City Cast Las Vegas

The long running Badlands saga refuses to stay buried. Years after a costly settlement over a failed golf course redevelopment, a new fight is brewing over millions in property taxes collected during the legal battle. Now Clark County and the City of Las Vegas are squaring off over who should repay the developer, with the dispute ⁠potentially headed to the Nevada Supreme Court⁠. Host Sonja Cho Swa...

Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Las Vegas are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one t...

Las Vegas grapples with the ripple effects of escalating conflict in the Middle East and what it could mean for tourism, gas prices, and military families tied to nearby bases. We also look at the fight to save McKee Ranch, a quirky animal refuge facing fines and possible closure as new housing development creeps closer. And an indie film studio plans a one-day dramatic wedding chapel on the Strip...

With the glitz and glam of Las Vegas just next door, the city of Henderson can sometimes get looked over. But as the second-largest city in Nevada, it has a fascinating history and has experienced rapid growth in the last few decades. Host Sonja Swanson is joined by Paige Figanbaum, executive director of the Nevada Preservation Foundation and Andy Hafen, former mayor of Henderson to dive into Hend...

When the Eastside Cannery is imploded tonight, it'll be the 23rd casino implosion in Las Vegas history. But while other casino implosions have taken place with fireworks and fanfare, this one isn't open to the public and takes place in the dead of night. What's going on there? Host Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with journalist Steve Crupi, the Implosion Guy, who shares insider deets on his favorite...

With all the rain this winter, the wildflower forecast is looking really good — but how good, exactly? Does this qualify as a superbloom year (and why do we care so much)? Host Sonja Cho Swanson talks with Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs at California Botanic Garden, about what makes a superbloom, the secret lives of seeds, and what the resilience of these seemingly-fragile flow...

Get ready to spring forward into March with our guide to the best events, activities, and eats in Las Vegas this month. From 3D movie throwbacks at the Beverly Theater to women-led screenings at the Nevada Women's Film Festival, plus a massive food festival at the speedway, a bonfire sound bath with horses, and a beloved restaurant closure — we’re stacking your March calendar. Join host Sonja Cho...

A lot of cities, including Las Vegas, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris...

A woman abandoned her dog at Harry Reid International Airport, the debate over Live Entertainment Tax heats up, and Flavor Flav invited the U.S. Women's Hockey team to party in Las Vegas after President Trump made a joke at their expense. On today's Friday New Roundup, host Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus and executive producer Layla Muhammad to discuss the...

Glamorous camping or "glamping" is having a moment right now, and people travel from all around the world to glamp right in our pocket of the country. This mode of vacation is perfect for those who want to be immersed in all that the desert has to offer, but don't want to rough it in the heat amidst the dust and bugs. Host Dayvid Figler is joined by Melinda Sheckells, editor of the Town Magazine,...

In a valley of transplants, we explore the mystique and mild superiority complex of being born and raised in Las Vegas. The episode examines common misconceptions, the unique hustle culture, surviving 24 hour temptation, and the side of Las Vegas only long-time locals know. Host Sonja Cho Swanson talks with artist Justin Favela and Nevada Independent opinion editor Andrew Kiraly. Want to get in to...

A crumbling building at Commercial Center meets the wrecking ball, and it sparks a bigger question about who decides what parts of our past are worth saving. Host Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with Dr. Paige Figanbaum and Amy Raymer of the Nevada Preservation Foundation to explore why Downtown is Las Vegas’ most historic neighborhood, from its railroad roots to its fading Fremont Street motels, and...

In recent years, we've seen the Arts District get less and less artsy. But this spring, an innovative arts organization called IndigenousAF is moving in to bring art back into the Arts District. Host Sonja Cho Swanson chats with the organization's co-founder, Fawn Douglas, about what this move means to her and the future of Las Vegas.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 23rd episode: T...

Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Las Vegans. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with...

Colorado River states missed a key deadline, insurers are being called out for allegedly denying mental health claims, and Gov. Joe Lombardo says he made a quiet pitch in D.C. to unstick stalled solar projects. On today’s Friday News Roundup, host Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by education advocate Patricia Haddad Bennett and Battle Born Progress Press Secretary Jacob Solis to break down whether “na...

Filipino Town is coming up on its one-year anniversary this spring. So today, host Sonja Cho Swanson sits down with two of the movers and shakers behind the project: Ron Sumbang, on the board of directors for Filipino Town, and Ava Cariño, a PhD student at UNLV studying Filipino Foodways and research assistant at Istorya. We learn how they rallied for the creation of a Filipino Town, why it matter...

In a groundbreaking move, the workers at Sheri's Ranch in Pahrump announced their decision to form a union last week — the first time in U.S. history that brothel workers have attempted to unionize. So today, host Sonja Cho Swanson talks with Nevada Independent reporter Kate Reynolds about what they're up against, why A.I. is part of their fight, and why this could have nationwide implications for...

We are all guilty of heading to the big box stores– the Targets, the Walmarts when we're in a pinch and need a one-stop-shop. But there's a whole host of Vegas shops you can go to instead to put your money back into the local economy. Host Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by CoCo Jenkins, founder of There's Nothing to Do in Vegas, and Nicki Pucci, founder of Tambourine Home to share their favorite big...

All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Las Vegans’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly....

This week, a seven-figure attack ad launched in Nevada’s governor’s race, Clark County School District revealed sweeping budget cuts tied to declining enrollment, and new data spotlighted just how many Las Vegas residents are staying single ahead of Valentine’s Day. Join host Sonja Cho Swanson, executive producer Layla Muhammad, and Nevada Independent Opinions Editor Andrew Kiraly to break down th...

Las Vegas is famous for giant splashy productions, but a tiny local theater cracked the national spotlight with a 90s horror parody that went viral and started selling out shows. Majestic Repertory Theater found breakout success by leaning into nostalgia, letting audiences film, and turning cult classics like Scream and The Craft into scrappy, immersive musical hits that are now touring beyond Nev...

This election year, voters are set to decide 31% of district court judges. But why are some judges appointed in Nevada while others have to run for election? Host Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by Alex Falconi, founding director of Our Nevada Judges, and Dayvid Figler, practicing attorney and former municipal court judge, about this year's judicial races and how voters can get informed.  Want to get...

Nevada lawmakers recently held a hearing on the Boring Company's so-called Tesla Tunnels, but representatives from The Boring Co. and Governor Lombardo's office were nowhere to be found. Host Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus and Dayvid Figler, an attorney and former City Cast host who co-authored an investigation on the Vegas Loop with Propublica to discuss...

As a place that still gets referred to as the Wild West, Las Vegas needs to reckon with its myth of the cowboy. After all, there is a long legacy of Black cowboys who helped shape the history of the American Southwest. So, we're bringing back former co-host Sarah Lohman's conversation with artist and writer Brent Holmes about the erased history of Black cowboys in Las Vegas. Want to get in touch?...

A suspected biolab was discovered in an Eastside home, prompting a federal investigation that is still underway. What exactly was found in the home, and who are the major players here? Host Sonja Cho Swanson is joined by filmmaker Shahab Zargari and newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess to talk about the latest developments. Plus, they also get into the judicial decision to ban prediction markets from...