🪓 How do YOU feel about the Strip trees?

🌳🪓 If a Tree Falls and We All See It …

The latest friction point in F1’s makeover of the Strip involves the sidewalk trees in front of Bellagio. Well, former sidewalk trees. MGM International is either transplanting or wood-chippering them to make way for the big race. Mindful of (🎧) how trees combat heat islands, a petition has been launched asking MGM to plant new trees elsewhere in town. [Nevada Independent]

🎤 What an Ed Ache!

You’ve probably already read social-media reports about the Allegiant Stadium hullabaloo on Saturday, in which impish singer Ed Sheeran canceled his concert at the last minute. But here’s a story about it anyway. Sheeran blames instability in the stadium flooring, which allegedly couldn’t support his audio towers. [Review-Journal]

• If it helps, here’s a video of a kitten that looks like Ed Sheeran. [TikTok]

😬 Tell Us What You Really Think

“The system is, frankly, more dysfunctional than I expected.” With that candid assessment of Nevada’s higher-ed leadership, former interim chancellor of the system, Dale Erquiaga, launches a no-holds-barred discussion of the regents, the university presidents, and the system that “isn't really a system.” [Nevada Independent]

🎸 LiB Look Back, and Ahead

This month’s Life is Beautiful Festival marks the event’s 10th anniversary. That’s a lot of bands, plenty of logistics, probably a few headaches. Host Dayvid Figler talks with its director of music, production, and development, Craig Asher Nyman (who’s been there the whole time) about highlights, lowlights — and those rumors that this might be the last one. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

First, Where Was It? ⤴️

The previous challenge: As the folks listed below know, this is in Henderson, on a random hill behind a strip mall near the intersection of Horizon Drive and Horizon Ridge Ridge Parkway. No idea who put it there, as there’s no church nearby I can find — I’m asking, though.

Salute to this week’s right-answer-getters:

🏆 Connie A., Louise Ahrendt, Ketrice, Diandra Lazor, Tracy M., Randell B. Perkins, Chris Race, Marie Saffran, Janet Taylor, Dianja White

Now for This Week’s Challenge ⤵️

Where will Las Vegans see this spicy blast of social commentary? Send me your answers using the button below ⬇️ and be sure to put “Where Is It?” in the subject line so we don’t miss it.

Note: While you’re at it, send me one of your photos for possible use in this space!

🎤 DJ vs Band: The Ultimate Showdown | Tuesday | 7 p.m.

A talk about the origin and art of the DJ form, followed by a live DJ + band performance. [Whitney Library, Tropicana and Nellis; free]

📚 Author Reading: Jarret Keene | Tuesday | 7 p.m.

The UNLV professor reads from and talks about his Vegas-set postapocalyptic novel, “Hammer of the Dogs.” [The Writer’s Block, downtown; free]

• Pairs nicely with: Our 3 Questions with Keene on the same topic. [Hey Las Vegas 📧]

🛒 Grocery Store Merger Listening Sessions | Wednesday | 10 a.m., 1 and 5 p.m.

The Nevada attorney general’s office will hear public input about the proposed merger between grocery store giants Kroger and Albertsons. [First session in Henderson City Hall; second session in North Las Vegas City Hall; third session at the Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; free]

• Context: Writers April Corbin Girnus and Kim Foster discuss the possible local ramifications of the deal. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

😵‍💫 Stress Management Seminar | Wednesday | 5 p.m.

Learn how stress can influence your wellness, and techniques for dealing with it. [Sahara West Library; free]

10 Years of Life is Beautiful

For three days, Life is Beautiful takes over swaths of downtown, and in a couple of weeks, it will celebrate its 10th year. Today, host Dayvid Figler talks to Craig Asher Nyman, the festival’s director of music, programming, and development, who’s been there the whole time, about how they curate the lineup, a decade of highlights, and a big rumor: Is this the last Life is Beautiful?