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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

most downloaded City Cast Las Vegas episodes of 2025

. Now, let's review the top 10 website articles we published over the past 12 months, all of which ran in the newsletter too 👍

Zoltar: A Fortune Teller’s Journey from ‘Big’ to Boulder City

How a local family-owned business won the rights to make Zoltar fortune-telling machines, based on the one seen in the movie “Big.”

Suffrage in Nevada: When Women Won the Right to Vote

Nevada’s “anything goes” reputation was put to the test when women stood up for their rights.

​​How the Luxor's Sky Beam Really Works

The Luxor light beam isn’t as bright as it used to be. We explain why.

All of these pools will return for pool season in 2026 — and hopefully some of those deals too.

A Peek Into Las Vegas Sex Clubs and Why They Matter

We update this story every few months with the latest openings. The ever-growing listicle now adds up to a comprehensive year-in-review recap for Las Vegas eats.

The Deadline for REAL ID is Almost Here. Why It’s Important and How to Get One.

One of the biggest non-stories of the year was the 

 over getting a REAL ID before a long-extended deadline finally arrived.

Elon Musk’s Boring Company Is Tunneling Beneath Las Vegas With Little Oversight

City Cast’s collaboration with ProPublica was a magnifying glass on concerns about safety and workplace violations at the Vegas Loop. Our recent follow-up story on the project 

facing hundreds of environmental violations

Instant Review: "The Wizard of Oz" at the Sphere

I was at the opening night of the Sphere’s “Wizard of Oz” remix and shared some thoughts the following morning.

Does Donald Trump Really Own His Las Vegas Hotel?

Yeah, this guy. President Trump returned to office in 2025 and people wondered about who really runs the Vegas hotel with his name on it. The story published just one day after a Tesla explosion in the valet generated the first big headline of the year.

Is There Any Free Parking Left on the Las Vegas Strip?

Let's review the top 10 website articles we published over the past 12 months, all of which ran in the newsletter too.

The Most Read City Cast Las Vegas Stories of 2025

The Most Read Web Stories of 2025 at City Cast Las Vegas

Find the best of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

Following an 18-month building process, the all-new 

 opens to the public on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Built from the ground up, the nearly 42,000-square-foot facility more than doubles the size of the previous version, giving the surrounding community an invaluable resource for navigating a constantly evolving world.

Occupying a parcel of more than five acres, the library is a sleek, modern structure with lots of natural light, outdoor spaces, and a towering foyer with a lobby designed as a place for people to gather and hang out. (Yes, power outlets are everywhere.) The east-facing front entrance was inspired by Southern-style porches — a communal space with plenty of shade from the daytime sun and benches that resemble open books (#cute).

An innovation lab is dedicated to the latest tech, teaching guests about laser cutters, 3D printers, and how to code. Have boxes of old VHS tapes lying around? The digital memory preservation lab can transfer that footage to a thumb drive and cure your hoarding habits. Updated computer stations are available throughout the library.

The multimedia center is especially impressive, allowing guests to record and mix music (with instruments on standby) or produce a podcast. There’s even a room with a wraparound green screen for aspiring filmmakers to experiment with chroma key special effects. An art gallery in the main lobby showcases works by local artists.

The main downstairs area is kids’ stuff, featuring special areas dedicated to teens and tweens (with a gaming console ready to play on a first-come, first-serve basis). Lunchtime meals are provided by Three Square Food Bank. The upstairs level is for adults. A corner room for quiet reading and studying has a clear view of Downtown casinos, making for an especially cool backdrop after dark.

The new library represents a renewed commitment to revitalizing the Historic Westside, a community with a 

. Historical figures and community heroes are highlighted throughout the venue with a timeline mural offering an extensive look at how local and national news events often collide.

More Than Books: A Look Inside the New West Las Vegas Library

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

After a busy Thanksgiving weekend of shopping and snacking, it’s time to shift focus. Today is 

, a worldwide movement to inspire compassion and charitable contributions throughout the holiday season. Here are just a few ways to give back and make a difference in the Las Vegas community.

 and you’ll receive a five-piece Santa suit to dress up and dash away through the streets of Downtown. The annual fundraiser for 

 returns this Saturday, December 6 — and you can register in advance or in person the morning of the event.

 is a holiday-themed park that also raises money for Opportunity Village, a local nonprofit that helps people throughout the valley with disabilities.

, Boyd Gaming has once again invited 38 local charities to design holiday trees at one of eight casinos throughout the valley. Pay a visit in person or online to vote for your favorites. The charities split a prize pool of nearly $70,000.

🥕 Three Square Holiday Match Challenge

 provides three meals to those in need. Now, it’s six. The food bank is hosting the 

 as local sponsors commit to matching all donations made throughout December.

Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation

 at five Walmart locations throughout the valley. Drop off a new unwrapped toy on Saturday or Sunday through December 21. Fire stations are also accepting donations during that time.

🎁 ‘It’s a Wrap’ Holiday Block Party

 is welcoming volunteers for the nonprofit’s annual 

 on Saturday, December 20. Shifts run throughout the day to wrap thousands of gifts for youngsters experiencing homelessness with hot cocoa, desserts, and lots of winter cheer on standby.

Our buddy Chet Buchanan takes to a 20-foot scaffold for 11 days each December as part of the annual 

 and the Venetian. Visit NV Energy Dec. 4-15 at 6226 W. Sahara to make a donation.

 are red vending machines, but instead of buying snacks and soda, you purchase items and services for people in need. The machines, financed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are located in Downtown Summerlin and Green Valley Ranch, each representing five local charities.

 twice a month to raise money for a different charity each time around, featuring Vegas performers who are eager to donate time and talent on their off nights. The event moves to the Theater at Virgin Hotels for one night only on December 15 to celebrate its 

 and announce the charity partners for the coming year.

 throughout the year and how Mondays Dark has raised millions of dollars for hundreds of charities. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Learn about ways to give back and make a difference in the Las Vegas community on Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday in Las Vegas

Giving Tuesday: How to Make a Difference (and Have Fun) This Holiday Season

Two federal judges ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to 

 with contingency funds, although uncertainty lingers on the Trump administration’s response to the ruling and if debit cards used by beneficiaries could be reloaded by tomorrow’s expiration date on financing the program.

This comes as the federal government shutdown reaches 31 days. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps, is used by 500,000 people in our state — or one in six Nevadans.

State lawmakers have pulled together $8.6 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan and $30.2 million from contingency funds to 

 with the assistance of the National Guard, supported by an additional $200,000. [Associated Press/Nevada Independent]

, the largest resource in Southern Nevada for combating food insecurity, has four emergency drive-thru food distributions tomorrow, 

 (5101 N. Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89130) 7-9 a.m.

 – Hope for the City Distribution Center (1001 New Beginnings Dr, Henderson, NV 89011) 7-9 a.m.

, North Las Vegas (3200 E. Cheyenne Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89030) 9 a.m. - noon

 – Thomas & Mack Center (4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154) 9 a.m. - noon

The following drive-thru food distributions are 

 (8625 S. Spencer St., Las Vegas, NV 89123) 3 - 4 p.m.

 - The Just One Project (1737 Hunkins Dr., North Las Vegas, NV 89030) 4 - 7 p.m.

Catholic Charities Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry

 (1501 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101: Vehicles; 1504 N Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101: Pedestrians) is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and the last Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. - noon.

 (401 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89101) serves the local LGBTQ+ community with 

 has plant-based grocery pickups at 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month at United Movement Organized Kindness (1010 N. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101). 

 is open Sundays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Thursdays 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Call 702-955-5932 or 

Make a monetary donation or inquire about volunteering at the following links. You can also forward this email to someone you know who needs help — or is willing to help. If you're considering donating food directly, make sure to follow the organization's guidelines. We've got more tips in our 

These are just some of the community organizations and nonprofits feeding those in need. If you’d like to spread the word on other groups and/or events, please 

 will have more as the crisis plays out next week in our newsletter, website, and podcast episodes. (

The community mobilizes with emergency food assistance as uncertainty lingers over the status of SNAP benefits.

Judges Order Funding as SNAP Benefits Threaten to Expire

Ever see a car with a dark cloud of air pollution puffing out of the exhaust pipe? Well, the Nevada DMV wants you to report your fellow filthy neighbors to the proper authorities. We all want a cleaner community, but what’s more important — loyalty among Nevadans or the environment? 🤔

🌤️ Why Smog Is Such a Big Deal in Nevada

In the United States, air quality tends to be 

 due to high temperatures (which exacerbate smog), congested driving, and the interference of smoke from wildfires. The Las Vegas Valley currently ranks 12th on the list of 

If you think things are bad now, air quality used to be much worse. Beginning with the 

 of 1970, regulations have evolved over time to improve emissions by factories, plants, construction equipment, and vehicles. Today, electric vehicles account for roughly 

 and traditional gas-powered cars have made 

Cars in Nevada’s two largest counties — Clark and Washoe — require a 

 before annual registration renewals. There are some exceptions, including brand-new cars (up to the first four years), and hybrids (up to the first five years). Some older cars qualify for a 

The DMV encourages the general public to report (or in colloquial terms, “tattle on”) drivers who appear to be emitting excessive pollutants. The program has been around for decades — formerly known as Smoking Vehicles (which actually sounds like a compliment) before it was 

It’s pretty simple. Take note of the suspected violator's license plate number and 

 or by calling 844-END-SMOG (844-363-7664) with any additional information — like make and model of the car, where it was seen, the date, etc. The DMV Compliance Enforcement Division sends an advisory letter to the owner of the suspect vehicle, who may be required to make repairs or bring the vehicle in for a lab inspection.

Smoking cars are an unhealthy nuisance, but isn’t it a police officer’s job to look out for this stuff? And in theory, the vehicle in question is within a year of facing a smog test to solve the problem anyway. Then again, emissions fraud is a real problem in Nevada, although new technology is making it easier to 

. It’s also worth noting that emissions standards are mandated by the EPA, making false tests a federal crime.

Between smog testing and registration fees, 

the cost of owning a car adds up fast in Nevada. Another big factor: the 

 looks at why rates are so high in Nevada and what can be done to minimize your bill. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

We all want a cleaner community, but what’s more important — loyalty among Nevadans or the environment?

The Consequences of Flunking a Smog Check in Las Vegas

Citizen Smog Enforcers: Nevada Wants You to Snitch on Dirty Drivers

Over the weekend, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced it was 

, putting the fate of PBS stations throughout the country (and my 

 addiction) at risk. So what’s going on?

 (CPB), a government-funded, privately run nonprofit since 1967, isn’t the same as the 

 (PBS), a non-commercial television network — although their efforts are intertwined. The CPB acts as a steward of federal funding for public media.

 doesn’t rely on CPB to exist. Only about 

 is from federal funding. (The figure is even lower at 12% for Vegas PBS.) The rest is from sponsorships, donations, and on a national level, licensing and merchandise sales.

CPB was gutted by $1.1 billion in a recent rescissions bill, since President Trump and Congressional Republicans think the programming 

 (although last I checked, Daniel Tiger’s voter registration wasn’t available).

“ The White House telegraphed their intent, so that wasn’t a surprise,” according to Mare Mazur, president and general manager of Vegas PBS. “It’s clearly been a disappointment. It’s been extremely disruptive to our operation, but PBS is not going away and Vegas PBS is not going away.”

National Public Radio (NPR) was also targeted in the cuts, although the network only receives about 

from federal funds. However, radio stations that operate in smaller, rural communities have a greater reliance on federal grants and are 

Whether it’s TV or radio, larger budgets allow programmers more flexibility to tailor programming on a local level. The Vegas affiliate is one of the top-10 most watched PBS stations in the country per capita, balancing national favorites like “Sesame Street” and “Masterpiece Theater” with local content like “Nevada Week” and “Outdoor Nevada.”

“The programming isn't going to radically change,” Mazur says. “We’ll see fewer episodes of ‘American Masters’ and other national programs will go on hiatus. We’ll see more reruns in the kids genre. But the people of Southern Nevada will see more local production. My commitment is to pivot and ramp up the stories of Southern Nevada.”

Vegas PBS partners with the Clark County School District on workshops and materials for children and parents, and is also involved in workforce development programs. “ We've graduated more than 900,000 students with certificates in everything from HVAC maintenance to healthcare billing,” Mazur points out.

, which comes with perks, including an array of content on the Passport streaming app.

“I've been so touched by the number of people who've called, the volume of email, and the increase in donations we've received,” Mazur says. “It's enormously gratifying to know that people are taking time out of their day to say, 'Hey, we're here. We're supporting you.'”

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is closing down. Can our local PBS station survive without it?  

Is PBS Shutting Down in Las Vegas?

Will Vegas PBS Continue After Federal Funding Cuts?

If the doomscrolling is out of control, it’s time to put the phone down and do something productive. You can 

, a simple but critical procedure involving chest compressions that anyone can learn 👍

during cardiac arrest or another medical emergency

 when someone is unconscious, has no pulse, or isn’t breathing (or is struggling to gasp for breath). CPR helps ensure that oxygen-rich blood continues to pump through the heart and reach the brain, keeping the victim alive.

Begin performing CPR — one hand over your other hand, pushing down hard and fast on the center of the victim’s chest. How fast? Experts say 

, which also happens to be the pace of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees 🕺

If an AED arrives, activate it and follow the instructions. It’s designed to guide you in a clear manner in high-stress situations. The 9-1-1 operator will provide direction too.

If an AED isn’t available or doesn’t work, continue to perform CPR until medical help arrives. If you get tired, another person can step in and continue the hand compressions. Continue to rotate as needed.

While the process of breathing into someone else’s mouth to stimulate resuscitation is still taught to medical professionals, it’s now 

 among the wider general public. One reason is uncertainty about viruses or illnesses that can be transmitted. (First responders may have a 

 to use.) Another is that it’s difficult to do properly on the spot — prompting uncertainty and hesitation — and it’s better to act quickly and focus on hands-only CPR.

 can teach the basics of learning CPR. It’s better than nothing, but not the same as taking a certification course, which can be found with the help of the following resources:

Most of these courses will also cover how to perform CPR on an infant, familiarity with using an AED, and other basic first aid skills. While it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to perform CPR, it’s a skill you’ll be grateful to have mastered when a life-or-death situation arises.

Learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (or CPR) is easier than you think, and it could save a life.

Where to Get Certified for CPR in Las Vegas

Why CPR Is Important and Where to Get Certified in Las Vegas

Tips and tricks for living your best Las Vegas life, by locals, for locals.

Las Vegas Life Hacks

Paul Kim, the man accused of shooting up Teslas and setting three of ‘em on fire, was 

 in court Friday. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison.

The investigation leading up to the arrest is fascinating in its own right. “We had nothing to go on,” 

. “It crossed my mind that this might be one of those cases that we may not be able to solve.”

McMahill credits new technology for turning things around, specifically mentioning the 

 license plate reader (LPR) system as a pivotal device for tracking down his suspect.

Flock Safety’s signature license plate reader, the 

, has a camera that can identify vehicles and send alerts to law enforcement in real time. (Side note: The devices also have the ability to 

After the Tesla attack, police knew the suspect was seen in a black sedan — and not much else. A plate reader in the area detected a vehicle that matched the description around the time of the fires — and police used DNA and cellphone data to further connect Kim to the crime. Investigators say he recently bought a gun that matched bullet fragments near the fires.

It appears he knew it was at least a possibility. Police say Kim contacted his insurance company less than three hours after the fires on March 18 to claim his vehicle was stolen. Kim was 

 at a cybersecurity convention inside the Venetian, suggesting he’s more tech-savvy than the average Molotov cocktail aficionado.

180 Flock Safety plate readers throughout Las Vegas

, financed by a donation of more than $6 million by Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm. The money also went towards 

, which can monitor cars detected by plate readers until police arrive.

Critics say the technology violates personal privacy and contributes to an intrusive surveillance state. A 

 argues the ability to track a person without a warrant for more than 30 days violates the Fourth Amendment.

don’t capture anything inside the vehicle

 or utilize facial recognition technology. The system also saves time and minimizes unnecessary stops of law-abiding drivers. Andreessen Horowitz co-founder Ben Horowitz says the plate readers 

 by 48% and suspect arrests by 17% in Metro’s jurisdiction.

 to the department. Sheriff McMahill wants to use 

traffic cameras to crack down on speeding

 and see his team “become the most technologically advanced police department in the country.”

Police tracked down the man accused of lighting Teslas on fire with the help of license plater readers. Is there a downside to the tech?

How Police Tracked Down the Tesla Arson Suspect

Determining if Las Vegas is a dangerous place is more complicated than it seems. Search online and you’ll come across a wave of stats — old and new — that aren’t always easy to sort out and don’t always tell the entire story.

 less safe than it used to be, you’re not alone. We see basic 

 at stores like Walmart and reports about 

. If you’re connected to neighborhood-focused social media apps like NextDoor and Ring, posts asking “Were those gunshots?” pop up almost daily. Politicians, meanwhile, never miss an opportunity to blame the opposing party for whatever’s wrong with society, often exaggerating the state of crime and safety to win over voters.

Violent crime is actually down. According to the latest 

 by Las Vegas Metro Police, personal crimes (murder, assault, sexual offences) were down 5% from 2022 to 2023, while property crimes (larceny, robbery, burglaries, motor theft) were up nearly 3%.

, personal crimes were down 39% (from 59,342 to 36,455), while property crimes were up 45% (52,040 to 75,670) — almost an inverse reflection. Of course, we have more property now — homes, cars, and that kind of stuff — to match a growing population, so the latter makes sense. The former could be credited to suburban growth and the rise of Las Vegas as a less-transient, family-oriented community.

Is the presence of crime getting better or worse in Las Vegas? The answer's complicated.

public services

The Most Read Web Stories of 2025 at City Cast Las Vegas

More Than Books: A Look Inside the New West Las Vegas Library

Giving Tuesday: How to Make a Difference (and Have Fun) This Holiday Season

Latest articles

The Most Read Web Stories of 2025 at City Cast Las Vegas

More Than Books: A Look Inside the New West Las Vegas Library

Giving Tuesday: How to Make a Difference (and Have Fun) This Holiday Season

Judges Order Funding as SNAP Benefits Threaten to Expire

Citizen Smog Enforcers: Nevada Wants You to Snitch on Dirty Drivers

Will Vegas PBS Continue After Federal Funding Cuts?

Why CPR Is Important and Where to Get Certified in Las Vegas

Latest articles

Judges Order Funding as SNAP Benefits Threaten to Expire

Citizen Smog Enforcers: Nevada Wants You to Snitch on Dirty Drivers

Will Vegas PBS Continue After Federal Funding Cuts?

Why CPR Is Important and Where to Get Certified in Las Vegas

How Police Tracked Down the Tesla Arson Suspect

Is Las Vegas a Safe Place to Live?

Why is Dropicana Taking So Long? Plus Other Road Projects Driving You Crazy