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, raising the eternal question of whether Vegas wedding gimmicks are genius marketing or played-out spectacle. Host Sonja Cho Swanson breaks it down with writer Scott Dickensheets and Beverly Theater founding creative director Kip Kelly.

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 6th episode:

Southern Nevada Water Authority

UNLV Performing Arts Center

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, Hey Las Vegas.

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.

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 Henderson's hidden history. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 5th episode:

Southern Nevada Water Authority

UNLV Performing Arts Center

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, Hey Las Vegas.

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.

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 implosions, what gives them their unique "personalities," and how implosions have become an essential part of Las Vegas culture.

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 4th episode:

⁠Southern Nevada Water Authority⁠

⁠UNLV Performing Arts Center⁠

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,⁠ Hey Las Vegas.⁠

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.

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 flowers tells us about life in the desert. Plus: Dr. Fraga shares her insider tips for the best places to see wildflowers this spring.

Learn more about Dr. Fraga's wildflower tour in Death Valley this weekend (currently sold out, waitlist available).

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd episode:

Southern Nevada Water Authority

UNLV Performing Arts Center

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, Hey Las Vegas.

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.

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 Swanson with newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess and Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle for all the insider picks. If you love peanut butter and jelly burgers like Rob, be sure to check out our list of where to find them.

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a ⁠starter pack for you⁠ with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Las Vegas community. 

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.

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 about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works.

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.

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 ethics of flying with pets and whether or not sports should be exempt from the Live Entertainment Tax. Plus: which Las Vegas spots should the olympians hit while they're here? 

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,⁠ Hey Las Vegas.⁠

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.

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, to dish on the best places to glamp around Las Vegas.

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, Hey Las Vegas.

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.

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 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, Hey Las Vegas.

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.

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 why preservation matters in a city built on reinvention.

Visit the Nevada Preservation Foundation for more information on Home + History Tours.

If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here. 

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, Hey Las Vegas.

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.