Whenever another development threatens to push farther into the Mojave, the same words appear: beige, barren, empty, wasteland. But the Mojave Desert, which includes Las Vegas, is anything but. More than 50 mammalian species wander its foothills, more than 200 species of birds cross its skies, and more than 2,000 species of plants endure its extended droughts and blistering heat. It’s home to the Joshua tree, found nowhere else on Earth.

Glenn Nowak, professor of architecture at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, says Las Vegas is the pioneer of integrated resorts — mega buildings that blend concepts of casinos, restaurants, stores, and other amenities.

The venue that was created as a new form of live entertainment has become the highest grossing arena in the world. Since its opening three years ago, the Sphere has offered the residencies of legendary bands such as the Eagles, U2 and Phish. More Sphere-like arenas are coming. So what does the future hold for immersive tech and entertainment?

Friday, Las Vegas hit 100 degrees for the first time this year, marking the start of what is expected to be another season of extreme heat. Last year, Las Vegas had 77 days where temperatures reached 100 degrees or hotter. In 2024, there were 112 triple-digit days, and Las Vegas reached its all-time record high of 120 degrees. Senator Jacky Rosen is spearheading an effort to bring federal dollars to southern Nevada to help during heat emergencies.

From wellness as a continuous experience to cinematic guest journeys, Desert Rock’s site-driven luxury, and the realities of running a firm, day one of HD Expo spotlighted how hospitality design is expanding beyond aesthetics.

As of April 15, UNLV’s Department of Film is no more. The program has officially been renamed the School of Cinematic Arts, edging it one step closer to becoming a nationally ranked film school. That news might come as a surprise to anyone who hasn’t been following, but UNLV’s film program has never been stronger than it is right now. And it has the success stories to prove it.

Referred to now as the School of Cinematic Arts, the name change is meant to better describe the program’s mission.

Currently in post-production, Domino is a 20-minute narrative short that was developed, greenlit, cast and produced by students under Isaacs’ mentorship. The project includes a semester of developing a story idea and script, as well as a 13-week pre-production period followed by a six-day shoot, mirroring the professional filmmaking process from development through delivery.

From emojis winking on the skyline to concerts surrounding audiences in light, sound and motion, Sphere could redefine live entertainment in the UAE

The Spring Jazz Festival approaches. The three-night celebration of jazz, featuring UNLV’s top student ensembles and guest artists, returns to Ham Hall from Monday through Wednesday.

UNLV's film school has a new name. The university's provost approved the renaming of the Department of Film into the School of Cinematic Arts, or UNLV CinArts. This change is meant to cover the full spectrum of creative and technical disciplines available for students. No changes will be made to the school's structure or administration.

Nevada Conservatory Theatre is closing out its 25th anniversary season with a bold and imaginative production. It runs May 1st through 10th at the Judy Bayley Theatre. We learned on ARC Las Vegas the creator got inspiration from their child. The series itself though is made for adults because it touches on more difficult life content like curse words, hate speech, war and death.