The 108-Degree Eviction
Living outside is a more dreadful prospect during a heat wave.
On a sweltering June 17, 2026, in Las Vegas, Susie Tyson and her daughter Shelby faced an unbearable eviction from their home. Susie, 67, had suffered a stroke years ago, making her susceptible to heat's effects; she experienced dizziness, nausea, and general discomfort in such conditions. Despite her health limitations, she and Shelby were compelled to evacuate their three-bedroom apartment after their landlord terminated their lease, claiming it was in disrepair and a fire hazard.
The two women had resided in the same building for nearly 20 years, enduring the city's extreme heat, which often soared over 108 degrees Fahrenheit. They attempted to mitigate the heat by covering windows with blankets, but the summer of 2024 saw a record-breaking 120-degree day, and temperatures consistently hovered around 114 degrees during the week following their eviction.
With no other options available, Susie and Shelby endured the oppressive heat for several nights at various Las Vegas casinos, paying exorbitant fees to find temporary shelter. Eventually, they settled into a weekly rental studio, Siegel Suites, which cost them $1,000 more per month than their former home.
With limited mobility due to her health issues, Susie relied on her daughter Shelby for assistance, who worked part-time at a nearby retail store and was pursuing a bachelor's degree in early-childhood education. The women were emotionally and physically drained, their home no longer a sanctuary but a relic of their shared past. As they packed their belongings and said their goodbyes, they prepared for a new chapter marked by uncertainty and the relentless Las Vegas summer.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
