Scammers are getting sneakier and more creative, and unfortunately the real estate world is one of their favorite places to operate. With the large amounts of money involved in transactions, Realtors, lenders, title companies, and buyers are all attractive targets for cybercriminals. One scam that’s been popping up lately involves people pretending to be interested buyers who want to tour a home over Zoom. Everything can seem normal at first. They sound legitimate initially,

The Helldorado Days Parade, formerly known as the Las Vegas Days Parade, or simply Helldorado, celebrates our city’s western roots and is scheduled for this Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. There is no fee to enter the parade, which will take place on Fourth Street downtown between Gass and Stewart avenues. The parade usually includes floats, high school marching bands, cowboys and cowgirls on horseback, costumed dancers, car clubs, nonprofits, and more. The parade was

I was in Texas recently visiting my friend Sowmya and she took me to see gorgeous fields of blossoming bluebonnets, the Texas state flower. Taking in the beauty of the blossoms and butterflies, it struck me how special it is that every U.S. state has its own designated flower. There’s something quite wonderful about that actually. As a non-native Nevadan, (like most of us, ha) I had to look up the state flower. It’s the sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). The more I thought abo

With swim season approaching, I wanted to share a quick reminder about water safety for children. I was recently amazed to see my 17-month-old granddaughter, Elle, floating on her back by herself thanks to Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) training. This program teaches infants how to survive if they accidentally fall into the water. Elle is now in her second phase of training, learning the "swim-float-swim" technique. Above is a picture of her floating confidently on her back.

Spring mornings in my backyard feel like a noisy celebration. Within fifteen seconds of hanging bird feeders on tree hooks, swarms of birds hungrily attack. I pour fresh water into two bird baths and the drinking and bathing begin. With a warm double espresso in hand, I settle onto a patio chair and take it all in. Lesser goldfinches and house finches chatter and jostle for space. Gambel’s quail wander through with their shy, curious presence, while Verdin dart about, busy w

For a limited time, essential workers can get $20,000 to buy a house! Nevada’s essential workforce is at the heart of our communities and now there’s a program designed to give back. The Worker Advantage Program offers $20,000 in down payment assistance to eligible buyers, helping make homeownership more attainable. Funds are provided as a no-interest, no-payment, non-forgivable second loan and can be used toward your down payment, closing costs, interest rate buy-down, or a

It’s the first day of spring! In most places, that might mean the start of warmer days and blooming flowers. But here in Vegas, it already feels like we’ve skipped ahead. Some days feel a lot closer to summer than spring. And thanks to daylight saving time, the evenings are stretching out again. There’s more light at the end of the day…but honestly, do we really need more sun here? Either way, happy spring! 🌸 —Donna#SpringEquinox

Death Valley is as hauntingly stark as its name suggests. With landmarks like the Devil's Golf Course, Badwater Basin, and Furnace Creek, its windswept plains, scoured hillsides, and craggy peaks evoke a sense of hardship and an otherworldly moonscape. While truly beautiful in its own right, no one would call it lush. Yet, once every decade or so, magic happens. The perfect combination of events (significant, well-spaced gentle winter rains and a mild, wet spring) cause seeds

On Valentine’s Day, I went on a date to a date farm! We took Highway SR 160 toward Pahrump, then veered right onto Old Spanish Trail Highway toward Tecopa. The route is mostly paved but the last couple of miles dip down and meander through a dirt-packed canyon road that soon opens into a lush valley filled with date palms and cottonwoods, which line China Ranch Creek. The creek eventually joins with the officially designated 'Wild and Scenic' Amargosa River. I was surprised t

Like all of us, I feel energized and ready for new beginnings when the days start to lengthen and the cold air is not quite so biting in the mornings. Thanks to El Nino, this past winter has been so mild, I think we only had one night that got below freezing. Still, I'm delighted to feel signs of spring in the morning air and happy to cozy up on the couch and watch the winter Olympics in the evenings. I've recently made a goal to write something every day and thought I'd shar

The Clark County Assessor's Office mailed out Tax Cap Abatement Notices to residential property owners in Clark County with instructions to sign the postcard and return to the Assessor's office by mail or in person. If you did not return this postcard to the Assessor's Office, they automatically increased your annual tax increase to 8% which is used for investors. If you are living in your home the tax rate cap is only 3%, far below what home values have been appreciating her

Clark County School District has announced new school start times for the 2026–2027 school year. CCSD indicated the change is aimed at better supporting student success and well-being, and that later start times for high school students increases attendance and grades, improves mental health, and even reduces behavior incidents and car crashes among teenagers. With some exceptions for early/late release and magnet schools, these are the new school start times: Middle schools

As we step into the New Year, our team is taking a moment to reflect on the past year with gratitude and look forward to the new year with optimism. We are excited for what lies ahead—fresh beginnings, new goals, and opportunities not yet even imagined! We wish you a very Happy New Year and an absolutely amazing 2026! 🍾 🥂 Tamara: In 2025, I had the blessing of taking care of my newborn granddaughter. I watched her grow throughout the year. She is now a vibrant little one y

As the year winds down, we are feeling especially grateful for the moments that made us laugh, the memories we made with family and friends, and the places we’re lucky enough to call home. Christmas is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the people who make life richer and brighter. From our family to yours, we wish you a holiday filled with warmth, joy, and a little extra magic. Merry Christmas!🎄✨

Christmas is just around the corner and Vegas is sparkling with festive fun. If you’re looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit, here’s a list of merry must-sees. All Aboard the Polar Express Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Electric City Light Show Enchant Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights Glittering Lights Magical Forest Mystical Falls Park Winter Wonderland Oasis Ice Rink Rock Rink Underwater Santa

My brothers have a love for the outdoors and what it takes to foster wanderlust in remote places: dirt bikes, four wheelers and four wheel drives. On a recent weekend, we went on an adventure in my brother Damon's old Suburban. We headed toward Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Arizona and hung a right to Kanab for a gas stop. Then on to the Johnson Canyon turnout where we swerved off the pavement and onto a dusty dirt road. The Suburban labored through deep sandy stretche

This Thanksgiving, our team is especially grateful for the trust you place in us year after year. Serving you, your families, and your homes is truly the heart of what we do. We hope your holiday is filled with good food, great company, and plenty of moments worth savoring. Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🏡 As we look back on the year, each of us has something unique we’re thankful for. Here is what’s filling our hearts this season. Donna: I am thankful for the boys in my life: Ethan,

I just returned from visiting my daughter in Orlando. Similar to Las Vegas, both cities are popular travel destinations with unique attractions. One thing I do value about Las Vegas is actually the lack of a thing: humidity. This time of year is actually a great time to visit Orlando. It's not super humid and my hair wasn't too crazy, but it was on my mind when I stepped off the plane in both cities. Las Vegas is famous for its dry desert heat. Even when temperatures climb, t

My trip to the Baltic states began in Vilnius, Lithuania—just in time for the annual Vilnius Days Festival. The city was alive with music, art, and food stalls that lined the medieval cobblestone streets. Concerts took place on the main stage, and while I didn’t recognize the performers, the locals were thrilled to see their favorites. The weather was perfect and it felt like the entire city was out celebrating. Vilnius is known for its vibrant street and mural art scene. I h

In September, I was on a tour of the Baltic states. We started in Lithuania, drove to Latvia, then Estonia, and ended in Helsinki, Finland. Visiting Oodi, the Helsinki Central Library, was an exceptional experience. The Helsinki Central Library, Oodi, embodies the idea that a library is much more than a place to borrow books—it is a shared civic living room. Its philosophy is rooted in openness, accessibility, and equality. Oodi was designed as a welcoming space where people