For over 50 years, Nevada has been the only U.S. state with legalized prostitution — but it’s only allowed in brothels, and even then, only in a few rural counties. A small grassroots effort is underway this summer to expand legal brothels to Douglas and Churchill Counties — but why not Clark County? How did Sin City opt out of this particular “sin”? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler chats with UNLV sociology professor Barb Brents, a leading expert on sexual commerce, about how we got here, and if (a...
Aug 14, 2023•24 min
It’s been a turbulent week in Las Vegas! First, a downtown food pantry is at risk of shutting down after neighbors contest their new operating license. Then, a confrontation between Metro and a street food vendor at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign draws criticism from both sides of the aisle. Lastly, the North Las Vegas government gives AI a shot at translating public meetings in real-time. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Independent reporter Jacob Solis to break it ...
Aug 11, 2023•35 min
A new trend is sweeping Mexican food — and it’s actually ancient. Nixtamalization is a cooking method that uses calcium hydroxide (naturally found in limestone) to break down corn, unlocking essential nutrients and flavors, resulting in pliable, fragrant tortillas — a far cry from the preservative-laden grocery store tortillas that most of us know. Today, Chef Mariana Alvarado joins co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about why nixtamalization and heritage corn is at the heart of her business, Masazul...
Aug 10, 2023•19 min
Life is Beautiful is hosting the second year of the Rising Stars Competition, which will give local musicians the chance to be on this year’s festival lineup with local legends The Killers. 16 semi-finalists compete over two weekends, and then judges will pick the four finalists to play in a final round hosted at The Space. Co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler along with producer Layla Muhammad listened to all 16 competing musicians and share their favorites, so you can add some Las Vegas l...
Aug 09, 2023•28 min
Many people think the library is just a stuffy place for books and some librarian telling you to keep quiet, but the Clark County Library District has transformed their 25 locations into resource hubs for the community. From employment assistance to 3D printing, DJ classes to podcasting, you’ll be surprised at all the power your free library card holds. The district’s digital content manager Ryan Simoneau explains to host Vogue Robinson the most interesting features you probably don’t know about...
Aug 08, 2023•22 min
The wild success of this year’s NBA Summer League in Vegas, with sold-out seats and all eyes on rookie superstar Victor Wembanyama, is a sign of things to come, says Channel 3 main sports anchor Bryan Salmond. In the last few years, our city has welcomed the NHL, NFL, and the WNBA. So the question we all have is: Is the NBA next? What team would we get, and where would they even play? Bryan lets co-host Dayvid Figler in on his industry insider sources. Which basketball team would you like to see...
Aug 07, 2023•21 min
Ever wondered why the Badlands Golf Course litigation continues to drag on — with a multi-million dollar price tag for taxpayers? You’re not alone: Councilwoman Victoria Seaman was the sole dissenting voice at a City Council meeting this Wednesday when the city voted to allocate another $1.5 million to even more litigation against the Badlands developer who’s sued the city (and won). Today, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson, along with contributor Andrew Kiraly, discuss the implications ...
Aug 04, 2023•37 min
Tinned fish first started trending in 2017 with cafes and restaurants in major cities adding them to the menu, then again in 2022 with “ seacuterie ” boards popping up on TikTok. Finally this year, the trend has made it to Las Vegas through Kris Wilson, Erica Bell, and Emily Baddock, founders of the Tinned Fish Club . The organizers have been partnering with local restaurants and introducing the European mainstay to the Las Vegas food chain. Kris and Erica tell co-host Dayvid Figler why tinned f...
Aug 03, 2023•21 min
Our city’s love-hate affair with orange cones is basically canon at this point (remember that RTC “Love the Cone” ad campaign a few years back?). A local brewery even debuted a beer this summer cheekily named “Nevada State Flower,” as orange traffic cones are often called. But why do we have so many dang orange cones all around town, and what’s on the other side of all that construction? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Clark County’s Director of Traffic Safety, Andrew Bennett, to get...
Aug 02, 2023•21 min
After four years of litigation against big pharmaceutical companies, Nevada has won $1.1 billion in the fight to hold drug manufacturers and distributors like Walgreens and CVS accountable for their part in the state’s opioid crisis. This was part of a national effort with other states, and July’s settlement with Walgreens marks the end of Nevada’s opioid litigation. In an announcement last month, Attorney General Aaron Ford said that Nevada is “one of the hardest hit by this crisis” and that th...
Aug 01, 2023•21 min
You’ve probably seen the “We Buy Ugly Houses” fliers on the streets of Las Vegas promising quick cash in return for selling your home to them. According to the franchise, owned by national corporate company HomeVestors, they are America’s #1 home buyers. But does it all seem too good to be true? Reporter Anjeanette Damon shares with co-host Dayvid Figler what her team at ProPublica found while following the story of Las Vegas homeowner Royanne McNair who was targeted by the company’s aggressive ...
Jul 31, 2023•21 min
According to CCSD, it is officially the last week of summer — school starts on August 7th (yes). So today, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler sit down with contributor and Nevada Current reporter April Corbin to talk about whether school is starting too early now. Plus, we chat about the $20,000 fine levied on Governor Lombardo by the Ethics Commission, and what constitutes a fair fine for his campaign ethics violations. And in light of the recent news of a K-9 police dog getting stabbed ...
Jul 28, 2023•37 min
Need an indoor activity to get you out of the house during this seemingly never-ending heat wave? Nestled into multiple establishments around Las Vegas are speakeasies where you can chill out in the A/C away from the crowds while enjoying some great drinks. To no one’s surprise, Sin City has an interesting (and inclusive!) history with speakeasies during the prohibition. So before you venture out to find these hidden gems, take a listen to this conversation from January with Claire White, Direct...
Jul 27, 2023•22 min
Tipping is a deeply-entrenched part of Vegas culture, perhaps more here than in any other city. But lately, it seems like we’re being asked to tip in more and more places at higher and higher percentages. And according to some research, tipping isn’t great for workers, either. So what’s the deal with tipping — should Vegas get rid of tipping? Today on the podcast, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with writer and longtime Vegas service worker Brittany Bronson. Brittany tells us about how tipped jobs i...
Jul 26, 2023•27 min
Rick Lax has found the perfect formula for making viral videos , whether that means deep frying a whole watermelon or taping a pilot proposing mid-flight. They’ve amassed billions of views on social media — you’ve probably seen a few, without even realizing they’re Rick Lax productions. Rick has had many careers (attorney, writer, Vegas magician), but these days, through his company Network Media, Rick helps other entertainers make money from creating viral online content. The model has been so ...
Jul 25, 2023•21 min
Before 2016, not a lot of Nevadans knew the name Jacky Rosen. But today, she’s finishing up her first 6-year term as one of our United States Senators. So who is Senator Jacky Rosen and how did her decades in Las Vegas shape her views, her causes, and political life? Why does bipartisanship matter to her so much, and how does that help Las Vegas? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler interviews Senator Jacky Rosen about how life in Las Vegas, from her summer as a cocktail waitress ...
Jul 24, 2023•24 min
It’s an annual complaint, sure, but can we all acknowledge that this year’s extreme freakin’ heat is on everyone’s minds right now? From that grounded Delta flight where people were passing out in 111F interior temps to puppies dying in hot cars , Las Vegas is feeling the effects — with some communities impacted even more than others. Today on the show, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson are joined by contributor Michael “MJ” Lyle to talk about the extreme heat wreaking havoc on our city,...
Jul 21, 2023•34 min
You’ve seen the videos: The best competitive eaters out there can scarf down dozens of hot dogs, donuts or tacos in mere minutes. So do you think you have what it takes? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler chats with internationally-ranked competitive eater Derek Hendrickson about the best restaurant food challenges around the Vegas Valley, from easy (a two-pound burrito) to medium (four double cheeseburgers, fries and a milkshake) to the wildly difficult (130 kinds of cereal with a gallon of milk). De...
Jul 20, 2023•25 min
Celebrities are already prone to rumors, but when they step foot in Las Vegas it’s almost too easy for the rumor mill to kick into high gear. Some of these rumors stick and become Vegas myths that casino.org journalist Corey Levitan unravels in his series Vegas Myths Busted . Corey puts co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson’s knowledge to the test with 6 stories about celebrities that are either facts or myths. Check out our casino myths episode ! Play along with us and let us know how you d...
Jul 19, 2023•22 min
At least according to recent home-buying trends , Millennials are thriving in Las Vegas right now. But how about Gen X and Gen Z? Which generation is Las Vegas best for — and where around town can you find each of these generations hanging out? Co-host Vogue Robinson (a Millennial) is joined by City Cast colleagues Dayvid Figler (Gen X) and Layla Muhammad (Gen Z) to talk about how each generation can live their best lives in Las Vegas. Do you think Vegas is better for your generation? Why or why...
Jul 18, 2023•24 min
Last week, Wynn Resorts announced that the drilling for their section of the Vegas Loop was complete, putting them on track to open a Loop Station in 2024. For now, access to the Boring Company’s Loop, colloquially known as the “TeslaTunnels,” is limited to Convention Center attendees. So could expanding the Loop actually become a feasible alternative to public transit, or help reduce congestion on our busy streets? Today, we’re bringing you a conversation that co-host Dayvid Figler had in Febru...
Jul 17, 2023•21 min
This week’s news has been dominated by people misbehaving — mainly, tourists gone wild. There was the nearly-naked brawl at the Wynn, the flight diverted to Denver because of fights, the scary hostage situation at Caesars, and the fully-nude dude who fought a one-legged man before climbing on the poker tables at Harrah’s. What’s going on? Has our city’s unofficial motto of “do whatever you want here” come home to roost? On today’s news roundup, co-hosts Vogue Robinson and Dayvid Figler, along wi...
Jul 14, 2023•29 min
Outdoor dining has grown over the past few years but with Las Vegas’ scorching summers, you may think we have to be excluded from that trend. Fear not because hometown chef and food journalist Lorraine Blanco-Moss tells co-host Dayvid Figler where to go for the best outdoor dining experiences year-round. From Henderson to Summerlin, you’ll be surprised at the amount of great patios you could be enjoying this summer. List of restaurants mentioned: Basilico Ristorante Italiano Spago Mon Ami Gabi L...
Jul 13, 2023•22 min
Last week, conservation groups filed a lawsuit to stop exploratory drilling for lithium in an area super close to Ash Meadows, a storied National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Vegas. This tiny gem of a desert oasis is home to the highest concentration of endemic species found anywhere in the U.S. But advocates for the mines say that not only is the operation safe, it’s a crucial step in our urgent national campaign to replace gas-guzzlers with lithium-battery-powered electric vehicles. U.S. de...
Jul 12, 2023•22 min
Last month, the Clark County Commission voted to officially designate the neighborhood around Flamingo and Decatur“Little Ethiopia,” creating the county’s first-ever cultural district. So today, we’ve got an insider’s guide to Little Ethiopia: Community member and educator Messeret Sertse takes co-host Vogue Robinson out for a grocery store tour, dinner at her favorite restaurant, and a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Messeret talks about what this cultural district means for her and the ...
Jul 11, 2023•24 min
It’s 110F this week, so outdoor recreation is basically out of the question for the next two months, right? Wrong! Today on the show, avid hiker and foodie Terri Galura-Chiong tells co-host Vogue Robinson about three of her favorite summer escapes with cooler temps, all within a few hours’ drive of Las Vegas. From kayaking on the Colorado to high-desert hikes in Utah, Terri’s got all the insider tips for how to get to these special spots and where to eat once you’re there. What’s your favorite s...
Jul 10, 2023•23 min
The 4th of July celebrations kicked this week off with a bang as the MSG Sphere fully lit up for the first time as it prepares for an official open later this year. The LED screen-covered structure transformed the Vegas skyline with its debut show, featuring fireworks, metallic moving art, and a giant eye. Co-host Dayvid Figler explains why he’s not impressed to lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson and writer Brittany Bronson. The trio also tackles a lawsuit challenging election worker protections an...
Jul 07, 2023•31 min
It is a truth universally acknowledged that living in Las Vegas for any extended period means experiencing grief: Our city sees a lot of turnover, both in residents and small businesses. So today, co-host Dayvid Figler and contributor Brent Holmes, both lifelong Las Vegans, are talking about their favorite bygone restaurants. But here’s the fun twist: They’ll also share where in Las Vegas to go instead. So if you’re missing Flock and Fowl’s Hainanese chicken, Pots’ falafel, or Rosemary’s carpacc...
Jul 06, 2023•22 min
Las Vegas is a city that sells sex… but when it comes to our sex shops, we’re actually kinda… basic. Today, co-host Vogue Robinson chats with UNLV professor Lynn Comella, author of the book “Vibrator Nation: How Feminist Sex-Toy Stores Changed the Business of Pleasure,” about sex shops in Vegas: How they’re evolving, the challenges faced by the one feminist sex shop we had (ever so briefly), and what a great sex shop can do for a city like ours. What’s your favorite sex shop in Vegas? Never been...
Jul 05, 2023•23 min
Tell anyone you’re from Vegas, and you’re bound to get dumb questions: “Do you live in a casino? Does everyone gamble?” Last summer, we invited the City Cast CEO, David Plotz, an East Coaster through and through, to bring us all his most ridiculous Las Vegas questions. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Vogue Robinson do their best to do our city justice: Is everyone a night owl or do people have day jobs? Is Vegas youth-friendly? Can you bike outside in the summertime? So — the next time someone asks y...
Jul 03, 2023•26 min
