Las Vegas

Las Vegas Tourism Hit as Canadian Visitors Pull Back Over Tariff Tensions

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The glittering lights of Las Vegas continue to draw millions of visitors each year, but recent data suggests the city is now facing a downturn in one of its most reliable international markets — Canadian tourists. The decline is being linked to trade tensions and tariff disputes between the United States and Canada, creating ripples in an industry that has long depended on cross-border travel.

Story Highlights

  • Canadian tourist numbers fall as U.S.-Canada tariff tensions rise

  • Flights from Canada to Las Vegas cut by more than 18% year-over-year

  • LVCVA CEO Steve Hill pledges trade mission and Toronto event sponsorship

  • Online travel agents projected to add 1 million hotel room nights this summer

  • Overall Las Vegas visitor numbers slump 7% compared to last year

Before the pandemic, international visitors made up around 20% of all Las Vegas arrivals, with Canada consistently leading that group. However, new figures from Harry Reid International Airport show that inbound seats on flights from Canada have dropped by more than 18% compared with last year, signaling a sharp decline in Canadian travelers.

For some, the allure of Las Vegas remains strong despite the trade friction. Julia Chasson, a Canadian tourist who traveled to the city in March, explained her perspective.

“I love coming to the states,” she said. “Obviously there’s a lot of fun stuff to do that we don’t get to do in Canada.”

Chasson noted that, despite the tariff dispute, she and her companion chose to keep their plans to see the Grateful Dead. Their decision reflects both the pull of Las Vegas’s unique entertainment scene and the challenges of discouraging loyal visitors.

City leaders, however, are well aware of the broader impact. Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), acknowledged the difficulties created by what he called “national overtones.”

“That’s a long-term relationship,” Hill said, referring to Canadian tourists. “And we’re going to figure that out.”

In an effort to maintain that relationship, Hill announced plans for a trade mission to Canada. The LVCVA will also sponsor an event in Toronto as part of a strategy to reconnect with Canadian travelers and travel agencies.

At the same time, Las Vegas is leaning more heavily on digital promotion. Partnerships with online travel agents are expected to generate about one million room nights through the summer, providing a boost at a time of reduced international travel.

Hill has also pointed to Las Vegas’s enduring appeal, highlighting its value and expansive entertainment calendar.

“We’ve got a great entertainment lineup through the summer and into the fall,” he said, stressing that visitors continue to have reasons to return to the city.

Despite a 7% year-to-year slump in total visitor numbers, Hill remains cautiously optimistic.

“We’ve had crises, and we have recovered from crises, and this is just not that,” he explained. “It is a downturn.”

City officials are betting on a rebound as conventions, major sporting events, and high-profile entertainment draw near in the months ahead. For Hill, the expectation is that as cooler weather arrives, so too will Canadian visitors — a reminder of the long-standing relationship between Las Vegas and its northern neighbors.

While the tariff dispute has clearly impacted Canadian travel patterns, Las Vegas officials are confident that the city’s blend of entertainment, hospitality, and value will help restore momentum. The decline marks a temporary setback rather than a long-term shift, industry leaders argue. As trade talks evolve and the city prepares for a packed calendar of conventions and events, Las Vegas is betting that its strong appeal will once again draw Canadian visitors back to the Strip.

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Nordstrom Rack Brings Big Discounts to Encinitas in Major California Expansion

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San Diego County’s retail landscape is set to expand, with Nordstrom Rack announcing plans to bring its signature off-price shopping experience to Encinitas. The new store is scheduled to open in spring 2026, offering shoppers the brand’s well-known combination of designer labels and significant discounts. Customers can expect savings of up to 70% on apparel, accessories, beauty products, home décor, and shoes.

READ: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Opening Date: Spring 2026

  • Location: El Camino Promenade, Encinitas

  • Store Size: 24,000 square feet

  • Retail Offer: Up to 70% off on fashion, beauty, home décor, and shoes

  • Existing Presence: 5 Nordstrom Rack stores in San Diego County

  • Newest Location: Clairemont Town Square, opened fall 2024

Company executives say the move reflects both the growth of the Nordstrom Rack brand and the appeal of the Encinitas market.

“We look forward to being a part of the Encinitas community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices,” said Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack.

Lionello added that the location would help the company extend its reach in the region. “We’re excited to grow our footprint in the San Diego market and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience,” she said.

The store will cover 24,000 square feet within El Camino Promenade, a shopping center that already houses a mix of national and value-oriented retailers, including Bevo, Dollar Tree, Five Below, and TJ Maxx.

The property’s owner, an affiliate of Kimco Realty, sees the addition as a strategic fit for the center’s tenant lineup.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nordstrom Rack to El Camino Promenade and the vibrant Encinitas community,” said Genevieve Anderson, property manager at Kimco Realty.

She emphasized the synergy between the new arrival and existing stores. “As one of the most recognized names in fashion retail, Nordstrom Rack is a perfect complement to our diverse tenant mix and reflects our continued commitment to bringing quality, convenience, and style to North County shoppers.”

The expansion adds to Nordstrom’s already significant presence in California, where the company operates 68 Nordstrom Rack stores and 26 Nordstrom department stores.

San Diego County is already home to five Nordstrom Rack locations, including those in La Jolla, National City, Oceanside, and San Marcos. The most recent addition came in fall 2024, when the company opened a store at Clairemont Town Square.

With its Encinitas debut in 2026, Nordstrom Rack is set to strengthen its foothold in San Diego County’s competitive retail market. By pairing well-known brands with steep discounts, the company aims to attract both loyal customers and first-time visitors, while adding another draw to the already busy El Camino Promenade. For North County shoppers, it marks the arrival of another major name in fashion retail—one that promises variety, value, and a familiar shopping experience.

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Katie Holmes Brings Hedda Gabler to Life at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre

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Katie Holmes is stepping back onto the stage in a major way, taking on the title role in a new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. The production will open the Old Globe Theatre’s 2026 season in San Diego, reuniting the actress with the Globe’s artistic director Barry Edelstein. The two previously collaborated in 2023 on the Off-Broadway play The Wanderers.

READ: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Play: Hedda Gabler

  • Venue: Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, San Diego

  • Season: 2026

  • Run Dates: Feb. 7 – March 8, 2026

  • Opening Night: Feb. 12, 2026

  • Director: Barry Edelstein

  • Adaptation by: Erin Cressida Wilson

  • Lead Role: Katie Holmes as Hedda Gabler

The upcoming staging will take place on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in Balboa Park. Performances begin February 7 and will run through March 8, with the official opening night scheduled for February 12.

The fresh adaptation is penned by Erin Cressida Wilson, the veteran playwright and screenwriter behind films such as Secretary, The Girl on the Train, Chloe, and Snow White. Wilson’s stage credits include Hands, Wilder, Stop All the Clocks, The Erotica Project, Hurricane, and My Girl is in Front.

In this interpretation of Ibsen’s classic, Holmes will portray Hedda, a newlywed who returns from her honeymoon already restless and dissatisfied with her marriage to George Tesman. Bored and craving control, she begins to manipulate those around her — a web of schemes that ultimately threatens her own stability.

“Hedda Gabler is one of the landmark works of world drama,” Edelstein said. “I’m truly thrilled to bring a bracing new take on it to the Globe.” He added that, like all of Ibsen’s plays, the story is “obsessed by how the choices we make in our pasts come back around to shape our present.”

For Edelstein, the project is also a personal reunion. “It’s so fun that it reunites me with two artists I’ve had significant collaborations with over the years,” he noted. “One is playwright and screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson, who renews this classic through her frank and dynamic voice, with incendiary results. The other is a major figure in American film, TV, and theatre — the wonderful Katie Holmes.”

The director also emphasized the demands of the role: “Hedda, like Hamlet, rises or falls with the actor in the title role. She’s everything: victim, tyrant, femme fatale, funny, scathing, tragic. Only an actor with immense imagination and charisma can take on Hedda Gabler, and in Katie’s radiant and powerful performance, Globe audiences are going to witness something rare and special. She’s an artist at the height of her powers and we’re lucky to have her in San Diego.”

First staged in 1891, Hedda Gabler has been adapted and performed globally, with numerous renowned actors stepping into the role — including Ingrid Bergman, Diana Rigg, Glenda Jackson, Cate Blanchett, Rosamund Pike, and Annette Bening.

Additional casting and creative team details for the Globe production will be announced in the coming months. The show is supported by the Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Fund, along with contributions from the City of San Diego and the Theodor and Audrey Geisel Fund.

Away from the stage, Holmes is directing her own feature film Happy Hours, from a script she wrote. She also stars in the project, alongside Joshua Jackson, Mary-Louise Parker, Constance Wu, and Jack Martin. Holmes is represented by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, and Vision PR.

With Hedda Gabler, the Old Globe Theatre is set to open its 2026 season with a bold artistic statement — blending a classic of world drama with a fresh adaptation and a star-led performance. For Katie Holmes, it marks not only a return to the stage but also an opportunity to tackle one of theatre’s most challenging and layered roles. For San Diego audiences, it promises an interpretation that bridges Ibsen’s timeless themes with a contemporary creative vision, making this production one of the most anticipated events in the city’s upcoming cultural calendar.

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San Diego Inflation Surges Past All Other U.S. Cities

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San Diego has once again taken the lead in a ranking no city wants — the highest inflation rate in the nation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday that the metro area, which includes all of San Diego County, saw prices rise 4% in July compared to last year. That marks an increase from 3.8% in both March and May, when it also held the top spot.

Story Highlights

  • San Diego inflation (July): 4%, highest in U.S.

  • National rate: 2.7%

  • Nearby metro rates: Riverside 3.5%, Los Angeles 3.2%, Dallas 0.9%

  • Top annual increases in San Diego:

    • Tuition & childcare: +9.4%

    • Meats, poultry, fish, eggs: +7.3%

    • Medical care: +6.8%

    • Shelter: +5%

  • Gasoline prices: Down 3.5–4% depending on grade

  • Core inflation: 4.2%

The rise stands well above the national inflation rate of 2.7%, which remained steady in July. Neighboring Riverside posted the second-highest rate at 3.5%, while Dallas came in at the bottom with only a 0.9% increase.

For years, San Diego has battled higher-than-average inflation due to its expensive housing market and elevated gasoline prices. But this year’s data shows something different — cost increases are spread across multiple sectors, making it harder to pinpoint a single culprit.

Economists are watching closely.
“It’s not clear how much of this is linked to tariffs,” said San Diego economist Ray Major. “It could take up to a year before we see the full impact of those on the economy.”

Instead, Major pointed to labor costs. He believes California’s $20-an-hour minimum wage for fast food workers has a ripple effect.
“Why would someone work for $15 an hour in child care?” he asked, noting that higher-paying opportunities in one sector may pull workers from others.

Labor supply may also be affected by federal immigration enforcement. “The crackdown on undocumented workers could be disrupting the labor market,” Major said. This impact is harder to measure because many of these workers are paid off the books.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce estimates up to 60,000 Tijuana residents legally cross into San Diego County every day for work. According to Alan Gin, economist at the University of San Diego, any reduction in that flow would have consequences.
“That would disrupt the labor market and raise costs,” Gin said. “Because we’re a border city, we likely have a disproportionate share of legal and illegal migrant workers.”

From May to July, San Diegans likely felt the pinch most at grocery stores, medical offices, and car dealerships. Medical care prices rose 3.1% in just two months, used car and truck prices climbed 1.9%, and food costs increased 1.1%.

Year-over-year, shelter costs were up 5%, transportation costs rose 5.1%, and medical care climbed 6.8%. Food prices rose across the board — cereals and bakery products (+3.2%), dairy (+3.2%), fruits and vegetables (+3.1%), and meats, poultry, fish, and eggs (+7.3%).

One area with a clear tariff link was nonalcoholic beverages, which increased 8.2% over the year, likely tied to aluminum tariffs.

Core inflation — which excludes volatile food and energy prices — reached 4.2%, slightly down from 4.3% in May.

Across the nation, the Northeast recorded the highest regional inflation at 3.2%, followed by the West at 3%, the Midwest at 2.6%, and the South at 2.3%.

San Diego’s position at the top of the nation’s inflation rankings underscores the unique economic pressures facing the region — from wage shifts and housing costs to cross-border labor dynamics. While the exact role of tariffs remains uncertain, the broad rise in prices across essential goods and services paints a clear picture: residents are feeling the squeeze in nearly every aspect of daily life. Whether driven by local labor market changes or national economic trends, the city’s elevated inflation signals ongoing challenges for households and policymakers alike.

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Chicago School Dean Sentenced in Shocking Student Abuse Case

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A Cook County judge on Tuesday handed down a 22-year prison sentence to former Chicago Public Schools dean Brian Crowder, 43, for sexually abusing a student while she attended the Little Village high school where he managed disciplinary matters. The sentencing concludes the criminal proceedings but leaves unresolved a civil lawsuit that continues to accuse both Crowder and the school district of systemic failures.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sentence: 22 years in prison (three consecutive terms of 12, 5, and 5 years)

  • Conviction: Found guilty on multiple felony counts of sexual abuse; acquitted on three of seven charges

  • Victim: Now 26, testified Crowder coerced her into a relationship beginning when she was 15

  • Civil Lawsuit: Claims CPS failed to act despite visible warning signs

  • Background: CPS under scrutiny since Chicago Tribune’s 2018 “Betrayed” investigation

The verdict followed a jury trial last month in which the woman, now an adult, took the stand for several hours. She described in detail how the relationship began and how she felt pressured under Crowder’s authority.

The panel deliberated for about three hours before delivering a split decision — convicting Crowder on several charges while acquitting him on three of the seven felony sex counts.

Judge Stanley Sacks, presiding over the sentencing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, ordered Crowder to serve three consecutive terms: twelve years, followed by two separate five-year terms.

The woman’s attorneys, Martin Gould and Nicholas Wainwright, described the sentence as an important moment in their client’s pursuit of justice.

“Brian Crowder’s sentencing is a critical milestone in our client’s long and courageous fight for justice,” they said in a joint statement.

“She confronted her abuser, endured years of retraumatization through the legal process, and in doing so, ensured he could never harm another student. Her bravery deserves the highest recognition.”

They also criticized the conduct of several Chicago Public Schools employees who, they said, defended Crowder in court.

“CPS failed in its most basic duty — to protect its students,” the statement continued. “That failure is laid bare by the disturbing fact that multiple CPS employees, including another dean and a head of security, defended Crowder in court.”

Crowder’s case comes at a time when CPS’ handling of sexual abuse complaints remains under public and legal scrutiny. The Chicago Tribune’s 2018 “Betrayed” investigation exposed widespread failures in the district’s reporting procedures, background checks, and responses to misconduct allegations.

In the ongoing civil complaint, the victim accuses staff at Little Village Lawndale High School of noticing her time spent alone with Crowder but doing nothing to intervene. According to the filing, some employees “would joke” about the amount of time the two spent together.

At the time of the abuse, Crowder was serving as the associate dean of discipline at Social Justice High School, a branch of Little Village Lawndale High School. Prosecutors said his position gave him the power to influence whether the student faced disciplinary action, creating a dynamic where she felt she could not refuse him.

Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Kofoed, in her closing argument, underscored the imbalance of power.

“He wasn’t just a teacher. At that point he was the dean of discipline,” Kofoed told jurors. “He controlled the relationship because he was in power.”

CPS officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Tuesday’s sentencing.

The sentencing of Brian Crowder brings closure to the criminal case but leaves broader questions about Chicago Public Schools’ accountability unresolved. As the civil lawsuit moves forward, the district faces continued scrutiny over how it responds to allegations of misconduct — and whether enough is being done to ensure the safety of its students.

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Dallas Police Bust Massive Marijuana Shipment After Tip-off

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A tip about a major marijuana shipment headed for Dallas set off an intensive police investigation that ended in a substantial seizure last week.

According to a news release, detectives from the Organized Crime & Racketeering Squad received information that a shipment was being readied for transport. Following up on the lead, investigators tracked the operation to a storage facility located in the 4300 block of Communications Drive.

READ BOX — STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lead: Tip about marijuana shipment bound for Dallas.

  • Location: Storage facility, 4300 block of Communications Drive.

  • Operation date: August 6.

  • Seizure: 179,081.7 grams (398 pounds) of marijuana.

  • Suspect: Zhenqi Lin, 47.

  • Charge: Possession of marijuana (50–2,000 pounds), second-degree felony.

  • Status: Investigation ongoing.

Once at the location, officers began piecing together the evidence they needed. Detectives worked methodically, confirming details and building a case before making their move. The investigation reached a turning point when authorities secured a search warrant.

On August 6, that warrant was executed. Inside the storage facility, officers discovered an extensive cache of marijuana — precisely 179,081.7 grams, which amounts to about 398 pounds.

Major Yancey Nelson, commander of the Special Investigations Division, described the outcome as a meaningful step in curbing illegal drug circulation.
“Anytime we get drugs off the street, it’s a success,” he said.
He added, “And almost 400 pounds of marijuana taken off the street represents a significant success.”

In connection with the bust, police arrested 47-year-old Zhenqi Lin. Authorities confirmed he has been charged with possession of marijuana in a quantity between 50 and 2,000 pounds — a second-degree felony under Texas law.

The Dallas Police Department said the case remains active, with investigators continuing to follow leads.

The large-scale seizure marks one of Dallas’s more significant marijuana busts in recent months, underscoring the role of timely intelligence and coordinated investigative work. While nearly 400 pounds of drugs are now off the streets, police say their work is far from over, with efforts continuing to dismantle the network behind the shipment.

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San Francisco Landmarks Star in $40M OpenAI Power Struggle Film

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San Francisco’s most recognizable spots — Coit Tower, Dolores Park, and the Presidio — are stepping into the spotlight as filming locations for Artificial, a $40 million feature starring Andrew Garfield as OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The filming details come from city permits reviewed by The Standard.

READ: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Film Title: Artificial

  • Budget: $40 million

  • Lead Role: Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman

  • Key Supporting Cast: Yura Borisov as Illya Sutskever, Monica Barbaro as Mira Murati, Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk

  • Director: Luca Guadagnino

  • Production: Amazon MGM Studios, Eternal Leo Productions (MGM subsidiary)

  • Filming Period: July 24 – Aug. 2

  • Local Crew Hired: 425 members

  • San Francisco Locations: Coit Tower, Dolores Park, Presidio, Atelier Crenn, Stable Cafe, Gough Street, Portola Drive

  • Notable Scenes: Dialogue at Dolores Park, b-roll at OpenAI’s former HQ, driving shots at Twin Peaks

  • SFPD Charges: $40,000 for safety and traffic management

  • Release Year: 2026

The movie, slated for a 2026 release, tells the story of a corporate and personal power struggle inside the artificial intelligence giant. It follows the events surrounding OpenAI’s former chief scientist, Illya Sutskever, played by Yura Borisov (Anora), who, according to the film’s synopsis, was sidelined and eventually ousted by Altman after the latter’s brief removal from his own company.

Director Luca Guadagnino — known for Challengers and Call Me by Your Name — is leading the Amazon MGM Studios project. The story, according to industry descriptions, is expected to critique Silicon Valley’s intense fixation on AI and the industry’s rapid and sometimes reckless growth.

Monica Barbaro, a San Francisco native recognized for her role in A Complete Unknown, will portray former OpenAI chief technology officer Mira Murati. Actor Ike Barinholtz (The Studio) will play billionaire Elon Musk, who famously clashed with Altman over the future and control of OpenAI.

Filming in San Francisco took on a cinematic variety of settings. The permits detail dialogue sequences inside Atelier Crenn in the Marina and Stable Cafe in the Mission District, intercut with b-roll footage near the company’s former headquarters at 18th and Bryant Streets. Driving scenes were staged on the congested Gough Street corridor and along the sweeping curves of Portola Drive at Twin Peaks.

Online chatter from Reddit users added further glimpses into the production. Some noted actors walking outside Altman’s real-life Lombard Street mansion. Others described spotting Borisov — with a shaved head and wearing an OpenAI T-shirt — walking through Dolores Park for a filmed scene.

One city permit outlines that moment in plain terms:

“Two actors talk while in Dolores Park. They walk to the bus stop as a light rail passes by them. No actors on the actual rail itself.”

Another portion of the permit reveals the production’s attention to detail. The company, it states, would “prefer a light rail car with no advertisements on it,” and if that wasn’t possible, the crew planned to “sticky tack or soft tape our fake advertisements over what exists.”

The Dolores Park filming formed part of a larger shoot involving 425 local crew members over a nine-day period. According to the permits, the San Francisco Police Department billed the production almost $40,000 for safety and traffic management during that time.

Eternal Leo Productions, an LLC formed in May and operating under MGM Studios, is officially listed as the production company. The San Francisco Film Commission’s public documents do not reveal how much the filmmakers spent in the city — that figure was redacted. A commission spokesperson did not respond to questions about the omission.

If you’d like, I can now rework this into a more sensational New York–style headline and subhead so it reads like a big entertainment scoop. That would make it more eye-catching for print or online readers. Would you like me to prepare that next?

The filming of Artificial has woven San Francisco’s streets, parks, and landmarks into the visual fabric of a story about corporate ambition and technological upheaval. While the production brought in hundreds of local jobs and injected activity into familiar neighborhoods, the redacted financial details leave unanswered questions about its broader economic impact on the city. When it reaches audiences in 2026, the film will not only revisit a high-stakes chapter in Silicon Valley history but also showcase San Francisco as both a setting and silent witness to the drama.

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Puget Sound Sizzles as Heat Advisory Grips Western Washington

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Western Washington is bracing for another sweltering day as a heat advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday. Meteorologist Ted Buehner warned that most of the region will experience unusually high temperatures, with Seattle approaching 90 degrees and the south sound extending into the 90s, while coastal areas and the Strait of Juan de Fuca remain slightly cooler.

Story Highlights

  • Heat advisory in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday for western Washington.

  • Seattle highs near 90 degrees; Portland area well into the 90s.

  • Record-breaking low of 69 degrees at SeaTac Sunday night.

  • Authorities warn heat can be dangerous; precautions urged.

  • Cooler Pacific air expected Tuesday night to ease temperatures.

  • Bear Gulch wildfire smoke may briefly affect Puget Sound.

  • Mid-week highs expected in the 70s; rain possible this weekend.

“The only areas that aren’t affected are basically out on the coast and up in the Strait of Juan de Fuca,” Buehner explained. “Temperatures are going to be getting close to 90 degrees in the Seattle area. As you get closer to the south sound and down toward Portland, now you’re getting well into the 90s.”

Record-Breaking Overnight Lows

Relief from the heat has been minimal, even during nighttime hours. Sunday night, the low at SeaTac only fell to 69 degrees, setting a record for the date. The previous record, 66 degrees, had stood since 1981.

Buehner noted, “The low temperature at SeaTac only got down to 69 (Sunday). That was the warmest low temperature on record for the date. The previous record was 66, set in 1981. And this coming night it’s probably going to be very similar.”

Heat Can Be Dangerous

Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious. Buehner described the extreme temperatures as a “silent killer” and reminded the public of the 2021 heat dome that struck the region.

“Remember back in June of 2021, we had the heat dome here,” he said. “Temperatures in Seattle reached triple digits for three days in a row, topping out at 108 degrees on June 28.”

The Washington State Department of Health reported 100 heat-related deaths during that period, from June 26 to July 2. Research led by a University of Washington professor also linked the extreme heat to multiple accidents, including drownings.

Even though temperatures this week are not expected to reach triple digits, Buehner emphasized precautionary measures:

“If you can find air conditioning for just a few hours, that really relieves the stress on your body,” he said. “Also, cut down on outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and make sure to stay hydrated.”

Cooler Air on the Horizon

The heat is expected to subside Tuesday night as the hot air over western Washington moves east of the Cascades.

Buehner described the change: “We get a lovely — I call it nature’s air conditioning — with cooler air coming in from the Pacific Ocean.”

However, the onshore flow of cooler air may briefly carry smoke from the Bear Gulch wildfire near Lake Cushman into the Puget Sound area. “Some of that smoke will probably get over to the rest of the Puget Sound area, but it should come in and get out pretty quickly because we’ll start to see the marine clouds on Wednesday morning,” Buehner added.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to drop back into the 70s mid-week, offering welcome relief to residents. By the weekend, there is even a chance of rainfall, potentially providing more long-term respite from the heat.

Residents of the Puget Sound region are advised to stay vigilant as the heat persists through Tuesday. While the worst of the temperatures are expected to ease by Tuesday night, precautions such as staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, and seeking air-conditioned spaces remain essential. Cooler air moving in from the Pacific, along with potential rainfall later in the week, should provide relief, but awareness and caution remain key to safely navigating the ongoing heat advisory.

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Wynne Brothers in San Francisco Face Human Trafficking and Pimping Charges

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In a turn of events that has drawn renewed attention to San Francisco’s underworld and its unlikely connections to political circles, both Ricci Wynne — the outspoken social media figure known as “Raw Ricci” — and his younger brother, Gage Wynne, are now facing serious criminal charges.

Ricci Wynne, followed by nearly 100,000 people on Instagram under the handle RawRicci415, was arrested last November on pimping and pandering charges. Prosecutors allege he was operating paid sex services from his upscale SoMa apartment. Just four months later, his legal troubles deepened when federal prosecutors indicted him for the production of child pornography.

The irony of these allegations has not gone unnoticed. For years, Ricci positioned himself as an “anti-crime crusader,” frequently appearing on Fox News to criticize San Francisco’s crime rates, while also cultivating relationships with elected officials who publicly champion law-and-order policies.

Following Ricci’s arrest in November, his younger brother, Gage Wynne, stepped forward to defend him in the press. Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle at the time, Gage said:

“It’s clear as day… there’s nothing in this case involving any minor being sex trafficked.”

A day later, the SF Standard reported Gage’s confrontational exchange with a photographer and reporter. Gage told them:

“I’m definitely not going to say anything to you, because you guys clearly have it in for my brother. You heard what the judge said? This case has nothing to do with anyone underage. You guys need to do better.”

But now, months later, Gage Wynne is the one making headlines. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office confirmed his arrest on charges of human trafficking, pimping, and pandering.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gage Wynne charged with human trafficking, pimping, and pandering in San Francisco.

  • Ricci Wynne arrested last year for pimping; later indicted for producing child pornography.

  • DA statement: Gage linked to multiple Bay Area sex work advertisements.

  • Earlier arrest: Detained in South San Francisco after police rescued trafficking victims.

  • Bail status: Granted $500,000 bond but remains in custody; DA wanted him held.

  • No confirmed link between the brothers’ cases.

According to District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco police identified “numerous sex work advertisements in San Francisco and across the Bay Area” allegedly controlled by Gage Wynne. The DA’s statement also revealed that before the local investigation began, Gage had been arrested by South San Francisco police during an operation to rescue human trafficking victims. Authorities allege that Gage was identified as the “boyfriend” of one victim and that he drove her to a hotel to engage in sex work.

“The District Attorney’s Office will move to have Mr. Wynne detained pending trial because of the public safety risk he poses,” the release stated.

Despite that request, San Francisco County Jail records show that Gage was granted $500,000 bail. As of Monday afternoon, he remained in custody, suggesting a judge may have allowed bond over the DA’s objections.

There is no immediate evidence that Ricci Wynne’s criminal charges are connected to Gage Wynne’s case. Prosecutors have not released timelines for the alleged crimes, leaving unanswered questions about whether any incidents overlap.

The Wynne brothers’ legal troubles also raise questions about Ricci’s past proximity to City Hall. A video from last year’s mayoral campaign shows Ricci alongside candidate Daniel Lurie, who is heard saying:

“Thank you, Ricci, thank you.”

In that same clip, Ricci claims that Lurie is “the only politician that has came and walked the Tenderloin with me.” Lurie does not contradict the statement. While such interactions may have been routine for candidates seeking voter engagement, they now appear more complicated in hindsight.

Today, City Hall figures are keeping their distance from the Wynne brothers, and the episode serves as a cautionary example of the risks in aligning with high-profile social media personalities whose public image may not match the reality behind the scenes.

The arrests of both Ricci and Gage Wynne mark a sharp fall from the public personas they once projected — one as a self-styled anti-crime voice and the other as his vocal defender. With both now facing serious felony charges, their cases underscore how quickly reputations can unravel under the weight of criminal allegations. As legal proceedings move forward, unanswered questions about the scope of their activities, potential overlaps in their cases, and their past proximity to political circles will likely remain in the public spotlight, serving as a stark reminder of the gap that can exist between public image and private conduct.

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Zach Bryan’s Kansas City Ban Ignites Chiefs Fan Backlash

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Country music star Zach Bryan has sparked fresh controversy in the sports-and-music crossover world after publicly declaring he will never perform in Kansas City again. The declaration comes just days before he is set to share the stage with Kings of Leon at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park on Friday, Aug. 15 — a venue squarely in the home turf of the San Francisco 49ers, the team defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in last year’s Super Bowl.

READ — STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Zach Bryan vows never to play in Kansas City again.

  • Feud escalates ahead of Aug. 15 San Francisco show with Kings of Leon.

  • Taunted Chiefs fans after Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl win.

  • Past controversy involved Taylor Swift comments.

  • Plans performance in nearby Bonner Springs next year.

The timing is noteworthy not only for the football connection, but also for Bryan’s own allegiances. A Grammy-winning artist and vocal supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles, Bryan has not shied away from using social media to needle Chiefs fans — and this latest exchange shows no signs of softening.

The latest round began on Aug. 8, when Bryan posted on X:

“(W)here are all the three peat people from last year:/”

The reference was clear: the Eagles’ decisive 40-22 win over the Chiefs in this year’s Super Bowl. It didn’t take long for the replies to flood in. Chiefs loyalists accused him of stoking unnecessary rivalry, with one commenter pointing out that the same fan base he was mocking often “sells out his shows.”

Bryan’s response was blunt:

“Please understand I will never play in Kansas City.”

In a follow-up post, he added a jab at the idea of performing in the city’s stadium:

“I’ll be about to finish my show and then get a taunting call if I play at that stadium.”

Bryan, now 29, has a history of drawing large crowds in Kansas City, including a show at the T-Mobile Center in August 2024. But if his posts are to be taken at face value, those may have been his last appearances there. When a fan asked him to remove a live recording from Kansas City featured on one of his albums, Bryan didn’t hesitate.

“Done brother,” he replied.

Yet, two days after his hardline stance, his tone shifted slightly. He posted:

“I miss you Bonner Springs.”

Then came the hint at a compromise:

“…coming to play next year.”

The mention of Bonner Springs — a Kansas town just 20 miles from Kansas City — suggests the door might not be completely closed on the region.

This isn’t the first time Bryan’s online comments have stirred strong reactions. In September 2024, he posted a message that read:

“eagles > chiefs” and “Kanye > Taylor,” ending with “who’s with me.”

The tweet triggered a wave of criticism, not least because it appeared to target Taylor Swift — pop superstar and girlfriend of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Bryan eventually deleted the post and explained his state of mind at the time.

“For the record guys I wasn’t coming for Taylor the other night,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was drunkenly comparing two records and it came out wrong. … I love Taylor’s music and pray you guys know I’m human and tweet stupid things often. Hope one day I can explain this to her.”

He admitted the remarks “came off as rude and desensitized” toward Swift, adding:

“I respect her so much as a musician that the last thing I want is people thinking I don’t appreciate and love what she has done for music.”

And with a final lesson for himself and others, Bryan summed it up plainly:

“Don’t drink and tweet!!”

Bryan’s refusal to set foot on a Kansas City stage again underscores how sports rivalries can spill far beyond the field, especially when amplified by celebrity voices and social media. Whether his planned return to nearby Bonner Springs will mend fences or merely shift the battleground remains to be seen — but for now, the standoff between the Eagles loyalist and the Chiefs faithful shows no sign of cooling.

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