The heat may be turning up but the entertainment in Las Vegas is not slowing down! For this first episode in our Summer Entertainment Guide, co-host Dayvid Figler and producer Layla Muhammad give their picks for the hottest concerts to attend this summer. From your standard concerts, to comedy, to musical theater, to local shows, these Vegas concert veterans join co-host Vogue Robinson with entertainment recommendations that will fit every vibe. Stay tuned for more summer entertainment episodes once a week in June! Let us know if you attend any of the events we recommended! Share your experience with us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Looking for more summer entertainment? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Lastly, looking for that listener survey link? You'll find it right now (along with our hearty thanks!): citycast.fm/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada, considered a relatively trans-friendly state (thanks to our largely libertarian streak of live and let live), has recently seen a rise in debates and backlash over laws and policies related to transgender issues. So in today’s news roundup, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson, along with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, take a look at the transgender protections that have already been passed and the likelihood of our Republican governor signing others into law. Next, it’s on to a conversation about FREE PARKING! With the Strat now allowing free parking for locals and the Mirage doing the same a month ago, are we on a pendulum swing towards free parking once again? And why are Las Vegans so attached to it? And lastly, we explore the wild world of Battle Bots, whose residency in Las Vegas has just been extended. Why do you think free parking is so important to locals? Let us know on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Or you could always leave us a voicemail (we love voicemails!): 702-514-0719. Are you in the loop with our daily morning newsletter? If not, make sure to sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picking the very best donut in Las Vegas is probably an impossible task. But — in honor of National Donut Day — the CCLV team is pitting three of the Valley’s donut heavy hitters against each other in a sugar-filled donut throwdown. We’ll tell you the back story behind Ronald’s Donuts, Donut Bar, and Poppy’s Donuts, and then we get down to business: Tasting a boxful of donuts from each and deciding which donut shop comes out on top. There can only be one! (Quick note: we’ve just heard the news that Donut Bar is closing. We’re following this story, and we’ll have some updates in tomorrow’s Friday news roundup — but in the meantime, enjoy the episode and know that Donut Bar is no more!) What’s your favorite donut in Las Vegas? What did we miss? Post a donut pic and tag us: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram, or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 (but make sure to tell us what your favorite donut flavor is). For more donut recs (and great food tips in general every Thursday), make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Las Vegas housing market is bucking national trends, at least slightly: While other cities are continuing to see their home prices rise, Vegas has pretty much flattened out. This new stability might have some of you wondering: What are the ins and outs of buying a house here? Today, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Christina Chipman, a born-and-raised local, realtor, and current president of the Women's Council of Realtors Las Vegas Network. They talk about the myths surrounding the best time to buy a house, why NOT to buy a house, and if it’s possible to beat out a corporate all-cash buyer. Have you bought a home in Las Vegas recently, or are you hoping to do so soon? What’s been your experience with the process? Let us know: Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or tag us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram). For more of what’s going on in Vegas, make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every few weeks, it seems like we get a new headline telling us that the much-publicized high-speed rail line between Vegas and LA is getting one step closer to reality. Las Vegans are used to start-and-stop train promises that dangle and disappear. But this time (this time!) things might actually be different. Nevada Independent reporter Gabby Birenbaum tells co-host Dayvid Figler how the billionaire-backed Brightline West is in the field goal zone of approval, what few obstacles remain, and how this would impact our growing city. What do YOU think the chances are of Brightline West being built by 2028? Let us know on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Commercial Center debacle is the (erm) gift that just keeps giving: To celebrate the renaming of the adjacent Karen Ave. to Liberace Ave., the County helped organize a festival that ballooned to a party with 10,000 ticket holders when it was announced that legendary DJ Deadmau5 would be headlining. But the local artists who’ve worked to rebuild this“blighted” center weren’t exactly pleased with how the party turned out — and when Commissioner Tick Segerblom accidentally hit reply-all, calling the tenants “ungrateful miscreants,” the response reached a fever pitch. Today on our Friday news roundup, co-host Dayvid Figler, newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets, and special guest Kim Foster talk about Commish Tick’s apology on KNPR yesterday, the future of Commercial Center, and other fun stuff in the news: The arrival of Punk Rock Bowling, one of Las Vegas’ longest-running music festivals, and a whole neighborhood in Henderson whose streets are named after Pokémon. If you could choose the street names in a new development, what would YOU name them after? Let us know by tagging us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram) or leaving us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Did you love hearing from our brilliant newsletter editor, Scott Dickensheets? Get some more of that Dickensheetsian wit in our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vegan or plant-based eating has been picking up steam recently and by all accounts the trend is here to stay. Vegas has seen a rise in popular vegan restaurants while other establishments are adding vegan dishes to their menus. With her Vegas Vegan Culinary School & Eatery, Heather Heath is in the vanguard of a meat-free movement in a town better known for steakhouses and prime rib. But while the city’s getting veggier, it's still not an easy path. In today’s episode, Heath gives co-host Dayvid Figler a candid assessment of the vegan business and life. What’s your favorite vegan spot in Vegas? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. We’ve got endless food recommendations for you! Don’t miss out by subscribing to our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, it looks like the Oakland A’s are one step closer to getting public financing for a new stadium in Las Vegas. Yesterday, the Nevada Independent reported that the team and state officials had reached a “loose agreement” for a reduced public financing package. After all the drama over stadium sites, dubious polling, PR blitzes, and public financing demands… are we in the home stretch? And is bringing the A’s to Vegas really such a good thing for our city? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, we’re bringing you a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had last year with UNLV economist Bill Robinson. They discuss the economic upsides (and downsides) that major league sports franchises bring to cities, and whether baseball is right for us. How do you feel about the A’s coming to Las Vegas? Let us know on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. (We love your voicemails!) For even more Las Vegas news, events, and commentary, get our brilliant newsletter in your inbox every morning at 6 a.m. — sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new racquet sport of pickleball has been sweeping the nation — here in Las Vegas, demand for the sport has risen so much that the City of Las Vegas recently received a $12 million grant to build 30 new pickleball courts. But it isn’t without controversy. Some homeowners near the new court sites are worried about noise levels, parking issues, and how their home values could fare. So what’s with the pickleball mania? And can the issues be resolved? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson heads court-side to meet Southern Nevada Pickleball ambassador Patti Chess for her very first pickleball lesson, and a conversation about Las Vegas’ love affair with pickleball. Let us know if you love pickle ball too! We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A showdown over school choice is brewing up in Carson City: Governor Lombardo is prepared to veto the entire state budget if the legislature doesn’t approve his ambitious plan to expand Nevada’s quasi school voucher program. Meanwhile, Clark County is ground zero for the impact of school choice legislation — the majority of the state’s voucher program recipients (administered through Opportunity Scholarships) live here in Southern Nevada, and most of them use the funds for religious private schools. And that’s just part of why they’re so controversial, Nevada Current reporter April Corbin Girnus tells co-host Dayvid Figler. So how did “school choice” become a darling of the right, and why are progressives worried it could gut public education? And most curiously of all, how did Dem-heavy Clark County become the epicenter for school choice debates in Nevada? What’s your stance on Nevada’s Opportunity Scholarships? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. You can also find us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more on what’s hot and happening in Las Vegas, make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s news roundup, we discus some big money moves happening in Vegas. First, Nevada lawmakers are considering a groundbreaking $4.9 billion tax break aimed at attracting film companies to the state. Next, we delve into the results of a recent poll conducted for the A’s baseball team, suggesting that two-thirds of Clark County are in favor of their ballpark proposal — but we’ve got questions about this poll (like… why didn’t it ask about support over public funding?). Lastly, Harry Reid International Airport’s TSA takes a step towards a potentially Orwellian future with new facial recognition technology. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by contributor and Nevada Current reporter Michael Lyle to talk about where Vegas is headed with these topics. Join the conversation! Let us know what you think about these topics on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Looking to stay ahead of the news in your city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Korean food has seen an explosion of popularity in Vegas (and the U.S. broadly) over the last few years, but most of our Korean restaurants in town seem to be K-BBQ spots. You know, the meat restaurants where you cook your meat over a grill set right into your table. But there’s a whole lot more to Korean food, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson tells co-host Vogue Robinson — in fact, the traditional Korean diet was largely vegetable- and seafood-based (after all, Korea is a peninsula surrounded by ocean on three sides). Sonja, a former food writer who lived in Seoul for seven years, talks about the rise of meat in Korean cuisine, what “authentic” really means, and where Las Vegans can find Korean food that isn’t K-BBQ in town. Restaurants we mention in the episode: Sashimi Day (Desert Inn & Decatur) Mr. Tofu (Spring Mountain and Arville) Soyo Korean Restaurant (Rainbow and Robindale) Tag us when you post about your next Korean food outing! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might remember from middle school science that protecting the ozone layer in our atmosphere is vitally important — but ozone near the ground is actually a dangerous air pollutant. And as temperatures rise, the formation of ground-level ozone becomes increasingly serious here in the Valley. In fact, Clark County has recently issued an ozone warning through September. Kevin MacDonald from the Clark County Department of Environment & Sustainability shares insight into the science behind ozone pollution, its impact on residents’ health, and the County’s initiatives to mitigate its effects. Co-host Vogue Robinson also discovers practical tips and actionable steps to protect yourself and the air quality of Las Vegas. Follow the Clark County Department of Environment & Sustainability on Twitter for daily Vegas air quality updates and more information about sustainability programs @sustainclarkcty. You can find us there too! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Have you seen a bad air day in Vegas? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 to tell us about it. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown made history last year when she was elected to the North Las Vegas mayoral seat — and became the first Black mayor in the state of Nevada. Mayor Goynes-Brown sits down with co-host Vogue Robinson to talk about her vision for North Las Vegas, the city she grew up in, from her ambitious plan for downtown to commercial redevelopment, affordable housing, and the ongoing struggle to help the residents of the sinking neighborhood of Windsor Park. Thoughts? Questions? Let us know by calling or texting us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more news from across the Vegas Valley, make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deep in the Colorado River, monsters lurk in the murky waters — monster fish, that is, some the size of large person. But they aren’t invulnerable. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with National Geographic channel host Zeb Hogan, co-author of Chasing Giants, a new book about the world’s biggest freshwater fish. Zeb grew up on the Colorado, but by the time he was paddling on its waters, most of the truly big fish on our stretch of the lower Colorado had already died out. Zeb explains why monster fish are indicator species of our river’s health, and how some of our massive native fish have recently started to make a comeback. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s roundup deals with two of Vegas’ favorite topics, traffic and entertainment. The possible elimination of HOV lanes has pros and cons, but how will those lanes be repurposed? Also, after years of uncertainty, Brightline West’s high-speed rail from LA to Las Vegas seems to finally move forward and a new trend among Strip headliners to lock up phones gets mixed reviews. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson share their hot takes with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world of Las Vegas wine has traditionally been dominated by master sommeliers and snooty connoisseurs — at one point, 10% of the world’s master somms worked in Las Vegas. But there’s a new wine on the block: natural wines are cloudy, funky and little bit weird. And Las Vegas based writer Meg Bernhard tells co-host Dayvid Figler, you should give them a try. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, Meg talks about her time working on vineyards in Europe, where to get “nattywines” in Vegas (and why you maybe shouldn’t call them that), and how natural wines could change our local grape-scape. Meg’s book, titled “Wine,” is coming out from Bloomsbury next month. Have you tried natural wine? Planning to? Tag us when you imbibe — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more on what’s happening in Las Vegas, you’ll want to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here — it’s the best thing in your inbox every day at 6 a.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take it from these old-timers: Navigating and surviving Las Vegas can be tricky. We’re an odd big-little town, where tourists outnumber the locals twenty-fold. So today, we’ve got co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler, along with lifelong Las Vegan Andrew Kiraly, publisher of thelist.vegas, to help you out. From car culture to comp karma, with tangents on making friends and the things you should never say to gamblers, we’ve got you covered with 15 rules for how to survive (and thrive) in Las Vegas. What do you think of our 15 rules? Did we miss any, or do you have more to add?  We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congresswoman Dina Titus has been representing Nevada’s First Congressional District since 2013, and before that she served in state government for two decades. So, it’s no surprise that she has opinions on some of the biggest issues Las Vegas is facing right now. Today she joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about water allocation, gaming, a not-so-old beef with the Nevada State Legislature, and more. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas is arguably the spectacle capital of the world — and yet, when it comes to popular-but-not-quite-stadium-sized musical acts (like The Cure, Boy Genius, and Bruce Springsteen), many of them skip Vegas but land in cities like Reno, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Yep, RENO. So what’s going on? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Seth Yudof, a longtime entertainment producer in Las Vegas, about the unique entertainment economy in our spectacle-drenched town, and how things could (just maybe) someday change. Which of your favorite bands skip Vegas? Tell them about this episode on social media, and tag us, too! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want even more Las Vegas news, events, and interesting commentary? Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nevada Democratic Party saw two of their members, Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones and Chairwoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, make headlines this week that were critical of their recent actions: Jones was sanctioned by a judge for deleting text messages related to developer Jim Rhodes’ efforts to build homes in Red Rock Canyon — some people even called for his resignation at a public comment meeting. Meanwhile, the GOP criticized Monroe-Moreno for comments she made about parents in a discussion on school choice. But was she taken out of context? Also, Governor Lombardo’s administration seeks a new building near the airport in place of their current downtown office, which they say is dilapidated. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by Andrew Kiraly, publisher of thelist.vegas, to explain the arguments and share some outdoor weekend events! What are your thoughts on school choice? Let us know in a voicemail and you could be featured in a future episode! Give us a call or text at 702-514-0719. And we’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Want some more daily Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas is only 117 years old, which is young in comparison to Los Angeles’ 241 years. (Not that we wanna be LA) But we do think Las Vegas is still learning how to preserve its own history. One of the things we do cherish is our restaurants, especially our steakhouses! On today’s episode, co-host Vogue Robinson talks with artist and food writer, Brent Holmes about some of Vegas’ oldest and newest eateries that make up the quintessential Las Vegas menu.  Restaurants mentioned: Bob Taylor’s Ranch House Oscar’s Steakhouse Top of Binion's Steakhouse Italian American Club The Golden Steer Ichiza Spago by Wolfgang Puck Esmerelda's Cafe Lotus of Siam Rani's World Foods Mint Indian Bistro Lindo Michoacan Dona Maria Tamales Tacos El Gordo Grits Cafe Mario’s Westside Market Chicago Joe’s We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The circus arts are a major attraction for Las Vegas, but have you heard of the Las Vegas Circus Center? Where performers, celebrities, hobbyists and everybody else can take classes and practices their acrobatic skills. It is a true hidden gem in the city of glitz and glamour where the fundamentals of the performers we see all over the strip are honed and perfected. So our host Dayvid Figler invited acclaimed acrobat Scott McDonald, both instructor and student at the center, to tells us about the path and challenges associated with the pursuit of circus arts and how everybody can find a class for them at the Circus Center!   Sign up for classes at the Las Vegas Circus Center! Scott McDonald's Instagram! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Give us call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter Hey Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After years of effort from activists, government officials, and Indigenous tribes, President Biden finally protected Avi Kwa Ame by declaring it Nevada’s fourth national monument in March. The 380,000 acres of land includes Spirit Mountain and is sacred to over 12 tribes. While celebrations happened all over the state, Governor Lombardo slammed the decision saying it was a “historic mistake” and that it would slow the development of affordable housing and disruptmining plans. Back in August, co-host Vogue Robinson spoke to Bertha Gutierrez of the Conservation Land Foundation. Bertha shares the story of Avi Kwa Ame, why it should be protected, and how Nevadans can enjoy it. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Nevada 83rd legislative session continues multiple bills have been introduced in an effort to curb rising rent cost in the state and it has not been a clean process. With many of these bills missing their deadline to pass last week, 5 of them have made it through. In an effort to makes sense of this messy debate host Vogue Robinson is joined by Nevada Current Reporter and friend of the show Michael Lyle to break down the difference between rent control vs. rent stabilization and what do these bills mean for the residents of Las Vegas.  Michael’s break down of the issue for the Nevada Current.  We’re on social media! Catch us on Twitter and Instagram. Better yet you can call or text us at 702-514-0719. Wanna keep up with everything Las Vegas? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Las Vegas.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Friday news roundup is a fun one: co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Current reporter April Corbin Girnus to break down new legislation on illegal towing, explain some very Vegas neon sign laws, and a chauffeur service to LA with a big price tag. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently Vegas has joined the ranks of cities throughout the nation to approve cottage kitchen laws. These laws allow for people to run small food businesses out of their private residences. But it isn’t all peaches and cream. In fact, the food items produced in cottage kitchens cannot contain uncooked cream, custard, nor cream cheese due to food safety regulations. Brett Boyer and his husband, Brendon Wilharber started their bakery, Desert Bread in 2018 and despite the challenges that rise, they’re rolling out the dough. Co-Host Vogue Robinson chops it up with Brett about how their business lets them spend more time doing what they love and how cottage laws have changed the pastry profession. Check out Dessert Bread! We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are nearing the end of poetry month and the City Cast Las Vegas team couldn’t let it go by without celebrating our vibrant and bustling community. Luckily, our co-hosts are two poets who have been performing, organizing, and representing our city for 10+ years. But how did we cultivate a thriving and dedicated poetry scene in a city where the people and venues are constantly changing? Producer Layla Muhammad sits down with the co-hosts, former Clark County poet laureate Vogue Robinson and longtime Vegas writer and poet Dayvid Figler to learn more. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tax season may have officially ended last week, but some Las Vegans may still be feeling the heat. According to Fidelity National Financial, Las Vegas ranks #2 for biggest tax procrastinators. To get some insight into our tax aversion (not to be confused with tax evasion), lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson talks to Jodi Mobley, executive director of Nevada Free Taxes Coalition. They are a nonprofit that helps low and middle income people file their taxes, even after Tax Day and into the extended season. Jodi shares why taxes don’t have to be all that complicated and how they can be both a burden and a relief for families. The crew at Nevada Free Taxes Coalition will be on a well deserved break until May 8th. Appointments for the extended tax season will be available on their website in early May. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Graduation season is upon us! We’re starting to see high schoolers and college grads descending on scenic spots around Las Vegas to take portraits — sometimes with elaborate additions to their stoles, gowns, and mortar board graduation caps. In fact, decorating grad caps is a fairly recent tradition that Dr. Sheila Bock, a folklorist at UNLV has been studying. She and co-host Dayvid Figler talk about why the messages on grad caps (even the silly SpongeBob ones) are so significant, why cultural expression is particularly important for some communities at commencement, and whether graduation regalia can go too far. They also get into the debate over AB73, a bill being discussed right now, which would allow high schoolers the same graduation garb permissions that university students in Nevada currently have. Have you worn special attire to a graduation ceremony, or know someone who has? Tell us how and why (or why you didn’t) by dropping us a line at 702-514-0719. You can leave us a voicemail or send us a text. And don’t forget that you can also follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Last but certainly not least, make sure to sign up for our amazing newsletter. Written and curated by beloved local journalist Scott Dickensheets, it’s a daily dose of news, events, and delightful commentary in our inbox every morning at 6 a.m. Sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The A’s have just signed a binding agreement to purchase land for a new stadium near Tropicana and Dean Martin. Does that mean they’re really coming to town? And how do we feel about that? On today’s news roundup, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler sit down with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson to talk about the Oakland-slash-Vegas A’s, a controversial HOA bill being debated in the legislature (and the problem with HOAs), and what happened when the Animal Foundation was called before the County Commission this Tuesday. Last but not least, we play the messages you sent us about human composting (surprise, not everyone agrees!). Pull up a chair and a bag of popcorn, friends — this week is all about the drama. How do you feel about the A’s coming to town? Leave us a voicemail or a text (702-514-0719), or tag us on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Love what you’re hearing? Get even more of this Vegas-y goodness with news, events and commentary in our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cooking with cannabis has moved beyond the college dorm weed brownie. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Veronica Marquez, AKA Chef Vee, a Cordon Bleu-trained private chef who creates cannabis-infused fine dining feasts for celebrity clients — we’re talking clams stuffed with cannabis aioli, scallops basted in cannabutter, and steaks with CBD-laced chimichurri sauce. Chef Vee shares hilarious stories from the world of high dining, gives home cooks some tips for infusing, and talks about how her meals are breaking down the stigma of who cannabis consumers really are. Do you have strong feelings about cannabis-infused cooking? Love it or hate it, we’d love to hear from — leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. Don’t forget, we’re also on social media and you can always tag us there, too! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence has arrived in Las Vegas, and it’s here to stay. Both Resorts World and the Cosmopolitan already use A.I. chatbots with friendly names like “Rose” and “Red” to answer guest queries about where to go and what to do. There’s even a laser-eyed robot bouncer on the Strip. But how will A.I. evolve, and will it take over our city’s legendary hospitality industry? Could A.I. make gambling even more addictive? Are the A.I.-enhanced robots going to replace us all? Geoff Carter, senior editor at the Las Vegas Weekly, asked those questions in a recent cover story that he discusses with co-host Dayvid Figler. Don’t miss the end of the episode, in which we pit Geoff’s Vegas cred against ChatGPT — the last question threw us all for a loop. Are you worried about A.I. in Las Vegas? Or excited about it? Let us know what you think by tagging us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram) or leaving us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. Oh, and if you’re not signed up for our brilliant morning newsletter yet… whatcha waiting for? Get on the list for the best thing in your inbox every morning at 6 a.m. — sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two most common legal options for funerals in Nevada (the traditional burial and cremation) are not the most environmentally friendly. That could change with a bill currently being debated in the Nevada Senate for a greener option: natural organic reduction, or human composting. Assemblyman Max Carter II tells lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson about the issues with current burial options, how natural organic reduction can help the environment, and what made him want to sponsor the bill. Would you want to be planted under a tree? Let us know your thoughts on natural organic reduction, or what kind of tree you'd want to become, at 702-514-0719. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram to join the conversation.  Sign up for our morning newsletter here to stay engaged with all the latest community news, chatter, and hot takes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The dams built along the Colorado River some hundred years ago paved the way for Western cities to boom. Las Vegas wouldn’t exist without Lake Mead, our nation’s largest reservoir. But these dams came with a cost: environmental impact, cultural loss, and fraught political battles. So as Western states stare down a deadline for figuring out our Colorado River allocation, we gotta ask: Was the creation of Lake Mead… a mistake? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with UNLV hydrology professor David Kreamer to talk about the mistakes we made when damming the river first started, the salty agricultural mayhem the dam created downriver, and what needs to change if we’re going to keep Lake Mead, after all. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s one of the more hotly-debated legislative items this session: Nevada is one of just five states without a lottery. We already have gambling, so what’s the big deal? In today’s news roundup, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler along with newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets break it all down, and debate the pros and cons of a lottery in our state. They also discuss the MSG Sphere’s upcoming launch (and what they’d actually want to see in the sphere). And last but not least, we ask why Vegas was recently ranked the country’s sixth-best city for weed, below Buffalo, NY and Baltimore, MD (yes, the concentration of Taco Bells was a metric in this highly-scientific ranking). Are you excited enough for the MSG Sphere to score a $200+ ticket? Tell us your thoughts on the newest addition to our skyline on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719 and let us know if you’d vote yes or no to the lottery in Nevada. Don’t forget to sign up here for our morning newsletter to stay up to date and engaged with your wittiest neighbor Scott!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of the foods we think of as quintessentially Filipino (chicken adobo, lumpia, and pancit) are actually the result of centuries of colonization and cultural influence from Spain, China, Malaysia, and even the U.S. So what exactly makes Filipino food… Filipino? That’s the question driving Walbert Castillo, creator of the brand-new Filipino pop-up series Istorya — along with chef Catherine Carlucci and a team that includes culinary historians and cultural advisors, Istorya is peeling back the layers of history. Their first meal in the series, which is popping up on April 25th, explores pre-colonial Filipino ingredients and techniques, which includes tuna, ube, activated coconut charcoal, and a very special “dinosauregg”-shaped block of salt. And, as Walbert tells lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, it turns out that Las Vegas is the perfect ground zero for this Filipino food movement. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Vegas natives wouldn’t think gardening in our climate makes a lot of sense, but as our spring weather finally evens out and we spend more time outside, you may be glad to hear that gardening is possible for us! As our city grows and apartment living gets more common, our co-host Vogue Robinson asks Cheyenne Kyle, master gardener at the Obodo Collective, how to start a spring patio garden for any small space. From planting a watermelon in a bag to transitioning your garden for the summer, Cheyenne has all the Vegas planting tips you need to keep your plants alive. Let us know what else is on your mind this spring on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Jordan Clark saw an e-bike in the lobby of his hotel a few years ago, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to ride it. At 330lbs, he wasn’t doing much cycling. One ride later, and he was hooked. Today, Jordan is 245lbs and now owns several e-bike stores in the Valley — and he’s not just an enthusiast, he’s an evangelist. As Jordan points out, people with limited mobility like the elderly and infirm can tackle rides that they wouldn’t have otherwise. But not everyone is happy about e-bikes and how fast they can go. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, Jordan and co-host Vogue Robinson chat about how e-bikes can offer accessible cycling, the debates around e-bike regulation, and where to hit the trails around Las Vegas. Are you an e-bike enthusiast? Adamantly opposed to their presence on the trails? Let us know what you think: Tag us on social media (@CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram) or leave us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Las Vegas goings-on-about-town? Then make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada lawmakers are discussing a bill that would decriminalize psychedelics like shrooms and ketamine. Advocates argue that this will help open the door for more research on psychedelics’ clinical uses in mental health. But what’s the experience of using psychedelics really like? Perhaps no one is more qualified to talk about this than Shane Mauss — he’s a comedian, science podcaster, and self-described psychonaut who has been exploring the world of psychedelics (bothfirst-hand and through interviews and research) for over 20 years now. And on the heels of his 111-city tour of “A Good Trip,” Shane is now bringing a new art and video-filled special called “A Better Trip” to Area15, for a residency starting April 23rd. Co-host Dayvid Figler and Shane sit down to talk about how Shane’s views on psychedelics have evolved, his own mental health journey, and what Nevadans should know about psychedelics as we debate their decriminalization. Do you think Nevada should decriminalize psychedelics? Have you had a good trip or a bad trip you want to share? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or tag us on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more of what Las Vegas is talking about, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The historic Huntridge Theater will light up its marquee neon sign tonight for the first time in two decades (event details here) — which developer J Dapper says is a sign to the community that the space is on its way to renovation. But soon — and how likely is it to happen? In today’s news roundup, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler, along with contributor and thelist.vegas publisher Andrew Kiraly, discuss the Huntridge relighting and the “Lucy’s football” promise of the theater’s reopening. Then, it’s on to a heavier topic: A lawsuit against former associates of Tony Hsieh — it’s not the first such lawsuit, but this one comes with serious allegations, including a claim that Hsieh paid $30 million over actual value for the former Las Vegas city hall building. So what lessons can Las Vegas learn from this sad saga? And last, we discuss a proposed new beer garden on the roof of an apartment building — and how this debate could open up an interesting conversation about walkable neighborhoods and sensible zoning. Would you want a beer garden on your apartment rooftop? Or a coffeeshop in a house down the street? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or tagging us on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also follow us for tips, pics, and soundbites from the show! For even more Las Vegas news, events and snarky commentary, you’ll want to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter. Don’t miss out, get it here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the pandemic, Victoria Flores started a food pantry from her home to help her community on the Eastside have better access to nutritious foods and essentials. Two years later, as SNAP benefits, or food assistance, that some Nevadans have been receiving since the pandemic began comes to an end this month, Victoria tells co-host Vogue Robinson how The Solidarity Fridge has been embraced by the community and will continue to meet people where they are at, no questions asked. Learn how you can get involved in supporting The Solidarity Fridge at https://www.thesolidarityfridge.org. Are you a Las Vegan working to solve an issue in our community? Let us know in a voicemail or text at 702-514-0719. You can also join the conversation on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2023 legislative session saw over 900 new bills introduced that ranged from serious to seriously curious. So how do the legislators make time to discuss all of them? Well, the wackiest ones don’t usually get a chance for debate on the floor, but Nevada Current reporter April Corbin Girnus tells co-host Dayvid Figler that there might be more to these “stunt” bills than you think. April and Dayvid discuss the wackiest bills proposed this session, and why they might serve a purpose, even if they’re dead on arrival. If you were elected to the legislature, whats the wackiest bill would you’d propose? Let us know on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to hit that follow button while you’re there. You can also call us at 702-514-0719 and leave it in a voicemail! Trying to keep up with Nevada politics, news, and culture? Let Scott Dickensheets help you stay in the know by signing up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When AB168 passed in 2019, it required school districts across the state to integrate restorative justice into their disciplinary plans — in other words, instead of going right to the punishments, like suspension or expulsion, schools needed to look at other behavioral remedies. But fast forward to today, and it seems like nobody (on any side of the political spectrum) is happy with how AB168 has played out. Even our governor recently spoke out against it, pushing a new bill that will make major revisions to AB168 in the name of school safety. So why didn’t restorative justice play out as planned? Has AB168 turned into a scapegoat for school safety concerns? What policies could actually work? Today, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Rocío Hernández, to talk about the drama over these two bills, and what’s being done about it. What are your school safety concerns — and how do you see restorative justice working (or not) in schools? Let us know by commenting and tagging us on socials (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram), or by leaving us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. It’s chock-full of events, news, thoughtful (andoccasionally snarky) conversations about topics that matter to Las Vegans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re a city where visitors outnumber locals many times over. Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, but it’s also a source of tension when the party comes to local neighborhoods. So short-term rentals (or STRs) like Airbnbs or VRBOs are a hot-button issue here— where they should be allowed, how they affect communities, and who gets to operate how many. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Jackie Flores and Louis Koorndyk, both STR operators and co-founders of the Greater Las Vegas STR Association. They explain why they’re challenging the County ordinance, and what they’re fighting for. It’s a spirited conversation — and a timely one: The County Commission will be discussing changes to the ordinance in their meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 4th. It’s on the agenda at 10 a.m. What are your thoughts on STRs in Las Vegas? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or tag us on on Twitter and Instagram (we’re @CityCastVegas). Want more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday was the last day for members of the Senate and Assembly to introduce bills for the 2023 session and some of those proposals are already seeing pushback. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson are joined by lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson to break down both sides of a proposal to ban hate symbols and another to out cheaters in online poker. Plus, the team shares their highlights from the first year of City Cast Las Vegas — along with two surprise special guests! Check out our birthday post on Instagram for a year of memories (we’re @CityCastVegas on both Twitter and Instagram). And if you’ve got any thoughts on our discussion topics today, let us know! You can call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want even more Las Vegas news, events, and fun commentary? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here — it lands fresh in your inbox at 6 a.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever since Ikea popped up on the south curve of the 215, the surrounding empty dirt lots have been filling up with businesses, housing, and soon-to-be a new Station Casino. But the most exciting development in the Rainbow and 215 area is a food hub that neighbors are dubbing Chinatown 2.0. Food blogger Phil Tzeng (AKA LasVegasFill) joins co-host Vogue Robinson to talk about the best new spots, how the concentration of Asian food started, and if Vegas is big enough for two thriving Chinatowns. What other Vegas food topics do you want to hear about? You can let us know in a text or voicemail at 702-514-0719. And we’re on social media! Follow us and let us know if Vegas is big enough for two Chinatowns: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Find more Vegas favorite food spots and a whole lot more by signing up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you’ve got friends or family coming to town that you really, really like, you take them to the good Vegas spots. You know what we’re talking about — whatever the opposite of M&M’s World is. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Coco Jenkins, creator of the popular Instagram account @NothingToDoLV. There is, of course, a TON to do in LV, and Coco’s got the best tips for where to take a family of six, the college friend who only visits Vegas ironically, and the auntie and uncle looking for a low-key good time. Follow us on social media for more Vegas tips, secrets, and explainers @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Have some Vegas recs of your own you’d like to share? Send us a text or voicemail at 702-514-0719. Don’t forget to sign up for the our morning newsletter here for your daily dose of local news, facts, and fun.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, we asked our listeners and newsletter readers to tell us about the biggest tourist scams you’re all seeing in Las Vegas. And overwhelmingly, the number one response was the “fake cannabis” stores on Fremont Street. Yep — despite the green crosses and marijuana leaves all over their signs, none of their products will actually get you high. So how are they getting away with this… and why should locals care if tourists get a little swindled on Fremont Street? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson talks with Scot Rutledge, a government and regulatory affairs specialist at Argentum Partners — he managed the 2016 campaign to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis. Scot visited one of these “fake cannabis” stores over the weekend and explains how they’re getting away with selling the pre-rolls, gummies, and bud that don’t contain enough THC to get even the most enthusiastic tourist high. Have you seen the fake cannabis stores in Las Vegas? Post a pic and tag us on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. And if you’ve thoughts on today’s episode, let us know: call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news, events, and commentary? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No place in Las Vegas has changed more in the past few years than the Arts District downtown. Over the course of the pandemic, as businesses all over town closed their doors, a few brave locals launched their own small businesses in the Arts District — and they’ve thrived. Our hosts Vogue Robinson and lifelong downtowner Dayvid Figler take you on their tour through the newest places on and around Main St. You’ll hear about Dayvid’s favorite coffee joints, Vogue’s newest favorite gift shop, and also their discussion on how the neighborhood has changed for the better and maybe even the worse. Learn something new about our city? Give us a follow on social media for even more Vegas content! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas goings-on-about-town, do yourself a huge favor and sign up for our newsletter here — it arrives fresh in your inbox every morning at 6 a.m. You can thank us later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some long awaited news finally came down the federal pipeline to Nevada: Avi Kwa Ame, the sacred land to Indigenous communities, has officially been declared a national monument. On Tuesday, Biden protected over 500,000 acres of land in Clark County. Co-host Vogue Robinson and producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad recap the efforts from multiple groups and discuss Governor Lombardo’s critical remarks. Also, Elon Musk’s Boring Company submits plans for an expanded Vegas Loop (hey, if it goes bust, we can always turn it into a giant Slip ‘N Slide). And last but not least, the team dreams up a very Vegas airport. How would you make the airport feel more Vegas? Let us know in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also join the conversation on social media by following us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Stay current and stay engaged with all things Vegas by signing up for our brilliant morning newsletter here — it’s the best thing in your inbox at 6 a.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The days of the dirt-cheap buffet and the 99 cent shrimp cocktail are long gone — and with inflation on the rise, cheap eats are harder to find than ever in Las Vegas. But being on a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) enjoy a meal out, says contributor Brent Holmes. Today on the podcast, Brent tells co-host Dayvid Figler all about their philosophy on cheap eats, and where to find the best ones in town, from falafel to food markets. A list of the restaurants that Brent and Dayvid discuss: Hot food counters at Marketon, Mariana’s, and Rani’s World Foods Pho Bosa Kitchen Fat Boy Restaurant Daikon Vegan Sushi Gyro Time Ellis Island Village Pub & Cafe Habanero Grill Esmeralda’s Cafe We’ve got them all mapped out for you here. Love what you’re hearing? Keep us with us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want to share your own favorite cheap eats in Vegas? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or tag us on the social accounts above. For even more Las Vegas news, events, and whip-smart commentary, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

70 years ago, iconic Black musicians like Sammy Davis Jr. and Harry Belafonte might have graced the stage at Vegas casinos — but wouldn’t be allowed to stay on-site, or walk through the front door (though many pushed back). Despite Las Vegas’s reputation for some freedom from societal norms, segregation was one line in the sand casino operators wouldn’t cross. Why was that? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Vogue Robinson chats with historian Claytee White, director of UNLV’s Oral History Research Center. She points us back to March 26, 1960, the day the Strip finally agreed to desegregate — and why that agreement was never written down on paper. Did you learn something new from this episode? Have a question for Claytee White? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For even more Vegas news, history, and goings-on about town, make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Nevada and 11 other states, an obscure statute allows the trash company to put a lien on your home if you don’t pay your bills. They say it’s because unlike water and gas utilities, they can’t cut off service — they have to keep picking up your trash. But over the course of 2022, Republic Services has doubled their lawsuits, and they’re not saying why. Today, co-host Vogue Robinson chats with Michael “MJ” Lyle, who just wrote a story about a Henderson woman who could lose her home because of 20-year-old unpaid trash bills, and the solutions he sees as an alternative. (Spoiler alert: One of them involves Rihanna.) What’s been your experience with Republic Services? Let us know on socials — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram — or by leaving us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Stay in the loop on all things Vegas, from news to events and more: Sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter! Get it right here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you follow any kind of Vegas news online, the algorithms will inevitably surface  “gambling influencers” on your social media feeds. These are typically accounts that livestream hours and hours of slot play — with millions and millions of views. It’s a new phenomenon, casino industry expert Scott Roeben (AKA Vital Vegas) tells co-host Dayvid Figler. And casinos aren’t quite sure what to do with them — are they helping casinos? What about the influencers dabbling in illegal betting practices, or other questionable legal gray areas? And then there’s the dark side of it all: Are they making problem gambling worse? What’s your take on gambling influencers? Got a favorite gambling influencer? Let us know, and tell us why! Tag us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram). And hey, we’ve got another question for you: Have you seen any tourists getting swindled in Vegas? What do you think are the biggest tourist scams in town? Leave us a message at 702-514-0719 — we may play it on a future episode. For more Vegas news, events and commentary (it’ll make you laugh, we promise), sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should animal abusers be put on a publicly-available registry, much like sex offenders are? That’s what one bill recently proposed in the legislature wants to do — but as always, we’ve got some hot takes on that proposal. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with producer Layla Muhammad and Nevada Current reporter April Corbin to talk about the week of news. After discussing the animal abuse bill, we tackle another tough topic: A bill that would legalize physician-assisted death for terminally ill patients — and all the complications involved. Last but not least, anyone who attempted to hit the highways on Wednesday knows that President Biden came to town. So why did he discuss healthcare… and not Avi Kwa Ame? What are your thoughts on the proposed registry of animal abusers? Let us know by leaving a voicemail or sending us a text message at 702-514-0719. You can also comment on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want to stay even more in the know on Las Vegas news, events, and more? Make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Vegas creeps towards warmer weather, we find ourselves in the perfect season for brunch. But this is the entertainment capital of the world, so we can’t just brunch — in this city we turn every occasion into a party. The Review Journal’s restaurant reporter Johnathan Wright and co-host Vogue Robinson share their thoughts on the “party brunch,” how brunch culture has taken a turn, and their favorite spots in Vegas. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Or let us know your best party brunch experience on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more food news and recs, be sure to sign up here for our deliciously curated morning newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the heels of the February closure of Village Square, the one movie theater in town that would regularly play indie films, a new theater opened its doors: The Beverly is a glamorous, brand-new construction with top-of-the-line tech. It’s also privately-funded by noted Vegas philanthropist Bev Rogers. So where Village Square failed, can the Beverly succeed? Founding creative director Kip Kelly thinks so. He tells co-host Dayvid Figler how “event-izing,” quirky curatorial picks like “Leprechaun 3,” and catering to our 2.3 million locals (and not our 42 million visitors) is all part of the plan. What do you want to see at the Beverly? Got an indie film or cult favorite that you’re hoping they’ll screen? Comment on socials (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram) or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. To stay in the loop on all things Vegas, sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. You’ll get a delightfully-curated selection of news, events, and musings about our city, fresh in your inbox every day at 6 a.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, Las Vegas lights are visible from space and yes, you aren’t going to see much of the night sky from the middle of town. But, as David Blanchette, vice president of special events at the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, tells co-host Dayvid Figler, the open desert just beyond the light dome of our city is a fantastic place to view the night sky. He spills the beans on some great out-of-the-way spots to stargaze, and explains how humidity in the air and proteins in the human eye can change your viewing experience. David and Dayvid also touch on the new development out at Red Rock Canyon, and how a simple change in light fixtures could help cut back on light pollution. Don’t miss the LV Astronomical Society’s next community event on March 25th. Do you have a special spot to go look up at the stars? More tips for getting a good night sky show? Let us know on socials (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram), or leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. We love getting your feedback, so fire away! For more on the latest, greatest, and sometimes irate-est goings-on in Las Vegas, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. It’s the best thing in your inbox at 6 a.m. daily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mojave Max is Las Vegas’s most elusive celebrity… literally. Like all desert tortoises, he spends 95% of his life underground. But as every Vegas schoolchild knows, the day that Mojave Max emerges from his winter brumation (that’s the reptilian version of hibernation), spring officially begins. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, as we await Mojave Max’s return, we’re bringing back a favorite conversation from last spring: Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Audrie Locke from the Clark County Desert Conservation Program to talk about how Mojave Max came to be, why you should never pick up a tortoise (spoiler: they’ll pee on you), and why these hard-shelled friends are surprisingly fragile, much like our desert ecosystem. Have you ever guessed Mojave Max’s emergence correctly? You’ve got bragging rights: Let us know by calling us at 702-514-0719, or commenting on socials: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more on the latest and greatest in Vegas news, arts, and culture, be sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter, right here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vegas icons Siegfried and Roy’s massive jungle-theme palace has been put up for sale for $3 million. Does this signify the end to the over the top, kitschy Vegas era that the late performers made their mark on? Also, CCSD takes on the fight against vaping in a lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul and a new proposed bill sparks debate between craft beer breweries and distributors. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler discuss with newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets for this week’s Friday news roundup. What do you think of the new Vegas design trends? Missing the OTT era or loving the lean towards minimalism? Let us know on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. And if you have some really strong feelings go ahead and rant it in a voicemail at 702-514-0719! Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here for more Dickensheetsian wit and humor in your inbox.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re “Mariana Trench” deep when it comes to the state of mental health in Nevada, Dr. Jim Jobin, psychotherapist and co-host of PodTherapy, tells CCLV co-host Dayvid Figler. That might sound like hyperbole, but it’s backed up with data: Nevada ranks 51st in the nation for access to mental health. But why? Why is it so hard for us keep providers in the state, and how do our current insurance laws make it harder to get care? Can any of the bills currently being debated in our legislature do anything about it? We take notes so you don’t have to! Here are the bills that Dr. Jim mentions: SB 119 - Allows for continuing coverage of telehealth AB 138 - Provides Medicaid coverage for integrated behavioral healthcare SB 177 - Allows Medicaid to cover stronger meds for psychiatric medication, like antipsychotics AB 69 - Expands student loan forgiveness to increase the number of mental health providers SB 146 - As initially proposed: An “any willing provider” law, basically to require insurance companies to accept otherwise qualified healthcare providers into their system. What other proposals are you curious about this legislative session? Let us know in a text or voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Keep up with all the happenings in Carson City by signing up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas is one of the most well-known destinations in the world, yet the best known works about the city are mainly from visitors who don’t always get things right. Co-Hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are both accomplished writers living in Las Vegas who struggle with biases and expectations about how Las Vegas can or should be depicted. At this very special live taping at the brand new Beverly Theater, Vogue and Dayvid sit down with accomplished Las Vegas-based writers Kim Foster and Veeda Bybee in front of an engaged, live audience, to discuss the balance between being protective of your home town but also writing true, intriguing accounts of a city as unique as Las Vegas. Kim and Veeda also discuss pushback in presenting Las Vegas stories to editors and publishers and making sure Las Vegas is given its fair due. Want to hear the full panel plus audience Q&A? Find that on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfahv7ApjAVGufMbFlHP5A Let us know what you’d like to hear at a live City Cast Las Vegas panel! Send us a message @CityCastVegas on Twitterand Instagram. You can also send us a voicemail or text at 702-514-0719. Make sure to sign up for our always entertaining morning newsletter here for more Vegas insights and hot takes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did y’all know that the four-time national goatee championship winner lives in Las Vegas? Patrick Dawson settled in Vegas and co-founded the Sin City Beard Coalition with his wife, Lori Fries — and as it turns out, Lori is a bit of a beard aficionado herself. In beard and mustache competitions, “whiskerinas” are an entire category of creative beard-ing for the biologically whiskerless (Lori once made a beard out of Barbie heads). Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler dives into the world of competitive facial hair, the charity causes they support, and what it takes to care for an award-winning beard in our hot, dry desert climate. Interested in seeing more, or even competing yourself? You’re in luck! The Sin City Beard Coalition is hosting the Battle Born Beard and Mustache Competition on Saturday, March 25th. All proceeds will go to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Extreme Couture, a veterans’ organization. Learn more at beard.vegas. Do you have a niche hobby you’d like to tell us about? Or a beard-grooming tip for Vegas? Post a pic of your hobby (or magnificent facial hair) and tag us on socials: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719. Looking for even more in-the-know Vegas chatter, news, and events? Sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems someone dropped Australian redclaw crayfish into the Wetlands Park, and that’s bad news for the native fish. They’re currently contained in a couple of ponds, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife is trying to remove them before they spread. Agency spokesman Doug Nielsen explains to co-host Vogue Robinson the danger they pose to the local environment, and how we can prevent this in the future. Did you learn something new today? So did we! Keep up with us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. You can also learn something new about Las Vegas everyday in our morning newsletter! Sign up here to be one step closer to becoming a Vegas expert.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Co-host Dayvid Figler leads our Friday news round up with producer Layla Muhammad and publisher of thelist.vegas, Andrew Kiraly. They unpack major plans to bring the Rio Hotel and Casino back to life, a surprising turn of events in the trial of Robert Telles, and the impact of the Rock N Roll Marathon on Las Vegans. Don’t forget: Come see City Cast Las Vegas live at the opening of The Beverly Theater this Saturday at 1 p.m.! Event details here.  Should Vegas make the Strip a pedestrian walkway? Let us know your thoughts on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  What will you miss about the OG Rio hotel and casino? You can call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March is Women’s History Month — and Las Vegas has no shortage of trailblazing women who have helped make our city what it is today. In this conversation originally aired last fall, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Su Kim Chung, Head of Public Services in Special Collections and Archives at UNLV, to talk about her shortlist of Las Vegas women. Essentially: If Las Vegas were to have its own Mt. Rushmore of notable ladies, who’d be on it? For more information about the women on Su Kim’s list, click on the links below: Helen Stewart Lubertha Johnson Claudine Williams Carol Harter Margaret Kelly (Miss Bluebell) Don’t forget: Come see City Cast Las Vegas live at the opening of The Beverly Theater this Saturday! Event details here.  We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have our list of places to take people in Vegas that we like, but what about those we hate? Whether it’s an ex or that drunk tourist who won’t leave you alone, co-host Dayvid Figler and producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad are here with their recs for where to go to have the best terrible day in Vegas. Where are you sending your enemy in Las Vegas? Let us know in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Or send us your terrible day recommendations on social! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  We’d never recommend anything bad to our readers though, so be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here for the best Vegas has to offer. Last but not least, we’re excited to let you know about a LIVE event we’re hosting at the Beverly opening weekend this Saturday! Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson will interview local authors Kim Foster and Veeda Bybee about what it means to be a local, Las Vegas writer. Come on through: Saturday, March 4th, at 1pm. Find more details here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the end of last year, the Aria closed its buffet and opened up a food hall in its place. And not long after Station Casinos famously (notoriously?) announced that their buffets would never return, their plans for Durango Station, opening this fall, came out — featuring Eat Your Heart Out, a buzzy new food hall… and no buffet. So why are food halls all the rage now, and is this the death knell of the iconic Vegas buffet? Today, co-host Vogue Robinson talks with food influencer Phil Tzeng, A.K.A. Las Vegas Fill, about the rise of food halls, the best ones to visit in Vegas, and where the Vegas buffet is headed. Are you team food hall or team buffet? Let us know on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram), or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. For more on what’s happening in Las Vegas (and it’s a lot), sign up for our brilliant daily newsletter: You’ll get a curated selection of the Valley’s best events, latest news, and sharpest observations. Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did someone say burlesque baking show?! Vegas entertainers Anaïs Thomassian, Melody Sweets, and Melissa King-Jules aka MsTickle bring us Sweets Spots TV. After performing on the Strip in Absinthe and other Vegas venues for over 7 years, these creators took their live show concept and made it work as a hilarious online series full of talking puppets, flying blueberry pies, and a very evil donut. Co-host Vogue Robinson talks to Melody and Melissa about making your creative dreams come true in Las Vegas. Be the first to see upcoming episodes of Sweets Spot TV by subscribing on Youtube at youtube.com/@sweetsspottv. Have you seen some cool content created in Vegas recently? Share it with us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also leave us a voicemail, song, or rant at 702-514-0719. Don’t miss out on all the essential Vegas information in our morning newsletter! Sign up here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For today’s roundup of the news, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by contributor Michael “MJ” Lyle, a reporter at the Nevada Current. First up: A recent video of CCSD police arresting several Black students and throwing one to the ground while shouting an expletive went viral — community organizations have since rallied. So what’s at the heart of this recurring tension, and what comes next? Then, the team discusses a GQ profile of Usher that dubs him the “new king of Las Vegas,” and dives into what a Las Vegas residency can do creatively for music artists. And last but not least: A Republican lawmaker wants to stop restaurants from automatically serving you a glass of water when you sit down — under these new rules, you’d only get water on request. So how much of this is sound environmental policy, and how much of it is, well… optics? What do you think about this water bill? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter and Instagram. For more commentary, events, and news from locals for locals, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News reports and social media are awash with photos and videos of coyotes roaming the streets of Las Vegas — but why? Are we in the middle of a coyote population boom, is climate change driving them out of their natural habitat, or are we simply moving into the coyotes’ neighborhoods? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with UNLV wildlife ecologist Dr. David Choate, who explains why we’re seeing all these coyotes, and how much of a threat they pose to people and pets. Plus, he’s got tips on what to do if you run into one. Have you seen any coyote in Las Vegas? How do you think the city should handle them? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or hit us up on Twitter or Instagram. Love what you’re hearing? Get even more Vegas news, events, and commentary when you sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter! You can do that right here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Vegas Loop is an underground tunnel system connecting the Las Vegas Convention Center halls and two properties on the north end of the Strip by Tesla rides. Elon Musk’s Boring Company got approval from the Clark County Commission in 2021 to expand the tunnels to connect downtown, the airport, and Allegiant Stadium. As construction plans move forward this year, is this private venture a solution to our public transportation issues? And can visitors look forward to this at next year’s Super Bowl? Transportation expert and CityNerd Ray Delahanty breaks down the hype. Share your thoughts about the Vegas Loop with us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Stay up to date on all hype-est Vegas projects by signing up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rents are crazy high, evictions are spiking, and now federal rent assistance is scaling back drastically. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Legal Aid Executive Director Barbara Buckley, who is predicting a “tsunami” of housing insecurity in Las Vegas in the next 60 days — Legal Aid has already seen the number of clients seeking housing advice at their free legal clinic nearly double recently. Barbara says Legal Aid has some “common sense” solutions they’re pushing at the 2023 legislative session, but, as former Speaker of the Assembly, she knows a showdown is likely in store. Are you seeing your rent go up? Are you a landlord trying to navigate the system? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or a comment on Twitter or Instagram. For more on what’s going on in the Vegas Valley, from the latest news to the hottest events in town, you’ll want to sign up for our morning newsletter — get that here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s roundup of the news, co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets and we’re covering a lot of ground: First up, what the departure of the last Mirage dolphins means for Las Vegas and our particular brand of spectacle (and why keeping cetaceans in the Mojave miiiiight have been not such a great idea after all). Next, we get into the troubling report that Nevada is a childcare “desert,” with one of the lowest rates of access to childcare in the nation. So what’s a state to do — and could “bring your baby to work” programs like the state treasurer’s office is trying out actually work? Last, we’re trying oh-so-very-hard to NOT get our hopes up with reports that a high speed rail line is one step closer to fruition… but what exactly does that mean? Look, we’ve heard it all before, we’re kinda jaded! And to round things things out, we talk about our plans for the three-day holiday weekend — from Pokemon Go at Sunset Park to the Great Backyard Bird Count, all taking place this weekend. How are you figuring out childcare in Las Vegas? Are you holding out hope that we’ll get a SoCal to Vegas high-speed train? Let us know! Give us a ring at 702-514-0719 or leave us a comment on Twitter and Instagram (we’re @CityCastVegas on both). For more fun Vegas events and observations from the ever-brilliant Scott Dickensheets, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here — sign up now, thank us later. And have a great three-day holiday weekend, y’all! We’ll be back on Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada lawmakers in DC say they’re on board with President Biden’s new Junk Fee Prevention Act, announced last week, with one exception: The resort fees charged by “our world-class casinos and hotels,” which they say are up front and transparent. But resort fees can double or even triple the nightly cost of a hotel room here in Vegas — and if you’ve heard from any tourists lately, they’re not happy about it. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with longtime casino industry observer Scott Roeben, better known as the author behind Vital Vegas. They talk about how the internet spurred a surge in resort fees, and why Scott has some serious reservations about how their rise could affect our city — for locals and tourists alike. What do you think — are resort fees outta control, or do our hotels need them? Leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719, or comment on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more on the latest in Las Vegas, sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter, arriving in your inbox every day at 6 a.m. Nothing like the smell of fresh-baked pixels from the one and only Scott Dickensheets! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cheyenne Kyle is a classically-trained chef with Strip credentials, a master gardener, and an entrepreneur. But when the pandemic hit, like so many others in our hospitality-centric city, she lost two jobs in one day — helping others find food during that tough time, she says, kept her going. So joining the Obodo Collective, a Black women-led nonprofit, in starting a farm in the historic Westside was a natural next step for her. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Vogue Robinson chats with Cheyenne about the impact of a farm in a historically underfunded community with limited grocery options. The next gardening class at the Obodo Farm will take place on Sunday, February 26th. Are you gardening this spring? Tag us and @theobodocollective in your pics! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re out here trying to be single and mingle in Las Vegas, we feel for you — it’s not easy, anywhere. But is it extra-hard in our city? After all, we’re a big little town of 2.5 million locals and 42 million visitors every year, and tourists tend to clog up the dating apps. Or is the problem that we’re actually a small town, and you see the same faces everywhere? Today, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, producer Layla Muhammad, and contributor Michael “MJ” Lyle discuss the ups and downs of dating in Vegas, our strategies for avoiding tourists and serial killers, and the best places to take first dates when you’re looking for love in Las Vegas. Last but not least, for an extra dash of inspiration, the rest of the CCLV team chimes in with their Vegas love stories — because newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets, and co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson all met their life partners IRL right here in Las Vegas! Did you meet your partner in Las Vegas? Agree or disagree that dating sucks here? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or leave a comment on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For even more Las Vegas news, events, and fun commentary, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. It’s the best thing in your inbox at 6 a.m., we promise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Egg prices are outta control — they doubled over the course of 2022. So that’s got a lot of Las Vegans asking themselves… should we get backyard chickens? Award-winning food writer and backyard chicken wrangler Kim Foster joins co-host Vogue Robinson today to talk about why you should (and shouldn’t) raise chickens, and everything it takes to do it right in the extreme weather conditions of Las Vegas. Fair warning in case you’ve got kids in the car: There’s a lengthy discussion about chicken butts in this episode. Actually, they’re gonna love that. Queue up this episode! If you’re now on the chicken train, check out the Las Vegas Backyard Pet Chickens group that Kim mentioned here. Do you keep chickens? Change your mind about chickens thanks to this episode? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. Or leave a comment for us on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Have you signed up for our amazing morning newsletter yet? If so, you know that it’s the best place to your daily dose of news, events, and commentary about town. If not, get on board, already! Sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday (whoop whoop) and we’ve made it to the end of the week, which means you get to treat yourself to this week’s roundup of the news. Today, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson welcome Thelist.Vegas publisher and culture maven Andrew Kiraly onto the show. They talk about the recent allegations against the Aces and the WNBA’s investigation into whether or not the team used under-the-table payments to circumvent the league’s salary caps. But the question also arises… why are the WNBA salary caps so low? Next, with Jim Belushi in town this weekend to hawk his cannabis brand, we discuss the rise of celebrity-owned cannabis companies, and which celebrities we’d want to buy weed from. Third, a senator from Hawaii is proposing a bill to ban gambling ads from Nevada (and Nevada only) — why? And will banning those ads actually address problem gambling? Last but not least, we get into the Black History Month eventsyou should be checking out (one of which features our very own Vogue Robinson!). Which celebrity cannabis brand would you want to see? Do you have thoughts on the WNBA salary cap? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or leave us a comment on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. If you love this daily dose of fresh Vegas news, events and commentary, then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for EVEN MORE! You won’t regret it, we promise. :)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valentine’s Day can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re heading out with your significant other(s), yourself, or a group of pals, food writer and multidisciplinary artist Brent Holmes has got you covered with all the best restaurant options. Make a reservation or keep it low-key — let Brent and co-host Vogue Robinson plan out your Valentine’s Day. Mentioned in this episode: Hamburger Hut Sparrow + Wolf Triple 7 Sweets Raku Big Wong Palms Casino Resort / Vetri Cucina The Steak House at Circus Circus PRIME Matcha Cafe Maiko China Mama Fukuburger Steaks and Beer Starboard Tack Champagne’s Vegas Test Kitchen Esther’s Kitchen Main St Provisions Sorry Not Sorry Creamery Do you think Las Vegas is a romantic city? Send us a love letter or voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this follow up to yesterday’s episode about the policing of street vendors in Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler hears from officials at the Southern Nevada Health District about their part in regulating vendors for food safety. They explain how they interact with unlicensed vendors, the resources they do (and don’t) provide for licensing, and address their claims that some street vendors could be victims of human trafficking. We also learn that there might be some common ground when it comes to one big issue: The high cost of permitting for low income communities. Do you have a favorite street vendor? Thoughts on how they should be more (or less) regulated? Let us know in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re on social media, too! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Curious about more issues in your community? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Southern Nevada Health District and law enforcement have joined forces to crack down on unlicensed street vendors in Las Vegas, as the rise of sporting events has created a bigger market for vendors in front of venues like Allegiant and T-Mobile. Vendors can also be found in neighborhoods with a high immigrant population. The nonprofit Make the Road Nevada wants to help these unlicensed street vendors become legal, but the pathway is a hard one to navigate. Jose Rivera from Make the Road Nevada joins co-host Dayvid Figler to explain how enforcement over education builds mistrust and keeps these unlicensed street vendors at a disadvantage; also, he says, he’s seen no evidence to support SNHD’s claim that street vendors are being trafficked. This is our first of two episodes about street vendors. We'll be speaking with SNHD about this issue tomorrow, so stay tuned! Join the conversation on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Have you seen more street vendors in Vegas recently? Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Community Schools Initiative’s proposal to break up the Clark County School District failed to get enough signatures, a similar attempt may still be in the works for this legislative session, which starts today. As the fifth largest school district in the nation, CCSD faces issues that are hard to address with 300,000 students. The Nevada Independent reporter Rocío Hernandez explains the pros and cons of breaking up CCSD to co-host Vogue Robinson. What do you think about having a smaller school district? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for our Friday roundup of the news — and good lord, is there news to discuss this week. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler join producer Layla Muhammad to get into it. First up, a story from the Washington Post that continues the work of slain RJ investigative reporter Jeff German: It’s the sweeping tale of a massive Ponzi scheme that targeted the Mormon community… for FIVE years. So how were they so successful for so long? Next, we get into the weeds of a lawsuit that the Community Schools Initiative, a PAC that advocates for breaking up CCSD, has leveled against the company they hired to gather petition signatures. They say the company collected so many invalid signatures(including some papers that were burnt and smelled like “bong water”) that the petition was nixed. And last (but not least!), it looks like Formula 1 racing will be signing a 10-year contract with Clark County — so how do we feel about that? Have you encountered a Ponzi scheme in Las Vegas? Do you have feelings about F1 coming to town? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or find us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram! And if you’re not yet signed up for our amazing daily newsletter, you’re missing out — get on board for more Vegas news, events and more by signing up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada’s biennial legislative session starts next Monday so as our lawmakers prepare to spend the next 120 days in Carson City, Nevada Independent reporter Tabitha Mueller tells us what we can expect from our representatives. Governor Joe Lombardo already called out some previously passed laws that need revision, but what other proposals will get attention this session? Co-host Vogue Robinson also wonders what life is like for our legislators who often have other careers. Find your representatives and let them know what’s important in your neighborhood here. Curious about a certain topic? You can sign up for updates on proposals here. And make sure to follow the Indy's legislature coverage here. We will be keeping an eye on things during the legislative session too. Make sure to sign up for our daily morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know we’re not done complaining about the internet — we’ve definitely got some quality issues here in Southern Nevada, especially for the price. Yesterday, we talked about how two companies, Cox and CenturyLink, got their stranglehold on the Las Vegas broadband market, and why treating the internet like a publicly-owned utility might be the answer — even though municipal internet is actually illegal in Nevada. Today, we get another take: Dayvid sits down with Brian Mitchell, Director of the NV Office of Science, Innovation & Technology. Brian oversees High Speed Nevada, a new initiative that just got $55 million in federal funding. Brian talks about his solutions for better broadband in Nevada, but also says that municipal networks might not be the panacea they’re touted as. Join the broadband conversation: OSIT wants your input! You can complete this form to join the process as a community partner. You can also take a speed test here to help OSIT see how fast internet speeds are in different parts of the state. And you can also submit a challenge to the FCC’s map of speeds at your address here. How do you feel about your internet service in Las Vegas? Leave us a voicemail (702-514-0719) or a comment on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Love what you hear? Get even more Vegas news, events and commentary when you sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look, it’s no secret that the internet options in Las Vegas aren’t great. We pay more than the rest of the country for slower speeds, and it’s worse if you’re in lower-income and less white parts of town. But why?? How did we get here? Today, Dayvid talks with Sean Gonsalves, senior reporter, editor and researcher at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, who explains how Cox and CenturyLink established control here (hint: there’s a state law involved) and why treating the internet like a locally-owned utility could make all the difference. Don’t miss out on tomorrow’s episode, too: We’re talking with a Nevada state official about the big federal money headed our way for broadband investment — and why he doesn’t necessarily think that locally-owned municipal broadband is the answer. What’s your internet like in Southern Nevada? Got any good stories, gripes, or ideas? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Or leave us a comment on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, did you know that Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada? Yep, the sister “suburb” of Las Vegas, so often overlooked, has more people than Reno — and as proud Henderson resident (and CCLV producer) Layla Muhammad tells Dayvid, it’s actually not so very sleepy anymore. With the recent influx of sports facilities like the Raiders headquarters and the ongoing renovation of all those restaurants, breweries and bars on Water Street, Hendo is HAPPENING. Layla clues us into her favorite hikes, the best shopping, and great places to eat out in H-Town (and maybe, just maybe, we can all stop calling it Hender-tucky). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Vogue, Dayvid and Sonja look at a wild week of news: First up, journalist Jeff German’s murder investigation is back in the news, because his former employer, the Review-Journal, is locked in a battle with the LVMPD over German’s cellphone. So: Is a deceased journalist’s cellphone still protected under Nevada’s shield laws? And what happens now? Next, we cover the wild tale of Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner’s bankruptcy, and the murdered owner of an exotic reptile breeding business that Lehner invested in. And if that wasn’t enough news to make your head spin, it looks like some contaminated cannabis has been making its way around the state… since 2021. But how contaminated is it, exactly? And what should we be worried about? For a list of the affected cannabis products and dispensaries where they were sold, you can download the product list spreadsheet here. Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for daily news updates at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Did you learn something new today? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Joe Lombardo gave his first State of the State address on Monday, using the hour to detail a legislative agenda that included election reform, tax cuts, and education funding. Lombardo also took a few jabs at the Democratic legislature on healthcare and criminal justice. With the start of legislative session just around the corner, how will the Dems and our Republican governor get along? April Corbin Girnus, Deputy Editor at The Nevada Current, joins host Vogue Robinson to explain the major takeaways and what the reaction from Dems says about the next four years in Nevada. Curious about Nevada politics? Send us your questions at at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter for all the major news from the upcoming legislative session. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To no one’s surprise, Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster hit “Elvis” got several Oscar nods yesterday, including nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor. So should you add “Elvis” to your lineup of pre-Academy Awards movie nights? The City Cast Las Vegas team watched the film together last fall — and we’ve got mixed feelings. Today, Vogue, Dayvid and Layla discuss how Las Vegas is represented in the film, Elvis’s complicated legacy for Black musicians, and whether or not Elvis should continue to be our city’s unofficial mascot. Do you think Elvis is still the King of Las Vegas? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitterand Instagram. You can also leave your best Austin Butler-as-Elvis impression in our voicemail at 702-514-0719.  Want more Vegas news, hot takes, and witty commentary? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, the Artisan Hotel near the Strip made national news when its owners announced their plans to re-invent the venue as a “cannabis-friendly” resort. Why? Well, while weed might be legal in Nevada, Vegas isn’t exactly tourist-friendly when it comes to consumption — there’s a ban on public use, and so far, that includes hotels. With other state-level regulations in place, how likely is the Artisan to succeed? Today, Dayvid talks with Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, whose district the Artisan is located in. Tick is well-known as an advocate for not only legalizing cannabis consumption, but also promoting Las Vegas as a cannabis destination — and he’s probably the only elected official currently serving in the U.S. with a strain of cannabis named after him. Tick talks about his high hopes for the Artisan, and why cannabis tourism projects have faced an uphill battle. Should Las Vegas allow cannabis-friendly resorts? What would you like to see in one? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or commenting on social media: @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas news, fresh in your inbox at 6 a.m.? Yes, you do — trust us on this one. Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best badges of being a local is knowing your way around town — like really, really knowing your way around those stupid-crowded intersections (we’re looking at you, Trop & LV Boulevard), crazy parking lots (thanks, Chinatown), and I-15 insanity when the SoCal tourists head home. So today on City Cast Las Vegas, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, producer Layla Muhammad, and co-host Dayvid Figler are sharing some of our very best insider knowledge: The best shortcuts to get you around town like a real local. A shout out to listener Poly Schmitt who suggested this episode topic — thank you, Poly! If you’ve got other episode ideas for us, call or text us at 702-514-0719. You can also hit us up on social media: Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more insider tips, hot takes, and fresh commentary, make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the end of a cold and rainy week here in Las Vegas, so today we’re cozying up to the week’s news with drinks in hand (it’s the end of Booze Week over here at CCLV, after all). Producer Layla Muhammad and co-host Dayvid Figler are joined by Jonah Gibbs, mixologist at Esther's Kitchen downtown — Jonah is whipping up a cocktail for each of our news items today: DTLV’s questionable new marketing campaign, the return of Helldorado Days, and the controversy surrounding Kyle Rittenhouse’s now-cancelled event at a gun convention, ShotShow, at the Venetian. Having trouble keeping up with all the Las Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on social media! Follow us and tell us how much you love or hate the rain @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. (We love voicemails!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy hour is a sacred time. Whether it’s an excuse to leave work early, or after a long shift, it’s not hard to find a restaurant or bar in Vegas that will cater to your discounted drink needs. Today, on Day 3 of City Cast Las Vegas’ Booze Week, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson pull up a chair with lead producer and foodie Sonja Cho Swanson to tell you where to find the best happy hour deals and how the concept of “happy hour” even started. CCLV happy hour picks: Tenaya Creek Brewery Hop Nuts Brewing  Cheesecake Factory  Sammy's Woodfired Pizza YU-OR-MI Sushi Bar Herbs and Rye  Starboard Tack  Izakaya Go  McMullan's Irish Pub Echo and Rig Listener picks: The Golden Tiki FireRock Steakhouse Pub 365 The Martini The Local Sickie’s Garage Lindo Michoacán Japaneiro The Pepper Club Hola Cocina and Cantina BJ’s Shuck’s Thank you to listeners Taylor, Keri, Kimiko, Mariann, Summer, Manuel, Daysie and Jannah for sharing your faves with us! Are we missing your favorite happy hour? Let us know in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also join the conversation on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Looking for more places to try and things to do in Vegas? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Booze Week over here at CCLV — but for a lot of you, it’s also Dry January. So what’s a Las Vegan to drink when they’re not drinking, for whatever reason? Artist Kim Miller knows first-hand what it’s like to start a sober journey in our booze-friendly town, and started the blog Sober in Vegas to help others on their journeys, too. Today, co-host Vogue Robinson chats with Kim about the best non-alcoholic drinks in town, her starter guide for the sober-curious, and why going alcohol-free is more accessible than ever in Las Vegas. For more resources, be sure to check out Kim's list here. We want to hear about your favorite happy hours! Are they sober friendly? Let us know by leaving a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also shout at us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One hundred and three years ago today, Prohibition became the law of the land. To no one’s surprise, mobsters found a way around it, and speakeasies were born. During a visit to The Underground, the Mob Museum’s Director of Education Claire White tells co-host Vogue Robinson about 1920s Vegas speakeasies, women bootleggers, and how no ban was going to keep Vegas from its vices. Mix your favorite drink and listen along! Do you have a favorite hidden bar in Vegas? Let us know how to get in on our socials — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Don’t worry, we’ll only share it with all our listeners.  On the search for more hidden Vegas spots? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday, y’all! And today, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets and guest Joey Lovato, multimedia editor at the Nevada Independent. We get into some of the week's capital-D drama: the uproar over Derek Carr’s departure from the Raiders; Michele Fiore’s last (or is it?) fight in Las Vegas before she gets judgey in Pahrump; and, in light of this week's cascading flight delays, what would we do with six hours to kill at Harry Reid International? If you could keep ONE of the following in Las Vegas, which would it be: Derek Carr, Michele Fiore, or your next flight leaving on time? Let us know: Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on social media! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For all the news that’s fit to email, get yourself signed up for our daily newsletter. It’s chock full of current events, smart commentary, and what to do with your precious free time. Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

60,000 people are slated to move to Las Vegas this year — so what do brand-new residents of our city need to know? Co-host Dayvid Figler and lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sit down with one of Las Vegas’s newest residents (and a City Cast colleague!), Kristine Johnson, to answer all of her questions about settling down in Sin City: How purple are we, really? What’s the best way to make (and keep) friends in our party-hardy, transient town? And how do Las Vegans actually handle the heat? (Hint: there are hot water bottles involved.) Are you new to Vegas? Got some advice that newcomers need to know? Tell us in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also join the conversation on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  For all the neighborhood guides, get-to-knows, and essential Las Vegan information, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the time it was built in 1971, The Plaza Hotel was the biggest casino in the world. But now, Las Vegas looks very different from the seventies when the property was at its peak. So has The Plaza escaped the fate of implosion like other older casinos? CEO Jonathan Jossel joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk through new developments at The Plaza and how the iconic casino has been able to stay relevant. Where else do you see bits of old school Vegas? Let us know your favorite places on socials @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Our morning newsletter has all the old school Vegas fun facts! Make sure to sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Consumer Electronics Show is considered the most influential technology trade show in the world — and it's taken place in Las Vegas for 25 years now. CES 2023 brought in over 100,000 attendees this past weekend, showcasing the newest and most innovative tech from around the world. Most locals just know it's going to be a busy weekend, but producer Layla Muhammad steps inside Vegas’ biggest convention to see what all the hype is about. From the coolest new tech to her disappointment in the Vegas Loop, she gives co-host Vogue Robinson the full download. For more explainers and insider tips, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  What Las Vegas events and conventions would you like an inside look at? Let us know by call or text at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deaths in Southern Nevada’s homeless population spiked in 2021 — but it wasn’t because of COVID, reporter Michael Lyle tells us. In today’s episode, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with Michael to talk about why so many unhoused people are dying in our city, why so few of those deaths were due to COVID, and what the real causes say about the precarity of life on the streets in Las Vegas. Make sure to read Michael’s article in the Nevada Current, published today. What are your ideas for solving homelessness in Las Vegas? Hit us up on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. For even more Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter, fresh-baked and hot out of the inbox at 6 a.m. every morning, at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our first Friday news roundup of 2023, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad to discuss the $3.2 billion worth of highly anticipated construction projects supposedly being completed this year and which ones we'd abandon, celebrate, or implode (hypothetically speaking, of course). Plus, we talk about why Frontier Airlines donated free flights for those adopting kittens from The Animal Foundation, and we read some of your responses to newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets’ question, “Do locals hate the name 'Sin City?'” Special thanks to newsletter readers Matt Jacob, Christy Clayton, Tami Belt, Jen Mujica, and Patty Johnson for sharing their thoughts with us. Don’t miss out on Scott’s next query for Vegas locals! Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter.  Do you think Vegas needs a new nickname? If so, we want to hear your ideas! Let us know on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yvanna Cancela has long been a familiar name in Nevada politics — and she’s just finished a stint as chief of staff for now-former governor Steve Sisolak. In a candid conversation with co-host Dayvid Figler, Cancela looks back at Sisolak’s tenure, how the pandemic and the Northshore testing controversy affected the election, her advice for Gov. Joe Lombardo’s incoming chief of staff, and what’s next for the governor’s office and Yvanna herself. Thoughts, questions, ideas? Leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more Vegas news, events and commentary, you’ll want to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter — hot off the presses (i.e., Scott’s keyboard)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate a new year in Las Vegas, we are swapping our playing cards for tarot cards with long-time Las Vegan and certified psychic Michele Tell (thesignsoftarot.com). Michele joins co-host Dayvid Figler to give us the 2023 prediction for our city. From our economy to where locals could see changes ahead, tune in for a fun conversation about what’s in the cards for Vegas in 2023! Have your own Las Vegas predictions? Let us know @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We asked, you answered: What should our city’s resolutions for 2023 be? So today, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler sit down to listen to your voicemails and chat about what Las Vegans want for Las Vegas. Spoiler alert: A LOT of y’all talked about traffic (no surprise there). Shout outs to Eric, Mallory, Chris, Bryan, Patrick, Veronica, Tami, GW, Camelot, Gemini, Crystal, Lucas, Scott, and Marc for sharing your city resolutions with us. Didn’t call in with your resolution in time? We’d still love to hear it! Leave a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on social media — you can find us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Did you enjoy that sneak peek of Scott’s wit in the show? Get even more of that snark and banter (plus news, events and more) when you sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Avi Kwa Ame is the Mojave name for Spirit Mountain and the surrounding landscape, which is sacred to over 12 Indigenous tribes. Since we aired this episode in August about the effort to protect the area for cultural and recreational purposes, President Biden expressed his intention to designate Avi Kwa Ame as a National Monument.  The Conservation Lands Foundation works with advocates to hold the Bureau of Land Management accountable and works to secure the safety of Avi Kwa Ame. Associate Program Director Bertha Gutierrez sits down with host Vogue Robinson to explain its importance to Indigenous tribes, why they are working towards a national monument designation, and how this would benefit all of us. Have you been to Avi Kwa Ame? What do you think about the monument proposal? Leave us a message or send us a text at 702-514-0719, or follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arguably the biggest story out of Vegas this year was the murder of veteran Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German. German was found stabbed outside his home in September. Police found DNA at the scene matching Robert Telles, a Clark County public administrator who was the subject of German’s reporting. Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson gets an update from our resident lawyer, co-host Dayvid Figler, before we revisit an episode where Sonja, Dayvid, and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets remember German and discuss the increasingly hostile attitudes towards journalists in America. Stay up-to-date on the biggest Las Vegas stories by subscribing to our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  You can join the conversation by following us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Siegel Suites and Pinkbox Doughnuts have in common? They are both owned by the Siegel Group, who was under House investigation at the time we aired our episode with food writer Kim Foster in June. Since then, the House subcommittee found the Siegel Group’s eviction practices to be “uniquely egregious.” Kim explains to co-host Vogue Robinson what she’s heard from Siegel Suites tenants and why she won’t eat at the popular Las Vegas doughnut shop. Vogue and lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson share an update on the final report from the House subcommittee released earlier this month. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Las Vegas’ proximity to the growing bathtub rings in Lake Mead, it’s no surprise that water conservation was a hot topic for the city officials and residents in 2022 as the low-level pumps were turned on as a last resort to get water from the reservoir. The Western States failed to come to an agreement on how to address cuts from the federal government on the Colorado River Basin so we face a new deadline to come to a consensus-based solution by January 2023. Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and co-host Dayvid Figler give us an update on where water conservation efforts stand. They share a conversation from April with Nevada Independent environment reporter Daniel Rothberg on how it all came down to “a math problem gone wrong” and why Las Vegas is (kind of) doing alright. What do you hope the city does to conserve water in 2023? Let us know at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Keep up with all the Las Vegas happenings by signing up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a new sports team in town, Las Vegas — the Desert Dogs!!! So, are we all about to become huge lacrosse fans? Today, Dayvid chats with News 3’s main sports anchor, Bryan Salmond, about why the answer is YES, and how the wild success of our five-year-old hockey team, the Golden Knights, may have primed us to love the shockingly similar game of box lacrosse. How do you feel about the Desert Dogs? Are you going to a game? Tag us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitterand Instagram, or leave us a voicemail (bonus points if you’re AT A GAME) by calling 702-514-0719. Also: Make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! You’ll get the latest news, events and commentary all about Las Vegas in your inbox at 6 a.m. each morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Co-host Dayvid Figler grew up in Las Vegas’s Jewish community, so today, co-host Vogue Robinson asks him all of our hungry, hungry Hanukkah questions: Where can Jews and Gentiles alike find the best brisket and matzah ball soup in town? And more importantly, why hasn’t Dayvid found a latke he loves in Las Vegas yet?? We’d also like to give a shout-out to John, Sam, and Ash of the Eat, Talk, Repeat podcast, who had Dayvid on their show recently to talk about Hanukkah eats around town. You can listen to that episode here. Do you know where to find the best latkes in Vegas? Or do you have a quibble with any of Dayvid’s picks? Let us know: We’re at 702-514-0719, or @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas tips, ideas and news around town? Treat yourself to our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Henderson to Summerlin, Vegas is teeming with holiday events to close out the year. Today, we’re going to get into a discussion about Kwanzaa, a holiday with cultural roots. Listen in as host, Vogue Robinson, and community leader, Ms. China dig into what makes Kwanzaa in Vegas so special! You may hear Ms. China mention the Nguzo Saba aka the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.  Want more updates about Kwanzaa in Vegas? Be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Are you celebrating Kwanzaa this year? Tell us how on Twitter or Instagram @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting on January 1, a whole bunch of minor traffic offenses (like broken tail lights and expired vehicle registrations) will become decriminalized — so what does that mean for Nevadans? Dayvid sits down with Leisa Moseley, Nevada State Director at the Fines and Fees Justice Center, to talk about how criminal punishments for small traffic offenses can snowball into bigger (and much more expensive) issues, and how the passage of AB 116 could actually make our streets safer. Learn more about what’s going on in the city with our daily newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Sign up here: lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719 with your New Year’s resolutions for the city, or any other hot takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday (hooray!) which means that we’re getting into this week’s news: Today, Sonja, Dayvid, and Scott dig into the tough topic of the Chinatown shooting victim’s lawsuit (and why he’s going after a bail nonprofit), and the Red Rock fee hikes and who gets priced out of the outdoors. Plus, we take a look back at the notable Las Vegans who’ve passed on this year, and what they meant to our city. Find out more about Blairfest events here, and check out KNPR’s feature on this musical tribute festival. And don’t forget to send us your New Year’s resolutions for the city! Give us a call or text at 702-514-0719 and let us know what’s on your mind! Want more Vegas news for the holiday season and beyond? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More police die by suicide than in the line of duty in America. And in a 24-hour, vice-friendly city like ours, it’s easy for officers to deal with trauma in destructive ways, says retired LVMPD Captain Harry Fagel, a 20+ year veteran of the force. Today, Harry and Dayvid Figler get into a tough but important conversation about the problems with policing culture, and how it affects both officers and the communities they’re sworn to protect. Plus, Harry shares his thoughts on how the incoming sheriff’s administration could curb police deaths and help make lasting changes. A quick warning: As you can probably tell, this episode discusses suicide and self-harm at length. It also includes some graphic depictions of things officers encounter in their jobs. It’s not for everyone. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please, please talk to someone. It’s easy: Just call or text 988. You can also chat online and find more resources at 988lifeline.org. Looking for more Vegas news, commentary, and events? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter: lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Have a New Year’s resolution for Vegas? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail or sending a text to 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are a busy time for bookstores — and their holiday sales are actually kind of a microcosm of all the faves of the whole year. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with co-owner and buyer Drew Cohen from The Writer’s Block, Vegas’s landmark independent bookstore downtown, to find out the local trends, Las Vegas books, and the unique challenges and delights of being an indy bookstore in Las Vegas. We want to hear from you! We’re collecting New Years resolutions and predictions. What do you want Las Vegas to become next year? Have a prediction for Sin City in 2023? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or texting us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  Are you a book lover? So is our amazingly witty newsletter editor, Scott Dickensheets! Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for all the events, musings, and commentary at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CCSD recently released a proposal they’re planning to take to the state legislature next year: They want sex education to be opt-out, not opt-in. Right now in Nevada, if a parent doesn’t sign the permission slip (aka opt-in), then that child automatically doesn’t take sex ed — and we’re one of only five states with this policy. Today, Vogue sits down with Camalot Todd, who just wrote about this possible policy shift in the Nevada Current. They talk about how opt-in sex ed leaves out the students who need it most, the proposal’s mandate for medically-accurate sex ed, and how it’s all connected to Nevada’s super-high STI rates. What are your thoughts on sex ed at CCSD schools? Are you a parent or a student who has thoughts on “opt-in” vs “opt-out”? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text message at 702-514-0719. Or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want even more Vegas news, events, and snarky commentary? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Mr. Claus — there are two kinds of people in the world: naughty and nice. So which Las Vegans will producer Layla Muhammad and co-host Dayvid Figler drop some coal on in today’s “naughty and nice” episode? And who will they celebrate with garlands and light? Listen to find out! Who do you think the naughtiest and nicest Las Vegans were this year? Tell us in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Send us a tweet and follow @CityCastVegas Make sure to sign up for the nicest (and sometimes naughty) morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday (WE DID IT, we made it to the end of the week, y’all!) and it’s also the end of a rather contentious week in the news: Tony Hsieh is back in the headlines with the news that his estate is planning on selling off some of the many, many properties he acquired downtown. Their goal? A much-needed “injection of capital” for the DTP businesses in their portfolio. But Tony’s efforts downtown were not without criticism, and our big question now is: Will they sell to out-of-state big box stores, or back to locals who are trying to create something special downtown? Next, we get into all of the ridiculous city ranking lists that Vegas somehow finds itself on (“most sinful?” “worst dressed?” Puh-lease.) And lastly, a moment of silence (and a lot of questions) for the mountain lion who was captured and euthanized in a northwest neighborhood earlier this week. Don’t forget to check out host Vogue Robinson’s first art show, Alchemy of Self, THIS SUNDAY at Girl Code Nails! How do you feel about the mountain lion situation? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text message at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Hungry for more Vegas news? Sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between the cars, bikes, pedestrians, and traffic cones, there's a lot going on on Las Vegas roads. This year, Las Vegas saw an increase in pedestrian deaths and ranked in the top ten for the most dangerous roads for pedestrians according to Smart Growth America. As the city starts yet another road improvement project on the Westside to improve the experience for all users, we wonder what makes the Vegas roads so hard to navigate? Ray Delahanty, aka City Nerd on YouTube, joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about the design aspects that make Vegas roads dangerous, why stroads are a nightmare, and how he’s committed to not driving in Las Vegas. What projects around the city are you curious about? Call or text us so we can look into it at 702-514-0719! Let us know what intersections you hate on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Stay up to date on all things Vegas with our morning newsletter! Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holiday shopping season is upon us, and man, can that be stressful. Fear not, fellow Las Vegans, because we’ve got you covered. Co-host Vogue Robinson welcomes producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad on to discuss where they are doing their local holiday shopping — because shopping local supports small businesses and helps keep those dollars in our community. Whether you're shopping for a thrill-seeker, foodie, or even harder, your parents, there's something for everyone! We even get into where to go for last-minute gift shopping for the procrastinators. Here are the places/experiences we mentioned in the episode (and you can find a map of all these places here): Wild West Horseback Adventures Sambalatte Cozymeal Clay Arts Vegas Las Vegas Livestock Happy Ending Chocolate Valley Cheese and Wine Graze By Days Las Vegas Distillery (found at Total Wine or Lee's Discount Liquor)  John Mull’s Meats The Writer’s Block The LV Plant Collective Neon Cactus Vintage 11th Street Records Local Oasis Container Park Vintaged LV Live at Your Own Pace Clothing Co. (LAYOP) International Marketplace The Office of Collecting and Design Holiday Markets and Craft Festivals: Craft Festival at Tivoli Village (12/11) Native American Holiday Market at CSN (12/10) Market in the Alley in the Arts District (12/18) What are your go-to local shops for the holiday season? Send them our way on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas tips, guides, and witty commentary? Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, the Clark County Commission will vote on an ordinance to ban the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and pigs throughout all Clark County stores. This proposal, led by Commissioner Michael Naft, is part of a larger effort around the country to stop pet overpopulation and reduce the 2 million puppies sold from puppy mills each year. Similar ordinances are already in place in Reno, North Las Vegas, and Mesquite. But with this proposal, where should responsible owners who want a specific dog go? John Goodwin, senior director of The Humane Society of the United States’ Stop Puppy Mills campaign, sits down with co-host Dayvid Figler to discuss why Clark County needs this ban and how this will impact businesses around the valley. Where did you find your furry friend? At a pet store or a shelter? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas or send us a text or voicemail at 702-514-0719. Looking for a fun, local, and informative start to your day? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A couple of weeks ago, The College of Southern Nevada’s mariachi team, Mariachi Plata, became back-to-back winners at the biggest college mariachi competition in the country. They’ve only been around for three years, so how did they reach the top so fast? Mariachi Plata’s co-director, Fernando Gonzalez, and one of his students, Debbie Carrillo, tell co-host Vogue Robinson about their championship story. Don’t miss Mariachi Plata’s annual concert on Wednesday, December 7th at 7 p.m., in the Horn Theatre on CSN’s East Cheyenne campus! More details here. What do you love about mariachi? Planning to go to the concert on the 7th? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or tweet at us on the ol’ bird app: @CityCastVegas   Don’t forget, we have an amazing morning newsletter, freshly-baked in your inboxes every morning at 6 a.m. Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, sweet, sweet Friday. We’re back in your feeds with a roundup of the week’s news. Vogue, Davyid & Scott start things off with some BIG news for Nevada: President Biden has announced he’ll approve the designation of Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument! That’s right, a protected area for night skies, nature, and the sacred Spirit Mountain, right in our backyard. Then it’s onto a tough conversation about a lawsuit that the mother brought against CCSD after her son was brutally attacked on a school bus — and how privacy laws have tied the school district’s hands. And last but not least, a Very Important Sandwich Debate: Should we call a sandwich a “sammie,” a “sando,” a “sammich,” or (gasp) a “sarno?”Scott has strong feelings, and we get into it. Want to weigh in on the proper name for a sandwich? Are you excited to visit Avi Kwa Ame? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail or a texting us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. Psst — by the way, do your inbox a favor and sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter, if you haven’t already. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you love good food, Chinatown is THE happening neighborhood in Las Vegas right now, says Lorraine Blanco Moss. Lorraine is not only a producer at KNPR and host of the podcast Exit Spring Mountain, she’s also a professional chef who’s cooked in high-end kitchens on the Strip — so you’re going to want all of her insider knowledge on where to eat and what to order in Chinatown. Today, Vogue gets all the deets on where industry folks hang out, how to spot good dim sum, and why you shouldn’t always trust the Yelp reviews. Where do you love to eat in Chinatown? Got any parking tips for us? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Bring the party to your inbox every morning at 6am: Make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! And last but not least, here’s the list of Chinatown restaurants that Lorraine mentioned in today’s episode. We created a handy Google Map with all the restaurants for you, too! Edo Gastro Tapas & Wine Phở Kim Long J Karaoke Sushi House Goyemon Orchids Garden Xiao Long Dumplings Partage Sparrow & Wolf Half Bird Take It Easy Roasters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As people find themselves with more downtime around the holidays, the age old question presents itself: what do we watch? Luckily, there is no shortage of movies that are about, set in, or mention our city. So what makes a Vegas movie and which ones are worth watching? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with cinephile, poet, and professor Gregory Crosby to debate which Vegas movies should make your watchlist and which ones miss the mark. Our (non-exhaustive) Vegas movie watchlist: The Hangover Trilogy Honeymoon in Vegas (1992) Viva Las Vegas (1964) Casino (1995) The Night Stalker (1972) Hacks (TV) Fright Night (2011) Queen of Diamonds (1991) One from the Heart (1981) Con Air (1997) Leaving Las Vegas (1995) Lost in America (1985) Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Army of the Dead (2021) Damnation Alley (1977) Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) Diamonds Are Forever (1971) Showgirls (1995) Did your favorite Vegas movie make the list? What did we miss? Keep the conversation going on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news, guides, and fun facts? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decades after his passing, mid-century architect Paul Revere Williams is finally getting his due: He was the first Black certified architect west of the Mississippi, the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects, and the first to receive the AIA’s Gold Medal, its highest honor, posthumously in 2017. Despite the prejudices of the era, Williams became known as an architect to the stars, building homes for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant — and in the 1930s to the 70s, left his mark on Nevada’s cityscapes, too. Today, Dayvid sits down with Nevada Museum of Art curator Carmen Beals to talk about Paul Revere Williams’ Las Vegas legacy. Be sure to check out their upcoming exhibit at the Nevada State Museum, featuring photos of Williams’ iconic Nevada buildings by photographer Janna Ireland, which opens on December 3rd. Do you have any memories of La Concha Inn, the Guardian Angel Cathedral, or other Paul Revere Williams buildings in Las Vegas? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719 or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For more Vegas history, happenings and hot takes, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like many Las Vegans, the beloved sandwich shop Capriotti’s wasn’t born in this town — but they made Las Vegas their home. Since moving their headquarters to Las Vegas, Capriotti’s has integrated themselves into the community so much so that some think they did start here! Today, co-host Dayvid Figler chats with Chief Operating Officer David Bloom about their famous “Thanksgiving in a Sandwich,” why Butterball raises a line of turkeys just for them (it’s called the “Capriotti’s Super Tom”), and the secret sauce that makes Capriotti’s a Vegas fave. What are you doing with your Thanksgiving leftovers? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas! You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not the weekend, but it’s also kinda the weekend — so we’ve got a special roundup episode of our short but not uneventful week! Today, Sonja, Layla and Dayvid look back at a pivotal moment in Vegas history, when the Mirage opened 33 years ago this week, a massive gamble as the Strip’s first mega-resort. Plus: What’s going to happen to the Mirage’s volcano — and would we get to keep it if they made it sexy like the TI pirate show? Next, we look at Gov. Sisolak’s newest NV Supreme Court nomination: Patricia Lee, and what makes her nomination surprising. Last, we chat about our Thanksgiving plans, why Dayvid’s involves a turkey costume, why Sonja’s involves barbecue, and why Layla plans on doing no cooking whatsoever (shout out to her sisters). What do you think should be done with the Mirage volcano? Have you seen the crosswalk turkey downtown? Let us know by leaving us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or send a tweet our way @CityCastVegas (if you’re still on the bird app). For even more Vegas news, happenings, and fun commentary, you’ll want to sign up for Hey Las Vegas!, our morning newsletter, at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Trust, it’s the best thing in your inbox at 6 a.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Thanksgiving in 1966, Howard Hughes arrived in Las Vegas in the dead of night on a secret train from Boston. The billionaire businessman, aviator, and movie producer was highly eccentric and at this point in his life had little to no communication with the outside world. As he secluded himself on the 9th floor of the Desert Inn hotel, he began to reshape the future of Las Vegas by buying up casinos and land. But what attracted him to Las Vegas in the first place? Co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Geoff Schumacher, author of Howard Hughes: Power, Paranoia, and Palace Intrigue, to discuss the impact Hughes had on our city, and what his reclusive life in Las Vegas looked like. Don't miss Geoff's talk at the Clark County Library on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m. He'll explain the mysterious "Mormon Will" that supposedly gave a massive share of Hughes' fortune to a complete stranger — and you'll hear Geoff's take on whether the will was real or not. Where do you see Howard Hughes’ footprint around the city? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas is a food town. From the high-end restaurants to the gas station taco stands, there are almost too many places to explore and take your family and friends when they visit for the holidays. To make it a little easier for you, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with artist and food critic Brent Holmes to get the best spots that might get overshadowed by the glitz and glam of fine dining on The Strip. They also dive in to what makes the Vegas food scene so delicious … and underrated. Whether you’re in the mood for soul food fusion or a parking lot taco, you’re in for a treat. Places mentioned in this episode:   Weiss Deli Bagel Cafe Burritos Guisos de el Canelo Birrieria Los Rojos YEN Viet Kitchen Soul Foo Young Aroma Latin American Cocina Brent’s write-up about Burritos Guisos de el Canelo: https://knpr.org/desert-companion/2021-11/eat-now-wet-burrito-burritos-guisos-de-el-canelo Want more Vegas news? We've got you covered! Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter And while you’re at it, follow us on Twitter @CityCastVegas  Is there a hidden food gem we didn’t mention? Let us know by sending us a text or leaving a voicemail: 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer Layla Muhammad jumps into the host seat to welcome co-host Dayvid Figler and friend of the pod reporter Michael “MJ” Lyle of the Nevada Current to the roundup of Las Vegas’ last week. We start with the new Governor-elect Joe Lombardo’s first public address since winning the election. In a “tight 10” minute speech, he hit his priorities, the top of which was “education.”  The speech was overshadowed, however, by what wasn’t in the room - specifically reporters from publications who had arguably been critical of the Governor-elect Lombardo in the past. Then, we shift gears and talk about the unveiling this week of a $125,000 dollar bronze statue of former (and living) Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. Finally, we move on to things that make us happy this week/holiday traditions. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada State Senator Pat Spearman lost her bid for North Las Vegas’s mayoral seat this election cycle — but less well known is her win with Question 1. Spearman was a co-sponsor for the bill that got that Question 1 on the ballot this November, which passed and puts the country’s most sweeping Equal Rights Amendment in Nevada’s constitution. What’s more, she was the driving force behind Nevada’s ratification of the federal ERA, reviving it after 40 years of zombie-hood. So who is Dr. Pat Spearman? Today, we’ve got a special guest episode from Ordinary Equality and Womanica, hosted by Kate Kelly (you might remember her from our episode on Question 1) — Kate interviews Senator Spearman, who shares the life experiences that brought her to the Nevada Senate, and why she fights for equal rights. Thoughts? Questions? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YES we love our city, but sometimes we gotta complain about it. Today, Vogue, Dayvid, Scott and Sonja sit down to kvetch about the buildings in Las Vegas that we hate — because they’re out of place, poorly-designed, or downright ugly. Did we get it right? Or horribly wrong? Are you itching to argue against one of our picks? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or blast us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For more Vegas snark (ok, and some thoughtful commentary, too), make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Election denialism hit hard in Nevada. So hard, in fact, that our neighbors in Nye County moved to hand-count their ballots thanks to distrust in tabulation machines. The county accounts for about 30,000 of our state’s votes, which is significant in a year of super close races. So the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada sued the county and headed out to observe their tedious hand-counting process. Today, host Vogue Robinson chats with the Executive Director of the ACLUNV, Athar Haseebullah, about what he observed at the polls, why they sued Nye County four times, and what poll watchers are supposed to do. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  What are your thoughts on hand-counts? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know Las Vegas has an Erotic Heritage Museum? Of course we do! On the outside, it looks like a seedy strip club, covered in neon, advertising shows like Naked Boys Singing and Puppetry of the Penis, but on the inside…the museum examines and preserves our erotic heritage with art and science (they even have a Picasso)! They’re working to de-stigmatize sex in Sin City! How? Co-host Vogue Robinson is gonna find out by talking with sexologist Dr. Victoria Hartmann, who is the Executive Director and Officer of The Erotic Heritage Museum.  Have you been to the Erotic Heritage Museum? What was your favorite part? Send us a PG voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also tell us on Twitter @CityCastVegas  Looking for more adventure in Vegas? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody loves a true-crime story. Today, we have a special guest episode from our friends at the Las Vegas Review Journal’s Mobbed Up podcast. Produced in partnership with The Mob Museum, Mobbed Up is a true-crime series that dives in to the fight against organized crime in 1960s and 1970s Las Vegas. You’ll love this bonus episode from season 2 where a waiter from Vegas’s oldest steakhouse shares his personal memories of a mob hitman. Jeff German, Review-Journal investigative reporter and host for Season 2, interviews longtime Golden Steer waiter Venko Nikolov about his memories of mob hitman Frank Cullotta and some of the celebrities he served at the iconic Las Vegas steakhouse. We dedicate this episode to the memory of Jeff German, in honor of his long history of reporting in Las Vegas. Listen to seasons 1 and 2 of Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  You can call or text us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler welcome Nevada Independent political reporter Tabitha Mueller to the Round up to figure out the shape of things as the count goes on and on. We take a dip into the most current numbers, why its taking SO LONG, and the implications as the march towards finality continues. We also take a sojourn down the fun tradition of journalists eating pizza through election night with a survey of local newsrooms to . Then, despite the election distraction, the real world doesnt stop. In addition to election numbers, we have COVID numbers to discuss too. Looking for digestible election updates? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  What would be your election night pizza choice? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or send us a tweet@CityCastVegas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few weeks ago, a sixth set of human remains was found in Lake Mead. And just last week, a Texas woman got confirmation that the 5th body found this year belonged to her father, who drowned in the lake 20 years ago. These discoveries come in the wake of water levels reaching their lowest point since the reservoir was being filled in 1937. Officials have yet to identify the victims, but that isn’t stopping Las Vegas from buzzing with speculation, curiosity… and tactless billboards. Given our infamous history with organized crime, it’s no surprise that people have been bursting with theories about their connection to the mob. Today, we’re bringing you a conversation that host Vogue Robinson had with Geoff Schumacher, Vice President of Exhibits and Programs for The Mob Museum, in August. They discuss why most of these theories relate to the mob, why they may or may not be true, and what Las Vegans aren’t thinking about as we romanticize the mob’s involvement. Do you have a wild Lake Mead story? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for updates on all things Vegas at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations everyone, we’ve made it past Election Day! Voting for the 2022 General Election may be over but the counting continues in Nevada as mail-in ballots come in and polling stations finalize results. Nevada is in the spotlight as efforts to flip our purple state come to a head in key races. So lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and host Dayvid Figler got up EARLY this morning to share their first impressions on the results so far. Looking for more takeaways as results come in from the election? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The day is finally here! Dawn has broken on Election Day 2022 and whether you’re braving the weather to go stand in line (we applaud you), you’re anxiously refreshing pages to watch the results, or you’re tuning it all out with some well-deserved R&R, we hear you. Today, Vogue, Sonja and Layla sit down for a chat about voting: Why we vote, the conversations we’ve had with friends and family who don’t, and our experiences at the polls. Plus: Layla brings us some snippets of conversations she had with voters and a poll worker at the Galleria Mall (the County’s second busiest polling place!). It’s a national day of waiting — come sit and hang with us. What did you do this Election Day? Let us know by leaving us a message or a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us Twitter @CityCastVegas.  Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look, the elections fatigue, stress, and anxiety is real. We’re all feeling it, no matter what side of the aisle you’re on. And all of those doom-and-gloom ads EVERYWHERE aren’t helping much either — not to mention, how are they affecting our kids? So City Cast is getting a little help from Dr. Jim Jobin today, co-host of the podcast Pod Therapy. Dayvid and Jim talk about how we can talk children through the noise, how therapists are dealing with conspiracy theorists, and how we can all take a deep, collective breath and steady ourselves amidst the storm. What’s keeping you sane these days? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make your inbox a little bit smarter, and sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not all the news this week is election-related! In our Friday news roundup, host Vogue Robinson talks with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and producer Layla Muhammad about the raid on the Boulevard Mall and Aces coach Becky Hammon’s new job as NBA analyst for ESPN. Plus, we dive into our favorite off-Strip casinos, and what distinguishes a“local” casino from one on the Strip.   Off-Strip Casinos mentioned in this episode: Lotus of Siam (Red Rock) The Orleans Red Rock  Suncoast The Palms Virgin Hotels Casino Palace Station South Point   Do you have a favorite off-Strip casino — or an opinion on what counts as off-Strip? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or shoot us a tweet @CityCastVegas.   Want more Vegas news with a side of whimsy? Check out our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vegas restaurant icon Lotus of Siam put Thai food in our city on the national map — one food critic called it the “bestThai food in North America,” and chef Saipin Chutima has won a James Beard award (which is basically the Grammys of food). When Lotus announced their third location at Red Rock Casino, opening next week, locals rejoiced. The Thai food love doesn’t stop there: We’ve got incredible Thai food in town, and lots of it. But (and look, we’re not complaining)… why? Today, Vogue sits down with Mark Padoongpatt, Director of Asian and Asian American studies at UNLV, and subject of a recent Taste the Nation episode, to get the deets on how the Cold War brought Thai food to America, when Thai food took off in Vegas, and why one of the most popular menu items — pad Thai — was actually invented by the Thai government in the 1930s. What’s your favorite Thai restaurant in town? On a scale of 1 to 5, what’s your spice level? Let us know in a text or a voicemail (we’re at 702-514-0719), or a tweet @CityCastVegas. For even more tasty Vegas news, you’ll want to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Dooooo it now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, we tell folks that we’re “from Las Vegas” when we’re traveling… but how many of us are actually from the city itself? The majority of the Valley lives in either one of the adjacent municipalities (like Henderson and North Las Vegas), or in unincorporated Clark County. So how did we get this weird patchwork of townships and jurisdictions, and how did it set up the city and the county for their many tensions today? Why do celebrities get the “Key to the Strip” and not the “Key to the City,” and how were mobsters involved in keeping the Strip (a Vegas icon!) out of the City of Las Vegas? Today, Dayvid chats with UNLV history professor Michael Green about the last century of Las Vegas (and Clark County) history, and how a city-county showdown brought us to this utterly unique arrangement. Do you have a story like Dr. Green’s, about a time you observed a clash between jurisdictions in the Valley? Or had to explain to out-of-towners why you don’t actually live in Las Vegas? Tell us about it! Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. Don’t forget, you can also find us on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. Want even more Vegas news and whip-smart commentary? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Las Vegas’ close proximity to Lake Mead, it is no surprise that the Valley has put some serious thought into addressing the 170 foot bathtub ring that indicates the lake’s decline over the past 20 years. One of the unique steps the Las Vegas Valley Water District and Southern Nevada Water Authority have taken is the use of water investigators — or water cops — to monitor residential water waste around the city. Many of us have probably seen the blue and white patrol car circling our neighborhoods or seen the job parodied on television, but what does a water cop’s day actually look like? Host Dayvid Figler and producer Layla Muhammad hop in the car with outreach and media manager Bronson Mack to see how water cop Cameron Donnarumma does his job. Be sure to check out SNWA’s winter watering schedule, that starts November 1st, at SNWA.com. Have you run into a water cop before? Tell us about your experience by leaving us a message or a text at 702-514-0719 or on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news, events, and happenings, make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Halloween! Las Vegas is a fairly young city, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some (literal) skeletons in our closet, especially on our boulevard of debauchery. Are some of the ghosts of Vegas’ past sticking around to continue the party? Today, host Vogue Robinson talks with Tandi Hornsby, a tour guide from Vegas Ghosts, about the real life stories behind the most haunted properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Where have you seen or felt ghosts in Las Vegas? Tell us your spectral tales by leaving us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The weather may be cooling down but the news just keeps coming in hot! In this week’s Friday news roundup, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson tells us how a local pawn shop takes a stand against Kanye West’s anti-semitic remarks, producer Layla Muhammad and host Dayvid Figler explain how Trump supporters are looking for fraud in Nevada’s election process through record requests, and we all debate some fun food news! Do you have strong feelings about the McRib or the cronut? (Or, ya know, election denialism?) Let us know by leaving us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or shoot us a tweet @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our DELIGHT of a morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Sign up now, thank us later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every year, the Mental Health Institute releases a report on the state of mental health in America. One of the measures looks at the incidence of youth mental illness compared to the availability of quality mental healthcare. And for the last five years, through 2022, Nevada has ranked dead last in youth mental health. Just earlier this month, a U.S. Department of Justice report indicated that Nevada likely broke federal law for putting too many children with behavioral issues into residential care instead of community care (a less intense “middle space” that advocates say is lacking in Nevada). To help us understand why the problem is so bad, Dayvid sits down with Dr. Michelle Paul, a longtime Las Vegan and Executive Director of UNLV’s Practice, a community mental health clinic that just opened a youth-focused satellite clinic last week. They get into the mental health crisis our youth are facing (pre- and post-pandemic), why mental health treatment is increasingly inaccessible, and what policies need to change for it all to get better. What’s your take on the state of mental health care in Nevada? Do you have a story to share? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or find us on the blue bird app @CityCastVegas. Then, do your inbox the biggest favor ever, and make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Saturday, high winds brought in roiling dust clouds, grounded hundreds of flights, and forced the organizers of the nostalgia-driven pop-punk festival When We Were Young to cancel their first day. Thousands of forlorn fans wandered the Strip (a few even got tattoos of broken hearts)… until something kinda extraordinary happened. Over the course of a few hours, community members rallied and found spaces for dozens of the cancelled acts to perform, from a barbecue joint to dive bars to downtown casinos. The shows were nearly all free to fans (who’d gotten a full ticket refund), and also brought a windfall to downtown small businesses. Today on the show, Vogue, Dayvid and Layla sit down to talk about what this quick-thinking pivot says about both Las Vegas entertainment culture, and the culture of emo and pop-punk music. Did you get re-routed during WWWY Fest? How did Saturday’s high winds affect your weekend? Let us know by leaving us a text message or voicemail at 702-514-0719, or tweet at us! We’re @CityCastVegas. For even more interesting stuff going on around town, you’re gonna want to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Don’t let your inbox miss out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The November election is right around the corner and if there is any indication of that, it’s the political ads that find their way onto every screen or into our mailboxes — barely regulated, never-ending, irritating as hell. At the only gubernatorial debate we will see this cycle, the Nevada Independent dedicated a whole section to the misinformation in Sisolak and Lombardo attack ads. And they aren't the only candidates from Nevada who were caught spreading lies, misquotes, or exaggerations. Here to guide us through this wilderness of innuendo and manipulation is Review-Journal politics and government editor Steve Sebelius, who talks to host Vogue Robinson about the worn out tactics used in political ads. And get to a crucial question: What is the actual purpose of the political ad? What’s the best/worst political ad you’ve seen this election cycle? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just when you thought Nevada was swinging blue, we swung right back into the murky middle. All eyes are on Nevada in this year’s elections, where 75% of our house seats are up for grabs, and we have what might be the most hotly-contested Senate race in the country. So — whence all this purple?? Why do we have so many independent voters, and are we witnessing the demise of the Harry Reid Democratic machine? Today, Dayvid chats it up with Jon Ralston, CEO of the Nevada Independent, and one of our favorite Silver State pundits(hey, he used the P-word first). They get into all of the shifting party power dynamics in Nevada, and why Jon thinks there are no certain wins in this year’s race — but make sure to listen to the end for his “canary in the coal mine,” carnage-for-the-Dems-if-they-lose candidate. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Do you have questions about the election as November approaches? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. You can also find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What did the open hand say to the Nevada State Athletic Commission? SLAP. And then they all unanimously agreed to make it a sport in Nevada! In this week’s news roundup, host Vogue Robinson contemplates auditioning for slap fighting, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson updates us on a new parking garage downtown that brings on some nostalgia for the days of free parking everywhere, and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets teases some events from the Las Vegas Book Festival happening this Saturday downtown! Go see Scott IRL at The Las Vegas Book Festival at The Historic Fifth Street School this Saturday. He’ll be in the Empowered Tent at 3:30pm talking about the Las Vegas Writes anthologies. More information here. If you haven’t already, sign up to get his morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Are you going to audition to be Las Vegas’ next slap fighting champion? Tell us your thoughts at 702-514-0719 or follow us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal Equal Rights Amendment was a simple thing: An amendment to the Constitution to guarantee equal rights regardless of gender, for both men and women. But the bill languished in 1977 without enough state support... Until Nevada (yes, our very own Silver State) brought it back from the dead and ratified it in 2017 — thanks to NV, the federal ERA is back in play. And then, we took it one step further: A state-level ERA that’s even more expansive than the federal ERA is on the ballot as Question 1 this November. To help us parse out just why Question 1 is so confusing and what voters can expect if it passes, Dayvid sits down with Kate Kelly, an attorney and advocate for the ERA who’s currently campaigning for “Yes on 1” in Las Vegas right now. Kate answers all your ERA questions, like: Will the ERA be the end of girls’ sports? (No.) Will kids be able to buy beer?(Again, no.) And will the ERA protect abortion rights? (A resounding yes.) How are you planning to vote on Question 1? Or what questions do you have about it? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or shoot us a note on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Don’t forget to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter for even more news, events, and commentary at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Giunchigliani, or Chris G. as she’s often known, is a familiar name to Nevadans — from teacher’s union president to Nevada Assemblywoman for 15 years, she then served as a Clark County Commissioner for 12 years. Today, Vogue sits down with Chris G. to look back at some of her pivotal career moves, from voting yes on voting machines and no on the Raiders’ Stadium. We ask how Nevada might be different if she’d won the 2018 gubernatorial primary against Steve Sisolak, and hear what she’s been up to in retirement (hint: she owns multiple chainsaws and her own cement mixer). And we look to the future, to what she hopes for Nevada in next month’s elections and beyond. Do you have thoughts or questions for Chris G.? Leave us a voicemail or give us a call at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news and goings-on-about-town, make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During his time in Nevada, journalist John M. Glionna has visited pretty much every city, town, township, hamlet, burg, village, and wide spot in the road in this state. In every spot he’s found a compelling story, a very human character — the last sheep farmer, an Indigenous artist, dozens more. He’s gathered the best of those tales in Outback Nevada: Real Stories from the Silver State. In today’s episode, Glionna regales Dayvid with outback anecdotes, and dishes on what the rurals really think of Las Vegas. You can catch John Glionna at the Las Vegas Book Festival this weekend on Oct. 22nd at 11 a.m. in Room 125. What’s on your rural Nevada travel itinerary? Let us know at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, Las Vegas has rapidly become a sports town — but could we also become an eSports town, too? Ryan Smith and Lukas Eggen, co-hosts of the RJ’s eSports and gaming podcast LAN Parties, think so. Today, they sit down with Dayvid to talk about how this billion dollar global industry could take hold in our city, how betting and superstars might help, and what it takes to be a professional gamer (spoiler: it’s not just lounging in a comfy chair and eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos). Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaaand eyebrows UP! We’ve got some head-turning news for you in the roundup this week. Vogue, Dayvid and Sonja are talking about this week’s surprising endorsements… and lack thereof. The Clark County Education Assocation declined to endorse either gubernatorial candidate, while 14 members of Adam Laxalt’s family just endorsed his opponent, Catherine Cortez Masto… without mentioning poor Adam’s name once. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Joe Lombardo for governor, and Sonja’s got thoughts on why. Next, we get into the creation of a new evictions diversion court, and what that could do for renters… and where it still falls short. And, last but not least, we’re talking about the imminent arrival of the world’s first comprehensive punk rock museum, right here in Las Vegas! It’ll be a 12,000 square foot homage to the genre, located downtown, right next to Little Darlings. All in a week’s news in Las Vegas! Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a big week for the Vegas cannabis industry. Cannabis consumption lounge applications open tomorrow after 5 years of back and forth in the state legislature. Forty-five dispensaries and 20 individuals will be granted licenses to open lounges in Las Vegas and Unincorporated Clark County. While no alcohol or gaming will be allowed, other business models like movie theaters, bakeries, and music venues are fair game. So, what will these heavily regulated and expensive cannabis consumption lounges look like? And more importantly… what will they smell like? Christopher LaPorte, founder of the cannabis hospitality management company RESET and future operator of THRIVE Dispensary’s lounge, sits down with host Dayvid Figler to discuss how we got here, the potential of this new industry, and what our city and its tourists have to look forward to. What would your dream cannabis lounge look like? Tell us your thoughts or concerns about cannabis lounges in a voicemail at 702-514-0719.  You can also let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas  Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, the Clark County Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve Jim Rhodes’ housing project near Red Rock Canyon — predictably, Vegas Twitter exploded. Building near Red Rock just might be one of our city’s most contentious issues (just ask Rhodes, who’s been locked in a 20 year battle with the County to build here). But — deep breath, everyone — the approved project contains just 429 homes, a fraction of the originally proposed 5,000. And Rhodes still needs approval from the BLM to build a road out there. So today on City Cast Las Vegas, we’ve got the whole backstory on this housing development: we’re bringing you an interview we did with environment reporter Daniel Rothberg back in August. Daniel detailed the decades-long saga of the battle to build at Red Rock in an investigative piece for the Nevada Independent (it’s reeeally juicy, go read it now). We also get into roads — the ones you drive on, not the developer! — and why they’re trouble for wildlife. How do you feel about development at Red Rock? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For more Vegas news and goings-on-about-town, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look, we’ve got some great galleries and small art museums here in town — we’re not denying that. But when it comes to the massive, three-story, famous-permanent-collection kinda museums that other cities have… where’s ours?? Even Reno has one. We were actually supposed to get one, until the pandemic put a halt to it. In 2020, the Nevada Museum of Art, which runs programs throughout the Silver State, actually gave back $4 million of state funding that was earmarked for a Las Vegas branch. Today, Vogue talks with Carmen Beals, associate curator and outreach director with the Nevada Museum of Art, about why the project was put on hold, and if we might, juuuust might, get an art museum of our own someday. Where do you think we should put an art museum in Las Vegas? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas For even more Vegas news, events and general shenanigans, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What. A week. Of news. Before we get into today’s topics, we wanted to acknowledge the violence that occurred on the Strip yesterday: Six people were injured and two died in a mass stabbing attack near Las Vegas Blvd. and Sands. It’s a lot to process and the story is still developing, so we’ll be coming back to it next week. In the meantime, we’re got plenty more news to discuss today. Vogue is joined by Dayvid and special guest Geoff Carter, Senior Editor at the Las Vegas Weekly, and they’re tackling: 1. The latest news about the Rhodes development abutting Red Rock Canyon (and what some sources are getting wrong about it) 2. Sad puppies at the Animal Foundation! Or at least, the ups and downs of a nonprofit that’s now facing a wave of seriously sick pups 3. First Friday’s 20th birthday (as Vogue puts it, it’s not quite old enough to drink yet) — and Geoff’s fantastic retrospective in the Weekly about the evolution of First Friday, for better, worse, and somewhere in between What are your thoughts on the week’s news? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! And a quick note: We're observing Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday, so we'll be back in your feeds on Tuesday. Happy weekend, everyone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we’ve discussed on City Cast, homelessness in the Vegas Valley is an urgent issue that’s only getting worse. Our patchwork of municipalities—including the County and the City—have taken different approaches (and have sometimes publicly sparred about them). But City Councilman Brian Knudsen has quietly been laying the groundwork for longterm solutions through healthcare — some of which might not bear fruit for 30 years, he says. Today, Dayvid sits down with Brian to talk about a new pilot program that brings social workers along with Metro on crisis calls, how Medicaid funding could support mental health centers, and just why this problem is so intractable in Las Vegas. Do you have questions about homelessness in Las Vegas? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also ask us on Twitter @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Special thanks to Jason and Wes over at KUNR for their technical support for this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Sunday, The Nevada Independent hosted a debate between Nevada gubernatorial candidates Steve Sisolak, the Democratic incumbent, and Sheriff Joe Lombardo, a Republican. The heated debate, moderated by CEO Jon Ralston, was an hour and a half long and went over education, taxes, crime rates, and more (read the full rundown on the Indy here). City Cast was one of the sponsors of IndyFest this year, so host Dayvid Figler and producer Layla Muhammad got to watch the debate in real-time. So today on the show, host Vogue Robinson sits down with Dayvid and Layla to give you the quick and dirty recap of what may be the only gubernatorial debate ahead of the November election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember that Vice article about Vegas dive bars? Yeah, we panned it in a Friday roundup — it was full of breathy, gleeful observations that painted a lurid picture of the down-and-out. Consider this episode your antidote. Dayvid sits down with P Moss, longtime local, writer, and owner of two Las Vegas bars, one of which is the world-famous Double Down Saloon, a punk rock dive bar where you can buy puke insurance and shots of Ass Juice. Dayvid and Moss talk about what makes a dive bar a dive bar, the wildest things he’s seen at his bars, and why dive bars are so susceptible to romanticization. Don’t miss out: Dayvid will be moderating a conversation with Moss at The Writer’s Block this Thursday at 7 p.m., about Moss’s newest novel, Dead Ringer. Come say hello! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re listening to this podcast, you probably know how to pronounce “Nevada.” Or do you…? Is the Spanish “ah”more historically accurate, and why did we start saying “Nuh-vadda?” Plus, you’ve seen Nevadans boo politicians across the political spectrum, from Donald Trump to Michelle Obama, for saying “Nev-ah-da,” so why do we care so much, and do Nevadans have an extra-deep chip on our shoulder about this compared to other places? Today, Dayvid talks with Valerie Fridland, professor of linguistics at UNR, to get the DL on all of this. Don’t forget to check our Instagram page for a special outtake of a quiz YOU can take alongside Dayvid, testing how Western of a speaker you are. Let us hear how you say Nevada! Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The escape and eventual capture of prisoner Porfirio Duarte-Herrera was all over the news this week — but could it become a hot button topic in this year’s fiercely competitive governor’s race? After all, Sheriff Joe Lombardo is running on a public safety platform, and the Nevada Department of Corrections director was a Gov. Sisolak appointee. Today, Sonja, Dayvid and Scott get into the potential political fallout of a highly-publicized manhunt. Then it’s on to a lawsuit filed this week by Councilwoman Victoria Seaman against fellow Councilwoman Michele Fiore and the City of Las Vegas, claiming that not only did Fiore assault Seaman at City Hall (breaking Seaman’s finger in the process), City Hall impeded the investigation and destroyed video evidence. (Yes, it’s a hot mess, and yes, we get into it!) Last but not least, you may have seen a few more grasshoppers flying around — but don’t worry, this isn’t the return of 2019’s hopper-pocalypse, at least according to 8 News Now. And hey, if the swarms do return, you could always take advantage of the bounty and cook a few up. Have you been following the Seaman-Fiore feud and do you have thoughts? Any ideas for what to do about all those ‘hoppers? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want even more Vegas news, observations, and goings-on-about-town? You’re gonna want to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite being the most diverse city in Nevada, North Las Vegas has yet to see a Black woman mayor. This November, all that will change as Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown and Democratic state Senator Pat Spearman, both Black women, go head to head for the nonpartisan seat. They take on major issues facing the city including housing, policing, and education. Host Vogue Robinson is joined by The Nevada Independent journalist Naoka Foreman to explain where the two candidates stand on the issues. Read Naoka’s coverage here. Are you in North Las Vegas? What issues do you care about? What questions would you have for the NLV mayoral candidates? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. And don’t forget, you can always find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news, events and whip-smart observations? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Break a leg” takes on new meaning for Dr. Kevin Debiparshad, a Las Vegas doctor and the subject of a recent viral article on GQ. Dr. D, as he often goes by, has pioneered a minimally-invasive limb-lengthening procedure that will nonetheless leave many squeamish: Via a small thigh incision, he breaks the femur bone, inserts a remote-controlled titanium gadget, and leaves the bone to fill the carefully-extending gap — giving his patients an extra three to six inches of height. It’s gruesome, painful, and expensive. But in a world where height has been shown to matter, both in hiring and dating, Dr. D’s patients are happy with the results. Today, Dayvid talks with Dr. D about how this procedure came about, why Las Vegas was the perfect place for him to set up shop, and how he thinks attitudes will change towards more involved cosmetic procedures like these. Would you spend $70k for a surgery like this? Why or why not? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or send us a tweet @CityCastVegas. For a well-blended dose of news, events and all things Vegas, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baz Luhrmann directed a new film, which was recently released on HBO Max, about Elvis Presley’s life from childhood to riches, fame, and eventual demise. The film stars Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as his devilish manager, Colonel Tom Parker. No Elvis story is complete without our city, as Elvis had a seven-year-long residency at the International Hotel (which later became the Las Vegas Hilton and is now the Westgate).  Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler talk with producer Layla Muhammad about Elvis’ legacy in Las Vegas. Elvis was a superstar, a rock 'n' roll icon, who had impersonators on the Strip prior to his passing. We have Elvis-themed weddings, sell Elvis tchotchkes in our airport, and fake Elvis accompanies our mayor at parades… But are we honoring his legacy, or have we all turned him into a caricature? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Saunders’s stage presence, Miss Behave, is more than an alter ego. Think more like “Amy times Amy,” — and if you’ve seen any of the Miss Behave shows, you know that Miss B is a brash, warm, comedic force, an androgynous drag queen in spectacular costumes, a master of audience interaction. Today, Dayvid talks with Amy (and Miss B) about the journey from London to Vegas via freak shows and the Festival Fringe, how aging Trump supporters helped hone the show at Bally’s, and why performing off the Strip creates an entirely unique audience experience. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wow, Friday snuck up on us FAST this week — there’s just so much going on the news! Today, Vogue, Layla and Dayvid break it all down for us: What’s going on with Yucca Mountain (we thought that plan was dead), and why Governor Sisolak’s office just proposed that we kill it for once and for all. Plus, how other states vastly underestimated Senator Harry Reid when Yucca Mountain was first proposed back in the 80's. Next up, we revisit the long reach of the Route 91 shootings and how its aftereffects are felt even now: In the debates over exactly how many lives were claimed, what to do about guns, and what we should even call the massacre. And lastly, the team takes on the city’s newly-approved cannabis lounges, whether locals will actually go, and what we’d want to see in a cannabis lounge. Oh, and let us not forget: CONGRATULATIONS to the Las Vegas Aces!!! WNBA Champions, bayybeeeee! That’s right, Las Vegas just got its first major league sports championship. We love to see it. What would you want to see at Yucca Mountain? What does the weed lounge of your dreams look like? Leave us a voicemail or shoot us a text at 702-514-0719. You can always find us on Twitter too: @CityCastVegas For more news, events, and commentary about the city we love best, get our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Las Vegas, Vogue chats with Dr. Erika Gisela Abad Merced, (AKA Dr. Abad) an educator, writer, and curator. We talk about Vegas as a multicultural city and how that encompasses generation gaps, sexuality, race, & ethnicity. Dr. Abad shares how she’s turned her personal story into art and invited others to do so too with her show, Two Cultures, One Family. In a press release, Dr. Abad says, “I hope this exhibition helps people feel seen. To have their families feel seen. Two Cultures is a love letter to my mother and grandmother. While our struggles are different, I am here because of them – a testament to their resilience and sacrifice.” Dr. Abad also tell us how Las Vegas celebrates & respects different cultures, especially for our LGBTQ community, but also what we could do better. Two Cultures, One Family will be on display until January 28, 2023 inside the Barrick Museum at UNLV. It is free and open to the public. Visit the show and create art of your own during the Zine Workshop Friday, Sep. 23, 2022, 4pm to 6pm Do you have thoughts about multiculturalism in Las Vegas? Share them with us at 702-514-0719. Keep the conversation going with us on Twitter @CityCastVegas  Looking for more community events and more? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Kim Foster started the cookbook club Please Send Noodles (a cheeky play on “please send nudes”), it was a gathering of local home cooks who discussed a new cookbook and met for a potluck every month. Then, the pandemic shut down Las Vegas — and the cookbook club. Our hospitality-centric city was devastated… and hungry. The Please Send Noodles crew swung into action, pivoting from potlucks to pantry, cooking hundreds of meals each month for struggling Las Vegans. Next week, Please Send Noodles will hold its first in-person gathering since the pandemic started. Kim joins host Dayvid Figler to talk about how the cookbook club met the challenges of the moment, why restaurant-centric Las Vegas needs a cookbook club, and how both trauma and resilience can show up when the table is set. For more information about Monday’s cookbook club event, visit The Writer’s Block website. Kim Foster is a James Beard Award-winning food writer and essayist. Her book, The Meth Lunches: Food and Longing in an American City, will be released from St. Martin’s Press in Fall 2023. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas Do you have an interesting club or organization that Vegas needs to know more about? Tell us about it by calling or texting 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto made headlines when she publicly criticized President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, breaking rank with Democrats. So is this a play for Republican votes during a tough battle for reelection? Or is she actually swinging left of the Dems on this issue — especially given the fact that she’d already proposed a college affordability and loan forgiveness bill? Today, Dayvid talks with Nevada Independent reporter Tabitha Mueller, who recently wrote about Cortez Masto’s stance on the Biden plan, and how it all might play out in her reelection campaign. What do you think about Biden’s loan forgiveness plan? How are student loans affecting you? Leave us a voicemail or a send us a text at 702-514-0719. We’re all ears on Twitter, too: @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news, observations, and goings-on about town? You’ll want to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few weeks ago, our team talked about the movers and shakers from Las Vegas history who would be on our(hypothetical) Mt. Rushmore. The problem? We had no women on our list! Here to help us fix that glaring omission is Dr. Su Kim Chung, Head of Public Services in Special Collections and Archives at UNLV Libraries. She and host Vogue Robinson talk about four iconic women in Vegas history that we should all know (plus one bonus pick!), and how they made our city what it is today. For more information about the women on Su Kim’s list, click on the links below: Helen Stewart Lubertha Johnson Claudine Williams Carol Harter Margaret Kelly (Miss Bluebell) Did you know about all of these Las Vegas women? Who would you add? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas insider history, news, events, and more — you’re gonna want to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Note: In the introduction to this episode, we incorrectly called Su Kim Chung the Head of Special Collections. Her correct job title is Head of Public Services in Special Collections and Archives at UNLV Libraries. Apologies for the error! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sonja and Dayvid are joined today by a very special guest: Joey Lovato, host of the Nevada Independent’s podcast IndyMatters. (Psst, it’s his birthday today, y’all!) Joey catches us up on the cannabis news — namely, that the ACLU has won its lawsuit against the State Board of Pharmacy, who will now be required to de-classify cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug. So what does that mean for Las Vegans? We also talk about the endorsement that six local chambers of commerce recently gave to a ballot initiative that proposes to split up Clark County School District into smaller school districts. CCSD is the fifth-largest school district in the country — but splitting it up comes with some pros and cons. We round out the roundup with a remembrance of Blair Dewane, a beloved local indie musician who passed this week at too young of an age. Last but most certainly not least, we learn that Dayvid is in a polka punk band called Tippy Elvis, and that Joey was in a Justin Bieber-meets-Alvin the Chipmunks band called Full Silver… in the 5th grade. We’re currently looking for the Full Silver deep cut album, so let us know if you find footage anywhere! How do YOU feel about the CCSD ballot initiative? Are you in a local indie band that you want to shout out? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news and events? Reward yourself every morning with our 6 a.m. newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vegas is buzzing as the top-seeded Las Vegas Aces make their way to Connecticut tonight with a 2-0 lead over the Sun in the WNBA Finals. They are one game away from bringing home our city’s first major league sports championship — it could happen tonight! News 3 sports anchor Bryan Salmond tells host Dayvid Figler how the team got there with a rookie coach and all-star roster. Also, what its win could mean for Las Vegas and a hint as to how they might celebrate a W. GO ACES! How do you hope to celebrate Vegas’s first major league sports championship? Share your excitement with us at 702-514-0719.  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  Stay up to date on all the Vegas happenings by signing up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The music, food, and art festival Life is Beautiful starts Friday — you may have already noticed street closures downtown as it sets up. Since 2013, Life is Beautiful has taken over several blocks of downtown for three days. Headliners have included huge artists, like Megan Thee Stallion, the Gorillaz, Kendrick Lamar, Arcade Fire. Celebrity chefs show up. Apparently Banksy was there one year? It’s all wild and magical… but maybe not for everyone. Today, Sonja (an LiB newbie) talks with Dayvid and Layla, both veterans of Life is Beautiful, about why so many locals have mixed feelings about it. Dayvid shares a conversation with musician Jack Evan Johnson, who started the cheeky Life is Shit event, while Layla talks with local artist Tanna Marie, who’s getting a huge break at this year’s festival. Quick note, you’re gonna hear some profanity in this one, including a well-executed F bomb. How do YOU feel about Life is Beautiful? Let us know: 702-514-0719 or @CityCastVegas on Twitter. For even more Vegas news, events, and snarky commentary, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twenty-six years ago today, Tupac Amaru Shakur died at University Medical Center here in Las Vegas. A few days before his death, he was shot at the intersection of Flamingo and Koval — you may have driven past the spontaneous, informal memorial at the site, a collection of fan tributes scrawled onto a telephone pole. There is no official memorial or plaque here, or anywhere in Las Vegas. Tupac didn’t get the accolades he deserved during his lifetime, but today, he’s remembered as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time — so where’s our memorial? Host Vogue Robinson is joined by DJ Warren Peace, a local who was on the Death Row street team and was playing at Club 662 the night Tupac never arrived. He tells us stories from the 90s club scene, and lays out the big picture: How the Vegas powers that be viewed hip-hop in the 90s, and why he thinks we don’t have a Tupac memorial. Where were you when Tupac was shot? Who else do you think deserves to be memorialized in Las Vegas? Let us know at 702-514-0719 or on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Looking for more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been in Vegas for a while, you might’ve seen “Rogers” in an organization’s name or two. That’s Beverly Rogers, who grew up in Las Vegas and has become one of Las Vegas’ biggest donors to education and the arts. The Rogers Foundation’s commitment to supporting students in Las Vegas was created to advance the passion of Jim Rogers (Beverly’s late husband) for education. Today on the podcast, Beverly tells host Vogue Robinson about her early life and how its led her to philanthropy, the influence Vegas has had on her, and the scoop on when The Beverly Theater will be opening! Do you have first-hand experience with the work of the Rogers Foundation? Or thoughts on philanthropy in Las Vegas broadly? Fill us in! Leave us a message or send us a text at 702-514-0719. Or drop us tweet @CityCastVegas. Get even more Vegas news, commentary, and events when you sign up for our fantastic morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our look back at the week’s news, our team is tackling the story of local journalist Jeff German’s murder, which has made national headlines. Today, Dayvid, Scott and Sonja catch you up on the news, reflect on the tense environment for journalists, and how that might (or might not) bear on this particular case. In case you missed it, here’s a summary of the news so far: Investigative journalist Jeff German was found murdered outside his home Saturday morning following an altercation the night before that left him with multiple stab wounds. After four days of investigations, police arrested Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles on Wednesday evening in connection with the murder. Evidence was found linking Telles to the scene, including his car, a ripped-up hat that matched a video of the suspect, and DNA under German’s nails. It is believed that reporting from German (which exposed a toxic work environment at Telles's office) contributed to the loss of Telles's reelection bid in the June primaries. It was announced on Thursday that Telles was charged with open murder and will be held without bail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where have all the showgirls gone? No, we’re not talking about the costumed photo ops on Fremont Street, or those 50-foot clip art signs downtown. We’re talking about the classic showgirl revue — like Jubilee, the last showgirl show, which closed in 2016. Kelly O remembers those years well: She’s a dancer who performed in the iconic Jubilee show during its sunset years. In this special guest episode from our friends at the Faces and Aces LV podcast, Chris Kim talks with Kelly O about how she moved from ballet in NYC to the feathered world of Vegas showgirls, what a day in the life of a showgirl is like, and all of the other dancing gigs she’s taken up in Vegas since her showgirl days. You can listen to more Faces and Aces LV at facesandaceslv.com. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Football season starts tomorrow, and for some of you, it’s not just ego and bragging rights on the line. Ever since the Supreme Court allowed for sports betting outside of Nevada, the industry has seen major growth: It doubled in 2021 with over $57 billion wagered across the U.S. So what does that mean for Las Vegas? Yahoo sports betting analyst and Las Vegas local Minty (who goes by “Minty Bets” online) joins host Vogue Robinson to answer all of our most pressing and ridiculous questions about sports betting: What kind of prep does she have to do? Does sports betting ruin the experience of the game? Is Las Vegas still important in the ever-expanding world of sports-betting? And how can you tell when you’ve gone a little too far with the wagers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month, CCSD confirmed their first Monkeypox case at Palo Verde High School. With Las Vegas being a global destination for tourism, how concerned should we be about Monkeypox? While our numbers remain low compared to the rest of the country, issues around messaging create a harmful stigma and false sense of safety for groups not included in the language. Southern Nevada Health District senior health educator Cheryl Radeloff talks with host Vogue Robinson about our case and vaccine numbers, the similarities in messaging with HIV/AIDS, and what we can to do protect ourselves. You can find the EPA's list of disinfectants for emerging viral pathogens here. Do you have more thoughts or questions about Monkeypox? A story to share? Tweet at us @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail or text 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millennial content warning: We reference BOTH The Dark Crystal and the Mayor of Flavortown in today’s episode. But before that — in this week’s Friday roundup, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with producer Layla Muhammad and host Dayvid Figler to discuss the most important news items to share at the BBQ this Labor Day weekend. A proposal from the Nevada Department of Corrections is on ice after Gov. Sisolak asks for more data on how restricting greeting cards and colored ink in mail would decrease the amount of contraband in prisons. Advocates say the proposal is anti-family and dehumanizing. With autumn at our doorstep, elections aren’t far behind. We take a deeper look at Question No. 3 on this year’s ballot and how the results in Alaska could give some insight on how Nevada’s elections could go in the future. Lastly, a new name in Nevada’s “Black Book” could open the floodgates for people restricted from casinos. Still confused about ranked choice voting? Want to share who YOU’D vote in as the Mayor of Flavortown? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail or text at 702-514-0719. Stay up to date on the news and goings-on about town with our brilliant morning newsletter! Sign up atlasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas doesn’t run on rum, tequila, or vodka — that’s tourist juice. Coffee’s the true lifeblood of our 24-hour city. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, Scott, Dayvid and Vogue talk about their favorite spots around town to get excellent brews, where to take a coffee date, and why a city needs a vibrant, healthy coffee scene. Did we miss your go-to coffee shop? Let us know at 702-514-0719 or tell us on Twitter @CityCastVegas!  For more Vegas tips, tricks, and thoughts, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Cast Las Vegas co-host Dayvid Figler has a decades-long friend in Anne Kellogg. Anne is a fiercely proud born-and-raised Nevadan, businessperson, an arts supporter, a ranch caretaker and maybe beyond all else, one of the biggest cheerleaders for Nevada you’ll ever meet. She and her husband spend much of the year bouncing between her hometown Las Vegas and her adopted city of Ely. With its plentiful charms, artistic endeavors and abundantly magnetic sights and sounds, Ely has become a favorite for Las Vegans. But are Las Vegas residents always welcome, and why don’t Ely residents seem to embrace much that comes from Las Vegas? In a State where blue cities and red rurals make us perpetual purple, is there still time to embrace "One Nevada?" Dayvid and Anne talk about the differences, the similarities and the causes of disconnect between two very different but both unique Nevada towns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the attention given to predictions in a recent UNLV study that valley’s population will grow by more than 1 million by 2060, another interesting trend seemed largely overlooked. That is, that the number of residents 65 and older is expected to more than double. Among other implications of this is a likely boom of the healthcare industry to cater to these seniors. Today on the podcast, host Vogue Robinson is joined by independent Medicare broker La’Chelle Buckner to discuss why Las Vegas is the new retirement Mecca and how the healthcare system works — or doesn't — for our aging populace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas has shifted its slogan from “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” to “What Happens Here, Only Happens Here.” Both slogans shroud our city in mystery and encourage outsiders to speculate about our culture. What happens when you tell someone you live in Vegas? You get a slew of ridiculous questions! Do you gamble everyday? Do you only eat at fancy restaurants? Can I get a job outside of a casino in daytime hours? City Cast CEO, David Plotz, lives in Washington, D.C., and hasn’t visited Vegas for almost 20 years! Today on the show he asks our hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson a series of wild and ridiculous questions about Las Vegas. You might learn a bit more about the weird jobs people can have in town, plus a few fun places you’d actually want to take your kiddos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Friday’s news roundup, the question of whether Vegas is a “cesspool of crime” as former president Trump claimed is debated yet again, but this time by our very own Dayvid Figler, Vogue Robinson, and Scott Dickensheets. Oh, and they’ve got some numbers! Also, what’s with that new megasculpture, “City,” and why haven’t any local outlets covered it yet? Plus, the team talks about how Lake Las Vegas ended up on the 2021 list of top Las Vegas valley water users. Hear more from Scott in our daily morning newsletter! You can sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone we know in the Valley has an opinion about water — so why not make it an informed opinion? You can start by listening to the highly informative and entertaining podcast Water Smarts, from the experts at the Southern Nevada Water Authority. You’ll get deep dives on topics like wastewater surveillance, tips on how to save water in your landscaping, and insights into our decades-long water crisis, straight from the source. Today, we’re sharing an episode of Water Smarts all about our tap water — yep, it’s safe to drink. Carolyn Faircloth, the Water Quality Laboratory Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), shares how she and her team test and monitor our drinking water to ensure high-quality water is delivered to your home or business every day. Hosts Crystal Zuelke and Bronson Mack talk water quality and how you can find out what’s in our water on episode 25 of Water Smarts Podcast, “Yes, you can drink the tap water.” Do you have feelings about the tap water in town? Got a burning tap water question? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text message at 702-514-0719. You can shoot us a tweet @CityCastVegas. Get more Vegas news, events, and whip-smart commentary in our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter— it’s the freshest thing in your inbox every morning, at 6 a.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While our producers are taking a much-needed vacation, we’re revisiting one of our favorite City Cast Las Vegas interviews with the woman we’ve dubbed the Lorax of Las Vegas: Lisa Ortega, Master Arborist. This episode originally aired on June 14, 2022. Las Vegas is the fastest-warming city in the U.S. — and that's only made worse by the urban heat island effect, caused by dense concentrations of heat-trapping concrete, asphalt, glass, and steel. (Read more about Southern Nevada's extreme heat vulnerability on this site from RTC: Southern Nevada Strong.) The effect isn't evenly distributed: Our neighbors in the center and Eastside of the city see even higher temperatures from older infrastructure and more blacktop. This April, the City of Las Vegas announced a plan to plant 60,000 trees by 2025 to combat the city's extreme heat. In today's episode, the state’s only female Master Arborist and founder of the non-profit Nevada Plants, Lisa Ortega, joins host Dayvid Figler to discuss why trees are the answer to our heat problems, how this disproportionally affects communities of color, and why we might just be able to dub her the Lorax of Las Vegas. Do you have a favorite trees? Thoughts on our warming city? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. Or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas and gives us your best hot take. Want more Vegas news, events, and snarky commentary? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're bringing you a special guest episode from The Nevada Independent's podcast IndyMatters. (If you're not already listening to their show, do yourself a favor and go subscribe right now!) IndyMatters host and producer Joey Lovato joins our host, Dayvid Figler, to introduce the three segments he's sharing with us today: Indy reporter Carmen Landinger explores why East Las Vegas is disproportionately affected by poor air quality and what’s being done to combat that problem Reporter and co-host Jacob Solis talks with a Nevada State College professor, Jo Meuris, about her animated short she showed at Comic-Con, and a dream of hers realized Joey Lovato dives into the world of the Bristlecone Pine, one of the oldest living trees on the planet. He talks to experts James Woolsey and Gretchen Baker about what makes the trees unique, what we can learn from them and what threats they face. This segment was co-produced with Indy environment reporter Daniel Rothberg. Thoughts, ideas, questions? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. Or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news, events, and witty observations? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark County sentences more people to death than almost any other county in the nation — we come in fourth (fourth!)out of thousands. But as it turns out, we very rarely actually execute prisoners on death row. So why is that? Kim Foster, writer and friend of the pod, brought us this question when she saw the recent news about an 18 year old and a 20 year old facing the death penalty — would our county really put these young people to death? And if not, why seek the death penalty at all? Kim and lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson talk with host Dayvid Figler (a longtime criminal defense attorney) about how the death penalty is used in the Clark County courts, why it’s so easy to deploy here, and what justice might look like. Come for the knowledge, stay for the Baretta and Princess Bride references. Find Dayvid and Kim on Twitter at @OyVegas and @KimFosterNYC. We’re on Twitter too @CityCastVegas! Stay up to date with the latest Vegas news, hot takes, and events by signing up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  If you want to join the discussion, call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Friday news round up, the team laments over some of our small city’s big problems. Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson wonders how the demographics of our city could change, after reading a UNLV study that says Las Vegas’ population will grow by over 1 million people by 2060. Host Dayvid Figler expresses concern over the lack of mental health professionals in our schools. Meanwhile, Producer Layla Muhammad shares her philosophy about parking in Las Vegas as a local after the city generously tosses us a few crumbs with new free lunchtime parking in the Arts District. Plus, our picks for who should be on Las Vegas’ Mt. Rushmore! Who would you put on your Las Vegas Mt. Rushmore? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 with your ridiculous, sleeper, and/or must-have picks! You can also complain about paid parking with us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Make sure to also sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food writer Johnathan Wright has had his eye on Las Vegas for a long time — so when longtime Review-Journal food writer Heidi Knapp Rinella retired earlier this year, he jumped at the opportunity. Host Vogue Robinson sits down with Johnathan to chat about his first impressions of the Vegas food scene, his favorite martini in town (so far), and why he can’t find a good slice of pizza here (yet). We dig into meatier topics, too: Why do so many Americans assume that Chinese, Thai and Mexican food has to be cheap? And can you really separate the art from the artist when it comes to restaurants and troubling chefs at their helm? If you know where Johnathan can find a good New York slice in town, give us the deets! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. We’re on Twitter, too! @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news, events, and spicy-hot takes? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday evening, human remains were found at Lake Mead’s Swim Beach. This is the fifth body found by visitors since May and the second at Swim Beach. These discoveries come in the wake of water levels reaching their lowest point since the reservoir was being filled in 1937. Officials have yet to identify the victims, but that isn’t stopping Las Vegas from buzzing with speculation, curiosity… and tactless billboards. Given our infamous history with organized crime, it’s no surprise that people have been bursting with theories about their connection to the mob. Today, host Vogue Robinson chats with Geoff Schumacher, Vice President of Exhibits and Programs for The Mob Museum. They discuss why most of these theories relate to the mob, why they may or may not be true, and what Las Vegans aren’t thinking about as we romanticize the mob’s involvement. Do you have a wild Lake Mead story? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for updates on all things Vegas at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably driven past this swirly, swooped steel structure on Bonneville across from the outlet mall. It’s also all over social media every summer: “Hey, Vegas is so hot, this building melted!” You might even know that it’s officially titled the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health — but as it turns out, none of the theories we’ve heard about its origins (modeled after a brain, fashioned after sand dunes, and certainly not actually melted) are true. Here to share the true story behind the building is Director Dr. Dylan Wint, who’s been with the Center since it opened in 2010. As it turns out, famed architect Frank Gehry didn’t want to build anything in Las Vegas — but something changed his mind. Host Vogue Robinson and Dr. Wint talk about the origins of the building, the research and care that happens inside, and why Las Vegas so desperately needed the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Have you been to the Lou Ruvo Center? Do you have a “what’s that building” episode idea? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719, or email us as lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can always shoot us a note on Twitter, too: @CityCastVegas For even more Vegas news, events and fun times, sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pews were filled with the who’s who of the Las Vegas legal world last Thursday, from politicians to police officers, criminal defense attorneys, and more — all for a “tiny, fierce” woman named Bonnie Polley, who was Clark County Detention Center’s first chaplain. In this remembrance from host Dayvid Figler (himself a criminal defense attorney who knew Pastor Bonnie for many years), he describes her impact in the community and how her unique role enabled her to humanize people on all sides of the aisle in an all-too-often dehumanizing system. Did you know Pastor Bonnie Polley, or have stories from those impacted by her advocacy work? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or send us a tweet @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news, events, and commentary, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oh hello, Friday friends — if you’re here for hot takes and cool dad jokes, you’re in the right place. In this Friday roundup of the news, Layla, Scott and Sonja discuss the pros (smell of desert rain, Lake Mead gains 3 inches) and cons(uh, majorly destructive flood damage) of monsoon season and the wreckage in Death Valley. (Do we hate to love it? Love to hate it? Who can say.) Next up, the first week of school is coming to a close, and the students in our families fill us in on the general vibe. Word on the street is that some classrooms are so crowded, some students are sitting on the floors. Whoa.  We also discuss an investigation from the R-J about an affordable housing program that’s coming to a sudden end… just as rents are peaking in the Valley. (Didn’t Nevada just get $500 million to create and preserve affordable housing? AHEM.) Last but not least, we name our Vegas residency dream tickets. Stay tuned to hear about the heavy metal band we’re forming, called Petrichor, after the smell of desert rain. *insert melodic screaming here* Do you have a hot take on our hot takes? A dad joke to usurp our dad jokes? Send ‘em our way on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. (We might even play the best ones on the pod!) If you like what you hear, you can get even more Vegas news (and even more Scott!) in our morning newsletter: Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Avi Kwa Ame is the Mojave name for Spirit Mountain and the surrounding landscape, which is sacred to over 12 Indigenous tribes. In February, Representative Dina Titus introduced a bill to designate Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument that would protect the area for cultural and recreational purposes. There hasn't been any legislative action on the bill since it was filed, so advocates are looking to President Biden to sign a presidential decree to protect the lands. The Conservation Lands Foundation works with advocates to hold the Bureau of Land Management accountable and works to secure the safety of Avi Kwa Ame. Associate Program Director Bertha Gutierrez sits down with Host Vogue Robinson to explain its importance to Indigenous tribes, why they are working towards a national monument designation, and how this would benefit all of us. Have you been to Avi Kwa Ame? What do you think about the monument proposal? Leave us a message or send us a text at 702-514-0719, or tweet at us @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to local mottos, we've got a few: #VegasStrong, "What happens here, stays here," and "it's a dry heat." Over the last couple decades, some locals have added "Save Red Rock" to their list. That's because the legal fights over where, how, and whether to develop near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area have become long-term, entrenched battles. The Nevada Independent's environment reporter Daniel Rothberg recently wrote an in-depth investigative piece detailing the latest twists and turns in developer Jim Rhodes' lawsuit against the county, which he claims has stalled his plans to construct a high-density residential development abutting the park. Daniel joins us today to help us put this lawsuit (and development around Red Rock, broadly) into context: What makes a project like Rhodes' different from, say, the construction at Bonnie Springs? Why should we care about the impact of a road through the desert? And who gets to make decisions about the lands bordering our national conservation areas? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributor Michael Lyle, a reporter at the Nevada Current, joins us today to talk about the results of the Valley’s latest homeless census — we’re seeing the largest uptick in homelessness since 2019. That’s not surprising, Michael explains, since we’re also in the midst of soaring rents (which, despite some reports of cooling, is still nearly 25% more expensive than it was in 2019). In fact, Michael points to research showing that a $100 increase in median rent is associated with a 9% increase in homelessness. So what’s a Valley to do about it, and is relief on the way any time soon? Read Michael Lyle's full report on nevadacurrent.com. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our amazingly witty morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas Have you been negatively impacted by an increase in rent? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic floodgates have opened, and gambling is hot hot HOT once again. Southern Nevada is raking in months upon months of record-breaking gambling revenue. Reid International Airport saw its busiest month ever in June. And gambling influencers are apparently a thing now — the Plaza debuted an influencer-themed slot machine last month, making a play for the screen-addicted millennial generation. But with the highs come the lows, and host Dayvid Figler knows a thing or two about the low-lows that come with problem gambling: He helped create a diversion court to keep those suffering from gambling addiction out of prison and get them into treatment. So how do you figure out if you, or your friend, or your Uncle Benny, has a gambling problem? And what can families, casinos, and our government do about it? For more resources on problem gambling, visit the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, or call their confidential 24-hour hotline at 1-800-522-4700. You can also start the conversation with yourself: Take the 20-question problem gambling questionnaire here. Do you have thoughts, questions, or ideas for us? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. You can go find us on the ol’ bird app too — tweet at us: @CityCastVegas And last but never least, get more Vegas news, events, mutterings and musings in our daily morning newsletter. Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler, along with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, indulge in the cleansing fires of RAAAAGE: Cuz there’s so much rage-inducing news this week! First up, we talk about the new 50-foot showgirl signs planned for the entrance to the Arts District (spoiler: Dayvid compares them to “clip art”). Then it’s on to the Clark County Commission’s recent unanimous vote to expand an “order out” ordinance on the Strip: Now anyone with convicted of any crime can be ordered out of the area, and could face a misdemeanor arrest for violating the rule. Oh, and don’t forget RAGE item three: The results of a recent House committee investigation were released last week, and Siegel Suites (the subject of our episode on Pinkbox Doughnuts) were found to use egregiously underhanded tactics to evict tenants before, during, and after the moratorium on evictions — even those whose rental relief applications were underway. Don’t worry, we end on a sweet note: Bacon milkshakes, puppies, and art gallery openings. Come along for the emotional rollercoaster! What’s got your goat in this week of news? Do you actually love the showgirls and are we off the mark? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. Or send us a tweet @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news, events, and less rage + more snark (we promise), make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As rising rents push artists out of the Arts District, could the newly-revitalized New Orleans square be the answer? New Orleans Square is a two-story complex in the historic Commercial Center — once a hub for business, dining, and nightlife in the 60s and 70s. It has since gained a reputation (whether fair or not) as a dangerous hotspot for illicit activities. But business owners are working to rebrand the Commercial Center: Ron and Judy McMenemy bought New Orlean Square in the 2000s and curated it to create a center of arts and culture. Since their passing in the last few years, their children took over the building and have recently listed it for sale.  Host Vogue Robinson visits gallerist Nancy Good at Core Contemporary Art Gallery inside New Orleans Square. They talk about how Nancy is continuing Ron’s work to make New Orleans Square a desirable place for artists, and why Las Vegas shouldn’t be afraid of the area. Have you been to New Orleans Square? Let us know what you think of the area by leaving us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. Or tweet at us! Follow us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news, get our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Hsieh has long been painted as a tortured visionary — most recently in the posthumous biography by two Wall Street Journal reporters dramatically titled “Happy at Any Cost: The Revolutionary Vision and Fatal Quest of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh.” But longtime Las Vegas locals have observed the last decade of transformations along Fremont East (funded by Tony’s company Downtown Project) with mixed emotions. Lifelong resident and writer Nicholas Russell recently penned an essay in the Baffler about the problem with mythologizing Tony Hsieh — he and host Dayvid Figler bust some Downtown Project myths, examine Tony’s legacy downtown, and break down just why it was so easy for Tony Hsieh to set up shop in Las Vegas. How do you feel about downtown Las Vegas? Leave us a message or shoot us a text at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news? Get our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even before the pandemic, Nevada had the second-largest nursing deficit in the country, and the pandemic has only worsened nurse burnout and retention. According to a 2022 report, nurses are leaving their jobs at “a dramatically higher rate” — Nevada needs to hire 4,000 nurses just to meet the national average. Nursing schools are responding: In 2019, the UNLV School of Nursing launched a summer Nurse Camp to help high school students “develop realistic expectations about nursing school and working as a registered nurse” through hands-on activities, simulations, and lectures. Producer Layla Muhammad takes us through the camp as she talks to UNLV alumni and organizer Jennifer Pfannes about the camp, their goals, and how they hope the program can mitigate Nevada’s nursing shortage. Plus, hear from two high school students about their experiences at Nurse Camp. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  Are you a local nurse working during this shortage? Share your story with us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada’s ballot initiative process can be confusing. The deadline for gathering signatures for measures proposing to amend the state Constitution passed in June, with another deadline approaching in the fall for measures to amend the law. After the signatures are verified by election officials, they make it on to our ballots. Some measure get caught up in court while others breeze through the process. Producer Layla Muhammad talks with Host Dayvid Figler about what we’ll see on our ballots this November, where the process goes right, and where it goes terribly wrong. We’ve got the wittiest newsletter in Vegas. Make sure to sign up for all the musings at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We also tweet! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  Do you have questions about what’s going to be on the ballot this November? Give us a call at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer Layla Muhammad hosts newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets and host Dayvid Figler in a spirited conversation for this week’s Friday news roundup! The team discusses why residents may or may not care about the demolition of three casinos that cater to locals, and Dayvid’s idea on how the city could repurpose these properties. Also, the hits and (many) misses in The Vice Guide to Travel Las Vegas and what we would do with the billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot money ... even though we have to drive to the state line to buy lottery tickets. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We call Vegas “Sin City,” and we have the strippers, cocktail waitresses, escorts, Little Darlings billboards, and The Love Store to prove it. Sex is a part of everyday life in Las Vegas. But there’s more to this conversation… and most of us aren’t comfortable talking about it. Is Sin City… Sex Positive? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, host Vogue Robinson talks with Rebecca Bosetti, assistant professor at the UNLV School of Social Work, about her new course, “Sexual Behavior & Society: The Good, the Bad, and the Controversial,” and why Las Vegas needs more sex-positive social workers. Every morning, Scott Dickensheets serves up a fantastic newsletter filled with news items, events, and other things you should know about our city. Sign up here: lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Stay up-to-the minute with us on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719 with your Vegas hot take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Las Vegas Valley has a speeding problem: 2021 was the worst year for traffic fatalities in over a decade (2022 is on track to beat that), and speeding is the cause of a third of fatal crashes. The Review-Journal recently published an investigative piece that looked at 95,000 speeding tickets from one of our biggest municipal courts, and found that 80% of them were reduced to parking violations. That means no traffic school and — crucially — no record of repeat dangerous drivers. But is ratcheting up the consequences in a criminalized system the answer? What solutions are on the table? Host Vogue Robinson talks with Michael Scott Davidson, the investigative reporter behind this piece, about his findings and what the experts are saying. Stay even more connected to your city with news roundups, whip-smart commentary, and fun events in our morning newsletter! Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Thoughts, feelings? Did we miss the mark, or hit the bullseye? Tweet us! We’re @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As rents rise all over the valley, some business owners in the Arts District got hit with 200-400 percent rent increases, making life more difficult for everyone — but especially cultural businesses. Priscilla Fowler has owned her eponymous fine art gallery in the area since 2016, moving three times within the Arts District, most recently this year after her rent was doubled. Downside: In her current location, away from Main Street, foot traffic has declined. Host Vogue Robinson talks to Fowler about her experience, how things have changed, and what we can do to keep the arts in the Arts District. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KSNV News 3 sports anchor Bryan Salmond calls Las Vegas the sports and entertainment capital of the world. With another successful NBA Summer League in the books and the WNBA’s success with the Aces here in the valley, could it finally be time for an NBA team in Las Vegas? Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and Bryan discuss what the prospects are for our basketball city and why LeBron James just might be the one to bring a team here. Want to stay updated on the latest Vegas news and events? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We also tweet! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  Are you a Las Vegas baller? Let us know your thoughts by calling or texting us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Roving Producer Lizzie Goldsmith is from Denver and has never been to Vegas! Host Vogue Robinson and Lead Producer Sonja Cho Swanson plan out Lizzie’s perfect Vegas itinerary including bars, views, food, outdoor activities, and(reluctantly) what to do on The Strip. The millennials also explain why Bennifer’s Vegas wedding brought on the nostalgia and some very Vegas news items. Want to be a better Las Vegan? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  Got some good news for a Friday round up? Give us a call or send us a text at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When’s the last time you exited Spring Mountain Rd. and visited Las Vegas’ Chinatown? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson chats it up with Lorraine Blanco Moss. She’s the host of Nevada Public Radio’s Exit Spring Mountain, a podcast that takes its name from the east-west artery that runs through the heart of town. The show — which launches their second season on July 27th! — focuses on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the fastest growing ethnic group in Nevada. Sonja and Lorraine talk about why representation is so important, and how sharing stories by and for the AAPI community builds empathy, especially in the wake of rising anti-Asian violence. Want to dive deeper into Vegas news and happenings? Then head on over to our website and make sure you’re signed up for our morning newsletter! lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter We’re also keeping it real on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas  Have a Vegas hot take to share? Leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a long hard summer for many reasons. Ways to find relief are more important than ever, but where do you go in a city that’s known to be shallow and culture-less? Host and former Clark County Poet Laureate Vogue Robinson sits down with Producer Layla Muhammad to set the record straight about the culture surrounding Vegas’ thriving poetry scene. Vogue gives you everything you need to know on how to engage with the poetry community in Las Vegas and why it’s important for the city to support. Check out Wednesday’s newsletter for a list of recurring poetry open mics, slams, and jams happening in town. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  You can also find us posting about the latest Vegas happenings on Twitter at @CityCastVegas.  Do you think Vegas has culture? Drop us a line or send us a text at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How worried should Nevadans be about the BA.4 and BA.5 variants? Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the sixth wave is making its way across the globe. Nevada’s weekly updates show an increase in hospitalizations despite the decrease in reported cases week to week. In her conversation with host Vogue Robinson, The Nevada Independent’s Tabitha Mueller shares her reporting on the disparities in the numbers, vaccination rates, and wastewater monitoring. Visit The Nevada Independent COVID data page here. Looking for more Vegas news and events? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  You can also find us on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  Have you seen something in Vegas that needs to be discussed? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Blankenship is a researcher at Brookings Mountain West at UNLV who studies internet misinformation — and her most recent study suggests that sentiments on gun reform across the political aisle are converging. The study looked at millions of tweets and examined users’ emotions and reactions to mass shootings in the United States dating back to 2017 to the 1 October shooting in Las Vegas. As the conversation around gun reform changes, Blankenship and her co-author, Carol Graham, hope “this analysis can provide an opening toward a solution where one did not seem to exist before.” Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday (can we get a FriYAY?) which means it’s time for a news roundup! Sonja, Scott and Layla sit down to talk about our relatively quiet week in the news. First up, neighbors in Centennial Hills are divided over a proposed low-income housing development up at Rome & Decatur Blvd. Sonja brings up this research from NYU, which suggests property values can sometimes go up when low-income housing comes in. We talk about the tiny homes for the unhoused that New Leaf Community built—before they were razed by the city of North Las Vegas. Here’s the city-led tiny homes project in Sacramento that Layla mentions. And last but not least, the county is asking for community input on a permanent 1 October memorial — we weigh in. Here’s an interactive site with photos and videos of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, from which Scott suggests we might take some inspiration. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  Got a super hot Las Vegas take? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 to join us for a Friday news roundup.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Local wrestling champion Anthony “Da Shade” Shade says being raised in the Fight Capital of the World helped him make his way into wrestling. Not only is Vegas the best place to combine the sport with the entertainment, but the local independent scene is LGBTQ+ inclusive. Da Shade joins us to explain why Vegas is the place for big money matches, how the pro side of wrestling could be more inclusive, and more with host Vogue Robinson. You can catch Da Shade in action on Saturday, July 23 at Versus Pro and Friday, August 12 at PrideStyle's "Slowdeath". Both matches at Versus Pro Studios inside the Boulevard Mall. Check out their Twitters at @VersusProStudio and @PrideStylePro for more information. Looking for more interesting Vegas tidbits? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re on Twitter too! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  Are you a local independent wrestling fan? Tell us about it at 702-514-0719!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have noticed a few changes around town: Slowly but surely, patches of grass in medians, under street signs, and in between buildings are being replaced with desert landscaping. That’s thanks to a bill, AB356, that was passed last year in response to our ever-worsening drought — landscaping is the Valley’s biggest water guzzler. AB356 cuts back “nonfunctional turf” on business properties, like your local McDonald’s and perhaps your very own HOA. Today, JC Davis from the Southern Nevada Water Authority breaks down what exactly AB356 mandates, what “nonfunctional turf” means, and why it’s so important right now. Got thoughts on our water use or grassy medians? Hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. And for even more Vegas news, events, and goings-on about town, make sure to sign up for our excellent morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic created a lot of new dog owners and a lot of new outdoors enthusiasts — resulting in more newbie dog hikers on our local trails. Today, we sit down with Kimberly Lewis and Paula Jacoby-Garrett, co-authors of “Best Hikes with Dogs: Las Vegas & Beyond.” Kimberly and Paula tell us how to be responsible hikers with dogs, from picking up their poop (yep, it’s a problem) to keeping them protected from the sun and heat (dogs can get skin cancer, too!). They also share their favorite cool and shady dog-friendly trails in the Valley. Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter and you’ll get roundups of the latest news, whip-smart commentary, and links to upcoming events around town. Do you have strong feelings about dogs on trails? Let us know! Tweet at us @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you follow sports news, you probably know that the Las Vegas Raiders have had a bumpy few years: The city of Oakland is suing them for leaving, they’ve faced lawsuits and allegations of a boys club culture, their head coach resigned after his racist & homophobic emails were released, a star rookie had a horrible car crash that killed a woman… believe it or not, the list goes on. But last Thursday, the team announced their new president: Sandra Douglass Morgan, an attorney and former chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and the NFL’s first Black woman president. Could this signal a new beginning for the team? Today, host Vogue Robinson sits down with Vegas Nation host and award-winning Review-Journal videographer Heidi Fang to talk about what the Raiders have been through, how they’ve displayed resilience on and off the field, and why more Las Vegans should get behind our new football team. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on the bird app! Tweet at us @CityCastVegas Don’t forget that you can leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for a news roundup! Every Friday, members of the team sit down to talk about what’s going on in Las Vegas news. Today, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with producer Layla Muhammad and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets. At the top of the ticket is the recent spate of violence at the Fremont Street Experience, and the curfews the city is talking about enacting for those under age 21. How can we keep Fremont safe — and also keep it weird? Next up, Layla, Scott, and Sonja share their Las Vegas origin stories (only one of us was born here — can you guess who?). And we wrap things up with some feel-good news, including a friend of Layla’s, Vegas boxer Hasim Rahman Jr., who is headed to Madison Square Garden next month to face Jake Paul. We’re rooting for the home team!!! Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  Want to join us for a Friday news roundup? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 with some topics!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cheers, Las Vegas! John Oliver praised the city for being a model for water conservation in the Colorado River Basin while pointing out that our friends in Utah aren’t doing so well. City Cast Salt Lake Host Ali Vallarta sits down with our Lead Producer Sonja Cho Swanson to compare notes on their cities’ water usage. Thirsty for more Las Vegas news? Quench your thirst with our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We are also on socials! Come say hi to @CityCastVegas   Drop us a line or send us a text at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the month of June, the Neon Museum hosted a series of Pride Gallery talks, tying iconic neon signs (like the Silver Slipper and the Riviera signs) to important moments in Las Vegas LGBTQIA+ history. For example: Did you know that the “Red Barn” sign advertised one of the Valley’s first openly gay bars in the 1970s? Or that the Silver Slipper was a casino with a “boylesque” female impersonators show? Today on the show, producer Layla Muhammad interviews Emily Daura, Tour Development Coordinator at the Neon Museum, about how the Pride gallery talks were developed, how they’ll carry forward beyond June, and what other new programming the museum has planned. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re on the bird app, too — follow us on Twitter @CityCastVegas, or leave us a voicemail or text at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic accelerated a lot of new technologies (like Zoom meetings and online shopping), and the gaming industry was certainly not left behind. Poker players are using A.I. to optimize their game. The newly-opened casino Resorts World is the first casino in town to offer cashless wagering at slots and table games. And can we talk about all those new, immersive slots showing up everywhere? Today, Dayvid talks with Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Director of Research at the UNLV International Gaming Institute, about the blurring lines between “gambling” and “gaming,” the consequences of high-tech gambling getting too fun, and if technology could actually be part of the solution. For more news, events, and snarky commentary, sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Do you have thoughts, feelings, questions about this episode? Want to share an idea with us? Tweet us @CityCastVegas You can also leave us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada is one of just a handful of states with a “citizen legislature” — our lawmakers convene every other year, get paid a nominal fee, and have day jobs. A recent lawsuit claims that at least some of those legislators violate our state constitution: Government employees aren’t supposed to be legislators. But, as host Dayvid Figler points out, lawmakers with any sort of day job inevitably have conflicts of interest. And because they’re biennial part-timers, guess who ends up wielding a lot of influence? Lobbyists! Dayvid has some big feels about all of this, so lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson chats him up about why the framers of the state constitution created a citizen legislature … and why it might not be such a good idea anymore. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Pride Month comes to a close and midterm elections loom over us, Nevada Current reporter Michael Lyle shares his findings on how anti-LGBTQ bills and rhetoric from politicians, both locally and nationally, are affecting the queer community. With over 300 proposed bills nationwide to limit the rights of LGBTQ community members this year and local candidates adopting hateful language, the current atmosphere is creating a what Michael calls “chilling effect." It's not all doom and gloom, though: Listen through to the end to hear what has brought Michael joy and pride this Pride month. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food writer Kim Foster loves a good donut — but you won’t ever find her at Pinkbox Doughnuts, a booming chain here in the Valley. That’s because Pinkbox is owned by the Siegel Group, a Vegas-based corporation that manages dozens of weekly stay apartments across several states. The Siegel Group is currently being investigated by a House panel regarding its eviction practices during the pandemic. And, as Kim explains, far from being the solution to our housing crisis, weeklies can drive people into even more instability. Want some more Vegas news, events, and insider hot takes? Then be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter! Got a piping hot take on Pinkbox Doughnuts or weeklies? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or tweet at us @CityCastVegas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nevada primary election ended last Tuesday and the road to the general election has begun. Some races turned out as expected, while others were a little surprising. Assistant editor and political reporter from the Nevada Independent Michelle Rindels joins Dayvid to discuss how some of these results could give us insights into November’s election, and what it says about the broader political climate in Nevada. Be sure to also check out today’s episode of IndyMatters for more takeaways from the NV primary! Looking to stay up-to-date this election cycle? Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter for major election news and some much more.  You can also keep up with us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas or call/text us at 702-514-0719! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juneteenth, the day Union soldiers took over in Galveston, TX and delivered the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to the last enslaved people on June 19, 1865, is being honored as a federal holiday for the second year since President Biden signed it into law in 2021. Since many people did not learn about the Juneteenth in school, our hosts Vogue and Dayvid offer some historical context and where Nevada stood at the time. Vogue then talks to Dre Whitfield of Juneteenth365 about their work, celebrations in Las Vegas, how the community can continue offering support to Black businesses 365 days a year. You can find more about the work Juneteenth365 does year-round and events this weekend on Instagram at @officialJuneteenth365. Need more news from a trusty neighbor? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Your neighbors are also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas is the fastest-warming city in the U.S. — and that's only made worse by the urban heat island effect, caused by dense concentrations of heat-trapping concrete, asphalt, glass, and steel. (Read more about Southern Nevada's extreme heat vulnerability on this site from RTC: Southern Nevada Strong.) The effect isn't evenly distributed: Our neighbors in the center and Eastside of the city see even higher temperatures from older infrastructure and more blacktop. This April, the City of Las Vegas announced a plan to plant 60,000 trees by 2025 to combat the city's extreme heat. In today's episode, the state’s only female Master Arborist and founder of the non-profit Nevada Plants, Lisa Ortega, joins us to discuss why trees are the answer to our heat problems, how this disproportionally affects communities of color, and why we might just be able to dub her the Lorax of Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three Square’s Restaurant Week is here! For its 15th year, about 200 restaurants have joined Southern Nevada’s only food bank to work towards their goal of a hunger-free community. In Nevada, 1 in 8 residents, and 1 in 6 children, struggle with food insecurity. The pandemic exacerbated this issue, putting the state among the most food-insecure in the nation. Kate Hibbard Gaines, Director of Development at Three Square, joins us to talk about Restaurant Week (June 6 - 17), how they support food-insecure residents, and what’s on the menu that she is looking forward to. You can visit www.restaurantweeklv.org for more information about participating restaurants and www.threesquare.org for how to support their fight against food insecurity in Southern Nevada. And be sure to share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #LVRW! Hungry for more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Follow us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas What are you looking forward to trying during Restaurant Week? Call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nationwide formula shortage hit Las Vegas hard: According to the Nevada Independent, we were the number one metro area with a formula deficiency in May. And while production was brought back online this weekend, supplies are expected to remain tight until at least June 20th. Nearly four-fifths of Nevada’s babies rely on formula — why the high demand? UNLV Public Health Professor Gabriela Buccini, who studies maternal health and infant nutrition, chats with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson about what’s missing in the formula shortage conversation today. We hear about formula marketing strategies, America‘s woefully inadequate maternity leave, and why bodybuilders have created a black market for human breast milk. Do you have opinions on breastfeeding, the formula shortage, or how babies get fed? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text! We’re at 702-514-0719. Or tweet at us! Follow us @CityCastVegas And for even more Vegas news, events, and observations, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s true, the news is out: We have a brand new host joining the team. Please join us in welcoming Vogue Robinson to City Cast Las Vegas! Many of you already know Vogue from her work as a poet, author, mentor, and teaching artist in Las Vegas — but if you don’t, we’re so excited for you to get to know and love her as much as we do. On today’s show, our producers queued up some very-Vegas questions for Dayvid and Vogue to draw from a (metaphorical) hat: Where to find the best ice cream in town, parking strategies when it’s 120F outside, and what Vegas stereotypes are actually (yes!) true. Be sure to head over to Twitter to follow Vogue @Vogue_316 and join us in welcoming her to the team (we’re at @CityCastVegas). If you have questions or a welcome message for Vogue, you can send us a text or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. And last but not least, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada's Secretary of State election isn’t one that typically makes too many headlines—after all, how many of us know what exactly that job entails? But, as the Review-Journal Politics and Government Editor Steve Sebelius reminds us, when it comes to elections integrity, the Secretary of State matters a whole lot: They preside over the state Electoral College, and ensure that the will of the people is carried out during elections. Today, Dayvid and Steve talk about outgoing Secretary Barbara Cegavske’s strikingly nonpartisan tenure, where the candidates lie on the Big Lie spectrum, and why Steve thinks the Secretary of State race is Nevada’s single most important race of 2022—and how democracy itself might be at stake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we have a special guest episode with Graham MacLennon, host of the podcast Cheftimony. Graham is a lawyer-turned-chef-turned-lawyer once again who brings his inquisitive eye to the food world—and quite often, the Las Vegas food world. Graham is one of those special Las Vegas regulars who not only takes frequent trips here, but has also taken the time to immerse himself in life off the Strip and learn how locals see the food scene here. In this guest episode, Graham shares two excerpts: One from an interview with Josh Crain, Executive Chef of Bouchon Bistro at The Venetian, and another with Laura Tucker, food enthusiast, craft beer lover, and Nevada Senior Deputy Attorney General. You can learn more about Cheftimony and hear more of their excellent episodes at www.cheftimony.com. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter @cheftimony and Instagram @cheftimony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, ProPublica co-published a stunning investigative piece with The Nevada Independent detailing how a politically-connected COVID testing company called Northshore scored contracts across the state — but, as later investigations revealed, Northshore’s PCR tests were wildly inaccurate (in one instance, they had a 96% false negative rate), sending sick people back out into the community. Today, Dayvid talks with Anjeanette Damon, the journalist who wrote the piece, about what this investigation tells us about Nevada’s pandemic response, our faith in public health officials, and the potential political fallout from the revelations. Get even more Vegas news (and events and more!) in our newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Are you on Twitter? We are too! Follow us @CityCastVegas  And we love your texts and voicemails — send those our way at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last Thursday, Dapper Companies announced two winners for The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, Dinette Luncheonette and Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner. The latter of the two will receive a fully built out restaurant with goods and services estimated to be over $950,000 at the historic Huntridge Shopping Center. Winnie & Ethel’s will be a part of the Dapper Companies’ plan to reopen the shopping center and neighboring Huntridge Theater, which have been fixtures in Downtown Las Vegas for over half a century. Like many historic sites that fall into disrepair, the significance can get lost with time, so on today’s episode, our host and Downtown Las Vegas resident Dayvid Figler explains to our producer Layla Muhammad why the Huntridge neighborhood is considered historic. Then, we talk to the owners of Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner, Mallory Gott and Aaron Lee, about their new spot and what they hope to add to the community. Longing for that back-fence neighbor? Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!  Keep up with us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas. Is there something coming to Vegas that excites you? Leave us a voicemail or text us 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite being legal in our state for medical and recreational use since 2016, the Nevada Board of Pharmacy has marijuana classified as a Schedule I substance, the strictest classification for drugs with "no currently accepted medical use," up there with methamphetamine and heroin. So last month, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLUNV) filed a lawsuit against the state to have marijuana removed from the list of Schedule I drugs. ACLUNV Executive Director Athar Haseebullah explains how Nevadans are still being impacted by the possession of marijuana because of this “loophole” that disproportionately affects communities of color and what they hope to achieve starting with their first major hearing on Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month, the rising violence in Clark County School District came to a head in a horrific attack on a teacher, sending shockwaves through the community. In response, the Clark County Education Association, the Valley’s largest teacher’s union, presented a statement pointing a finger at restorative justice, which they called an “unfunded law” that “handcuffs”educators from taking action against violent students. So what exactly is this restorative justice policy in CCSD, and what are the challenges it’s facing? Why do advocates think it’s needed, and how can it improve? Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with CCSD Police Captain Ken Young, who’s been with the District for 30 years, to talk about school safety and the culture shift required within the police force to get kids off the track to juvie and on track to graduation. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719 with your perspective on restorative justice or any other LV topic! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world premiere of “Clown Bar 2,” a film-noir-meets-circus-clowns immersive theater project, opens TONIGHT at Majestic Repertory Theatre—and we’ve got the inside scoop. Dayvid sits down with Artistic Director Troy Heard to talk about what makes immersive theatre unique, the give-and-take symbiosis between entertainment on the Strip and local productions, and where the Las Vegas arts scene is headed. Plus, we’ve got a bonus segment for you at the end of the episode: Producer Layla Muhammad brings us sounds and scenes from Clown Bar 2’s dress rehearsal. (Per Layla, it’s “freakin’ hilarious,” so you’re not gonna want to miss this one.) Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter for even more news and events from around the city. And did you know we’re also on Twitter? Give us a follow us at @CityCastVegas Don’t forget that you can text or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So far this year, over 460 babies have entered Clark County foster care system—at this rate, we’ll have 40% more babies in the system than last year. To help us understand this surge, we talk with Kim Foster, a local writer and foster advocate who has both fostered and adopted children in Clark County. We talk about the issues in our foster care system, why helping biological families is so important, and why you, too, might want to consider becoming a foster parent. If you’re interested in fostering, Clark County holds both in-person and virtual info sessions. Find out more at countmein.vegas For more Vegas news, sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Do the blue bird thing and tweet at us: @CityCastVegas And don’t forget, you can also text or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court suggests that Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case that guaranteed the right to abortion, will be overturned by a majority vote. With the draft likely to become official in the next few months, Western states like Utah, Idaho and Arizona face looming abortion bans that might have their cities turning to Nevada, where abortion rights are far more protected—they've been codified in state law since 1990. City Cast hosts from Salt Lake City and Boise, Ali Vallarta and Frankie Barnhill, join Dayvid to discuss what this means across state lines, and for the upcoming elections. Looking for that Vegas connection? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Say hi to us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas! Got questions about your city? Let us help you find an answer! Call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Month (or AAPI Heritage Month, depending on who you ask). Here in Clark County, AAPI is our fastest-growing ethnic group, with an expanding footprint in a growing city. Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with Mark Padoongpatt, Director of Asian and American Studies at UNLV, to talk about the things he loves about AAPI History Month, his hesitations about it, and what he hopes everyone in Las Vegas takes away from the spotlight on AAPI in May. If you love the podcast, you’ll love our morning newsletter—packed with even more Vegas news, events, and snarky commentary. Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm Keep up with us on Twitter (and tweet at us too—we don’t bite!) @CityCastVegas And don’t forget, you can always text us or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re bringing you a guest episode from the Nevada Independent’s podcast IndyMatters, which features original interviews and Q&As with the Indy’s reporters on some of their top stories of the week. Joey Lovato hosts and produces the show every Tuesday. It’s one of our go-to podcasts, and we think you’ll love it, too! Make sure to subscribe to IndyMatters wherever you get podcasts. In this guest episode, City Cast Las Vegas host Dayvid Figler talks with Joey about what makes IndyMatters special, before moving into the IndyMatters guest segment: An interview Joey held with Sheryln Hayes-Zorn from the Nevada Historical Society, about our many and varied state symbols. Did you know that Nevada’s official fossil is the ichthyosaur, and that we have TWO state trees? Why do we have a state tartan… and why have state symbols at all? Find out in today’s episode. For more Vegas news, sign for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm You can also find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas, and text or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We love hearing your voices! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fawn Douglas is an artist, activist, and community leader doing work to educate Las Vegas on Native American culture and center joy with the Nuwu Art Gallery and Community Center. The gallery has been opened to the public for the first time to show Douglas’s MFA thesis exhibition, SOOV, until May 6. She sits down with City Cast Las Vegas producer Layla Muhammad to share a look into the creation of the arts complex and her work within the Las Vegas community. Support Fawn and learn more at nuwuart.com and IAFInc.org Interested in the people who make Las Vegas thrive? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter!  We are also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Do you know someone who Las Vegans should know more about? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Short-term rentals like Airbnbs are legal (and hotly contested) in some parts of the valley, but they’re still illegal in unincorporated Clark County, where about half our population lives. That’s about to change: Assembly Bill 363, passed by the state last year, will force Clark County to create the legal infrastructure to regulate these SRTs by July 1st, 2022. You might already know that City Cast LV’s host, Dayvid Figler, is an attorney and neighborhood activist who’s written extensively on the topic—so today, he sits on the other side of the table as lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson interviews him about what we’re getting wrong (and right) about the Airbnb debates. Ready to join the conversation? First, you can email the County about STRs at: STRComment@ClarkCountyNV.gov Next, shoot us a text or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719: What do you think should happen with short-term rentals in your neighborhood? Plus, we’re on Twitter, so you can tweet at us and follow us at @CityCastVegas  And last but not least, for more Vegas news, sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last summer, the federal government declared the first-ever shortage in the Colorado River Basin, where Las Vegas gets about 90% of its water. The trend continues this year as Lake Mead and Lake Powell sit at their lowest levels—just looking at those bathtub rings is enough to give any desert-dweller anxiety. Today, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with Nevada Independent environment reporter Daniel Rothberg, who explains how it all comes down to “a math problem gone wrong”—less water in and more water out. So why does Las Vegas get the blame when we’re actually doing a pretty good job as a city at water conservation? How are we still reliant on major water guzzlers like agriculture in California and Arizona (thanks for all the lettuce)? And why does Daniel still have hope when asked if an apocalyptic Mad Max future awaits us? Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter!  We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas  You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The decision on whether or not the Oakland Athletics will find their new home in Las Vegas is expected soon. That means yet another new sporting venue on the Strip could be on the pitch. We talk with UNLV assistant professor of economics Dr. William Robinson to weigh the pros and the cons of the MLB team’s possible move and if our city should even want it. Listen until the end of the episode for the secret code to enter at lasvegas.citycast.fm to win 2 full festival tickets to Wave In: A BMI Festival! Giveaway ends Friday, April 22, 2022. Looking for more ways to stay connected to Vegas? Sign up for our morning newsletter!  Find us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas  Got something to say about Las Vegas or the Oakland A's possible arrival? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our community is still reeling from the North Las Vegas crash that killed 9 people in late January. Recently, Clark County has seen a rise in traffic fatalities and pedestrian deaths in the first quarter of 2022 with several high profile crashes. How can our growing city’s streets be safer? Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Kristina Swallow, joins us in the first of many conversations about how to make our roads work for everyone. Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter!  Interact with us on Twitter and Instagram at @CityCastVegas  Do you have thoughts about traffic in Las Vegas? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas and Chicago have emerged as top candidates to host the Democratic National Convention in 2024—the Windy City has hosted the DNC before (most recently in ’96), but this would be a first for Vegas. In this special crossover episode, Las Vegas host Dayvid Figler talks with City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran to debate the merits of having the DNC in each of our cities. Chicago’s got the history and the heartland geography; Las Vegas has the convention infrastructure and out-West issues of immigration, water and climate change (and let’s be real, Vegas is where the party’s at). But the biggest question of all just might be: Do either of our cities want the DNC at all? Looking for more Vegas news? Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm! Twitter-ers take note: We’re also on the bird app! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Getting in touch is as easy as picking up your phone: You can leave us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve somehow missed the news about K-pop sensation BTS starting their concerts this weekend, here’s your primer: They sold out four shows at Allegiant Stadium (yes, 65k-seat Allegiant Stadium)… in pre-sale. In 90 minutes. They’ll be painting the town purple (their signature color) with special events, merch, and even BTS-themed hotel rooms. So what’s the big deal, you ask? Well, host Dayvid Figler asked, and he got an earful from our producers: Sonja Cho Swanson and BTS Army member Layla Muhammad, who explain why K-pop has a global reach and just how powerful the BTS Army is. We’ve got more news, links, and events in our morning newsletter—sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm Are you on Twitter? Follow us at @CityCastVegas! Don’t forget, you can also text or leave us a message at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allergy season in the desert can be brutal, especially when the wind hits you with pollen that isn’t native to the environment. As a majority of residents (and some visitors) are suffering with their sinuses this spring, we wonder what makes allergy season so notoriously bad in Las Vegas. Asma Tahir and Dr. Joram Seggev from the CCSD/UNLV Pollen Monitoring Program join us to break down allergy season, and tell us what could help with symptoms, and what doesn’t (spoiler: you could be wasting money on honey). Learn more about the program and see the Valley’s pollen levels at unlv.edu/publichealth/pollen Are you curious about your city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Find us on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us at @citycastvegas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Desert tortoises spend 95% of their lives underground, making Mojave Max the most elusive celebrity in Las Vegas. After a long winter brumation (that’s hibernation for reptiles), Mojave Max emerged from his burrow on Saturday, March 26th at 12:21pm—and as everyone in Las Vegas knows, the arrival of Mojave Max marks the unofficial start of spring. So who is Mojave Max, and how did he become the official mascot of desert conservation? We talk with Audrie Locke, PIO at the Clark County Desert Conservation Program, about the past lives of early Mojave Maxes (including one daring jailbreak), the unmarked “Area 51” for tortoises, and why you should never pick up a desert tortoise (spoiler alert: they’ll pee on you). Happy spring, everyone! Visit mojavemax.com for more information. Don’t forget: We’ve got a daily morning newsletter full of news and curiosities! You can find us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas Or leave us a message at 702-514-0719! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rent in Las Vegas has soared since the pandemic began—up 33% since Feb. 2020, double the national average. Nevadans are making hard decisions between rent checks and insulin, childcare, and food. So when Governor Steve Sisolak pledged $500 million to affordable housing programs during his State of the State last month, housing advocates cautiously welcomed the proposal. But where is all that money going, and can it do enough to close the gap? Nevada Currentjournalist Michael Lyle joins us to break down the funding and help us understand the challenges ahead. You can find Michael’s most recent article about rent control here. Get more Vegas news, insights, and cheeky observations when you sign up for our morning newsletter. Are you on Twitter? Us too! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Plus, we’ve got digits: You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Announcing City Cast Las Vegas! Las Vegas is a place of colossal contradictions. It’s a city that says, “Oh, we’re in an arid desert? Perfect spot for some manmade lakes and dancing fountains!” It’s a city of shiny surfaces but also deep complexity if you know where to look. Starting March 29th, join us every weekday morning for 15 minutes to get all the Las Vegas news you need (and want) to know. Subscribe to the newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices