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City Cast Las Vegas

City Cast

City Cast Las Vegas is an an award-winning 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.

Join us every weekday 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. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm.

Named Best Podcast by The Las Vegas Weekly 2025

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Today · 32 min
A Space Academy in Nevada? Plus, Free Outdoor Gyms, and Good News Friday
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.
Yesterday · 34 min
Do Political Endorsements Actually Sway Your Vote? Plus, Vegas Goes on Sale
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.
Wednesday · 37 min
Nuclear Testing Returns to Nevada, Las Vegas Eyes Sloan for Growth, and Where to Relax with a Drink
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.
Tuesday · 35 min
Las Vegas Tourism Takes a Hit, Our Broken Eviction System, and a New Farmers Market
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.
Monday · 36 min
Is Vegas Entertainment in Trouble?
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.
Sunday · 27 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat
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.
September 11 · 34 min
Split Over the Arts District's Future, a Move to Ban Flock Cameras, and Why the Raiders Are Different Now
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.
September 10 · 38 min
Is Henderson Reinventing Itself? Plus, Omakase in a Shopping Mall, and Why Vegas Loves the Aces
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.
September 9 · 39 min
Nevada's Election Fight, Data Centers on Tribal Land, and How to Be a Better VGK Fan
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.
September 8 · 38 min
The Ins and Outs of Being a Sports Fan in Vegas
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.
September 6 · 23 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Nashville Is Beating Flock — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
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.
September 4 · 34 min
Can Vegas Handle To-Go Cocktails? Plus, a Secret Strip Move Nobody Caught
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.
September 3 · 38 min
Can the Arts District Band Together? Plus, a New Data Center Fear Unlocked
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.
September 2 · 38 min
An A/C Crisis in Las Vegas, Nevada Beats Kalshi in Court, and What is a Super El Niño?
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.
September 1 · 40 min
Your Guide to September 2026 in Las Vegas
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.
August 31 · 39 min
Was the Michelin Guide a Major Miss in Las Vegas?
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.
August 30 · 28 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is Pittsburgh’s Airport the Gold Standard? — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
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.
August 28 · 31 min
Dolly Parton's Literary Legacy, a Vegas Apartment Shortage, and Good News Friday
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.
August 27 · 38 min
Trump's Budget Cuts Threaten Nevada's Outdoors, CCSD Using Flock Cameras, and Our Favorite Pastries in Las Vegas
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.
August 26 · 34 min
Nevada Sues Feds Over Water Cuts, New Life for Water Street, and Does It Actually Suck To Live in Nevada?
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.

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