City Cast Las Vegas

Events are popping up left and right this summer but as Las Vegas leans towards more big ticket events, where can you go that won’t break your bank? With the next installment of our Summer Entertainment Guide, publisher of TheList.Vegas Andrew Kiraly joins co-host Dayvid Figler to share an array of free and low-cost entertainment options. What are you looking forward to in Vegas this summer? Let us know your thoughts on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Check out more of our Summer Entertainment Guide in our morning newsletter! Make sure to sign up for Hey Las Vegas here.

Just when you thought this legislative session was over — it arises once again, zombie-like, to sine die another day. Since Wednesday night, legislators have been locked in a second special session to debate giving public funds to the Oakland A’s for a brand-new baseball stadium (and oh, have the debates been raging). Nevada Current reporter and CCLV contributor April Corbin Girnus joins co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson from Carson City to give us the latest, and explains the pressure levers that this extremely close vote could hinge on. Next up, our team digests the tough news that “absolutely zero” chefs or restaurants from Vegas got a medal in this year’s James Beard Awards (which are basically the Oscars of food). But we don’t care! (Or do we? Kinda sorta?) And lastly, a small victory: The legendary million-dollar display is returning to Binion’s, so you, too can get a selfie with all that money schmoney — but what would make it even better? A money bathtub selfie. Just sayin’. 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.

The legislature recently passed a bill that extends American Rescue Plan funds for universal free breakfast and lunch to ALL Clark County School District kids, at least through the 2024-25 school year. So while school lunch might now be free lunch — is it good lunch? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with award-winning food writer Kim Foster. She explains why money for free lunch is going towards some pretty problematic grub, and also offers up changes that the school district and the community need to hear. How would you change school lunch at CCSD? Or do you think it’s just fine the way it is? Let us know what you think: Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or tag us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram). Looking for the listener survey link? You can take the survey right here — you’ll be entered to win a $250 Visa gift card(and you’ll be helping us out so much!).

Vegas is a notoriously superstitious town — so we’re all just over here, trying to hold in our excitement as the Vegas Golden Knights head into game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals with a 2-0 lead against the Florida Panthers. This is the Vegas-born hockey team’s second appearance in the finals after their impressive 2018 run in their inaugural season. News 3 sports anchor Bryan Salmond returns to break down the hype and the hate for the Golden Knights and tells co-host Dayvid Figler what a championship could mean for all the major league teams in Las Vegas. Do you have a pregame ritual to support our Golden Knights? Share it with us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also send us a picture at 702-514-0719! Pssst: And here’s the listener survey link if you haven’t taken it yet. Thank you!

While Nevada legislators passed a law that could make your prescription meds cheaper, Governor Lombardo vetoed the measure late yesterday. Under AB250, the discounted rates that Medicare negotiates for some of the highest-need, most expensive drugs would have been available for all Nevadans. What could a law like this mean for Las Vegas, where pharmacy deserts abound, and could lawmakers bring it back next session? Co-host Vogue Robinson is joined by Nevada Current reporter Camalot Todd, who breaks it all down for us. Have you taken our listener survey yet? Do it right here (please and thank you)! And don’t forget, you can stay in the loop on everything Vegas by signing up for our morning newsletter here.

The heat may be turning up but the entertainment in Las Vegas is not slowing down! For this first episode in our Summer Entertainment Guide, co-host Dayvid Figler and producer Layla Muhammad give their picks for the hottest concerts to attend this summer. From your standard concerts, to comedy, to musical theater, to local shows, these Vegas concert veterans join co-host Vogue Robinson with entertainment recommendations that will fit every vibe. Stay tuned for more summer entertainment episodes once a week in June! Let us know if you attend any of the events we recommended! Share your experience with us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Looking for more summer entertainment? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Lastly, looking for that listener survey link? You'll find it right now (along with our hearty thanks!): citycast.fm/survey

Nevada, considered a relatively trans-friendly state (thanks to our largely libertarian streak of live and let live), has recently seen a rise in debates and backlash over laws and policies related to transgender issues. So in today’s news roundup, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson, along with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, take a look at the transgender protections that have already been passed and the likelihood of our Republican governor signing others into law. Next, it’s on to a conversation about FREE PARKING! With the Strat now allowing free parking for locals and the Mirage doing the same a month ago, are we on a pendulum swing towards free parking once again? And why are Las Vegans so attached to it? And lastly, we explore the wild world of Battle Bots, whose residency in Las Vegas has just been extended. Why do you think free parking is so important to locals? Let us know on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Or you could always leave us a voicemail (we love voicemails!): 702-514-0719. Are you in the loop with our daily morning newsletter? If not, make sure to sign up here.

Picking the very best donut in Las Vegas is probably an impossible task. But — in honor of National Donut Day — the CCLV team is pitting three of the Valley’s donut heavy hitters against each other in a sugar-filled donut throwdown. We’ll tell you the back story behind Ronald’s Donuts, Donut Bar, and Poppy’s Donuts, and then we get down to business: Tasting a boxful of donuts from each and deciding which donut shop comes out on top. There can only be one! (Quick note: we’ve just heard the news that Donut Bar is closing. We’re following this story, and we’ll have some updates in tomorrow’s Friday news roundup — but in the meantime, enjoy the episode and know that Donut Bar is no more!) What’s your favorite donut in Las Vegas? What did we miss? Post a donut pic and tag us: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram, or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 (but make sure to tell us what your favorite donut flavor is). For more donut recs (and great food tips in general every Thursday), make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here.

The Las Vegas housing market is bucking national trends, at least slightly: While other cities are continuing to see their home prices rise, Vegas has pretty much flattened out. This new stability might have some of you wondering: What are the ins and outs of buying a house here? Today, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Christina Chipman, a born-and-raised local, realtor, and current president of the Women's Council of Realtors Las Vegas Network. They talk about the myths surrounding the best time to buy a house, why NOT to buy a house, and if it’s possible to beat out a corporate all-cash buyer. Have you bought a home in Las Vegas recently, or are you hoping to do so soon? What’s been your experience with the process? Let us know: Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or tag us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram). For more of what’s going on in Vegas, make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here.

Every few weeks, it seems like we get a new headline telling us that the much-publicized high-speed rail line between Vegas and LA is getting one step closer to reality. Las Vegans are used to start-and-stop train promises that dangle and disappear. But this time (this time!) things might actually be different. Nevada Independent reporter Gabby Birenbaum tells co-host Dayvid Figler how the billionaire-backed Brightline West is in the field goal zone of approval, what few obstacles remain, and how this would impact our growing city. What do YOU think the chances are of Brightline West being built by 2028? Let us know on social media — 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.

The Commercial Center debacle is the (erm) gift that just keeps giving: To celebrate the renaming of the adjacent Karen Ave. to Liberace Ave., the County helped organize a festival that ballooned to a party with 10,000 ticket holders when it was announced that legendary DJ Deadmau5 would be headlining. But the local artists who’ve worked to rebuild this“blighted” center weren’t exactly pleased with how the party turned out — and when Commissioner Tick Segerblom accidentally hit reply-all, calling the tenants “ungrateful miscreants,” the response reached a fever pitch. Today on our Friday news roundup, co-host Dayvid Figler, newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets, and special guest Kim Foster talk about Commish Tick’s apology on KNPR yesterday, the future of Commercial Center, and other fun stuff in the news: The arrival of Punk Rock Bowling, one of Las Vegas’ longest-running music festivals, and a whole neighborhood in Henderson whose streets are named after Pokémon. If you could choose the street names in a new development, what would YOU name them after? Let us know by tagging us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram) or leaving us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Did you love hearing from our brilliant newsletter editor, Scott Dickensheets? Get some more of that Dickensheetsian wit in our morning newsletter here.

Vegan or plant-based eating has been picking up steam recently and by all accounts the trend is here to stay. Vegas has seen a rise in popular vegan restaurants while other establishments are adding vegan dishes to their menus. With her Vegas Vegan Culinary School & Eatery, Heather Heath is in the vanguard of a meat-free movement in a town better known for steakhouses and prime rib. But while the city’s getting veggier, it's still not an easy path. In today’s episode, Heath gives co-host Dayvid Figler a candid assessment of the vegan business and life. What’s your favorite vegan spot in Vegas? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. We’ve got endless food recommendations for you! Don’t miss out by subscribing to our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.

Well, it looks like the Oakland A’s are one step closer to getting public financing for a new stadium in Las Vegas. Yesterday, the Nevada Independent reported that the team and state officials had reached a “loose agreement” for a reduced public financing package. After all the drama over stadium sites, dubious polling, PR blitzes, and public financing demands… are we in the home stretch? And is bringing the A’s to Vegas really such a good thing for our city? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, we’re bringing you a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had last year with UNLV economist Bill Robinson. They discuss the economic upsides (and downsides) that major league sports franchises bring to cities, and whether baseball is right for us. How do you feel about the A’s coming to Las Vegas? Let us know on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. (We love your voicemails!) For even more Las Vegas news, events, and commentary, get our brilliant newsletter in your inbox every morning at 6 a.m. — sign up here.

The new racquet sport of pickleball has been sweeping the nation — here in Las Vegas, demand for the sport has risen so much that the City of Las Vegas recently received a $12 million grant to build 30 new pickleball courts. But it isn’t without controversy. Some homeowners near the new court sites are worried about noise levels, parking issues, and how their home values could fare. So what’s with the pickleball mania? And can the issues be resolved? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson heads court-side to meet Southern Nevada Pickleball ambassador Patti Chess for her very first pickleball lesson, and a conversation about Las Vegas’ love affair with pickleball. Let us know if you love pickle ball too! 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.

A showdown over school choice is brewing up in Carson City: Governor Lombardo is prepared to veto the entire state budget if the legislature doesn’t approve his ambitious plan to expand Nevada’s quasi school voucher program. Meanwhile, Clark County is ground zero for the impact of school choice legislation — the majority of the state’s voucher program recipients (administered through Opportunity Scholarships) live here in Southern Nevada, and most of them use the funds for religious private schools. And that’s just part of why they’re so controversial, Nevada Current reporter April Corbin Girnus tells co-host Dayvid Figler. So how did “school choice” become a darling of the right, and why are progressives worried it could gut public education? And most curiously of all, how did Dem-heavy Clark County become the epicenter for school choice debates in Nevada? What’s your stance on Nevada’s Opportunity Scholarships? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. You can also find us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more on what’s hot and happening in Las Vegas, make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here.

In this week’s news roundup, we discus some big money moves happening in Vegas. First, Nevada lawmakers are considering a groundbreaking $4.9 billion tax break aimed at attracting film companies to the state. Next, we delve into the results of a recent poll conducted for the A’s baseball team, suggesting that two-thirds of Clark County are in favor of their ballpark proposal — but we’ve got questions about this poll (like… why didn’t it ask about support over public funding?). Lastly, Harry Reid International Airport’s TSA takes a step towards a potentially Orwellian future with new facial recognition technology. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by contributor and Nevada Current reporter Michael Lyle to talk about where Vegas is headed with these topics. Join the conversation! Let us know what you think about these topics on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Looking to stay ahead of the news in your city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.

Korean food has seen an explosion of popularity in Vegas (and the U.S. broadly) over the last few years, but most of our Korean restaurants in town seem to be K-BBQ spots. You know, the meat restaurants where you cook your meat over a grill set right into your table. But there’s a whole lot more to Korean food, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson tells co-host Vogue Robinson — in fact, the traditional Korean diet was largely vegetable- and seafood-based (after all, Korea is a peninsula surrounded by ocean on three sides). Sonja, a former food writer who lived in Seoul for seven years, talks about the rise of meat in Korean cuisine, what “authentic” really means, and where Las Vegans can find Korean food that isn’t K-BBQ in town. Restaurants we mention in the episode: Sashimi Day (Desert Inn & Decatur) Mr. Tofu (Spring Mountain and Arville) Soyo Korean Restaurant (Rainbow and Robindale) Tag us when you post about your next Korean food outing! 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 brilliant morning newsletter here.

You might remember from middle school science that protecting the ozone layer in our atmosphere is vitally important — but ozone near the ground is actually a dangerous air pollutant. And as temperatures rise, the formation of ground-level ozone becomes increasingly serious here in the Valley. In fact, Clark County has recently issued an ozone warning through September. Kevin MacDonald from the Clark County Department of Environment & Sustainability shares insight into the science behind ozone pollution, its impact on residents’ health, and the County’s initiatives to mitigate its effects. Co-host Vogue Robinson also discovers practical tips and actionable steps to protect yourself and the air quality of Las Vegas. Follow the Clark County Department of Environment & Sustainability on Twitter for daily Vegas air quality updates and more information about sustainability programs @sustainclarkcty. You can find us there too! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Have you seen a bad air day in Vegas? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 to tell us about it. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas!

Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown made history last year when she was elected to the North Las Vegas mayoral seat — and became the first Black mayor in the state of Nevada. Mayor Goynes-Brown sits down with co-host Vogue Robinson to talk about her vision for North Las Vegas, the city she grew up in, from her ambitious plan for downtown to commercial redevelopment, affordable housing, and the ongoing struggle to help the residents of the sinking neighborhood of Windsor Park. Thoughts? Questions? Let us know by calling or texting us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more news from across the Vegas Valley, make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here.

Deep in the Colorado River, monsters lurk in the murky waters — monster fish, that is, some the size of large person. But they aren’t invulnerable. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with National Geographic channel host Zeb Hogan, co-author of Chasing Giants, a new book about the world’s biggest freshwater fish. Zeb grew up on the Colorado, but by the time he was paddling on its waters, most of the truly big fish on our stretch of the lower Colorado had already died out. Zeb explains why monster fish are indicator species of our river’s health, and how some of our massive native fish have recently started to make a comeback. 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.

This week’s roundup deals with two of Vegas’ favorite topics, traffic and entertainment. The possible elimination of HOV lanes has pros and cons, but how will those lanes be repurposed? Also, after years of uncertainty, Brightline West’s high-speed rail from LA to Las Vegas seems to finally move forward and a new trend among Strip headliners to lock up phones gets mixed reviews. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson share their hot takes with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson. 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.

The world of Las Vegas wine has traditionally been dominated by master sommeliers and snooty connoisseurs — at one point, 10% of the world’s master somms worked in Las Vegas. But there’s a new wine on the block: natural wines are cloudy, funky and little bit weird. And Las Vegas based writer Meg Bernhard tells co-host Dayvid Figler, you should give them a try. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, Meg talks about her time working on vineyards in Europe, where to get “nattywines” in Vegas (and why you maybe shouldn’t call them that), and how natural wines could change our local grape-scape. Meg’s book, titled “Wine,” is coming out from Bloomsbury next month. Have you tried natural wine? Planning to? Tag us when you imbibe — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more on what’s happening in Las Vegas, you’ll want to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here — it’s the best thing in your inbox every day at 6 a.m.

Take it from these old-timers: Navigating and surviving Las Vegas can be tricky. We’re an odd big-little town, where tourists outnumber the locals twenty-fold. So today, we’ve got co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler, along with lifelong Las Vegan Andrew Kiraly, publisher of thelist.vegas, to help you out. From car culture to comp karma, with tangents on making friends and the things you should never say to gamblers, we’ve got you covered with 15 rules for how to survive (and thrive) in Las Vegas. What do you think of our 15 rules? Did we miss any, or do you have more to add? 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.

Congresswoman Dina Titus has been representing Nevada’s First Congressional District since 2013, and before that she served in state government for two decades. So, it’s no surprise that she has opinions on some of the biggest issues Las Vegas is facing right now. Today she joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about water allocation, gaming, a not-so-old beef with the Nevada State Legislature, and more. 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.

Las Vegas is arguably the spectacle capital of the world — and yet, when it comes to popular-but-not-quite-stadium-sized musical acts (like The Cure, Boy Genius, and Bruce Springsteen), many of them skip Vegas but land in cities like Reno, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Yep, RENO. So what’s going on? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Seth Yudof, a longtime entertainment producer in Las Vegas, about the unique entertainment economy in our spectacle-drenched town, and how things could (just maybe) someday change. Which of your favorite bands skip Vegas? Tell them about this episode on social media, and tag us, too! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want even more Las Vegas news, events, and interesting commentary? Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here.

The Nevada Democratic Party saw two of their members, Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones and Chairwoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, make headlines this week that were critical of their recent actions: Jones was sanctioned by a judge for deleting text messages related to developer Jim Rhodes’ efforts to build homes in Red Rock Canyon — some people even called for his resignation at a public comment meeting. Meanwhile, the GOP criticized Monroe-Moreno for comments she made about parents in a discussion on school choice. But was she taken out of context? Also, Governor Lombardo’s administration seeks a new building near the airport in place of their current downtown office, which they say is dilapidated. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by Andrew Kiraly, publisher of thelist.vegas, to explain the arguments and share some outdoor weekend events! What are your thoughts on school choice? Let us know in a voicemail and you could be featured in a future episode! Give us a call or text at 702-514-0719. And we’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want some more daily Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is only 117 years old, which is young in comparison to Los Angeles’ 241 years. (Not that we wanna be LA) But we do think Las Vegas is still learning how to preserve its own history. One of the things we do cherish is our restaurants, especially our steakhouses! On today’s episode, co-host Vogue Robinson talks with artist and food writer, Brent Holmes about some of Vegas’ oldest and newest eateries that make up the quintessential Las Vegas menu. Restaurants mentioned: Bob Taylor’s Ranch House Oscar’s Steakhouse Top of Binion's Steakhouse Italian American Club The Golden Steer Ichiza Spago by Wolfgang Puck Esmerelda's Cafe Lotus of Siam Rani's World Foods Mint Indian Bistro Lindo Michoacan Dona Maria Tamales Tacos El Gordo Grits Cafe Mario’s Westside 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.

The circus arts are a major attraction for Las Vegas, but have you heard of the Las Vegas Circus Center? Where performers, celebrities, hobbyists and everybody else can take classes and practices their acrobatic skills. It is a true hidden gem in the city of glitz and glamour where the fundamentals of the performers we see all over the strip are honed and perfected. So our host Dayvid Figler invited acclaimed acrobat Scott McDonald, both instructor and student at the center, to tells us about the path and challenges associated with the pursuit of circus arts and how everybody can find a class for them at the Circus Center! Sign up for classes at the Las Vegas Circus Center! Scott McDonald's Instagram! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Give us call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter Hey Las Vegas.

After years of effort from activists, government officials, and Indigenous tribes, President Biden finally protected Avi Kwa Ame by declaring it Nevada’s fourth national monument in March. The 380,000 acres of land includes Spirit Mountain and is sacred to over 12 tribes. While celebrations happened all over the state, Governor Lombardo slammed the decision saying it was a “historic mistake” and that it would slow the development of affordable housing and disruptmining plans. Back in August, co-host Vogue Robinson spoke to Bertha Gutierrez of the Conservation Land Foundation. Bertha shares the story of Avi Kwa Ame, why it should be protected, and how Nevadans can enjoy it. 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 the Nevada 83rd legislative session continues multiple bills have been introduced in an effort to curb rising rent cost in the state and it has not been a clean process. With many of these bills missing their deadline to pass last week, 5 of them have made it through. In an effort to makes sense of this messy debate host Vogue Robinson is joined by Nevada Current Reporter and friend of the show Michael Lyle to break down the difference between rent control vs. rent stabilization and what do these bills mean for the residents of Las Vegas. Michael’s break down of the issue for the Nevada Current. We’re on social media! Catch us on Twitter and Instagram. Better yet you can call or text us at 702-514-0719. Wanna keep up with everything Las Vegas? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Las Vegas.

This Friday news roundup is a fun one: co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Current reporter April Corbin Girnus to break down new legislation on illegal towing, explain some very Vegas neon sign laws, and a chauffeur service to LA with a big price tag. 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.

Recently Vegas has joined the ranks of cities throughout the nation to approve cottage kitchen laws. These laws allow for people to run small food businesses out of their private residences. But it isn’t all peaches and cream. In fact, the food items produced in cottage kitchens cannot contain uncooked cream, custard, nor cream cheese due to food safety regulations. Brett Boyer and his husband, Brendon Wilharber started their bakery, Desert Bread in 2018 and despite the challenges that rise, they’re rolling out the dough. Co-Host Vogue Robinson chops it up with Brett about how their business lets them spend more time doing what they love and how cottage laws have changed the pastry profession. Check out Dessert Bread! 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.

We are nearing the end of poetry month and the City Cast Las Vegas team couldn’t let it go by without celebrating our vibrant and bustling community. Luckily, our co-hosts are two poets who have been performing, organizing, and representing our city for 10+ years. But how did we cultivate a thriving and dedicated poetry scene in a city where the people and venues are constantly changing? Producer Layla Muhammad sits down with the co-hosts, former Clark County poet laureate Vogue Robinson and longtime Vegas writer and poet Dayvid Figler to learn more. 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.

Tax season may have officially ended last week, but some Las Vegans may still be feeling the heat. According to Fidelity National Financial, Las Vegas ranks #2 for biggest tax procrastinators. To get some insight into our tax aversion (not to be confused with tax evasion), lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson talks to Jodi Mobley, executive director of Nevada Free Taxes Coalition. They are a nonprofit that helps low and middle income people file their taxes, even after Tax Day and into the extended season. Jodi shares why taxes don’t have to be all that complicated and how they can be both a burden and a relief for families. The crew at Nevada Free Taxes Coalition will be on a well deserved break until May 8th. Appointments for the extended tax season will be available on their website in early May. 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.

Graduation season is upon us! We’re starting to see high schoolers and college grads descending on scenic spots around Las Vegas to take portraits — sometimes with elaborate additions to their stoles, gowns, and mortar board graduation caps. In fact, decorating grad caps is a fairly recent tradition that Dr. Sheila Bock, a folklorist at UNLV has been studying. She and co-host Dayvid Figler talk about why the messages on grad caps (even the silly SpongeBob ones) are so significant, why cultural expression is particularly important for some communities at commencement, and whether graduation regalia can go too far. They also get into the debate over AB73, a bill being discussed right now, which would allow high schoolers the same graduation garb permissions that university students in Nevada currently have. Have you worn special attire to a graduation ceremony, or know someone who has? Tell us how and why (or why you didn’t) by dropping us a line at 702-514-0719. You can leave us a voicemail or send us a text. And don’t forget that you can also follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Last but certainly not least, make sure to sign up for our amazing newsletter. Written and curated by beloved local journalist Scott Dickensheets, it’s a daily dose of news, events, and delightful commentary in our inbox every morning at 6 a.m. Sign up here.

The A’s have just signed a binding agreement to purchase land for a new stadium near Tropicana and Dean Martin. Does that mean they’re really coming to town? And how do we feel about that? On today’s news roundup, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler sit down with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson to talk about the Oakland-slash-Vegas A’s, a controversial HOA bill being debated in the legislature (and the problem with HOAs), and what happened when the Animal Foundation was called before the County Commission this Tuesday. Last but not least, we play the messages you sent us about human composting (surprise, not everyone agrees!). Pull up a chair and a bag of popcorn, friends — this week is all about the drama. How do you feel about the A’s coming to town? Leave us a voicemail or a text (702-514-0719), or tag us on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Love what you’re hearing? Get even more of this Vegas-y goodness with news, events and commentary in our morning newsletter here.

Cooking with cannabis has moved beyond the college dorm weed brownie. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Veronica Marquez, AKA Chef Vee, a Cordon Bleu-trained private chef who creates cannabis-infused fine dining feasts for celebrity clients — we’re talking clams stuffed with cannabis aioli, scallops basted in cannabutter, and steaks with CBD-laced chimichurri sauce. Chef Vee shares hilarious stories from the world of high dining, gives home cooks some tips for infusing, and talks about how her meals are breaking down the stigma of who cannabis consumers really are. Do you have strong feelings about cannabis-infused cooking? Love it or hate it, we’d love to hear from — leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. Don’t forget, we’re also on social media and you can always tag us there, too! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

Artificial intelligence has arrived in Las Vegas, and it’s here to stay. Both Resorts World and the Cosmopolitan already use A.I. chatbots with friendly names like “Rose” and “Red” to answer guest queries about where to go and what to do. There’s even a laser-eyed robot bouncer on the Strip. But how will A.I. evolve, and will it take over our city’s legendary hospitality industry? Could A.I. make gambling even more addictive? Are the A.I.-enhanced robots going to replace us all? Geoff Carter, senior editor at the Las Vegas Weekly, asked those questions in a recent cover story that he discusses with co-host Dayvid Figler. Don’t miss the end of the episode, in which we pit Geoff’s Vegas cred against ChatGPT — the last question threw us all for a loop. Are you worried about A.I. in Las Vegas? Or excited about it? Let us know what you think by tagging us on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram) or leaving us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. Oh, and if you’re not signed up for our brilliant morning newsletter yet… whatcha waiting for? Get on the list for the best thing in your inbox every morning at 6 a.m. — sign up here.

The two most common legal options for funerals in Nevada (the traditional burial and cremation) are not the most environmentally friendly. That could change with a bill currently being debated in the Nevada Senate for a greener option: natural organic reduction, or human composting. Assemblyman Max Carter II tells lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson about the issues with current burial options, how natural organic reduction can help the environment, and what made him want to sponsor the bill. Would you want to be planted under a tree? Let us know your thoughts on natural organic reduction, or what kind of tree you'd want to become, at 702-514-0719. We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram to join the conversation. Sign up for our morning newsletter here to stay engaged with all the latest community news, chatter, and hot takes.

The dams built along the Colorado River some hundred years ago paved the way for Western cities to boom. Las Vegas wouldn’t exist without Lake Mead, our nation’s largest reservoir. But these dams came with a cost: environmental impact, cultural loss, and fraught political battles. So as Western states stare down a deadline for figuring out our Colorado River allocation, we gotta ask: Was the creation of Lake Mead… a mistake? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with UNLV hydrology professor David Kreamer to talk about the mistakes we made when damming the river first started, the salty agricultural mayhem the dam created downriver, and what needs to change if we’re going to keep Lake Mead, after all. 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.

It’s one of the more hotly-debated legislative items this session: Nevada is one of just five states without a lottery. We already have gambling, so what’s the big deal? In today’s news roundup, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler along with newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets break it all down, and debate the pros and cons of a lottery in our state. They also discuss the MSG Sphere’s upcoming launch (and what they’d actually want to see in the sphere). And last but not least, we ask why Vegas was recently ranked the country’s sixth-best city for weed, below Buffalo, NY and Baltimore, MD (yes, the concentration of Taco Bells was a metric in this highly-scientific ranking). Are you excited enough for the MSG Sphere to score a $200+ ticket? Tell us your thoughts on the newest addition to our skyline on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719 and let us know if you’d vote yes or no to the lottery in Nevada. Don’t forget to sign up here for our morning newsletter to stay up to date and engaged with your wittiest neighbor Scott!

Many of the foods we think of as quintessentially Filipino (chicken adobo, lumpia, and pancit) are actually the result of centuries of colonization and cultural influence from Spain, China, Malaysia, and even the U.S. So what exactly makes Filipino food… Filipino? That’s the question driving Walbert Castillo, creator of the brand-new Filipino pop-up series Istorya — along with chef Catherine Carlucci and a team that includes culinary historians and cultural advisors, Istorya is peeling back the layers of history. Their first meal in the series, which is popping up on April 25th, explores pre-colonial Filipino ingredients and techniques, which includes tuna, ube, activated coconut charcoal, and a very special “dinosauregg”-shaped block of salt. And, as Walbert tells lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, it turns out that Las Vegas is the perfect ground zero for this Filipino food movement. 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.

Many Vegas natives wouldn’t think gardening in our climate makes a lot of sense, but as our spring weather finally evens out and we spend more time outside, you may be glad to hear that gardening is possible for us! As our city grows and apartment living gets more common, our co-host Vogue Robinson asks Cheyenne Kyle, master gardener at the Obodo Collective, how to start a spring patio garden for any small space. From planting a watermelon in a bag to transitioning your garden for the summer, Cheyenne has all the Vegas planting tips you need to keep your plants alive. Let us know what else is on your mind this spring 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.

When Jordan Clark saw an e-bike in the lobby of his hotel a few years ago, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to ride it. At 330lbs, he wasn’t doing much cycling. One ride later, and he was hooked. Today, Jordan is 245lbs and now owns several e-bike stores in the Valley — and he’s not just an enthusiast, he’s an evangelist. As Jordan points out, people with limited mobility like the elderly and infirm can tackle rides that they wouldn’t have otherwise. But not everyone is happy about e-bikes and how fast they can go. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, Jordan and co-host Vogue Robinson chat about how e-bikes can offer accessible cycling, the debates around e-bike regulation, and where to hit the trails around Las Vegas. Are you an e-bike enthusiast? Adamantly opposed to their presence on the trails? Let us know what you think: Tag us on social media (@CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram) or leave us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Las Vegas goings-on-about-town? Then make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter here!

Nevada lawmakers are discussing a bill that would decriminalize psychedelics like shrooms and ketamine. Advocates argue that this will help open the door for more research on psychedelics’ clinical uses in mental health. But what’s the experience of using psychedelics really like? Perhaps no one is more qualified to talk about this than Shane Mauss — he’s a comedian, science podcaster, and self-described psychonaut who has been exploring the world of psychedelics (bothfirst-hand and through interviews and research) for over 20 years now. And on the heels of his 111-city tour of “A Good Trip,” Shane is now bringing a new art and video-filled special called “A Better Trip” to Area15, for a residency starting April 23rd. Co-host Dayvid Figler and Shane sit down to talk about how Shane’s views on psychedelics have evolved, his own mental health journey, and what Nevadans should know about psychedelics as we debate their decriminalization. Do you think Nevada should decriminalize psychedelics? Have you had a good trip or a bad trip you want to share? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or tag us on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more of what Las Vegas is talking about, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

The historic Huntridge Theater will light up its marquee neon sign tonight for the first time in two decades (event details here) — which developer J Dapper says is a sign to the community that the space is on its way to renovation. But soon — and how likely is it to happen? In today’s news roundup, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler, along with contributor and thelist.vegas publisher Andrew Kiraly, discuss the Huntridge relighting and the “Lucy’s football” promise of the theater’s reopening. Then, it’s on to a heavier topic: A lawsuit against former associates of Tony Hsieh — it’s not the first such lawsuit, but this one comes with serious allegations, including a claim that Hsieh paid $30 million over actual value for the former Las Vegas city hall building. So what lessons can Las Vegas learn from this sad saga? And last, we discuss a proposed new beer garden on the roof of an apartment building — and how this debate could open up an interesting conversation about walkable neighborhoods and sensible zoning. Would you want a beer garden on your apartment rooftop? Or a coffeeshop in a house down the street? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or tagging us on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also follow us for tips, pics, and soundbites from the show! For even more Las Vegas news, events and snarky commentary, you’ll want to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter. Don’t miss out, get it here.

During the pandemic, Victoria Flores started a food pantry from her home to help her community on the Eastside have better access to nutritious foods and essentials. Two years later, as SNAP benefits, or food assistance, that some Nevadans have been receiving since the pandemic began comes to an end this month, Victoria tells co-host Vogue Robinson how The Solidarity Fridge has been embraced by the community and will continue to meet people where they are at, no questions asked. Learn how you can get involved in supporting The Solidarity Fridge at https://www.thesolidarityfridge.org. Are you a Las Vegan working to solve an issue in our community? Let us know in a voicemail or text at 702-514-0719. You can also join the conversation 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.

The 2023 legislative session saw over 900 new bills introduced that ranged from serious to seriously curious. So how do the legislators make time to discuss all of them? Well, the wackiest ones don’t usually get a chance for debate on the floor, but Nevada Current reporter April Corbin Girnus tells co-host Dayvid Figler that there might be more to these “stunt” bills than you think. April and Dayvid discuss the wackiest bills proposed this session, and why they might serve a purpose, even if they’re dead on arrival. If you were elected to the legislature, whats the wackiest bill would you’d propose? Let us know on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to hit that follow button while you’re there. You can also call us at 702-514-0719 and leave it in a voicemail! Trying to keep up with Nevada politics, news, and culture? Let Scott Dickensheets help you stay in the know by signing up for our morning newsletter here.

When AB168 passed in 2019, it required school districts across the state to integrate restorative justice into their disciplinary plans — in other words, instead of going right to the punishments, like suspension or expulsion, schools needed to look at other behavioral remedies. But fast forward to today, and it seems like nobody (on any side of the political spectrum) is happy with how AB168 has played out. Even our governor recently spoke out against it, pushing a new bill that will make major revisions to AB168 in the name of school safety. So why didn’t restorative justice play out as planned? Has AB168 turned into a scapegoat for school safety concerns? What policies could actually work? Today, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Rocío Hernández, to talk about the drama over these two bills, and what’s being done about it. What are your school safety concerns — and how do you see restorative justice working (or not) in schools? Let us know by commenting and tagging us on socials (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram), or by leaving us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here. It’s chock-full of events, news, thoughtful (andoccasionally snarky) conversations about topics that matter to Las Vegans.

We’re a city where visitors outnumber locals many times over. Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, but it’s also a source of tension when the party comes to local neighborhoods. So short-term rentals (or STRs) like Airbnbs or VRBOs are a hot-button issue here— where they should be allowed, how they affect communities, and who gets to operate how many. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Jackie Flores and Louis Koorndyk, both STR operators and co-founders of the Greater Las Vegas STR Association. They explain why they’re challenging the County ordinance, and what they’re fighting for. It’s a spirited conversation — and a timely one: The County Commission will be discussing changes to the ordinance in their meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 4th. It’s on the agenda at 10 a.m. What are your thoughts on STRs in Las Vegas? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or tag us on on Twitter and Instagram (we’re @CityCastVegas). Want more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here.