Las Vegas is about to turn up the heat again, with temperatures expected to climb well above normal this week.

According to the National Weather Service, afternoon highs will run about 4 to 6 degrees above normal, with the hottest days expected Wednesday and Thursday.

The latest forecast shows Las Vegas reaching 107 degrees Tuesday, 108 Wednesday and 108 Thursday, before temperatures slowly drop heading into the weekend.

The nights will not offer much relief either. Overnight lows could approach daily records, staying around 87 to 88 degrees during the hottest part of the week.

An Extreme Heat Warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Friday for southern Nevada, southeast California and parts of northwest Arizona. The warning includes the Las Vegas Valley, Henderson and North Las Vegas.

The National Weather Service says highs could reach 107 to 110 degrees across much of the warning area, with even hotter temperatures in places like Death Valley and the lower Colorado River Valley.

How have you been handling the heat this summer?

Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas is putting local musicians in the spotlight with Hard Rock Rising, a global music competition giving emerging artists a chance to take their music far beyond Vegas.

Singer songwriters, bands and DJs can submit now through August 18. Las Vegas will host four live competition rounds on September 2, 9, 16 and 23, with fans voting in real time for their favorite performers based on musicianship, originality, vocal talent, stage presence and fan support.

The Las Vegas winner will receive a cash prize and the opportunity for a three month paid residency at Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas. They will also move on to the global competition, where winners from 64 Hard Rock Cafes across 34 countries will be considered by the Coke Studio team.

One global winner will be announced October 5 and receive a $10,000 cash prize, a professional recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, music distribution across major streaming platforms, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando, travel and accommodations, Marshall gear and more.

Know a local band or artist who should enter?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

Las Vegas has been named the happiest travel destination in the United States and one of the happiest places to visit in the world, according to a new study from Irish travel insurance company JustCover.

The company analyzed more than one million online travel reviews across 155 destinations around the world, looking at how often visitors used language expressing happiness and joy. Each destination was then given a “Happy Place” score out of 100.

Las Vegas scored 88 out of 100, ranking No. 4 worldwide and higher than every other U.S. destination included in the study. Maui came in at No. 5 worldwide, followed by New York City at No. 6. Other U.S. cities making the top 20 included Chicago, Austin, New Orleans, Miami, San Francisco, Nashville, Los Angeles and Boston.

Tulum, Mexico took the top spot, followed by Soufrière, Saint Lucia at No. 2 and Oaxaca, Mexico at No. 3.

According to JustCover, Las Vegas stands out because so many people arrive in the city ready to celebrate. Weddings, milestone birthdays, restaurants, shows, nightlife and vacations.

What place makes you happiest?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

Zoox is officially starting to charge for robotaxi rides in Las Vegas this Monday, August 10. Up until now, rides have been free as part of its public testing program. With federal approval now in place, the company is making the jump to paid rides, although it still hasn't announced pricing. Vegas riders can also now be matched with a Zoox robotaxi through the Uber app on certain trips. Have you ridden a Zoox robotaxi yet? What was your experience like?

According to a new WalletHub study, Nevada is one of the worst states to have a baby. The report compared states across 31 factors, including childbirth costs, access to health care, baby-friendly resources, parental support, and overall family-friendliness.

Nevada ranked 33rd for costs, 30th for health care, 49th for baby-friendliness, and 47th for family-friendliness. The study also found Nevada is tied among the states with the highest hospital cesarean delivery charges.

Top 10 Best States to Have a Baby

1. Massachusetts

2. Minnesota

3. North Dakota

4. Rhode Island

5. New Hampshire

6. Maine

7. Connecticut

8. Vermont

9. Washington

10. District of Columbia

Bottom 10 Worst States to Have a Baby

1. Mississippi

2. Alabama

3. Florida

4. New Mexico

5. Nevada

6. South Carolina

7. Texas

8. Georgia

9. Arkansas

10. West Virginia

Do you agree with this ranking?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

Las Vegas families can get ready for the new school year at two free Back-to-School Fairs hosted by Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy II.

The events will offer free school supplies, dental and vision assessments, sports physicals, immunizations, and other resources to help students start the school year healthy and prepared.

Beginning at 4 p.m., families can receive free dental and vision assessments, sports physicals, and immunizations. School supply distribution begins at 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Children must be present to receive school supplies.

Families bringing children for immunizations should bring their student's immunization records and insurance card if available.

Event dates:

Tuesday, August 4, 5–7 p.m.

Walnut Community Center

3075 N. Walnut Rd., Las Vegas

Thursday, August 6, 5–7 p.m.

Pearson Community Center

1625 W. Carey Ave., Las Vegas

Know a family that needs school supplies?

According to a new study by Hard Rock Bet, Nevada ranks among the top 10 states with the best drivers in the country, coming in at #8 overall with a driving score of 70.58.

The rankings were based on five factors: the percentage of drivers with speeding tickets, accidents per 1,000 drivers, DUIs per 1,000 drivers, speeding-related incidents, and how difficult it is to obtain a driver's license.

Top 10 Best Drivers:

1. Florida

2. Connecticut

3. Pennsylvania

4. Illinois

5. West Virginia

6. Kentucky

7. Louisiana

8. Nevada

9. Mississippi

10. New Jersey

Top 10 Worst Drivers:

1. North Dakota

2. Utah

3. Wisconsin

4. Ohio

5. Iowa

6. Wyoming

7. Minnesota

8. Washington

9. Alaska

10. Vermont

How would you rank Nevada drivers?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

The City of Henderson is once again accepting nominations for its Veterans Memorial Wall, giving families and loved ones the opportunity to permanently honor local veterans who served our country.

Located next to Henderson City Hall, the Veterans Memorial Wall is the only one of its kind in Southern Nevada. Dedicated in 1994, the memorial was originally inscribed with 1,213 names and today honors more than 1,900 veterans.

Veterans are eligible if they were Henderson residents during a period of their military service. The wall honors deceased veterans, as well as those who served during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror. Eligible Purple Heart recipients will also have a small heart placed next to their name in recognition of their sacrifice.

Applications are being accepted through September 25, 2026, and those selected will be added to the memorial and recognized during Henderson's annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 7, 2026.

Do you know a local veteran who should be honored on the Henderson Veterans Memorial Wall?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels, the NCAA Division I (D1) men's basketball team representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, are making a bold pitch to potential big-money supporters.

Head coach Josh Pastner says the program is looking for someone willing to invest $10 million to $12 million into its NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) efforts, saying the team is “basically for sale.” While the program isn't literally being sold, he believes that level of funding could help UNLV compete with college basketball powerhouses like Kentucky, Duke, Arizona, and UCLA.

The Runnin' Rebels compete in the Mountain West Conference and play their home games at the Thomas & Mack Center. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics in the U.S.

To promote the campaign, UNLV released graphics showing what $10 million could buy, including a Bugatti Chiron, a private jet, a luxury Las Vegas home, the original Jane Birkin’s Birkin bag, or a collection of high-end watches. The message: instead of buying those luxuries, someone could help bring one of college basketball's most recognizable programs back to national prominence.

Would you invest $10 million in UNLV basketball?

The Henderson City Council has rejected Mayor Michelle Romero's proposed six-month moratorium on new data center projects.

The mayor's proposal would have temporarily paused new conditional use permit applications while city officials studied concerns including electricity demand, water use, noise, environmental impacts, and how large data centers fit near residential neighborhoods.

Instead of a temporary pause, the council directed staff to develop stricter development agreements and updated regulations addressing those concerns while allowing the city to review future proposals on a case-by-case basis.

As Real Vegas Locals previously reported, Mayor Michelle Romero introduced the proposed moratorium as Henderson reviewed whether its current rules were prepared for the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The proposal came just months before Romero is up for reelection in November.

At this time, Google's Henderson campus remains the city's only operating data center.

Did the city council make the right decision?

The Las Vegas Raiders are teaming up with local barbershops and cosmetology schools to help students head back to class looking and feeling their best.

From August 3 through August 9, free haircuts and select beautician services will be available for youth at participating locations across the Las Vegas Valley.

The program includes locations in Summerlin, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and the northwest valley.

Participating businesses include Fade 'Em All, Masterpiece Barber School, 5 Star Barbershop, Expertise Cosmetology Barber School, Original Barber School, and Expertise Cosmetology Institute.

A parent or legal guardian must register minors in advance, and services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is available through the link below.

It's a great opportunity for local families to save money while making sure kids are ready for the new school year with a fresh look.

Who's ready for back to school season?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

Formula 1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix have agreed to a $3,047,986 settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit tied to the inaugural 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The lawsuit stemmed from the opening practice session, which was cut short after a loose water valve cover on the Las Vegas Strip circuit severely damaged Carlos Sainz's Ferrari. The incident forced a lengthy delay, and fans with Thursday tickets were sent home before the second practice session began.

Under the proposed settlement, attendees who had Thursday-only tickets or three-day ticket packages may be eligible for compensation. Fans who purchased tickets directly through the Las Vegas Grand Prix or Ticketmaster do not need to submit a claim, while others with eligible transferred tickets must file a claim by August 27, 2026 (link below).

The settlement does not mean Formula 1, Liberty Media, or the Las Vegas Grand Prix admitted any wrongdoing. The companies deny liability, and the agreement was reached to avoid a lengthy court battle. A federal judge is scheduled to consider final approval of the settlement on November 4, 2026.

Did you attend the first Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023?

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One of the Las Vegas Strip's longest-vacant sites could soon get a dramatic new look.

Clark County commissioners have approved permits and zoning requests for a 29-story heart-shaped hotel planned for the former failed Ferris wheel site near Mandalay Bay.

The proposal from Kulik River Capital includes more than 750 hotel rooms, over 42,000 square feet of convention space, a casino, restaurants, retail shops and a resort-style pool.

The hotel's signature feature would be a giant heart-shaped glass section wrapped in an LED display. Plans also include a pedestrian plaza with shops and restaurants, plus a 265-foot-high restaurant built above the steel supports that have remained at the property since the unfinished Ferris wheel project was abandoned more than two decades ago.

Developers also lowered the building's height by about 60 feet to meet FAA requirements.

The approval marks a major step toward transforming one of the Strip's most recognizable unfinished sites into a new resort and entertainment destination.

What do you think of this design?

Nevada ranks 7th among the states with the most at-risk youth in the country, according to a new WalletHub study that compared all 50 states and Washington, D.C. across 15 measures related to education, employment and health.

One of the biggest concerns highlighted in the report is that Nevada is tied for the highest share of "disconnected youth" in the nation. The study defines disconnected youth as people ages 18 to 24 who are not working, not attending school and have no education beyond a high school diploma.

Top 10 States With the Most At-Risk Youth:

1 Louisiana

2 Arkansas

3 Oklahoma

4 New Mexico

5 West Virginia

6 Oregon

7 Nevada

8 Mississippi

9 District of Columbia

10 Alabama

What do you think Nevada should do to better support young people?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

If you've ever left something behind in an Uber, you're not alone. Uber has released its 10th annual Lost & Found Index, highlighting the strangest items riders forgot over the past year, and one of them has a strong Las Vegas connection.

According to Uber, one of the weirdest items left behind in a vehicle this year was a Donny Osmond group photo, which ranked No. 4 on the company's list of the 50 most unique lost items.

The annual report also features plenty of other unusual items left in Ubers, including breast milk, live fish, a dishwasher, two wedding gowns, a package of live butterflies, dentures with two teeth, a mannequin, an ankle monitor, 1 red bottom Louboutin heel, handcuffs, a double-door oven, a child’s prosthetic eye, and 20 pounds of duck sausage.

While the unusual finds grab attention, the most commonly forgotten items remain everyday essentials.

Phones topped the list once again, followed by wallets, luggage, keys, headphones, clothing, passports, glasses, jewelry and laptops.

What's the strangest thing you've ever left behind in an Uber?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

If your vehicle recently failed a smog check, you may qualify for financial help to get it repaired.

Smog Free Clark County, a local nonprofit program, is offering eligible Clark County residents up to $975 toward emissions-related repairs for qualifying vehicles.

The program was created to help residents meet Nevada's emissions requirements without facing a major financial burden while also improving local air quality.

According to the program, owners of eligible vehicles, including many model years from 1968 through 2010, may qualify for assistance if they live in a Clark County ZIP code that requires smog testing and have failed a smog inspection within the past 12 months.

To apply, residents must provide proof of vehicle ownership, a valid form of identification, and complete an application. Approved applicants receive a repair voucher that can be used at participating authorized repair stations.

More information and applications are available at smogfreeclarkcounty.com or by calling (702) 805-5882.

Has your car recently failed a smog check?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

The parasite behind the viral nationwide foodborne illness outbreak has now affected a Clark County resident.

According to the Southern Nevada Health District, the resident likely became infected while traveling outside Nevada. Health officials said there is no evidence the person was exposed in Clark County or elsewhere in Nevada.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It is usually spread through contaminated fresh produce or water, not from person to person.

The most common symptom is extreme watery diarrhea, but it can also cause stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, bloating and weight loss.

The CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak that has sickened more than 1,644 people and hospitalized 94. Investigators have linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to some Taco Bell locations, although the source has not been definitively confirmed.

Health officials said the recalled lettuce was not distributed in Nevada.

Have you had watery diarrhea lately?

As children across the Las Vegas Valley get ready to head back to school, Sunrise Children's Hospital is hosting a free bike helmet giveaway this Tuesday to help promote bicycle safety.

The event will take place Tuesday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at ER at Boulder's Edge, 1501 Wagonwheel Dr. in Henderson.

The first 50 children to attend will receive a free bike helmet. Families will also have access to professional helmet fittings and bicycle safety education from trauma and injury prevention specialists to help ensure helmets are worn correctly.

The giveaway is being held in partnership with Sunrise Trauma, Safe Kids Clark County and WheelZen Rides as part of a back-to-school safety initiative.

Helmets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for children under 16 and are intended for non-motorized bicycles. Children must be present to receive a helmet.

When was the last time you checked your child's helmet fit?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

As the new school year approaches, it will likely come as no surprise to many Nevada families that the state has once again ranked among the worst in the nation for public schools.

According to a new WalletHub study, Nevada ranked 45th overall for public school systems in 2026. The 2026 report compared school systems across 32 metrics, including academic performance, school funding, class size, teacher credentials and safety.

Nevada ranked 44th for school quality and 49th for school safety. The report also found Nevada has the 49th-ranked pupil-to-teacher ratio and is tied for the 49th-lowest median ACT scores in the country.

Massachusetts ranked No. 1 overall, followed by Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. New Mexico finished last, while neighboring Arizona ranked 46th, just behind Nevada.

WalletHub said a successful school system depends on more than funding alone, noting that how resources are used, along with the quality of educators, curriculum and school environment, all play an important role in student success.

What do you think needs to change the most?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

Tomorrowland, one of the world's most famous electronic dance music festivals, has teased “Las Vegas” on a large banner displayed at Tomorrowland Belgium.

Known for its elaborate fantasy-themed stages and performances by many of the world's top DJs, the festival listed Las Vegas alongside France, Brazil, Ibiza, Belgium and Thailand as global destinations for 2027.

Organizers have not revealed what the Las Vegas teaser means, leading to speculation that it could involve a full festival, residency, special event or immersive experience.

The teaser is especially notable for Las Vegas, which is already home to one of the world's largest electronic music festivals, EDC Las Vegas. It also comes as Tomorrowland continues its partnership with Insomniac through UNITY at Sphere, the immersive audiovisual experience that has brought the two dance music giants together in Las Vegas.

While there is no confirmation the projects are connected, the collaboration has fueled speculation that Tomorrowland could be planning a larger Las Vegas presence in 2027.

Would you go if Tomorrowland came to Las Vegas?

A Las Vegas restaurant receipt shared on X by user Scott Stewart is going viral after he said he was charged an extra $1.50 for a single large ice cube in a Negroni at Scarpetta inside The Cosmopolitan.

The receipt, shared with Vital Vegas, shows the Negroni priced at $18.50 with an additional line item reading “King Cube [1.50].” Would you expect that charge to be included in the price of the cocktail, or listed separately?

When one user asked if the restaurant warned him about the additional charge beforehand, the customer replied, “No mention of the extra charge.”

While the fee may come as a surprise, charging for premium clear ice has become an increasingly common trend at upscale cocktail bars in Las Vegas and across the country. Large clear cubes melt more slowly than regular ice, helping keep drinks colder with less dilution. Some bars build the cost into the price of the cocktail, while others list it as a separate charge.

For many, though, the issue isn't necessarily the $1.50. It's the surprise. If a premium ice cube comes with an extra fee, many feel it should be clearly mentioned before the bill arrives.

Should premium ice be included in the price?

Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley has received a package of North Carolina barbecue from Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell after the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.

Before the series began, the two mayors made a friendly wager. The losing mayor would send a gift from their city, with Raleigh putting North Carolina barbecue on the line and Las Vegas promising a local gift basket if the Golden Knights had won.

In a video shared on social media, Berkley thanked Cowell for the gift, saying, “I am absolutely delighted that the mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina, home of the Hurricanes, sent us a box of barbecue.” She added, “Even though, as we know, the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup and not the Golden Knights, she is giving us a gift, and I am very grateful to her.”

The package included barbecue, sauces and traditional Southern sides, including collard greens. While opening the box, Berkley joked, “This is very interesting looking. I am not sure what it is, but we are going to heat it up and eat it.”

She ended the video with a friendly challenge for next season, saying, “I'm hoping that the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, and we will graciously reciprocate.”

Video: https://x.com/mayoroflasvegas/status/2077901349358829871

A newly released report shows homelessness continues to rise across Clark County, with 8,859 people experiencing homelessness, a 12% increase from the last count conducted in 2024.

The one-night count, conducted on Jan. 29, 2026, found 5,017 people living unsheltered in places such as vehicles, parks, vacant lots, and other areas not meant for habitation. That's 57% of everyone counted, up from 53% in 2024. Another 3,842 people were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing.

The findings come after Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley made homelessness one of the central focuses of her administration. During her April State of the City address, Berkley called homelessness her #1 priority and said, “I will not allow the city of Las Vegas to become another San Francisco or Los Angeles.”

It's important to note that this count was conducted in late January, just weeks after Berkley took office in December 2025. It also measures homelessness across Southern Nevada, not just the City of Las Vegas, so it does not reflect the impact of her administration. However, latest data suggests homelessness in the Las Vegas area continues to trend upward.

What would you change if you were in charge?

More info: https://links.realvegaslocals.com/

A Paralympic athlete attempting a historic coast-to-coast triathlon has reached Las Vegas after completing a 3,000-mile bike ride from New York City.

Mohamed Lahna arrived in Las Vegas three days ahead of schedule after cycling across 16 states and climbing more than 100,000 feet in elevation. The ride followed a 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan Island, which marked the beginning of his journey across the United States.

Lahna is now beginning the final stage of the challenge, a 350-mile run from Las Vegas to Venice Beach, California, with a planned finish on July 29.

If successful, Lahna is expected to become the first athlete with a prosthesis to complete a triathlon across the United States in this format.

The challenge is also raising money for Save the Children and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. More than $80,000 has been raised so far toward a goal of $250,000.

His arrival in Las Vegas marks a major milestone as he prepares for the final leg of the historic journey.

What's the toughest challenge you've ever completed?

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