City Cast Las Vegas

Episodi

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  Your Guide to Solo Dining in Las Vegas 19.10.2026 31min

  You might want to take a hard pass on eating alone, but we’re making the case for why Las Vegas is actually one of the best cities in the country to do it. Erica Bell, owner of Double Zero Pie and Pub, and our audience development manager Milena DiFiore join Jesse Merrick to break down what makes a restaurant genuinely great for solo dining, how to shake the awkwardness, and why a table for one might be one of the best ways to actually enjoy some of Vegas’ best eats. We also hit you with our best picks around the valley at every price point, from a casual lunch spot to a proper solo dinner out. Think of this as your definitive guide on how to do solo dining right in Las Vegas.  For bonus content, like an extended version of this episode with even more solo dining recs, sign up to be a City Cast Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, October 19th episode: Opportunity Village SNWA Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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. 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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  ‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers Are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas 18.10.2026 25min

  How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Las Vegas? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm drain” to help keep city streets free of floods and trash — and to possibly slow the drying and pollution of the Great Salt Lake. City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta says it’s worth a shot. This week, she joins David to discuss how quick, periodic cleaning of a neighborhood sewer grate can be part of a much bigger solution. Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form. Mentioned on the show: SLC’s Adopt A Storm Drain map: https://www.slc.gov/utilities/adoptastormdrain/  Ali’s past Your City Could Be Better episode on making a park census: https://yccbb.citycast.fm/podcasts/why-every-region-needs-a-park-map-tool-like-salt-lakes-plus-dry-heat-vs-humidity 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.
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  Can Art Save Fremont East? Plus, a Publicity Power Move and Good News Friday 16.10.2026 36min

  Is art the key to bringing more life to the Fremont East District? Dana Anderson of the ISI Group thinks so, and he explains why he hopes his Art Everywhere Mural Festival draws more attention to the power of art to bring people back to the area. Then Keep It Local writer Melinda Sheckells and Nevada Current reporter Michael “MJ” Lyle join Jesse Merrick to break down why a merger between two PR firms is worth paying attention to and what it could mean for the future of Las Vegas. Local literature and the celebration of it also take center stage in our weekly Good News Friday segment, and in our members-only bonus segment, we get into what’s next for First Friday and what the path forward looks like for one of the Arts District’s most beloved traditions. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, October 16th episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Elect Alex Quagge SNWA Ethics Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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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  An NBA Arena at AREA15? Plus, the Future of North Las Vegas 15.10.2026 36min

  The team behind Area 15 is the latest group to throw their name into the NBA arena conversation, and we break down whether this bid is the real deal, how it stacks up against the other proposals, and what it would actually take to make it work in the area they’re proposing. Then we get into North Las Vegas’ 2055 master plan, which is asking residents to help shape what the city will look like over the next 25 years. We took the survey, and we have some thoughts about the areas the city seems to be concentrating on. Plus, in our weekend lookahead, we feature a new jazz lounge worth checking out, why the book festival should be on your radar, and a unique spot to grab some tea with a great view of the valley. Executive producer Layla Muhammad and creative producer Jacob Solis join Jesse Merrick to break it all down. Don’t miss out on all the perks that you get by becoming a City Cast Neighbor by October 23rd! Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, October 15th episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Elect Alex Quagge SNWA Ethics Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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. 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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  Las Vegas Has a Road Rage Problem, a City v. County Fire Dispute, and a Twerkout Workout? 14.10.2026 36min

  Is road rage on the rise in Las Vegas? It’s hard to quantify, but the data from the last five years suggests it could be — so what’s to blame? Then we get into the dispute between the Clark County and City of Las Vegas fire departments over a mutual aid agreement that’s about to expire, why the city says it’s been shouldering more than its fair share of calls in the growing northwest valley and whether the county lines that cut through Las Vegas are part of the problem. Plus, in our weekly Vegas Obsessions, we dive into a new spot to twerk out while you work out, why the new Arts District parking garage is already off to a bad start and the overreaction to Las Vegas’ weather over the weekend. Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus and criminal defense attorney and writer Dayvid Figler join Jesse Merrick to break it all down. Become a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor — and score that gorgeous dad hat — at membership.citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, October 14th episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Elect Alex Quagge SNWA Ethics Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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. 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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  Everything You Need to Know Before Voting in Las Vegas. Plus, the Best Voting Sites 13.10.2026 35min

  Election Day is just around the corner, so we’re getting you ready to cast your ballot with our City Cast Las Vegas voter guide. Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus and creative producer Jacob Solis join Jesse Merrick to break down some of the most interesting congressional and statewide races. We also walk through everything you need to know before you vote, our favorite polling locations around the valley and where to get the best “I Voted” stickers. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, October 13th episode: Neon Museum Opportunity Village Elect Alex Quagge SNWA Ethics Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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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  ‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas 11.10.2026 24min

  Another Las Vegas school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve got the (mostly) positive feedback to show for it. City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson joins David to talk about how St. Paul Central High School is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean. Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form. Mentioned on the show: Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication 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.
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  Strip Selfie Crackdown, Clark County vs. Street Vendors, and a New Breakfast Burrito Spot 09.10.2026 34min

  A selfie on a Strip bridge could land you in jail for six months — and that's just the start of what host Jesse Merrick and local filmmaker Jason Harris are untangling this week. Together with executive producer Layla Muhammad, they dig into why Clark County has barely 17 licensed street vendors, and close out the week with some genuinely good news, from a Pow Wow at the Palms to a breakfast burrito spot worth knowing about. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode. The Escape Room Las Vegas Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Neon Museum Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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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  The Mayoral Races to Watch, AG Ford Recruits Influencers, and the Best Festivals This Weekend 08.10.2026 38min

  Henderson and North Las Vegas both have mayoral runoffs on the ballot, so we break down the races and explain how the mayors of our metro's smaller cities interact with and influence the broader Las Vegas area. Aaron Ford is leaning into an influencer strategy in the final stretch of the governor's race, launching "Creators for Aaron" to reach voters through left-leaning content creators. We dig into whether it's a smart move or a sign of desperation given the massive spending gap between Ford and Lombardo. We also look ahead to the weekend and highlight some events and happenings around town that caught our eye. Host Jesse Merrick dives into it all with NPR Mountain West News Bureau regional reporter Yvette Fernandez and Nevada Current reporter Michael "MJ" Lyle. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 8th episode. The Escape Room Las Vegas Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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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  The Most Vegas Lawsuit Ever, Durango Loses Local Restaurants, and Our Vegas Obsessions! 07.10.2026 43min

  A tourist is suing The Nerd bar in Fremont after getting injured when she was thrown off their giant mechanical p*nis, a wild headline that got us thinking about the state of Fremont and its nightlife scene. With Vesta and Yu-Or-Mi Sushi among the latest local spots at a Station Casinos property to close, we dig into the challenges local restaurants face when trying to make it work inside a casino. Plus, in another round of Vegas Obsessions, we hit on a Halloween pop-up bar in the Arts District, the return of Justin's Latinos Who Lunch podcast, and the sale of Las Vegas' famed underground mansion. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with local artists Vogue Robinson and Justin Favela. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode. The Escape Room Las Vegas Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Water Lantern Festival Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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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  First Friday's Future After a Deadly Shooting in the Arts District 06.10.2026 37min

  A fight between teenagers at the 24th anniversary of First Friday in the Arts District ended in tragedy when a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed, and two others were injured. So we sit down to process what happened, what the response from city officials has looked like, and what this means for the future of First Friday. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Executive Producer Layla Muhammad and Spotlight Poetry founder Elle Hope. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode. The Escape Room Las Vegas Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Water Lantern Festival Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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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  The Best Places to Hike in Las Vegas 05.10.2026 37min

  The temps are dropping in the valley, so that means it's time to get back outside. Today on City Cast Las Vegas, we're getting you geared up for hiking season. Local outdoor enthusiast and real estate agent Austin Williams, one half of the team behind "The Other Las Vegas" on Instagram, helps us dive into the best beginner, intermediate and advanced hikes in and around the Las Vegas area. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, October 5th episode. The Escape Room Las Vegas Touching Hearts Elect Alex Quagge Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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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  ‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas 04.10.2026 23min

  When Las Vegas looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City did in order to integrate flood mitigation into public housing. Inspired by places like Rotterdam, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) collaborated with other groups to give Queens a state-of-the-art, climate-resilient amenity — in this case, a basketball court. David talks with Katy Burgio from NYCHA and Runit Chhaya of Grain Collective, one of the involved design firms, about the larger infrastructure the court is a part of and how it’s setting up NYC for climate resilience. Mentioned on the show: Water Square and its creative facilitators: https://www.dezeen.com/2025/11/25/grain-collective-basketball-courts-flood-prevention/  Rotterdam’s own “water square”: https://landezine.com/water-square-benthemplein-by-de-urbanisten/  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.
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  Controversy Rocks the Governor's Race, Illegal Rat Dumping, and Good News Friday 02.10.2026 30min

  There's some new drama in the governor's race after allegations surfaced that Attorney General Aaron Ford sought to pardon a pregnant woman's killer, but there's more to the story than that. We unpack what actually happened and how it could impact Ford’s chances in the race for governor. In some off-the-wall news, somebody illegally dumped rats near a Boulder City park this week, which got us wondering: does Las Vegas have a dumping problem? Good News Friday returns with reasons to visit Lee Canyon, a nod to Las Vegas' literary moment, and the Arts District standing up for its artists. And in our members-only bonus segment, we explain why Henderson might actually be cool now. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with criminal defense attorney Dayvid Figler and Executive Producer Layla Muhammad. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, October 2nd episode: Opportunity Village SNWA Watering Restrictions Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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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  Henderson Says No to ICE, What the School Board Actually Does, and What to Do this Weekend 01.10.2026 36min

  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 [email protected]. 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
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  Your Guide to October 2026 in Las Vegas 30.09.2026 31min

  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 [email protected]. 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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  Emergency School Funding, the Battle for an NBA Arena, and Vegas' Vibiest Coffee Shop 29.09.2026 39min

  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 [email protected]. 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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  Your Guide to the Nevada Governor's Race 28.09.2026 34min

  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 [email protected]. 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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  ‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas 27.09.2026 20min

  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.
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  Would You Live at Wayne Newton's Estate? Plus, How to Celebrate 9 to 5 Day 25.09.2026 33min

  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 [email protected]. 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.