Local Vegas

United Way of Southern Nevada is initiating a book drive from February 9 to March 6 for Nevada Reading Week to enhance literacy among local elementary students. The initiative aims to provide books for the United Readers program, which pairs K–5 students with mentors. The program has shown significant improvements in reading comprehension, and donated books will bolster both mentoring efforts and school libraries. Community involvement is encouraged through book donations and support for mentorship opportunities.

Hayworth, a new chef-driven restaurant in Henderson, is set to open on February 26, 2026. To build its opening team, the restaurant will host open interviews from February 11-13, seeking skilled hospitality professionals for various front and back-of-house roles. The establishment emphasizes service, teamwork, and a strong workplace culture while aiming to enhance Henderson’s dining scene with refined comfort food and a creative cocktail program.

The Lights of Love Cactus Garden returns to Ethel M Chocolates Factory in Henderson from February 6 to 16, 2026. This annual event features illuminated displays celebrating Valentine’s Day, operates nightly, and supports local charities with a $3 admission fee. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere while contributing to community causes.

Las Vegas Recovery Hospital in Henderson, Nevada, recently opened as the region’s first integrated facility for acute medical care and addiction recovery. This 68-bed hospital offers comprehensive treatment for medical and substance use disorders, fostering a stigma-free environment and improving patient outcomes through coordinated care. It aims to enhance healthcare access in underserved areas.

The National Atomic Testing Museum will host “Atomic Frontier Day” on January 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes a film screening, guest speakers, and the new “World of Fallout” exhibit. It aims to educate attendees on nuclear history while connecting it to popular culture, appealing to families, students, and gamers.

Community leaders, nonprofits, and student volunteers in Henderson, Nevada, collaborated to address food insecurity through a significant food donation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This effort, linked to the America250 initiative, involved local organizations and highlighted the role of youth in community service while promoting unity and civic engagement ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

On January 21, 2026, Credit One Bank hosted the fifth annual One For The Community check presentation in Las Vegas, highlighting support for local nonprofits like Junior Achievement. Through its initiative, funded by Raiders’ player sacks, the program fosters community impact and youth education, emphasizing the importance of partnerships for sustainable development.

Paula Cook, records administration manager of the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, was honored with “Paula Cook Day” and named 2024 Exemplary Public Servant of the Year by Smart Cities Dive. Her leadership since 2012 has modernized wedding services, improving efficiency and community relations while supporting over 75,000 annual licenses.

A new retail store by The Mob Museum has opened at Harry Reid International Airport, offering travelers a glimpse into Las Vegas’s organized crime history. With interactive exhibits, unique artifacts, and themed merchandise, the store introduces visitors to the museum’s mission. A historic Jaguar XKE adds to the experience, drawing attention to organized crime’s impact.

In January 2026, Las Vegas will host an educational event for wedding industry professionals to combat marriage trafficking during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The program equipped attendees with skills to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately. Local leaders emphasized the importance of awareness and collaboration to protect vulnerable individuals from trafficking.

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas will unveil a film exhibition titled “Filmed in Las Vegas,” exploring Hollywood’s impact on the city’s image from the 1940s to the 1960s. Additionally, two free digital exhibits, “The Battle for Las Vegas” and “This Building of Ours,” aim to enhance global access to the city’s historical narratives.