Smoke has been seen pouring from Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel today amid reports of an “explosion” in the Nevada city.
Eyewitnesses at the 64-storey luxury hotel have said an evacuation has taken place – while footage circulating on social media shows black smoke billowing from its ground floor.
Unverified reports on social media claim the smoke followed an “explosion” at the hotel – while officials have told GB News an “active incident” is underway.
One social media user wrote: “My friend who did the Grucci fireworks show in Las Vegas just now texted me that there was a huge explosion at Trump Tower in Vegas.”
Smoke has been seen pouring from Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel
X/CHRISSAAD
Unverified reports on social media claim the smoke followed an ‘explosion’ at the hotel
X
Another said: “Some sort of explosion at Trump tower in Las Vegas. No idea what happened yet.”
GB News has approached Trump Hotels, and Las Vegas’s police and fire departments for comment.
More to follow…
In a shocking turn of events, Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel was rocked by an ‘explosion’ today as smoke poured out over the city. The incident occurred at the Trump International Hotel, located just off the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by plumes of smoke billowing out from the building. Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene to investigate the situation and evacuate guests and staff from the hotel.
Fortunately, there were no reports of any injuries or casualties as a result of the explosion. However, the cause of the incident is still unknown at this time.
The Trump International Hotel has been a controversial fixture in Las Vegas, with many residents and visitors criticizing its association with the former president. This latest incident is sure to only add to the hotel’s troubled reputation.
As the investigation into the explosion continues, residents and tourists in Las Vegas are left wondering what exactly happened at the Trump International Hotel today. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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donald trump, las vegas hotel, explosion, smoke, city, incident, news, update, emergency, safety, investigation, explosion at trump hotel, las vegas explosion
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has long been the epicenter of innovation, where groundbreaking ideas come to life and redefine the way we interact with technology. Taking place from January 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, CES is more than an exhibition—it’s a global stage for industry leaders, startups, and innovators to showcase technologies that shape our future. From life-changing advancements in artificial intelligence to trailblazing developments in vehicle automation, CES sets the tone for the tech industry’s trajectory each year.
In 2025, CES promises to deliver an even more immersive experience, spanning multiple venues across Las Vegas, each tailored to specific sectors of the tech world. Whether you’re an industry insider scouting the next big thing or a tech enthusiast eager to explore the latest gadgets, CES offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with cutting-edge innovation. With thousands of exhibitors, keynote speeches from tech giants, and hands-on demonstrations, it’s an event that demands meticulous planning to fully experience its breadth. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your visit seamless and rewarding.
Registration and Ticketing
CES 2025 offers two primary pass options:
Exhibits Plus Pass: This pass grants access to the exhibit floor, keynotes, Great Minds sessions, and select conference programming on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deluxe Conference Pass: In addition to all the benefits of the Exhibits Plus Pass, this option includes access to over 100 sessions organized into curated tracks, allowing for a deeper dive into specific topics of interest.
Early registration is recommended to secure the best rates and availability. For detailed pricing and to register, visit the official CES website.
Navigating the Venues
CES spans multiple venues across Las Vegas, grouped into three main campuses:
LVCC Campus: The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) is the central hub, featuring a diverse array of product categories.
Venetian Campus: This area hosts exhibits related to health, accessibility, food tech, beauty tech, and smart home technologies.
C Space Campus: Dedicated to the media, entertainment, and content communities, this campus is ideal for networking and exploring the latest in digital content.
Each campus and hall has its own unique narrative, weaving together diverse tech sectors into one cohesive story of innovation, connection, and transformation. You can download a CES-ready map of Las Vegas here.
CES 2025: Product Categories and Exhibitor Previews
CES 2025 will showcase a diverse array of product categories, reflecting the latest technological trends. The exhibition is organized across multiple venues, each dedicated to specific sectors:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics: Explore advancements in AI applications and robotic technologies, including machine learning, automation, and intelligent systems. Key exhibitors include industry giants like Nvidia, Intel, AMD, Google, and Accenture.
Digital Health: Discover innovations in health tech, such as wearable devices, telemedicine solutions, and health monitoring applications. You’ll find prominent names like Withings and Fitbit showcasing their latest innovations on the floor.
Vehicle Technology and Advanced Mobility: Experience the future of transportation with electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, and mobility services. Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Honda, and Aptera are among a few notable names participating this year.
Smart Home: Engage with the latest in home automation, connected appliances, and security systems designed to enhance modern living. Key exhibitors include Samsung, Anker (under their ‘eufy’ brand), Govee, Ring, Ecobee, Belkin, and SimpliSafe, among an entire host of other brands.
Gaming and Esports: Immerse yourself in cutting-edge gaming consoles, accessories, and the expanding world of esports. CES is the absolute hotbed for gaming-related tech, spanning everything from consoles to gaming rigs like CPU enclosures or entire game stations with haptic moving chairs. Look out for stalwarts like Sony, ASUS ROG, Logitech, Lenovo Legion, Razer, MSI, and Cooler Master.
Sustainability and Smart Cities: Learn about sustainable technologies and smart city solutions aimed at improving urban living and environmental impact. Major movers like Honeywell, Siemens, and Panasonic will showcase their green technologies and efficient smart lifestyle solutions on the floor.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): While the Metaverse got almost immediately taken over by the AI storm, VR and AR are still a VERY real part of CES, with companies debuting smaller, sleeker, and more powerful wearable headsets that promise to be the next big productivity and entertainment solution. Meta will be showcasing at CES 2025, as will HTC (Vive), XREAL, Rokid, and Pimax.
Wearable Technology: We’re expecting to see some very impressive new wearables that promise to revolutionize health in 2025 (read our wearable trends for 2025), and what’s a better venue than CES? On the floor this year are companies like RingConn, Superhuman, Oura, Fitbit, and Garmin, alongside bigger, diverse players like Samsung and Google.
Utilizing the CES App
The official CES 2025 Mobile App is an indispensable tool for attendees. It provides up-to-date information on schedules, exhibitors, maps, and transportation. Features include the ability to build and manage your schedule, connect with other attendees, and create a personalized agenda. Downloading the app prior to arrival will enhance your ability to navigate the event efficiently.
Transportation and Accessibility
Las Vegas offers several transportation options to help you navigate CES:
Monorail: The Las Vegas Monorail provides convenient access to major venues. CES attendees can purchase discounted Monorail tickets directly through their registration badges, choosing between 24-hour or daily unlimited ride passes.
Shuttle Services: Complimentary shuttle services are available between official CES venues and select hotels. Schedules and routes can be found on the CES website.
Ride-Sharing and Taxis: Services like Uber and Lyft, as well as traditional taxis, are readily available throughout the city.
Image Credits: ExpoFP
Planning Your Visit
To maximize your CES experience:
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The event covers extensive ground, and you’ll be on your feet for most of the day.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Carry a reusable water bottle and take advantage of the various dining options available at the venues.
Schedule Breaks: Allocate time to rest and recharge to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Engage with Exhibitors: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and interact; exhibitors are there to showcase their innovations and engage with attendees.
Additional Tips
Badge Pickup: All attendees must pick up their own CES badge at designated locations before entering show facilities. A government-issued photo ID and registration confirmation are required.
Health Protocols: Stay informed about the latest health and safety guidelines provided by CES to ensure a safe experience for all attendees.
Networking Opportunities: Attend various sessions and events to connect with professionals and enthusiasts who share your interests.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate CES 2025, explore groundbreaking technologies, and make the most of this unparalleled event.
CES 2025: The World’s Biggest Tech Exhibition Returns To Las Vegas
Are you ready for the ultimate tech experience? CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, is back in Las Vegas for 2025 and promises to showcase the latest and greatest in technology innovation. With thousands of exhibitors, cutting-edge products, and industry experts all in one place, CES is a must-attend event for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.
But how can you ensure you make the most of your trip to CES 2025? Here are some tips on how to attend the world’s biggest tech exhibition:
1. Plan Ahead: With so much to see and do at CES, it’s important to have a game plan. Make a list of the exhibitors you want to visit, the products you want to see, and the sessions you want to attend. This will help you maximize your time at the show and ensure you don’t miss out on anything important.
2. Register Early: CES is a popular event, so make sure to register early to secure your spot. Early registration not only saves you money but also gives you access to exclusive events and perks.
3. Book Accommodations: Las Vegas is a bustling city with a wide range of accommodation options. Book your hotel early to secure the best rates and ensure you have a comfortable place to rest after a long day at the show.
4. Stay Connected: CES is a great opportunity to network with industry professionals and make new connections. Stay connected by attending networking events, following CES on social media, and downloading the official CES app for the latest updates and information.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes: With over 2.9 million square feet of exhibit space, CES is a massive event. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and take breaks when needed.
CES 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Follow these tips to ensure you make the most of your time at the world’s biggest tech exhibition in Las Vegas. See you there!
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CES 2025, tech exhibition, Las Vegas, attending CES, technology event, consumer electronics show, innovation showcase, future technology, trade show, tech community, networking event, industry trends, cutting-edge technology, technology conference, tech enthusiasts, digital innovation, world’s biggest tech exhibition
You might have thrown out the wrapping paper and are readying the drinks for the countdown to the new year, but some of us are already getting ready for CES 2025. Shortly after New Year’s Day, many from the Engadget team will be packing our bags to fly to Las Vegas, where we’ll be covering tech’s biggest annual conference. As usual, our inboxes are already flooded with pitches from companies that are planning to be there, and our calendars are filling up with appointments for briefings and demos.
Based on our experience, as well as observation of recent industry trends, it’s fairly easy to make educated predictions about what we might see in January. Over the years, the focus of the conference has spanned areas like TVs, cars, smart home products and personal health, with a smattering of laptops and accessories thrown in. At CES 2025, we expect to see AI get even more pervasive in all areas of the show floor. But we are also likely to get the usual slew of new processors and subsequent laptops, as well as all manner of wearables, trackers, bathroom appliances and massage chairs. Oh, the massage chairs.
Hyundai Mobis, meanwhile, has said it will be giving us a look at its “Holographic Windshield Display,” something it’s claiming is a world’s first. Hyundai Mobis even shared a picture of what its booth at CES 2025 will look like, in case pictures of convention center booths get you excited.
Hyundai Mobis
If you’re already looking ahead to 2025 and are studiously researching what might be coming in January, here’s a taste of what our team expects to see at the show.
New video cards from AMD and NVIDIA
There’s no doubt 2025 is going to be a momentous year for PC gamers. NVIDIA is expected to debut its long-awaited RTX 5000 video cards at CES, while AMD CEO Lisa Su has confirmed we’ll see next-generation RDNA 4 GPUs early next year. Of the two companies, AMD could use the upgrade more. Its last batch of Radeon 7000 cards were decent mid-range performers, but they lagged far behind NVIDIA’s hardware when it came to ray tracing, and AMD’s FSR 3 upscaling also couldn’t compete with NVIDIA’s AI-powered DLSS 3.
“In addition to a strong increase in gaming performance, RDNA 4 delivers significantly higher ray-tracing performance and adds new AI capabilities,” AMD CEO Lisa Su said in an October earnings call.
As for NVIDIA’s new hardware, a rumor from the leaker OneRaichu (via DigitalTrends) suggested that the RTX 5090 could be up to 70 percent faster than the RTX 4090. (That’s a GPU that I previously described as having “unholy power.”) They also note that other “high level” cards could see 30 to 40 percent performance bumps. Those gains might be enough to tempt wealthy RTX 4090 owners to upgrade, but RTX 4070 and 4080 owners might want to skip this generation. For NVIDIA holdouts with RTX 3000 and earlier GPUs, though, next year may be the perfect time to upgrade. — Devindra Hardawar, senior reporter
AI PCs round 2
Last year, I predicted that AI PCs would dominate CES, and that mostly turned out to be true. As 2024 rolled on, we saw even more powerful NPUs in chips from Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. Microsoft also doubled down on AI PCs with its Copilot+ initiative, which gave a big marketing push for artificial intelligence features and premium specifications (like having at least 16GB of RAM).
Expect more of the same going into CES 2025, alongside even more AI being stuffed into every category of product imaginable. This year, in particular, PC makers are likely to gear up to take advantage of Windows 10 support ending next year. Instead of just upgrading your old computer to Windows 11, the likes of Dell and HP would rather you buy a whole new AI PC with the new OS pre-installed.
Earbuds that follow Apple’s lead on hearing health
I’m fully aware not every audio company has the ability to build out a clinical-grade hearing test and hearing aid features in their apps. However, Apple’s recent update for the AirPods Pro 2 should inspire the competition to offer some form of hearing health tools on their flagship products. Jabra was probably the best equipped to do this since parent company GN has extensive hearing aid experience. Sadly, the company announced earlier this year that it wouldn’t make earbuds anymore.
Samsung and Google could probably integrate something like what Apple made for the AirPods, given both companies’ existing health platforms. If they did, those announcements are unlikely to be made at CES, as both companies prefer to host their own standalone hardware events throughout the year.
That leaves Sennheiser as the biggest audio company that consistently launches earbuds and headphones at CES. Last year, it showcased multiple new models, including one with heart-rate tracking for workouts. Plus, it already offers hearing assistance with dedicated devices like the true wireless Conversation Clear Plus. Those earbuds are more hearing focused than for general content consumption, so it would be great to see Sennheiser bring some features from that product to its flagship Momentum line of earbuds. Perhaps a Momentum True Wireless 4 Pro or Plus is in the cards, but the current model is just nine months old.
Of course, there’s plenty of room for other companies to innovate here, and there will be no shortage of new earbuds in Vegas next month. We also tend to see a ton of assistive devices and technology launch at CES, from major accessibility companies like OrCam and all manner of smaller brands. I just hope some of the new tech includes more general hearing tools on the models most people will want to use. — Billy Steele, senior editor
Vehicle electrification goes sky high
As the growth of electric cars nears 10 percent of new models sold in the US, it’s easy to forget that wheeled vehicles aren’t the only kind of transportation seeing the shift to battery-powered propulsion. Flying taxis have been a mainstay of CES for the past few years, with concept vehicles from brands as large as Hyundai dotting the show floor in Vegas.
Granted, these contraptions look more like giant drones with cockpits than anything the Jetsons ever dreamed up. But with companies like Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation pledging to actually launch eVTOL services (electric vertical take-off and landing) in 2025, the era of air taxis may have landed for real this time. — Sam Rutherford, senior reporter
This year, Garmin launched the inReach Messenger Plus, which it describes as an “SOS Satellite Communicator with Photo and Voice messaging.” Though satellite hotspots like that have been around for years from companies like Iridium and GlobalSat, they’ve historically cost $800 to $1,000, and haven’t had the ability to send much more than a few lines of text. Garmin’s product may be an indicator of things to come — not only are we likely to see major phone makers embed satellite communication capability into future handsets, but in the interim we’re probably going to get a bunch of hotspots so we’ll never lose connectivity, not matter how far off the grid we get. And I wouldn’t be surprised if CES 2025 is rife with devices that let us tap into satellites to get help and talk to others. — Cherlynn Low, deputy editor
Expanded dialog improvement features on soundbars
When it comes to the main aspects of soundbars, there really isn’t a ton of innovation from year to year. Heck, Samsung’s biggest update last year was the addition of HDMI 2.1 support to its flagship model, which should’ve been there already. Companies have also been focused on the transition to cable-free everything, whether that’s wireless Dolby Atmos or wireless transmission boxes. Audio enhancement features are a place where companies can really rise above the fray, and tools like Sonos’ TV Audio Swap and Bose’s Personal Surround Sound are great examples of this. A key area nearly every company can improve is dialog boost, a feature that raises the volume or separates spoken word from background noise and music for better clarity.
Sonos made a huge leap in this regard on the Arc Ultra, offering two additional settings for its so-called Speech Enhancement. Previously, this was just an all-or-nothing toggle, which is how most companies handle their versions of this tool. Not only is the Sonos update customizable to a degree, it’s also just better, thanks in part to the redesigned architecture of its new premium soundbar. This is an obvious area where other companies can improve.
LG and Samsung typically announce new soundbars at CES, and there are plenty of smaller companies that will debut some too. I’d love to see all of them take dialog enhancements a step further and at the very least give multiple options for how it’s applied. LG has been using AI Sound Pro from its TVs since 2021 and Samsung offers something called Adaptive Sound on its home theater speakers. I would expect them both to generally improve the quality of their features, but I’m hoping they’ll expand the capabilities too. — B.S.
Update, December 17 2024, 12:40PM ET: This story has been updated to include the companies and CEOs that will be making keynotes at the show.
Update, December 20 2024, 11:55AM ET: This story has been updated to include LG and Hyundai Mobis’ announcements ahead of CES 2025.
Update, December 25 2024, 10:00AM ET: This story has been updated to include a prediction about satellite communication devices being everywhere at CES 2025.
Update, December 30 2024, 11:30AM ET: This story has been updated to include a section titled “What we already know is coming,” that contains newer information about appearances by X CEO Linda Yaccarino and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, as well as updates on LG’s UltraGear line. The intro was also updated to be more accurate about the time of year since we first published this piece.
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The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is just around the corner, and tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the latest innovations from some of the biggest names in the industry. From LG’s bendable 5K OLED display to Hyundai’s holographic windshield display, here are some of the exciting technologies we can expect to see at this year’s event.
LG’s bendable 5K OLED display is set to revolutionize the way we interact with screens. This flexible display can be curved or rolled up, allowing for new possibilities in design and functionality. Whether it’s a curved TV that provides an immersive viewing experience or a rollable smartphone that fits in your pocket, this technology is sure to turn heads at CES.
Hyundai’s holographic windshield display is another innovation that promises to enhance the driving experience. This futuristic display projects information such as navigation directions, speed, and alerts onto the windshield, creating a seamless and intuitive interface for drivers. With this technology, drivers can stay informed without taking their eyes off the road, making for a safer and more enjoyable journey.
But these are just a few examples of the groundbreaking tech we can expect to see at CES. From AI-powered robots to smart home devices, the possibilities are endless. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest innovations coming out of Las Vegas, as CES promises to be a showcase of the cutting-edge technologies that will shape our future.
Some of the greatest locations for parties, fireworks, and other events on New Year’s Eve are here. On the final night of the year, are you prepared to go all out? If this is the case, these locations all over the world are well known for hosting fantastic New Year’s Eve parties. The fireworks are the main attraction here, but there is also music, nightlife, countdowns, parties, and New Year’s food customs.If you want to attend the most popular parties and secure the best spots to watch fireworks, get in early each year. Tickets occasionally sell out months in advance, and some venues charge admission.
Here are amazing locations you can visit on New Year’s Eve to follow midnight around the world.
New York City
Times Square in Manhattan is a popular location for New Year’s Eve celebrations in the United States, with the famous ball dropping on television since 1907. However, if you prefer not to join the crowd, there are other options to enjoy the festivities. Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn offers a light show instead of a fireworks show due to drought, while the Circle Line cruise offers stunning views of New York City. The New York Road Runners club also hosts its annual Midnight Run in Central Park. Other options include celebrating at the river city with a Circle Line cruise and enjoying the views.
Even though Las Vegas is a city full of lights all year long, New Year’s Eve is when it really shines. Vehicles are prohibited from using the Strip, and pedestrians take over for a Vegas-style celebration. A spectacular display of fireworks is set off the roofs of several casinos at midnight. Get there early enough to secure a favourable vantage point.
Then there are all the shows in Vegas that you might want to see while you’re there, like The Sphere Experience or The Blue Man Group. Like lucky streaks, things aren’t always hot in Vegas. The desert cools off significantly at night, especially during the winter, so be sure to check the weather forecast and wear warm clothing.
San Francisco
Offers a spectacular waterfront display near the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge. Viewing spots include Rincon Park, with additional options from fireworks cruises or waterfront restaurants.
Features two free fireworks shows along the Delaware River Waterfront, one at 6 p.m. and another at midnight. Viewing is available from various piers and waterfront locations.
Los Angeles
Known for its NYELA event at Gloria Molina Grand Park, with additional celebrations in Long Beach, including fireworks at 9 p.m. and midnight.
You can watch fireworks live on television, official city websites, or websites like YouTube in New York, Las Vegas, and other American cities.
On LiveNOW from FOX on FOX NOW, Amazon Freevee, Amazon News, fuboTV, LG Channels, Plex, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Tubi, Vizio WatchFree+, Xumo, YouTube, and YouTube TV, you can watch New Year’s Eve fireworks from around the globe.
FAQs
Where are the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Las Vegas, New York City, and Rio de Janeiro are popular choices for their spectacular fireworks displays, lively parties, and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences, all of which provide unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations.
How can I watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks if I’m unable to attend in person? Live fireworks displays from cities such as New York and Las Vegas can be streamed on platforms such as YouTube, LiveNOW, or official city websites, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any of the excitement.
Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
New Year’s Eve 2024 is just around the corner and what better way to ring in the new year than with a spectacular fireworks display! If you’re looking to catch some breathtaking fireworks in cities across the U.S, we’ve got you covered. Here’s all you need to know about where and how to watch the fireworks in New York, Las Vegas, and more:
New York City:
The iconic Times Square Ball Drop is a must-see event for many on New Year’s Eve in New York City. While the streets may be crowded, you can catch all the action from the comfort of your home by tuning into the live broadcast on TV or streaming platforms. The fireworks display in Central Park is also a popular choice for those looking to celebrate the new year in a more relaxed setting.
Las Vegas:
Sin City is known for its extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the fireworks display is no exception. The Las Vegas Strip comes alive with dazzling fireworks shows at midnight, lighting up the sky and creating a memorable experience for all. If you can’t make it to Vegas in person, you can still catch all the action through live streaming options.
Other Cities:
From Chicago to Miami, cities across the U.S host their own unique New Year’s Eve fireworks displays. Whether you’re looking to watch from a rooftop bar or gather with friends in a local park, there are plenty of options to choose from. Keep an eye out for local events and live streaming opportunities to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun.
No matter where you choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve, watching the fireworks is a magical way to welcome the new year. So grab your loved ones, tune in to the live broadcast, and get ready to be amazed by the dazzling displays across the country. Happy New Year!
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new year’s eve fireworks, New Year’s eve 2024, fireworks display, watching fireworks in New York, watching fireworks in Las Vegas, fireworks across U.S, live streaming fireworks, best fireworks shows, New Year’s eve events, celebration, fireworks viewing spots, New Year’s eve traditions, fireworks schedule, fireworks safety tips.
When many visitors to Las Vegas think of fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve, their attention turns to the nine-minute show on the Strip as the clock strikes midnight to ring in another year.
That display, in its 20th year, is a choreographed effort between nine resorts that takes planning from 71 pyrotechnicians.
However, it won’t be the only celebratory fireworks show in the Resort Corridor tonight.
The Plaza in downtown will blast fireworks from its rooftop for an eighth consecutive year, adding a punch to the party at the Fremont Street Experience.
It is the only downtown property planning for fireworks — a tradition the property embraces, said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza. The display complements everything happening downtown on New Year’s Eve, he said.
“We love fireworks. We love adding just another layer of entertainment and fun to downtown, and on New Year’s Eve, it’s a spectacle that every other major city has, every other major party has, and we wanted to join the fun in downtown Las Vegas,” Jossel said. “Downtown is fun; people come here to party, to drink, to have a good time, and fireworks go so well with that.”
Jossel decided to add a New Year’s Eve fireworks show in 2017 because the Plaza is such an iconic and visible landmark within downtown Las Vegas, so even people who live or stay outside of the area can enjoy the bright lights, he said. The resort also has a fireworks display on the Fourth of July.
The Plaza’s fireworks have become so popular that it began a series of Friday night fireworks shows during the summer in 2023. Jossel said that strategy was inspired by Disneyland, which in the summer has a pyrotechnic display daily before the amusement park closes.
Thousands of guests are expected tonight because the pyrotechnics are “synonymous with celebration … celebrating life and having fun,” Jossel said.
It takes about six to eight weeks to plan the eight-minute fireworks show for New Year’s Eve, Jossel said. The resort partners with Utah-based Lantis Fireworks and spends about $50,000, he said.
Though Jossel explained that it’s a “pretty big production” that includes securing permits, getting cleared by the fire department and preparing security, the past seven years have given them plenty of experience.
And, he stressed, “it’s a process, but it’s something that we love to do.”
Some of the best places to watch the show are on Main Street in front of the Plaza’s Carousel Bar and underneath the glass dome in Oscar’s Steakhouse, Jossel said. Jossel additionally said the heated Plaza Pool and nearby Symphony Park were also good viewing spots.
Those who are downtown but not interested in the Fremont Street Experience festivities can gather on Main Street to view the fireworks show.
But you’ll need to get to those spots early, Jossel added.
Seeing the excited faces of visitors every time the hotel puts on a fireworks show makes Jossel “want to do it again and again and again.”
The shows have become so popular that Jossel is bringing back the “Friday Fireworks” shows starting in May.
“Yes, we’re the only ones downtown doing it and yes, everyone downtown benefits from it, but that’s what’s great about it. It’s for the downtown, it’s for the community and it just adds another dimension of fun,” Jossel said. “If you’ve ever seen a Plaza fireworks show, it’s unlike any other, so come down and check it out.”
Andrew Simon, CEO of the Fremont Street Experience, said the area had “put on over 35 events, which was a record number of events for downtown Las Vegas.”
This year, they’re ringing in 2025 with the “Time of Your Life Festival 2025.”
“For New Year’s Eve, we said we have to do something bigger and better than ever,” Simon said. “We are the official party for the city of Las Vegas. We invite everybody to attend and we’re so excited at the Time of Your Life New Year’s Eve party at Fremont Street.”
Starting at 7 p.m., seven different artists will be performing at various stages under the Fremont Street Experience’s canopy, including rapper Flo Rida and country singer-songwriter Dylan Marlowe, to name a few. Mayor Shelley Berkley will participate in the countdown to a new year.
Visitors can purchase tickets for $50 to go inside the Fremont Street Experience for the New Year’s Eve party.
Get ready to be dazzled as Plaza Hotel & Casino presents a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the sky in downtown Las Vegas!
Join us on [date] as we celebrate [occasion] with a breathtaking pyrotechnic show that will leave you in awe. The Plaza’s iconic rooftop will serve as the perfect backdrop for this dazzling display, creating a stunning visual spectacle that is not to be missed.
Bring your family and friends to downtown Las Vegas and witness the magic of the Plaza’s fireworks display. It’s a night you won’t soon forget!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. See you there!
After Sphere opened with fanfare in September of 2023, there was a lot of talk, in the electronic music world at least, about which electronic artist would be the first to play Las Vegas’ new space ship of a venue.
Presumably many would’ve jumped at the chance. Las Vegas is a dance music nexus, with billboards along Interstate 15 into the city bearing the faces of new and longtime resident artists at Marquee, Hakkasan, XS and other nightclubs on the Strip.
But ultimately it was a new face that made the cut, with Sphere announcing in July that Italian-American techno and melodic techno producer Anyma — who hadn’t previously had a residency in the city — would be The One.
With the news, talk shifted as people outside of dance music familiarized themselves with the artist, a sizable name within the genre, but still a relative unknown to the gen pop. Who was he, and what would he do, people asked? Meanwhile, talk inside the dance world was that this show was going to be, in colloquial terms, totally bananas.
Certainly the bar was set mighty high after well-received residencies from Sphere’s previous artists U2, Phish, the Eagles and Dead & Company. But those are bands, and this would be a DJ. Still, interest for Anyma was abundantly and statistically clear: tickets for the eight-night residency sold out the same day they went on sale in July, with Anyma reporting selling 100,000 tickets for these shows and more dates subsequently added, bringing the total number of shows to eight and the total number of tickets sold to 130,000.
Officially and grandly titled Afterlife Presents Anyma: The End of Genesys, the figurative curtain for the residency lifted Dec. 27, when the shows began amid one of the busiest times of year in Las Vegas, bringing ravers to Sphere for the very first time.
Two days later, on Dec. 29, attendees sporting ravey attire and the de facto Afterlife uniform of black leather everything and sunglasses inside milled around the venue between sets from openers Cassian b2b Kevin de Vries and Charlotte de Witte. (Anyma’s support acts are different for every night of the residency, with the Dec. 28 opener Amelie Lens becoming the venue’s first ever officially billed female artist.)
Anyma came onstage promptly at 11 p.m., appearing on top of a riser placed on the floor of the venue from which glowing cords emanated. The two other risers on each side of him each contained a cello and the robot arms that played the instrument throughout the show, emphasizing the machine vs. human quality of both the overall Anyma aesthetic and the show we were all about to see.
It was, in fact, bananas. Starting with a robot breaking through a wall of glass in tandem with the music, the performance ultimately turned several standard dance music conventions on their head. Many large-scale shows, for example, take place in seated venues like Madison Square Garden, Kia Forum and Red Rocks, but Sphere is arguably the only one where attendees in the seated areas (Sphere also has standing room on the floor) have a vested interest in staying butt-to-chair, given that the seats are programmed to shake and rumble with the bass. (Or in the case of live acts, the drums.)
Certainly many people were on their feet raving in place, but by and large this was a sit down show, making the experience at times feel more akin to a futuristic movie theater than a nightclub or any standard large-scale dance performance.
In ways, Anyma and the Dec. 29 special guest artists — Delilah Montagu and Ellie Goulding — were secondary to the visuals. You might not have even noticed they were there in person, given the focus demanded by the screen and everything happening on it. Born Matteo Milleri, Anyma has long been been half of the duo Tale of Us, with the pair cultivating a signature visual aesthetic via their own output and releases on their influential label Afterlife and its affiliated event series.
This sort of transhumanist aesthetic and human meets machine ideology is so well-suited for Sphere that one can’t help but assume it’s a not insignifcant part of the reason Anyma secured these shows. Any act playing the venue needs to have a well-established and world-building visual identity (which is part of the reason Sphere functions so well for legacy acts like the Dead, who have a huge visual history to pull from.) But Sphere’s mind-bending technical capabilities are providing Anyma and his team the opportunity to both show off and expand their epic, trippy, frequently dark and often beautiful cyborg narrative.
And expand they did. These are five of the best parts of the performance.
The Visuals, Obviously
Image Credit: Courtesy of Anyma
Where to even start. Sphere is ultimately all about an artist’s visual presentation, and previous residents have discussed feeling almost upstaged by the venue, or at least feeling a necessity to level up musically in order to compete with what’s happening on the screens.
But while Anyma’s musical performance was stellar (more on that in a bit), the star of the show was obviously the visuals, with the performance starting with the female cyborg character who’d appear throughout the show breaking through a wall of glass, which elicited cheers and created a moment of collective lift off. This robot then eventually flew to space (with her free fall creating a moment of exiting physical dizziness and disorientation) before being catapulted through realms including but not limited to a verdant garden (where the show’s other main character, a human man, made his first appearance), a lush cityscape that devolved into a fiery inferno, an arid desert and many other realms during the four-act show. Meanwhile other visual segments were more conceptual, with the screens at one point populated entirely by blinking eyeballs.
There was a sort of poetry in the presentation, with the human ingenuity and science and engineering powering Sphere mirrored by End of Genesys‘ narrative focused on the meeting of organic (the man) and robotic (his female counterpart), with humanity, at least in the show eventually winning out towards the end when the male character inserts a beating heart inside the female, a moment that drew cheers from the crowd.
The Special Guests
Image Credit: Courtesy of Anyma
Guests who appeared both onscreen and in the flesh included FKA twigs, who showed up in a segment where she danced underwater to the Anyma remix of her own “Eusexua,” Grimes, who appeared in a brief onscreen segment in which she writhed around in a glowing box, vocalist Delilah Montagu, who appeared live at the venue to sing her Anyma collab “I Believe In You.” Meanwhile, Ellie Goulding appeared both in the flesh and onscreen, singing an unreleased Anyma collab while close-up imagery of her face morphed hypnotically.
Loads of Unreleased Songs, Including a Forthcoming Ellie Goulding Collab
Image Credit: Courtesy of Anyma
Anyma’s “Hear Me Now,” and “Walking With a Ghost,” drew some of the loudest music-related cheers of the two-hour show, which was also populated with his remix of Fred again.. and Swedish House Mafia’s “Turn On the Lights again…” But a lot of performance was assembled from music that returned no Shazam results, possibly/presumably meaning that a good deal of fresh Anyma output is en route. The most significant forthcoming track is arguably “Hypnotized,” the aforementioned Ellie Goulding collab that Goulding showed up in person to help debut on Dec. 29. The slinky earworm marks the first collaboration between Anyma and the British artist, one of dance music’s most important and enduring voices, and will be released January 10.
Anyma’s Quick Cameo
As previously mentioned, the main characters in the visual show are the human man and the cyborg woman, who keep meeting up to embrace each other and exchange longing glances in various gorgeously rendered sci-fi locations. While other Sphere residencies have incorporated live footage of the band into shows, this was not the case with Anyma, who appeared onscreen only once at the end of the performance, when the man character briefly transformed into a digital (and shirtless) rendition of Milleri, tattoos and all.
The Historic Nature of the Entire Situation
Image Credit: Courtesy of Anyma
Electronic music is a sort scrappy genre that’s always fought for space in the mainstream, with varying levels of success over the last 40-plus years. Having an electronic artist in the venue, not to mention one who’s sold it out many times over, further demonstrates the wide appeal of the genre along with its overall health, especially in the live sector. It also underlined that, given that large-scale modern electronic live shows heavily incorporate big-ass stage setups and expansive visuals, Sphere is a very good fit for the genre.
Anyma’s Historic Sphere Residency in Las Vegas Review: 5 Best Moments
1. Opening Night Extravaganza: Anyma kicked off her residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas with a bang, wowing the audience with a high-energy performance that showcased her incredible vocal range and stage presence.
2. Special Guest Appearances: Throughout the residency, Anyma surprised fans with special guest appearances from some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, and Drake. Each performance was unforgettable and left the crowd wanting more.
3. Acoustic Set: Anyma showed off her versatility as an artist with a stripped-down acoustic set that highlighted her songwriting skills and emotional depth. The intimate performance left fans in awe of her raw talent.
4. Visual Spectacle: The Sphere provided the perfect backdrop for Anyma’s visually stunning performances, with state-of-the-art lighting and projection technology creating a mesmerizing experience for fans. Each show was a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
5. Grand Finale: Anyma closed out her residency with a grand finale that left fans speechless. The show featured an epic setlist of her biggest hits, jaw-dropping choreography, and an emotional farewell that had everyone in tears. It was a night to remember, and a fitting end to an unforgettable residency.
Overall, Anyma’s Historic Sphere Residency in Las Vegas was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showcased her immense talent and solidified her status as one of the greatest performers of our time. Fans can’t wait to see what she does next.
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The 2024-25 college football bowl and CFP schedule is beginning to wind down, but there are still some huge matchups to come. The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kick off on New Year’s Eve with No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State, and the lower-seeded Nittany Lions are the 11.5-point favorites in the latest college football odds via SportsLine consensus. The other three playoff games come on New Year’s Day as No. 1 Oregon is +2.5 vs. No. 8 Ohio State, No. 5 Texas is -12.5. vs. No. 4 Arizona State and No. 2 Georgia is -1 against No. 7 Notre Dame.
For years Vegas-based Marshall was synonymous with The Gold Sheet, the famed sports betting newsletter. With a background in play-by-play work and sports information while in college, Marshall joined TGS in 1981 when hired by the legendary Mort Olshan and served as executive editor for many years.
An in-demand guest on numerous sports talk radio and TV shows across the country, Bruce’s vast array of editorial work has been featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the New York Post and many other outlets. He has won various handicapping titles and also is working on several book projects. Bruce also enters action on Dec. 31 on a 52-30 roll (+1869) on his official SportsLine college football spread betting picks.
One of the top college football picks Marshall is recommending: He’s backing Minnesota (-7.5) against Virginia Tech in the 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3.
The Golden Gophers have some key betting trends working in their favor for this matchup. They were 9-2-1 against the spread this season and 4-1 ATS away from home. Head coach PJ Fleck is also 5-0 both straight up and ATS in bowl games. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, covered just once in its final four games this season.
A majority of Minnesota’s key players are expected to be in action, while various reports point to the Hokies missing more than a dozen starters, making Minnesota the value play at this number. See which other picks to make here.
ReliaQuest Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan (+16.5, 44.5)
Sun Bowl: Louisville vs. Washington (+1.5, 49.5)
Citrus Bowl: South Carolina vs. Illinois (+9.5, 49.5)
Texas Bowl: Baylor vs. LSU (+3.5, 63)
Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Boise State (+11.5, 53.5)
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Peach Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State (+12.5, 51)
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon (+2.5, 55.5)
Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia (-1, 45.5)
Thursday, Jan. 2
Gator Bowl: Duke vs. Ole Miss (-17.5, 51.5)
Friday, Jan. 3
First Responder Bowl: North Texas vs. Texas State (-13.5, 61)
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech (+7.5, 42.5)
Saturday, Jan. 4
Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Liberty (+2.5, 51)
As we head into the 2024-25 college football bowl season, there are plenty of exciting matchups to look forward to. And if you’re looking to get in on the action, our Vegas expert has you covered with his predictions for the upcoming bowl games.
With years of experience in the sports betting industry, our expert has analyzed the matchups, trends, and betting odds to give you the best possible picks for the bowl games. From the College Football Playoff to the lesser-known matchups, our expert has you covered with his predictions.
So whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just looking to have a little fun with some bowl game wagers, be sure to check out our expert’s spread picks, trends, and betting odds for the 2024-25 college football bowl season. With his insight, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and hopefully cash in on some winning bets.
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On Saturday (December 28), Anyma – who is known for surreal, larger-than-life visuals – kicked things up a notch by bringing out FKA Twigs to perform a remix of the latter’s single ‘Eusexua’. For the performance, FKA Twings sang live, while a gigantic render of her appeared on the dome within the Sphere behind her.
Check out pro-shot footage of the performance below.
The following day (December 29), Anyma once again brought out a special guest performer for the Las Vegas crowd. This time, he was joined by Ellie Goulding to promote their upcoming collaborative single ‘Hypnotized’.
Anyma performs at the Las Vegas Sphere. Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Anyma
For the performance, a humongous version of Goulding’s head popped up on screen while hands moved their way around her face. See footage of the upcoming Goulding collab below.
The song is due for release on January 10.
Anyma also performed at the Las Vegas Sphere on December 30, and will perform again later tonight (December 31). His remaining dates for the residency are January 1, January 10 and January 11.
The support line-up for his residency include Amelie Lens, Camelphat, Charlotte De Witte, Sebastian Ingrosso, Tiësto and more.
Las Vegas Sphere. Credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
FKA Twigs’ ‘Eusexua’ earned the 21st spot in NME‘s 50 Best Songs of 2024 list, with Alex Rigotti writing: “Her gossamer vocals soar into the stratosphere, connecting us to a state of euphoria only found in the sweating, heaving mass of warehouse raves. An astonishing, delicate take on techno.”
The song is the title-track off her upcoming album of the same name, which is due for release on January 24 via Young. You can pre-order it here. ‘Eusexua’ will come as FKA Twigs’ first album since ‘Magdalene’, although the artist has gone on to share other music since then. In 2022 she shared the mixtape ‘Caprisongs’, and earlier this year, she dropped new material via the Two Shell duet, ‘Talk To Me’.
In other Las Vegas Sphere news, The Eagles have once again extended their upcoming residency at the venue. Now, they have confirmed they’ll be playing an additional four dates, which will see the residency stretch into 2025. A tweet from Live Nation pointed to an “overwhelming demand” from fans, meaning they’ll now play additional shows up till January 25.
Anyma and FKA Twigs took the stage at the Las Vegas Sphere for a mesmerizing performance of their remix of ‘Eusexua’ that left the audience in awe. The dynamic duo brought their unique blend of electronic beats and ethereal vocals to the futuristic venue, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
From the moment the first notes of the remix filled the air, it was clear that this was no ordinary performance. Anyma’s intricate production paired perfectly with FKA Twigs’ hauntingly beautiful voice, creating a sound that was both otherworldly and deeply emotional.
As the performance unfolded, the audience was taken on a journey through a sonic landscape that was at once enchanting and exhilarating. The visuals that accompanied the music added an extra layer of depth to the experience, transporting everyone in the room to a world where sound and light collided in a breathtaking display of artistry.
By the time the performance came to a close, there was no doubt that Anyma and FKA Twigs had delivered a show for the ages. Their collaboration on ‘Eusexua’ was nothing short of stunning, and left everyone in the audience clamoring for more.
If you ever have the opportunity to see Anyma and FKA Twigs perform live, don’t hesitate to seize it. Their talent and creativity are truly something special, and their ‘Eusexua’ remix is a performance that will stay with you long after the lights have dimmed.
Arms extended outward, the female humanoid with pulsating blue veins leans back and falls down a luminous, foliage-strewn abyss on the massive video screen before us.
She’s leading by example: For the thousands gathered here, this night is all about taking a similar plunge down an audio-visual rabbit hole of light and sound and a whole lot of computer-generated eyeballs, blinking to the beat.
“Explore your future,” a woman’s voice commands in song over rhythms that register like a sledgehammer to the sternum, and that’s exactly what it feels like we’re doing here at the Sphere on Friday during the opening performance of “The End of Genesys,” the new eight-show residency by Italian American DJ-producer Anyma, the first six of which sold out in 24 hours between the pre-sale and on-sale, moving 100,000 tickets.
The first electronic music concert at the Sphere felt like a long time coming — even though the venue has only been open for a little over a year — namely because its mountain-sized video screens and state-of-the-art sound system are perfectly designed to rocket the cutting-edge visuals and sonics inherent to the genre even further into the high-tech stratosphere.
And Anyma, who describes himself as “a hybrid persona, simultaneously coexisting in digital and physical realms,” is just the dude to take full advantage of the Sphere’s audio-video innovations.
As the title of his residency suggests, Anyma heavily mined his 2023 full-length debut, “Genesys,” on Friday, its songs bright and dark at once, with big, buoyant synth lines and propulsive, arms-in-the-air rhythms contrasted with mildly dystopian themes examining the man/machine divide.
The album’s visual presentation revolves around the aforementioned humanoid Eva, a synthetic entity in pursuit of human connection, her quest to transcend her artificial origins chronicled in a series of of stunning clips presented throughout the night that have to be seen to be believed — and even then, you may find yourself rubbing your pupils just to make sure you’re not caught in some futuristic fever dream.
Wait, did we just see Ellie Goulding’s face fracture into a series of puzzle piece-like shards revealing tendrils of circuitry after being massaged by multiple sets of different-colored hands? Yup. That came during the debut of Anyma’s new track with the British singer.
Another popster to make a King Kong-sized appearance in Anyma’s video presentation was his partner Grimes, writhing in a lightly colored bodysuit during their song “The Last Artists.”
Aside from the truly far-out visuals, there were plenty of in-the-flesh flourishes, too, with Anyma performing in a towering, illuminated DJ booth flanked by robots on similarly high risers that played the cello at one point.
“How does it feel to be real?” singer Sevdaliza wondered during Anyma’s “Samsara.”
Anyma, the rising EDM sensation, made her debut at Las Vegas’ iconic venue, the Sphere, and left the audience in awe with her electrifying performance. The packed crowd was mesmerized by her unique blend of pulsating beats and ethereal vocals, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.
From the moment Anyma stepped on stage, it was clear that she was a force to be reckoned with. Her energy was infectious, and her passion for music was palpable in every note she sang. The crowd danced and swayed to the rhythm of her music, completely captivated by her performance.
Anyma’s set was a seamless mix of her own original tracks and remixes of popular EDM hits, showcasing her versatility as an artist. The visuals that accompanied her music were equally stunning, creating a multi-sensory experience that transported the audience to another world.
As the night drew to a close, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, showing their appreciation for Anyma’s incredible talent. It was clear that she had made a lasting impression on everyone in attendance, solidifying her status as a rising star in the EDM scene.
Overall, Anyma’s first concert at the Sphere was a resounding success, and it’s safe to say that she will be a name to watch in the world of EDM. If you have the chance to see her live, don’t miss out – you won’t be disappointed.
The Las Vegas Raiders had a flight delayed for several hours on Saturday, forcing them to head to New Orleans late for their meeting with the Saints on Sunday.
Las Vegas was hoping to fly out in the morning, but a mechanical issue on its plane prevented it from doing so.
Instead, the Raiders had to wait for a second plane, which didn’t get out of town until about 10pm ET.
Kickoff for Las Vegas’ matchup with New Orleans was at 1pm ET.
Because of the delay, the Raiders had to hold team meetings at their facility instead of the team’s hotel.
Las Vegas is 3-12 this season and has already been eliminated from playoff contention while in the midst of a 10-game skid that finally ended last weekend.
The Las Vegas Raiders had their flight to New Orleans delayed for several hours on Saturday
The Raiders had to wait for a second plane, which didn’t get out of town until Saturday night
The 5-10 Saints, however, remained alive – if only mathematically – until last Sunday, the day before their 34-0 loss at Green Bay.
Both teams went 2-2 in September – then their seasons unraveled precipitously.
The Raiders went nearly three months without winning before last Sunday’s victory against Jacksonville.
The Saints lost seven straight after starting 2-0, and their Week 9 loss at Carolina was followed by the firing of third-year coach Dennis Allen.
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Las Vegas Raiders suffer travel nightmare after mechanical issue on their flight
The Las Vegas Raiders were hit with a travel nightmare after their flight to their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was delayed due to a mechanical issue. The team was forced to deplane and wait for a new aircraft to be brought in, causing a significant delay in their travel plans.
The Raiders, who were already dealing with a short week following their Monday night game, now have to contend with the added stress and inconvenience of a travel delay. With their game against the Steelers fast approaching, the team will have to quickly regroup and refocus in order to be ready for kickoff.
Despite the setback, the Raiders are determined to push through and show their resilience in the face of adversity. Fans are hopeful that the team will be able to shake off the travel nightmare and come out strong against the Steelers in what promises to be a crucial matchup for both teams.
Stay tuned for updates on the Raiders’ travel situation and their game against the Steelers as the situation develops. #RaiderNation #LasVegasRaiders #TravelNightmare #MechanicalIssue #PittsburghSteelers
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