While the official festival kicks off Friday, a parade is set to run through the Las Vegas Strip tomorrow to usher in the event. With the large crowds expected, experts are emphasizing the importance of planning for security concerns, heat safety and potential medical emergencies.

Heightened tensions tied to the conflict in the Middle East, along with a recent shooting in Austin that left at least two people dead last weekend, have prompted renewed warnings from former FBI officials about the risk of terrorism and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior.

Federal and state law enforcement in Arizona are still looking for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie. There’s hope that a found glove may contain DNA from a potential suspect.

Former FBI Special Agent and UNLV adjunct law professor Ray Johnson said one reason evidence is released sparingly is to limit the volume of false or low-quality tips investigators must evaluate.