🌵 The dangerous allure of Death Valley

🌵 Tourism Thrives in Death Valley

You think Vegas is bad? Death Valley National Park reached 128 degrees over the weekend, bringing out tourists to see one of the hottest places on Earth and snap photos in front of the Furnace Creek Visitors Center thermometer — even after the heat-related death of a motorcyclist Saturday. [Associated Press]

🥵 What the Extreme Heat Means for Las Vegas

• An excessive heat warning was extended through Friday with the possibility of Las Vegas setting a record for five days at 115 degrees or higher. [National Weather Service]
• For added perspective: Sunday's record-setting temperature of 120 degrees was taken in the shade. [KLAS]
• Asphalt can get as hot as 180 degrees and UMC is reporting a spike in pavement-related burns compared to the same time last year. [KLAS]
• Bags of ice and water known as Polar Pads are being used by first responders to cool down victims in heat-related emergencies. [KSNV]
• Heat causes the air to thin, affecting flight conditions and prompting travel delays at Harry Reid International Airport. [KTNV]

👋 Time to Ban Power Slap Competitions?

The Brain Injury Association of America wants the Nevada Athletic Commission to ban slap fighting, following a Power Slap competition at the Fontainebleau that saw competitors stand still while attempting to withstand unprotected slaps to the face. “There is no doubt. There will be deaths,” says the group’s medical director. [Yahoo!/New York Times]

• Power Slap founder Dana White wants to take the sport mainstream, just like he did for the UFC. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Vegas Broke a Heat Record. Now What?

Vegas is feeling the worst of a heatwave that’s hit the Southwest United States. City Cast Las Vegas co-host Sarah Lohman discusses tips on beating the heat with producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad in a conversation that’s full of surprises.