heard that story dozens of times. My reaction was always the same. It was the same reaction of the crowd that evening; a recognition that we were in the presence of a very special human being. We all wanted to join him in his lifelong battle for equality, justice and to embrace the highest ideals of our country.Many decades after Bloody Sunday, my son Sam and I had the honor of walking with John and many others across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. During the weekend-long event to commemorate the Bloody Sunday anniversary, Sam and I listened as John spoke from the same pulpit as Martin Luther King Jr. We both distinctly remember that singing was the one constant throughout the weekend. Sam and I sang songs of freedom with John and everyone else who wanted to pay tribute to this amazing man and the struggles he and so many others endured for the right to vote.That day, on the bridge, was a stark contrast to the one John and his fellow marchers experienced in 1965. Instead of violence, there was joy; instead of anger, there was love. Almost 50 years after that fateful day, a day that forever changed this nation, as we linked arms and walked across the bridge, we were joined by hundreds of our fellow citizens cheering us on and applauding our presence. Sam and I will remember that day for the rest of our lives.One of Johns most admirable qualities, and there were many, was his ability to fight with his words instead of his fists. This was evident from the time he spoke at the March on Washington in 1963 until his final days in Congress. During the early days of the Tea Party movement, I watched in horror as John got spit on by angry protestors as he walked from the U.S. Capitol. He did not engage. He did not fight back. He held his head high and continued on his way. He knew he had a higher purpose.The First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Las Vegas honored me shortly after I left Congress. I called John and asked him to be the guest speaker. Without hesitation, he agreed. That was the type of friend he was. All I, or anyone else, had to do was ask.Not long after I became CEO and senior provost of Touro University Nevada, John released his first novel for children, March. We were thrilled to host John and his co-author, Andrew Aydin, for a book signing and lecture at a local elementary school. People were lined up throughout the school gymnasium for hours to get their books signed, and to introduce their children to this living legend. He didnt mind. It was another way for John to explain the importance of the civil rights movement to a new generation.John always made himself available to shake hands, meet and greet people, take a picture or speak anytime that he was asked to do so. It did not matter how busy or tired he was. He knew the importance of his story and he used it to advance the causes of civil rights and social justice.John always spoke of the importance of getting into good trouble. Despite being arrested nearly 50 times throughout his life, he never wavered. He understood that the fight against oppression and bigotry was not easy, and getting into good trouble was an important and necessary way to bring about change. He inspired so many others to do the same, and the world is a better place because of him.It is difficult to imagine a world without John Lewis. He loomed larger than life and inspired us all to be the change we wish to see in ourselves and others. His commitment was resolute, his resolve contagious, his strength unmatched.We find ourselves living in a time of great uncertainty. I believe it helps to heed the words of John Lewis:Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful. Be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month or a year; it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble; necessary trouble.I loved John Lewis and will miss him more than these words can describe. Let us continue his lifelong struggle for equality and justice for all Americans as a tribute to Johns unwavering commitment to us all. Although he is no longer with us, he will always be a part of usRest in peace my brother, my colleague, my friend.Shelley Berkley, a former U.S. congresswoman from Nevada, is now chief executive officer and senior provost at Touro University Nevada.

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My friend John Lewis made the world a better place - Las Vegas Sun

Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

A demonstrator shouts slogans using a bullhorn next to a group of military veterans during a Black Lives Matter protest at the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse Sunday, July 26, 2020, in Portland,Ore.

By Andrew Selsky, Associated Press

Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | 12:05 a.m.

PORTLAND, Ore. The mayors of Portland. Oregon, and five other major U.S. cities appealed Monday to Congress to make it illegal for the federal government to deploy militarized agents to cities that dont want them.

This administrations egregious use of federal force on cities over the objections of local authorities should never happen, the mayors of Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Washington wrote to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty late called for a meeting with Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf to discuss a cease-fire and removal of heightened federal forces from Portland.

Earlier in the day, a U.S. official said militarized officers would remain in Portland until attacks on a federal courthouse cease and more officers may soon be on the way.

It is not a solution to tell federal officers to leave when there continues to be attacks on federal property and personnel, U.S. Attorney Billy Williams said. We are not leaving the building unprotected to be destroyed by people intent on doing so.

Local and state officials said the federal officers are unwelcome.

The city has had nightly protests for two months since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May. President Donald Trump said he sent federal agents to Portland to halt the unrest, but state and local officials said they are making the situation worse.

Trumps deployment of the federal officers over the July 4 weekend stoked the Black Lives Matter movement. The number of nightly protesters had dwindled to perhaps less than 100 right before the deployment, and now has swelled to the thousands.

Early Monday, U.S. agents repeatedly fired tear gas, flash bangs and pepper balls at protesters outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland. Some protesters had climbed over the fence surrounding the courthouse, while others shot fireworks, banged on the fence and projected lights on the building.

Trump said on Twitter that federal properties in Portland wouldnt last a day without the presence of the federal agents.

The majority of people participating in the daily demonstrations have been peaceful. But a few have been pelting officers with objects and trying to tear down fencing protecting the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse.

Williams, whose office is inside the courthouse, called on peaceful protesters, community and business leaders and people of faith to not allow violence to occur in their presence and to leave downtown before violence starts. He said federal agents have made 83 arrests.

Demonstrations in support of racial justice and police reform in other cities around the U.S. were marred by violence over the weekend. Protesters set fire to an Oakland, California, courthouse; vehicles were set ablaze in Richmond, Virginia; an armed protester was shot and killed in Austin, Texas; and two people were shot and wounded in Aurora, Colorado, after a car drove through a protest.

The U.S. Marshals Service has lined up about 100 people they could send to hotspots, either to strengthen forces or relieve officers who have been working for weeks, agency spokesperson Drew Wade said.

Kris Cline, principal deputy director of Federal Protective Service, said an incident commander in Portland and teams from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice discuss what force is needed every night.

Cline refused to discuss the number of officers currently present or if more would be arriving.

Some protesters have accused Wheeler of hypocrisy for speaking out against the federal presence because, under his watch, Portland police have used tear gas and other riot-control weapons on protesters, including peaceful ones.

Cline said Portland police should take over the job of dispersing protesters from the courthouse area from the federal officers.

If the Portland Police Bureau were able to do what they typically do, they would be able to clear this out for this disturbance and we would leave our officers inside the building and not be visible, Cline said.

He said relations between the federal officers, some of whom live in Portland, and city police were good.

Portland police responded Sunday evening to a shooting at a park close to the site of the protests. Two people were detained and later released, police said. The person who was shot went to the hospital in a private vehicle and was treated for a non-life-threatening wound.

Also late Sunday, police said someone pointed out a bag in the same park, where officers found loaded rifle magazines and Molotov cocktails. The shooting was not related to the items, police said.

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Mayors want U.S. agents blocked from Portland, other cities - Las Vegas Sun

Seth Wenig / AP

In this July 7, 2020, file photo a woman wearing gloves drops off a mail-in ballot at a drop box in Hackensack, N.J. After months of hearing President Donald Trump denigrate mail-in balloting, Republicans in the critical battleground state now find themselves far behind Democrats in the perennial push to urge their voters to vote remotely. While Democrats have doubled the number of their voters whove asked for a mail ballot compared to 2016, Republicans have only increased by about 20% since the sametime.

By Nicholas Riccardi and Will Weissert, Associated Press

Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | 12:05 a.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Republicans once dominated voting by mail in Florida. But that was before President Donald Trump got involved.

After months of hearing Trump denigrate mail-in balloting, Republicans in the critical battleground state now find themselves far behind Democrats in the perennial push to urge their voters to cast ballots remotely. While Democrats have doubled the number of their voters who have requested mail ballots compared to 2016, Republicans have increased their numbers by about 20% since the same time.

The recent tally is the hard evidence confirming many Republicans' fears about Trump's tweeting about mail-in voting: GOP voters are listening and appear less likely to take advantage of what many election and health officials agree is the easiest and safest way to vote in a pandemic.

The numbers are so clear that Florida Republicans are shifting their emphasis from years past and are now trying to persuade voters to use another alternative to Election Day voting: in-person early voting.

Did the presidents tweet cause it? Maybe a little bit, but its been shifting for years now, said Susie Wiles, who has been tapped by the Trump campaign to help buoy the presidents newly troubled Florida campaign. If COVID is still the level of concern that it is now, early vote is, after absentee, probably the next best option."

Political campaigns in both parties typically push their voters to cast ballots by mail because they can bank votes for their side in advance, freeing up scarce resources to chase down less-frequent voters and turn them out by Election Day. Amid the coronavirus, that push has become all the more urgent.

But while Democrats have tried to expand access to voting by mail, Republicans have struggled with what to tell their voters. Some have pushed for it, while Trump and his allies at the Republican National Committee have tried to limit expansion of remote voting.

Increasingly, GOP operatives and officials are voicing their concerns with that strategy. Why give Democrats 10 or 11 days to vote and expect Republicans to vote on one day? asked Rohn Bishop, Republican Party chair in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. It puts us at a disadvantage.

Trump has called mail ballots corrupt and substantially fraudulent, even though the five states that now send ballots to all voters have had no signs of substantial fraud. Despite the president's objections, numerous states have loosened restrictions on mail voting amid the pandemic.

Trump's own campaign isn't heeding his warning. It continues to encourage its voters to sign up for mail ballots when possible even as the RNC is fighting in court against Democratic efforts to further expand mail voting and issuing statements like one last week saying the expansion has led to delays, disaster and dysfunction.

That's led the GOP to make some political contortions. In Florida, state Republicans recently sent a mailer urging their party members to request mail ballots. It included part of a tweet from Trump saying, Absentee ballots are fine because you have to go through a precise process to get your ballot.

But the mailer did not include the rest of the president's tweet: Mail-In Voting, on the other hand, will lead to the most corrupt Election in USA history.

In most states, there is no difference between absentee and mail-in voting.

Democrats are chortling. "Its something to watch the President just torch 30 years of @FloridaGOP superiority in Florida on vote by mail with each and every tweet," Steve Schale, a veteran Florida Democratic operative who runs a super PAC for Trump's Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, tweeted Sunday after another Trump tweet denigrating mail ballots.

It's not just Florida where Republicans are facing a gap. In North Carolina, another swing state where the GOP once dominated absentee voting, Republicans also cherry-picked a Trump tweet in a mailer pleading with their voters to request mail ballots.

North Carolina Republicans have requested about 50% more ballots than in 2016, but Democrats have asked for a whopping seven times more absentee ballots.

In Pennsylvania, another presidential battleground, more than 1 million Democrats voted by mail in that states June primary compared to just fewer than 400,000 Republicans, according to data from the Pennsylvania secretary of states office.

In the Georgia primary the following week, the gap continued Democrats outvoted Republicans by 182,000 ballots out of 2.1 million cast.

While some Republicans argue that Democrats were more motivated to vote because they had a contested presidential primary, Iowa held a primary the same month well after its February presidential caucuses. In that primary, 24% more Democrats than Republicans voted by mail, and more Democrats voted overall even though the two parties have an almost equal number of registered voters there.

In Michigan, where the Democratic secretary of state sent absentee ballot applications to all voters, Trump supporters last month set their own applications on fire.

Glen Bolger, a veteran Republican pollster, warned that his swing state polling finds a huge partisan gap in desire to vote by mail.

Waiting for Election Day for most of your voters to cast their votes what if theres really bad weather or long lines? Bolger said. It just makes it harder for state and local parties to do their jobs.

Still, the lack of GOP interest in voting by mail has made Bishop worried about numerous down-ballot races in Wisconsin that depend on the presidential election driving mail ballot turnout. It's hard for Republicans to find early in-person options in his remote corner of the state, and no one knows how easy it will be to access the polls there in November.

Bishop said that after he started tweeting about the problem in May, he was told the administration wasn't happy with him, but some Wisconsin Republicans have stood by him.

The president, how he's talked about this hasn't been very helpful, said Wisconsin Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke. The absentee ballot system here in Wisconsin is safe and responsible and should be used as much as possible during a pandemic.

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Here's how Trump's opposition to mail voting hurts the GOP - Las Vegas Sun