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A suit filed many years ago by the Muscogee Creek Nation against the Poarch Creek tribe for the desecration of their ancient gravesite has been upheld by the court. The Poarch Creek nation was first sued in 2012 but the case was dismissed in 2021 because of sovereign immunity. But on Friday, the Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the ruling and ordered a judge to look into the sovereign immunity claim to determine whether the Muskogee Tribe can sue. The appeals court has revived a legal battle brought by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma, accusing another tribe of the desecration of a sacred gravesite during the construction of the Wind Creek Wetumpka Casino. The decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted the Muscogee Nation its day in court, setting the stage for a legal showdown as the tribe seeks justice for its ancestors. The site in question, known as Hickory Ground, holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Muscogee Nation. Located near Wetumpka, Alabama, this land was the last capital of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Alabama before the tribe was forcibly removed and settled in Oklahoma during the 19th century under the federal government's policy of Indian Removal. Hickory Ground serves not only as a physical reminder of the tribe's rich history but also as a sacred burial site for many of their ancestors. The controversial casino development In 1980, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, a tribe distantly related to the Muscogee Nation, purchased Hickory Ground. With the help of a historic preservation grant, the Poarch Band acquired the land under the promise of protecting and preserving its cultural and historical value. However, in the years following the acquisition, the tribe constructed a bingo hall on the site, which eventually expanded into the large-scale Wind Creek Wetumpka Casino that opened in 2014. The Muscogee Creek Nation claims that the construction of the casino desecrated the sacred burial ground, accusing the Poarch Band of breaking their commitment to preserve the land. Central to their case is the allegation that in 2001, during the initial construction of the bingo hall, 57 sets of their ancestors' remains were not properly removed from their graves, along with numerous burial artifacts. The Muscogee Nation argues that these remains are currently stored at Auburn University in plastic containers, without proper temperature control or ventilation. The long legal battle The Muscogee Nation first filed a lawsuit in 2012, when the Poarch Band began expanding their casino on Hickory Ground. Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the Poarch Band moved forward with the casino expansion, leading to the opening of the Wind Creek Casino in 2014. The Muscogee Nation contends that the Poarch Band's actions violated federal laws, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). In 2021, a lower court dismissed the Muscogee Nation's case, citing that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians was protected from civil lawsuits due to sovereign immunity, a legal doctrine that shields tribal governments from being sued. However, on Friday, the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals vacated that ruling, giving new life to the Muscogee Nation's fight to protect the sacred site of Hickory Ground. A legal path forward: Ex Parte Young doctrine At the heart of the 11th Circuit Court's ruling is the legal principle derived from the landmark 1908 Supreme Court decision, Ex Parte Young. Under this ruling, lawsuits can proceed in federal courts against state officials who are accused of violating the Constitution or federal laws, even if those officials are protected by sovereign immunity. The Muscogee Nation's lawyers argued that the same legal standard should apply to tribal officials when they are accused of acting unlawfully under federal law. The appellate panel ordered the lower court to perform a "claim by claim" analysis to determine whether individual officials of the Poarch Band should be protected by sovereign immunity in this case. The ruling allows for a careful examination of whether the Poarch Band's leaders violated federal law and their commitments when they constructed the casino. A victory for the Muscogee Nation Mary Kathryn Nagle, a prominent attorney and playwright representing the Muscogee Nation, welcomed the appellate court's ruling. "The Eleventh Circuit decisively rejected [Poarch's] argument, underscoring that Poarch's connection to Hickory Ground is limited," Nagle said in a statement. "They purchased the land in 1980 with federal preservation funds and promised to protect it." Nagle added that they have no sovereign right to destroy it and that the court's decision reaffirms the limitations of tribal sovereignty, especially when it comes to desecrating the sacred sites of another sovereign tribe. "This ruling demonstrates that tribal sovereignty is not a license to destroy the sacred places and graves of other sovereign Tribal nations," she stated. The Muscogee Nation's case will now return to the lower court for further proceedings, giving the tribe another opportunity to seek justice for what they consider an egregious violation of their cultural heritage. For now, the 11th Circuit Court's ruling is seen as a critical victory for the Muscogee Nation, who are fighting to protect the burial grounds of their ancestors and preserve a vital part of their heritage.

Injuries are a big thing in the NFL, but the Detroit Lions will need to find a way to thrive in their games without one of their key players in the rotation for the rest of the campaign as Aidan Hutchinson is expected to miss some key games in the 2024 season with a broken tibia, needing him to be carted off the field that proved to be hard to watch for many fans. According to head coach Dan Campbell, Hutchinson did not travel with the team after the game and is slated to remain in Texas, where he is expected to undergo surgery and go through further evaluation – which will define his status for the rest of the season. Fans and players are now awaiting news of his health in the coming weeks. Right now, this spells a lot of problems for the Lions, who just lost one of their best pass rushers and a key defender moving towards the crucial stretch of the NFL season, and this says a lot about how Hutchinson has been really valuable for the team at this point in time. Now they need to find alternatives if they are going to come up with needed wins in the season. An Untimely Injury for Detroit Detroit is one of the teams that have continuously made impressive splash in the season so far, managing to pick up a 4-1 record in their first five games so far. They even managed to win in that game against the Dallas Cowboys, but at the cost of Hutchinson, who has been, by far, the best player in the squad thanks to his elite defensive performances and two-way reliability for most of the game. "He's in good hands right now," Campbell said. "He's being taken care of. He'll stay (in Dallas) and obviously he's going to be down for a little while. So that's tough, man. It's hard when you lose somebody like him. It's hard when you lose somebody like him. But he'll know a lot more after this and obviously wish him the best." Hutchinson came into Week 6 as the league’s top sack-getter at 6.5, and he was truly the anchor of the Lions’ top-tier defense so far. Since coming up with an impressive rookie year in 2021, the former no. 2 pick has shined bright on the big stage and has been phenomenal this season as well. Recovery in Question At the age of 24, Hutchinson obviously has a lot of game left in his career, but his recovery today will be crucial if he’s going to come up with a return to form in his games. At this point, keeping him grounded in Texas for a surgery and evaluation there is a good move, and it does seem that they will be eager to see some good news on his progress. Now more than ever, Hutchinson has become quite a valuable player for the team, and it does seem that they will hope to see him return to action right away as he’s been really the heartbeat of the Lions’ defense that has been impressive for the season so far, and that says a lot about Detroit’s chances of winning. If you don’t believe how valuable Hutchinson is, just compare how the Lions will perform in Week 7 when they take on the Minnesota Vikings, which is currently one of the only two undefeated teams in the season so far.

With just one game left in the 2024 season, it seems that Los Angeles FC is making things interesting to wrap up the campaign after scoring a 2-1 win over Vancouver FC, closing in on the top spot of the Western Conference before the MLS Cup ensues. This win puts them just three points behind LA Galaxy for the West’s top spot. The MLS Cup is just weeks away from action, and it seems that LAFC is keen to really capture the top spot of the Western Conference in order to get an advantage at home ground in the playoffs. This victory comes as a valuable push for the team and it is expected that they will continue to come up with a win heading into the final game of the season. Of course, Vancouver didn’t just give this game away so easily. LAFC had to score early to take a 1-0 lead and later mount a comeback to break an unfortunate deadlock and secure all three points in the win. As LAFC approaches the final match of the regular season, the team stands on the precipice of potential glory. A strong finish will not only boost their standing but also set the stage for a formidable playoff run. Fans will be eagerly watching as the drama unfolds in the coming days. A Crucial Victory LAFC came up with a much-needed win against Vancouver FC to claim their 18th win of the season and increase their tally to 61 points, just three behind LA Galaxy for the top spot in the Western Conference. While there are no longer potential elimination scenarios in the West, LAFC still has the potential to at least tie and even take the top spot away from LA Galaxy if they’re lucky. Mateusz Bogusz came up with a goal to take the game to the front with a score in the first minute, giving LAFC a 1-0 lead early and keeping the pace in their favor. However, a massive error from Sergi Palencia in the 62nd minute, scoring an own goal for Vancouver instead, which tied the game at 1-1. LAFC would try to mount a comeback in order to salvage the game, and it took them three minutes into extended time before the team managed to land a goal behind Ilie Sanchez to steal the game away, giving LAFC a needed win at 2-1. By the Numbers LAFC didn’t exactly dominate the game as Vancouver had 16 shots attempted, including five shots on target. LAFC dominated the possession of the ball and had 514 passes made, which clearly proved to be pivotal in turning the tide of the game. LAFC is set to play the San Jose Earthquakes in the final game of the season, and it is expected that they will dominate this game with Los Angeles winning 11 out of 19 games in their head-to-head totals. So far, their season series is split at 1-1, with LAFC winning the latest one last June. With just one game remaining in the regular season, Los Angeles FC finds itself in a crucial position to claim the top spot in the Western Conference. As the playoff picture starts to take shape, the stakes have never been higher. A victory would secure three essential points, boosting their total in the standings. This win is not just about points; it also builds momentum heading into the playoffs, reinforcing the team's confidence and form.

After barely surviving a nightmare series against the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Dodgers are back to their usual form as they delivered a 9-0 win to beat the New York Mets – who were hyped to win the opener after beating hot favorites, Philadelphia Phillies in the previous series. The Dodgers now move on to take a 1-0 lead in the series with the hopes of securing a climb to the World Series. So far, this has been the perfect game from the Dodgers that many fans have been waiting for, and they did not fail to impress this time. It does seem that Los Angeles is clearly showing that they still have that fighting spirit that they needed most. Now it seems that we are slated to see more of these blazing performances throughout the series. It is worth noting that the Dodgers have now won a total of three straight shutouts of their own, which began in Games 4 and 5 of the NLDS against the Padres. LA went on to rewrite history when they continued at the same winning pace against the Mets, and it is expected that they will bring the same energy to the NLCS to secure a World Series berth. A Historic Feat This win also marked the 33rd straight inning and counting where the Dodgers’ pitchers of Jack Flaherty, Daniel Hudson, and Ben Casparius took down teams while not allowing them to score a single point. They shut down the Mets completely as the Dodger Stadium roared out loud to celebrate a massive victory, and match the 1966 Baltimore Orioles for the longest streak of scoreless innings in a single postseason. At the time, Hall of Famer Jim Palmer led the Orioles to come up with 33 innings without allowing a run over Games 1-4 of the 1966 World Series against, of all teams, the Dodgers. Los Angeles would end up being swept in that series with three straight shutouts. The 2024 Dodgers began its own streak back in the Padres’ six-run second inning in Game 3 of the NLDS in San Diego. Los Angeles would go on to lose the game, but they did not allow a single run to be scored over the final six innings and continued to put up back-to-back shutout wins in Games 4 and 5 to push to the NLCS. Roster Issues? Not a Problem The Dodgers did not have their heavy pitchers in Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, and Dustin May – and they did not even field the pitching version of Shohei Ohtani, which would have been a game changer for the team’s chances of winning. And yet they still managed to come up with clean shutouts and deliver a perfect game against the Mets when it mattered most, showing how well they can improve even in the middle of the postseason. For instance, the Dodgers still have Yoshinobu Yamamoto still trying to build endurance after missing out three months of action due to a shoulder injury. The same can be said for Walker Buehler, who battled for the whole season to come back in time after his second Tommy John surgery – only to come up with a bad hip that kept him sitting out the playoffs. At this point, the Dodgers are now emerging as a top pick to advance first to the World Series, and it seems that fans can come up with some interesting parlays, such as the team to come up with shutouts, so make sure to check out the GambleSpot Parlay and Odds Calculator to check out your potential winnings.

After breaking the NBA world with news of his retirement, the Chicago Bulls now intend to honor Derrick Rose with a special night this January 4, 2025 in celebration of his terrific career that was expected to reach bigger heights had it not been for his injuries. It seems that Rose will be getting that homecoming to Chicago after all. The January 4 schedule will be also a game against the New York Knicks, another team that Rose played for after his run with the Bulls. Coincidentally, Tom Thibodeau, who is currently the head coach for the Knicks, also coached Rose in his stints with Chicago, New York, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Celebrating Greatness in Chicago Chicago is honoring Rose for his success in the NBA as the youngest MVP ever, winning it in his third season – after a year where he won the Rookie of the Year award. Rose was selected first overall by the Bulls and was one of the beloved players in his hometown, and that even says a lot about how even owner Jerry Reinsdorf is proud to initiate this celebration. “Drafting Derrick in 2008 was a special moment, not just for the Bulls organization, but for Derrick, the kid from Chicago, realizing his dream of playing for his hometown team. As both a player and a person, Derrick represents the grit, resilience, and heart of this city,” Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said of Rose. Rose would go on to suffer injuries in the early years of his career, which proved to be pivotal in his later performances in the game as he was then unable to return to his electric and athletic form in the game moving forward. Rose would end his tenure with Chicago after eight years. Derrick Rose’s career has not been without its challenges. After suffering a devastating torn ACL in 2012, many feared his career might be over. However, Rose’s resilience became an inspiration to countless fans. His determination to rehabilitate and return to the court showcased his strong work ethic and mental fortitude. Forging a Storied Comeback Rose would then play for five other teams, including the New York Knicks with two stints (2016-17, 2021-2023), Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-18), Minnesota Timberwolves (2018-19), Detroit Pistons (2019-2021), and the Memphis Grizzlies (2023-24). A three-time All-Star, Rose was expected to be the next face of the league. His injuries would get in the way as it prevented him from being available in most games and limited his production, reducing the impact he had on his teams. “He’s one of the toughest and most determined athletes I’ve ever been around, constantly fighting through adversity that would have broken most,” Reinsdorf added. “Watching him grow from a Chicago Public League star to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history as a Bull has been nothing short of an honor. Every time Derrick stepped on the court, it felt like we had a chance to win, and his MVP season remains one of the proudest moments in this franchise’s storied history.” Rose did play for the United States’ National Basketball Team and won two gold medals back in 2010 and 2014. At 6 foot 3, Rose was really the big deal and could have been the next Bulls icon after Michael Jordan. Derrick Rose’s connection to Chicago runs deep, making him one of the most beloved figures in the city’s sports history. From his humble beginnings to his incredible rise in the NBA, Rose has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and local pride for fans in the Windy City.

Creepy crawlies: bed bugs were recently discovered at several prominent Las Vegas resorts and casinos, according to a report just released by the Southern Nevada Health District. These hotels include the Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Resorts World, the Hilton, and many more. In an unexpected revelation, bed bugs, typically associated with budget accommodations, have been found infesting some of Las Vegas' most luxurious resorts. According to a recent report filed by the Southern Nevada Health District, live bed bugs were detected at the Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Resorts World between February and August 2024. The findings, first reported by KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, have raised concerns about the prevalence of these pests at high-end hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Bed bugs: unseen guests at luxury hotels The SNHD report reveals that the insects were found at multiple prominent resorts during routine health inspections. Bed bugs were discovered at the Bellagio and Resorts World during an investigation conducted on the 8th of February. Another incident at the Cosmopolitan occurred in May when hotel guests reported seeing the pests on the headboard of their bed. In the most recent case, an infestation was uncovered at the Hilton Grand Vacations in August. Bed bugs are infamously elusive, often avoiding detection due to their small size and nocturnal habits. They can reproduce rapidly and are able to survive for up to six months without a meal. Complicating the issue is their near-complete immunity to many commonly used pesticides, making extermination efforts particularly challenging. Growing concerns amid lawsuits The SNHD's report comes on the heels of a lawsuit filed by a woman from Mississippi, Krystal Nailer, who claims she suffered severe bed bug bites during a stay at The Strat resort in October of 2022. According to the lawsuit, Nailer experienced "permanent scarring" on her leg and buttocks and is seeking $30,000 in damages. Nailer alleges that the hotel "deliberately and recklessly" neglected to inspect her room for bed bugs or, if aware of their presence, failed to take adequate measures to eradicate them. This lawsuit is just one of many that have been filed in recent years against Las Vegas hotels, with bed bug incidents becoming a growing concern. Since 2021, a total of 17 resorts on the Strip have reported bed bug infestations. In addition to the Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, and Resorts World, other affected properties include Circus Circus, Caesars Palace, Excalibur, Encore, Mirage, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Palazzo, Park MGM, Sahara, Venetian, and the now-imploded Tropicana. Response from industry insiders Despite the growing number of cases, the Nevada Resort Association, which represents hotels across the state, has been largely silent on the recent findings. However, in February, the association issued a statement addressing the issue, stating that the bed bug incidents were relatively low compared to the sheer volume of hotel rooms and visitors. The statement emphasized that Las Vegas resorts implement "comprehensive and proactive health and safety measures and pest-control procedures" to manage the problem. Relative to the state's 155,000 rooms and 41 million visitors annually, the minute number of incidents reflects the preventive steps Las Vegas resorts have in place, stated the association. Protecting yourself from bed bugs Although bed bugs are notoriously difficult to detect, there are some warning signs that hotel guests can look out for. The most common symptoms of bed bug bites include inflamed red spots on the skin, often arranged in lines. The bites can cause rashes, itching, allergic reactions, and, in severe cases, infections if excessively scratched. Aside from bites, telltale signs of a bed bug infestation include reddish stains on a mattress or bed frame which indicate crushed bugs, and small black dots, which are bed bug feces. Experts recommend that travelers conduct thorough checks of their hotel rooms before unpacking. To minimize risk, it is advised to store suitcases in the bathtub or another elevated surface while examining the bed, sheets, and mattress for any suspicious signs. While these precautions may seem extreme, they can help travelers avoid unpleasant surprises during their stay.

Crime certainly does not pay: a player and a dealer at a Boston casino were recently convicted of stealing and cheating at a baccarat game. The dealer memorized the sequence of the cards and revealed it to the player, officials stated. Meanwhile, in other news, a bus driver in California was killed due to a gambling debt, and a man was arrested in Indiana after he asked another person to collect his casino payout. Two individuals, a casino dealer and a guest, have been sentenced for their involvement in a $15,000 theft at the Encore Boston Harbor casino in Massachusetts. The state's authorities revealed the sentencing on Friday, marking the conclusion of a case that dates back to November 2019, when the scheme first took place. The dealer, Jianming Li from Delaware, and Jun Na Zhang, a casino guest from New York, were both convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of cheating and swindling more than $1,000, and one count of larceny over $1,200 by a single scheme. Their plot, which unfolded in the casino’s high-limit room, involved a coordinated effort to cheat at baccarat, one of the most popular games in high-stakes gambling environments. The baccarat scheme According to investigators, Li, who worked as a dealer at the Encore Boston Harbor, used his position to memorize the sequence of cards during baccarat games. In a typical game, dealers shuffle and deal a set of playing cards from a shoe, and players bet on the outcome of each hand. By memorizing the order in which the cards would be dealt, Li was able to share this information with Zhang, allowing him to make bets and win large sums of money illicitly. The scheme came to light after casino officials noticed irregular betting patterns and discrepancies in the game outcomes, prompting an investigation. Surveillance footage and internal audits corroborated the suspicious activities, leading to the arrest of both Li and Zhang shortly after the incidents. On Friday, Li was sentenced to a 364-day jail term, though it was suspended for two years. This means Li will not serve time in prison unless he violates his probation conditions within that period. Zhang, the guest who benefited from the dealer's insider knowledge, received a harsher sentence. His 364-day term required him to serve six months in jail, but the remaining time was suspended under similar conditions. Both men now have criminal records and face further scrutiny, including possible restrictions on entering casinos or engaging in gambling activities. Bus driver killed because of gambling debt in California In another gambling-related crime, a 33-year-old man from San Jose, California, was charged with murder after allegedly killing a co-worker over a gambling debt. The tragic incident occurred at the Chaboya Division Yard on September 20. The Chaboy Division Yard is a bus depot operated by the Valley Transportation Authority, where both men worked. The suspect, Duc Minh Bui, reportedly fatally shot Regulus "Reggie" Teotico following a disagreement about money owed from their gambling activities. According to authorities, Bui and Teotico frequently socialized outside of work, often engaging in betting together. Captain Sugey Jaimez of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's office commented on the case, stating, "We believe the motive had to do with money owed between the two from their betting activities, which had nothing to do with their employment." Bui now faces first-degree murder charges and awaits trial. Indiana man arrested in casino jackpot scheme Meanwhile, in Indiana, another gambling-related incident resulted in the arrest of a man for a jackpot collection scheme at Bally's Casino. Henry Rogan was taken into custody on Tuesday after authorities discovered that he had persuaded another casino patron to claim his $2,500 winnings on his behalf. Rogan's motive behind the scheme was reportedly linked to unpaid child support. According to Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) officers, Rogan owed significant back child support payments, which would have automatically been deducted from his winnings if he had collected them himself. To avoid this, he asked a stranger to claim the money for him. The scheme unraveled when officers approached the second man, who admitted that he didn't know the suspect and was simply asked to participate in the plan. Rogan now faces criminal charges, adding to the complexity of his legal troubles.

Hollywood actor Ethan Embry, who played Chevy Chase's son in Vegas Vacation, put down the Tropicana on X, saying that staying at the hotel was "unlivable." His comments quickly drew ire from some, with some X users stating that the Tropicana was a historic hotel and even going as far as saying Embry was "tacky". On Wednesday morning, the iconic Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas was reduced to rubble, marking the end of an era. While many residents and tourists mourned the loss of this historic fixture on the Las Vegas Strip, not all memories of the once-glamorous establishment were fondly recalled. Among those offering a more critical perspective was actor Ethan Embry, who posted a less-than-flattering recollection of his time at the Tropicana. In a tweet on October 9, Embry wrote, "I lived at the Tropicana Hotel for four months while we shot Vegas Vacation. It was an unlivable environment in 1996. Good riddance." Embry's tweet quickly went viral, attracting more than a million reviews and sparking heated debate among fans, former guests, and Las Vegas locals who held their own opinions of the now-imploded resort. I lived at the Tropicana Hotel for four months while we shot Vegas Vacation.It was an unlivable environment in 1996.Good riddance — Ethan Embry (@EmbryEthan) October 9, 2024 Who is the actor, anyway? But who exactly is Ethan Embry, and why does his opinion matter in this context? Embry, now 45, was Rusty Griswold, the son of Chevy Chase's character Clark Griswold, in the 1997 comedy Vegas Vacation. At the time, Embry was just 18 years old and had a memorable subplot in the film. His character, Rusty, used a fake ID to gamble underage at the former O'Shea's casino, all while pretending to be a high-roller under the alias "Nick Pappagiorgio." Despite the comedic tone of the film, Embry's real-life experience at the Tropicana was anything but amusing. His comment about the hotel's "unlivable environment" in 1996 reflected an experience of subpar conditions during an era when the resort was well past its prime. For Embry, the Tropicana was more of a crumbling relic than a celebrated Vegas landmark. Mixed reactions from the public Embry's critique didn't sit well with everyone, especially those who cherished the Tropicana's storied history. Many users on X voiced their displeasure with the actor's harsh words, particularly coming so soon after the hotel's demolition. "Wow really?" responded @AlexisStevens02. "You must say this? Tropicana was a historical hotel, please shush. Really now...Tacky Ethan. Bye." Another user, @Senteney, added: "That place employed thousands of good people over the years. Sorry it didn't live up to your haughty expectations." Some users also pointed out moments from Embry's past that seemed to contradict his negative views of the Tropicana. @cesarmiles202 shared a photo of the actor enjoying a dip in a jacuzzi surrounded by bikini-clad women, suggesting that he seemed to be having a great time in Las Vegas. Embry was quick to respond, clarifying that the photo was taken at the Mirage, not the Tropicana. "Even the Tropicana Girls don't go to the Tropicana," he quipped. Despite the backlash, several users echoed Embry's sentiment. Many who had stayed at the Tropicana in its later years agreed that the resort had struggled to maintain the level of glamour and luxury that once defined its reputation. They described outdated rooms, mediocre amenities, and a general sense of decline that clashed with the high-rolling image of Las Vegas. Embry's thoughts on Chevy Chase In addition to critiquing the Tropicana, Embry also took a moment to address rumors surrounding his Vegas Vacation co-star, Chevy Chase. Chase, who has long been notorious for difficult behavior on-set, became a topic of conversation in Embry's Twitter thread. When one user, @SkipTrollington, speculated that the four-month filming period might have been drawn out due to Chase's alleged temperament, Embry hinted that there could be some truth to that. "I'm sure that didn't speed things up," he replied. Another user, @luciandavid33, asked whether Chase had ever been rude to Embry personally. The actor responded diplomatically, stating that Chase had not been an 'a-hole' to him directly, but he did witness moments of 'ugly' behavior during the production. The demolition of the Tropicana has left Las Vegas with one less link to its storied past, but the memories - good and bad - remain. For many, the resort will always symbolize the golden age of Vegas glamour, with its legendary shows and celebrity visitors. For others, including Ethan Embry, the Tropicana represents a more complicated chapter, filled with personal anecdotes that don't always align with the public's nostalgia.

The scheduled demolition of a notable Vegas landmark proceeds without any issues on Wednesday at 2:30 in the morning. It was preceded by seven minutes of drone animations and fireworks as locals and tourists watched. Bally's Corporation, which bought Tropicana, has plans to build a stadium on this hallowed ground - but insiders hope it's not just going to remain another vacant lot. In just 22 seconds, an iconic piece of Las Vegas history was reduced to rubble. The Tropicana Las Vegas, once a vibrant cornerstone of the Strip, is now little more than a vacant lot strewn with debris. The dramatic implosion of the final two towers of the legendary hotel took place early Wednesday morning, marking the end of an era for a property that had stood since 1957. A fitting farewell to an icon The simultaneous destruction of the remaining two towers - each with 22 floors - was executed with precision, one second for each floor, in a breathtaking demolition that left locals and tourists in awe. The implosion, managed by GGG Demolition and Controlled Demolition, was preceded by seven minutes of drone animations and fireworks by Grucci. The show began at 2:30 am PT, and while most spectators watched safely from nearby hotel rooms, some attempted to witness the spectacle from dust-shrouded streets. The event came with a hefty price tag. The $1.2 million operation required 22,000 linear feet of detonating cables to bring the towers down, with costs covered by a combination of public and private funds. These same funds are expected to finance an Oakland A's baseball stadium, which will occupy nine acres of the Tropicana's 35-acre site. However, doubts remain regarding the viability of this ambitious project, leaving some to wonder if the Strip could end up with yet another empty lot, much like the site of the Frontier Hotel, imploded back in 2007 and still undeveloped. Bally's vision for the future Soo Kim, chairman of Bally's Corporation, owner of the Tropicana, delivered a poignant speech before the implosion. "Bally's is honored to have been part of this historic moment, bidding farewell to the iconic Tropicana," Kim said. "As we celebrate its legacy, we look ahead to building a world-class entertainment resort, the future home of the Athletics, and reinforcing Las Vegas as the ultimate sports and entertainment capital." A's and Bally's officials made efforts to link the implosion with the future construction of a baseball stadium for the Oakland A's. The logo of the "Las Vegas A's" even made its public debut, projected onto one of the towers just before it crumbled to the ground. However, significant questions remain, particularly regarding financing. John Fisher, the team’s owner, has yet to secure the $850 million in equity financing required for the $1.5 billion construction cost of the stadium. These financial uncertainties have cast doubt on whether the stadium will come to fruition. The Tropicana's storied past The Tropicana Las Vegas, often referred to as the "Tiffany of the Strip," was a landmark of opulence and glamour. Its South Beach-inspired architecture and reputation for luxury made it a prime destination for celebrities and tourists. When it opened in 1957, the Tropicana boasted the biggest casino in Vegas, with its $15 million construction cost far surpassing the budgets of its competitors. For decades, the Tropicana stood as a symbol of the high life, frequented by stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Sammy Davis Jr. However, the Tropicana's early years were marred by its ties to organized crime. The property was leased to Hotel Conquistador Inc., owned by Phil Kastel, who had deep connections to the Luciano family. Despite efforts to distance the hotel from its mob ties, an assassination attempt on New York mobster Frank Costello in 1957 and the subsequent discovery of a promissory note from the Tropicana only served to strengthen its association with organized crime. Still, the casino thrived, with its intrigue possibly even adding to its allure. By the 1970s, the Tropicana struggled to keep up with its newer, more lavish competitors, including the International Hotel and Caesars Palace. After a series of ownership changes and criminal scandals, the Tropicana's fortunes began to decline. Penn National Gaming purchased the property in 2015, and in 2022, Bally's Corporation acquired its assets, sealing the hotel's fate with its closure in April 2024. A legacy remembered, a future uncertain Though the Tropicana's towers have now been reduced to dust, its legacy endures as one of the most storied properties in Las Vegas history. For nearly seven decades, the hotel was a symbol of the city's glamour, hosting countless stars and serving as a testament to Las Vegas' status as an entertainment mecca. As the dust settles, the question remains: will the Oakland A's stadium project bring new life to the site, or will it become another vacant lot on the Strip? For now, the fate of the Tropicana's land is as uncertain as the outcome of many of the high-stakes games that once took place within its walls.

The Philadelphia Phillies were one of the heavy favorites to win in the World Series this season, but instead the New York Mets take down one of the biggest clubs in the post season after coming up with a 4-1 win in Game 4 of the NL Division Series, wrapping up a massive campaign that proved to be pivotal in their playoff push. Just like that, the Mets are now setting up a date for the National League Championship series, which will be either up against the San Diego Padres or the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lindor was the big hero of the game and delivered a promising slam that lifted the Mets when it mattered most, and he is definitely going to carry that pace heading into the next set of games. With the biggest team of the season now out of the picture, the Mets are entering the next stage with refined confidence and impressive pace. It is now their chance to prove that this win against the Nationals was not much of a fluke but more of a sign of things to come – bigger expectations for the team that has been down and out for quite some time. Lindor the Game Changer For most of the game, the Phillies led by 1-0 and kept the Mets at bay for five straight innings. The Mets did apply massive pressure throughout the game but nothing seemed to fall for them. From walks, hits, and even pitches, it did seem that they were about to blow a 2-1 lead, but then a Lindor comes along. Just like that, the big hit was suddenly there. Lindor smashed the ball wide open as it hit the dugout near the jackpot poster. Fans were roaring out loud as the ball made its way down, and for the whole time that the Mets were losing out in the game, they were suddenly now on the winning side with a 4-1 lead. This marked Lindor’s second grand slam in the postseason as the MVP shortstop added to his already impressive season. Lindor joined Edgardo Alfonzo in 1999 NLDS Game 1 as the only Mets to hit slams in the playoffs. So far, this has been quite a story to remember, and now the Mets are making the best out of their chances so far. A Grand Slam for the Ages Lindor’s hit will go down in history as “the slam that took out the juggernaut”. Lindor strode to the plate with one out, and he did not even mind the 99mph fastball that Carlos Estevez came up with, showing that he has what it takes to identify that ball and later powered it over the right-center-field fence. "This is what I wanted, I came here to play winning baseball and to get opportunities to try and win a World Series. And we gotta keep on climbing,” Lindor said after the win. “I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit and bring one run in and it worked out and went over the fence. I wasn’t trying to be the guy. I was just trying to keep the momentum that the guys had.” Lindor roared out loud and joined the 44,103 fans at Citi Field reaching catharsis as the Mets would then go on to steal the lead and not look back as they have just hammered out one of the best teams in the league, and they are now getting a chance to move on to the deeper stages. Now it seems that they will have to wait which club comes out on top between the Dodgers and the Padres and continue from there.

After being traded from the Boston Bruins last season, Linus Ullmark is now slated to stay for more years with the Ottawa Senators as the team seeks to come up with a playoff run after a dismal season. The 31-year-old goalie is now slated to play for the team until the 2028-29 NHL season unless he is traded. Ullmark initially had one season left to go in his four-year, $20 million contract ($5 million AAV) he signed with the Boston Bruins on July 28, 2021. Had he not signed with the Senators this season, Ullmark would have ended up as an unrestricted free agent after the season and would have been a massive icon in the free agency market. Instead, the Senators lock him up and intend to build around him in the coming years. It is worth noting that Ullmark is yet to play a game for the Senators due to an injury. He was sent by the Bruins in a package that landed them goalie Joonas Korpisalo, forward Mark Kastelic and a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft in return. Now Ullmark is expected to come up with a bigger stride in the coming season with the hopes of guiding the young squad of the Senators to bigger results. A Bigger Chance for Ullmark Ullmark said that this was quite unexpected and felt that it is a monumental signing for him. The goalie has seen a lot of tough stretches in his career, but he is pleased to say that this chance that the Senators have given him is a hope that he can still engineer his career in th NHL and somehow be a top-performing star for the team in the months to come. "To all the people of Ottawa and Gatineau, I've felt the support and the love right from the start. It took me literally five minutes to be recognized when I went out for coffee my first day here. At that point, as well, you can tell that it's a Canadian market and that hockey is what it's all about,” Ullmark said. “I'm very thankful that I have now the opportunity to build something long term. I'm trying to bring all of my experience from those hardships and also the good times into this organization.” Ullmark is slated to play under the reins of Brady Tkachuk, who took over captaincy for the Senators this season. The latter is pleased to play alongside the star and seeks to see him in action when they wage their campaign for the 2024-25 NHL season. A Massive Addition for the Senators Ottawa isn’t much of a big team to look out for considering how poorly they finished with a 37-41-4 record last season – which was the third worst in the Eastern Conference, merely ahead of the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Adding Ullmark, however, is a sign that they are not backing down from the challenge of improvement this season. Ullmark finished 22-10-7 with a 2.57 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and two shutouts in 40 regular-season games (39 starts) with Boston last season. The sixth-round selection of the Buffalo Sabres back in the 2012 NHL Draft boasts a 138-73-23 with a 2.51 GAA, .919 save percentage and eight shutouts in 247 regular-season games for his career and is one of the best goalies in the game, having won the Vezina trophy back in the 2022-23 season. Now with the Senators, Ullmark believes that he can focus well with everything settled for him in the coming months. Fans can expect him to deliver his elite-level defense and help Ottawa qualify for the playoffs now more than ever.