A lakeside oasis loses its luster
The pitch was right out of a travel brochure for Tuscany. Italian-style architecture, miles of greenery, wineries and sidewalk cafes, all set around a 320-acre lake. The lakeside community would provide refuge for visitors and residents alike. Who could resist? 

Then Lake Las Vegas sprung a leak. 

Las Vegas' bikini economy 
Today’s Strip pool parties are a much different scene than the resort pools of yesteryear. Now, it’s the place for the high roller to be and be seen and yet another sign of their temporary wealth. 
>>Hear Amanda talk about the pool party trend. 

Phil Ruffin: Captain of the ship on the Strip
Just steps away from the pirate ship where sexy sirens make a splash nightly, Phil Ruffin is harboring a country-western haven.It's all part of the billionaire’s plan to turn his resort into an everyman hotel.

With demise of Sahara, what's next for North Strip? 
In its prime, the north end of the Strip — the home to casinos such as the Thunderbird, Silver Slipper and Stardust — defined Vegas glitz. This stretch of the Strip was the stamping grounds for the likes of the Rat Pack, Elizabeth Taylor and Liberace.

But today’s snapshot is a much different picture.

How nightclubs were punished: Warn, warn again
Many nightclub operators have long openly bent, if not broken, the same regulations the county cited on its list of reasons for shutting down two clubs at Planet Hollywood, and yet the toughest action against them has been written warnings to knock it off.

A suite deal: The El Cortez's redesign,on a budget
High above the casino floor where loyal customers are tethered to the penny slot machines, the El Cortez has spent months revamping its hotel to attract the young, hipster crowd finding its way to the new downtown. 
>>Watch video series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3