Metro police are investigating an attempted abduction in Northwest.

They say a black male attempted to abduct an Hispanic girl. He was unsuccessful. Metro detectives are en route to interview the 8-year-old.

Eyewitness News will have more details as they become available.

The commute will eventually get a lot better for some 30,000 Las Vegans who are continually stuck in stop and go traffic in the northwest part of the valley. Officials announced a $60 million improvement project Thursday.

It looks like the middle of nowhere there, so you have to wonder, why is traffic so bad there during rush hour? The problem — everybody has to pass through the stop light.

“It's a mess, it's a nightmare out here,” said one driver. “It's a pain in the heiny, not fun – it's always backed up.”

But Thursday, something is different. In the middle of all the traffic are engineers and politicians celebrating.

“I think it would be gridlock in this community if we didn't have it,” said Jacob Snow of the Regional Transportation Commission.

Snow says it would be a lot worse if these cars were on the surface streets instead of the Beltway. With a scoop of dirt, they marked the start of work that, when complete will mean some drivers won't have to stop at the lights anymore. They can just pass through under a bridge.

Driver's fees helped pay for the $60 million moment that has been 16 years in the making.

“The residents, I think they appreciate the projects we do that make their commute a little bit easier,” said Dennis Cederburg, Director of Public Works.

It's just another bump in the path to a better life on the road.

According to the men's magazine, Best Life, Las Vegas is one of the best places to raise a family. The magazine ranked Honolulu the best city, followed by Virginia beach, billings, Montana, Columbus, Georgia and San Diego.

Out of all 257 cities considered, Las Vegas ranked 32 — right behind Reno.

The magazine's editors looked at several factors including good schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios and above average test scores as well as places with a lot of museums, park and pediatricians. They also looked for cities with shorter commutes and affordable housing.

The people Eyewitness News talked to were shocked that our city of casinos and lights is ranked as a good place to raise kids. Considering the sinking housing market and poor student test scores, this is welcome news. That shows Las Vegas isn't always at the bottom of the pack.

Las Vegas – a city of temptation. A city were just about anything goes. And now it's a city ranked as one of the top places to raise a family.

“Oh that's not bad — 32nd out of over 200 – that's good,” said Dave, who lives in Las Vegas.

It's good news for Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman whose office over looks a city that hasn't always gotten the best reputation.

“The good news is that we aren't at the bottom of the list,” said Mayor Goodman.

This is one honor that happened in Vegas but the mayor doesn't want to stay here. Goodman wants to share it with the world.

“I mean Las Vegas has everything it's a great place to raise a family I raise four youngsters here,” he said.

But some most people we talked to disagree.

“I would have to differ on that. Well the crime rate mostly that,” said local, Mary Johnson.

“I wouldn't raise my kids here if I had a choice,” said another local, Vanessa Bursey.

“I don't see rec centers or anything they can get involved in to occupy there mind,” said Fafie Moore. Moore is with the Chamber of Commerce and says living in Las Vegas is a pretty easy sell.

“It's not a surprise to those of us who sale real estate because we like to tell people there is more beyond the Strip – there is a lot to see in our community,” said Moore. “I am really happy that we are recognized for the life style instead of just a places to come for fun.”

Moore also say it's positive news like this that could help our sinking housing market rebound.

“We are a city the offers opportunity and allow people to come here build business, which allow them to educate their children and buy homes for the America dream,” said Moore.

The magazine based their results in part on education. And while Las Vegas is the 32nd best city to raise a kid, the state ranks 45th in the country in education. And parents wonder how a city with such poor educational city can be so high on the list.

Email your comments to Reporter Travell Eiland.

The Nevada State Contractors Board is warning Summerlin homeowners to beware of an unlicensed contractor who is soliciting homeowners to high-power wash roof tiles and spray them with a sealant.

The board says the unlicensed worker charges around $350 and claims the sealant will protect the tiles from UV rays.

Roofing industry experts say those claims are untrue and roof tiles are sealed when manufactured.

The contractors board urges homeowners to always make sure they are dealing with a licensed contractor. You can call the board at 486-1100.

A state assemblywoman has been arrested for stabbing her husband with a steak knife. Police say Nevada lawmaker Francis Allen faces felony charges of battery with a deadly weapon. Allen, who is up for re-election, is denying the charges.

Allen's face is posted all over District 4 in Summerlin as she tries to win her re-election bid. Her campaign sign says “Integrity and Trust.” But after hearing about the disturbing allegation, voters are wondering how sincere that message really is.

Read the Francis Allen arrest report

“So she was arrested for stabbing her newlywed husband. Okay, well that's pretty out there,” said one voter.

The police report says Allen's newlywed husband, Paul Maineri, checked himself into Summerlin Hospital early Saturday morning with a stab wound to his arm. He told detectives they had a party last Friday and afterwards Allen accused him of embarrassing her in front of friends. Things got heated and Maineri says she stabbed him in the arm.

Allen told police her husband stabbed himself. When voters heard the news they were shocked, but willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

“I think you have to have all of your facts before you make a decision. It depends on the circumstances,” said one voter.

No matter what the circumstances, some say a politician breaking the law is something they can't stand for, “Elected officials have a greater duty to the people to follow the laws they are sworn to uphold.”

Allen has refused comment and Eyewitness News' cameras weren't allowed near her home. Her lawyer, Richard Wright, released this statement, “Francis Allen denies the allegations set forth in the criminal complaint filed today. At the appropriate time, the true facts will become known and she will be exonerated.”

Now Allen is vying for votes to win a third term. Allegations that she lost her cool could affect her campaign, “I don't think most people would say I want someone in the office who's going to not be able to control her emotions.”

After getting three stitches, Maineri was released from the hospital. After finding out his wife of just seven weeks could be going to jail, he recanted his statement, saying he stabbed himself.

Email your comments to Reporter Travell Eiland

The school year is just about over, but we found a program that will never end. It teaches kids to enjoy reading and opens them up to a brand new world.

This is a big day for 175 students at Richard Bryan Elementary in Summerlin.

All year long, they have been reading books, taking quizzes and earning points as part of their Accelerated Readers Program. Those who meet their goals receive ice cream and fruit and juice with the principal.

Oh, and they get a beloved trophy too.

“I'll just put it somewhere and I'll stare at it,” said Sam Rossi, third grader.

“There are a lot of choices for kids to do with games and ball teams, but the kids have really taken off with reading. They are working really hard and this is their reward,” said Librarian Michelle Levine.

And it's a sweet reward with lasting implications.

Just ask fifth grader Zan Vital. “It's probably the most useful thing you learn in school because you can't do math, writing or any other subject without reading.”

Over 300 students at Bryan have participated in the principals celebration this year and the program will be back this Fall with hopes of even more honorees.

“If they try hard and read enough books, not messing around like some kids, I think they can. I think they can make it,” said Erin Hyatt, third grader.

The Accelerated Readers Program at Byran Elementary is what's cool at school.

Clark County School Police and North Las Vegas Police are investigating a shooting at Cheyenne High School.

Officers say it stemmed from a fight between a student and non-student. The two apparently had a conflict in their neighborhood that spilled over to the campus. Police say the suspect came onto the campus and fired several rounds in the parking lot.

Several students witnessed shooting, and there were no injuries. School police say there are no victims and officers are looking for the suspects.

With breakthroughs and early detection, cancer patients are living longer and beating the disease. One of the most recognized cancer survivors is cyclist Lance Armstrong. He's making a stop in Las Vegas to celebrate the 5th Annual “LIVESTRONG Day.”

This is part of his four city tour. For organizers, just having Armstrong show up is a major coup and a great chance for recognition for the Nevada Cancer Institute.

Earlier Tuesday, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and other dignitaries proclaimed Tuesday LIVESTRONG Day in honor of Armstrong's popular wrist bracelets. The mayor hopes to use events like this to attract high level talent for bio-tech and medical jobs.

Cancer patient Diane Potter hopes so as well. This is her second round of cancer, now invading her bones and spine. She tells us it's good to be recognized for her current battle.

“We're noticed. By the mayor, by Lance Armstrong — and that's the greatest. The greatest,” she said.

“There are a lot of good doctors — a lot of fine medical people in this community. But they've been overshadowed unfortunately by mediocrity on occasion,” said Mayor Goodman.

Tuesday's visit by Armstrong caps off a full day of open houses and continued dialogue about the fight against cancer and how Nevada is trying to take a step forward in medical research.

Email your comments to Reporter Jonathan Humbert.

The two teens charged in a drive-by shooting that left a 15-year-old boy dead have pleaded not guilty.

Eighteen-year-old Ezekial Williams and 16-year-old Gerald Davison were arraigned in district court.

Both are facing murder charges for killing 15-year-old Christopher Privett as he walked home from Palo Verde High School in February.

Police say Williams was the driver of the car and gave the gun to Davison. Police say both are associated with the Squad Up gang.

Last month, a judge determined there was enough evidence for both suspects to be tried. Their trial date has been set for Oct. 20.

Students at Cimarron Memorial High School are getting a big award Friday for their work to improve the environment.

Grammy-winning R&B star Alicia Keyes honored the students in the school's Earth Club for their recycling efforts.

The award is part of her “Keyes to Innovation” initiative, which rewards students for making a difference in their communities.

Besides getting $2,000 for their program, the Earth Club is also going to be in the audience for Keyes concert Friday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“I love Alicia Keyes, and this is a huge huge reward for all the work that we've done to help people recycle,” said Ria Daniels.

“We've worked really hard so this is – we are really grateful we've worked really hard and we've done a lot for school and for our community. And it's really great to have someone recognize all the effort we've put into it,” said Nicolette Lewis.

Even though the membership in the Earth Club is small, because of this award, they say interest in the club has grown.