🌱 New Grant Offers Help For Underserved + Rise In Cab Violence

Hello, hello! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Daily. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cool. High: 58 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories in Las Vegas today:

1. A new federal funding program by the American Rescue Plan Act will aid small businesses in helping provide healthy food options to underserved communities. The $3.8 million grant will be offered to eligible applicants. Funding will put into place four new programs for assistance, including small business rewards, small business hubs, small business minority business certifications, and healthy foods. (News3LV)
2. The Nevada Taxicab Authority has reported an uptick in violent crimes against taxi drivers this year. According to reports, violent crimes have increased by nine percent since 2021. The Authority is now stepping in to help alleviate violent acts against drivers through targeted enforcement, installing cameras in cabs, and working closely with the police department if these events continue to occur. (Fox 5 Las Vegas)
3. A newly released report by Vivid Seats states that Las Vegas ranked first place for the Top City for Comedy in 2023. Almost 50 comedians are expected to perform in the city next year. The year-in-review report calculated the number of live events per capita in cities across the country for the best sports, music, theater, and comedy fans. (News3LV)

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Today in Las Vegas:

• Sock Drive At Spring Valley Library (All Day)
• Luke Bryan At Resorts World Theatre (8:00 PM)
• America's Got Talent Live Las Vegas Show At Luxor Hotel & Casino (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Desert Dogs, Las Vegas’s professional lacrosse team, are giving local teachers “Teacher of the Game” awards for their hard work. First on the list was Clark County School District’s longest-tenured teacher, Pennie Edmond of Bonanza High School. Congratulations on 53 years of teaching! (News3LV)
• Lady Luck was on Michael Hayes's side when he won the jackpot on the Vegas Strip. Hayes, of Lebanon, Oregon, got a royal flush during three-card poker at The Cromwell and won $377,136! (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
• The Jackson Avenue Complete Street Project is underway, which will repurpose the avenue for wider sidewalks, installation of street lights and trees, and new water lines. (City of Las Vegas Government via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.