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

Has Las Vegas Become a Bad Deal For Gamblers?

Over the last decade, Las Vegas casinos have been quietly shifting gambling odds to be more in their favor . From analytics that target the worst players to introducing new games like triple zero roulette , gambling here might not have the value it once did. How will this affect Las Vegas’s reputation and should we be sympathizing with casinos? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with industry watcher Scott Roeben, AKA Vital Vegas , to discuss. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Insta...

Jan 14, 202521 min

What Trump's Presidency Means for Las Vegas

Next Monday, Donald Trump will be sworn in as our 47th president. So what does this mean for Las Vegas? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with the Nevada Independent’s Washington correspondent Gabby Birenbaum, who helps us forecast how a Trump administration will impact our grocery prices, the solar industry, homelessness, and high-speed rail right here in Southern Nevada. If you enjoyed the interview with Juve MD's Dr. Andrea Dempsey, learn more here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVega...

Jan 13, 202532 min

How L.A. Fires Impact Vegas, Amazon Workers on Medicaid, and a 40-Year-Old Strip Attraction Closes

We kick off this week’s Friday news roundup with a recap of City Cast Las Vegas’s collaboration with ProPublica: An investigation into the so-called Tesla Tunnels that Elon Musk’s Boring Company is building under Las Vegas, and how little oversight they’ve received. But there’s even more to discuss this week: Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus, who discusses her article about the list of Nevada companies with the most employees ...

Jan 10, 202527 min

The Must-Try New Vegas Restaurants of 2025

Finally, some new food for the new year! There’s always too much to try in Vegas, so let us do the work for you and whittle it down to your best options. Co-host Sarah Lohman talks to local food critic John Curtas of EatingLV.com about the most anticipated Las Vegas restaurant openings in 2025 on and off the Strip, big chefs to watch in the area, trends we’re ready to leave behind, and co-host Davyid Figler’s fixation on caviar. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or em...

Jan 09, 202521 min

Exclusive: The Tesla Tunnel Expansion, Investigated

City Cast's new investigation , co-published with ProPublica , reveals new details about the so-called "Tesla tunnels" running under our city: When Elon Musk’s Boring Company came to Las Vegas in 2019, its tunneling projects in other cities had already fizzled out after environmental reviews and public outcry. But here, with the backing of the powerful Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Boring Co. won a bid to build the Vegas Loop, a tunnel system for ferrying convention-goers arou...

Jan 08, 202531 min

How Historic Water Street Became Henderson’s Hottest Neighborhood

Water Street in Henderson isn’t usually the first place to come to mind when planning a hot night around town, but that’s slowly changing. Co-host Dayvid Figler discusses the evolution of Water Street with co-host Sarah Lohman, who recently led the City Cast Las Vegas team through the redeveloped neighborhood. She takes us through the street’s history and emerging new venues, and helps us identify the vibe. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or email us at lasvegas@cit...

Jan 07, 202522 min

Can the Legislature Actually Get Bills Passed This Year?

Nevada’s citizen legislators are getting ready for a new session in February. How will their decisions impact Las Vegas? And will they be able to work with the governor after a contentious election cycle? Co-host Dayvid Figler talks to Nevada Independent reporter Tabitha Mueller about what’s up ahead for the 2025 season of the Nevada Legislature, which bills and legislators to watch, and how our inner politics could play out during this session. Read more from Tabitha Mueller and the Nevada Inde...

Jan 06, 202523 min

Cybertruck Explosion Update, Gov. Lombardo vs. CCSD, and How Downtown Will Look Different in 2025

Welcome to 2025 Las Vegas. Today, you’ll hear a round up of the biggest stories and developments that will impact Las Vegas this year. But first, authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in front of the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday morning, leaving one dead and seven injured. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess to share the latest updates and more. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or e...

Jan 03, 202533 min

Your Guide to January 2025 in Las Vegas

Happy New Year Las Vegas! To kick off the first month of 2025, we’ve got your guide to the can’t miss events, experiences, and food in the valley, from an inside look at the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo to tips on visiting the Nellis Auction House’s new outlet. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by local artist Vogue Robinson to share restaurant openings, day trip ideas, and more ideas for your January in Las Vegas. If you want to hear a behind the scenes look at how the Vegas Go...

Jan 02, 202527 min

Was the Las Vegas Monorail Ever Cool?

These days the Las Vegas Monorail is a side-eyed 90s relic for convention-goers at its best; and the butt of jokes plus a symbol of our crushed public transit dreams at its worst. So how did it get here, and what derailed our mono-future? Find out in this episode featuring co-host Sarah Lohman in conversation with writer and monorail enthusiast Eric Duran-Valle about the system’s surprising Disney connection, the issues that plagued it, and why locals should still give the monorail a chance (spo...

Dec 30, 202422 min

Where to Find the Best Tacos in Vegas

From all of us here at City Cast Las Vegas, we hope that you had a great day yesterday and every day. We also believe that every day is a great day for a taco! We have so many amazing spots throughout the city that we sat down for a conversation earlier this year with taco enthusiasts Justin Favela and Brent Holmes to hear about their favorite tacos around Las Vegas, from cheesy, drippy quesabirria to crunchy, crisp fish tacos. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or ema...

Dec 26, 202423 min

Secret Strip Spots to Visit this Holiday Season

The holidays have a way of bringing us together… on the Strip! Whether you’ve got family in town, or are a visitor yourself, you’re probably spending more time there than usual and might be in need of some more unusual activities. We’ve got you covered and are revisiting one of our most popular episodes with co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, along with newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess, as they spill their favorite hidden gems from around the Strip—from little-known historical oddities to...

Dec 23, 202424 min

No More Resort Fees?! Plus Neighbors Fight Transitional Housing and R.I.P. Whiskey Pete

It’s the last Friday News Roundup of 2024, and we’re bringing it home with some interesting news to share with your friends at holiday parties. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman and interim executive producer Layla Muhammad chat about the FTC’s new law for Las Vegas businesses to be clear about junk fees, East Las Vegas residents debating over a transitional housing project in their neighborhood, and an end to casino resort Whiskey Pete’s 47-year run in Primm. Mentioned: Our Badlands episo...

Dec 20, 202433 min

The Best Meals We Had in Las Vegas This Year

It’s tough to eat your way through a city, but Las Vegas is a true foodie town, so we have to try. Co-host Sarah Lohman chats with Giselle D’Souza, founder of Nothing to Do LV EATS, about what her must-try spots were this year — from new restaurants to spots still lingering on our long to-do list that we finally got to this year. Also, breakfast and lunch favorites, dining gems in casinos, and what we think might be the 2024 theme was for Las Vegas restaurants. Learn more about the sponsors of t...

Dec 19, 202421 min

How a Golf Course Became the Largest Affordable Housing Project in Nevada

Recently, the Desert Pines Redevelopment Project, an affordable housing project on the former East Las Vegas golf course that will be the largest in state history , was approved with funding by the State Infrastructure Bank. To explain how this project will impact Las Vegas, State Treasurer Zach Conine joins co-host Dayvid Figler to break down their office’s approach to Nevada’s housing crisis. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 16th episode: Soulbelly Enchant Las Vegas Nevada Ballet...

Dec 18, 202429 min

Was Justice Served in Judge Attack? Plus Other 2024 Headlines Revisited

Whatever happened with that one news story from six months ago? In the interest of continuity, we’re going to follow up on some of the biggest headlines we’ve talked about this year. Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with KTNV Channel 13 senior news reporter Jaewon Jung and Hey Las Vegas newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess to discuss the sentencing of the man who leaped the bench to go after his judge, the trials of Kevin Menon and Tupac Shakur, and another twist on the story of Lundy Elementary Sch...

Dec 17, 202425 min

The 2024 Naughty and Nice List - Celebrities, Politicians & More!

Our Naughty and Nice list has returned for its third season! Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman talk to Kip Kelly, the Beverly Theater’s Chief Experience officer, and pick 2024’s honorees for naughty and nice Las Vegas celebrities, politicians, and food and beverage vendors. We love our city and we’ve got feelings. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 16th episode: Enchant Las Vegas Soul Belly Nevada Ballet Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or email us ...

Dec 16, 202425 min

Why Coach Odom Left UNLV, Justice for Reba the Bulldog, and Cleaning Up Old Mines

We made it to Friday, and the news this week gave us a lot of interesting conversation fodder. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman welcome back List.Vegas editor Andrew Kiraly to talk about why UNLV football coach Barry Odom is leaving Las Vegas so soon, the newest twists in the sad case of Reba the Bulldog, and Nevada finally cleaning up its many long-abandoned, weird mines. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 13th episode: Wineaux Matter Real Estate Enchant Las Vegas Want to get...

Dec 13, 202435 min

The Best Holiday Pop-Ups in Las Vegas

There’s a lot to see and taste this season — from a waffle speakeasy to elaborate prefix dinners — and we want to make sure you get the best possible Vegas holiday pop-up experience. Co-host Dayvid Figler talks to Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess about what special events are particularly worth catching, which bars have the best decorations, and where you can grab some extra presents while soaking up that festive spirit. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode: Enchant La...

Dec 12, 202425 min

Reviewing Our 2024 Bingo Cards: What We Got Right

You can’t say Las Vegas doesn’t know its bingo. We made a lot of predictions about what would happen in our city this year, and the results . . . well, they won’t shock you, but some of them ended up being pretty funny. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with local artist Brent Holmes to talk A’s stadium, Elon Musk, local landmarks, what we got right, and where we were way off. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 11th episode: Wineaux Matter Real Estate Enchant Las Vegas...

Dec 11, 202424 min

How To Do Hot Springs Season Right in Nevada

The winter season calls for some next-level winding down, and nothing does that quite like a trip to the hot springs. Co-host Sarah Lohman talks to Terri Galura-Chiong of Savor Sin City on Instagram about what to do when hitting the local hot springs, including nearby hikes, and what to pack, and why this is a good time of year to get out there. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 10th episode: Wineaux Matter Real Estate Enchant Las Vegas Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas...

Dec 10, 202420 min

Why The Strip Isn’t In Las Vegas, Explained

When someone says they’re from Las Vegas, where do they specifically mean? The majority of the Valley lives in one of the adjacent municipalities or 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? We’re sharing our notes in this re-airing of a popular episode — co-host Dayvid Figler talks to UNLV history professor Michael Green about the last century of Las Vegas and C...

Dec 09, 202422 min

Neighborhoods Battle Internet Project, Deadly Road Rage, and Barry Manilow’s Endless Residency

A lot of woe on those roads in this week’s Friday News Roundup. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler welcome back Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle to discuss a fiberoptics project that’s been causing issues for residents, the recent rash of road rage incidents in Las Vegas, Barry Manilow’s open-ended Las Vegas residency and which octogenarians we want to come to town. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 6th episode: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Soulbel...

Dec 06, 202433 min

An Inside Look at the Oldest Dive Bars in Vegas

If you want to connect with a bygone era of Las Vegas, there’s no better hang than the old-school dive bars. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler toured the five oldest dive bars in Las Vegas with other members of the City Cast team and came back with some notes. Hear our stories from the night, meet the friends we made along the way, revel at the extremely low cost of beverages, and learn what makes these spaces truly divey. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode: BetterH...

Dec 05, 202423 min

What Trump's Immigration Policy Could Mean for Las Vegas

The incoming presidential administration led a campaign that promised mass deportations. As the nation’s leader in mixed-status families , what does that mean for the portion of Las Vegas immigrants still working on their U.S. citizenship? Co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Michael Kagan, law professor and director of the UNLV Immigration Clinic, about how the current and possible future of immigration policy will impact everyone living in Las Vegas, and what residents can do to be prepared. Learn...

Dec 04, 202422 min

Join Vegas Entertainers in Giving Back This Holiday Season

Today is Giving Tuesday! It can be overwhelming to figure out who you want to support with the hundreds of local charities in Las Vegas. To help take the stress out of the equation, co-host Sarah Lohman sat down with Mark Shunock, creator of Mondays Dark, a variety show that has helped over 200 local charities. Mark explains how his team approaches charitable giving, involving the community with Mondays Dark, and where to look if you want to give back. Mondays Dark is celebrating its 11th annive...

Dec 03, 202420 min

A Local’s Guide to Being a Good Vegas Tourist

No one understands how to be a better tourist quite like a Las Vegas local. With nearly 40 million visitors every year, we witness tourist behavior like no other city. So today, we are revisiting an episode where co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with longtime local artist Justin Favela. Whether you're planning a trip, hosting friends and family, or exploring your own city as a tourist, they share the essential rules on how to be the best visitor possible—and highlight the goodwil...

Dec 02, 202422 min

Local Las Vegas Gifts for the Holiday Season

Right now you’re probably dreading those first few days of holiday shopping. Well, don’t! Co-hosts Sarah Lohman, Dayvid Figler and executive producer Layla Muhammad recommend some of the best Las Vegas local businesses to hit up for thoughtful gifts for everyone. We have ideas for quality goods, foods, experiences, and enriching activities that both you and your giftees will feel good about. Check out today’s edition of Hey Las Vegas for more tips on taking advantage of Small Business Saturday. ...

Nov 27, 202424 min

Your Guide to December 2024 in Las Vegas

As work slows down and the holidays approach, we have your guide for making the most out of the last month of 2024 in Las Vegas. This December, don’t miss out on the hottest new restaurants, the best neighborhood to view Christmas lights, and tips on partying with the rodeo cowboys! Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Las Vegas YouTuber Norma Geli . If this conversation made you curious about Vegas’s history with cowboys, check out this surprising history of Black cowboys . If ...

Nov 26, 202430 min

Did F1 Fix the Mistakes From Year One?

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Heineken Silver Grand Prix wrapped on Saturday and while there were no manhole cover crashes this year, did F1 fix all the other mistakes from year one? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Hey Las Vegas newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess to compare the past two years of F1 in Vegas, highlight the wins and misses, and brainstorm how F1 could be less of a burden on locals. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 25th episode: Wineaux Want to get in touch? Follow us @...

Nov 25, 202424 min
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