City Cast Las Vegas

Today, we're bringing you a special guest episode from The Nevada Independent's podcast IndyMatters. (If you're not already listening to their show, do yourself a favor and go subscribe right now!) IndyMatters host and producer Joey Lovato joins our host, Dayvid Figler, to introduce the three segments he's sharing with us today: Indy reporter Carmen Landinger explores why East Las Vegas is disproportionately affected by poor air quality and what’s being done to combat that problem Reporter and co-host Jacob Solis talks with a Nevada State College professor, Jo Meuris, about her animated short she showed at Comic-Con, and a dream of hers realized Joey Lovato dives into the world of the Bristlecone Pine, one of the oldest living trees on the planet. He talks to experts James Woolsey and Gretchen Baker about what makes the trees unique, what we can learn from them and what threats they face. This segment was co-produced with Indy environment reporter Daniel Rothberg. Thoughts, ideas, questions? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. Or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news, events, and witty observations? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Clark County sentences more people to death than almost any other county in the nation — we come in fourth (fourth!)out of thousands. But as it turns out, we very rarely actually execute prisoners on death row. So why is that? Kim Foster, writer and friend of the pod, brought us this question when she saw the recent news about an 18 year old and a 20 year old facing the death penalty — would our county really put these young people to death? And if not, why seek the death penalty at all? Kim and lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson talk with host Dayvid Figler (a longtime criminal defense attorney) about how the death penalty is used in the Clark County courts, why it’s so easy to deploy here, and what justice might look like. Come for the knowledge, stay for the Baretta and Princess Bride references. Find Dayvid and Kim on Twitter at @OyVegas and @KimFosterNYC. We’re on Twitter too @CityCastVegas! Stay up to date with the latest Vegas news, hot takes, and events by signing up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! If you want to join the discussion, call or text us at 702-514-0719.

On this week’s Friday news round up, the team laments over some of our small city’s big problems. Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson wonders how the demographics of our city could change, after reading a UNLV study that says Las Vegas’ population will grow by over 1 million people by 2060. Host Dayvid Figler expresses concern over the lack of mental health professionals in our schools. Meanwhile, Producer Layla Muhammad shares her philosophy about parking in Las Vegas as a local after the city generously tosses us a few crumbs with new free lunchtime parking in the Arts District. Plus, our picks for who should be on Las Vegas’ Mt. Rushmore! Who would you put on your Las Vegas Mt. Rushmore? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 with your ridiculous, sleeper, and/or must-have picks! You can also complain about paid parking with us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Make sure to also sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Food writer Johnathan Wright has had his eye on Las Vegas for a long time — so when longtime Review-Journal food writer Heidi Knapp Rinella retired earlier this year, he jumped at the opportunity. Host Vogue Robinson sits down with Johnathan to chat about his first impressions of the Vegas food scene, his favorite martini in town (so far), and why he can’t find a good slice of pizza here (yet). We dig into meatier topics, too: Why do so many Americans assume that Chinese, Thai and Mexican food has to be cheap? And can you really separate the art from the artist when it comes to restaurants and troubling chefs at their helm? If you know where Johnathan can find a good New York slice in town, give us the deets! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. We’re on Twitter, too! @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news, events, and spicy-hot takes? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

On Monday evening, human remains were found at Lake Mead’s Swim Beach. This is the fifth body found by visitors since May and the second at Swim Beach. 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, host Vogue Robinson chats with Geoff Schumacher, Vice President of Exhibits and Programs for The Mob Museum. 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!

You’ve probably driven past this swirly, swooped steel structure on Bonneville across from the outlet mall. It’s also all over social media every summer: “Hey, Vegas is so hot, this building melted!” You might even know that it’s officially titled the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health — but as it turns out, none of the theories we’ve heard about its origins (modeled after a brain, fashioned after sand dunes, and certainly not actually melted) are true. Here to share the true story behind the building is Director Dr. Dylan Wint, who’s been with the Center since it opened in 2010. As it turns out, famed architect Frank Gehry didn’t want to build anything in Las Vegas — but something changed his mind. Host Vogue Robinson and Dr. Wint talk about the origins of the building, the research and care that happens inside, and why Las Vegas so desperately needed the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Have you been to the Lou Ruvo Center? Do you have a “what’s that building” episode idea? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719, or email us as [email protected]. You can always shoot us a note on Twitter, too: @CityCastVegas For even more Vegas news, events and fun times, sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

The pews were filled with the who’s who of the Las Vegas legal world last Thursday, from politicians to police officers, criminal defense attorneys, and more — all for a “tiny, fierce” woman named Bonnie Polley, who was Clark County Detention Center’s first chaplain. In this remembrance from host Dayvid Figler (himself a criminal defense attorney who knew Pastor Bonnie for many years), he describes her impact in the community and how her unique role enabled her to humanize people on all sides of the aisle in an all-too-often dehumanizing system. Did you know Pastor Bonnie Polley, or have stories from those impacted by her advocacy work? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or send us a tweet @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news, events, and commentary, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Oh hello, Friday friends — if you’re here for hot takes and cool dad jokes, you’re in the right place. In this Friday roundup of the news, Layla, Scott and Sonja discuss the pros (smell of desert rain, Lake Mead gains 3 inches) and cons(uh, majorly destructive flood damage) of monsoon season and the wreckage in Death Valley. (Do we hate to love it? Love to hate it? Who can say.) Next up, the first week of school is coming to a close, and the students in our families fill us in on the general vibe. Word on the street is that some classrooms are so crowded, some students are sitting on the floors. Whoa. We also discuss an investigation from the R-J about an affordable housing program that’s coming to a sudden end… just as rents are peaking in the Valley. (Didn’t Nevada just get $500 million to create and preserve affordable housing? AHEM.) Last but not least, we name our Vegas residency dream tickets. Stay tuned to hear about the heavy metal band we’re forming, called Petrichor, after the smell of desert rain. *insert melodic screaming here* Do you have a hot take on our hot takes? A dad joke to usurp our dad jokes? Send ‘em our way on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. (We might even play the best ones on the pod!) If you like what you hear, you can get even more Vegas news (and even more Scott!) in our morning newsletter: Sign up 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. In February, Representative Dina Titus introduced a bill to designate Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument that would protect the area for cultural and recreational purposes. There hasn't been any legislative action on the bill since it was filed, so advocates are looking to President Biden to sign a presidential decree to protect the lands. 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 tweet at us @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

When it comes to local mottos, we've got a few: #VegasStrong, "What happens here, stays here," and "it's a dry heat." Over the last couple decades, some locals have added "Save Red Rock" to their list. That's because the legal fights over where, how, and whether to develop near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area have become long-term, entrenched battles. The Nevada Independent's environment reporter Daniel Rothberg recently wrote an in-depth investigative piece detailing the latest twists and turns in developer Jim Rhodes' lawsuit against the county, which he claims has stalled his plans to construct a high-density residential development abutting the park. Daniel joins us today to help us put this lawsuit (and development around Red Rock, broadly) into context: What makes a project like Rhodes' different from, say, the construction at Bonnie Springs? Why should we care about the impact of a road through the desert? And who gets to make decisions about the lands bordering our national conservation areas?

Contributor Michael Lyle, a reporter at the Nevada Current, joins us today to talk about the results of the Valley’s latest homeless census — we’re seeing the largest uptick in homelessness since 2019. That’s not surprising, Michael explains, since we’re also in the midst of soaring rents (which, despite some reports of cooling, is still nearly 25% more expensive than it was in 2019). In fact, Michael points to research showing that a $100 increase in median rent is associated with a 9% increase in homelessness. So what’s a Valley to do about it, and is relief on the way any time soon? Read Michael Lyle's full report on nevadacurrent.com. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our amazingly witty morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas Have you been negatively impacted by an increase in rent? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719.

The pandemic floodgates have opened, and gambling is hot hot HOT once again. Southern Nevada is raking in months upon months of record-breaking gambling revenue. Reid International Airport saw its busiest month ever in June. And gambling influencers are apparently a thing now — the Plaza debuted an influencer-themed slot machine last month, making a play for the screen-addicted millennial generation. But with the highs come the lows, and host Dayvid Figler knows a thing or two about the low-lows that come with problem gambling: He helped create a diversion court to keep those suffering from gambling addiction out of prison and get them into treatment. So how do you figure out if you, or your friend, or your Uncle Benny, has a gambling problem? And what can families, casinos, and our government do about it? For more resources on problem gambling, visit the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, or call their confidential 24-hour hotline at 1-800-522-4700. You can also start the conversation with yourself: Take the 20-question problem gambling questionnaire here. Do you have thoughts, questions, or ideas for us? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. You can go find us on the ol’ bird app too — tweet at us: @CityCastVegas And last but never least, get more Vegas news, events, mutterings and musings in our daily morning newsletter. Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Today, hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler, along with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson, indulge in the cleansing fires of RAAAAGE: Cuz there’s so much rage-inducing news this week! First up, we talk about the new 50-foot showgirl signs planned for the entrance to the Arts District (spoiler: Dayvid compares them to “clip art”). Then it’s on to the Clark County Commission’s recent unanimous vote to expand an “order out” ordinance on the Strip: Now anyone with convicted of any crime can be ordered out of the area, and could face a misdemeanor arrest for violating the rule. Oh, and don’t forget RAGE item three: The results of a recent House committee investigation were released last week, and Siegel Suites (the subject of our episode on Pinkbox Doughnuts) were found to use egregiously underhanded tactics to evict tenants before, during, and after the moratorium on evictions — even those whose rental relief applications were underway. Don’t worry, we end on a sweet note: Bacon milkshakes, puppies, and art gallery openings. Come along for the emotional rollercoaster! What’s got your goat in this week of news? Do you actually love the showgirls and are we off the mark? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. Or send us a tweet @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news, events, and less rage + more snark (we promise), make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

As rising rents push artists out of the Arts District, could the newly-revitalized New Orleans square be the answer? New Orleans Square is a two-story complex in the historic Commercial Center — once a hub for business, dining, and nightlife in the 60s and 70s. It has since gained a reputation (whether fair or not) as a dangerous hotspot for illicit activities. But business owners are working to rebrand the Commercial Center: Ron and Judy McMenemy bought New Orlean Square in the 2000s and curated it to create a center of arts and culture. Since their passing in the last few years, their children took over the building and have recently listed it for sale. Host Vogue Robinson visits gallerist Nancy Good at Core Contemporary Art Gallery inside New Orleans Square. They talk about how Nancy is continuing Ron’s work to make New Orleans Square a desirable place for artists, and why Las Vegas shouldn’t be afraid of the area. Have you been to New Orleans Square? Let us know what you think of the area by leaving us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. Or tweet at us! Follow us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news, get our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Tony Hsieh has long been painted as a tortured visionary — most recently in the posthumous biography by two Wall Street Journal reporters dramatically titled “Happy at Any Cost: The Revolutionary Vision and Fatal Quest of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh.” But longtime Las Vegas locals have observed the last decade of transformations along Fremont East (funded by Tony’s company Downtown Project) with mixed emotions. Lifelong resident and writer Nicholas Russell recently penned an essay in the Baffler about the problem with mythologizing Tony Hsieh — he and host Dayvid Figler bust some Downtown Project myths, examine Tony’s legacy downtown, and break down just why it was so easy for Tony Hsieh to set up shop in Las Vegas. How do you feel about downtown Las Vegas? Leave us a message or shoot us a text at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news? Get our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter

Even before the pandemic, Nevada had the second-largest nursing deficit in the country, and the pandemic has only worsened nurse burnout and retention. According to a 2022 report, nurses are leaving their jobs at “a dramatically higher rate” — Nevada needs to hire 4,000 nurses just to meet the national average. Nursing schools are responding: In 2019, the UNLV School of Nursing launched a summer Nurse Camp to help high school students “develop realistic expectations about nursing school and working as a registered nurse” through hands-on activities, simulations, and lectures. Producer Layla Muhammad takes us through the camp as she talks to UNLV alumni and organizer Jennifer Pfannes about the camp, their goals, and how they hope the program can mitigate Nevada’s nursing shortage. Plus, hear from two high school students about their experiences at Nurse Camp. 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 Are you a local nurse working during this shortage? Share your story with us at 702-514-0719.

Nevada’s ballot initiative process can be confusing. The deadline for gathering signatures for measures proposing to amend the state Constitution passed in June, with another deadline approaching in the fall for measures to amend the law. After the signatures are verified by election officials, they make it on to our ballots. Some measure get caught up in court while others breeze through the process. Producer Layla Muhammad talks with Host Dayvid Figler about what we’ll see on our ballots this November, where the process goes right, and where it goes terribly wrong. We’ve got the wittiest newsletter in Vegas. Make sure to sign up for all the musings at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We also tweet! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Do you have questions about what’s going to be on the ballot this November? Give us a call at 702-514-0719.

Producer Layla Muhammad hosts newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets and host Dayvid Figler in a spirited conversation for this week’s Friday news roundup! The team discusses why residents may or may not care about the demolition of three casinos that cater to locals, and Dayvid’s idea on how the city could repurpose these properties. Also, the hits and (many) misses in The Vice Guide to Travel Las Vegas and what we would do with the billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot money ... even though we have to drive to the state line to buy lottery tickets. 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.

We call Vegas “Sin City,” and we have the strippers, cocktail waitresses, escorts, Little Darlings billboards, and The Love Store to prove it. Sex is a part of everyday life in Las Vegas. But there’s more to this conversation… and most of us aren’t comfortable talking about it. Is Sin City… Sex Positive? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, host Vogue Robinson talks with Rebecca Bosetti, assistant professor at the UNLV School of Social Work, about her new course, “Sexual Behavior & Society: The Good, the Bad, and the Controversial,” and why Las Vegas needs more sex-positive social workers. Every morning, Scott Dickensheets serves up a fantastic newsletter filled with news items, events, and other things you should know about our city. Sign up here: lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Stay up-to-the minute with us on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719 with your Vegas hot take!

The Las Vegas Valley has a speeding problem: 2021 was the worst year for traffic fatalities in over a decade (2022 is on track to beat that), and speeding is the cause of a third of fatal crashes. The Review-Journal recently published an investigative piece that looked at 95,000 speeding tickets from one of our biggest municipal courts, and found that 80% of them were reduced to parking violations. That means no traffic school and — crucially — no record of repeat dangerous drivers. But is ratcheting up the consequences in a criminalized system the answer? What solutions are on the table? Host Vogue Robinson talks with Michael Scott Davidson, the investigative reporter behind this piece, about his findings and what the experts are saying. Stay even more connected to your city with news roundups, whip-smart commentary, and fun events in our morning newsletter! Sign up at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Thoughts, feelings? Did we miss the mark, or hit the bullseye? Tweet us! We’re @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

As rents rise all over the valley, some business owners in the Arts District got hit with 200-400 percent rent increases, making life more difficult for everyone — but especially cultural businesses. Priscilla Fowler has owned her eponymous fine art gallery in the area since 2016, moving three times within the Arts District, most recently this year after her rent was doubled. Downside: In her current location, away from Main Street, foot traffic has declined. Host Vogue Robinson talks to Fowler about her experience, how things have changed, and what we can do to keep the arts in the Arts District.

KSNV News 3 sports anchor Bryan Salmond calls Las Vegas the sports and entertainment capital of the world. With another successful NBA Summer League in the books and the WNBA’s success with the Aces here in the valley, could it finally be time for an NBA team in Las Vegas? Lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and Bryan discuss what the prospects are for our basketball city and why LeBron James just might be the one to bring a team here. Want to stay updated on the latest Vegas news and events? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We also tweet! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Are you a Las Vegas baller? Let us know your thoughts by calling or texting us at 702-514-0719.

Our Roving Producer Lizzie Goldsmith is from Denver and has never been to Vegas! Host Vogue Robinson and Lead Producer Sonja Cho Swanson plan out Lizzie’s perfect Vegas itinerary including bars, views, food, outdoor activities, and(reluctantly) what to do on The Strip. The millennials also explain why Bennifer’s Vegas wedding brought on the nostalgia and some very Vegas news items. Want to be a better Las Vegan? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Got some good news for a Friday round up? Give us a call or send us a text at 702-514-0719.

When’s the last time you exited Spring Mountain Rd. and visited Las Vegas’ Chinatown? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson chats it up with Lorraine Blanco Moss. She’s the host of Nevada Public Radio’s Exit Spring Mountain, a podcast that takes its name from the east-west artery that runs through the heart of town. The show — which launches their second season on July 27th! — focuses on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the fastest growing ethnic group in Nevada. Sonja and Lorraine talk about why representation is so important, and how sharing stories by and for the AAPI community builds empathy, especially in the wake of rising anti-Asian violence. Want to dive deeper into Vegas news and happenings? Then head on over to our website and make sure you’re signed up for our morning newsletter! lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter We’re also keeping it real on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas Have a Vegas hot take to share? Leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719.

It’s been a long hard summer for many reasons. Ways to find relief are more important than ever, but where do you go in a city that’s known to be shallow and culture-less? Host and former Clark County Poet Laureate Vogue Robinson sits down with Producer Layla Muhammad to set the record straight about the culture surrounding Vegas’ thriving poetry scene. Vogue gives you everything you need to know on how to engage with the poetry community in Las Vegas and why it’s important for the city to support. Check out Wednesday’s newsletter for a list of recurring poetry open mics, slams, and jams happening in town. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! You can also find us posting about the latest Vegas happenings on Twitter at @CityCastVegas. Do you think Vegas has culture? Drop us a line or send us a text at 702-514-0719.

How worried should Nevadans be about the BA.4 and BA.5 variants? Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the sixth wave is making its way across the globe. Nevada’s weekly updates show an increase in hospitalizations despite the decrease in reported cases week to week. In her conversation with host Vogue Robinson, The Nevada Independent’s Tabitha Mueller shares her reporting on the disparities in the numbers, vaccination rates, and wastewater monitoring. Visit The Nevada Independent COVID data page here. Looking for more Vegas news and events? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! You can also find us on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Have you seen something in Vegas that needs to be discussed? Call or text us at 702-514-0719.

Mary Blankenship is a researcher at Brookings Mountain West at UNLV who studies internet misinformation — and her most recent study suggests that sentiments on gun reform across the political aisle are converging. The study looked at millions of tweets and examined users’ emotions and reactions to mass shootings in the United States dating back to 2017 to the 1 October shooting in Las Vegas. As the conversation around gun reform changes, Blankenship and her co-author, Carol Graham, hope “this analysis can provide an opening toward a solution where one did not seem to exist before.” 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 at @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

It’s Friday (can we get a FriYAY?) which means it’s time for a news roundup! Sonja, Scott and Layla sit down to talk about our relatively quiet week in the news. First up, neighbors in Centennial Hills are divided over a proposed low-income housing development up at Rome & Decatur Blvd. Sonja brings up this research from NYU, which suggests property values can sometimes go up when low-income housing comes in. We talk about the tiny homes for the unhoused that New Leaf Community built—before they were razed by the city of North Las Vegas. Here’s the city-led tiny homes project in Sacramento that Layla mentions. And last but not least, the county is asking for community input on a permanent 1 October memorial — we weigh in. Here’s an interactive site with photos and videos of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, from which Scott suggests we might take some inspiration. 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 at @CityCastVegas Got a super hot Las Vegas take? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 to join us for a Friday news roundup.

Local wrestling champion Anthony “Da Shade” Shade says being raised in the Fight Capital of the World helped him make his way into wrestling. Not only is Vegas the best place to combine the sport with the entertainment, but the local independent scene is LGBTQ+ inclusive. Da Shade joins us to explain why Vegas is the place for big money matches, how the pro side of wrestling could be more inclusive, and more with host Vogue Robinson. You can catch Da Shade in action on Saturday, July 23 at Versus Pro and Friday, August 12 at PrideStyle's "Slowdeath". Both matches at Versus Pro Studios inside the Boulevard Mall. Check out their Twitters at @VersusProStudio and @PrideStylePro for more information. Looking for more interesting Vegas tidbits? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re on Twitter too! Follow us at @CityCastVegas Are you a local independent wrestling fan? Tell us about it at 702-514-0719!

You may have noticed a few changes around town: Slowly but surely, patches of grass in medians, under street signs, and in between buildings are being replaced with desert landscaping. That’s thanks to a bill, AB356, that was passed last year in response to our ever-worsening drought — landscaping is the Valley’s biggest water guzzler. AB356 cuts back “nonfunctional turf” on business properties, like your local McDonald’s and perhaps your very own HOA. Today, JC Davis from the Southern Nevada Water Authority breaks down what exactly AB356 mandates, what “nonfunctional turf” means, and why it’s so important right now. Got thoughts on our water use or grassy medians? Hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. And for even more Vegas news, events, and goings-on about town, make sure to sign up for our excellent morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

The pandemic created a lot of new dog owners and a lot of new outdoors enthusiasts — resulting in more newbie dog hikers on our local trails. Today, we sit down with Kimberly Lewis and Paula Jacoby-Garrett, co-authors of “Best Hikes with Dogs: Las Vegas & Beyond.” Kimberly and Paula tell us how to be responsible hikers with dogs, from picking up their poop (yep, it’s a problem) to keeping them protected from the sun and heat (dogs can get skin cancer, too!). They also share their favorite cool and shady dog-friendly trails in the Valley. Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter and you’ll get roundups of the latest news, whip-smart commentary, and links to upcoming events around town. Do you have strong feelings about dogs on trails? Let us know! Tweet at us @CityCastVegas or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719.

If you follow sports news, you probably know that the Las Vegas Raiders have had a bumpy few years: The city of Oakland is suing them for leaving, they’ve faced lawsuits and allegations of a boys club culture, their head coach resigned after his racist & homophobic emails were released, a star rookie had a horrible car crash that killed a woman… believe it or not, the list goes on. But last Thursday, the team announced their new president: Sandra Douglass Morgan, an attorney and former chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and the NFL’s first Black woman president. Could this signal a new beginning for the team? Today, host Vogue Robinson sits down with Vegas Nation host and award-winning Review-Journal videographer Heidi Fang to talk about what the Raiders have been through, how they’ve displayed resilience on and off the field, and why more Las Vegans should get behind our new football team. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re also on the bird app! Tweet at us @CityCastVegas Don’t forget that you can leave us a voicemail or text us at 702-514-0719

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for a news roundup! Every Friday, members of the team sit down to talk about what’s going on in Las Vegas news. Today, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with producer Layla Muhammad and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets. At the top of the ticket is the recent spate of violence at the Fremont Street Experience, and the curfews the city is talking about enacting for those under age 21. How can we keep Fremont safe — and also keep it weird? Next up, Layla, Scott, and Sonja share their Las Vegas origin stories (only one of us was born here — can you guess who?). And we wrap things up with some feel-good news, including a friend of Layla’s, Vegas boxer Hasim Rahman Jr., who is headed to Madison Square Garden next month to face Jake Paul. We’re rooting for the home team!!! 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 at @CityCastVegas Want to join us for a Friday news roundup? Call or text us at 702-514-0719 with some topics!

Cheers, Las Vegas! John Oliver praised the city for being a model for water conservation in the Colorado River Basin while pointing out that our friends in Utah aren’t doing so well. City Cast Salt Lake Host Ali Vallarta sits down with our Lead Producer Sonja Cho Swanson to compare notes on their cities’ water usage. Thirsty for more Las Vegas news? Quench your thirst with our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We are also on socials! Come say hi to @CityCastVegas Drop us a line or send us a text at 702-514-0719.

Throughout the month of June, the Neon Museum hosted a series of Pride Gallery talks, tying iconic neon signs (like the Silver Slipper and the Riviera signs) to important moments in Las Vegas LGBTQIA+ history. For example: Did you know that the “Red Barn” sign advertised one of the Valley’s first openly gay bars in the 1970s? Or that the Silver Slipper was a casino with a “boylesque” female impersonators show? Today on the show, producer Layla Muhammad interviews Emily Daura, Tour Development Coordinator at the Neon Museum, about how the Pride gallery talks were developed, how they’ll carry forward beyond June, and what other new programming the museum has planned. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! We’re on the bird app, too — follow us on Twitter @CityCastVegas, or leave us a voicemail or text at 702-514-0719.

The pandemic accelerated a lot of new technologies (like Zoom meetings and online shopping), and the gaming industry was certainly not left behind. Poker players are using A.I. to optimize their game. The newly-opened casino Resorts World is the first casino in town to offer cashless wagering at slots and table games. And can we talk about all those new, immersive slots showing up everywhere? Today, Dayvid talks with Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Director of Research at the UNLV International Gaming Institute, about the blurring lines between “gambling” and “gaming,” the consequences of high-tech gambling getting too fun, and if technology could actually be part of the solution. For more news, events, and snarky commentary, sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Do you have thoughts, feelings, questions about this episode? Want to share an idea with us? Tweet us @CityCastVegas You can also leave us a text or a voicemail at 702-514-0719.

Nevada is one of just a handful of states with a “citizen legislature” — our lawmakers convene every other year, get paid a nominal fee, and have day jobs. A recent lawsuit claims that at least some of those legislators violate our state constitution: Government employees aren’t supposed to be legislators. But, as host Dayvid Figler points out, lawmakers with any sort of day job inevitably have conflicts of interest. And because they’re biennial part-timers, guess who ends up wielding a lot of influence? Lobbyists! Dayvid has some big feels about all of this, so lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson chats him up about why the framers of the state constitution created a citizen legislature … and why it might not be such a good idea anymore. 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 at @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

As Pride Month comes to a close and midterm elections loom over us, Nevada Current reporter Michael Lyle shares his findings on how anti-LGBTQ bills and rhetoric from politicians, both locally and nationally, are affecting the queer community. With over 300 proposed bills nationwide to limit the rights of LGBTQ community members this year and local candidates adopting hateful language, the current atmosphere is creating a what Michael calls “chilling effect." It's not all doom and gloom, though: Listen through to the end to hear what has brought Michael joy and pride this Pride month. 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 at @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

Food writer Kim Foster loves a good donut — but you won’t ever find her at Pinkbox Doughnuts, a booming chain here in the Valley. That’s because Pinkbox is owned by the Siegel Group, a Vegas-based corporation that manages dozens of weekly stay apartments across several states. The Siegel Group is currently being investigated by a House panel regarding its eviction practices during the pandemic. And, as Kim explains, far from being the solution to our housing crisis, weeklies can drive people into even more instability. Want some more Vegas news, events, and insider hot takes? Then be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter! Got a piping hot take on Pinkbox Doughnuts or weeklies? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or tweet at us @CityCastVegas!

The Nevada primary election ended last Tuesday and the road to the general election has begun. Some races turned out as expected, while others were a little surprising. Assistant editor and political reporter from the Nevada Independent Michelle Rindels joins Dayvid to discuss how some of these results could give us insights into November’s election, and what it says about the broader political climate in Nevada. Be sure to also check out today’s episode of IndyMatters for more takeaways from the NV primary! Looking to stay up-to-date this election cycle? Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter for major election news and some much more. You can also keep up with us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas or call/text us at 702-514-0719!

Juneteenth, the day Union soldiers took over in Galveston, TX and delivered the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to the last enslaved people on June 19, 1865, is being honored as a federal holiday for the second year since President Biden signed it into law in 2021. Since many people did not learn about the Juneteenth in school, our hosts Vogue and Dayvid offer some historical context and where Nevada stood at the time. Vogue then talks to Dre Whitfield of Juneteenth365 about their work, celebrations in Las Vegas, how the community can continue offering support to Black businesses 365 days a year. You can find more about the work Juneteenth365 does year-round and events this weekend on Instagram at @officialJuneteenth365. Need more news from a trusty neighbor? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Your neighbors are also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastVegas You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

Las Vegas is the fastest-warming city in the U.S. — and that's only made worse by the urban heat island effect, caused by dense concentrations of heat-trapping concrete, asphalt, glass, and steel. (Read more about Southern Nevada's extreme heat vulnerability on this site from RTC: Southern Nevada Strong.) The effect isn't evenly distributed: Our neighbors in the center and Eastside of the city see even higher temperatures from older infrastructure and more blacktop. This April, the City of Las Vegas announced a plan to plant 60,000 trees by 2025 to combat the city's extreme heat. In today's episode, the state’s only female Master Arborist and founder of the non-profit Nevada Plants, Lisa Ortega, joins us to discuss why trees are the answer to our heat problems, how this disproportionally affects communities of color, and why we might just be able to dub her the Lorax of Las Vegas.

Three Square’s Restaurant Week is here! For its 15th year, about 200 restaurants have joined Southern Nevada’s only food bank to work towards their goal of a hunger-free community. In Nevada, 1 in 8 residents, and 1 in 6 children, struggle with food insecurity. The pandemic exacerbated this issue, putting the state among the most food-insecure in the nation. Kate Hibbard Gaines, Director of Development at Three Square, joins us to talk about Restaurant Week (June 6 - 17), how they support food-insecure residents, and what’s on the menu that she is looking forward to. You can visit www.restaurantweeklv.org for more information about participating restaurants and www.threesquare.org for how to support their fight against food insecurity in Southern Nevada. And be sure to share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #LVRW! Hungry for more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Follow us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas What are you looking forward to trying during Restaurant Week? Call or text us at 702-514-0719.

The nationwide formula shortage hit Las Vegas hard: According to the Nevada Independent, we were the number one metro area with a formula deficiency in May. And while production was brought back online this weekend, supplies are expected to remain tight until at least June 20th. Nearly four-fifths of Nevada’s babies rely on formula — why the high demand? UNLV Public Health Professor Gabriela Buccini, who studies maternal health and infant nutrition, chats with lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson about what’s missing in the formula shortage conversation today. We hear about formula marketing strategies, America‘s woefully inadequate maternity leave, and why bodybuilders have created a black market for human breast milk. Do you have opinions on breastfeeding, the formula shortage, or how babies get fed? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text! We’re at 702-514-0719. Or tweet at us! Follow us @CityCastVegas And for even more Vegas news, events, and observations, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter

It’s true, the news is out: We have a brand new host joining the team. Please join us in welcoming Vogue Robinson to City Cast Las Vegas! Many of you already know Vogue from her work as a poet, author, mentor, and teaching artist in Las Vegas — but if you don’t, we’re so excited for you to get to know and love her as much as we do. On today’s show, our producers queued up some very-Vegas questions for Dayvid and Vogue to draw from a (metaphorical) hat: Where to find the best ice cream in town, parking strategies when it’s 120F outside, and what Vegas stereotypes are actually (yes!) true. Be sure to head over to Twitter to follow Vogue @Vogue_316 and join us in welcoming her to the team (we’re at @CityCastVegas). If you have questions or a welcome message for Vogue, you can send us a text or leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719. And last but not least, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Nevada's Secretary of State election isn’t one that typically makes too many headlines—after all, how many of us know what exactly that job entails? But, as the Review-Journal Politics and Government Editor Steve Sebelius reminds us, when it comes to elections integrity, the Secretary of State matters a whole lot: They preside over the state Electoral College, and ensure that the will of the people is carried out during elections. Today, Dayvid and Steve talk about outgoing Secretary Barbara Cegavske’s strikingly nonpartisan tenure, where the candidates lie on the Big Lie spectrum, and why Steve thinks the Secretary of State race is Nevada’s single most important race of 2022—and how democracy itself might be at stake.

Today, we have a special guest episode with Graham MacLennon, host of the podcast Cheftimony. Graham is a lawyer-turned-chef-turned-lawyer once again who brings his inquisitive eye to the food world—and quite often, the Las Vegas food world. Graham is one of those special Las Vegas regulars who not only takes frequent trips here, but has also taken the time to immerse himself in life off the Strip and learn how locals see the food scene here. In this guest episode, Graham shares two excerpts: One from an interview with Josh Crain, Executive Chef of Bouchon Bistro at The Venetian, and another with Laura Tucker, food enthusiast, craft beer lover, and Nevada Senior Deputy Attorney General. You can learn more about Cheftimony and hear more of their excellent episodes at www.cheftimony.com. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter @cheftimony and Instagram @cheftimony.

Last week, ProPublica co-published a stunning investigative piece with The Nevada Independent detailing how a politically-connected COVID testing company called Northshore scored contracts across the state — but, as later investigations revealed, Northshore’s PCR tests were wildly inaccurate (in one instance, they had a 96% false negative rate), sending sick people back out into the community. Today, Dayvid talks with Anjeanette Damon, the journalist who wrote the piece, about what this investigation tells us about Nevada’s pandemic response, our faith in public health officials, and the potential political fallout from the revelations. Get even more Vegas news (and events and more!) in our newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter Are you on Twitter? We are too! Follow us @CityCastVegas And we love your texts and voicemails — send those our way at 702-514-0719.

Last Thursday, Dapper Companies announced two winners for The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, Dinette Luncheonette and Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner. The latter of the two will receive a fully built out restaurant with goods and services estimated to be over $950,000 at the historic Huntridge Shopping Center. Winnie & Ethel’s will be a part of the Dapper Companies’ plan to reopen the shopping center and neighboring Huntridge Theater, which have been fixtures in Downtown Las Vegas for over half a century. Like many historic sites that fall into disrepair, the significance can get lost with time, so on today’s episode, our host and Downtown Las Vegas resident Dayvid Figler explains to our producer Layla Muhammad why the Huntridge neighborhood is considered historic. Then, we talk to the owners of Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner, Mallory Gott and Aaron Lee, about their new spot and what they hope to add to the community. Longing for that back-fence neighbor? Sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Keep up with us on Twitter at @CityCastVegas. Is there something coming to Vegas that excites you? Leave us a voicemail or text us 702-514-0719.

Despite being legal in our state for medical and recreational use since 2016, the Nevada Board of Pharmacy has marijuana classified as a Schedule I substance, the strictest classification for drugs with "no currently accepted medical use," up there with methamphetamine and heroin. So last month, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLUNV) filed a lawsuit against the state to have marijuana removed from the list of Schedule I drugs. ACLUNV Executive Director Athar Haseebullah explains how Nevadans are still being impacted by the possession of marijuana because of this “loophole” that disproportionately affects communities of color and what they hope to achieve starting with their first major hearing on Monday.