City Cast Las Vegas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegas restaurant icon Lotus of Siam put Thai food in our city on the national map — one food critic called it the “bestThai food in North America,” and chef Saipin Chutima has won a James Beard award (which is basically the Grammys of food). When Lotus announced their third location at Red Rock Casino, opening next week, locals rejoiced. The Thai food love doesn’t stop there: We’ve got incredible Thai food in town, and lots of it. But (and look, we’re not complaining)… why? Today, Vogue sits down with Mark Padoongpatt, Director of Asian and Asian American studies at UNLV, and subject of a recent Taste the Nation episode, to get the deets on how the Cold War brought Thai food to America, when Thai food took off in Vegas, and why one of the most popular menu items — pad Thai — was actually invented by the Thai government in the 1930s. What’s your favorite Thai restaurant in town? On a scale of 1 to 5, what’s your spice level? Let us know in a text or a voicemail (we’re at 702-514-0719), or a tweet @CityCastVegas. For even more tasty Vegas news, you’ll want to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Dooooo it now!

Sure, we tell folks that we’re “from Las Vegas” when we’re traveling… but how many of us are actually from the city itself? The majority of the Valley lives in either one of the adjacent municipalities (like Henderson and North Las Vegas), or in unincorporated Clark County. So how did we get this weird patchwork of townships and jurisdictions, and how did it set up the city and the county for their many tensions today? Why do celebrities get the “Key to the Strip” and not the “Key to the City,” and how were mobsters involved in keeping the Strip (a Vegas icon!) out of the City of Las Vegas? Today, Dayvid chats with UNLV history professor Michael Green about the last century of Las Vegas (and Clark County) history, and how a city-county showdown brought us to this utterly unique arrangement. Do you have a story like Dr. Green’s, about a time you observed a clash between jurisdictions in the Valley? Or had to explain to out-of-towners why you don’t actually live in Las Vegas? Tell us about it! Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719. Don’t forget, you can also find us on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. Want even more Vegas news and whip-smart commentary? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

With Las Vegas’ close proximity to Lake Mead, it is no surprise that the Valley has put some serious thought into addressing the 170 foot bathtub ring that indicates the lake’s decline over the past 20 years. One of the unique steps the Las Vegas Valley Water District and Southern Nevada Water Authority have taken is the use of water investigators — or water cops — to monitor residential water waste around the city. Many of us have probably seen the blue and white patrol car circling our neighborhoods or seen the job parodied on television, but what does a water cop’s day actually look like? Host Dayvid Figler and producer Layla Muhammad hop in the car with outreach and media manager Bronson Mack to see how water cop Cameron Donnarumma does his job. Be sure to check out SNWA’s winter watering schedule, that starts November 1st, at SNWA.com. Have you run into a water cop before? Tell us about your experience by leaving us a message or a text at 702-514-0719 or on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news, events, and happenings, make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Happy Halloween! Las Vegas is a fairly young city, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some (literal) skeletons in our closet, especially on our boulevard of debauchery. Are some of the ghosts of Vegas’ past sticking around to continue the party? Today, host Vogue Robinson talks with Tandi Hornsby, a tour guide from Vegas Ghosts, about the real life stories behind the most haunted properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Where have you seen or felt ghosts in Las Vegas? Tell us your spectral tales by leaving us a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

The weather may be cooling down but the news just keeps coming in hot! In this week’s Friday news roundup, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson tells us how a local pawn shop takes a stand against Kanye West’s anti-semitic remarks, producer Layla Muhammad and host Dayvid Figler explain how Trump supporters are looking for fraud in Nevada’s election process through record requests, and we all debate some fun food news! Do you have strong feelings about the McRib or the cronut? (Or, ya know, election denialism?) Let us know by leaving us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or shoot us a tweet @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our DELIGHT of a morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter. Sign up now, thank us later.

Every year, the Mental Health Institute releases a report on the state of mental health in America. One of the measures looks at the incidence of youth mental illness compared to the availability of quality mental healthcare. And for the last five years, through 2022, Nevada has ranked dead last in youth mental health. Just earlier this month, a U.S. Department of Justice report indicated that Nevada likely broke federal law for putting too many children with behavioral issues into residential care instead of community care (a less intense “middle space” that advocates say is lacking in Nevada). To help us understand why the problem is so bad, Dayvid sits down with Dr. Michelle Paul, a longtime Las Vegan and Executive Director of UNLV’s Practice, a community mental health clinic that just opened a youth-focused satellite clinic last week. They get into the mental health crisis our youth are facing (pre- and post-pandemic), why mental health treatment is increasingly inaccessible, and what policies need to change for it all to get better. What’s your take on the state of mental health care in Nevada? Do you have a story to share? Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719, or find us on the blue bird app @CityCastVegas. Then, do your inbox the biggest favor ever, and make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

On Saturday, high winds brought in roiling dust clouds, grounded hundreds of flights, and forced the organizers of the nostalgia-driven pop-punk festival When We Were Young to cancel their first day. Thousands of forlorn fans wandered the Strip (a few even got tattoos of broken hearts)… until something kinda extraordinary happened. Over the course of a few hours, community members rallied and found spaces for dozens of the cancelled acts to perform, from a barbecue joint to dive bars to downtown casinos. The shows were nearly all free to fans (who’d gotten a full ticket refund), and also brought a windfall to downtown small businesses. Today on the show, Vogue, Dayvid and Layla sit down to talk about what this quick-thinking pivot says about both Las Vegas entertainment culture, and the culture of emo and pop-punk music. Did you get re-routed during WWWY Fest? How did Saturday’s high winds affect your weekend? Let us know by leaving us a text message or voicemail at 702-514-0719, or tweet at us! We’re @CityCastVegas. For even more interesting stuff going on around town, you’re gonna want to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Don’t let your inbox miss out.

The November election is right around the corner and if there is any indication of that, it’s the political ads that find their way onto every screen or into our mailboxes — barely regulated, never-ending, irritating as hell. At the only gubernatorial debate we will see this cycle, the Nevada Independent dedicated a whole section to the misinformation in Sisolak and Lombardo attack ads. And they aren't the only candidates from Nevada who were caught spreading lies, misquotes, or exaggerations. Here to guide us through this wilderness of innuendo and manipulation is Review-Journal politics and government editor Steve Sebelius, who talks to host Vogue Robinson about the worn out tactics used in political ads. And get to a crucial question: What is the actual purpose of the political ad? What’s the best/worst political ad you’ve seen this election cycle? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Just when you thought Nevada was swinging blue, we swung right back into the murky middle. All eyes are on Nevada in this year’s elections, where 75% of our house seats are up for grabs, and we have what might be the most hotly-contested Senate race in the country. So — whence all this purple?? Why do we have so many independent voters, and are we witnessing the demise of the Harry Reid Democratic machine? Today, Dayvid chats it up with Jon Ralston, CEO of the Nevada Independent, and one of our favorite Silver State pundits(hey, he used the P-word first). They get into all of the shifting party power dynamics in Nevada, and why Jon thinks there are no certain wins in this year’s race — but make sure to listen to the end for his “canary in the coal mine,” carnage-for-the-Dems-if-they-lose candidate. Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Do you have questions about the election as November approaches? Call or text us at 702-514-0719. You can also find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas

What did the open hand say to the Nevada State Athletic Commission? SLAP. And then they all unanimously agreed to make it a sport in Nevada! In this week’s news roundup, host Vogue Robinson contemplates auditioning for slap fighting, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson updates us on a new parking garage downtown that brings on some nostalgia for the days of free parking everywhere, and newsletter editor Scott Dickensheets teases some events from the Las Vegas Book Festival happening this Saturday downtown! Go see Scott IRL at The Las Vegas Book Festival at The Historic Fifth Street School this Saturday. He’ll be in the Empowered Tent at 3:30pm talking about the Las Vegas Writes anthologies. More information here. If you haven’t already, sign up to get his morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter! Are you going to audition to be Las Vegas’ next slap fighting champion? Tell us your thoughts at 702-514-0719 or follow us on Twitter @CityCastVegas.

The federal Equal Rights Amendment was a simple thing: An amendment to the Constitution to guarantee equal rights regardless of gender, for both men and women. But the bill languished in 1977 without enough state support... Until Nevada (yes, our very own Silver State) brought it back from the dead and ratified it in 2017 — thanks to NV, the federal ERA is back in play. And then, we took it one step further: A state-level ERA that’s even more expansive than the federal ERA is on the ballot as Question 1 this November. To help us parse out just why Question 1 is so confusing and what voters can expect if it passes, Dayvid sits down with Kate Kelly, an attorney and advocate for the ERA who’s currently campaigning for “Yes on 1” in Las Vegas right now. Kate answers all your ERA questions, like: Will the ERA be the end of girls’ sports? (No.) Will kids be able to buy beer?(Again, no.) And will the ERA protect abortion rights? (A resounding yes.) How are you planning to vote on Question 1? Or what questions do you have about it? Call or text us at 702-514-0719, or shoot us a note on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Don’t forget to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter for even more news, events, and commentary at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter

Chris Giunchigliani, or Chris G. as she’s often known, is a familiar name to Nevadans — from teacher’s union president to Nevada Assemblywoman for 15 years, she then served as a Clark County Commissioner for 12 years. Today, Vogue sits down with Chris G. to look back at some of her pivotal career moves, from voting yes on voting machines and no on the Raiders’ Stadium. We ask how Nevada might be different if she’d won the 2018 gubernatorial primary against Steve Sisolak, and hear what she’s been up to in retirement (hint: she owns multiple chainsaws and her own cement mixer). And we look to the future, to what she hopes for Nevada in next month’s elections and beyond. Do you have thoughts or questions for Chris G.? Leave us a voicemail or give us a call at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas. For even more Vegas news and goings-on-about-town, make sure to sign up for our amazing morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

During his time in Nevada, journalist John M. Glionna has visited pretty much every city, town, township, hamlet, burg, village, and wide spot in the road in this state. In every spot he’s found a compelling story, a very human character — the last sheep farmer, an Indigenous artist, dozens more. He’s gathered the best of those tales in Outback Nevada: Real Stories from the Silver State. In today’s episode, Glionna regales Dayvid with outback anecdotes, and dishes on what the rurals really think of Las Vegas. You can catch John Glionna at the Las Vegas Book Festival this weekend on Oct. 22nd at 11 a.m. in Room 125. What’s on your rural Nevada travel itinerary? Let us know at 702-514-0719. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Yes, Las Vegas has rapidly become a sports town — but could we also become an eSports town, too? Ryan Smith and Lukas Eggen, co-hosts of the RJ’s eSports and gaming podcast LAN Parties, think so. Today, they sit down with Dayvid to talk about how this billion dollar global industry could take hold in our city, how betting and superstars might help, and what it takes to be a professional gamer (spoiler: it’s not just lounging in a comfy chair and eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos). 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.

Aaaand eyebrows UP! We’ve got some head-turning news for you in the roundup this week. Vogue, Dayvid and Sonja are talking about this week’s surprising endorsements… and lack thereof. The Clark County Education Assocation declined to endorse either gubernatorial candidate, while 14 members of Adam Laxalt’s family just endorsed his opponent, Catherine Cortez Masto… without mentioning poor Adam’s name once. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Joe Lombardo for governor, and Sonja’s got thoughts on why. Next, we get into the creation of a new evictions diversion court, and what that could do for renters… and where it still falls short. And, last but not least, we’re talking about the imminent arrival of the world’s first comprehensive punk rock museum, right here in Las Vegas! It’ll be a 12,000 square foot homage to the genre, located downtown, right next to Little Darlings. All in a week’s news in Las Vegas! 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.

It’s a big week for the Vegas cannabis industry. Cannabis consumption lounge applications open tomorrow after 5 years of back and forth in the state legislature. Forty-five dispensaries and 20 individuals will be granted licenses to open lounges in Las Vegas and Unincorporated Clark County. While no alcohol or gaming will be allowed, other business models like movie theaters, bakeries, and music venues are fair game. So, what will these heavily regulated and expensive cannabis consumption lounges look like? And more importantly… what will they smell like? Christopher LaPorte, founder of the cannabis hospitality management company RESET and future operator of THRIVE Dispensary’s lounge, sits down with host Dayvid Figler to discuss how we got here, the potential of this new industry, and what our city and its tourists have to look forward to. What would your dream cannabis lounge look like? Tell us your thoughts or concerns about cannabis lounges in a voicemail at 702-514-0719. You can also let us know on Twitter @CityCastVegas Want more Vegas news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Last week, the Clark County Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve Jim Rhodes’ housing project near Red Rock Canyon — predictably, Vegas Twitter exploded. Building near Red Rock just might be one of our city’s most contentious issues (just ask Rhodes, who’s been locked in a 20 year battle with the County to build here). But — deep breath, everyone — the approved project contains just 429 homes, a fraction of the originally proposed 5,000. And Rhodes still needs approval from the BLM to build a road out there. So today on City Cast Las Vegas, we’ve got the whole backstory on this housing development: we’re bringing you an interview we did with environment reporter Daniel Rothberg back in August. Daniel detailed the decades-long saga of the battle to build at Red Rock in an investigative piece for the Nevada Independent (it’s reeeally juicy, go read it now). We also get into roads — the ones you drive on, not the developer! — and why they’re trouble for wildlife. How do you feel about development at Red Rock? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719 or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas. For more Vegas news and goings-on-about-town, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter!

Look, we’ve got some great galleries and small art museums here in town — we’re not denying that. But when it comes to the massive, three-story, famous-permanent-collection kinda museums that other cities have… where’s ours?? Even Reno has one. We were actually supposed to get one, until the pandemic put a halt to it. In 2020, the Nevada Museum of Art, which runs programs throughout the Silver State, actually gave back $4 million of state funding that was earmarked for a Las Vegas branch. Today, Vogue talks with Carmen Beals, associate curator and outreach director with the Nevada Museum of Art, about why the project was put on hold, and if we might, juuuust might, get an art museum of our own someday. Where do you think we should put an art museum in Las Vegas? Leave us a voicemail at 702-514-0719, or hit us up on Twitter @CityCastVegas For even more Vegas news, events and general shenanigans, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm/newsletter