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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

 last week, so let’s zero in on the races getting the most attention on a local level in Southern Nevada. The primary is June 9 with early voting May 23-June 5.

 is running for reelection with a strong prognosis since she won her first term with 

 in the 2022 primary. (In the nonpartisan race, the top two face off in November if a candidate doesn’t exceed 50% of the vote.) The closest challenger, 

Term limits keep Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown from running for reelection during a period when North Las Vegas is on the upswing. While the office is nonpartisan, the 

, who identifies as Republican, and Democratic assemblymember 

, who's also chair of the Nevada Democratic Party. (Like Henderson, the 50% threshold will determine if a runoff is needed in the fall.) There’s been a legal challenge over Black potentially violating term limits if he wins, since the mayor is a voting member of City Council.

Democratic incumbent Justin Jones declined to run for reelection over a 

, leaving the door wide open for his District F seat, which includes the Southwest Valley. If a Republican can flip the seat, it will either be Assemblymember 

 (endorsed by Gov. Lombardo) and former Democrat 

 (endorsed by Sheriff Kevin McMahill, and whose family name is the “Mack” in Thomas & Mack) in a race that’s described as the 

The Democratic side is a little more crowded. Former Republican and founder of the Bamboo Bridges nonprofit 

 appears to be the frontrunner with endorsements from Jones and County Commissioner Tick Segerblom. She faces spirited campaigns by Armenian advocate and attorney 

, a former adjunct professor at UNLV involved in Chinatown’s redevelopment plans.

 will overcome some rough headlines, including confrontations with coworkers and a 

 for allegations of secretly recording one, to win election. Her opponents are 

endorsements by the mayor and other city council members

 is hoping to win back her seat as Pahrump Justice of the Peace following a suspension for fraud involving misuse of funds for a police memorial. She’ll face the person appointed to fill her position, businessman Michael Foley, who doesn’t appear to have a campaign website 🤔

A few primary races have caught our attention in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas ... and yes, even Pahrump. 

Primary Races to Watch in Southern Nevada 2026

Local Primary Races to Watch in Southern Nevada

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

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

For an “off-year” election, there’s a lot going on, especially in Nevada. Our state’s primary is coming up on June 9 with early voting May 23-June 5. So study up before casting your ballot.

 is running for reelection. Technically, he’s not unopposed (there are 

 for the Republican nomination), but he might as well be. Nevada Attorney General 

 is the leading Democrat to face him in November, but is facing a spirited challenge from Washoe County Commissioner 

Nevada mixes to mix things up, by electing governor and lieutenant governor separately, instead of having candidates running together as a ticket. So yes, you could end up with the top two offices represented by different parties. Incumbent 

 is running unopposed. Nevada Assembly majority leader 

With Ford moving on to seek higher office, the Democrats are left with a choice of Nevada Treasurer 

 — and based on frequent ads, both are trying to outdo each other in the “stand up to Trump” lane. Vying for the GOP nomination are Lombardo-backed lawyer 

, an attorney who’s turned a famous last name into a career of perpetually losing elections.

, including Deputy State Treasurer Tya Mathis-Coleman, who can claim the understudy role. 

 are fighting it out on the Republican side, with the latter accusing the former of 

Secretary of State is usually a ho-hum office to worry about, but takes on greater significance with President Trump 

 on the election process. Democratic incumbent 

 will breeze through the primary to face one of four Republicans. 

 seems to have the edge with a Gov. Lombardo endorsement. Her contenders include famous Harry Reid foil 

, who’s leaning more heavily into Trump-style election denialism.

Southern Nevada has three Democratic incumbents defending their districts with little opposition within the party. So the main intrigue involves the Republicans challenging them.

 to overcome before facing one of five Republican contenders to represent District 1, which includes southeast Vegas and Henderson. 

 is the favorite to win the nomination after endorsements from President Trump and Gov. Lombardo.

 has possibly the most moderate district in Nevada — District 3 (Southwest Vegas, and then some). 

, a video game music composer and former Trump critic has the edge in the Republican field after making nice with the president and earning his endorsement, along with one from Gov. Lombardo.

, whose District 4 covers the north half of Vegas and a big chunk of rural Nevada, is unopposed in the primary. He’ll face rancher 

 in April, Republicans still have a slight lead on Democrats in the state, but both fall far short of independents, who command the plurality at more than 38% (!) of all registered voters. [Las Vegas Sun]

how the primary races are shaping up in Nevada

, plus the role of independents, who are mostly left out of this early voting process. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Nevada's Primary is Messy: What Las Vegas Voters Need to Know

Your guide to the 2026 primary races that matter to voters in Nevada.

2026 Primary Races to Watch in Nevada

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]

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