City Cast Las Vegas

Renewable energy is a pillar in the fight against climate change — Nevada’s tackling that with giant solar farms out in the desert. But solar farms here aren’t without controversy. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Nevada Current reporter Jeniffer Solis, who wrote about the fight brewing over the Rough Hat Clark County Solar Project 40 miles outside of Vegas. This project could provide our growing city with urgently-needed clean energy, but conservationists warn it could also kill hundreds of endangered desert tortoises. And, as Jeniffer explains, solar projects come with a host of other issues for the rural communities where they’re placed. So who pays the price for our city’s growing energy demands? Want to leave a comment for BLM? You have until April 11! Find instructions 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.

Arguably the best month in Las Vegas is approaching, and we’ve got the guide to what you can’t miss this April. Contributor and artist Brent Holmes joins co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler to recommend where to eat, what to do, and how to get out of your comfort zone this month. Mentioned this episode: Red Rock Canyon Lone Mountain Park and Trail “Jones Ranch Egypt” Brent Holmes curated by Sydney Galindo at ASAP Gallery (end of April) Listen to our episode with Brent on Black cowboys here! Ride the Cyclone at Majestic Repertory Theatre (starts April 18) Titus Andronicus at 1600 Wigwam Pkwy (March 28 - April 6) Esther’s Kitchen’s new location on Main Street Early Birds on Blue Diamond Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV Raow Raow Free Earth Day Celebration at Lorenzi Park (April 20) University Forum Lecture with Kim Foster at UNLV (April 18) Dr. Neil Degrasse Tyson - Astronomy Bizarre at The Smith Center (2 shows on April 14) Nevada Preservation Foundation Home + History Bus Tour (April 25 - 28) We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us (or recommend somewhere for Sarah to find a passion fruit vine!) at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

Sooo… Circus Circus doesn’t have the best reputation. It’s one of the oldest still-standing casinos in town and occupies the quieter, dustier north end of the Strip. It frequently tops lists of the “worst casinos in Las Vegas,” and the murder-clown vibes (and rumors of hauntings) don’t help, either. But co-host Dayvid Figler is on a mission to convince you otherwise. He and co-host Sarah Lohman recently took a field trip to Circus Circus, and they sit down to talk about the casino’s unique place in Vegas history, its hidden charms, and why maybe, just maybe, we should all give Circus Circus another chance. 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.

Things heated up in the Fontainebleau v. Wynn non-compete feud this week: Not only did the Fontainebleau come back with a countersuit to the Wynn’s claims of executive “poaching,” they also dropped some fiery text messages between the Wynn and Fontainebleau CEOs. So today, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, along with contributor Vogue Robinson, break down the drama (along with a dramatic reading of said texts). Next up, the team takes on Lombardo’s shots at Biden over affordable housing, and lastly, we talk about why Henderson’s only DMV is shutting down — and which services we’d love to see go (and stay) online. 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.

On Tuesday, March 19, the Clark Commission received a long-awaited debriefing on the economic impact of the F1 race. Well, it’s a real mixed bag with the list of challenges being pretty dense (one commissioner says we all “suffered”) and a host of fixes unlikely to be all in place by the time the race rolls around again in November, 2024. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler speaks with Clark County Commission Chair Tick Segerblom, who is not only concerned about the amount of county worker hours redirected to F1 and the loss to the County government of almost half a million dollars, but also the accuracy of the $1.5 billion dollars in economic impact assessed by private consultant Applied Analysis (spoiler: Tick says that number is “not even close”). So what comes next for F1, and will Commish Tick support F1 and their demands in the years to come? 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.

The largest electronic dance music festival in North America, Electronic Daisy Carnival (EDC), returns to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for its 13th year in May. As the city gears up to host the 500,000+ attendees, we look at what makes the massive festival thrive in Las Vegas and the local rave community that keeps it alive. Mary Michaud, who has been raving in Vegas since 2008, explains what brought EDC here, the ups and downs of the Vegas rave scene, and gives us insider tips for how to join the party with co-host Sarah Lohman. 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.

Where is the secret nap room at the airport? Why is there a Terminal 1 and a Terminal 3… but no Terminal 2? Which local coffee shop just opened an outpost in T3? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess, who recently wrote a guide to the Las Vegas airport for Thrillist, to get his insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and (yes!) sleep at Harry Reid International. Places mentioned: Zerolevel Fitness Center Liquor Library Airport Slots Metro Pizza Moe’s Southwest Grill Sprinkles Cupcakes Espresso Urbano Las Vegas Chophouse and Brewery Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza Wolfgang Puck Express Lego vending machine The Raider Image The B Lounge (Budweiser) 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.

When a Yellow-billed loon, a rare Arctic bird, shut down the Bellagio Fountains water show, the eyes of the world turned to the city from CNN to Fox News to John Oliver. The Nevada Department of Wildlife was able to capture and release the lost bird in an undisclosed location but not without criticism. So how could the rescue of this rare bird have gone better and what does Las Vegas need to be a more bird-friendly city? Co-host Sarah Lohman asks Alex Harper from the Red Rock Audobon Society why the yellow-billed loon gained so much attention and gets an inside look at rare bird sightings in Nevada. 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.

To no one’s surprise, Elon Musk’s Boring Company is in the news again as Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, throws his support behind the Vegas Loop’s expansion amid safety concerns. Also, a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents is facing calls to resign after doubling down on comments aimed at trans athletes and the American Film Market moving to Vegas revives hopes for a Hollywood 2.0. Hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by thelist.vegas publisher Andrew Kiraly to round up this week’s news. 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.

On March 19th, the International Pizza Expo, the largest pizza industry conference in the world, is coming to Las Vegas. So we thought there is no better time to ask the question: Does Las Vegas have a pizza style? And we got the best of the best to give us an answer. Pizza expert Scott Weiner, founder of Scott’s Pizza Tours and Slice Out Hunger, who sits down with host Sarah Lohman to spill some industry tea, give us the breakdown on what a pizza style should look like and lets us in on the future of pizza boxes. 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.

For the last several years, Channel 13 has been investigating allegations of horrific animal abuse at SeaQuest, a petting zoo and aquarium at the Boulevard Mall. Through interviews and records requests, they’ve uncovered a pattern of stories involving animals mangled and cooked (yes) to death by their enclosures, creatures so starved they eat gravel or bite guests, and baby birds stomped on by unchaperoned toddlers. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Channel 13’s chief investigator Darcy Spears about their latest round of reporting and asks: If this is true, how is SeaQuest still operating? And is there a place in our community for a venue like SeaQuest to exist, even if they get their act together? 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.

Growing a garden in Las Vegas is already hard enough, but did you know that you might be making it harder on yourself and the environment? Planting invasive species that require more water and provide less habitat for animals is a growing problem as we stretch into the desert. So to kick off spring on the right foot, native plant nursery owner Nestor Robles shares his tips on how to start your own native garden and what it means to decolonize your landscape with co-host Sarah Lohman. You can find Nestor on Instagram @xochipilli_natives for more information. 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.

Smoke and Mirrors, Nevada’s first state-approved marijuana lounge, is now open for business after years of the state working to figure out how regulations and licensing would look. The lounge is attached to Thrive Dispensary in the shadow of Resorts World which is closer to the Strip than other lounges will be allowed to get. So does the lounge give Amsterdam vibes or is it still figuring itself out? Co-host Dayvid Figler and newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess recap their visit and share some insider tips with co-host Sarah Lohman. 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.

The A’s have finally released their latest stadium renderings — and y’all might have noticed, the design looks kind of familiar (Sydney Opera House, anyone)? Today, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman sit down with contributor and Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle to break down the new design. Next up, MJ explains the county’s new ethics rules and what it might mean for events like F1 and the Super Bowl. And last but not least, the team gets some deep-dive bird knowledge while discussing the extremely rare loon that landed at the Bellagio this week and shut down the fountains for a whole day. 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.

Yesterday, the feds signaled their approval for a long-awaited agreement between the Colorado River states — collectively, the lower basin states (Arizona, California, and Nevada) will reduce our water use by 3 million acre-feet by 2026. The hope is that we’ll be able to replenish our crucial reservoirs, including Lake Mead, the source of 90% of our city’s water. But damming rivers to create reservoirs isn’t without problems. So… was creating Lake Mead in the first place a mistake? Today, we’re bringing back a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had with UNLV hydrologist Dr. David Kreamer, who explains the history of Lake Mead’s creation and why reservoirs can be so essential for cities — but also controversial. And before you forget: This is the last week to become a Founding Member in our brand-new membership program! Don’t worry, the podcast and newsletter will still be free for everyone, but this is a way for you to keep supporting the work we do. Founding members are enshrined on our website (and in our hearts) for all eternity, so sign up now. 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.

When the news broke last week that Elon Musk’s Boring Company faced over $100k in fines from Nevada OSHA for some pretty serious safety violations at their Las Vegas Tesla Tunnels (including a “toxic sludge” that burned workers’ skin and dangerously heavy equipment collapsing near tunnel entrances), Las Vegans were surprised. For most of us, this was the first we’d heard of last summer’s investigation. But in the meantime, while the Boring Co. contests the citations, city and county officials stayed mum and construction has continued. So what exactly was happening in those tunnels, and how does it reflect the culture of safety at the Boring Co? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Fortune journalist Jessica Mathews, who interviewed over 10 former Boring Co. employees while researching her deep dive into safety at the Tesla Tunnels. Love our podcast? Support our work, and join our membership program! If you join by March 8, you’ll be enshrined on our website as a Founding Member for all time. 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.

A female desert tortoise can lay up to 14 eggs a year — and can breed for over 80 years. So if our randy reptilian friends are this fertile, why are they still endangered? Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with wildlife biologist Beth Wolff to talk about the dangers that tortoises face in the Vegas Valley, why baby tortoises resemble “chicken nuggets,” and what to do if you encounter one (spoiler alert: it may or may not involve tortoise pee). Have you joined our membership program yet? This is your last week to join as a founding member. Founding members are permanently enshrined on our founding members wall — the deadline is Friday! 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.

Spring has sprung in Las Vegas and so has our guide to March in the city! From must see shows to ways to get outside before the heat sets in, we’ve got you covered. Publisher of thelist.vegas Andrew Kiraly joins co-host Sarah Lohman to help you make the most of your March. This is the last week to become a founding member of City Cast Las Vegas. Join the club! 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. Events mentioned: Dita Las Vegas DJ Night Weapons at Velveteen Rabbit, The Garden, and Corduroy Sunday House Music Brunches at 18bin (every Sunday) Rooted Lounge Sound Bath at Ferguson’s Downtown (during New and Full Moon) Brew’s Best Beer Festival at The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin (March 16) Ice Age State Fossils Park Tacos and Tamales Festival at Desert Breeze Park (March 23-24) Art and nature events at Wetlands Park Spring Plant Sale at Springs Preserve (March 23) Who Knows? at Vegas Theater Company (March 5, 12, & 19) David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra at The Smith Center (March 22) March Madness at Chickie’s and Pete’s at The Sahara Hotel Zone of Interest and Live Jazz at Segue at The Beverly Theater

Elon Musk’s Boring Company has taken over Las Vegas news this week. Construction workers for the Vegas Loop (unofficially the Tesla Tunnels) filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) over safety concerns that include working in toxic sludge with harmful accelerants and a lack of proper safety equipment. OSHA’s investigation was contested by the company, which claims there is insufficient evidence. In another part of the Valley, Henderson police issued 600+ traffic citations in just two weeks in an effort to make the streets safer. Also, the beloved Peppermill wins a prestigious food award from James Beard. Hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by City Cast Las Vegas executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson to explain the big impacts on our city. Want to support our show and become a founding City Cast Las Vegas member?! Sign up here for ad free listing and more perks! 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.

Las Vegas is known for a lot of things, but bagels are not one of them. But maybe they should be! It’s hard to compete against cities on the East Coast but Vegas bagels should not be overlooked. Today, we taste test four popular eateries in search of our city’s best bagels. Hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by City Cast Las Vegas executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson to share their winners and the history behind Las Vegas’s favorite bagel spots. Want to support local media and become a founding City Cast Las Vegas member? For the price of a bagel with lox, you can help us keep bringing you daily podcast episodes and newsletters! Sign up today. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719 and let us know what food battle we should do next! Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

It’s safe to say that the Fontainebleau’s opening was… rocky, at best. In the two months after opening on December 13th, 2023, the property saw four executives abruptly leave, Nachogate went viral, and locals were infuriated over the on-again-off-again tier matching program. Journalist Arash Markazi lives on the north end of the Strip (he literally has a view of the Fontainebleau from his window), and recently called it a “bad bet.” But, as he tells co-host Sarah Lohman, there may be some hope yet for both the luxury property and the North Strip. 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.

Celebrity commentator and OG influencer Perez Hilton moved to Las Vegas a year ago and has quickly tapped into our red-hot social media scene — observing the best (and worst) of Vegas influencers from his Vegas-based account, @lasvegasperez. So today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Perez Hilton to get the inside track on how influencers impact our city, which of them have beef with each other (and why it involves footplay), and how much money an influencer can make. Love our podcast? Join our brand-new membership program! As a founding member, in addition to all the other great perks, you’ll also be enshrined on our website for all to see. Learn more at lasvegas.citycast.fm. 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.

We know what capital-capital is (that’s money), but what is social capital? And more importantly, why does Nevada have so little? In multiple rankings of the state, one from a congressional study, Nevada ranks next to dead last in this important metric. Co-host Dayvid Figler talks with commentator Kim Foster, whose latest book, “The Meth Lunches,” dives into what it looks like when a community is rich (and conversely, poor) in social capital, and how it goes far beyond simple neighborliness. Love what you’re hearing? Join our brand-new membership program as a founding member: You’ll be enshrined on our website for all to see. Learn more about all the perks at membership.citycast.fm. 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.

The news this week about a “missing murderer” conjured images of a guy with a knife creeping through backyards. But the truth is a lot more paperwork-related than the headlines might have you believe. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman sit down with producer Layla Muhammad to discuss. They also get into the protests over our rising gas bills, which have even Summerlin residents up in arms, and the swanky new Las Vegas Airbnb experience hosted by Christina Aguilera that you can apply for here (yes, Sarah applied, and yes, we’ll keep you posted!). Lastly, if you love this podcast, show us some love and help us win “Best Podcast” in the Las Vegas Weekly’s annual Best of Vegas Awards. It takes just 10 seconds of your time, and would mean the world to us. (Also, if we win, Dayvid has promised to share his most embarrassing high school photo, so there’s THAT, too!) 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.

With nearly a quarter of our jobs in leisure and hospitality, tipping is baked into Vegas culture. But as we’re being asked to tip in more places at higher percentages, customers are experiencing more “tipping fatigue.” Today we look back at a conversation with Las Vegas writer and former hospitality worker Brittany Bronson. She tells co-host Dayvid Figler how tipping can help and hurt workers fighting for fair pay — and shares her essential rules for tipping in Vegas. Vote for us in Las Vegas Weekly's 2024 Best of Vegas! Click here and write in "City Cast Las Vegas" in the Best Vegas Podcast category. 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.

“Across the Tracks: A Las Vegas Westside Story” is a new documentary that celebrates the history of Las Vegas’ predominantly Black neighborhood, the Historic Westside. Through interviews with original residents and historians, the documentary paints a picture of the origins of Las Vegas, starting with the railroad and the community brought up around it. In today’s episode, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with filmmaker Emmett Gates and writer Soni Brown about why this documentary still resonates today, and how we can keep the history in the Historic Westside. Across the Tracks: A Las Vegas Westside Story will be released March 6th. Follow them here for updates. See Usher detail his visit to the Historic Westside 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.

After recent news that a coyote might have bitten a football player in town for the Super Bowl, and, last week, that a two-year-old girl had to get a rabies shot after a coyote attacked her at Lake Las Vegas, the tensions over coyotes and humans coexisting in our desert town have surfaced again. So we’re bringing back a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had last year with UNLV wildlife ecologist Dr. David Choate. They talk about why we’re seeing more coyotes, and what to do if you encounter one. Do you love what you’re hearing? Do us a solid and vote for City Cast Las Vegas in the Best Podcast category over at the Las Vegas Weekly. It literally takes 10 seconds (or less, if you are a very fast typer) — and you will fill our hearts with joy. Thank you! 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.

The numbers are trickling in, and by some estimates, the Super Bowl was an economic victory for our city. But not everyone cashed in. Today, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with contributor and Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle to talk about what the Super Bowl could do differently — and if its success changes the calculus on publicly-funded stadiums. Next, the team discusses two proposed downtown housing developments, including a hotly-contested sober living project, before moving on to what might be Las Vegas’s biggest scams, according to TripAdvisor (even though “scams” is probably the wrong word for it). Oh and hey, while you’re here — wanna do us a solid? Go vote for us in the “Best Podcast” category over at the Las Vegas Weekly. Four whole humans (and then some) work our butts off to make this show for you every single day, so show us a little love and help us win! 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.

The new year always seems to bring on a slew of new celebrity chef restaurant openings in Vegas: This season it’s Blake Shelton, Bobby Flay, and Michael Mina. And this summer, Gordon Ramsay will open his seventh (yes) Las Vegas restaurant. But does Las Vegas really need another celebrity chef restaurant? Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with food writers Gemini Stevens and John Curtas to discuss the rise and (possible) fall of our celebrity chef era, and which celeb restaurants are actually worth the hype. You can follow Gemini on social media — she’s @wishboneandvine on Twitter and Instagram and on her website, wishboneandvine.com. You can hear more of Gemini on the Food and Loathing podcast. And follow John Curtas on Twitter and Instagram, and make sure to check out his list of 52 essential Vegas restaurants on his website, eatinglv.com. John also podcasts at Eat. Talk. Repeat. Love City Cast? Help us win "Best Podcast" in the Las Vegas Weekly's Best of the City Awards. It takes just 10 seconds to vote, and plus — co-host Dayvid Figler has promised to share his most embarrassing high school yearbook photo if we win (how could you not go vote now??). DOOOO IT! 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.

Over the last 20 years, the Culinary Union has become a force in Nevada politics to be reckoned with. Politicians court their endorsement, and their support can sway legislation. The historic contracts they just signed with the major Strip casinos (and now, most of the downtown properties, too) are a testament to the union’s sway. So what impact does the union have on our city, whether you’re in the union or not? How do they wield their influence in Las Vegas, and do they ever go too far? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Culinary 226 Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge for a rousing conversation. If you love City Cast Las Vegas, a) we love you too! And b) help us win "Best Podcast" in the Las Vegas Weekly's Best of the City Awards. Voting takes 10 seconds (maybe 15 if you're a slow typer), so do us a solid and help us achieve — if not world domination — a soul-affirming win for all the work we do. Vote now, please and thank you. 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.

The cowboy is an iconic figure in the history of the Southwest United States. Even when Las Vegas isn’t hosting the National Finals Rodeo or other rodeo events, you can still spot people in cowboy hats and boots around the city. What people may not know, from the now-typical image of the white heroic cowboy, is that there is a long legacy of Black cowboys who helped shape the history of this region. Contributor Brent Holmes shares the erased history of Black cowboys in Las Vegas with co-host Sarah Lohman. Do you love what you’re hearing? Do us a solid and vote for City Cast Las Vegas in the Best Podcast category over at the Las Vegas Weekly. It literally takes 10 seconds (or less, if you are a very fast typer) — and you will fill our hearts with joy. Thank you! Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

Super Bowl LVIII is officially in the books — so how did this year’s event, hosted by Las Vegas, measure up? Co-host Dayvid Figler and executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson sit down on Sunday night after the game to compare notes: Highlights, lowlights, and all the fun, messy drama (cough-streakers-cough) that took place in our city. Plus, we rate the halftime show and our favorite commercials. 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.

What a week, right? You have the School Board and the superintendent embroiled in a popcorn-worthy resignation melodrama; you have the mayor of Las Vegas casting shade at the Oakland A’s, and then (whoops, negative press!) lamely trying to uncast it; you have a future Darwin Awards nominee climbing the Sphere to send an anti-abortion message. And we have podcast co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, joined by TheList.Vegas publisher Andrew Kiraly, eager to sort it all out for you. 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.

Ethel M Chocolates is probably our valley’s sweetest fixture: Since 1981, the chocolate maker has been crafting premium sweets from their factory in Henderson. So who was Ethel M., anyhow? Why did a chocolatier choose the nation’s hottest state to set up shop, and what goes on inside their Willy Wonka test kitchen? Today, co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Ethel M’s chief chocolatier, Mark Mackey, to get the inside scoop on his sweet creations and Ethel M’s surprising origins. 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.

Las Vegas has been anticipating hosting Super Bowl LVIII for the past few years and the time is finally here. This Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers face off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Bryan Salmond, the main sports anchor for News 3 Las Vegas, sits down with co-host Sarah Lohman to explain how we landed the big game, what our city offers as hosts, and how locals feel about another major sporting event. 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.

Is there a prize for the most confusing primary process this year? Nevada Republicans might have just won it. GOP voters can cast their vote in both the state primary AND the caucus, but only one will decide who wins Nevada’s delegates at the Republican nominating convention. So what’s behind this split, and how does that affect Nevada’s national standing in the presidential election cycle? Nevada Independent reporter Tabitha Mueller joins co-host Dayvid Figler to explain what voters need to know about this week’s GOP election kerfuffle. 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.

February is going to be a wild time in Las Vegas (we’ve got the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, plus all of these new residencies) — but lucky you, City Cast Las Vegas is going to help you make the most of this month. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler and executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson sit down with lifelong local and radio DJ Heather Collins to get the inside scoop on the best way to spend your month. 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. Super Bowl On Mon. Feb. 5th: Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium (use promo code “NFLPARTNER”) Biggest Game Bash (Downtown Las Vegas Events Center), free Illuminarium at Area15 (sold out) Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate at the Linq Super Bowl Fan Experience at Mandalay Bay Convention Center Paramount Expedition Vegas at the Mirage Frito Lay’s Cheetos Chapel at New York New York TikTok tailgate with Gwen Stefani NFL One Pass app Valentine’s Day Americana at Desert Shores Lip Lab at the Fashion Show “Singles Awareness Day” at Proper Eats (on Feb. 15th) Vibes DIY Studio in Centennial Hills Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen Sweet Spot LV tsp. baking company anti-Valentine’s Day cookies and brownies Ohlala French Bistro prix fixe Valentine’s dinner Wu-Tang Clan at the Virgin Hotel New Edition at the Encore Vintage shopping downtown Alt Rebel Good Wolf Sin Amor Studio Akin Cooperative

This week’s biggest news is probably CCSD Superintendent Jesus Jara’s resignation announcement, with one condition: Pay out his contract and he’ll go. But this doesn’t come without controversy. Today, executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by contributor Vogue Robinson and Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus to talk about the resignation and what comes next. Also, the team discusses a recent viral video from a Kamala Harris campaign event in Las Vegas this week that shows two women claiming they were barred from attending because they wore hijab, and the political implications for Biden in Nevada. And last but not least: Way more cars are driving without license plates now. What gives? (Plus: Our insider tips on navigating the DMV. You’re welcome.) 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.

Convention season is in full swing in Las Vegas. You might’ve heard of the really big ones like CES and the World of Concrete, but the newer Fancy Food Show is taking a bite out of the convention center crowd too. City Cast co-host and food writer Sarah Lohman worked there as an official trend spotter this month. She shares the craziest creations she saw at The Fancy Food Show, and what she predicts the biggest food trends of the year will be, with co-host Dayvid Figler. 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.

Have you ever driven past Coyote Springs, that never-built development 45 minutes into the desert? They’ve been tied up in legal battles over water for 20 years. And last week, the Nevada Supreme Court issued a ruling with major implications for Coyote Springs, but more importantly, for how our state uses water. Environmental reporter Daniel Rothberg just wrote about it for the Nevada Independent, and sits down with co-host Dayvid Figler to break it all down. It’s wonky, but Daniel makes it easy to understand — and we promise you’ll be the smartest person at the dinner table this weekend. For more of Daniel’s essential reporting on water, make sure to subscribe to his Substack, Western Water Notes. 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.

We are blessed in Las Vegas to be surrounded by diverse beautiful landscapes, but not everyone has a good time exploring our natural wonders. Executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson returns for round 2 of challenging co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler to guess which natural wonders received 1-star reviews. Play along and check out our episode about iconic Vegas attractions! 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.

For the thousands of Las Vegans who work in entertainment, while most of us are tucked into bed, midnight signals the end of the workday — and the start of playtime. So where do industry folks go after hours… and are late-night venues a dying breed? Co-host Dayvid Figler chats with Jacob Smith, podcast producer and head of audio for Absinthe. Jacob produces two excellent podcasts (and both their hosts have been on our show!) — make sure to check them out below: Matt & Mattingly’s Ice Cream Social Pod Therapy Jacob’s late night recs: Osaka Japanese Bistro Pho Kim Long Peppermill The Sand Dollar Lounge on Spring Mountain The Barbershop Count’s Vamp'd Don’t Tell Mama The Bootlegger Italian Bistro The 1230 Clown Show Kenny Davidsen’s Celebrity Piano Bar at the Tuscany Casino 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.

At the Oakland A’s “fireside chat” this Wednesday, owner John Fisher’s light-on-substance responses were overshadowed by a mortifying moment: When the emcee attempted to elicit cheers for “the Las Vegas A’s,” she was met with crickets. So what does this event tell us about the A’s efforts, and how successful their community inroads have been? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with Nevada Independent reporter Jacob Solis to hash it out. Then, they discuss Trump’s sole caucus challenger in Nevada, and if we’re still the “we matter” state. And last but certainly not least, we give you the latest on the Fontainbleau’s Nachogate debacle (and Dayvid reports back from his nacho-ventures last night). 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.

Sure, we all fantasize about living on Mt. Charleston in summertime — but what’s life like for year-rounders, those intrepid few who decide to live there when snow drifts block roads and you have to (shudder) shovel the driveway? After this week’s massive snow dump on the mountain, we’re bringing back a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had with year-rounder Jimmy Alderson, AKA “Mt. Charleston Mountain Man,” about what life is really like up there, and the survival skills you need to make it through winter. 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.

The housing market in Las Vegas just saw its lowest year in sales since the crash in 2007. That may be confusing to some who are feeling the effects of our growing population and seeing new housing developments creep into the desert. It's hard to tell if it's the right time for a move or not, whether you are from out of state or a longtime Vegas resident. Professor Nicholas Irwin teaches real estate and economics at UNLV. He explains to co-host Dayvid Figler what to look out for in the everchanging Las Vegas housing market, how renters and corporate buyers fit into the equation, and tells us if now is the right time to buy a house. Learn more about the Lied Center for Real Estate 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.

Las Vegans love to hate on many things (tourists, traffic, the entire month of July), but no tree has earned more of our ire than the iconic palm. It’s been decried as a water guzzler, a landscape destroyer, and an all-around, no-good tree that gives us zero shade in a hot, dry desert town. But … are we maybe thinking about this all wrong? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with tree expert and Nevada Plants founder Lisa Ortega, who makes the case for when and where palm trees might actually be good for 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.

Live in Las Vegas long enough, and you’ll hear about the Green Door, our valley’s most famous (or infamous) sex club. But what really goes on inside? Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Gemini Stevens, a former kink educator, food podcast co-host, and all-around hedonist, for the 101 on how Vegas sex clubs work, the written and unwritten rules, and why they matter for our city. 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.

It’s been a good and bad week for transparency in Las Vegas so we are talking about which legislators got money from the Oakland A’s, the Clark County Education Association suing the school district over a “vile” tweet allegedly sent by Superintendent Jesus Jara, and what New Year resolutions the city should keep even though today, January 19th, is when most people give up. Executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by co-host Dayvid Figler and Nevada Current reporter Michael Lyle to dive into the details. X thread reviewing data about Superintendent Jara’s account usage: https://twitter.com/DataInsightPart/status/1722617864795169115 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.

While Vegas media loves to highlight the latest food trends, hottest new restaurants, or the next big celebrity chef coming to town, one tried and true dining option gets overlooked in all the chatter: grocery stores. Even though we get most of our food in grocery stores, only a few consider sitting in and having a meal there. Surprisingly, Las Vegas has plenty of great local options so you can try getting your next meal before picking up a pint of milk. Writer and City Cast contributor Brent Holmes shares his favorite local grocery store meals and the joys of dining in with co-host Dayvid Figler. 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 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.

Las Vegas’s long-awaited new state park finally opens this weekend to the public on January 20th. Ice Age Fossils State Park is a unique attraction that delves into the history of Las Vegas during the Ice Age through fossils and historic trails. Park supervisor Garrett Fehner joins co-host Dayvid Figler to explain what visitors will see, why you can’t take the fossils home, and how the site is important to the history of scientific discovery. 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.