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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

Welcome to the City Cast Las Vegas news quiz. These questions are based on stories in the newsletter over the past week. Up to the challenge? Answer the following questions to see how well you’ve been paying attention — and how well you know Las Vegas.

Looking for a previous Hey Las Vegas news quiz? Find it here.

Ready for a challenge? Take our weekly quiz, based on the news and stories of this past week in Las Vegas. 

Test Your Knowledge on Las Vegas News

Take This Week's Las Vegas News Trivia Quiz

What Las Vegans have been wondering. We break down why things in Las Vegas are the way they are and how they work.

Las Vegas, Explained

As the war in the Middle East enters a fourth week, an Iranian general warns that “parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations” around the world could be 

. Specific locations weren’t mentioned, but Las Vegas is a high-profile travel market and Gov. Lombardo 

discussed the possibility of a strengthened police presence

 after the U.S. attacked Iran. [Associated Press/KVVU]

 warned California authorities before the war of an Iranian plot to 

, but the agency backtracked on what it later called unverified information. [ABC News]

 of retaliation in Las Vegas could be a cyberattack. Here’s a clue — it’s happened before. Iran 

 in 2014, wiping out hard drives while interfering with computers, loyalty rewards, data storage, and even phones at the Venetian and Palazzo. [Bloomberg]

a majority of Americans believe President Trump will order troops into a large-scale ground war in Iran, although just 7% 

 and how it resonates on a local level. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

"No Kings" rallies are planned this week in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and other parts of Southern Nevada.

Where to Find a No Kings Protest in Las Vegas

'No Kings' Protests Return to Nevada as Iran War Escalates

, but a full-fledged, stand-alone, accredited art museum has yet to show up. So, it was something of a surprise when the 

 suddenly opened near Main and Charleston last week.

The museum takes over what used to be the Burlesque Hall of Fame and JRNY Gallery (for digital art) with the two spaces separated by a courtyard that will have a Hawaiian Tiki theme. The museum was designed with private events in mind, from silent disco sessions to artist receptions. The Silent Muse is an in-house bar and lounge that won’t be open for at least another month or two.

🤔 Is This Really Just Another Gallery?

Galleries sell art, while museums are strictly for viewing. And the Southern Nevada Art Museum is exhibiting more than 500 pieces by nearly 90 artists over a combined 10,000 square feet, none of it for sale. The idea is to have as much variety as possible, from 15th century manuscripts to clay pottery by Picasso and the expansive “Stairway to Heaven” set of paintings by Salvador Dalí, which depicts Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy.” Local artists like 

Founder and executive director Chris Davin says the pieces, bought from galleries, as well as auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s, are all originals, “authenticated and appraised.” A full, official museum accreditation is in the works, but takes up to 14 months.

The price is $30 for nonresidents or $20 for Nevada residents with discounts for seniors and students. Admission is just $5 for anyone during First Friday. You can also buy an annual membership for $100, which covers unlimited visits for two people.

Davin says he isn’t concerned about getting mixed up with the long-awaited Las Vegas Museum of Art, which was 

 in Symphony Park, but got pushed back at least another year. “There are so many different ways museums can do art,” he says. “We've got a little of everything. We don't know what type of art museum they're going to be.”

Davin concedes that if the name wasn’t already taken, he would’ve called his own project the Las Vegas Museum of Art, but is happy with how things turned out, noting the opportunity to emphasize local art that extends to places like Mesquite or Laughlin.

Davin, who’s also the executive director of the 

, says a corner exhibit dedicated to The Stonewall Inn and LGBTQ culture will evolve on a monthly basis. The museum functions as a nonprofit, and money from admission fees, donations, and sponsorships will be reinvested into the community via scholarships, artist-in-residency programs, and other efforts.

The Southern Nevada Art Museum just opened in the Downtown Arts District. So, what's the difference between a gallery and a museum?

What’s Up With that New Art Museum in Downtown Vegas?

Lunar New Year begins today, February 17, kicking off the Spring Festival and ushering in the Year of the Horse 🏇 Celebrations are bigger than ever in Las Vegas, where tourism drives our economy and the local Asian population continues to grow.

 of the lunar calendar and traditionally coincides with a spring harvest. The Spring Festival runs for 15 days. In some cultures, a lantern festival takes place on the final night.

The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle of animals. The horse represents 

confidence, responsibility, and a free spirit

It’s popular to set off fireworks and hang up bright red decorations (or wear red clothing), which according to folklore, scare off an 

evil sea creature with sharp teeth and horns

 named Nian. Gifts are exchanged, especially 

The new year also represents a fresh start that follows a deep cleaning of the home. Some even resist taking out the trash, sweeping, or even washing hair for the first five days of the new year to avoid “throwing out” the good fortune that comes with the start of the lunar calendar.

It’s common for families to kick off the celebration early with a feast on Lunar New Year’s Eve, which often includes fish, dumplings, and pudding. Savory 

🤔 Is Lunar New Year the Same Thing as Chinese New Year?

Yes. Well, kinda. While China is the largest country that celebrates the holiday, other nations have their own variations on new year traditions — and sometimes slightly different dates. In Vietnam, the new year is known as Tet. In South Korea, it’s Seollal.

🎊 Celebrating Lunar New Year in Las Vegas

Resorts on and off the Strip are celebrating Lunar New Year with festive decor and lion dances over the next two weeks. The Bellagio’s Year of the Horse display runs through Feb. 28 at the 

. You’ll also spot elaborate exhibits at the 

 (with musical lantern shows every 30 minutes, plus a Lunar New Year Festival in the Great Hall on Feb. 22).

 tonight, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. with floats traveling down Park Centre Drive, the Fremont East district welcomes the 

 Feb. 22, and on Feb. 28, you can visit Chinatown Plaza for the 

, a walk-through light festival, has a Chinese New Year theme through Feb. 22.

 at Resorts World has a Lunar New Year dim sum brunch for dinner Feb. 20 and both lunch and dinner Feb. 21-22. 

 at the Palms has special dishes (abalaine siu mai, pig feet, and rice cakes) through Feb. 28, and 

 for large parties through March 3 (with advance notice required) at the original Chinatown location on Jones, the latest one at Palace Station, and Spring by China Mama east of the Strip.

The Year of the Horse gallops into Las Vegas with parades, festivals, food, and more. 

Lunar New Year in Las Vegas 2026

How to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Las Vegas

Natalia Aldana

, which “shouldn't be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history,” said 

. “It's about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America.”

✍️ Recognition of Black History Month

 co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. He urged other Black scholars and civic organizations to promote their community’s achievements, and out of that motivation the Association sponsored Negro History Week in the second week of February 1926.

, Woodson’s concept had expanded into Black History Month, officially recognized by President Gerald R. Ford during the 1976 bicentennial.

Woodson, the “father of Black history,” chose February to coincide with the birthdays of former slave and prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass (believed to be Feb. 14) and President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12), who issued the 

, as Black communities had already been honoring these two birthdays during the second week of the month.

“A Century of Black History Commemorations,”

 recognizing the progress made in recording, studying, and honoring the history and influence of Black Americans since 1926.

 has sculptures and plaques dedicated to influential figures in the neighborhood, plus the 

 continues to celebrate the legacy of African-Americans with an exhibit by painter Kenny James through March 21.

 brings two nights of education and culture to the West Las Vegas Theatre Feb. 20–21.

Black History Month Community Celebration

 at Aliante Nature Discovery Park on Feb. 21.

 pop-up market and celebration in the Arts District on Feb. 28.

, including musical performances by Vegas City Opera (“Bach to Beyonce”) and singer Jonathan Blanchard (“From History to Hip Hop”) on multiple dates.

 and how they helped shape the Las Vegas we know today. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Learn how Black History Month was created, why it takes place in February, and how you can celebrate in Las Vegas.

How to Celebrate Black History Month in Las Vegas

Celebrating Black History Month in Las Vegas

Once we get through the midterms this year, all eyes will be on the next presidential election in 2028 — and the Silver State could play a major role in choosing our next commander in chief. Nevada is 

 for hosting the Democratic Party’s first primary in the next presidential election season. The working plan is to have four states from different regions host primaries early, and New Mexico is Nevada’s only competition in the west. [NBC News]

 like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona. [Nevada Independent]

 we’re still politically purple. After giving its electoral votes to President Trump in 2024, Nevada is now one of 39 states with a majority 

disapproving of the president’s job performance

. Trump’s net approval among Nevadans is -17.2% (and -7.6% among Nevadans who voted in 2024). Yes, those dashes mean “negative”. [The Economist]

 could get back on Nevada’s good side by keeping nuclear waste away from Yucca Mountain — and alternatives are 

who tried to swing Nevada for Trump in 2020 are 

 by the Department of Justice demanding custody of our state’s voter rolls. [Las Vegas Sun]

Nevada aims high for political influence while President Trump faces new poll numbers in the Silver State. 

Nevada Is One of 12 Finalists for the First Primary of 2028

Nevada Takes Its Shot at a First-In-The-Nation Primary

A quick flight from Las Vegas to Reno is only 90 minutes — but what’s the fun in that? Driving between the two Nevada cities is a road trip full of history, natural beauty, and quirky destinations. Most of the journey takes place on U.S. 95 (at least until 

 becomes a thing) with about seven hours of drive time over 450 miles.

After leaving Vegas, you’ll drive through Indian Springs and alongside the runway of Creech Air Force Base. It’s pretty quiet, but it’s not unusual to see a heavy-duty military drone on a test flight. Pull over for lunch at Nevada’s only 

 (an offshoot of the Bob’s Big Boy chain).

Things pick up around Beatty. The old mining town has charm and burros who roam the streets. (Please note: the animals have the right of way — always.) They inspired the name of the 

, a saloon famous for its chili and a great spot to hang on the patio with a cold beer. Detour off the beaten path to 

, a ghost town outside Death Valley with post-apocalyptic vibes for dramatic photos, and the 

 that crashed in the parking lot of an old brothel decades ago.

The speed limit slows down while passing through Goldfield, often described as a “living ghost town” — old and quiet, but still functioning. You’ll drive past the old courthouse, school, fire station, and other historic buildings. It’s hard to believe Goldfield was the largest city in Nevada before Vegas blossomed. Stop for a drink at the 

, which dates back to 1905 and still welcomes customers. The 

 is an off-highway art installation in the desert with a colorful collection of cars, some of which are standing on their ends and in other odd positions.

Tonopah balances a similar level of history and weirdness. Tour the 

, which dates back to 1907 and is the town’s most famous landmark, or the creepy 

, next door to an Old West cemetery to drive the point home.

From there, you’ll pass through almost-too-quiet Hawthorne, home to an army depot (on standby in case something big happens) where 

. Just north, Walker Beach is an oasis in the desert that’s nice to drive by, but offers little activity on its dusty shoreline.

As you inch closer to Reno, pull over at the 

 for the ruins of army facilities dating back to 1860 — a time when Nevada was primed to become a state and usher in a new era of development. It’s a perfect place to reflect on the history and scope connected to your Wild West road trip.

 also passes through the Amargosa Valley, an underrated corner of Southern Nevada with 

Driving between Las Vegas and Reno is an engaging road trip that’s full of history, natural beauty, and quirky destinations.

How Far is Reno From Las Vegas?

The Strange and Beautiful Drive Between Las Vegas and Reno

🚨 Is the Presence of ICE Growing in Las Vegas?

 of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, says calls are coming in daily from all corners of the valley. ICE raids are more high-profile in cities like 

, but operate more quickly and quietly in Southern Nevada. [KLAS]

 says groups like LV Defensa unfairly “demonize” law enforcement. As covered in last week’s 

, Nevada’s two Democratic U.S. senators are trying to find common ground — not “defunding” ICE, but 

proposing to shift some of the agency’s funding

 to local law enforcement instead. [Nevada Current]

, citing the recent deportation of a Guatemalan who was facing charges in a deadly Las Vegas crash. She says it’s not about rights for the suspect, but 

) in other parts of the country, Henderson residents 

 to local detainments during a City Hall meeting last week. [KSNV]

, whose application was denied, has been held at the Henderson Detention Center for more than 100 days. Despite a 

, the woman claims she is only receiving minimal health care and no prenatal assistance. [Nevada Independent]

 of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after the deadly shooting of a second protester in Minneapolis over the weekend. [Associated Press]

 in response to aggressive federal activity in Minnesota. [KTNV]

Volunteers are tracking ICE in Las Vegas while our community responds to the Minneapolis shootings.

Is ICE Becoming More Active in Las Vegas? 

Is it a good time to get into the Vegas hospitality biz? Shifts are being 

. But don’t forget — leisure and hospitality is nearly a 

. The opportunities are still there. You just have to find ‘em.

). The school runs expedited programs in food service, kitchen work, bartending, and even housekeeping with the support and cooperation of the resort industry. If you’re short on funds, they’ll work it out. Nobody is turned away — and placement is a priority.

 is another top option for in-person and online courses for learning about service, kitchen, and bartending jobs.

 goes more in depth on wine, cocktails, and other drink categories with some of the most experienced people in the biz. If you want to be the best of the best, this helps 🍸

As for casino dealers, you can try your luck with the Sahara, which runs 

 (CEG), which has a history of working closely with Station Casinos for job placement.

Otherwise, use Google to shop around and compare options. Vegas has too many bartending and casino dealer schools to list here. For long-term education, 

 has programs for the culinary arts, food service, and management in hotels, gaming, and events.

You can’t just show up from Ohio with your suitcase and walk right into a service job. A 

 (for alcohol awareness) are required for serving food and drinks.

Some positions (like bartenders and casino dealers) require a 

 (work permit via Metro Police, possibly with an FBI background check), but that typically requires a referral after being accepted for a job.

Nobody wants to send out a resume cold. It’s best to have some kind of contact. Otherwise, the chances of getting your work experience past automated scanners can be slim. Whenever possible, hit a job fair. They happen in Vegas all the time. There’s one coming up on 

 with the likes of Caesars Entertainment, Station Casinos, Harry Reid International Airport, and dozens more in attendance.

I know this article only scratches the surface of what it takes to find a job in Las Vegas. Don’t be afraid to start small with a less-than-ideal position before working your way up. It could open the door to some much-needed experience and contacts for better opportunities down the line 👍

Getting a job in Las Vegas isn't easy. But we have some ideas and guidance on where to start.

How to Get a Job in Las Vegas at Restaurants, Hotels and Casinos

How to Get a Hospitality Job in Las Vegas

 has come and gone, giving Las Vegas its first big event of 2026 and handing all of us some things to mull over — and possibly worry about. Instead of gadgets I could really use — a leash to walk two dogs at the same time or an electronic mop that actually works — we’re getting even more of 

🫵 Artificial intelligence Is Here to Replace Everything … Including You

The most eye-opening moment of CES was an event called 

, which rented out the Sphere for CEOs of industry giants like Lenovo, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm to rave about their AI, which will “think like you” and “act like you” (“with your permission of course,” which was said several times). Long story short: You’ll give a digital “super agent” access to everything (work files, social media, etc.) while synergizing all devices, from phones to wearables.

A pendant that hangs around your neck, for example, might listen in (but not record) a conversation you had with a co-worker, then confer with you about it later. (#creepy)

Even for CES, there were way more robots than usual, threatening to take over any and all jobs in Las Vegas. We already know about 

🤔 Will Any of This Tech Actually Help Las Vegas?

I’ve seen the future — and it’s a 95% unemployment rate. But some tech could actually help us out. 

 is a wearable device that allows people to locate and communicate with each other without cell service or WiFi — useful at festivals like the Electric Daisy Carnival, which has notoriously spotty phone service. A robot can even be used to maximize space and quickly park cars nice and tight, side by side (kinda like machines do with packages in Amazon warehouses). Sounds handy, but I’m just worried it will encourage more 

Maybe Vegas can fend off the tourism slump with 

 (a close to real-time translation device that clones your voice), or wearable tech by 

 that produces alternating vibrations to cancel out stress after a long travel day.

 invited tech expert and AI skeptic Ed Zitron to share some thoughts on 

. If you listen carefully, you can actually hear him roll his eyes when I bring up some of the products and technology showcased at CES. It’s a lively conversation, so check it out 👍 [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

The Future or "Fraud" at CES?

My report card on what I learned at CES last week. 