At 19, Jessica Manalo was studying at UNLV, intending to graduate. It was everything her family wanted of her, but nothing she wanted.
She made what she calls the best decision of her life — she quit to make music. She played open mics around town, and built a following. Eventually, she had five gigs a week. She recorded her first EP in 2015, and is recording an album for release in January.
As an indie soul singer, Manalo, now 24, writes about how to navigate society and be herself. Everything is based on real life experiences, she says. Music has become her way of life, mode of living, her guide to life, her moneymaker and her passion. Her family is slowly accepting that.
“I just want to be that voice that tells people and women that you can do whatever you want,” she says.
When she’s not performing, Manalo teaches vocals to kids at School of Rock and leads Big Dog’s Brewing Co.’s open mic night. With these jobs, she says she can give back, which matters as much to her as producing her own music.
She is happier today. Pushing through this life has become easier with her guitar in hand. (Rachel Aston/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @rookie__rae
Check out the scene from New Year’s Eve on the Las Vegas Strip as revelers from around the world gathered in the rain to ring in 2026.
Cold, rainy weather didn’t put a damper on Las Vegas’ quintessential shine this New Year’s Eve. It all came together with a barrage of fireworks and a brand-new show put on with 600 drones carrying colorful LED lights.
Fremont Street was the place to be to ring in 2026. Check out our photo gallery of the downtown Las Vegas party.
Here’s today’s local and national sports schedule, including television and radio listings.
Crowds bundled up against the chilly temperatures cheered as the New Year’s Eve ball covered in more than 5,000 crystals descended down a pole in Times Square.
One person is dead following a vehicle crash that involved a pedestrian in southeast Las Vegas, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
President Donald Trump said he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, a move that comes after legal roadblocks held up the effort.
Las Vegas Bowl executive director John Saccenti didn’t find himself on the host committee for the 2027 CFP national championship game here.
Las Vegas professional sports bettors selected their best bets from NFL Week 18 and the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
From Paris to Dubai to Sydney, crowds began ringing in the new year with exuberant celebrations filled with thunderous fireworks or drumming.
Two people have been arrested in connection with a double homicide that occurred this month in downtown Las Vegas.
The Utes overwhelmed Nebraska in the second and third quarters to win their new coach’s debut in front of a record crowd at Allegiant Stadium for the Las Vegas Bowl.
Two men accused of attempting to rob a Summerlin man at gunpoint were shot and arrested while seeking treatment for their wounds, according to Metropolitan Police Department arrest reports.
A 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with a series of commercial burglary series that occurred throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee released on Wednesday a transcript and video of a closed-door interview Jack Smith gave about two investigations of Donald Trump.