City Cast Las Vegas
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
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
As much as you love Las Vegas, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today’s very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle, to respond to your dilemmas, from when it’s acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that neighbor who really lets it all hang out. Have more city dilemmas? Send them in for our next call-in show. 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.
Aug 7
29 min
Can Lombardo Fix Nevada's Affordability Problem? Plus, Airbnb Crackdowns and Chinatown Hot Spots
Gov. Joe Lombardo says he can't control Nevada's affordability crisis, but is that actually true, or is he ducking responsibility? Then, Clark County commissioners are considering an ordinance that would prohibit platforms like Airbnb and VRBO from processing bookings for unlicensed short-term rentals, a move that could significantly reduce the number of problem properties in the valley. Chinatown is also finally getting its first direct county investment through a $1.5 million corridor improvement grant program for local businesses, which got us thinking about our favorite spots to eat in Chinatown. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current reporter Michael "MJ" Lyle and local filmmaker and food correspondent Jason Harris. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, August 6th episode: Touching Hearts 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.
Aug 6
37 min
Metro Defends Flock Cameras, Nevada Faces Steep Water Cuts, and Can Mendoza Save the Raiders?
Las Vegas Metro Sheriff Kevin McMahill is defending the department's use of license plate reader cameras across the valley, even as a nationwide backlash grows and civil liberties groups call the technology a mass surveillance system. Then, the federal government just released its preferred plan for Colorado River water cuts, and Nevada could be forced to give up between a third and two-thirds of its current allocation after 2028, prompting swift pushback from state officials. Finally, the Raiders are back in training camp with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza generating some buzz, but with six coaches, and a 39-50 record since moving to Las Vegas, is their hope to turn things around valid? Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with "Keep It Local" editor Melinda Sheckells and Creative Producer Jacob Solis. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, August 5th episode: Touching Hearts 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.
Aug 5
38 min
Trump Returns to Vegas, the Consequences of School Choice, and Our Latest Vegas Fixations
President Trump is heading back to Las Vegas to promote his "no tax on tips" policy, but did it actually make a difference for the service workers it was designed to help? Then, Clark County School District is offering eligible families up to $1,000 in transportation assistance to help cover the cost of getting their children to higher-rated schools, but is it enough to make school choice a real option for working families? Plus, we debut a new segment: Vegas Fixation of the Week, where host Jesse Merrick, Spotlight Poetry founder Elle Hope and criminal defense attorney Dayvid Figler each share what Las Vegas-related thing, place or activity they can't stop thinking about right now. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, August 4th episode: Touching Hearts 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.
Aug 4
34 min
A Mid-Year Review of Vegas' Best New Restaurants
The local dining scene in Las Vegas continues to explode, so what are some of the best new restaurants that opened in 2026? Host Jesse Merrick and newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess break down the best new restaurants in the valley, which upcoming openings to keep an eye on and what challenges new restaurants face in Southern Nevada. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, August 3rd episode: Touching Hearts 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.
Aug 3
35 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
Do you know how zoning laws affect Las Vegas’ housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals. 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.
Aug 2
27 min
The Hottest Weekend of the Year, Data Center Battles, and Good News Friday
Las Vegas is bracing for temperatures up to 117 degrees this weekend, and with nearly 30 heat-related deaths already recorded in Clark County this year, the valley's approach to extreme heat is under the microscope. Then, Southern Nevada's data center battles are heating up too. Plus, Good News Friday returns. And in a members-only bonus segment, Nevada's fight against prediction market platform Kalshi escalates; we dig into just how big a threat platforms like Kalshi are to Las Vegas' gaming industry and what guardrails need to be put in place. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with NPR Mountain West News Bureau regional reporter Yvette Fernandez and Nevada Current reporter Michael "MJ" Lyle. 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.
Jul 31
30 min
Your Guide to August 2026 in Las Vegas
August is here, and as the mercury keeps rising, we're kicking off our monthly guide with the best tips to beat the record-breaking heat headed our way this weekend. Then, "Keep It Local" writer Melinda Sheckells and local filmmaker and food correspondent Jason Harris share their picks for the best places to eat around town and the events they have circled on their calendars. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, July 30th episode: 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.
Jul 30
33 min
A Vegas Loop Station at the Airport? Plus, Protecting DACA Recipients, and Buying the Runnin' Rebels
Talks are underway to extend the Vegas Loop tunnel system directly into Harry Reid International Airport, so would that finally make the Vegas Loop worth it? Then, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto is introducing a bill to block the deportation of DACA recipients. Does this one have a shot at passing after her first attempt failed in 2023? Finally, as billionaires trip over each other to buy into Vegas sports teams, UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball coach Josh Pastner has a different pitch: skip the NBA franchise and invest in the Runnin' Rebels instead. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Nevada Current Deputy Editor April Corbin Girnus and criminal defense attorney Dayvid Figler. 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.
Jul 29
36 min
Population Growth Slows, Nevada Snubbed in 2028 Election, and Underrated Outdoor Spaces
Clark County's population growth is slowing dramatically; a new UNLV forecast projects the county won't hit 3 million residents until 2055, a full decade later than previously predicted. So what does that mean for Las Vegas' future? Then, Nevada Democrats lost their bid to hold the first presidential primary in 2028, narrowly falling to South Carolina in a DNC committee vote, and the implications are significant. Finally, did you know there are beavers living in Las Vegas? The Clark County Wetlands Park is one of the valley's most underrated outdoor spaces, and it turns out those beavers are doing some pretty important work for the entire Colorado River watershed. Host Jesse Merrick breaks it all down with Creative Producer Jacob Solis and local artist Vogue Robinson. 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.
Jul 28
37 min
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