City Cast Las Vegas

Did y’all know that the four-time national goatee championship winner lives in Las Vegas? Patrick Dawson settled in Vegas and co-founded the Sin City Beard Coalition with his wife, Lori Fries — and as it turns out, Lori is a bit of a beard aficionado herself. In beard and mustache competitions, “whiskerinas” are an entire category of creative beard-ing for the biologically whiskerless (Lori once made a beard out of Barbie heads). Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler dives into the world of competitive facial hair, the charity causes they support, and what it takes to care for an award-winning beard in our hot, dry desert climate. Interested in seeing more, or even competing yourself? You’re in luck! The Sin City Beard Coalition is hosting the Battle Born Beard and Mustache Competition on Saturday, March 25th. All proceeds will go to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Extreme Couture, a veterans’ organization. Learn more at beard.vegas. Do you have a niche hobby you’d like to tell us about? Or a beard-grooming tip for Vegas? Post a pic of your hobby (or magnificent facial hair) and tag us on socials: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719. Looking for even more in-the-know Vegas chatter, news, and events? Sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here.

It seems someone dropped Australian redclaw crayfish into the Wetlands Park, and that’s bad news for the native fish. They’re currently contained in a couple of ponds, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife is trying to remove them before they spread. Agency spokesman Doug Nielsen explains to co-host Vogue Robinson the danger they pose to the local environment, and how we can prevent this in the future. Did you learn something new today? So did we! Keep up with us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. You can also learn something new about Las Vegas everyday in our morning newsletter! Sign up here to be one step closer to becoming a Vegas expert.

Co-host Dayvid Figler leads our Friday news round up with producer Layla Muhammad and publisher of thelist.vegas, Andrew Kiraly. They unpack major plans to bring the Rio Hotel and Casino back to life, a surprising turn of events in the trial of Robert Telles, and the impact of the Rock N Roll Marathon on Las Vegans. Don’t forget: Come see City Cast Las Vegas live at the opening of The Beverly Theater this Saturday at 1 p.m.! Event details here. Should Vegas make the Strip a pedestrian walkway? Let us know your thoughts on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. What will you miss about the OG Rio hotel and casino? You can 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.

March is Women’s History Month — and Las Vegas has no shortage of trailblazing women who have helped make our city what it is today. In this conversation originally aired last fall, co-host Vogue Robinson sits down with Su Kim Chung, Head of Public Services in Special Collections and Archives at UNLV, to talk about her shortlist of Las Vegas women. Essentially: If Las Vegas were to have its own Mt. Rushmore of notable ladies, who’d be on it? For more information about the women on Su Kim’s list, click on the links below: Helen Stewart Lubertha Johnson Claudine Williams Carol Harter Margaret Kelly (Miss Bluebell) Don’t forget: Come see City Cast Las Vegas live at the opening of The Beverly Theater this Saturday! Event details here. 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 all have our list of places to take people in Vegas that we like, but what about those we hate? Whether it’s an ex or that drunk tourist who won’t leave you alone, co-host Dayvid Figler and producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad are here with their recs for where to go to have the best terrible day in Vegas. Where are you sending your enemy in Las Vegas? Let us know in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Or send us your terrible day recommendations on social! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. We’d never recommend anything bad to our readers though, so be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here for the best Vegas has to offer. Last but not least, we’re excited to let you know about a LIVE event we’re hosting at the Beverly opening weekend this Saturday! Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson will interview local authors Kim Foster and Veeda Bybee about what it means to be a local, Las Vegas writer. Come on through: Saturday, March 4th, at 1pm. Find more details here.

At the end of last year, the Aria closed its buffet and opened up a food hall in its place. And not long after Station Casinos famously (notoriously?) announced that their buffets would never return, their plans for Durango Station, opening this fall, came out — featuring Eat Your Heart Out, a buzzy new food hall… and no buffet. So why are food halls all the rage now, and is this the death knell of the iconic Vegas buffet? Today, co-host Vogue Robinson talks with food influencer Phil Tzeng, A.K.A. Las Vegas Fill, about the rise of food halls, the best ones to visit in Vegas, and where the Vegas buffet is headed. Are you team food hall or team buffet? Let us know on social media (we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram), or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. For more on what’s happening in Las Vegas (and it’s a lot), sign up for our brilliant daily newsletter: You’ll get a curated selection of the Valley’s best events, latest news, and sharpest observations. Sign up here!

Did someone say burlesque baking show?! Vegas entertainers Anaïs Thomassian, Melody Sweets, and Melissa King-Jules aka MsTickle bring us Sweets Spots TV. After performing on the Strip in Absinthe and other Vegas venues for over 7 years, these creators took their live show concept and made it work as a hilarious online series full of talking puppets, flying blueberry pies, and a very evil donut. Co-host Vogue Robinson talks to Melody and Melissa about making your creative dreams come true in Las Vegas. Be the first to see upcoming episodes of Sweets Spot TV by subscribing on Youtube at youtube.com/@sweetsspottv. Have you seen some cool content created in Vegas recently? Share it with us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also leave us a voicemail, song, or rant at 702-514-0719. Don’t miss out on all the essential Vegas information in our morning newsletter! Sign up here.

For today’s roundup of the news, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by contributor Michael “MJ” Lyle, a reporter at the Nevada Current. First up: A recent video of CCSD police arresting several Black students and throwing one to the ground while shouting an expletive went viral — community organizations have since rallied. So what’s at the heart of this recurring tension, and what comes next? Then, the team discusses a GQ profile of Usher that dubs him the “new king of Las Vegas,” and dives into what a Las Vegas residency can do creatively for music artists. And last but not least: A Republican lawmaker wants to stop restaurants from automatically serving you a glass of water when you sit down — under these new rules, you’d only get water on request. So how much of this is sound environmental policy, and how much of it is, well… optics? What do you think about this water bill? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter and Instagram. For more commentary, events, and news from locals for locals, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

News reports and social media are awash with photos and videos of coyotes roaming the streets of Las Vegas — but why? Are we in the middle of a coyote population boom, is climate change driving them out of their natural habitat, or are we simply moving into the coyotes’ neighborhoods? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with UNLV wildlife ecologist Dr. David Choate, who explains why we’re seeing all these coyotes, and how much of a threat they pose to people and pets. Plus, he’s got tips on what to do if you run into one. Have you seen any coyote in Las Vegas? How do you think the city should handle them? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or hit us up on Twitter or Instagram. Love what you’re hearing? Get even more Vegas news, events, and commentary when you sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter! You can do that right here.

The Vegas Loop is an underground tunnel system connecting the Las Vegas Convention Center halls and two properties on the north end of the Strip by Tesla rides. Elon Musk’s Boring Company got approval from the Clark County Commission in 2021 to expand the tunnels to connect downtown, the airport, and Allegiant Stadium. As construction plans move forward this year, is this private venture a solution to our public transportation issues? And can visitors look forward to this at next year’s Super Bowl? Transportation expert and CityNerd Ray Delahanty breaks down the hype. Share your thoughts about the Vegas Loop with us on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Stay up to date on all hype-est Vegas projects by signing up for our morning newsletter here.

Rents are crazy high, evictions are spiking, and now federal rent assistance is scaling back drastically. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Legal Aid Executive Director Barbara Buckley, who is predicting a “tsunami” of housing insecurity in Las Vegas in the next 60 days — Legal Aid has already seen the number of clients seeking housing advice at their free legal clinic nearly double recently. Barbara says Legal Aid has some “common sense” solutions they’re pushing at the 2023 legislative session, but, as former Speaker of the Assembly, she knows a showdown is likely in store. Are you seeing your rent go up? Are you a landlord trying to navigate the system? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or a comment on Twitter or Instagram. For more on what’s going on in the Vegas Valley, from the latest news to the hottest events in town, you’ll want to sign up for our morning newsletter — get that here.

In today’s roundup of the news, co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets and we’re covering a lot of ground: First up, what the departure of the last Mirage dolphins means for Las Vegas and our particular brand of spectacle (and why keeping cetaceans in the Mojave miiiiight have been not such a great idea after all). Next, we get into the troubling report that Nevada is a childcare “desert,” with one of the lowest rates of access to childcare in the nation. So what’s a state to do — and could “bring your baby to work” programs like the state treasurer’s office is trying out actually work? Last, we’re trying oh-so-very-hard to NOT get our hopes up with reports that a high speed rail line is one step closer to fruition… but what exactly does that mean? Look, we’ve heard it all before, we’re kinda jaded! And to round things things out, we talk about our plans for the three-day holiday weekend — from Pokemon Go at Sunset Park to the Great Backyard Bird Count, all taking place this weekend. How are you figuring out childcare in Las Vegas? Are you holding out hope that we’ll get a SoCal to Vegas high-speed train? Let us know! Give us a ring at 702-514-0719 or leave us a comment on Twitter and Instagram (we’re @CityCastVegas on both). For more fun Vegas events and observations from the ever-brilliant Scott Dickensheets, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here — sign up now, thank us later. And have a great three-day holiday weekend, y’all! We’ll be back on Tuesday.

Nevada lawmakers in DC say they’re on board with President Biden’s new Junk Fee Prevention Act, announced last week, with one exception: The resort fees charged by “our world-class casinos and hotels,” which they say are up front and transparent. But resort fees can double or even triple the nightly cost of a hotel room here in Vegas — and if you’ve heard from any tourists lately, they’re not happy about it. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with longtime casino industry observer Scott Roeben, better known as the author behind Vital Vegas. They talk about how the internet spurred a surge in resort fees, and why Scott has some serious reservations about how their rise could affect our city — for locals and tourists alike. What do you think — are resort fees outta control, or do our hotels need them? Leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719, or comment on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more on the latest in Las Vegas, sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter, arriving in your inbox every day at 6 a.m. Nothing like the smell of fresh-baked pixels from the one and only Scott Dickensheets!

Cheyenne Kyle is a classically-trained chef with Strip credentials, a master gardener, and an entrepreneur. But when the pandemic hit, like so many others in our hospitality-centric city, she lost two jobs in one day — helping others find food during that tough time, she says, kept her going. So joining the Obodo Collective, a Black women-led nonprofit, in starting a farm in the historic Westside was a natural next step for her. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Vogue Robinson chats with Cheyenne about the impact of a farm in a historically underfunded community with limited grocery options. The next gardening class at the Obodo Farm will take place on Sunday, February 26th. Are you gardening this spring? Tag us and @theobodocollective in your pics! 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.

If you’re out here trying to be single and mingle in Las Vegas, we feel for you — it’s not easy, anywhere. But is it extra-hard in our city? After all, we’re a big little town of 2.5 million locals and 42 million visitors every year, and tourists tend to clog up the dating apps. Or is the problem that we’re actually a small town, and you see the same faces everywhere? Today, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, producer Layla Muhammad, and contributor Michael “MJ” Lyle discuss the ups and downs of dating in Vegas, our strategies for avoiding tourists and serial killers, and the best places to take first dates when you’re looking for love in Las Vegas. Last but not least, for an extra dash of inspiration, the rest of the CCLV team chimes in with their Vegas love stories — because newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets, and co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson all met their life partners IRL right here in Las Vegas! Did you meet your partner in Las Vegas? Agree or disagree that dating sucks here? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or leave a comment on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For even more Las Vegas news, events, and fun commentary, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. It’s the best thing in your inbox at 6 a.m., we promise.

Egg prices are outta control — they doubled over the course of 2022. So that’s got a lot of Las Vegans asking themselves… should we get backyard chickens? Award-winning food writer and backyard chicken wrangler Kim Foster joins co-host Vogue Robinson today to talk about why you should (and shouldn’t) raise chickens, and everything it takes to do it right in the extreme weather conditions of Las Vegas. Fair warning in case you’ve got kids in the car: There’s a lengthy discussion about chicken butts in this episode. Actually, they’re gonna love that. Queue up this episode! If you’re now on the chicken train, check out the Las Vegas Backyard Pet Chickens group that Kim mentioned here. Do you keep chickens? Change your mind about chickens thanks to this episode? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. Or leave a comment for us on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Have you signed up for our amazing morning newsletter yet? If so, you know that it’s the best place to your daily dose of news, events, and commentary about town. If not, get on board, already! Sign up here.

It’s Friday (whoop whoop) and we’ve made it to the end of the week, which means you get to treat yourself to this week’s roundup of the news. Today, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson welcome Thelist.Vegas publisher and culture maven Andrew Kiraly onto the show. They talk about the recent allegations against the Aces and the WNBA’s investigation into whether or not the team used under-the-table payments to circumvent the league’s salary caps. But the question also arises… why are the WNBA salary caps so low? Next, with Jim Belushi in town this weekend to hawk his cannabis brand, we discuss the rise of celebrity-owned cannabis companies, and which celebrities we’d want to buy weed from. Third, a senator from Hawaii is proposing a bill to ban gambling ads from Nevada (and Nevada only) — why? And will banning those ads actually address problem gambling? Last but not least, we get into the Black History Month eventsyou should be checking out (one of which features our very own Vogue Robinson!). Which celebrity cannabis brand would you want to see? Do you have thoughts on the WNBA salary cap? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or leave us a comment on social media — we’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. If you love this daily dose of fresh Vegas news, events and commentary, then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for EVEN MORE! You won’t regret it, we promise. :)

Valentine’s Day can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re heading out with your significant other(s), yourself, or a group of pals, food writer and multidisciplinary artist Brent Holmes has got you covered with all the best restaurant options. Make a reservation or keep it low-key — let Brent and co-host Vogue Robinson plan out your Valentine’s Day. Mentioned in this episode: Hamburger Hut Sparrow + Wolf Triple 7 Sweets Raku Big Wong Palms Casino Resort / Vetri Cucina The Steak House at Circus Circus PRIME Matcha Cafe Maiko China Mama Fukuburger Steaks and Beer Starboard Tack Champagne’s Vegas Test Kitchen Esther’s Kitchen Main St Provisions Sorry Not Sorry Creamery Do you think Las Vegas is a romantic city? Send us a love letter or voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re 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.

In this follow up to yesterday’s episode about the policing of street vendors in Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler hears from officials at the Southern Nevada Health District about their part in regulating vendors for food safety. They explain how they interact with unlicensed vendors, the resources they do (and don’t) provide for licensing, and address their claims that some street vendors could be victims of human trafficking. We also learn that there might be some common ground when it comes to one big issue: The high cost of permitting for low income communities. Do you have a favorite street vendor? Thoughts on how they should be more (or less) regulated? Let us know in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. We’re on social media, too! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Curious about more issues in your community? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter.

The Southern Nevada Health District and law enforcement have joined forces to crack down on unlicensed street vendors in Las Vegas, as the rise of sporting events has created a bigger market for vendors in front of venues like Allegiant and T-Mobile. Vendors can also be found in neighborhoods with a high immigrant population. The nonprofit Make the Road Nevada wants to help these unlicensed street vendors become legal, but the pathway is a hard one to navigate. Jose Rivera from Make the Road Nevada joins co-host Dayvid Figler to explain how enforcement over education builds mistrust and keeps these unlicensed street vendors at a disadvantage; also, he says, he’s seen no evidence to support SNHD’s claim that street vendors are being trafficked. This is our first of two episodes about street vendors. We'll be speaking with SNHD about this issue tomorrow, so stay tuned! Join the conversation on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. Have you seen more street vendors in Vegas recently? Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter.

While Community Schools Initiative’s proposal to break up the Clark County School District failed to get enough signatures, a similar attempt may still be in the works for this legislative session, which starts today. As the fifth largest school district in the nation, CCSD faces issues that are hard to address with 300,000 students. The Nevada Independent reporter Rocío Hernandez explains the pros and cons of breaking up CCSD to co-host Vogue Robinson. What do you think about having a smaller school district? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. 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 time for our Friday roundup of the news — and good lord, is there news to discuss this week. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler join producer Layla Muhammad to get into it. First up, a story from the Washington Post that continues the work of slain RJ investigative reporter Jeff German: It’s the sweeping tale of a massive Ponzi scheme that targeted the Mormon community… for FIVE years. So how were they so successful for so long? Next, we get into the weeds of a lawsuit that the Community Schools Initiative, a PAC that advocates for breaking up CCSD, has leveled against the company they hired to gather petition signatures. They say the company collected so many invalid signatures(including some papers that were burnt and smelled like “bong water”) that the petition was nixed. And last (but not least!), it looks like Formula 1 racing will be signing a 10-year contract with Clark County — so how do we feel about that? Have you encountered a Ponzi scheme in Las Vegas? Do you have feelings about F1 coming to town? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or find us on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram! And if you’re not yet signed up for our amazing daily newsletter, you’re missing out — get on board for more Vegas news, events and more by signing up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Nevada’s biennial legislative session starts next Monday so as our lawmakers prepare to spend the next 120 days in Carson City, Nevada Independent reporter Tabitha Mueller tells us what we can expect from our representatives. Governor Joe Lombardo already called out some previously passed laws that need revision, but what other proposals will get attention this session? Co-host Vogue Robinson also wonders what life is like for our legislators who often have other careers. Find your representatives and let them know what’s important in your neighborhood here. Curious about a certain topic? You can sign up for updates on proposals here. And make sure to follow the Indy's legislature coverage here. We will be keeping an eye on things during the legislative session too. Make sure to sign up for our daily 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.

You know we’re not done complaining about the internet — we’ve definitely got some quality issues here in Southern Nevada, especially for the price. Yesterday, we talked about how two companies, Cox and CenturyLink, got their stranglehold on the Las Vegas broadband market, and why treating the internet like a publicly-owned utility might be the answer — even though municipal internet is actually illegal in Nevada. Today, we get another take: Dayvid sits down with Brian Mitchell, Director of the NV Office of Science, Innovation & Technology. Brian oversees High Speed Nevada, a new initiative that just got $55 million in federal funding. Brian talks about his solutions for better broadband in Nevada, but also says that municipal networks might not be the panacea they’re touted as. Join the broadband conversation: OSIT wants your input! You can complete this form to join the process as a community partner. You can also take a speed test here to help OSIT see how fast internet speeds are in different parts of the state. And you can also submit a challenge to the FCC’s map of speeds at your address here. How do you feel about your internet service in Las Vegas? Leave us a voicemail (702-514-0719) or a comment on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Love what you hear? Get even more Vegas news, events and commentary when you sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Look, it’s no secret that the internet options in Las Vegas aren’t great. We pay more than the rest of the country for slower speeds, and it’s worse if you’re in lower-income and less white parts of town. But why?? How did we get here? Today, Dayvid talks with Sean Gonsalves, senior reporter, editor and researcher at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, who explains how Cox and CenturyLink established control here (hint: there’s a state law involved) and why treating the internet like a locally-owned utility could make all the difference. Don’t miss out on tomorrow’s episode, too: We’re talking with a Nevada state official about the big federal money headed our way for broadband investment — and why he doesn’t necessarily think that locally-owned municipal broadband is the answer. What’s your internet like in Southern Nevada? Got any good stories, gripes, or ideas? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. Or leave us a comment on social media @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Hey, did you know that Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada? Yep, the sister “suburb” of Las Vegas, so often overlooked, has more people than Reno — and as proud Henderson resident (and CCLV producer) Layla Muhammad tells Dayvid, it’s actually not so very sleepy anymore. With the recent influx of sports facilities like the Raiders headquarters and the ongoing renovation of all those restaurants, breweries and bars on Water Street, Hendo is HAPPENING. Layla clues us into her favorite hikes, the best shopping, and great places to eat out in H-Town (and maybe, just maybe, we can all stop calling it Hender-tucky).

This week, Vogue, Dayvid and Sonja look at a wild week of news: First up, journalist Jeff German’s murder investigation is back in the news, because his former employer, the Review-Journal, is locked in a battle with the LVMPD over German’s cellphone. So: Is a deceased journalist’s cellphone still protected under Nevada’s shield laws? And what happens now? Next, we cover the wild tale of Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner’s bankruptcy, and the murdered owner of an exotic reptile breeding business that Lehner invested in. And if that wasn’t enough news to make your head spin, it looks like some contaminated cannabis has been making its way around the state… since 2021. But how contaminated is it, exactly? And what should we be worried about? For a list of the affected cannabis products and dispensaries where they were sold, you can download the product list spreadsheet here. Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter for daily news updates at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Did you learn something new today? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

Governor Joe Lombardo gave his first State of the State address on Monday, using the hour to detail a legislative agenda that included election reform, tax cuts, and education funding. Lombardo also took a few jabs at the Democratic legislature on healthcare and criminal justice. With the start of legislative session just around the corner, how will the Dems and our Republican governor get along? April Corbin Girnus, Deputy Editor at The Nevada Current, joins host Vogue Robinson to explain the major takeaways and what the reaction from Dems says about the next four years in Nevada. Curious about Nevada politics? Send us your questions at at 702-514-0719. We’re also on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter for all the major news from the upcoming legislative session.

To no one’s surprise, Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster hit “Elvis” got several Oscar nods yesterday, including nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor. So should you add “Elvis” to your lineup of pre-Academy Awards movie nights? The City Cast Las Vegas team watched the film together last fall — and we’ve got mixed feelings. Today, Vogue, Dayvid and Layla discuss how Las Vegas is represented in the film, Elvis’s complicated legacy for Black musicians, and whether or not Elvis should continue to be our city’s unofficial mascot. Do you think Elvis is still the King of Las Vegas? Let us know on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitterand Instagram. You can also leave your best Austin Butler-as-Elvis impression in our voicemail at 702-514-0719. Want more Vegas news, hot takes, and witty commentary? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Last week, the Artisan Hotel near the Strip made national news when its owners announced their plans to re-invent the venue as a “cannabis-friendly” resort. Why? Well, while weed might be legal in Nevada, Vegas isn’t exactly tourist-friendly when it comes to consumption — there’s a ban on public use, and so far, that includes hotels. With other state-level regulations in place, how likely is the Artisan to succeed? Today, Dayvid talks with Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, whose district the Artisan is located in. Tick is well-known as an advocate for not only legalizing cannabis consumption, but also promoting Las Vegas as a cannabis destination — and he’s probably the only elected official currently serving in the U.S. with a strain of cannabis named after him. Tick talks about his high hopes for the Artisan, and why cannabis tourism projects have faced an uphill battle. Should Las Vegas allow cannabis-friendly resorts? What would you like to see in one? Let us know by leaving us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or commenting on social media: @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. Want more Vegas news, fresh in your inbox at 6 a.m.? Yes, you do — trust us on this one. Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

One of the best badges of being a local is knowing your way around town — like really, really knowing your way around those stupid-crowded intersections (we’re looking at you, Trop & LV Boulevard), crazy parking lots (thanks, Chinatown), and I-15 insanity when the SoCal tourists head home. So today on City Cast Las Vegas, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, producer Layla Muhammad, and co-host Dayvid Figler are sharing some of our very best insider knowledge: The best shortcuts to get you around town like a real local. A shout out to listener Poly Schmitt who suggested this episode topic — thank you, Poly! If you’ve got other episode ideas for us, call or text us at 702-514-0719. You can also hit us up on social media: Follow us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. For more insider tips, hot takes, and fresh commentary, make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

It’s the end of a cold and rainy week here in Las Vegas, so today we’re cozying up to the week’s news with drinks in hand (it’s the end of Booze Week over here at CCLV, after all). Producer Layla Muhammad and co-host Dayvid Figler are joined by Jonah Gibbs, mixologist at Esther's Kitchen downtown — Jonah is whipping up a cocktail for each of our news items today: DTLV’s questionable new marketing campaign, the return of Helldorado Days, and the controversy surrounding Kyle Rittenhouse’s now-cancelled event at a gun convention, ShotShow, at the Venetian. Having trouble keeping up with all the Las Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on social media! Follow us and tell us how much you love or hate the rain @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. (We love voicemails!)

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!