City Cast Las Vegas (City Cast)

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

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

Today, we’re bringing you a special guest episode from our friends at Compassionate Las Vegas, hosted by Will Rucker. In this episode, you’ll hear Will interviewing Julian High, president and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. Julian talks about the leaders he observed growing up in Las Vegas and how they inspire his work now.  Compassionate Las Vegas just launched season 5, and the first episode is up right now — so be sure to check it out and subscribe wherever you get podcasts! 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

Our special series on the Las Vegas mayoral race continues: Today, co-host Dayvid Figler interviews mayoral candidate Tera Anderson, a second-generation Las Vegan. They talk about how her experience as a businesswoman working in land and economic development influences how she’d tackle affordable housing, the Badlands brouhaha, and growth in our urban center. Find more of our coverage on the Las Vegas mayoral race here. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on 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

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

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

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Las Vegas community. There’s a lot to celebrate about October in Las Vegas, perfect weather, tons of festivals, seasonal food specials, and of course, Nevada’s birthday! So to gear up for another month in the valley, we are bringing you our guide to October in Las Vegas. From the best outdoor activities to an inside look at the best community festivals and celebrations, in this episode you’ll hear co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman share their can’t miss events and essential tips along with poet and artist Vogue Robinson. Are you interested in attending the Black Rodeo like Sarah? Then you’ll love this episode about the surprising history of Black cowboys in Las Vegas. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 30th episode: TheList.Vegas Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. 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

Where does the Las Vegas Jewish community go to wind down the high holidays and fill up for the coming ones? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman—also an award-winning food historian who has worked closely with the New York Jewish food scene—go into a brief history of Jewish food in Las Vegas, the little things Dayvid and Sarah look for when they walk into a Jewish deli, and where Dayvid’s mother would have liked to go in town to sit down for a bowl of matzo ball soup. We didn’t get into bagels in this episode because we’ve already done a deep dive on the best bagels in town—check that out here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. 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

The search for the next leader of the Clark County School District is heating up, with just three candidates left in the running. A lot’s at stake: CCSD is the state’s biggest employer, the nation’s fifth largest school district, and, frankly, kind of a hot mess. So who exactly are these three superintendent candidates, and what sets them apart? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with school district observer and education advocate Patricia Haddad Bennett to discuss how the search is going and which Bachelorette each of the final three would be if they were on reality TV. You can find the list of upcoming community forums and public meetings (on March 10, 11, and 13) here. Who’s your school board trustee? Find your district on this map and the list of trustees here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd episode: Treefort Music Fest Vegas PBS Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among the many organizations affected by the federal budget cuts, our national parks and monuments are also facing job losses and belt-tightening measures. Locally, we’ve seen jobs cut at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Death Valley National Park, and Zion National Park. So what does this mean for your summer vacation plans? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Bertha Gutierrez, the Nevada Program Director for the Conservation Lands Foundation, about budget cuts and other new attacks on our public lands that could drastically change how we hike, camp, and play outdoors. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 4th episode: Treefort Music Fest Vegas PBS Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A politician’s first 100 days are often seen as a forecast of their tenure — what can they get done in this political grace period? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, whose 100th day in office is coming up next week. They talk about the headway she’s making on the Badlands settlement, animal welfare, and homelessness … and if she’ll run for a second term. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 5th episode: Treefort Music Fest Vegas PBS Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With spring in full swing, food festival season is back as well. So which Las Vegas food festivals should you hit up? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Review-Journal food critic Johnathan Wright, who recently penned a foodie fest guide — they chat about the best old gems (hello, Greek Food Festival!), the new creations (we’re lookin’ at you, Asian Night Market!), and if there’s an elegant way to eat a slice of pizza on the street (spoiler alert: no). Learn more about the sponsors of this March 6th episode: Treefort Music Fest Vegas PBS Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Las Vegas’s weekly news roundup, UNLV’s President Keith Whitfield surprised the community by announcing his sudden resignation from the university, the bill to lure movie studios to Las Vegas with tax credits is back in the legislature, and an iconic Vegas restaurant sets its eyes on New York City! Executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson and thelist.vegas editor Andrew Kiraly joins co-host Dayvid Figler to break down the top headlines from this week. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 7th episode: Treefort Music Fest Vegas PBS Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will they, won’t they … Wherever they land, the Athletics are finally repping Las Vegas — at a cost. Our city’s marketing arm, the LVCVA, will pay the baseball team $8 million in exchange for a Las Vegas patch on the players’ jerseys. But with a Sacramento patch on their other arm, where do their allegiances really lie? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman chat with writer Kim Foster about our city’s increasingly expensive courting of the A’s, a new proposal to hire fired federal workers in Nevada state jobs, and what reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump’s new hotel tells us about who’s spending money in Vegas. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone can make a pretty decent sandwich — but a truly great sandwich? That’s a little harder to find. Luckily, co-host Sarah Lohman has writer and man about town Brent Holmes here to guide us through the best sandwiches in Las Vegas, from banh mis to cubanos and more. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Las Vegas safe? Las Vegans are certainly concerned about public safety — and if you listen to local town halls, what voters are telling their elected officials, and our local media’s crime beat, you might begin to wonder, how much violent crime is really taking place here? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Dr. Joshua Donnelly, professor of criminal justice at UNLV, to discuss what the stats actually tell us, and what shapes public perception of safety in our city. Mentioned in episode: LVMPD’s Open Data Portal Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once upon a time, Las Vegas loved all things atomic: In the 1950’s, we were the nuclear testing capital of the country, and atomic “tourists” flocked to mushroom cloud vantage points, secret societies held viewing parties with celebrities like Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Miss Atomic Bomb famously posed for a photo wearing nothing but a tiny, poofy mushroom cloud. So when did that all start to change? How did protests, progress, and the controversy over Yucca Mountain change local attitudes about nuclear testing? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Matt Malinowski, Director of Education at the Atomic Museum, to find out. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada has been an outlier in allowing all kinds of legalized gambling — except for one: we've never had a lottery. This year, the Nevada legislature is considering a constitutional amendment that would allow Nevada to have a state lottery. Nevada Independent reporter Howard Stutz joins co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler to break down the proposal and how the lottery could affect our state, for better and for worse. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 10th episode: UNLV Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. 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

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

The Las Vegas Raiders have had a tumultuous couple of seasons, marked by staffing turnovers (going through two head coaches AND two general managers in the last two years), a high-profile DUI charge, and oh yeah, quarterback drama. Unsurprisingly, they also had a dismal 4-13 season. What’s going on? Could co-owner Tom Brady be the answer, and will the Raiders ever be as beloved as homegrown teams like the Golden Knights and the Aces? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Heidi Fang, producer at the Review Journal podcast Vegas Nation, who explains how the Raiders got into this mess — and how they might get out of it. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 22nd episode: Black Mountain Institute Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our special series on Las Vegas’s mayoral race continues with co-host Dayvid Figler interviewing candidate Lynn Baird, a longtime Las Vegan who worked for decades at Nevada’s Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation. Lynn explains his platform based on promoting more moral principles and family values, his plans for affordable housing, and enforcing laws in Las Vegas. Find more of our coverage on the Las Vegas mayoral race here. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on 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

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

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

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

While the rest of the nation celebrates Pride Month in June, Las Vegas stands out by hosting its own LGBTQIA+ Pride festivities in October, taking full advantage of our beautiful weather. Planning an event in Las Vegas can be daunting, especially with high expectations and comparisons to other major cities. However, organizer Brady McGill embraces this challenge, focusing on the heart of our local community. In a conversation with co-host Sarah Lohman, Brady shares what attendees can look forward to at this month’s Las Vegas Pride festival and discusses how supporting Pride enriches the entire city. And here's a fun surprise: the Teletubbies will be making a special appearance! Did you know Las Vegas Pride runs its own magazine? Stay up to date with events and more year-round at https://lasvegaspride.org/. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 1st episode: TheList.Vegas Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. 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

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

Our special series on the Las Vegas mayoral race continues with small business owner Eric Medlin. He sits down with co-host Sarah Lohman to explain how helping unhoused people get mailboxes at his store prompted him to run for mayor. They talk about housing, education, and his unique approach to his campaign. Find more of our coverage on the Las Vegas mayoral race here. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on 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

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

After four years of litigation against big pharmaceutical companies, Nevada has won $1.1 billion in the fight to hold drug manufacturers and distributors like Walgreens and CVS accountable for their part in the state’s opioid crisis. This was part of a national effort with other states, and July’s settlement with Walgreens marks the end of Nevada’s opioid litigation. In an announcement last month, Attorney General Aaron Ford said that Nevada is “one of the hardest hit by this crisis” and that the money will be used to fight opioid addiction across the state. Nevada Independent reporters Joey Lovato and Sean Golonka join co-host Vogue Robinson on the podcast to explain Clark County’s response to the opioid crisis, where the funds will go, and what we can do to keep our neighbors safe. Listen to the Nevada Independent’s IndyMatters two-part deep dive “Facing the Fentanyl Crisis” here. Keep the conversation going with us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Wondering what’s up with this weather? Where to eat? What to do?! Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for all the Vegas news and tips here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our city’s love-hate affair with orange cones is basically canon at this point (remember that RTC “Love the Cone” ad campaign a few years back?). A local brewery even debuted a beer this summer cheekily named “Nevada State Flower,” as orange traffic cones are often called. But why do we have so many dang orange cones all around town, and what’s on the other side of all that construction? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Clark County’s Director of Traffic Safety, Andrew Bennett, to get the low-down on road construction around town, why there’s so much of it, and what those changes will do for us. You can find a map of current orange cone projects here. Still irked by those orange cones? Weigh in on this episode by leaving us a voicemail or sending us a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want even more of the latest in Las Vegas news, events, and culture? Sign up for our morning newsletter here — it lands fresh in your inbox daily at 6 a.m. 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

Tinned fish first started trending in 2017 with cafes and restaurants in major cities adding them to the menu, then again in 2022 with “seacuterie” boards popping up on TikTok. Finally this year, the trend has made it to Las Vegas through Kris Wilson, Erica Bell, and Emily Baddock, founders of the Tinned Fish Club. The organizers have been partnering with local restaurants and introducing the European mainstay to the Las Vegas food chain. Kris and Erica tell co-host Dayvid Figler why tinned fish is growing in popularity, how they convince skeptics to give it a try, and the latest chef on the Strip to join the club. Did this episode make you want to try tinned fish? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitterand Instagram. You can find the Tinned Fish Club on Instagram too @tinnedfishclublv. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas food news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas, here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered why the Badlands Golf Course litigation continues to drag on — with a multi-million dollar price tag for taxpayers? You’re not alone: Councilwoman Victoria Seaman was the sole dissenting voice at a City Council meeting this Wednesday when the city voted to allocate another $1.5 million to even more litigation against the Badlands developer who’s sued the city (and won). Today, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson, along with contributor Andrew Kiraly, discuss the implications of this ongoing battle and what should be built on the 250-acre site instead of even more McMansions. Next up, the team takes on the national conversation over age limits for politicians (spoiler: we’re not all on the same page), and who our oldest public servants are in Southern Nevada are. And finally, the mic that Cardi B threw at a fan (after another fan threw water at her) is up for auction at $100k with proceeds headed to charity. But is throwing things at entertainers becoming too much of a trend? What do you think about age limits for politicians? Let us know on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram) or by voicemail/text: 702-514-0719 Want another way to stay in the Vegas loop? Sign up for our morning newsletter to get the latest in news, events, and happenings-around-town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wild success of this year’s NBA Summer League in Vegas, with sold-out seats and all eyes on rookie superstar Victor Wembanyama, is a sign of things to come, says Channel 3 main sports anchor Bryan Salmond. In the last few years, our city has welcomed the NHL, NFL, and the WNBA. So the question we all have is: Is the NBA next? What team would we get, and where would they even play? Bryan lets co-host Dayvid Figler in on his industry insider sources. Which basketball team would you like to see come to Las Vegas — or what would you name a homegrown team of our own? Let us know @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram, or leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. Treat yourself to even more excellent coverage of Las Vegas news, culture, and events — sign up for our daily morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people think the library is just a stuffy place for books and some librarian telling you to keep quiet, but the Clark County Library District has transformed their 25 locations into resource hubs for the community. From employment assistance to 3D printing, DJ classes to podcasting, you’ll be surprised at all the power your free library card holds. The district’s digital content manager Ryan Simoneau explains to host Vogue Robinson the most interesting features you probably don’t know about and how our libraries have modernized their offerings. Check out CCLD’s latest educational campaign here: https://thelibrarydistrict.org/free-to-be/ Show us what you are doing with your library card! Tag us on social media @CityCastVegas on 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

Life is Beautiful is hosting the second year of the Rising Stars Competition, which will give local musicians the chance to be on this year’s festival lineup with local legends The Killers. 16 semi-finalists compete over two weekends, and then judges will pick the four finalists to play in a final round hosted at The Space. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler along with producer Layla Muhammad listened to all 16 competing musicians and share their favorites, so you can add some Las Vegas love to your playlists.  Listen to most of the musicians on CCLV’s playlist here. For a shorter list, check out Life is Beautiful’s Rising Star playlist here. You can grab tickets to the second weekend of the Rising Stars Competition on Aug. 11 & 12 or the final on Aug. 18 here. Let us know who your favorite local musician is! Tag us on social media @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 new trend is sweeping Mexican food — and it’s actually ancient. Nixtamalization is a cooking method that uses calcium hydroxide (naturally found in limestone) to break down corn, unlocking essential nutrients and flavors, resulting in pliable, fragrant tortillas — a far cry from the preservative-laden grocery store tortillas that most of us know. Today, Chef Mariana Alvarado joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about why nixtamalization and heritage corn is at the heart of her business, Masazul, and where around the Las Vegas Valley you can try it. Restaurants named by Chef Mariana: Casa Playa at the Wynn B.S. Taqueria at the UnCommons Milpa in Spring Valley Have you tried nixtamalized corn? Tag us on social media if you go! We’re @CityCastVegas 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

It’s been a turbulent week in Las Vegas! First, a downtown food pantry is at risk of shutting down after neighbors contest their new operating license. Then, a confrontation between Metro and a street food vendor at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign draws criticism from both sides of the aisle. Lastly, the North Las Vegas government gives AI a shot at translating public meetings in real-time. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Independent reporter Jacob Solis to break it all down. Do you trust the use of AI in public meetings? Let us know 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 the latest Las Vegas news by signing up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For over 50 years, Nevada has been the only U.S. state with legalized prostitution — but it’s only allowed in brothels, and even then, only in a few rural counties. A small grassroots effort is underway this summer to expand legal brothels to Douglas and Churchill Counties — but why not Clark County? How did Sin City opt out of this particular “sin”? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler chats with UNLV sociology professor Barb Brents, a leading expert on sexual commerce, about how we got here, and if (and how) Clark County could get brothels, too. What are your thoughts on legal brothels coming to Clark County? Should we get brothels here? Let us know what you think: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram, or you could leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719. For more on what’s going on in Southern Nevada, check out our amazing morning newsletter here — it’s got news, events, commentary, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You saw the news earlier this summer about a string of casino heists — a guy posing as the owner of the Circa walked away with $1 million in cash. While that number is stunning, it’s not the biggest heist Vegas has ever seen. In fact, this year is the 30th anniversary of the biggest casino heist in Las Vegas history, totaling $3 million — and it’s a wild ride involving a 21 year old woman trained in firearms who disguised herself as an old lady, a co-conspirator and lover some 27 years her senior, and ultimately, the change of heart that brought her right back to Las Vegas. Co-host Dayvid Figler watched the Netflix documentary about this heist and breaks it all down for co-host Vogue Robinson. Did you love this episode? Here’s what you can do: Hit the share button and share it with all your friends on social media — and tag us! 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

It has all the makings of an HBO special: A pro-athlete turned illegal sports betting bookie. A secret black book of names. And possibly even money laundering through comped chips in a scandal that could reach as far up as the President of Resorts World. And this isn’t fiction — it’s the subject of new investigative reporting from Dana Gentry at the Nevada Current. So what the hell’s going on? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Dana to untangle this web of allegations and scandal, and discuss what this could mean for Las Vegas. Thoughts? Questions? Give us a ring (702-514-0719) or tag us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more Las Vegas news, events, and commentary, sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re looking for the best grits, collard greens, and fried catfish in town, contributor Brent Holmes has some soul food recs for you — he’s a longtime Las Vegan with deep family roots in Texas. But, as Brent tells co-host Vogue Robinson, soul food restaurants here in Vegas tend to open and close on the regular. So why is it so hard to keep a soul food joint open in this town? What is authentic soul food, and where can a hungry local find the best soul food in Las Vegas? Restaurants mentioned by Brent: Gritz Cafe EllaEm’s Soul Food Soul Foo Young Mario’s Westside Market LoLo’s Chicken and Waffles Sista Kim’s Kitchen What’s your favorite soul food in Las Vegas? Tag us in a pic on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Instagram and Facebook. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here — it’s chock full of great tips, events, and news for locals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark County is busy setting up new rules for “PDDs,” or personal delivery devices — these are the food delivery robots that bring pizza, burritos and Thai takeout right to your door. A recently-passed bill will now allow them on sidewalks, so today, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler, along with food writer Lorraine Blanco Moss, get into the specifics of how they’ll work, and the upsides and downsides of more robots in our lives. Plus, we talk about why Las Vegas is the number 1 most researched destination for people looking to move (and what 115 people moving here daily will mean for us), and the ninth island connection between Las Vegas and Lahaina as we look to support Maui in the wake of last week’s devastating fire. (NOTE: The Maui Strong fundraiser at the Downtown Container Park has been postponed to Sun., Aug. 27th due to weather.) So: How do you feel about food delivery robots? Let us know on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Instagram) or by giving us a call at 702-514-0719. Last but not least… ***GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!*** We’ve got 2 pairs of GA tickets to Life is Beautiful 2023! To enter, head over to lasvegas.citycast.fm/lib and enter your email address. It’ll also sign you up for our brilliant morning newsletter, with the latest in Las Vegas news, events and commentary. Good luck! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love our city, but let’s be real, we don’t love everyone who shows up here. So what are the absolutely worst places in Las Vegas? Where would you send your terrible ex, that annoying drunk tourist, or your college nemesis? Today, we’re bringing you a conversation that co-host Dayvid Figler and producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad had earlier this year that brings out the hater in all of us: We outline our favorite fiendishly awful itineraries to send to the worst of the worst. (Yes, we included the Spaghetti Bowl AND Circus Circus, you’re welcome.) What’s in your hater’s guide to Vegas? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or tag us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Instagram and Facebook). If you’re loving the snark, you’ll get even more of it in our brilliant morning newsletter. It’s chock full of events, news, and commentary about our town. Sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada State College’s president, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, says the state college has been acting as a university for many years — the only thing missing was the title, which officially changed to Nevada State University on July 1st, and goes into effect on their website today. But what does something as simple as a name change mean for a state college that welcomes so many of the Valley’s non-traditional students? And what doors does a university distinction open for them? Dr. Pollard joins co-host Vogue Robinson in today’s episode to explain why the change is significant, how it will affect students and the community, and what’s next for the newly-minted university. Celebrate the name change with Dr. Pollard and Nevada State University with fireworks and more on August 30th. Get more details and RSVP here. What would you like to hear next on the pod? You can let us know by giving us a call or text at 702-514-0719.  We’re also 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

Once again, school district drama is in the news: Southern Nevada’s largest teachers’ union, the Clark County Education Association, has given CCSD until Saturday to resolve a dispute over teacher pay. But there’s also a fight about, well, how to fight: A back and forth legal battle over whether the “work actions” the union has threatened are in fact an illegal strike, or whether teachers’ free speech is being curtailed — though a new ruling handed down yesterday appears to be a win for the union. To help us untangle this mess upon mess, contributor April Corbin Girnus, a reporter at the Nevada Current, sits down with co-host Vogue Robinson. April gives us the play by play of what exactly the two sides are fighting about, and how their plans are trying to solve the teacher vacancy crisis our district is facing. Do you have thoughts on the school district showdown? Let us know: We’re on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitterand Instagram, or 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 amazing morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cottage kitchen laws allow people to run certain small food businesses out of their private residences and since 2018, Brett Boyer and his husband have been doing just that with Desert Bread, a sourdough bread and bakery oasis. With new seasonal items about to hit the selves (looking at you, pumpkins!), we’re bringing back this conversation with Brett and co-host Vogue Robinson about how and why they started Desert Bread and the challenges of operating a business from home. Tag us on social media if you visit Desert Bread after listening to this episode! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas food reviews and recommendations? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here for all the goods and more!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of y’all scoffed when Hurricane Hilary actually reached our desert shores. Despite the state of emergency, the storm’s effects were pretty underwhelming — in most of the valley, that is. Today, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson, along with journalist John L. Smith, talk about the devastation Hilary wrought on Mt. Charleston, and how we talk about storms like these in an era of increasingly unpredictable weather. Next, the team takes on notorious gambler, developer, and convicted inside-trader Billy Walters, whose new tell-all book just might be something of a redemption tour. And last, we explore the wild side of Strip hotels, where bedbugs have been found in no less than seven venues, and a recent bat incident led to a lawsuit. How did you weather Hilary? Let us know by giving us a call at 702-514-0719 or tagging us in our weather photos and videos on Instagram (we’re @CityCastVegas). For more on the latest and greatest in Las Vegas, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998, or SNPLMA, is one of those wonky, obscure federal laws that most of us have never heard of. But SNPLMA has had a huge impact on Las Vegas — it basically gave power brokers like Harry Reid the ability to play chess with public lands, giving Vegas lots of room to grow while protecting important conservation areas. And one very clever legislative move puts a lot more money in Nevada’s coffers, paying for things like bathrooms at Lake Mead and a brand-new pickleball complex. But it’s not without controversy, even within conservationist circles. Nevada Independent reporter Gabby Birenbaum recently penned a two-part deep dive into SNPLMA and breaks it all down for co-host Dayvid Figler. Thoughts? Questions? Wanna tell us how much you love City Cast? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. You can also tag us in a pic of your next outing to a conservation area near Las Vegas! We’re @CityCastVegas on Instagram. For more deep dives and hot takes on the latest in Vegas, be sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vegas has always been a celebrity magnet, from the Rat Pack days to the red carpet Kardashian era. So what does their version of Las Vegas look like, and where do you find celebrities in town? Longtime Las Vegas celebrity photographer Erik Kabik, who’s photographed everyone from Robert De Niro to Paris Hilton, spills the tea with co-host Vogue Robinson about how to approach celebs in the wild, and why their lives aren’t always so picture-perfect. Where have you seen celebrities in Vegas? Share your stories with us on Instagram or by leaving us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. P.S. Wanna go see even more celebrities and listen to some amazing music for FREE? We’re giving away two pairs of Life is Beautiful GA tickets — get more details and enter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people know that the mob was heavily involved in shaping Las Vegas and our casino culture. That history combined with the mob’s reputation is the perfect recipe for rumors and myths to flourish. Casino.org journalist Corey Levitan dives into these tales and more in his series Vegas Myths Busted. He leads co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler through seven stories and asks them if these popular mob myths are fact or fiction. Play along with us and check out our other myth-busting episodes about celebrities and casinos! What other Vegas myths are you curious about? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Don’t get caught up in the new Vegas myths being generated! Sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A slice by any other name would still taste as sweet — or would it? Today, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Al Mancini and Gemini Stevens, hosts of the podcast Food and Loathing, for a pizza tour of Las Vegas. No two slices are created equal, and as it turns out, the qualities of an excellent, greasy New York slice are very different from those of a cheesy, crunchy Detroit square, or a puffy Neapolitan. Al and Gemini tell you where to find the best in each category in Las Vegas, and attempt to answer the biggest pizza question of all: With all these international styles available in Las Vegas, does our city have its own pizza style, too? Be sure to check out Al’s app Neon Feast, a curated guide to the best places to eat in Las Vegas. And find more of Gemini’s food writing at OfftheStrip.com and her food cooking on Instagram @wishboneandvine. Places mentioned by Al and Gemini: Pop Up Pizza in the Plaza Evel Pie Good Pie Brooksy’s Bar and Grill Brooklyn’s Best Double Zero Pie and Pub Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Solamente Pizza Naked City Pizza Northside Nathan’s Detroit Pizza Metro Pizza Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria and Bar Yukon Pizza What’s your favorite pizza in Vegas? Tag us in a pic on Instagram, or you can always call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want more Las Vegas food, culture, and news? Then make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our city’s fractious relationship with wild animals is once again back in the news: This time, it’s the Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson. An animal rights activist claims the organization made fraudulent (and disturbing) claims in a recent fundraising letter… but what does this whole debacle say about the way Vegas treats our retired animal acts? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson are joined by contributor Andrew Kiraly to discuss the Lion Habitat, the recent Uber and Lyft ride share driver protests, and what we’d name our incoming MLB team if Oakland gets to keep the Athletics name in California. And you might notice that you’ll be hearing a little less of Vogue in the coming months — she’s stepping down from hosting — but she will be a contributor and we’ll get to chat with her in more Friday news roundups. Stay up to date with all of her creative projects by following her on Instagram @voguer316 and @pearlsofgratitude! If you’ve got thoughts on today’s episode, you can call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, events, and commentary, sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The staycation is a great Vegas move — being a local means never having to leave town to become a tourist. And what if you build that staycation around an event like the upcoming Life is Beautiful festival downtown? Host Dayvid Figler gets tips — about staycationing and the festival itself — from entrepreneur, LiB merchant, and seasoned in-town vacationer Jen Taler, founder of the Market in the Alley. What are your favorite Vegas tips? Tag us on Instagram (we’re @CityCastVegas) or leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. For more Vegas tips, events, news, and culture, sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love our furry four-legged friends, but when it comes to public etiquette, have Vegas dog owners gone… too far? Recently, newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets asked readers what they thought about dogs in restaurants, and the response was overwhelming. Las Vegans, it turns out, have a lot of feelings about dogs in public spaces, and not everyone agrees — and this comes on the heels of a recent ranking that puts Nevada 5th for “most devoted” dog owners. So today, three members of the team (and dog owners themselves), Dayvid Figler, Vogue Robinson, and Sonja Cho Swanson, sit down to discuss how Vegas dog owners do when it comes to restaurants, leashing, and — the big one — picking up poo. What are your ideas and solutions for helping dogs and people live harmoniously in Las Vegas? Tag us on Instagram, or call or text us at 702-514-0719. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens to a city like Las Vegas when supermarket competition goes away? Grocery store giants Kroger (which owns Smith’s) wants to buy Albertson’s (which owns Safeway and Vons). Last month, NV Treasurer Zach Conine signed a letter with six other state treasurers criticizing the merger — so today, host Dayvid Figler, food writer Kim Foster, and contributor April Corbin Girnus, who‘s been covering this story, sit down to discuss the implications, good and bad, of supermarket consolidation. You can take part in this conversation, too: While NV Attorney General Aaron Ford’s office hasn’t settled on a stance yet, Ford has organized a “listening tour” which could impact Nevada’s position on opposing the merger — you can attend the next sessions on September 13th or take their online survey here. Where you shop for groceries, and are you concerned about the impact of the merger? Let us know: We’re @CityCastVegas on Instagram and you can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The embattled Animal Foundation faces yet a new challenge this week, after a local rescue filed a lawsuit against the shelter. The group claims the foundation has been negligent in its duties, forcing rescues to pick up the slack. So today on the roundup, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets and contributor April Corbin Girnus to untangle the troubles at TAF. Meanwhile, a Nevada teachers union has launched the “Schools Before Stadiums” campaign, which wants to put a referendum on the books to block funding for the A’s stadium. And last (but most deliciously), a new ranking puts Las Vegas 3rd in its list of best taco cities. Hey, a list we’re actually at the top of? We’ll take it! (And we’ll share a few of our favorite taco spots in town, too.) What are your favorite taco spots in town? Or are you heading to one of the spots we’ve recommended? Tag us in a pic on Instagram, or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. If you love to stay up on the latest (and greatest!) in Las Vegas, then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life is Beautiful is a spectacular party — the three-day arts, music and culture festival takes over downtown, and in a couple of weeks, Life is Beautiful will celebrate its 10th year. So today, host Dayvid Figler sits down with Craig Asher Nyman, director of music, programming and development, who’s been with the festival since it began. We get his behind-the-scenes insight into how they curate the lineup, reflect on a decade of highlights, and pin Craig down on a big rumor: is this the last Life is Beautiful? Do you have any favorite LiB memories? Who’s an act you’d love to see on a LiB stage? Tag us on Instagram, or call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a big year for roads in Las Vegas, from “Dropicana” to F1 ensuring there is no shortage of orange cones on Las Vegas Blvd. Drivers have had to be more cautious than ever, which isn’t something we do well in our car-dependent city. Last year we were ranked #8 in the most dangerous states for pedestrians by Smart Growth Nevada. But is it our drivers’ fault or the roads? We are revisiting our conversation with plangineer Ray Delahanty, aka CityNerd on YouTube, to better understand why our streets are so deadly and if there’s any way to fix them. You’ll also hear why Ray chooses to live car-free in Las Vegas!  What do you think the worst intersection in Las Vegas is? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Don’t let a road closure catch you off guard! For more traffic news and complaints, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As our host Dayvid Figler likes to say, Las Vegas is a city that people love to hate. And no one loves to hate on the city more than locals. Today, Dayvid sits down with former co-host Vogue Robinson and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets to lay out their top complaints about our city. They also share some gripes from our newsletter readers and wonder how Las Vegans can turn our gripes into change. What are your biggest gripes about Las Vegas? Big and small! Send them to us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transient is everyone’s favorite word in Las Vegas. It means that nothing and no one lasts long in this city. However, in the midst of imploding casinos and closing businesses, there are some restaurants that have withstood the test of time and have managed to continue serving the community for over 25 years (which is a long time in Vegas!). We are bringing back a conversation with former co-host Vogue Robinson and food contributor Brent Holmes where they list the most essential older restaurants for Las Vegans to try and discuss what has kept them open for so long. Plus, some newer spots that seem to have promising futures. Restaurants mentioned: Bob Taylor’s Oscar’s Steakhouse Benny Binions Lotus of Siam Ronnie’s Mint Donna Maria’s Tamales Tacos El Gordo Grit’s Cafe Mario’s 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

In the wake of a massive cyber attack, the state’s largest employer is dealing with chaos at all of its international properties: For days, MGM guests were being checked in by clipboard, and elevators, room key cards, slots, and even lights wouldn’t work. Today on the roundup, host Dayvid Figler is joined by producer Layla Muhammad and contributor Michael Lyle to discuss the implications of this massive breach. Plus, we get an update on a new ruling from a District Court judge that puts the kibosh on teacher sick-outs — but should they be allowed to strike anyhow? And finally, Las Vegans everywhere are puzzled by the appearance of odd bug bites — which come from the mysterious insect known as the mosquito in other parts of the country. With all the weird weather we’re having, are mosquitoes in our future, too? Have you seen anything related to the cyber attack at an MGM or Caesars property? Let us know! 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 amazing morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Concert crowds in Las Vegas vary with each tourist passing through our city. We’d love to blame them for the bad behavior we see at shows (like throwing drinks onstage or trying to run through security), but at some point, the locals have to take some responsibility for our collective concert experience. So since a bunch of festivals are coming up like Life is Beautiful, iHeartRadio, and When We Were Young, host Dayvid Figler sits down with his fellow concert-obsessed City Caster Layla Muhammad to reflect on Vegas concert behavior and share their tips on how to safely enjoy a show. What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen at a Las Vegas concert? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Stay up to date on all the latest Vegas chaos with our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas! Sign up here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oddly enough, there are a lot of specially designated highways in Nevada, and with this perfect road trip weather, we are taking a look at “a dose of pure Nevadan oddity” — U.S. Route 95 to Tonopah. It has been dubbed the Bizarro Desert Highway, and travel influencer Terri Galura-Chiong has driven the route to know exactly how bizarre it really is. Join Terri and host Dayvid Figler as they map out the weirdest day trip ever, from the Alien Research Center to the notorious Clown Motel. You can find more from Terri on Instagram @savorsincity. Have you stopped along the Bizarro Desert Highway? Share your pics with us on social media! @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us with your best travel story from the route at 702-514-0719. Looking for more things to do in (and around) Las Vegas? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Computer systems have been down for almost two weeks at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. What the company called a cybersecurity issue was later revealed to be a ransomware attack by hackers who accessed their systems from a phone call. Guests have reported everything from online booking services to the lights in hotel rooms not working. In the midst of this meltdown, Caesars Entertainment revealed that they were also hacked less than a week earlier. Scott Roeben aka Vital Vegas shares his inside knowledge of what is happening and what this means for the future of our city with host Dayvid Figler.  Were you affected by the MGM computers shutting down? Tell us your story in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re on also social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.  Keep up with all the latest Vegas news by signing up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that we cater to every price point: From taco trucks and budget motels to luxury suites and prix fixe menus, we’ve got it all. But how much money can you throw down on a meal in Vegas? Today, host Dayvid Figler chats with food influencer Phil Tzeng, AKA Las Vegas Fill, about the most expensive meals money can buy in Las Vegas. We’re talking Russian caviar flights, French butter towers, and fish flown in from Japan the night before — because no one excels at excess like Las Vegas. A list of the restaurants Phil mentions: Sushi Kame Grand Cru by Partage Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want 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 lot of outrage has been swirling around the Las Vegas community this week. First, Elon Musk incited a hate campaign on X (formerly Twitter) towards the Review-Journal and their journalist after she reported on the murder of a retired police chief. Also, shortly following the removal of mature trees on Las Vegas Blvd to make way for F1 grandstands, Las Vegans and tourists are saddened to lose the shade and the iconic backdrop for the Bellagio Fountains. Lastly, a new humanoid robot greeter at The Sphere is bringing both the shock and awe. Host Dayvid Figler is joined by Nevada Independent journalist Tabitha Mueller and writer and contributor Brent Holmes to wade through this week of news. Let us know which one of these things outraged you the most this week, the Bellagio trees or hate campaign on X. Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Keep up with all the changes happening in Las Vegas with our morning newsletter. Make sure to sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Books have been written, news segments filmed, and political speeches made about the storm tunnels under Las Vegas and the shifting population that lives there. It makes for titillating urban folklore — a subterranean quasi-community shuffling through the darkness beneath the bright city. But what’s the reality? Nevada Current reporter Michael Lyle joins the podcast to give host Dayvid Figler and lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson the real lowdown. Read Michael's latest reporting on homeless encampments here. Keep the conversation going with us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever walked past a sculpture, mural, or… object in Las Vegas and wondered… why the heck did my city pay for that? You’re not alone: Today, host Dayvid Figler sits down with newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets and contributor Vogue Robinson to gripe about the public art around town we love to hate — and why good public art matters. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads atcitycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The newest (and brightest) addition to our skyline, The Sphere at The Venetian Resort, is truly a Las Vegas spectacle to behold. For those who didn’t snag tickets to U2’s first residency show this weekend, you aren’t iced out of the experience. The nightly light show on the outside featuring huge images like a realistic eye, a jack-o-lantern, and even the moon are stunning enough to draw its own crowd and it’s free to look! But where is the best place for viewing the Sphere and maybe even snapping a shot? Las Vegas photojournalist Mikayla Whitmore shares their tips for viewing and photographing the Sphere with host Dayvid Figler. Check out Mikayla’s featured image in Bloomberg here. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not hard to find comedy in Vegas — if you’re willing to pay for it. There’s always some big-name comic whose face is plastered on a casino marquee. But what about our local comedy scene? Where can locals go for laughs without paying for pricey tickets? Today, host Dayvid Figler talks with comedy journalist Julie Seabaugh, a former Vegas resident who’s back in town this week for Skankfest, our city’s biggest and newest comedy festival. And Julie says this event could be a turning point for comedy in our city. You can find Julie’s latest book, “A Tight 20: Two Decades of Comedy Journalism,” here. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads atcitycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday night, members of Culinary 226, the city’s biggest union, voted to authorize a strike. Their demands range from better wages and safety precautions, to newer ones, like protections against new technologies that could endanger jobs. The ace up their sleeve might be the major events headed to the Strip, like F1 and the Superbowl. But will Culinary go that far? Today, host Dayvid Figler chats it up with contributors April Corbin Girnus and Sarah Lohman. They also talk about the Fontainebleau’s imminent opening, 16 years in the making, and Barry Manilow’s record-breaking streak at the Westgate. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our final candidate interview in our series on the Las Vegas mayoral race, co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Donna Miller. Donna is a veteran nurse, former regional director for the AMR/MedicWest ambulance companies, and medical entrepreneur. She talks about why her vision for public safety encompasses emergency medical care, the economic potential of the medical district, and how her life experience has influenced her ideas for addressing homelessness in Las Vegas. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on 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

Happy New Year Las Vegas! To kick off the first month of 2025, we’ve got your guide to the can’t miss events, experiences, and food in the valley, from an inside look at the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo to tips on visiting the Nellis Auction House’s new outlet. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by local artist Vogue Robinson to share restaurant openings, day trip ideas, and more ideas for your January in Las Vegas. If you want to hear a behind the scenes look at how the Vegas Golden Knights revolutionized NHL pre-game shows, listen to our conversation with their head of entertainment. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Las Vegas community. For even more tips on how to make the most of January in Las Vegas, check out Hey Las Vegas’s take on what to do this month. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to 2025 Las Vegas. Today, you’ll hear a round up of the biggest stories and developments that will impact Las Vegas this year. But first, authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in front of the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday morning, leaving one dead and seven injured. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess to share the latest updates and more. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada’s citizen legislators are getting ready for a new session in February. How will their decisions impact Las Vegas? And will they be able to work with the governor after a contentious election cycle? Co-host Dayvid Figler talks to Nevada Independent reporter Tabitha Mueller about what’s up ahead for the 2025 season of the Nevada Legislature, which bills and legislators to watch, and how our inner politics could play out during this session. Read more from Tabitha Mueller and the Nevada Independent here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Water Street in Henderson isn’t usually the first place to come to mind when planning a hot night around town, but that’s slowly changing. Co-host Dayvid Figler discusses the evolution of Water Street with co-host Sarah Lohman, who recently led the City Cast Las Vegas team through the redeveloped neighborhood. She takes us through the street’s history and emerging new venues, and helps us identify the vibe. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Cast's new investigation, co-published with ProPublica, reveals new details about the so-called "Tesla tunnels" running under our city: When Elon Musk’s Boring Company came to Las Vegas in 2019, its tunneling projects in other cities had already fizzled out after environmental reviews and public outcry. But here, with the backing of the powerful Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Boring Co. won a bid to build the Vegas Loop, a tunnel system for ferrying convention-goers around in underground Teslas — and it’s since won approval from local government entities for 68 miles of tunnels. City Cast Las Vegas co-host Dayvid Figler and journalist Daniel Rothberg co-authored a new investigation for ProPublica about how the Boring Co. has advanced a sprawling transit system with little public oversight and input, despite the fines and environmental incidents it’s racked up since the project began. City Cast Las Vegas co-host Sarah Lohman interviews Dayvid and Daniel in today’s episode. Make sure to read the investigation in full here. ProPublica and City Cast Las Vegas made multiple attempts to reach the Boring Company for comment on this investigation, but have received no response as of the publication date. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. 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

Finally, some new food for the new year! There’s always too much to try in Vegas, so let us do the work for you and whittle it down to your best options. Co-host Sarah Lohman talks to local food critic John Curtas of EatingLV.com about the most anticipated Las Vegas restaurant openings in 2025 on and off the Strip, big chefs to watch in the area, trends we’re ready to leave behind, and co-host Davyid Figler’s fixation on caviar.  Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off this week’s Friday news roundup with a recap of City Cast Las Vegas’s collaboration with ProPublica: An investigation into the so-called Tesla Tunnels that Elon Musk’s Boring Company is building under Las Vegas, and how little oversight they’ve received. But there’s even more to discuss this week: Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus, who discusses her article about the list of Nevada companies with the most employees on Medicaid, and why so many of them are in Southern Nevada. Next, the team tackles the impacts of the L.A. fires on Las Vegas — of note, yesterday, the City of Las Vegas asked residents to reconsider heavy driving, since the fires have impacted the main pipeline bringing gas to Las Vegas from California. And lastly, a beloved tourist attraction closes after 40 years — can we convince Dayvid to try indoor skydiving before it shutters for good? Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next Monday, Donald Trump will be sworn in as our 47th president. So what does this mean for Las Vegas? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with the Nevada Independent’s Washington correspondent Gabby Birenbaum, who helps us forecast how a Trump administration will impact our grocery prices, the solar industry, homelessness, and high-speed rail right here in Southern Nevada. If you enjoyed the interview with Juve MD's Dr. Andrea Dempsey, learn more here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last decade, Las Vegas casinos have been quietly shifting gambling odds to be more in their favor. From analytics that target the worst players to introducing new games like triple zero roulette, gambling here might not have the value it once did. How will this affect Las Vegas’s reputation and should we be sympathizing with casinos? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with industry watcher Scott Roeben, AKA Vital Vegas, to discuss.  Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first dispensaries opened in Las Vegas 10 years ago — advocates for cannabis legalization had promised a tax revenue jackpot, earmarked for education, that would save our schools. But that windfall never really happened, and since 2021, cannabis revenue has actually dropped and flatlined. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Riana Durrett, director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV, and asks: What happened? And is 2025 the year cannabis finally makes money? Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Las Vegas is known for its booze-soaked fun, but every year, a growing number of us are hopping on the Dry January bandwagon for a month of alcohol abstinence. Today, we bring back a conversation with co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, a culinary historian. They talk about how Dry January made its way from frontier America to British millennials, and how the non-alcoholic beverages movement has found a foothold in Las Vegas. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Lombardo delivered his second State of the State address Wednesday night — and lucky for you, we watched it so you don’t have to. Co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by TheList.Vegas creator Andrew Kiraly and political observer Jacob Solis, and they break down Lombardo’s ambitions for Nevada, and whether this foreshadows another showdown with our majority-Democratic legislature this spring. Next up, the team tackles the city’s plan to expand housing development ever closer to Mt. Charleston in the Kyle Canyon neighborhood — it ain’t infill, but is something better than nothing? Lastly, RIP to the legendary, hairy-chested, gold-chain-sporting lounge act Cook E. Jarr. It’s the end of an era in Las Vegas. IYKYK. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 17th episode: Black Mountain Institute Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. 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

The wildfires in the Los Angeles area have burned more than 30,000 acres and destroyed thousands of homes since starting on January 7th. With tens of thousands residents displaced, could Las Vegas see even more Californians moving here? Co-host Dayvid Figler asks UNLV economist Nicholas Irwin how much pressure this could put on our strained housing market and what Las Vegas could do to prepare. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 21st episode: Black Mountain Institute Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outside of the Strip, the Arts District and Chinatown are our two most vibrant foodie neighborhoods — but they’ve now got some competition. Today, co-host Sarah Lohman talks with food writer and Neon Feast founder Al Mancini about three new up and coming neighborhoods that are emerging as dining destinations. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 23rd episode: Black Mountain Institute Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in extremely Vegas news: The country’s biggest adult entertainment convention, AVN’s Adult Entertainment Expo, kicked off at Virgin Hotels while the Culinary Union continued its strike at the property. As a growing number of adult entertainers vowed to boycott the convention and the awards ceremony (considered the “Oscars of porn”), Culinary announced that they had at last reached a deal with Virgin this Wednesday. So how much of a role did the AEE play in helping the strike come to a close? Today, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler, along with journalist Michael MJ Lyle, discuss the 69-day strike, plus: how deportation rhetoric is heating up in Nevada, and some messy accusations of infidelity coming out of the Henderson City Council. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 24th episode: Black Mountain Institute Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nevada is red again, which is really to say that we’ve been purple all along — and perhaps no one knows this better than Senator Jacky Rosen, who has made bipartisanship a cornerstone of her brand. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with the Senator to discuss how she’s working with Republicans, from her controversial vote on the Laken Riley bill, to three new bills she is cosponsoring with Senate Republicans, aimed at improving housing affordability, removing taxes on tips, and expanding affordable childcare for Nevadans. With the party of Trump in control of both houses and the executive branch, is bipartisanship the key to Democrats getting things done? We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card — and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 27th episode: Black Mountain Institute Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New year, new Las Vegas? Today, we are predicting the biggest trends in Las Vegas for 2025 and the trends on their way out. From controversial food takes to where locals could be spending more time this year, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by local artist Justin Favela to share their picks. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card — and City Cast City swag. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Move over, hockey. Forget UFC. The hottest sport in Las Vegas this weekend is competitive eating: Contestants at the World Bagel Eating Championship will vie for a $10,000 prize and a year of bragging rights. To honor the occasion, we’re bringing back a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had with local competitive eater Derek Hendrickson. Derek explains how he got into the sport, how he trains, and how to tackle the food challenges around town, from easy (a 2-pound burrito) to nearly-impossible (a gallon-sized bowl of cereal). And yes, we ask the bathroom question. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card — and City Cast City swag. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Still at a loss for what to do this Valentine’s Day? Fear not, we’ve got you covered with your guide to all the best events and recommendations for February in Las Vegas. Not only will you hear some unique date ideas, you’ll get the inside scoop on Super Bowl events, dining experiences, and even a sound bath with horses?! Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess and The Town Magazine editor Melinda Sheckells to plan out your month in Las Vegas. Want more dining recommendations? Check out our episode on the most anticipated restaurant openings in 2025. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Las Vegas community. For even more tips on how to make the most of February in Las Vegas, check out Hey Las Vegas’s take on what to do this month. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Mentioned in the episode: Lights of Love at the Ethel M. Cactus Garden (Feb. 7-17) All My Loving by Melody Sweets at Myron’s (Feb. 8) Stargazer Domes at the Grand Canyon Japanese head spas (several around town, Invita is mentioned on the pod) Super Bowl Fan Fest at Allegiant Stadium (Feb. 9) Grouse House sample sale (Feb. 1-2) Happy Face Spa buccal massage Stardust at the Fifth Street School (Feb. 1) Tippy Elvis at the Red Dwarf (Feb. 7) Petite Boheme downtown James Beard semi-finalists Dream Asia Food Fest at the Downtown Events Center (Feb. 14-16) Asian Night Market at M Resort (Feb. 15-16) New offshoots of China Mama: Hao Chi and Spring Healing with horses sound bath at Calico Creek Boarding Stables (Feb. 16) David Lynch festival at Beverly Theater (Feb. 15-23) Big Boy in Indian Springs Wetlands Hands On cleanup at the Clark County Wetlands (Feb. 8) Red Rock Audubon guided tour at the Clark County Wetlands (Feb. 15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to the avian flu outbreak, eggs are more expensive than ever, if they’re even in stock — but an obscure Nevada law passed in 2021 could also be part of the reason that our eggs are twice as expensive as the national average. Today, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with Channel 8 morning anchor John Langeler to discuss the rising price of eggs, why auto insurance is so much more expensive in Las Vegas, and why the soon-to-arrive Museum of Ice Cream could be just the dose of frivolity our city needs. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices