City Cast Las Vegas

Tiki bars are classic Americana — the mai tais, plastic leis, and faux-tropical decor are embedded into our culinary history. But why and how? Co-host Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, a culinary historian, take a deep dive into Las Vegas history to talk about how tiki came to Vegas, the right (and wrong) ways to do it, and where to treat yourself to an excellent rum punch today. Is it possible that Vegas, with our penchant for transportive flair, is actually doing tiki better than anywhere else in America? Read the L.A. Times article about tiki and appropriation that Sarah cites here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

For the last several years, gaming industry watchers have observed a troubling trend: gambling odds are shifting subtly but surely in the casinos’ favor. It’s small changes, like introducing triple zero roulette (which gives the casino 2% better odds), and big ones, like cutting down on comps and free play. But are the casino analytics machines taking a short-term win with long-term losses? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with casino whisperer Scott Roeben, AKA Vital Vegas, to discuss. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

The tiny riverside community of Laughlin is Nevada’s southernmost town (though it’s technically an unincorporated township), and it’s one of our youngest towns, too — so what exactly is there to do here? A lot, it turns out. Hey Las Vegas newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess recently wrote a guide to Laughlin for Thrillist and shares his favorite gems with co-host Dayvid Figler, from casino deals and water sports to a Guy Fieri (yes!) outpost. Is it possible that Laughlin knows how to Vegas … better than Vegas? Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Las Vegas media outlets are abuzz with the news that our city’s marketing arm, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) paid influencers over $2 million in the last couple of years to market the city — and the Authority’s refusal to release all of their payment records. But influencer marketing is par for the course these days, so what makes this initiative so controversial? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler and executive producer talk with local influencer Phil Tzeng about the ins and outs of influencer marketing, how much they get paid, and what kinds of ethical standards influencers should be held to. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

The Nevada Independent recently broke the news that Las Vegas Sands quietly funded a new ballot initiative to require Nevadans to show ID when voting. So why does that matter? Co-host Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus to discuss. Next, the team looks at a recent spate of Department of Labor investigations in Las Vegas restaurants, including Blaze Pizza’s child labor violations, and Juan’s Flaming Fajita and Cantina wage theft fines. And lastly, when JD Vance came to Henderson this week, he mispronounced “Nevada” several times — and no one batted an eye. Why? And what political gaffes would be the worst possible ones to make in Las Vegas, for any hypothetical politician? Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

In 2017, Elena Medo, the “mother of the breast milk industry,” moved to Boulder City and set up Medolac, her third breast milk company — a bank that paid women for breast milk donations, and processed sterilized, shelf-stable breast milk for premature babies in hospitals. But paying women for breast milk (rather than receiving it as a donation) is controversial. And after facing lawsuits from a competitor in this fiercely contested industry, Medolac is now shuttered. Medo’s bank is being auctioned off this week. Did Nevada just lose a life-saving resource for hospitalized babies? Or is the for-profit model fundamentally flawed? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Elena Medo to learn more about why she started Medolac and what’s next for the industry. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Project 2025 is a whopping 920-page policy plan created by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, with the intention of giving a ready-to-go guidebook to a second Trump administration, if elected. While Trump has denounced the plan, Democrats have turned it into a rallying cry. But what could it mean for Nevadans? Nevada Current reporter Dana Gentry has been going through the plan page by page and recently launched a series of articles about how the proposed plan would affect us — from immigration to LGBTQ rights and more. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

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. The summer heat takes on a whole new dimension with the arrival of monsoon season this month (learn from our city’s weirdest mascot, Drainger Danger, and “turn around, don’t drown”). But we’ve got loads of other tips for how to make the most of August in this episode, curated by local experts: Our co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, plus Melinda Sheckells, editor of The Town: Summerlin magazine. And if you love our picks for bars in this episode, don’t miss our recent episode about the hottest new bars in Vegas. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

In April of this year, on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Brightline West broke ground on what could be the nation’s first true high speed rail to general praise and glowy optimism. But was that premature? Not only is it unclear where half of the $12 billion in projected costs is coming from, but City Cast recently spoke with Nevada-based high speed rail experts who say they have a lot of outstanding safety questions — especially given Brightline’s safety record in Florida. Today, Sarah Lohman sits down with her City Cast co-host Dayvid Figler, who’s been reporting this story and talking to the experts. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

After news broke that an elderly couple made off with over $600k at the Primm Valley Casino (before being apprehended at their Las Vegas home), the internet basically had two reactions: 1. Awe that someone in their 70s could jump over a casino counter and (almost) get away with this. 2. Depression, because one possible motive cited was the couple’s mounting medical bills. Today, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle to discuss this news, plus: The Neon Museum’s big move to the Arts District and what this could mean for the Cultural Corridor they’re leaving behind, and the memes and misinformation about Joe Biden’s very last presidential campaign stop, right here in Las Vegas. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 26th episode here: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

As valley residents retreat into air conditioned spaces behind closed doors, one door remains mysterious to most of us here in Las Vegas: Famed local sex club, the Green Door. So what really happens at sex clubs like the Green Door, the Red Rooster, and Whispers? We’re bringing back a conversation that co-host Sarah Lohman had with kink educator and podcast co-host Gemini Stevens, who answers all of our questions about the written and unwritten rules of Vegas sex clubs. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode here: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

What are the place names, turns of phrase, and particularly Vegas ways of saying things that mark you as a real local? How do you pronounce “Zzyzx Road” and how has hospitality-speak infiltrated our everyday lingo? Today, co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with lifelong Las Vegans and local artists Brent Holmes and Justin Favela to run through the “right” way to say things in our desert town. For a deep dive into the origins of why we pronounce “Nevada” the way we do, queue up this episode with UNR linguist Valerie Friedland. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode here: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Earlier this month, Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom commented on Twitter that the county should change its name to “Las Vegas County,” doubling down on this in a later interview with the Review-Journal. So is Commish Tick right? How does the rocky history of contention between the county and the city of Las Vegas play into Segerblom’s proposal, and who was this Clark fella, anyhow? Today, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with UNLV professor of history Michael Green to discuss. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode here: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Just half an hour from downtown Las Vegas, on the way to Hoover Dam, Boulder City feels like a world apart: It’s a charming, tiny town with a walkable historic district, antique shops galore, and Southern Nevada’s only A&W restaurant. (The town’s second traffic light, installed in 1998, was the source of great debate.) But there’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Jill Lagan, a third-generation Boulder City resident and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, to talk about what makes life here unique, and how visitors can make the most of their trip to Boulder City. Plus: You’ll hear about a thriller of a bike trail named after a murderous doctor, a new age cult, and BC’s most famous Bighorn sheep. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode here: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

After an eventful week in Las Vegas, we are back for our weekly news roundup. A proposed temple for the Church of Latter-day Saints was approved by the Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday despite loud opposition from neighbors in the northwest area. Also, Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen throw their support behind a bipartisan bill aimed at getting rid of taxes on tipped wages. Lastly, an iconic Siegfried and Roy statue from the Mirage finds a new home! Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by journalist Jacob Solis to break down the headlines. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

The Asian food scene in Las Vegas gives any other American city a run for its money — but when it comes to the vast world of Asian desserts, where to begin? Today, co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with tea sommelier Yukino Aoshima and City Cast executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson to talk about their favorite spots in town to get mochi, red bean shaved ice, tofu pudding, sweet sesame soup, and more. Treats mentioned in the episode: Milk tea custard bun at 85 Degrees Milk tea ice cream at Scoop LV Yukimi Daifuku mochi ice cream is sometimes available at Asian groceries like Nakata Market, Japan Creek, or International Marketplace Injeolmi at Koreana Rice Cake House (inside Greenland Supermarket) Bingsu at Sul & Beans Kakigori at the Fall Festival on Oct. 12th, 2024 Fruit sando and strawberry shortcake at Pullman Bread Red bean buns and almond cookies at Crown Bakery Japanese soufflé cheesecake and strawberry shortcake at Suzuya Patisserie Ube swirled babka and pandan tres leches at Milkfish Bakeshop (pop-up) “Fish” waffles at SomiSomi Khanom Krok at Lamoon Tofu pudding and dessert soups at Sweet Honey Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Despite palm trees showing up in iconic logos (farewell, Mirage) and lining Las Vegas Boulevard, those spindly trees aren’t native to the Mojave Desert. In recent years, you might’ve heard grumbles that they’re water-guzzlers providing no real shade. You might’ve even seen the video of a palm tree bursting into flames during our most recent heat wave. But master arborist Lisa Ortega, founder of Nevada Plants, thinks that we might want to give palms another shot. Today, we bring back a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had with Lisa about when and how palm trees actually make sense in Las Vegas. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

With another quarter of the year down, it’s time to revisit the most outrageous things public figures have said in and about Nevada in the news — we’re bringing back another round of “They Said What?” and it’s even wilder than before. Executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson quizzes co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman (reigning “They Said What?” champ) on quotes that include: “I swear, I just talked to God. I would give you all my money, stick my D in a blender, and swear off P for the rest of my life in exchange for this, bro.” “Ya boy meant it when I said I was going to do anything and everything to help [REDACTED] and save the Cheddar Bay Biscuits … ordered the whole menu.” “I don't care about you. I just want your vote.” Play along and let us know how you did! Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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, here.

The quickie Vegas wedding is basically a cultural trope at this point — and you can opt for almost any theme under the sun (we’re looking at you, Taco Bell wedding chapel). But how did Las Vegas become the marriage capital of the world? Why is it connected to syphilis blood tests and the “divorce trade war,” and which Vegas parks got their starts as divorce ranches? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with writer Eric Duran-Valle, who recently wrote about tying (and untying) the knot for Desert Companion Magazine. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Kamala Harris was back in Las Vegas this week for a visit that many had anticipated would be an audition of sorts — would she sound, well, presidential? Today, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by TheList.Vegas creator Andrew Kiraly to talk about the womp-womp careful neutrality of the event, but also how Harris might fare with Vegas voters. Next up, Dayvid explains why the Mirage’s $1.6 million “giveaway” isn’t exactly a giveaway — but also shares details from his visit and how you can get it on the action. And lastly, the team discusses the curious lawsuit an Arkansas man is bringing against a local dancer who, he claims, “hoodwinked” him into thinking they were exclusive and out of millions of dollars. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 12th episode here: Babbel Global Product Sourcing Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

With this latest heat wave, it’s hard to imagine a chocolate factory would ever choose Las Vegas as a home base. Yet, in 1981, Ethel M Chocolates did just that. They’ve been crafting premium sweets and testing new flavors at their Henderson factory for over four decades. For an inside look at how they work with the desert climate, we are bringing back a conversation co-host Sarah Lohman had with chief chocolatier Mark Mackey. Mark also shares who Ethel M really was and why Las Vegas was the perfect place for a chocolate factory. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 11th episode here: Babbel Global Product Sourcing Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

On Sunday, Las Vegas temperatures hit 120°F, breaking the all-time high-temperature record by 3 degrees. This comes in the middle of a historic heat wave across the entire West. But Las Vegas locals know how to deal with extreme heat — so is this pizza oven weather any different? Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad, both longtime locals, to talk about all the ways the heat has surprised us (or not) this summer, and our best tips for dealing with the heat. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode here: Babbel Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

The Mirage Hotel and Casino closes its doors for good on July 17th — so what’s happening to all of the animals that helped create this tropical fantasy paradise? Where did the dolphins and Siegfried and Roy’s tigers end up? Today, co-host Sarah Lohman talks with University of Guelph history professor Susan Nance, who studies the history of animal entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip. She tells us how the Mirage kicked off an era of truly spectacular big animal shows — and why that era is coming to a close. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode here: Babbel Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

As the weeks go by and the A’s move to Las Vegas looks more and more like a done deal, we’re starting to ask ourselves: Just who exactly have we invited into our community? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with sports writer Dan Moore, who’s written extensively about the saga of the A’s relocation. Are any of A’s owner John Fisher’s claims fair? What was his track record in Oakland — and can Las Vegas expect better treatment from this heart-breaker? Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th episode here: Babbel Global Product Sourcing Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Look, when it’s pushing 115F, it’s only natural to keep our social activities confined to the nighttime hours — and lucky for us, Las Vegas has an incredible nightlife scene. So we’re bringing back an episode co-host Sarah Lohman and Neon News editor-in-chief Gemini Stevens recorded this spring about the hottest new bars in Las Vegas: It’s your guide for where to drink up and cool down this summer. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 5th episode here: Babbel Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman's story stacks up against the rest. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode here: Babbel Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. We’re 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.

The Sphere said hello for the first time last year with a dazzling Fourth of July fireworks display that cemented its place on the Las Vegas skyline. Since then, the headlines haven’t stopped, from an anti-abortion advocate climbing up the side to think pieces about its impact on the future of Las Vegas entertainment. Standing out on Las Vegas Blvd is a hard task, but the Sphere draws attention with quirky emojis and displays to match major events like Formula 1 and the Super Bowl. But have locals embraced such a bright change to the city? City Cast co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with producer Layla Muhammad and Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess to recap the Sphere’s turbulent first year and look ahead to developments coming in year two. Want to know more about the Sphere? Listen to our look inside and guide to the best viewpoints. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode here: Babbel Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

After approval from the planning commission, the highly contested proposal for an LDS temple near Lone Mountain heads to the Las Vegas city council for a vote. Residents in the area warn that the 70,000-square-foot temple does not fit in their small neighborhood because of its height, light pollution, and potential for increased traffic. As these neighbors fight an uphill battle with developers and lobbyists, we wondered what is the most effective way to be heard about developments in your neighborhood. How and why should you tell the city if something doesn’t belong in your backyard? Planning commissioner Jeff Rogan joins co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler to share the best tips on how to be an active participant in your neighborhood’s development. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Welcome to Friday, Las Vegas! The news this week is almost as hot as the asphalt. First, at least four county officials are the subject of an ethics probe for accepting free tickets to last year’s inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix — but is that fair? Also, the charges against six prominent Nevada Republicans for submitting fake elector documents in favor of Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election were dismissed in a Clark County courtroom. So what does this bode? And lastly, the Life is Beautiful festival “hits pause” this year as the company introduces a new format. Co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by writer Kim Foster and City Cast producer Layla Muhammad to break it all down. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 28th episode here: Babbel

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. Whether you are braving out the summer heat or already have plans to leave town, our monthly guide has all the tips you need to make the most out of your July in Las Vegas. From heat-resistant snacks for road trips to free community workshops, tune in for activity recommendations that are worth leaving your house for. Did you miss our June guide? Take a look back for more tips on how to beat the heat this summer (spoiler: ice cream deliveries). Learn more about the sponsors of this June 27th episode here: Babbel And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Las Vegas. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected]. We’re 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.

Before the Golden Knights, Raiders, or Aces were even a gleam in our city’s eye, the Ultimate Fighting Championship was our original hometown sport — homegrown local Dana White took it from an unregulated “human cockfight” to a multi-billion dollar industry that was even recently considered for inclusion in the Olympics. So today, co-host Dayvid Figler brings on a UFC legend to give us the insider’s guide to how it all happened: Fighter, commentator, and podcast host Chael Sonnen talks about how the UFC evolved, the recent controversy over fighter pay, and why his epic 2010 fight against Anderson Silva (which will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at T-Mobile Arena this weekend) kicked off a new “entertainment era” in MMA. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode here: Babbel Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Last week, Caesars Entertainment shareholders voted down a proposal to study the effects of a possible smoking ban inside their properties. This comes after Bally’s and Boyd Gaming also rejected the same proposal from the American NonSmokers’ Rights Foundation. These casino operators all have properties in states where indoor smoking is banned, so why are they still holding on to indoor smoking in Las Vegas? Senior reporter Howard Stutz, who covers the gaming industry at the Nevada Independent, tells executive producer Sonja Cho Swanso why last week’s vote failed and if a smoking ban could ever be possible in Las Vegas. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode here: Babbel

With Clark County’s traffic fatalities on the rise (up 65% so far this year), Sheriff Kevin McMahill and traffic experts are putting forth a new solution: Red light cameras. These cameras are currently illegal in Nevada, largely on the grounds of protecting privacy and fighting “big brother.” Have we reached a tipping point? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Erin Breen, director of UNLV's Road Equity Alliance Project, to talk about the privacy, safety, and equity issues these red light cameras raise — and if we really can make our deadly roads any safer. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode here: Babbel

When the Supreme Court recently struck down the Trump-era ban on bump stocks, Las Vegans in particular took note — it was a bump stock that allowed the October 1 shooter to upgrade his weapon and cause so much carnage. So what happens to bump stock legislation now, and have we run out of all that bipartisan goodwill from the wake of the shooting? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler and executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson are joined by 8 News Now Morning anchor John Langeler. They talk about the bump stock ban, why a Las Vegas bottled water company was sued for $3 billion, and why Nic Cage was dismissed from jury duty (wrong answers only). Bonus content: We give you the rundown on the latest Twitter drama between Nevada Dems and Republicans over an internet meme. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

For many Las Vegans, the tiny town of Pahrump, about an hour outside of the city, exists as the butt of jokes, a dusty desert town with brothels, guns, and not much else. But today, Pahrump Valley Times sports editor Jimmy Romo joins co-host Sarah Lohman to tell her otherwise. He plans out a perfect day in Pahrump, which includes wineries, French pastries, a race car track, and, yes, a combo coffee-shop-and-gun store. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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. Places mentioned in this episode: Charleston Peak Winery Stonewise Mead & Cider Artesian Cellars Sanders Family Winery The Source Dispensary The Calvada Eye Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino The ARCO on Basin and the 160 Mom’s Diner 2nd Amendment Gun Shop O Happy Bread Attic Fanatics Thrift Store Death Valley Marketplace Hypno Comics Bounty Hunter Saloon The Chicken Ranch Brothel Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch Mountain Springs Saloon

The votes are in and the dust has settled: So what can we learn from last week’s primary? Jon Ralston, CEO and editor of the Nevada Independent, sits down with co-host Dayvid Figler, to discuss what the results tell us about voter turnout, the Culinary Union’s power, and the prospects of June’s winners this November. Quick reminder: We’re off tomorrow for Juneteenth (here’s a great list of ways to honor the holiday in Las Vegas) — so we’ll be back in your feeds on Thursday. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Every year, the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) releases its list of the top 100 residential water users — and every year, some of the same names show up at the top of the list: Casino moguls, professional athletes, and the wealthiest families in Las Vegas. So why does this list matter, and can it actually help us put a dent in our city’s water consumption? Today, co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Bronson Mack, Public Information Officer at LVVWD, about how these names end up on the list, and some new laws that could make enforcing water restrictions easier. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Most of the major races in the June 11th Primary Election have now been called — and that’s partly because there were fewer ballots than ever to count. Aside from the abysmal turnout, what other surprises did this election hold for us? Andrew Kiraly from TheList.Vegas lays it out for co-host Sarah Lohman and newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess. The team also talks about a new state board intended to curb solar panel scams, and why we’re seeing the highest number of mosquitoes this early in the season — and just how worried we should be about West Nile Virus. Become a member of City Cast Las Vegas today! Get all the details and sign up here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 14th episode: Casino Collectibles

Vegas is an old Western town, so that’s why steakhouses are such fixtures here … right? Well, not exactly. Culinary historian Sarah Lohman sits down with her co-host Dayvid Figler to trace the history of American steak from its home on the range, through the moneyed elite of NYC, and over to the casinos of Las Vegas. They talk about why our infamous steak and eggs breakfasts are so dang cheap, the rise of “clubstaurants,” and how one Vegas steakhouse out-bros them all (hint: DJs and a diamond-encrusted suitcase are involved). Steakhouses mentioned: Bob Taylor’s Ranch House Golden Steer Circus Circus Main St. Provisions El Cortez Coffee Shop Papi Steak at the Fontainebleau Echo & Rig Cote at the Venetian STK at the Cosmopolitan Cleaver Herbs and Rye Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Nevada is the only state with legal prostitution — but only in certain counties. So why doesn’t Clark County, home to Sin City, have legal brothels? With prostitution arrests in the news again, we’re bringing back a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had with UNLV sociology professor Barb Brents. They talk about why Clark County has held out against both decriminalizing prostitution and legalizing brothels, and what it would take to change those policies. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

As the nation celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the city of Las Vegas holds off on throwing its Pride parade until October. While it might be obvious that the heat is a factor, there is also the surprising history of how Las Vegas struggled to become a queer-friendly city. Historian Dennis McBride is known as being the keeper of Las Vegas’s gay history. Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with the lifelong Nevadan (born in Boulder City) to discuss the rocky history of Vegas’ acceptance of our LGBTQ+ community and his personal experiences throughout the years. You can find more information about Las Vegas’s LGBTQ+ History through UNLV’s Special Collections and Archives. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

The general consensus about dating in Las Vegas seems to be: Yes, it sucks everywhere, but it’s even worse in our tourist-clogged town. Could speed dating, the newest trend in romance, be the answer? Co-host Sarah Lohman recently went to three speed dating events in Las Vegas to find out. She sits down with executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson to talk about app fatigue, how the speed dating events of today incorporate technology, and what to look for in your next in-person dating event. Speed dating events mentioned: Singles Night at the Ahern The Fun Singles Online Speed Dating Shuffle Dating Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Short-term rentals are hardly a settled matter in the Valley: This week, a disgruntled homeowner sued the City of Las Vegas, claiming the $180k in fines levied against him for operating an illegal Airbnb were excessive and unconstitutional. But what’s really at the heart of this case? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus to discuss. Next, the team tackles the unusual case of CCSD Trustee Katie Williams who might be violating the law by living outside her district (more specifically: in Nebraska) — and the political machinations that have turned this into such a heated fight. And last, a shout out to rapper, hype man, and Las Vegas local Flava Flav, who recently ordered the entire menu at Red Lobster in an effort to help keep the dying brand afloat. Will it work? Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Most households stock their refrigerators and cupboards with items from a grocery store, but did you know you can also dine where you shop?! While we love new restaurants in this city, dining in at a grocery store can be an underrated way to save money while getting a great meal. We are bringing back this conversation with writer and City Cast contributor Brent Holmes, who tells co-host Dayvid Figler why grocery store dining is for everyone and shares the best meals from around the valley. We mentioned this episode from last year on where to take your date for dinner in Las Vegas. Grocery stores mentioned: Cardenas Markets El Super Seafood City 168 Market Rani’s World Foods Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Today is the 15th anniversary of ‘The Hangover’s’ theatrical release. It made history as the highest-grossing R-rated comedy and arguably the most successful movie about Las Vegas. ‘The Hangover’ follows a group of friends in town for a bachelor party — chaos ensues when they wake up to a missing groom and destroyed hotel room with no memory of what happened. Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with movie maven David Rosen from the Piecing It Together podcast to talk about the film’s impact and if it was actually bad for Las Vegas. Hear more from David on the Piecing It Together podcast! Find out more about casino.org’s ‘The Hangover’ Suite giveaway here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Whether you’ve grown up in Vegas or just moved here, you probably know Summerlin as the bougie part of town with abundant public spaces and scenic views. Residents in other parts of the valley can sometimes feel animosity towards Summerlin because it just seems to receive more resources than other parts of the city — but is that fair? Historian Geoff Schumacher, VP of exhibits and programs at The Mob Museum, and our resident Summerlin local, executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson, join co-host Sarah Lohman to share how Summerlin became the ultimate master-planned community, their favorite places, and why it might not deserve the hate. Make sure to check out Geoff’s book, “Sun, Sin & Suburbia: The History of Modern Las Vegas,” for his excellent chapter on Summerlin. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

The City of Las Vegas has been involved in heated litigation over the Badlands Golf Course for years — and it’s not going well. After their most recent loss in the Nevada Supreme Court this April, the city is on the hook for over $230 million. And now it’s become a topic of contention in this year’s mayoral race. So how did we get here? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Channel 13’s Steve Sebelius and Darcy Spears about the twists and turns in this mind-boggling battle, and what it could mean for all of us. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for Hey Las Vegas, our morning newsletter, here.

Politicians on all sides of the aisle have pushed the acquisition of federal lands on the outskirts of Las Vegas as a solution for our housing crisis. But is outward expansion the answer? On today’s news roundup, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by Nevada Current journalist Michael “MJ” Lyle, who recently interviewed housing experts about the problems with building out into the desert. Next up, the team looks at the growing fight over the possible shut-down of CCSD’s tiniest school, Lundy Elementary up on Mt. Charleston. And last, with the Mirage volcano’s demolition on the horizon, we talk about its storied history (was it really piña colada-scented?) and how we’ll pay tribute to this Strip icon. Last call: have you taken our audience survey yet? It really helps us out! And it only takes seven minutes, we promise. Find it at citycast.fm/survey. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

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. Looking for ways to survive a desert summer or which ice cream shops deliver to your house? Lucky for you, we’ve got it covered with our guide to June in Las Vegas. From how to celebrate Juneteenth to a Restaurant Week explainer, tune in for activity recommendations and tips that you’ll only hear from locals. If you are planning on escaping the heat like our co-host Sarah Lohman, check out our airport guide for all the secret spots. For even more tips on how to make the most of June in Las Vegas, check out Hey Las Vegas’s take on what to do this month. And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Las Vegas. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected]. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

The pool of candidates is packed for the 2024 primary election coming up in June and with ballots already hitting mailboxes, now's the time to dive in. The Las Vegas Weekly’s Shannon Miller tells co-host Dayvid Figler which races are shaping up to be the most contentious, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how their joint endorsements with the Las Vegas Sun were decided, and why primary elections — which just a handful of votes can sometimes decide — matter so much. You can find more coverage from Shannon at lasvegasweekly.com. Don’t forget: We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners! Do us a solid, and take the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card (and City Cast City swag!). 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.