City Cast Las Vegas

Henderson's police chief just rejected ICE's request to expand its presence in Southern Nevada, but will that squash ICE's attempts at gaining a larger footprint in the valley? A listener fired up about the CCSD school board inspired us to break down what the board actually does, what decisions it has made this year, and what's at stake with three seats up for reelection. Plus, in our Weekend Lookahead, we share where to catch a great ballet show, a spot in the Arts District perfect for meeting new people, and our love for First Friday. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current Deputy Editor April Corbin Girnus and NPR Mountain West News Bureau regional reporter Yvette Fernandez. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, October 1st episode: Opportunity Village SNWA Watering Restrictions Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Photo credit: Public Domain

Spooky season is here! So where are the best places around town to get in on the Halloween Spirit and enjoy all that fall has to offer in Vegas? From haunted houses, to horror movie marathons, and a Filipino food festival, we've got you covered. Host Jesse Merrick, Nevada Current Reporter Michael “MJ” Lyle, and "Keep It Local" writer Melinda Sheckells dish on all the things you need to do, buy, eat and see in Las Vegas this October. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 30th episode: Opportunity Village SNWA Watering Restrictions Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

CCSD was staring down $51 million in budget cuts, but Gov. Joe Lombardo just approved emergency funding to give school districts temporary relief. What's the long-term fix for CCSD, though? We also dive into the pros and cons of Las Vegas' potential NBA team calling T-Mobile Arena home compared to some other proposed sites on the north end of the Strip. Then we dish on our latest Las Vegas obsessions, including one of the vibiest coffee shops in the valley, the best movie theaters to catch a flick, and some plant shops to check out around the valley. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with artist Vogue Robinson and Creative Producer Jacob Solis. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 29th episode: Opportunity Village SNWA Watering Restrictions Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The Nevada governor's race is heating up with less than two months to go, and there's a lot to unpack. We sat down with Nevada Independent Capital Bureau Chief Tabitha Mueller and criminal defense attorney Dayvid Figler to lay out everything you need to know heading into Election Day. We dive into how Lombardo is running on his economic record, Ford's strategy of tying the governor to Trump at every turn, what recent polls actually tell us about how close this race really is, and whether these two will ever actually debate each other. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, September 28th episode: Opportunity Village SNWA Watering Restrictions Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

What's a seemingly small project in Las Vegas that's made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin's deputy public works director, to talk about the power of thinking local, using existing tools, and looking ahead to a sustainable future to inform what we do today. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Wayne Newton's nearly 40-acre former Las Vegas compound could soon become a luxury home community, but is this the best use of Mr. Las Vegas' former home? Nevada has more jobs than ever but still ranks eighth in the nation for unemployment. So we dig into whether or not wages are keeping up with the growth of our city and what it will actually take to make a meaningful change in our unemployment rates. Good News Friday returns with a nod to Dolly Parton and 9 to 5 Day. And in our members-only bonus segment, we break down what $5.4 million in lost funding means for our nearby National Parks. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Spotlight Poetry founder Elle Hope and creative producer Rob Kachelriess. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 25th episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Caesars Entertainment shareholders just approved Tilman Fertitta's $17.6 billion takeover bid, so what does it actually mean for the Strip, and how much of a difference will a casino owner who isn't tied to private equity make in how Caesars operates? Carrot Top was hospitalized following a reported suicide attempt amid a series of sexual misconduct allegations, but the reporting on the story seemed to be lacking in several key areas. Plus, we look ahead to the weekend and share what events we've got circled on our calendars. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current reporter Michael "MJ" Lyle and Vital Vegas founder Scott Roeben. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 24th episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

A proposed Business Improvement District is dividing property and business owners in the Arts District as many wrestle with whether it's necessary for the area to continue to grow. So we sat down with Derek Stonebarger, who owns ReBAR and sits on both the BID and 18b Las Vegas Arts District Neighborhood Association boards, to find out what the BID would actually do that the current association isn't already doing. The city of Las Vegas is removing grass from 15 parks as part of its ongoing water conservation efforts, and we dig into whether that's the right call for a desert city still trying to balance livability with sustainability. Plus, we dive into late-night coffee shops and a Las Vegas plaza you need to check out in our latest Vegas Fixations segment. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with artist Vogue Robinson and Executive Producer Layla Muhammad. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 23rd episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Governor Lombardo's new executive order on data centers promises guardrails — but is it really just a welcome mat in disguise? Creative Producer Jacob Solis hosts Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus to dig into the politics, the school funding promises, and the water questions nobody can quite answer yet. They also break down what the Paramount/Warner Brothers antitrust settlement means for Nevada and whether the Hollywood 2.0 dreams are quietly dying. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 22nd episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The recent cyclosporiasis outbreak had a lot of us rethinking our food choices, so we brought in farmer and food justice advocate Cheyenne Kyle and food writer Brent Holmes to talk about the best practices to avoid food recalls, why supporting local farmers in Las Vegas is so critical, and what the future of farming in the desert actually looks like. Plus, we hit on some of our favorite farmers market finds around the valley. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, September 21st episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Would Las Vegas be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, about how Philly prioritized revitalizing its abandoned outdoor space, the ways that having a nonprofit partner has made all the difference, and what still needs to be done. Mentioned on the show: Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115 Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

President Trump signed an executive order to establish a U.S. Space Force Academy, which got us thinking: would Nevada be a good fit? The Las Vegas City Council is encouraging locals to get their sweat on outside after approving eight new free outdoor fitness courts across city parks in the valley. We also hit you with the news that put a smile on our face this week with another edition of Good News Friday. And in our members-only bonus segment, we explain why the company behind EDC has its sights set on Las Vegas' oldest shopping center. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current Deputy Editor April Corbin Girnus and creative producer Rob Kachelriess. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 18th episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The Retail Association of Nevada just flipped its endorsement from Gov. Joe Lombardo to Democratic challenger Aaron Ford, but do endorsements actually move the needle in races like this? A new report on the CCSD Police Department's use of force raises serious questions about racial bias in how officers deploy force against students. Plus, the LVCVA's five-day sale returns next week, but will it be enough to entice us into a staycation? Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with NPR Mountain West News Bureau regional reporter Yvette Fernandez and Nevada Current reporter Michael "MJ" Lyle. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 17th episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The Nevada National Security Site is now a testing ground for microreactors, which got us wondering if Nevada is ready for another atomic age. The Nevada Department of Transportation has its sights set on developing 31,000 acres between Sloan and Jean as it tries to get ahead of a projected 44% increase in employment by 2050, but how far can Las Vegas realistically grow? Plus, a beer spa is coming to Vegas, but if that's not your vibe, we've got you covered with our favorite spots around town to grab a drink and unwind. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with artist Vogue Robinson and journalist Naoka Foreman. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 16th episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The LVCVA says Las Vegas is feeling the effects of the K-shaped economy, so we dig into whether catering to wealthy visitors is a sustainable long-term strategy for a city that built its reputation on being an escape for everyone. We also dive into Clark County's eviction process and explain why a new lawsuit is calling for changes, including getting rid of appointed hearing masters who wield significant power without being held accountable by voters. Host Jesse Merrick wraps it all up with the latest Vegas Fixations alongside Spotlight Poetry founder Elle Hope and Creative Producer Jacob Solis. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 15th episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Mad Apple and Awakening announced permanent closures recently, spurring questions about what the future of entertainment in Vegas looks like. So we caught up with Sean McAllister and Dayna Roselli from Vegas Revealed to break down what's driving the shift, how the Sphere has played into this change and what the next iteration of shows on the Strip could look like. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, September 14th episode: Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

It was another brutal summer in Las Vegas, but local government took recent record-breaking temps as a serious threat and is already rolling out protections for locals like you. Jesse Merrick joins “Your City Could Be Better” to talk about the bold moves of Nevada's lawmakers, like mandating heat mitigation and giving away trees, and how some time-tested strategies still need to be tweaked as rising global temperatures present new problems every day. Mentioned on the show: Europe's 10,000 recorded deaths during June 2026 heatwave Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

The Arts District BID proposal is dividing the neighborhood it's supposed to help, so executive producer Layla Muhammad breaks down why some business owners aren't on board with it. Criminal defense attorney and writer Dayvid Figler unpacks the growing Flock camera debate and how it's playing into the governor's race. Then we preview the Raiders' season opener against the Dolphins and explain why there's real reason for optimism around this organization for the first time in a while. And in our members-only bonus segment, we get into the change happening in Naked City and what it means for the future of the Gateway District. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 11th episode: Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The former Fiesta Henderson site is getting a second life as a 35-acre sports and entertainment complex, and Keep It Local writer Melinda Sheckells joins us to break down what Henderson's vision for the property says about the city's growth strategy and how it centers around bringing residents together through sports. Then creative producer Rob Kachelriess dishes on a new Japanese omakase concept coming to The BLVD and what it signals about the Strip's evolving culinary strategy. The Las Vegas Aces are wrapping up the regular season and setting their sights on their fourth championship since 2022, so if you've been looking for an entry point into Vegas sports fandom, we make the case for why this team is a great place to start. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 10th episode: Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The Trump administration has subpoenaed the Nevada Secretary of State's office seven times in three months over voter records, so Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus joins us to explain what the feds are actually trying to accomplish. Then creative producer Jacob Solis dives into a debate that's hitting close to home, exploring why data center developers facing pushback from states and municipalities are increasingly eyeing Native lands as an easier path forward. The Golden Knights also open rookie camp on Friday, so we break down everything you need to know about the VGK as they dive into their 10th season. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 9th episode: Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Las Vegas came to professional sports late, and the fan base that's grown around each new team has developed a uniquely Vegas feel to it. And if you've never considered yourself a sports fan, September might be the perfect time to change that: the Raiders are kicking off their season, the Golden Knights report for training camp later this month, the Aces are on the cusp of another playoff run and UNLV football has more eyes on it than ever before. Fox 5 sports reporter Mariah Janos and local filmmaker and sports aficionado Jason Harris join us to break down the many iterations of the Vegas sports fan, why our city is a great entry point for the sports-curious, and whether Las Vegas will ever develop the kind of deep-rooted local sports identity you see in cities like Chicago, New York, or Philadelphia. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 8th episode: Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Las Vegas? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are somewhat split on if that's for the better. City Cast Nashville host Rachel Iacovone joins “Your City Could Be Better” to walk through all the measures that the Nashville government has reviewed and rejected, why people have reason to fear the tech, and what the city may lose by saying no to surveillance. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Las Vegas restaurants can now apply to sell alcohol to-go after the city council approved a new ordinance this week, and criminal defense attorney Dayvid Figler joins us to break down what the new rules actually mean, why this feels like a very Vegas move and what the potential ramifications could be. Then Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus explains why property tax reform in Nevada is one of those things everyone agrees needs to happen but nobody seems to have the stomach to actually do it. We also close out another week with another installment of Good News Friday. And in our members-only bonus segment, we dig into a Strip real estate move that flew under the radar and what it signals for a very valuable corner of the Las Vegas Strip. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 4th episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

A group of property owners in the Arts District have a new plan to invest in the neighborhood's future, and Sam Cherry of Cherry Development joins us to break down what a Business Improvement District actually is and why they feel this is the right time to bring it to the Arts District. Nevada Current reporter Michael "MJ" Lyle also helps us unpack the latest twist in the Boulder City data center saga and why a proposed private gas power plant in Northern Nevada may have just unlocked an entirely new fear in the state's data center debate. Plus, executive producer Layla Muhammad breaks down a sobering new report on wages lagging in the valley and how it doesn't mesh with the barrier for entry to homeownership in Southern Nevada. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 3rd episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

A new report found that 6,700 households in the Las Vegas metro area don't have working air conditioning, and in a city that regularly tops 100 degrees, that's not just an uncomfortable day at home, it's a life-threatening issue that needs to be addressed. Spotlight Poetry founder Elle Hope helps us dig into what that number says about our heat mitigation efforts and how to alleviate a problem so many Las Vegans are facing. Creative Producer Jacob Solis also breaks down what the latest ruling in Nevada's fight against Kalshi means for prediction markets in our state. Plus, we've got another round of our Vegas Fixations. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 2nd episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

As September arrives in Las Vegas, the temperatures start to cool, opening up a whole new set of activities around the city that you likely put on pause for the summer. Host Jesse Merrick, Executive Producer Layla Muhammad and "Keep It Local" writer Melinda Sheckells dish on all the things you need to do, buy, eat and see in Las Vegas this September. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 1st episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The Michelin Guide returned to Las Vegas for the first time in 17 years, and we have some thoughts. Host Jesse Merrick, creative producer Rob Kachelriess and local filmmaker and food correspondent Jason Harris break down Michelin's method, what they got right, their major misses, and what the future of the Michelin Guide in Las Vegas looks like.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, August 31st episode: Touching Hearts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The Las Vegas airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn't have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh's does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself against the kind of power outages that hit airports (unsettlingly often) across the world. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris brings David into the little-known world of airport energy independence, showing how a one-time investment can bring the kind of peace of mind that both travelers and operators hope for every day. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Nevada's low literacy rates among the valley's youth are always a hot-button issue as it relates to our education system as a whole, and while we were looking back at Dolly Parton's legacy, we found an interesting connection she has to helping Las Vegas kids get a jump on reading, which got us thinking about what else can be done to improve our education system in a meaningful way. It turns out our housing shortage is worse than many realize, after a new report said Vegas needs 5,000 new apartments every year to make a dent. We dig into whether or not that's reasonable and how we can make housing more affordable for locals. Plus, we've got another installment of Good News Friday. And in our members-only bonus segment, we break down the latest parking update for the Arts District and explain why paid parking might not be so bad after all. Host Jesse Merrick dives into it all with Spotlight Poetry founder Elle Hope and "Keep It Local" writer Melinda Sheckells. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, August 28th episode: Neon Museum Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Trump's budget cuts to the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service are threatening Southern Nevada's $24 billion outdoor recreation economy, so we break down what those cuts actually mean for the trails, waterways, and outdoor spaces that locals and visitors depend on. Clark County School District police just gained access to hundreds of Flock license plate reader cameras across the valley, and the revelation raises serious questions about whether or not surveillance technology should be used by schools and what guardrails should exist on how it's used. A Las Vegas chef helped Team USA clinch a spot in the Pastry World Cup, which got us thinking about our favorite places to pick up a pastry in the valley. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current reporter Michael "MJ" Lyle and NPR Mountain West News Bureau regional reporter Yvette Fernandez. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, August 27th episode: Neon Museum Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Nevada just filed the first lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's Colorado River plan that could cut the state's already tiny water allocation by up to 71%. We break down why these cuts don't make sense, and what it could mean for our water future. Then, Water Street's biggest real estate project has a new owner, could this be a step in the right direction for Henderson's historic downtown? Nevada was just ranked one of the worst places to live, while simultaneously being named the happiest travel destination in the country. So, we dig into what that disconnect actually says about life in Las Vegas. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current Deputy Editor April Corbin Girnus and newsletter editor Rob Kachelreiss. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, August 26th episode: Neon Museum Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The founder of Hope for Prisoners is now ⁠facing nine felonies⁠ and 11 gross misdemeanors, including sexual assault charges alleging he used his position to ⁠prey on incarcerated women⁠ at Nevada prisons and transitional housing facilities. We dig into the case and what it means for the organization he built. Then, the Raiders are ⁠asking for $75 million⁠ in public funds to build a new entrance plaza at Allegiant Stadium, a project the team ⁠didn't bother including⁠ when the stadium was first built with $750 million in public money. We break down why they're asking for the funds and whether or not it's worth the investment. Plus, we've got another round of our Vegas Fixations for you. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with criminal defense attorney Dayvid Figler and artist Vogue Robinson. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, August 25th episode: ⁠Neon Museum⁠ ⁠Elect Alex Quagge⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on ⁠Instagram⁠, or email us at ⁠lasvegas@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for ⁠our morning newsletter⁠. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ ⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠.

Thirty years after Tupac Shakur was shot and killed on the Las Vegas Strip, the trial of the man accused of orchestrating his murder is finally underway. Duane "Keffe D" Davis essentially talked himself into a Las Vegas courtroom, and now prosecutors are using his own memoir against him. Pete Christiansen, founding partner and lead trial attorney at Christiansen Trial Lawyers helps us dig into the key elements of the case, what the opening statements revealed, and where the trial goes from here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, August 24th episode: Neon Museum Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

How often are you out in nature in Las Vegas? It's not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting, and city rivers get a particularly bad rap. It's true that cities have had eras of sewage mishandling and high boat traffic — but many have also cleaned up their act, through the tireless work of local advocates and politicians. Portland, OR, is one of those cities, and City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza joins this episode of Your City Could Be Better to debunk the assumptions and fears about her city's river, the Willamette. Learn all about how a journalist-turned-governor led the charge to clean up Portland's waterfront, and how a quirky organizer — and lots of enthusiastic swimmers — have carried the torch. Mentioned on the show: Portland's riverfront park, named after former Governor Tom McCall Swiss residents using river to swim home from work RFK Jr. swimming (in jeans) in Rock Creek in Washington, D.C. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

NV Energy's controversial daily demand charge is set to go into effect Jan. 1, and when state lawmakers had a chance to advance a bill to stop it, seven colleagues responded with complete silence. Then, a federal appeals court just ruled that Nevada's U.S. attorney Sigal Chattah has been illegally holding her position for over a year. We break down how this legally questionable arrangement happened in the first place and what comes next. Plus, Good News Friday returns. And in our members-only bonus segment, Aaron Ford just drew a line between himself and Gov. Joe Lombardo on data centers, but how much substance is actually behind the stance, and how will it change the governor's race? Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current Deputy Editor April Corbin Girnus and Spotlight Poetry founder Elle Hope. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, August 21st episode: Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

A fire tore through two beloved Arts District businesses this week. We dig into what Raw Remedies and Analog Dope mean to the Arts District and how you can help them get back on their feet. Then, we get into the debate on AI regulation after an investigative report alleges that Amazon has been buying and destroying rare books at a facility in North Las Vegas for AI training data. Finally, Cirque du Soleil's "Mad Apple" is closing permanently at New York-New York on Sept. 5, so we look at what's next for Cirque on the Strip, plus we offer up our take on the best Cirque shows in town. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current reporter MJ Lyle and artist Vogue Robinson. As mentioned in today's episode, if you feel compelled to support Raw Remedies and/or Analog Dope in their efforts to recover from the fire you can do so at the links below:  Raw Remedies GoFundMe Online Bookshop for Analog Dope Cashapp: $analogdopellc Zelle: business@analogdope.com PayPal: business@analogdope.com Venmo: AnalogDope3000 If you enjoyed this interview with IS LUXURY's, Luxury Real Estate Advisor, Holly Erker learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, August 20th episode: Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Most Las Vegans know the drive to Los Angeles all too well, whether you're escaping the heat, visiting family or just craving the ocean. But how many times have you actually paid attention to your surroundings on that drive? What if you slowed down and made the most of the journey? To help you do that, we're revisiting a conversation co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler had with creative producer Rob Kachelriess to unearth the hidden gems, unexpected stops, and best-kept secrets along the I-15 between Las Vegas and Southern California.  Hear Carolyn Page share more on Zzyzx Road. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, August 19th episode: Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Las Vegas has already seen more officer-involved shootings in 2026 than it did in all of 2025, and two high-profile incidents in the past two weeks have renewed the conversation about gun laws in Nevada. So we're revisiting a conversation Dayvid Figler had with Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui, one of the architects behind Nevada's gun safety legislation and a survivor of the Route 91 mass shooting, to dig into how Nevada's red flag laws have worked since they were implemented in 2020, and where they're falling short. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, August 18th episode: Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Las Vegas has one of the most dynamic dining scenes in the country, and social media has played a massive role in shaping how tourists and locals interact with it. Host Jesse Merrick sits down with food influencer Phil Tzeng, also known as @LasVegasFill, to talk about the early days of food influencers in the valley, how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have changed the way restaurants market themselves and what's next for our culinary landscape as it relates to social media and its influence on our food. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, August 17th episode: Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

What will Las Vegas do when it runs out of space for trash? Madison, WI, has a plan, and it's one that other cities could follow. What could've just been another county landfill, slated to open in 2027, will instead be a “sustainability campus”, where local businesses will unite to more intentionally sort incoming waste, increase recycling intake, and generally aim to slow the flow of trash. And Dane County has historically handled waste disposal in a savvy way, making big bucks off of trash collection that they then use to fund future projects like this forthcoming campus. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin breaks this all down for David, and together they uncover the quirks — and opportunities — that come with talking trash.  Mentioned on the show: Conversion of Dane County landfills into pollinator fields Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

A Las Vegas baker went viral for her cinnamon rolls, then got shut down by Clark County for letting customers pick up orders at her front door. Now she's fighting back with a petition that's raising questions about Nevada's cottage bakery laws. Henderson Hospital is ending its maternity and NICU services by the end of September, leaving families in the area with fewer options for one of the most critical moments of their lives. Plus, Good News Friday returns. And in our members-only bonus segment, a Las Vegas hotel has been caught listing itself under fake names with AI-altered photos on major booking sites. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Spotlight Poetry founder Elle Hope and creative producer Rob Kachelreiss. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, August 14th episode: SNWA Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Nevada ranks dead last in the nation for youth mental health access. We break down why Southern Nevada's kids are struggling to find care and what needs to change. Then, Nevada's decades-long fight against Yucca Mountain may finally be nearing its end, as Sen. Jacky Rosen introduces a bill to repeal the 1987 law that made it the nation's only designated nuclear waste site. Finally, Salad and Go just closed all its Las Vegas locations, so we ask the question nobody asked for but everyone needed: what would it actually take to make salad cool again in Las Vegas? Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with News from the Margin founder Naoka Foreman and NPR Mountain West News Bureau regional reporter Yvette Fernandez. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can always call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. There's help available 24 hours a day. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, August 13th episode: SNWA Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.