City Cast Las Vegas - podcast cover

City Cast Las Vegas

City Cast Las Vegas is a daily podcast and newsletter created by and for locals (and locals-at-heart) that’ll challenge the easy narratives about our city … and, okay, maybe confirm a few of them, too. Las Vegas is a city of reinvention, bursting at the seams as it welcomes newcomers into its various incarnations as a service-worker union town, a military town, a college town, and, most recently, a sports town. There’s a four-mile street testifying to our entrepreneurial genius, not far from pockets of staggering inequality. Great wealth runs through our city, but how much of that actually stays in Vegas? We’re independent in spirit, but also ruled by orange traffic cones. Our 2.5 million residents anchor an ever-changing city of 42 million visitors. Join us every morning for the messy, delightful, complicated conversations that Las Vegans are having: You’ll hear us ask hard questions about where we’ll get our water when Lake Mead runs out, and how we’ll keep housing affordable. We’ll argue over our favorite Chinatown bars, and share insider tips on the best tacos in town. City Cast Las Vegas will show you how loving a city means celebrating it and also holding it accountable, while having some fun along the way—because Las Vegans know how to have a good time.
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Episodes

Is The Vegas Loop Getting Stupider?

Despite years of reporting on safety oversights , environmental mishaps , and dodgy regulation , the Boring Co. doesn't seem to be slowing down: Now, the company wants approval from the Nevada Transportation Authority to let their Teslas use city streets (essentially operating as taxis) — and as the Nevada Current just reported , the proposal might not even get a public hearing. So today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with transportation planning expert Ray Delahanty, AKA CityNerd, who just po...

Aug 18, 202522 min

This Funeral Home Had ONE Job. Plus, the National Guard Aids ICE and the Golden Gate Nixes Live Table Games

Governor Lombardo has just announced that the Nevada National Guard will be supporting ICE — albeit with "paperwork," not boots on the ground — so how does this play into the political chess between GOP state governors and the Trump administration? Plus, a local funeral home was discovered with uncremated bodies, some stored for up to 10 months, and the Golden Gate Casino, the oldest casino in Las Vegas, does away with live table games. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with Andre...

Aug 15, 202535 min

The Best Late-Night Eats in Las Vegas

Las Vegas knows how to make the most of the nighttime hours — arguably better than any other city in the country. So whether you're booking a late-night steak dinner after a show, feeding your 3 a.m. taco craving, or getting a sunrise omelet after your night out (or graveyard shift), Vegas has something for you. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with Lindsay Stewart, creator of the viral Instagram account The Las Vegas Foodie , to talk about the best late-night eats in Las Vegas. ...

Aug 14, 202528 min

Is Vegas Losing Its 24/7 Reputation?

Las Vegas built its reputation on being a city that never sleeps — plus, we have a ⁠higher percentage⁠ of night-shift workers than any other city in the country. But does that reputation still hold in 2025? As part of our ⁠Night Week⁠ series, presented by the Neon Museum, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with artist Brent Holmes and ⁠NothingtodolvEATS⁠ founder Giselle D’souza to ask whether Vegas is still a true 24-hour town. From late-night grocery shopping and ever-earlier last calls, they expl...

Aug 13, 202527 min

What's a 'Night Mayor' and Does Vegas Need One?

Recent tensions over noise in the Arts District are just one example of how nightlife can create both opportunities and flashpoints in the politics of our city. And it's exactly the kind of issue that a newly-emerging municipal role, a "Night Mayor," is equipped to solve. So today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Raheem Manning, Philadelphia's first-ever night mayor, about his job translating the needs of the after-hours economy — and how he'd tackle our Arts District noise debate. This is the ...

Aug 12, 202527 min

Where to See Shooting Stars Near Vegas

The best and brightest meteor shower of the year peaks tonight, August 11th — and believe it or not, you can find some incredible night sky viewing just a couple hours outside of Las Vegas, one of the brightest cities in the country. Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Mig Ponce, president of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society and founder of Stardust Astrotours . Mig explains why the Perseid Meteor shower is so bright, discusses why dark skies are so essential and so threatened, and shares his favor...

Aug 11, 202524 min

Teslas Without the Tunnels? Plus, ICE Blocks Congressman From Detention Center and Questionable F1 Comps

Tesla Tunnels are back in the news: This time, as Dana Gentry reports in the Nevada Current, it’s because the Boring Co. is pushing a proposal to let its vehicles exit the tunnels and use surface streets (yes, the tunnels were originally proposed as a solve to street traffic). So what’s really going on? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman tackle this topic with Jacob Solis of Battle Born Progress, as well as ICE’s threat to arrest Congressman Steven Horsford after his attempt to inspect a de...

Aug 08, 202538 min

A Pitmaster's Guide to the Best BBQ in Vegas

How well do you know Vegas barbecue? While summer barbecue season is in full swing, few of us actually want to tend a smoker in the sweltering heat, so we're bringing back a conversation with pitmaster Christie Vanover, founder of Girls Can Grill . She tells co-host Sarah Lohman where to order the best BBQ in town and what she looks for in championship-worthy 'cue. 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 ...

Aug 07, 202522 min

Can F1 Get It Right This Year With Locals?

As Formula One continues to stake its claim in Las Vegas, questions remain about its long-term impact on the local community. Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Austin Brown, Vice President of Marketing for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, to explore how F1 is working to become more than just a high-octane spectacle on the Strip. Brown discusses the new 39-acre Grand Prix Plaza , featuring go-karting, simulators, and immersive experiences, and how it aims to bridge the gap between a global sport and ...

Aug 06, 202520 min

Is Primm Nevada's Next Ghost Town?

Stateline-straddling Primm is on its last legs: Whiskey Pete's closed in December, Buffalo Bill's just closed last month, and the outlet mall has just one store left. But what was Primm like in its heyday, and why is everything closing there now? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess to discuss Primm's past and present, and if the proposed new airport and high-speed rail could change the town's fortunes. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCa...

Aug 05, 202526 min

Is Vegas Getting Less Naked?

The Vegas showgirl revues of the midcentury were known for nips-out nudity, Crazy Horse at the Riviera brought the tagline "No ifs, ands, or butts" to billboards around town, and as late as the early aughts, Peep Show did away with pasties to revive ticket sales. But lately, it seems like Vegas has been covering up. Sarah Lohman talks with her co-host Dayvid Figler, a lifelong Las Vegan and attorney, and burlesque performer Dirty Martini about what they're seeing (or not) in Vegas entertainment ...

Aug 04, 202526 min

Strip Mall Inferno, Wellness Conference Turns Near-Deadly, & Beyoncé’s Surprise Guests

ProPublica just released an eyebrow-raising investigation: earlier this month, at a conference in Las Vegas purporting to share the secrets to living longer, two women received peptide injections that sent them to the hospital, fighting for their lives . What regulatory oversights allowed this to happen? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler, along with executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson, discuss the near-deadly episode, as well as the huge fire that destroyed a beloved and surprisingly beau...

Aug 01, 202536 min

Your Guide to August 2025 in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is making the most of an unusually mild summer , offering a packed calendar of events and experiences tailored to locals. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by Melinda Sheckells, editor of The Town Magazine, to break down what’s worth your time this August, from creative local birthday gift ideas and volunteer opportunities to stand-out experiences and the latest pop culture trend in Las Vegas. Together, they unpack how residents are closing out the season in Las Vegas....

Jul 31, 202531 min

Broadacres Is Back. Is Everything Okay?

After an abrupt closure in June that left vendors scrambling to make up for lost income, Broadacres, the massive swap meet and hub of Hispanic life in North Las Vegas, has announced its official reopening on August 1st. But what does this mean — and will it ever be the same again? Co-host Dayvid Figler talks with artist Justin Favela and Nevada Current reporter Jeniffer Solis, both born and raised Las Vegans who grew up going to Broadacres, about what the reopening means, and how the fear of ICE...

Jul 30, 202521 min

What Elvis’ Brother Really Thinks About Vegas Impersonators

Elvis Presley would’ve turned 90 this year, and Las Vegas is celebrating by recreating his legendary 1969 residency at the Westgate (formerly the International Hotel). Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Elvis’s brother, David Stanley , about growing up at Graceland, touring during the Vegas years, and why the city still worships the King. Plus, how accurate are the iconic Vegas Elvis impersonators? Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm . Y...

Jul 29, 202524 min

Is It Time To Stop Hating on Californians in Vegas?

Las Vegans love to complain about the heat (duh), the traffic, and … Californians. Californians moving to Vegas have nearly twice the income of Nevadans moving within the state — with locals bearing the brunt of our affordable housing crisis, it's easy to feel resentful. But should we? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, along with Nevada Current journalist Michael MJ Lyle and poet Vogue Robinson have a lively conversation about the contours of our frustration with Cali transplants and how ...

Jul 28, 202527 min

Construction at 5 a.m.? Plus, the Feds Want Nevada Voter Data and the Aviators Rebrand

Thanks to a new state law, some of you across the valley might start hearing construction noises as early as 5 a.m. this summer — it's part of an effort to help construction workers avoid the brutal heat. But how will this impact noise pollution? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus to tackle this and the rest of the week's news: Why the DOJ is demanding Nevada's voter rolls (and the implications of this political theater), as wel...

Jul 25, 202531 min

What Is ICE Doing in Las Vegas Right Now?

With immigration enforcement intensifying nationwide and the Trump administration’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” aiming to funnel billions more into ICE operations, Las Vegas finds itself uniquely impacted. In a city where one in five residents is an immigrant, the stakes are high and the impact is personal. Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Professor Michael Kagan, director of UNLV’s Immigration Clinic , to unpack what heightened enforcement looks like on the ground in Las Vegas. Learn more...

Jul 24, 202526 min

Why Sen. Rosen Says Trump’s Bill Is Screwing Over Las Vegans

The Trump administration's omnibus budget bill was signed into law earlier this month — but the Dems aren't going down easy. Senator Jacky Rosen joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about how the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" will impact Las Vegans, what she's doing about it, and what we can all do to help each other weather its impacts. (Spoiler: The Senator has some spicy takes on the backers of this bill!) Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at ...

Jul 23, 202528 min

Why Town Square Is Suddenly Hot Again

After nearly two decades, Town Square is shaking off the dust with a wave of new restaurants, even as longtime local favorites like Blue Martini and Stoney’s pack up and move on. So what’s really going on at the popular shopping center just south of the Strip? Has it quietly become more of a tourist stop than a local hangout? We revisit a conversation with Hey Las Vegas newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess and co-host Dayvid Figler as they break down what’s new at Town Square, which old favorites a...

Jul 22, 202526 min

What Do Lombardo’s Record Breaking Vetos Mean for Las Vegas?

The tally is in: Governor Lombardo has officially broken the veto record again — striking down the most bills out of any executive in Nevada state history. Vetoes are a check on the legislative branch, but at this extreme, do we need a check on the check? What does Lombardo get out of all those vetoes, and what happens with all this killed legislation now? Co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Battle Born Progress press secretary Jacob Solis to discuss all the implications of the vetoes on Las Vegans...

Jul 21, 202526 min

Do We Need HOV Lanes? Plus, Housing Vouchers and UNO at the Palms

HOV lanes are back in the headlines , thanks to the efforts of Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony. Are they actually "useless," as he claims? And how did HOV lanes enter the culture wars? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler discuss this with Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle. They also tackle the imminent loss of pandemic-era housing vouchers , and why everyone on the internet was convinced that you can now gamble on UNO (spoiler: not exactly ). Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16t...

Jul 18, 202533 min

Vegas Loves the Drive-Thru. But Should We?

Las Vegas didn't technically invent the drive-thru (that honor goes to L.A.) but we've taken the concept to its logical extremes: Vegas is responsible for drive-thru weddings, drive-thru betting, and drive-thru weed. But do drive-thrus come at a cost? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson for a lively debate about the pros and cons of drive-thrus, the best ones in Vegas, and whether we'll ever truly outgrow them. Learn more about the spo...

Jul 17, 202527 min

Was Vegas Really Better When the Mob Ran It?

Head into the comment section of almost any news article and you're bound to find this comment: "Things were better when the mob ran Vegas." But … were they? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Geoff Schumacher, VP of Exhibits and Programs at The Mob Museum about what life was really like back then — and why nostalgia for this era is so prevalent today. Also, heads up: We've got an extended cut in the members-only feed that goes into the origins of the Vegas mob and all the businesses they ran in to...

Jul 16, 202523 min

Should Las Vegas Restrict E-Bikes and E-Scooters?

Tomorrow, the Las Vegas City Council will consider a bill that puts new restrictions on e-bikes and e-scooters, including a ban along the Fremont Street Experience — echoing recent measures by Henderson and Clark County (which banned the devices from the Strip). This comes as deaths on e-bikes and e-scooters have doubled this year. Las Vegas Weekly staff writer Tyler Schneider joins co-host Sarah Lohman to talk about why the devices are getting deadlier, and what solutions are out there. Want to...

Jul 15, 202523 min

Can a Lawsuit Stop the Construction of a New Homeless Facility?

Shelter beds for the unhoused are desperately needed in Las Vegas, but the proposed Campus For Hope, a transitional housing facility slated for construction at Charleston and Jones, is meeting neighborhood resistance — neighbors have even filed a lawsuit against the state, saying the project was rushed through without their input. So what's really going on here, and what's next for the Campus For Hope? Co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Fox5 anchor Jaclyn Schultz, who's been following the story . ...

Jul 14, 202525 min

LVCVA Controversies, Fremont Construction Headaches, and Bellagio's New Boat

As Vegas tourism continues to take hit after hit, the news of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority head Steve Hill's recent raise has, well, raised eyebrows — and this comes in a week when even more controversy hits the agency. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman sit down with TheList.Vegas creator Andrew Kiraly to discuss this and other news, including the construction on Fremont East that's devastating small businesses , and the arrival of a yacht on the Bellagio lake. Learn more ab...

Jul 11, 202537 min

Do Vegas Restaurants Need the Michelin Guide?

A Michelin star is one of the highest accolades in the culinary world — yet Las Vegas, despite its ever-evolving food scene, hasn’t seen the Michelin Guide return since 2009. In the absence of that global benchmark, local voices have stepped in. The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s newly released list of the top 100 restaurants of 2025 aims to spotlight the city's culinary talent. Restaurant reporter Johnathan L. Wright joins co-host Sarah Lohman to explore how restaurants are rated, how they decide w...

Jul 10, 202526 min

Why Are People Fighting Over Noise in the Arts District?

The Arts District is up in arms over a proposed noise ordinance amendment — one that's pitting new housing developers against the local arts community. Notably, the founders of Midtown, a condo development slated for the north end of Charleston, have drawn the ire of artists and small businesses for their support of ordinances that would shut down live music after 10 p.m. (We interviewed the Midtown developers recently on this podcast.) Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Jeff Hwang, owner o...

Jul 09, 202522 min

What's Up With All the Fires at Wetlands Park?

The most recent fire at the Wetlands Park burned through over 100 acres — and brings the total fire count at the Wetlands up to four so far this year. The footage of the flames was shocking. But was it normal? How common are fires at the Wetlands, and why does it seem like they've been getting worse? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Clark County Deputy Fire Chief Brian O'Neal and Senior Program Administrator of the Clark County Wetlands Park Liz Bickmore about what caused the fire and how this wi...

Jul 08, 202524 min
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