About 150 black high school students came together recently at the West Las Vegas Library for some straight talk on what it takes to grow up and work toward a successful life.

The third annual African-American Youth Leadership Summit, held on Feb. 23 at the library at 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., was sponsored by Las Vegas Ward Five Councilman Lawrence Weekly, along with the city of Las Vegas and Wells Fargo Bank.

They may be students who drive expensive vehicles, take family vacations in exotic places and wear the latest fashions. But they can tell you a lot about living on the streets. That's because these students spent the last nine months putting together a documentary on those less privileged than they are.

A premiere for the resulting film, "Life Beyond the Lights," is planned for 7 p.m. Friday at Faith Lutheran High School, 2015 S. Hualapai Way. Tickets are $5 per person.

Arizona Charlie's Boulder recently embarked on an $8 million expansion project designed to expand the hotel and casino's customer base.

The project at the 4575 Boulder Highway business will add 7,300 square feet for gaming, create a new front desk area and Ultimate Rewards Center, and a new gift shop.

When it's time to put on a play at an elementary school, many parents and educators might initially think of titles like "The Emperor's New Clothes" or "Jack and the Beanstalk," or perhaps some interpretation of a Curious George book.

Not at Watson Elementary School in North Las Vegas. There, drama teacher Jodi Jackson is immersing her students in the heavy hitter of drama, the Bard of Avon himself -- William Shakespeare.

When some people look at an infant, they see a clinging, helpless being. Diane Farkas sees the future.

She'll be seeing the future up close next week when Family to Family Connection holds its annual Touch-a-Truck event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25 at Challenger School, 9900 Isaac Newton Way.