City Cast Las Vegas

Happy hour is a sacred time. Whether it’s an excuse to leave work early, or after a long shift, it’s not hard to find a restaurant or bar in Vegas that will cater to your discounted drink needs. Today, on Day 3 of City Cast Las Vegas’ Booze Week, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson pull up a chair with lead producer and foodie Sonja Cho Swanson to tell you where to find the best happy hour deals and how the concept of “happy hour” even started. CCLV happy hour picks: Tenaya Creek Brewery Hop Nuts Brewing Cheesecake Factory Sammy's Woodfired Pizza YU-OR-MI Sushi Bar Herbs and Rye Starboard Tack Izakaya Go McMullan's Irish Pub Echo and Rig Listener picks: The Golden Tiki FireRock Steakhouse Pub 365 The Martini The Local Sickie’s Garage Lindo Michoacán Japaneiro The Pepper Club Hola Cocina and Cantina BJ’s Shuck’s Thank you to listeners Taylor, Keri, Kimiko, Mariann, Summer, Manuel, Daysie and Jannah for sharing your faves with us! Are we missing your favorite happy hour? Let us know in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also join the conversation on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Looking for more places to try and things to do in Vegas? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

It’s Booze Week over here at CCLV — but for a lot of you, it’s also Dry January. So what’s a Las Vegan to drink when they’re not drinking, for whatever reason? Artist Kim Miller knows first-hand what it’s like to start a sober journey in our booze-friendly town, and started the blog Sober in Vegas to help others on their journeys, too. Today, co-host Vogue Robinson chats with Kim about the best non-alcoholic drinks in town, her starter guide for the sober-curious, and why going alcohol-free is more accessible than ever in Las Vegas. For more resources, be sure to check out Kim's list here. We want to hear about your favorite happy hours! Are they sober friendly? Let us know by leaving a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also shout at us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

One hundred and three years ago today, Prohibition became the law of the land. To no one’s surprise, mobsters found a way around it, and speakeasies were born. During a visit to The Underground, the Mob Museum’s Director of Education Claire White tells co-host Vogue Robinson about 1920s Vegas speakeasies, women bootleggers, and how no ban was going to keep Vegas from its vices. Mix your favorite drink and listen along! Do you have a favorite hidden bar in Vegas? Let us know how to get in on our socials — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Don’t worry, we’ll only share it with all our listeners. On the search for more hidden Vegas spots? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

It’s Friday, y’all! And today, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets and guest Joey Lovato, multimedia editor at the Nevada Independent. We get into some of the week's capital-D drama: the uproar over Derek Carr’s departure from the Raiders; Michele Fiore’s last (or is it?) fight in Las Vegas before she gets judgey in Pahrump; and, in light of this week's cascading flight delays, what would we do with six hours to kill at Harry Reid International? If you could keep ONE of the following in Las Vegas, which would it be: Derek Carr, Michele Fiore, or your next flight leaving on time? Let us know: Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on social media! We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For all the news that’s fit to email, get yourself signed up for our daily newsletter. It’s chock full of current events, smart commentary, and what to do with your precious free time. Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

60,000 people are slated to move to Las Vegas this year — so what do brand-new residents of our city need to know? Co-host Dayvid Figler and lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sit down with one of Las Vegas’s newest residents (and a City Cast colleague!), Kristine Johnson, to answer all of her questions about settling down in Sin City: How purple are we, really? What’s the best way to make (and keep) friends in our party-hardy, transient town? And how do Las Vegans actually handle the heat? (Hint: there are hot water bottles involved.) Are you new to Vegas? Got some advice that newcomers need to know? Tell us in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also join the conversation on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For all the neighborhood guides, get-to-knows, and essential Las Vegan information, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

At the time it was built in 1971, The Plaza Hotel was the biggest casino in the world. But now, Las Vegas looks very different from the seventies when the property was at its peak. So has The Plaza escaped the fate of implosion like other older casinos? CEO Jonathan Jossel joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk through new developments at The Plaza and how the iconic casino has been able to stay relevant. Where else do you see bits of old school Vegas? Let us know your favorite places on socials @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Our morning newsletter has all the old school Vegas fun facts! Make sure to sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

The Consumer Electronics Show is considered the most influential technology trade show in the world — and it's taken place in Las Vegas for 25 years now. CES 2023 brought in over 100,000 attendees this past weekend, showcasing the newest and most innovative tech from around the world. Most locals just know it's going to be a busy weekend, but producer Layla Muhammad steps inside Vegas’ biggest convention to see what all the hype is about. From the coolest new tech to her disappointment in the Vegas Loop, she gives co-host Vogue Robinson the full download. For more explainers and insider tips, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! What Las Vegas events and conventions would you like an inside look at? Let us know by call or text at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.

Deaths in Southern Nevada’s homeless population spiked in 2021 — but it wasn’t because of COVID, reporter Michael Lyle tells us. In today’s episode, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with Michael to talk about why so many unhoused people are dying in our city, why so few of those deaths were due to COVID, and what the real causes say about the precarity of life on the streets in Las Vegas. Make sure to read Michael’s article in the Nevada Current, published today. What are your ideas for solving homelessness in Las Vegas? Hit us up on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. For even more Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter, fresh-baked and hot out of the inbox at 6 a.m. every morning, at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

In our first Friday news roundup of 2023, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad to discuss the $3.2 billion worth of highly anticipated construction projects supposedly being completed this year and which ones we'd abandon, celebrate, or implode (hypothetically speaking, of course). Plus, we talk about why Frontier Airlines donated free flights for those adopting kittens from The Animal Foundation, and we read some of your responses to newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets’ question, “Do locals hate the name 'Sin City?'” Special thanks to newsletter readers Matt Jacob, Christy Clayton, Tami Belt, Jen Mujica, and Patty Johnson for sharing their thoughts with us. Don’t miss out on Scott’s next query for Vegas locals! Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Do you think Vegas needs a new nickname? If so, we want to hear your ideas! Let us know on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719.

Yvanna Cancela has long been a familiar name in Nevada politics — and she’s just finished a stint as chief of staff for now-former governor Steve Sisolak. In a candid conversation with co-host Dayvid Figler, Cancela looks back at Sisolak’s tenure, how the pandemic and the Northshore testing controversy affected the election, her advice for Gov. Joe Lombardo’s incoming chief of staff, and what’s next for the governor’s office and Yvanna herself. Thoughts, questions, ideas? Leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more Vegas news, events and commentary, you’ll want to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter — hot off the presses (i.e., Scott’s keyboard)!

To celebrate a new year in Las Vegas, we are swapping our playing cards for tarot cards with long-time Las Vegan and certified psychic Michele Tell (thesignsoftarot.com). Michele joins co-host Dayvid Figler to give us the 2023 prediction for our city. From our economy to where locals could see changes ahead, tune in for a fun conversation about what’s in the cards for Vegas in 2023! Have your own Las Vegas predictions? Let us know @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

We asked, you answered: What should our city’s resolutions for 2023 be? So today, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler sit down to listen to your voicemails and chat about what Las Vegans want for Las Vegas. Spoiler alert: A LOT of y’all talked about traffic (no surprise there). Shout outs to Eric, Mallory, Chris, Bryan, Patrick, Veronica, Tami, GW, Camelot, Gemini, Crystal, Lucas, Scott, and Marc for sharing your city resolutions with us. Didn’t call in with your resolution in time? We’d still love to hear it! Leave a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on social media — you can find us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Did you enjoy that sneak peek of Scott’s wit in the show? Get even more of that snark and banter (plus news, events and more) when you sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Avi Kwa Ame is the Mojave name for Spirit Mountain and the surrounding landscape, which is sacred to over 12 Indigenous tribes. Since we aired this episode in August about the effort to protect the area for cultural and recreational purposes, President Biden expressed his intention to designate Avi Kwa Ame as a National Monument. The Conservation Lands Foundation works with advocates to hold the Bureau of Land Management accountable and works to secure the safety of Avi Kwa Ame. Associate Program Director Bertha Gutierrez sits down with host Vogue Robinson to explain its importance to Indigenous tribes, why they are working towards a national monument designation, and how this would benefit all of us. Have you been to Avi Kwa Ame? What do you think about the monument proposal? Leave us a message or send us a text at 702-514-0719, or follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Arguably the biggest story out of Vegas this year was the murder of veteran Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German. German was found stabbed outside his home in September. Police found DNA at the scene matching Robert Telles, a Clark County public administrator who was the subject of German’s reporting. Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson gets an update from our resident lawyer, co-host Dayvid Figler, before we revisit an episode where Sonja, Dayvid, and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets remember German and discuss the increasingly hostile attitudes towards journalists in America. Stay up-to-date on the biggest Las Vegas stories by subscribing to our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! You can join the conversation by following us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

What do Siegel Suites and Pinkbox Doughnuts have in common? They are both owned by the Siegel Group, who was under House investigation at the time we aired our episode with food writer Kim Foster in June. Since then, the House subcommittee found the Siegel Group’s eviction practices to be “uniquely egregious.” Kim explains to co-host Vogue Robinson what she’s heard from Siegel Suites tenants and why she won’t eat at the popular Las Vegas doughnut shop. Vogue and lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson share an update on the final report from the House subcommittee released earlier this month. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

With Las Vegas’ proximity to the growing bathtub rings in Lake Mead, it’s no surprise that water conservation was a hot topic for the city officials and residents in 2022 as the low-level pumps were turned on as a last resort to get water from the reservoir. The Western States failed to come to an agreement on how to address cuts from the federal government on the Colorado River Basin so we face a new deadline to come to a consensus-based solution by January 2023. Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and co-host Dayvid Figler give us an update on where water conservation efforts stand. They share a conversation from April with Nevada Independent environment reporter Daniel Rothberg on how it all came down to “a math problem gone wrong” and why Las Vegas is (kind of) doing alright. What do you hope the city does to conserve water in 2023? Let us know at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Keep up with all the Las Vegas happenings by signing up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

There’s a new sports team in town, Las Vegas — the Desert Dogs!!! So, are we all about to become huge lacrosse fans? Today, Dayvid chats with News 3’s main sports anchor, Bryan Salmond, about why the answer is YES, and how the wild success of our five-year-old hockey team, the Golden Knights, may have primed us to love the shockingly similar game of box lacrosse. How do you feel about the Desert Dogs? Are you going to a game? Tag us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitterand Instagram, or leave us a voicemail (bonus points if you’re AT A GAME) by calling 702-514-0719. Also: Make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! You’ll get the latest news, events and commentary all about Las Vegas in your inbox at 6 a.m. each morning.

Co-host Dayvid Figler grew up in Las Vegas’s Jewish community, so today, co-host Vogue Robinson asks him all of our hungry, hungry Hanukkah questions: Where can Jews and Gentiles alike find the best brisket and matzah ball soup in town? And more importantly, why hasn’t Dayvid found a latke he loves in Las Vegas yet?? We’d also like to give a shout-out to John, Sam, and Ash of the Eat, Talk, Repeat podcast, who had Dayvid on their show recently to talk about Hanukkah eats around town. You can listen to that episode here. Do you know where to find the best latkes in Vegas? Or do you have a quibble with any of Dayvid’s picks? Let us know: We’re at 702-514-0719, or @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas tips, ideas and news around town? Treat yourself to our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

From Henderson to Summerlin, Vegas is teeming with holiday events to close out the year. Today, we’re going to get into a discussion about Kwanzaa, a holiday with cultural roots. Listen in as host, Vogue Robinson, and community leader, Ms. China dig into what makes Kwanzaa in Vegas so special! You may hear Ms. China mention the Nguzo Saba aka the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. Want more updates about Kwanzaa in Vegas? Be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Are you celebrating Kwanzaa this year? Tell us how on Twitter or Instagram @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

Starting on January 1, a whole bunch of minor traffic offenses (like broken tail lights and expired vehicle registrations) will become decriminalized — so what does that mean for Nevadans? Dayvid sits down with Leisa Moseley, Nevada State Director at the Fines and Fees Justice Center, to talk about how criminal punishments for small traffic offenses can snowball into bigger (and much more expensive) issues, and how the passage of AB 116 could actually make our streets safer. Learn more about what’s going on in the city with our daily newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Sign up here: lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719 with your New Year’s resolutions for the city, or any other hot takes.

It’s Friday (hooray!) which means that we’re getting into this week’s news: Today, Sonja, Dayvid, and Scott dig into the tough topic of the Chinatown shooting victim’s lawsuit (and why he’s going after a bail nonprofit), and the Red Rock fee hikes and who gets priced out of the outdoors. Plus, we take a look back at the notable Las Vegans who’ve passed on this year, and what they meant to our city. Find out more about Blairfest events here, and check out KNPR’s feature on this musical tribute festival. And don’t forget to send us your New Year’s resolutions for the city! Give us a call or text at 702-514-0719 and let us know what’s on your mind! Want more Vegas news for the holiday season and beyond? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.

More police die by suicide than in the line of duty in America. And in a 24-hour, vice-friendly city like ours, it’s easy for officers to deal with trauma in destructive ways, says retired LVMPD Captain Harry Fagel, a 20+ year veteran of the force. Today, Harry and Dayvid Figler get into a tough but important conversation about the problems with policing culture, and how it affects both officers and the communities they’re sworn to protect. Plus, Harry shares his thoughts on how the incoming sheriff’s administration could curb police deaths and help make lasting changes. A quick warning: As you can probably tell, this episode discusses suicide and self-harm at length. It also includes some graphic depictions of things officers encounter in their jobs. It’s not for everyone. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please, please talk to someone. It’s easy: Just call or text 988. You can also chat online and find more resources at 988lifeline.org. Looking for more Vegas news, commentary, and events? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter: lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Have a New Year’s resolution for Vegas? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail or sending a text to 702-514-0719.

The holidays are a busy time for bookstores — and their holiday sales are actually kind of a microcosm of all the faves of the whole year. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with co-owner and buyer Drew Cohen from The Writer’s Block, Vegas’s landmark independent bookstore downtown, to find out the local trends, Las Vegas books, and the unique challenges and delights of being an indy bookstore in Las Vegas. We want to hear from you! We’re collecting New Years resolutions and predictions. What do you want Las Vegas to become next year? Have a prediction for Sin City in 2023? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or texting us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas Are you a book lover? So is our amazingly witty newsletter editor, Scott Dickensheets! Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for all the events, musings, and commentary at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter.

CCSD recently released a proposal they’re planning to take to the state legislature next year: They want sex education to be opt-out, not opt-in. Right now in Nevada, if a parent doesn’t sign the permission slip (aka opt-in), then that child automatically doesn’t take sex ed — and we’re one of only five states with this policy. Today, Vogue sits down with Camalot Todd, who just wrote about this possible policy shift in the Nevada Current. They talk about how opt-in sex ed leaves out the students who need it most, the proposal’s mandate for medically-accurate sex ed, and how it’s all connected to Nevada’s super-high STI rates. What are your thoughts on sex ed at CCSD schools? Are you a parent or a student who has thoughts on “opt-in” vs “opt-out”? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text message at 702-514-0719. Or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want even more Vegas news, events, and snarky commentary? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Ask Mr. Claus — there are two kinds of people in the world: naughty and nice. So which Las Vegans will producer Layla Muhammad and co-host Dayvid Figler drop some coal on in today’s “naughty and nice” episode? And who will they celebrate with garlands and light? Listen to find out! Who do you think the naughtiest and nicest Las Vegans were this year? Tell us in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Send us a tweet and follow @CityCastVegas Make sure to sign up for the nicest (and sometimes naughty) morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

It’s Friday (WE DID IT, we made it to the end of the week, y’all!) and it’s also the end of a rather contentious week in the news: Tony Hsieh is back in the headlines with the news that his estate is planning on selling off some of the many, many properties he acquired downtown. Their goal? A much-needed “injection of capital” for the DTP businesses in their portfolio. But Tony’s efforts downtown were not without criticism, and our big question now is: Will they sell to out-of-state big box stores, or back to locals who are trying to create something special downtown? Next, we get into all of the ridiculous city ranking lists that Vegas somehow finds itself on (“most sinful?” “worst dressed?” Puh-lease.) And lastly, a moment of silence (and a lot of questions) for the mountain lion who was captured and euthanized in a northwest neighborhood earlier this week. Don’t forget to check out host Vogue Robinson’s first art show, Alchemy of Self, THIS SUNDAY at Girl Code Nails! How do you feel about the mountain lion situation? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text message at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Hungry for more Vegas news? Sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Between the cars, bikes, pedestrians, and traffic cones, there's a lot going on on Las Vegas roads. This year, Las Vegas saw an increase in pedestrian deaths and ranked in the top ten for the most dangerous roads for pedestrians according to Smart Growth America. As the city starts yet another road improvement project on the Westside to improve the experience for all users, we wonder what makes the Vegas roads so hard to navigate? Ray Delahanty, aka City Nerd on YouTube, joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about the design aspects that make Vegas roads dangerous, why stroads are a nightmare, and how he’s committed to not driving in Las Vegas. What projects around the city are you curious about? Call or text us so we can look into it at 702-514-0719! Let us know what intersections you hate on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Stay up to date on all things Vegas with our morning newsletter! Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter.

Holiday shopping season is upon us, and man, can that be stressful. Fear not, fellow Las Vegans, because we’ve got you covered. Co-host Vogue Robinson welcomes producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad on to discuss where they are doing their local holiday shopping — because shopping local supports small businesses and helps keep those dollars in our community. Whether you're shopping for a thrill-seeker, foodie, or even harder, your parents, there's something for everyone! We even get into where to go for last-minute gift shopping for the procrastinators. Here are the places/experiences we mentioned in the episode (and you can find a map of all these places here): Wild West Horseback Adventures Sambalatte Cozymeal Clay Arts Vegas Las Vegas Livestock Happy Ending Chocolate Valley Cheese and Wine Graze By Days Las Vegas Distillery (found at Total Wine or Lee's Discount Liquor) John Mull’s Meats The Writer’s Block The LV Plant Collective Neon Cactus Vintage 11th Street Records Local Oasis Container Park Vintaged LV Live at Your Own Pace Clothing Co. (LAYOP) International Marketplace The Office of Collecting and Design Holiday Markets and Craft Festivals: Craft Festival at Tivoli Village (12/11) Native American Holiday Market at CSN (12/10) Market in the Alley in the Arts District (12/18) What are your go-to local shops for the holiday season? Send them our way on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas tips, guides, and witty commentary? Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Today, the Clark County Commission will vote on an ordinance to ban the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and pigs throughout all Clark County stores. This proposal, led by Commissioner Michael Naft, is part of a larger effort around the country to stop pet overpopulation and reduce the 2 million puppies sold from puppy mills each year. Similar ordinances are already in place in Reno, North Las Vegas, and Mesquite. But with this proposal, where should responsible owners who want a specific dog go? John Goodwin, senior director of The Humane Society of the United States’ Stop Puppy Mills campaign, sits down with co-host Dayvid Figler to discuss why Clark County needs this ban and how this will impact businesses around the valley. Where did you find your furry friend? At a pet store or a shelter? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas or send us a text or voicemail at 702-514-0719. Looking for a fun, local, and informative start to your day? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

A couple of weeks ago, The College of Southern Nevada’s mariachi team, Mariachi Plata, became back-to-back winners at the biggest college mariachi competition in the country. They’ve only been around for three years, so how did they reach the top so fast? Mariachi Plata’s co-director, Fernando Gonzalez, and one of his students, Debbie Carrillo, tell co-host Vogue Robinson about their championship story. Don’t miss Mariachi Plata’s annual concert on Wednesday, December 7th at 7 p.m., in the Horn Theatre on CSN’s East Cheyenne campus! More details here. What do you love about mariachi? Planning to go to the concert on the 7th? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or tweet at us on the ol’ bird app: @CityCastVegas Don’t forget, we have an amazing morning newsletter, freshly-baked in your inboxes every morning at 6 a.m. Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Hello, sweet, sweet Friday. We’re back in your feeds with a roundup of the week’s news. Vogue, Davyid & Scott start things off with some BIG news for Nevada: President Biden has announced he’ll approve the designation of Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument! That’s right, a protected area for night skies, nature, and the sacred Spirit Mountain, right in our backyard. Then it’s onto a tough conversation about a lawsuit that the mother brought against CCSD after her son was brutally attacked on a school bus — and how privacy laws have tied the school district’s hands. And last but not least, a Very Important Sandwich Debate: Should we call a sandwich a “sammie,” a “sando,” a “sammich,” or (gasp) a “sarno?”Scott has strong feelings, and we get into it. Want to weigh in on the proper name for a sandwich? Are you excited to visit Avi Kwa Ame? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail or a texting us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. Psst — by the way, do your inbox a favor and sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter, if you haven’t already.

If you love good food, Chinatown is THE happening neighborhood in Las Vegas right now, says Lorraine Blanco Moss. Lorraine is not only a producer at KNPR and host of the podcast Exit Spring Mountain, she’s also a professional chef who’s cooked in high-end kitchens on the Strip — so you’re going to want all of her insider knowledge on where to eat and what to order in Chinatown. Today, Vogue gets all the deets on where industry folks hang out, how to spot good dim sum, and why you shouldn’t always trust the Yelp reviews. Where do you love to eat in Chinatown? Got any parking tips for us? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Bring the party to your inbox every morning at 6am: Make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! And last but not least, here’s the list of Chinatown restaurants that Lorraine mentioned in today’s episode. We created a handy Google Map with all the restaurants for you, too! Edo Gastro Tapas & Wine Phở Kim Long J Karaoke Sushi House Goyemon Orchids Garden Xiao Long Dumplings Partage Sparrow & Wolf Half Bird Take It Easy Roasters

As people find themselves with more downtime around the holidays, the age old question presents itself: what do we watch? Luckily, there is no shortage of movies that are about, set in, or mention our city. So what makes a Vegas movie and which ones are worth watching? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with cinephile, poet, and professor Gregory Crosby to debate which Vegas movies should make your watchlist and which ones miss the mark. Our (non-exhaustive) Vegas movie watchlist: The Hangover Trilogy Honeymoon in Vegas (1992) Viva Las Vegas (1964) Casino (1995) The Night Stalker (1972) Hacks (TV) Fright Night (2011) Queen of Diamonds (1991) One from the Heart (1981) Con Air (1997) Leaving Las Vegas (1995) Lost in America (1985) Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Army of the Dead (2021) Damnation Alley (1977) Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) Diamonds Are Forever (1971) Showgirls (1995) Did your favorite Vegas movie make the list? What did we miss? Keep the conversation going on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news, guides, and fun facts? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Decades after his passing, mid-century architect Paul Revere Williams is finally getting his due: He was the first Black certified architect west of the Mississippi, the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects, and the first to receive the AIA’s Gold Medal, its highest honor, posthumously in 2017. Despite the prejudices of the era, Williams became known as an architect to the stars, building homes for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant — and in the 1930s to the 70s, left his mark on Nevada’s cityscapes, too. Today, Dayvid sits down with Nevada Museum of Art curator Carmen Beals to talk about Paul Revere Williams’ Las Vegas legacy. Be sure to check out their upcoming exhibit at the Nevada State Museum, featuring photos of Williams’ iconic Nevada buildings by photographer Janna Ireland, which opens on December 3rd. Do you have any memories of La Concha Inn, the Guardian Angel Cathedral, or other Paul Revere Williams buildings in Las Vegas? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719 or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For more Vegas history, happenings and hot takes, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Like many Las Vegans, the beloved sandwich shop Capriotti’s wasn’t born in this town — but they made Las Vegas their home. Since moving their headquarters to Las Vegas, Capriotti’s has integrated themselves into the community so much so that some think they did start here! Today, co-host Dayvid Figler chats with Chief Operating Officer David Bloom about their famous “Thanksgiving in a Sandwich,” why Butterball raises a line of turkeys just for them (it’s called the “Capriotti’s Super Tom”), and the secret sauce that makes Capriotti’s a Vegas fave. What are you doing with your Thanksgiving leftovers? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas! You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

It’s not the weekend, but it’s also kinda the weekend — so we’ve got a special roundup episode of our short but not uneventful week! Today, Sonja, Layla and Dayvid look back at a pivotal moment in Vegas history, when the Mirage opened 33 years ago this week, a massive gamble as the Strip’s first mega-resort. Plus: What’s going to happen to the Mirage’s volcano — and would we get to keep it if they made it sexy like the TI pirate show? Next, we look at Gov. Sisolak’s newest NV Supreme Court nomination: Patricia Lee, and what makes her nomination surprising. Last, we chat about our Thanksgiving plans, why Dayvid’s involves a turkey costume, why Sonja’s involves barbecue, and why Layla plans on doing no cooking whatsoever (shout out to her sisters). What do you think should be done with the Mirage volcano? Have you seen the crosswalk turkey downtown? Let us know by leaving us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or send a tweet our way @CityCastVegas (if you’re still on the bird app). For even more Vegas news, happenings, and fun commentary, you’ll want to sign up for Hey Las Vegas!, our morning newsletter, at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Trust, it’s the best thing in your inbox at 6 a.m.

On Thanksgiving in 1966, Howard Hughes arrived in Las Vegas in the dead of night on a secret train from Boston. The billionaire businessman, aviator, and movie producer was highly eccentric and at this point in his life had little to no communication with the outside world. As he secluded himself on the 9th floor of the Desert Inn hotel, he began to reshape the future of Las Vegas by buying up casinos and land. But what attracted him to Las Vegas in the first place? Co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Geoff Schumacher, author of Howard Hughes: Power, Paranoia, and Palace Intrigue, to discuss the impact Hughes had on our city, and what his reclusive life in Las Vegas looked like. Don't miss Geoff's talk at the Clark County Library on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m. He'll explain the mysterious "Mormon Will" that supposedly gave a massive share of Hughes' fortune to a complete stranger — and you'll hear Geoff's take on whether the will was real or not. Where do you see Howard Hughes’ footprint around the city? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Las Vegas is a food town. From the high-end restaurants to the gas station taco stands, there are almost too many places to explore and take your family and friends when they visit for the holidays. To make it a little easier for you, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with artist and food critic Brent Holmes to get the best spots that might get overshadowed by the glitz and glam of fine dining on The Strip. They also dive in to what makes the Vegas food scene so delicious … and underrated. Whether you’re in the mood for soul food fusion or a parking lot taco, you’re in for a treat. Places mentioned in this episode: Weiss Deli Bagel Cafe Burritos Guisos de el Canelo Birrieria Los Rojos YEN Viet Kitchen Soul Foo Young Aroma Latin American Cocina Brent’s write-up about Burritos Guisos de el Canelo: https://knpr.org/desert-companion/2021-11/eat-now-wet-burrito-burritos-guisos-de-el-canelo Want more Vegas news? We've got you covered! Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter And while you’re at it, follow us on Twitter @CityCastVegas Is there a hidden food gem we didn’t mention? Let us know by sending us a text or leaving a voicemail: 702-514-0719.

Producer Layla Muhammad jumps into the host seat to welcome co-host Dayvid Figler and friend of the pod reporter Michael “MJ” Lyle of the Nevada Current to the roundup of Las Vegas’ last week. We start with the new Governor-elect Joe Lombardo’s first public address since winning the election. In a “tight 10” minute speech, he hit his priorities, the top of which was “education.” The speech was overshadowed, however, by what wasn’t in the room - specifically reporters from publications who had arguably been critical of the Governor-elect Lombardo in the past. Then, we shift gears and talk about the unveiling this week of a $125,000 dollar bronze statue of former (and living) Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. Finally, we move on to things that make us happy this week/holiday traditions. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

Nevada State Senator Pat Spearman lost her bid for North Las Vegas’s mayoral seat this election cycle — but less well known is her win with Question 1. Spearman was a co-sponsor for the bill that got that Question 1 on the ballot this November, which passed and puts the country’s most sweeping Equal Rights Amendment in Nevada’s constitution. What’s more, she was the driving force behind Nevada’s ratification of the federal ERA, reviving it after 40 years of zombie-hood. So who is Dr. Pat Spearman? Today, we’ve got a special guest episode from Ordinary Equality and Womanica, hosted by Kate Kelly (you might remember her from our episode on Question 1) — Kate interviews Senator Spearman, who shares the life experiences that brought her to the Nevada Senate, and why she fights for equal rights. Thoughts? Questions? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

YES we love our city, but sometimes we gotta complain about it. Today, Vogue, Dayvid, Scott and Sonja sit down to kvetch about the buildings in Las Vegas that we hate — because they’re out of place, poorly-designed, or downright ugly. Did we get it right? Or horribly wrong? Are you itching to argue against one of our picks? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or blast us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For more Vegas snark (ok, and some thoughtful commentary, too), make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Election denialism hit hard in Nevada. So hard, in fact, that our neighbors in Nye County moved to hand-count their ballots thanks to distrust in tabulation machines. The county accounts for about 30,000 of our state’s votes, which is significant in a year of super close races. So the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada sued the county and headed out to observe their tedious hand-counting process. Today, host Vogue Robinson chats with the Executive Director of the ACLUNV, Athar Haseebullah, about what he observed at the polls, why they sued Nye County four times, and what poll watchers are supposed to do. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! What are your thoughts on hand-counts? Let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

Did you know Las Vegas has an Erotic Heritage Museum? Of course we do! On the outside, it looks like a seedy strip club, covered in neon, advertising shows like Naked Boys Singing and Puppetry of the Penis, but on the inside…the museum examines and preserves our erotic heritage with art and science (they even have a Picasso)! They’re working to de-stigmatize sex in Sin City! How? Co-host Vogue Robinson is gonna find out by talking with sexologist Dr. Victoria Hartmann, who is the Executive Director and Officer of The Erotic Heritage Museum. Have you been to the Erotic Heritage Museum? What was your favorite part? Send us a PG voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also tell us on Twitter @CityCastVegas Looking for more adventure in Vegas? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Everybody loves a true-crime story. Today, we have a special guest episode from our friends at the Las Vegas Review Journal’s Mobbed Up podcast. Produced in partnership with The Mob Museum, Mobbed Up is a true-crime series that dives in to the fight against organized crime in 1960s and 1970s Las Vegas. You’ll love this bonus episode from season 2 where a waiter from Vegas’s oldest steakhouse shares his personal memories of a mob hitman. Jeff German, Review-Journal investigative reporter and host for Season 2, interviews longtime Golden Steer waiter Venko Nikolov about his memories of mob hitman Frank Cullotta and some of the celebrities he served at the iconic Las Vegas steakhouse. We dedicate this episode to the memory of Jeff German, in honor of his long history of reporting in Las Vegas. Listen to seasons 1 and 2 of Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! You can call or text us at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas

Hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler welcome Nevada Independent political reporter Tabitha Mueller to the Round up to figure out the shape of things as the count goes on and on. We take a dip into the most current numbers, why its taking SO LONG, and the implications as the march towards finality continues. We also take a sojourn down the fun tradition of journalists eating pizza through election night with a survey of local newsrooms to . Then, despite the election distraction, the real world doesnt stop. In addition to election numbers, we have COVID numbers to discuss too. Looking for digestible election updates? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! What would be your election night pizza choice? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or send us a tweet@CityCastVegas

A few weeks ago, a sixth set of human remains was found in Lake Mead. And just last week, a Texas woman got confirmation that the 5th body found this year belonged to her father, who drowned in the lake 20 years ago. These discoveries come in the wake of water levels reaching their lowest point since the reservoir was being filled in 1937. Officials have yet to identify the victims, but that isn’t stopping Las Vegas from buzzing with speculation, curiosity… and tactless billboards. Given our infamous history with organized crime, it’s no surprise that people have been bursting with theories about their connection to the mob. Today, we’re bringing you a conversation that host Vogue Robinson had with Geoff Schumacher, Vice President of Exhibits and Programs for The Mob Museum, in August. They discuss why most of these theories relate to the mob, why they may or may not be true, and what Las Vegans aren’t thinking about as we romanticize the mob’s involvement. Do you have a wild Lake Mead story? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for updates on all things Vegas at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Congratulations everyone, we’ve made it past Election Day! Voting for the 2022 General Election may be over but the counting continues in Nevada as mail-in ballots come in and polling stations finalize results. Nevada is in the spotlight as efforts to flip our purple state come to a head in key races. So lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and host Dayvid Figler got up EARLY this morning to share their first impressions on the results so far. Looking for more takeaways as results come in from the election? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

The day is finally here! Dawn has broken on Election Day 2022 and whether you’re braving the weather to go stand in line (we applaud you), you’re anxiously refreshing pages to watch the results, or you’re tuning it all out with some well-deserved R&R, we hear you. Today, Vogue, Sonja and Layla sit down for a chat about voting: Why we vote, the conversations we’ve had with friends and family who don’t, and our experiences at the polls. Plus: Layla brings us some snippets of conversations she had with voters and a poll worker at the Galleria Mall (the County’s second busiest polling place!). It’s a national day of waiting — come sit and hang with us. What did you do this Election Day? Let us know by leaving us a message or a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Look, the elections fatigue, stress, and anxiety is real. We’re all feeling it, no matter what side of the aisle you’re on. And all of those doom-and-gloom ads EVERYWHERE aren’t helping much either — not to mention, how are they affecting our kids? So City Cast is getting a little help from Dr. Jim Jobin today, co-host of the podcast Pod Therapy. Dayvid and Jim talk about how we can talk children through the noise, how therapists are dealing with conspiracy theorists, and how we can all take a deep, collective breath and steady ourselves amidst the storm. What’s keeping you sane these days? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make your inbox a little bit smarter, and sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Not all the news this week is election-related! In our Friday news roundup, host Vogue Robinson talks with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and producer Layla Muhammad about the raid on the Boulevard Mall and Aces coach Becky Hammon’s new job as NBA analyst for ESPN. Plus, we dive into our favorite off-Strip casinos, and what distinguishes a“local” casino from one on the Strip. Off-Strip Casinos mentioned in this episode: Lotus of Siam (Red Rock) The Orleans Red Rock Suncoast The Palms Virgin Hotels Casino Palace Station South Point Do you have a favorite off-Strip casino — or an opinion on what counts as off-Strip? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or shoot us a tweet @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news with a side of whimsy? Check out our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!