City Cast Las Vegas

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.

For our final episode of Mayoral Mondays, we’re bringing you a very special interview with someone who is quite possibly the most famous (unelected) mayor of Las Vegas: Actress Lauren Weedman plays Vegas Mayor Pezzimenti in HBO’s Emmy award winning show “Hacks.” She and co-host Dayvid Figler sit down to talk about how she gets into character, the surprising Disney connection in her shellacked hairdo, and how actors and politicians have a lot more in common than you might think. PLUS! City Cast Las Vegas members get a special extended cut of this interview in their ad-free podcast feed. Not a member yet? Join the party! 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.

Hey there! We are excited to share the trailer for a new special limited series from our friends and colleagues at City Cast Denver. If you’re a fan of what we do at City Cast, you’ll want to check it out: You’ve probably heard a story about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. Like, how she got kicked out of a production of “Beetlejuice” for vaping and groping her date. Or, that time she heckled President Biden during his State of the Union address. Throughout it all, she keeps winning elections and amassing followers, so it’s hard not to watch her meteoric rise and wonder: What does it mean for the future of American Politics? Host Bree Davies and Executive Producer Paul Karolyi have been covering Boebert’s wildest moments on City Cast Denver for years. And with only a month until her make-or-break primary on June 25, they’re talking to former friends and rivals, supporters and detractors, real people throughout Colorado who have been affected by her work in Congress, and hopefully Lauren herself. It’s a new limited series from City Cast, because no matter how you feel about her, you have to admit, it feels like Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose. Subscribe to Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose wherever you get your podcasts. Our first episode drops on May 15.

If you were in Las Vegas last year, odds are you were inconvenienced by the Formula 1 Grand Prix in some way. Now, local business owners are leading the charge to try and hold F1 and the county accountable for financial losses caused by the event and construction: The owner of Ellis Island is the first to file an actual lawsuit, but more businesses are expected to follow. Also, a controversial campaign ad triggers an ethics complaint for the district attorney, and an art exhibit focuses on the Goodmans' legacy. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by artist and writer Vogue Robinson to break down this week’s headlines. 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!). 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.

As Gordon Ramsey and Lisa Vanderpump prepare to open their seventh (!) and third Las Vegas restaurants this summer, respectively, we wonder if this celebrity chef/owned restaurant trend has gone too far. We are revisiting a conversation co-host Sarah Lohman had with food writers Gemini Stevens and John Curtas. They share their spicy takes on celebrity chefs, why they all end up on the Strip, and which spots are actually worth visiting. Hear more from Gemini on the Food & Loathing podcast and from John at eatinglv.com! 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 Friday, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced an unprecedented new sponsorship program: $100k to each of the Las Vegas Aces players, from superstars to rookies. On the heels of that announcement, however, the WNBA confirmed that it would be investigating this sponsorship deal for possible violation of league rules. But why? Today, executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson talks with professor Nancy Lough, co-director of the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute, about the complicated rules of endorsements, sponsorships, and pay-to-play in pro sports — and how we can get to pay parity for female athletes. Don’t forget: We’re doing our annual 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 [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.

We love to gripe about getting “scammed” by a bad show that costs way too much, but what’s the difference between a bad deal and an honest-to-goodness scam? And how are people actually getting scammed in Las Vegas? Today, our co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Celestia Ward, a card-carrying skeptic and co-host of Squaring the Strange, a podcast about critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. They talk about the biggest scams in Las Vegas, how you can avoid them, and why Las Vegans in particular should arm themselves with a healthy sense of skepticism. By the way: We’re doing our annual 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 [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 election heats up, our special series on the Las Vegas mayoral race draws to a close — and decision time is on the horizon. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson to talk about all 12 mayoral candidate questionnaires we received, our nine candidate interviews, and who had the best — and the worst — takes of them all. Plus, we share some insider tea from behind the scenes. Don’t forget, early voting starts on May 25th! You can find more information 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.

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.

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.

This past weekend, the Culinary Union went on strike for the first time in over 20 years. But even if it was just a two-day “mini strike,” will this flex get them a new contract from Virgin? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by producer Layla Muhammad to discuss this and Culinary’s other power move, de-endorsing political candidates. Then, we find out why our state senators are trying to take Yucca Mountain out of the nuclear waste storage conversation, and lastly, we discuss the do’s and don’ts of avoiding the Electric Daisy Carnival crowd. Plus, our DJ names and sets, coming to a retirement community near 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.

While international names like Wolfgang Puck put Vegas fine dining on the map, the last decade has seen a quieter grassroots revolution: A growing wave of chefs leaving the Strip and transforming our home-grown restaurant scene. Today, co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Jolene Mannina, a hospitality industry veteran and founder of the pop-up incubator Secret Burger. Jolene tells us about the hottest new chefs who’ve made their mark on Las Vegas and where to try their food. Chefs mentioned in this episode: Brian Howard - Sparrow & Wolf & Half Bird Chicken & Beer Nicole Brisson - Brezza & Bar Zazu Roy Ellamar - Fine Company Steve Kessler - Aroma Latin American Cocina James Trees - Esther's Kitchen, Al Solito Posto & Ada’s Gina Marinelli - La Strega & Harlo Jamie Tran - Black Sheep 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.

As graduation ceremonies occur across the country, you might notice more decorated attire in Nevada. This is the first spring graduation since Nevada passed a law allowing students to decorate their grad caps and robes with religious or cultural regalia. Despite the law, earlier this month at Eldorado High School, a student was told she couldn’t wear a stole honoring her family’s heritage. Ultimately, the student was allowed to wear her stole, but this shows how the practice can be controversial. Today, we revisit a conversation with Dr. Sheila Bock, a folklorist at UNLV. She tells co-host Dayvid Figler how grad garb became so contentious and what happens when students use robes and mortarboards as a form of expression. 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 entertainment and dining options in Las Vegas look very different than they did a few years ago (see: the Sphere). But as our options grow along with our city, have locals been priced out of the fun? A recent survey found that a single person would need to make upwards of $94,000 to live comfortably in Las Vegas, including spending money for “wants like entertainment and hobbies.” In reality, the median income in Las Vegas falls behind the national number at $66,356. Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with longtime locals co-host Dayvid Figler and Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelreiss to discuss what’s changed and where locals can find affordable entertainment. 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.

Early voting for the upcoming primary election is right around the corner — it starts on May 25th — and while only about a third of the valley can vote for the mayor of Las Vegas (here’s why), it matters for all of us. In our latest episode of Mayoral Mondays, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with mayoral candidate Victoria Seaman. Victoria is a UNLV alum and former businesswoman who was elected to the Las Vegas City Council in 2019, where she has represented Ward 2 since. We chat about her stance on the Badlands lawsuits, her advocacy for animals, and how her two personal lawsuits against the city influence her views on safety and transparency. 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.

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.

For our special series on the race for Las Vegas mayor, candidate Kara Jenkins sits down with executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson. Kara, or KJ, currently serves as the Nevada Equal Rights Commission administrator and has been a public servant for 10 years under Governors Brian Sandoval, Steve Sisolak, and Joe Lombardo. They talk about encouraging young voters, what the role should entail, and how she hopes to be a mayor for everyone. 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.

After the music festival Lovers and Friends was precipitously canceled due to high winds, rumors began spreading among disappointed fans on social media: Was windy weather really to blame? Could there have been a credible threat of violence behind all this? On today’s Friday news roundup, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with contributor Andrew Kiraly, creator of the thelist.Vegas, to dispel these rumors and talk about how festivals can do better by their fans. Next up, the team tackles the ugly politics around some massive pay raises that former CCSD superintendent Jesus Jara put into place right before leaving. And lastly, a rideshare scam is making the pickup area at Harry Reid International even more chaotic — here’s what to watch out for. And don’t forget: We’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away to the NV Indy’s upcoming Mayoral candidate forum on May 15 — but here’s the catch, the giveaway is just for members. So make sure to join by Monday to be entered for the tickets. 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.