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Las Vegas is about to acquire another dose of 90s nostalgia as New Kids on the Block continue their residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM. For one fan, Samantha Cameron, the weekend promises a full-circle moment: attending a concert and a VIP meet-and-greet with Donnie Wahlberg. Cameron, a self-described lifelong fan, is also showcasing custom merchandise designed by her sister for the occasion, marking her fourth trip to Las Vegas to see the iconic boy band.

The extended “The Right Stuff” residency, fueled by “overwhelming demand,” now includes 16 new dates through 2026, bringing the total number of shows to 24 next year, according to a statement from Donnie Wahlberg to The Hollywood Reporter. The band celebrated the extension with a playful “recommitment” ceremony at the Little White Wedding Chapel, symbolically receiving the keys to the Las Vegas Strip and sharing the news on Instagram.

But the allure of Las Vegas extends beyond the entertainment, with a fascinating history woven into the city’s fabric. Cameron shared some intriguing facts about the city, highlighting the psychological tactics employed by casinos to encourage longer stays. Notably, the absence of clocks and windows, coupled with carefully controlled lighting, is designed to disorient visitors and extend their time – and spending – within the gaming halls.

The bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip are another defining characteristic, visible even from space, making it one of the brightest spots on Earth at night. However, the city’s history isn’t solely about glitz and gambling. In the 1930s, Las Vegas was a destination for divorce, capitalizing on Nevada’s remarkably relaxed divorce laws. It wasn’t until the 1940s that the city began to embrace its image as a wedding destination, with chapels becoming a central part of the Las Vegas experience.

New Kids on the Block: A Las Vegas Spectacle

The New Kids on the Block residency, which began in 2025, has been lauded for its elaborate production and nostalgic appeal. A Billboard review described the show as a “fun, escapist” experience, putting fans front and center. The opening of the residency featured a dramatic entrance with the band emerging from a life-sized replica of a Boston subway train, a nod to their origins and the year they first broke through with “Hangin’ Tough” – 1988.

The show incorporates a variety of elements, including aerial performances, glittering costumes, and a dynamic setlist of their greatest hits. According to Country Living, the residency has “a lot of cool moving parts,” with the band members utilizing the entire stage and even the airspace above it.

The Psychology of Las Vegas

Cameron’s observation about the lack of clocks and windows in casinos isn’t merely anecdotal. Casinos intentionally create an environment that minimizes awareness of time, encouraging patrons to continue playing. This is a well-documented tactic rooted in behavioral psychology. The bright lights, constant activity, and lack of natural cues all contribute to a sense of disorientation, making it easier to lose track of time and money.

The historical shift from a divorce destination to a wedding capital also illustrates the city’s adaptability and its ability to reinvent itself. Nevada’s early divorce laws, offering a six-week residency requirement, attracted individuals seeking quick legal separations. As the city evolved, it embraced the romantic allure of quick weddings, transforming its chapels into iconic symbols of Las Vegas.

Looking Ahead

As New Kids on the Block continue their residency, and fans like Cameron eagerly anticipate the experience, Las Vegas remains a captivating destination steeped in history and designed for entertainment. The extended run of “The Right Stuff” promises to deliver more nostalgic performances and fan engagement opportunities, solidifying the band’s connection with their devoted “Blockheads.” Tickets for the new dates go on sale November 21st at 10 a.m. PT.

What band takes you back to your teenage years? Share your memories in the comments below!

Wall Street closed lower Thursday, pressured by a sell-off in private equity stocks following Blue Owl Capital’s decision to restrict withdrawals from a debt fund and ongoing concerns about the sustainability of gains in artificial intelligence-linked technology companies. The S&P 500 declined 0.28% to complete the session at 6,861.89 points, although the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.31% to 22,682.

Blue Owl’s move to sell $1.4 billion in assets and freeze redemptions at one of its funds triggered a broader decline in the private equity sector. Apollo Global Management, Ares, KKR & Co., and Carlyle Group all experienced losses ranging from 1.9% to 5.2%, according to reports. Blue Owl itself tumbled 6%, reflecting growing anxieties about credit quality and lenders’ exposure to software stocks, particularly within the rapidly expanding private credit market.

The restrictions imposed by Blue Owl, which markets debt funds to retail investors, have raised questions about liquidity risks in similar investment vehicles. Economist Mohamed El-Erian suggested the move could be a “canary-in-the-coalmine” moment, though he cautioned that systemic risks are not currently at the level seen during the 2008 financial crisis. He noted, however, that a “significant – and necessary – valuation hit is looming for specific assets.”

Technology stocks also contributed to the market’s downturn. Apple dipped 1.4%, weighing more heavily on the S&P 500 than any other stock. Investors are increasingly questioning whether substantial investments in AI will translate into sustained revenue and profit growth. Nvidia also eased ahead of its earnings report next week.

Earnings reactions were mixed. Deere & Co. Jumped 11.6% after raising its annual profit forecast and exceeding first-quarter results estimates. Conversely, EPAM Systems slumped 17% on cautious guidance, and Carvana dropped nearly 8% after missing estimates. Omnicom Group climbed 15% on a revenue beat.

Geopolitical tensions added to market pressures, driving Brent crude oil toward $72 a barrel – its highest level in six months. Concerns about potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global oil supply, were heightened after President Trump gave Iran 10 to 15 days to reach a nuclear deal. This pushed the price of oil toward its first weekly gain in three weeks.

The US dollar also strengthened, hovering near a one-month high and gaining more than 1% for the week. This was supported by robust US economic data, hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve, and safe-haven demand amid geopolitical risks. Weekly jobless claims fell more than expected, indicating continued resilience in the labor market.

Investors are now focused on the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) report, seeking further clarity on the timing of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Markets are currently pricing in a roughly 50-60% chance of a Fed move by June.

From a technical perspective, the S&P 500 remains under pressure while it stays below Thursday’s high of 6909. A fall through Thursday’s low of 6833 could engage support levels between 6789 and 6760. Failure to hold those levels could lead to a test of the mid-December low at 6720.