City Cast Las Vegas

The Nevada State Board of Education (SBE) approved a proposal Wednesday which would require schools to apply for a waiver if they want to start school before 8 a.m., citing teen sleep deprivation as a major concern. But CCSD is fighting back, claiming the plan is “rushed” and could lead to unintended consequences. Today, host Dayvid Figler, News 3 reporter Brett Forrest, and CCLV lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson get into the weeds of this proposal. Next, they tackle Clark County’s new street vendors rules — what lessons can be learned from this rocky rollout? And last, the Sphere’s spectacular concert debut was met with wild acclaim. But has the Sphere changed the concert-going experience for the better or worse? We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

National publications frequently run best-of roundups heralding the country’s top restaurants and bars; recent examples include the New York Times and Bon Appétit, which have featured restaurants from towns as far-flung as Juneau, Alaska, Caldwell, Idaho, and Iowa City. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas restaurant scene is usually excluded, ignored — snubbed, even. Why? Vegas locals know that our city’s scene has long evolved past the days of buffets and shrimp cocktails. So today, host Dayvid Figler puts the question to longtime journalist and restaurant marketing expert Eric Gladstone: Why isn’t the national food media paying more attention to Vegas, and what are they missing out on? Don’t forget: Eric’s agency, Feast of Friends, is running Vegas Unstripped, an amazing local food festival, on Saturday, October 14th. The whole City Cast Las Vegas team is going, and you should too! We’re giving away two pairs of free tickets, so head over to lasvegas.citycast.fm/unstripped to enter by October 9th. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. And for more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

You can tell autumn has come to Las Vegas by the skin that’s still on your hands after you grab the steering wheel. Still, since we don’t enjoy the flagrant leaf action that other biomes use to mark the season change, how can Las Vegans imbibe some of those cozy fall vibes? Tune in as podcast host Dayvid Figler, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, and producer Layla Muhammad drop some pumpkin-spiced knowledge. Want to win a pair of free tickets (worth $150 each) to the hottest food festival off the Strip? Head over to lasvegas.citycast.fm/unstripped to enter! We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Today is the first in a three-part series on fall getaways and now that October is here, no one can tell us it’s too early to start celebrating Halloween! To get Las Vegas in the mood for Spooky Season, host Dayvid Figler sits down with Tracie Barnthouse and Megg Mueller from Travel Nevada. With ghost towns outnumbering our actual populated towns 6 to 1, it can be hard to tell which ones are worth the trip. Tracie and Megg help us pick the best haunted road trip destinations around Las Vegas and share some creepy stories from their travels. Want free tickets to an amazing food festival? Enter here to win one of two pairs of tickets to Vegas Unstripped — we'll be there, so say hello! We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. And for more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Twenty-seven years after Tupac Shakur was murdered on a Las Vegas street, a local man has been arrested in connection with the shooting. Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who has long admitted being in the car from which the fatal shots were fired, was arrested in Henderson. Prosecutors say that 27 years ago he was the “on-ground, on-site commander” in a gang conflict, and that he ordered the shooting. Today, host Dayvid Figler dives into the news with author Cathy Scott who wrote the popular true crime biography “The Killing of Tupac Shakur.” Scott explains Davis’ connection to Tupac and why it took this long to make an arrest despite a 2019 memoir placing Davis in the car. What was your reaction to the news? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

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

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

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

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

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

A lot of outrage has been swirling around the Las Vegas community this week. First, Elon Musk incited a hate campaign on X (formerly Twitter) towards the Review-Journal and their journalist after she reported on the murder of a retired police chief. Also, shortly following the removal of mature trees on Las Vegas Blvd to make way for F1 grandstands, Las Vegans and tourists are saddened to lose the shade and the iconic backdrop for the Bellagio Fountains. Lastly, a new humanoid robot greeter at The Sphere is bringing both the shock and awe. Host Dayvid Figler is joined by Nevada Independent journalist Tabitha Mueller and writer and contributor Brent Holmes to wade through this week of news. Let us know which one of these things outraged you the most this week, the Bellagio trees or hate campaign on X. Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Keep up with all the changes happening in Las Vegas with our morning newsletter. Make sure to sign up here.

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that we cater to every price point: From taco trucks and budget motels to luxury suites and prix fixe menus, we’ve got it all. But how much money can you throw down on a meal in Vegas? Today, host Dayvid Figler chats with food influencer Phil Tzeng, AKA Las Vegas Fill, about the most expensive meals money can buy in Las Vegas. We’re talking Russian caviar flights, French butter towers, and fish flown in from Japan the night before — because no one excels at excess like Las Vegas. A list of the restaurants Phil mentions: Sushi Kame Grand Cru by Partage Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

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

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

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

In the wake of a massive cyber attack, the state’s largest employer is dealing with chaos at all of its international properties: For days, MGM guests were being checked in by clipboard, and elevators, room key cards, slots, and even lights wouldn’t work. Today on the roundup, host Dayvid Figler is joined by producer Layla Muhammad and contributor Michael Lyle to discuss the implications of this massive breach. Plus, we get an update on a new ruling from a District Court judge that puts the kibosh on teacher sick-outs — but should they be allowed to strike anyhow? And finally, Las Vegans everywhere are puzzled by the appearance of odd bug bites — which come from the mysterious insect known as the mosquito in other parts of the country. With all the weird weather we’re having, are mosquitoes in our future, too? Have you seen anything related to the cyber attack at an MGM or Caesars property? Let us know! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here.

Transient is everyone’s favorite word in Las Vegas. It means that nothing and no one lasts long in this city. However, in the midst of imploding casinos and closing businesses, there are some restaurants that have withstood the test of time and have managed to continue serving the community for over 25 years (which is a long time in Vegas!). We are bringing back a conversation with former co-host Vogue Robinson and food contributor Brent Holmes where they list the most essential older restaurants for Las Vegans to try and discuss what has kept them open for so long. Plus, some newer spots that seem to have promising futures. Restaurants mentioned: Bob Taylor’s Oscar’s Steakhouse Benny Binions Lotus of Siam Ronnie’s Mint Donna Maria’s Tamales Tacos El Gordo Grit’s Cafe Mario’s Market Chicago Joe’s We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once again, school district drama is in the news: Southern Nevada’s largest teachers’ union, the Clark County Education Association, has given CCSD until Saturday to resolve a dispute over teacher pay. But there’s also a fight about, well, how to fight: A back and forth legal battle over whether the “work actions” the union has threatened are in fact an illegal strike, or whether teachers’ free speech is being curtailed — though a new ruling handed down yesterday appears to be a win for the union. To help us untangle this mess upon mess, contributor April Corbin Girnus, a reporter at the Nevada Current, sits down with co-host Vogue Robinson. April gives us the play by play of what exactly the two sides are fighting about, and how their plans are trying to solve the teacher vacancy crisis our district is facing. Do you have thoughts on the school district showdown? Let us know: We’re on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitterand Instagram, or you can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

You saw the news earlier this summer about a string of casino heists — a guy posing as the owner of the Circa walked away with $1 million in cash. While that number is stunning, it’s not the biggest heist Vegas has ever seen. In fact, this year is the 30th anniversary of the biggest casino heist in Las Vegas history, totaling $3 million — and it’s a wild ride involving a 21 year old woman trained in firearms who disguised herself as an old lady, a co-conspirator and lover some 27 years her senior, and ultimately, the change of heart that brought her right back to Las Vegas. Co-host Dayvid Figler watched the Netflix documentary about this heist and breaks it all down for co-host Vogue Robinson. Did you love this episode? Here’s what you can do: Hit the share button and share it with all your friends on social media — and tag us! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

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

It’s been a turbulent week in Las Vegas! First, a downtown food pantry is at risk of shutting down after neighbors contest their new operating license. Then, a confrontation between Metro and a street food vendor at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign draws criticism from both sides of the aisle. Lastly, the North Las Vegas government gives AI a shot at translating public meetings in real-time. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Independent reporter Jacob Solis to break it all down. Do you trust the use of AI in public meetings? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Stay up to date on all the latest Las Vegas news by signing up for our morning newsletter here.

A new trend is sweeping Mexican food — and it’s actually ancient. Nixtamalization is a cooking method that uses calcium hydroxide (naturally found in limestone) to break down corn, unlocking essential nutrients and flavors, resulting in pliable, fragrant tortillas — a far cry from the preservative-laden grocery store tortillas that most of us know. Today, Chef Mariana Alvarado joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about why nixtamalization and heritage corn is at the heart of her business, Masazul, and where around the Las Vegas Valley you can try it. Restaurants named by Chef Mariana: Casa Playa at the Wynn B.S. Taqueria at the UnCommons Milpa in Spring Valley Have you tried nixtamalized corn? Tag us on social media if you go! We’re @CityCastVegas Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here.

Life is Beautiful is hosting the second year of the Rising Stars Competition, which will give local musicians the chance to be on this year’s festival lineup with local legends The Killers. 16 semi-finalists compete over two weekends, and then judges will pick the four finalists to play in a final round hosted at The Space. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler along with producer Layla Muhammad listened to all 16 competing musicians and share their favorites, so you can add some Las Vegas love to your playlists. Listen to most of the musicians on CCLV’s playlist here. For a shorter list, check out Life is Beautiful’s Rising Star playlist here. You can grab tickets to the second weekend of the Rising Stars Competition on Aug. 11 & 12 or the final on Aug. 18 here. Let us know who your favorite local musician is! Tag us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

Many people think the library is just a stuffy place for books and some librarian telling you to keep quiet, but the Clark County Library District has transformed their 25 locations into resource hubs for the community. From employment assistance to 3D printing, DJ classes to podcasting, you’ll be surprised at all the power your free library card holds. The district’s digital content manager Ryan Simoneau explains to host Vogue Robinson the most interesting features you probably don’t know about and how our libraries have modernized their offerings. Check out CCLD’s latest educational campaign here: https://thelibrarydistrict.org/free-to-be/ Show us what you are doing with your library card! Tag us on social media @CityCastVegas on Instagram! You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

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

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

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

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

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

You’ve probably seen the “We Buy Ugly Houses” fliers on the streets of Las Vegas promising quick cash in return for selling your home to them. According to the franchise, owned by national corporate company HomeVestors, they are America’s #1 home buyers. But does it all seem too good to be true? Reporter Anjeanette Damon shares with co-host Dayvid Figler what her team at ProPublica found while following the story of Las Vegas homeowner Royanne McNair who was targeted by the company’s aggressive business practices. If you are selling or already sold your home in Vegas recently, we want to hear about your experience! You can call or text us with your story at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on the formerly known Twitter and Instagram. Trying to avoid all the scams and shady businesses? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here to stay Las Vegas savvy.