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City Cast Las Vegas

Jacob Solis

With the midterm election a mere two weeks away, we are now in what the experts call “the Cool Zone,” where real votes are finally being cast — and everyone freaks out because we’ve started prognosticating with incomplete information. Though election 

 there’s not much you can understand from early vote data alone, they also agree there’s one exception: Nevada. [New York Times, PollVault]

Or, more specifically, longtime Nevada political reporter Jon Ralston, who’s soothsaying powers have foreseen seismic shifts in election land just before they happened, from former Sen. Harry Reid’s impossible victory in 2010 to 

. (Full transparency: This writer used to work for Ralston in a past life). [The Nevada Independent]

So why Nevada? It turns out, funny things start to happen when nearly three-quarters of the state’s active voters 

. Turnout trends that emerge in Las Vegas during early voting can become increasingly predictive, especially as they relate to what Ralston refers to as the “

” for state Democrats, a historic offset for deep Republican strongholds in the rurals (and until the last 10 years, Washoe County, too). [Nevada Secretary of State, Nevada Independent]

As goes the firewall, so goes the state. This year, early voting began over the weekend with more than 23,000 ballots cast in Clark County alone. Quite a bit! But still only a fraction of the hundreds of thousands that will come in by Election Day. What have they told us? 

 Vote-by-mail numbers (historically favored by Democrats) are increasingly competitive, while in-person voting, traditionally dominated by Republicans, is similarly topsy-turvy. What gives? In part, it may be Democrats dubious not of mail ballots, but of 

looking at numbers? You’re in luck. The Secretary of State publishes regular data through its 

, including data on mail ballots, early in-person voting, and (soon) Election Day in-person turnout. [Nevada Secretary of State]

 For those of us still tethered to Twitter/X, 

 regularly posts data updates with comparisons to past elections. For those blissfully free of the Elon Musk hellsite, then 

 is your best bet. [X, The Nevada Independent]

 for former video game composer and Republican congressional candidate Marty O’Donnell found it littered with “racial slurs, minimizations of Nazi Germany and defenses of white nationalist conspiracy theories.” O’Donnell’s campaign said in a statement that he “has zero tolerance for hate” in that forum, and has banned 200 members. [Associated Press]

Separately, a PAC linked to President Trump 

 boosting O’Donnell just days earlier, as Republican campaign committees still flush with cash have rushed to triage House races across the country. [ABC News]

But as Election Day nears, expect campaign visits to accelerate until morale improves. House Speaker 

 to boost Republican hopefuls, while Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) is set to 

stump alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

 (D-NY) in North Las Vegas this weekend. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Facebook]

Early vote data is usually a poor barometer for election results. So why’s Nevada different? 

Can Early Vote Data Tell Us the Future? 

Can Anyone Read the Election Tea Leaves? 

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

Rob Kachelriess

Here are the rules at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign: There are no rules. Yes, there’s usually a line that people follow out of respect and politeness — but it’s not official. And anyone offering to take your photo in exchange for any form of payment is not directly affiliated with operations at the landmark.

Some of those hustlers have become more aggressive over the years while trying to pull people out of line. In response, Clark County plans to 

 that say tipping is voluntary and not required, along with guidance on reporting harassment. The county may also increase the presence of police and business licensing officials. (It’s technically illegal if a photographer demands payment without a proper license.)

Tipping culture has become a source of contention in Las Vegas, especially in recent years. Costumed performers on the Strip and Fremont Street are notoriously aggressive in demanding high-dollar tips after offering to pose for photos. Just last month, two “showgirls” were arrested for 

 in front of Planet Hollywood over a $20 tip. According to the police report, the women 

As a hospitality destination, Las Vegas has relied on tips for years — a practice that’s more established in traditional settings like bars, restaurants, tours, and casino floors. With that said, Nevada 

, making it the fourth-lowest tipping state in the country.

But back to the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign … In an ironic twist, the landmark was designed to be free for everyone. While YESCO owns the physical sign and leases it to Clark County, the design itself 

, allowing anyone to use it on art, T-shirts, coffee mugs, or anything else without royalty concerns.

Photographers have become aggressive in demanding tips at the iconic landmark. Has it gone too far?

Are you Obligated to Tip at the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ Sign?

Clark County Addresses Harassment at the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ Sign

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

Laura Tsutsui

The election is a mere three weeks away 😱 and this cycle we have a lot to consider: Nevada’s governor, your congressional rep, possibly your mayor, and a slew of other state leaders. Where to start? Here are a few races we’re looking closely at:

 on the podcast, focusing on the frontrunners: Republican (and current governor) Joe Lombardo and Democrat Aaron Ford. We got into how Lombardo is running on his economic record, Ford's strategy of tying the governor to Trump at every turn, and whether these two will ever actually debate each other. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Henderson and North Las Vegas residents are 

 — again after neither candidate in either city captured more than 50% of the vote in June. [City Cast Las Vegas ✍️]

 There are four congressional districts in our state — three in southern Nevada and one capturing much of rural and northern Nevada. We break down some of the 

 (and other statewide races) in our latest City Cast Las Vegas episode. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

If you’re still struggling to fill out your ballot, check out the guides and election coverage from 

Everything You Need to Know Before Voting in Las Vegas. Plus, the Best Voting Sites

So you know who you’re voting for, but let’s back up just a bit and make sure you’ve got all your ballot ducks in a row first:

Counties began sending out mail-in ballots 

, so check your mail. They’re coming to every active registered voter who did not opt out. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

 and runs through Oct. 30, during which you can go to 

 to cast a ballot. You can even register and vote on the same day! Just be sure to bring a valid Nevada driver’s license or state ID card with your current residential address. [Clark County]

 Take it to a drop box, a polling location, or drop it in the mail — it doesn’t even need a stamp.

Well then, you have your pick of voting centers. The Las Vegas Raiders just announced Allegiant Stadium will be one on Election Day; in 2024 the facility 

. It was the state’s busiest polling place! [Las Vegas Sun]

Elections bring no shortage of data and pundits who wax poetic about what it all means before election day arrives. Here are a few things to know about Nevada’s voter trends:

, and more new voters identify as Democrats than Republicans. The largest voting bloc, however, is nonpartisan, making up nearly 40% of active voters. [Las Vegas Sun]

If you want to get really nerdy, Jon Ralston at the Nevada Independent is running his 

 where he’s looking at the latest data from ballots received thus far. He updates it regularly so you can start at the bottom and work your way up to follow the trends.

Explore Nevada’s crucial upcoming election. Inside: Deep dives into the Lombardo vs. Ford gubernatorial race, Henderson & North Vegas mayoral runoffs, and more

Nevada 2026 Election: Key Races, Candidates & Polling Insights

What to Know Before Early Voting 

Ahh, the promise of 2024. The sun was shining and Brightline West had 

 on the once-mythical high speed rail line finally connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. Permitting would be fast-tracked by following I-15, and if the chips fell right, the whole thing would open in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Then came the clouds. Immediately upon starting construction, the company announced the total cost had ballooned by 40 percent, now soaring past $21 billion. The opening date slipped past the Olympics into 2029, and a $6 billion loan from the feds — promised under Biden — had stalled under Trump. And despite starting work on the Las Vegas station last year, 

 at the parking garage construction site in months. Now, Florida-based sister-company Brightline is filing for bankruptcy.

Anyone want to buy a train ticket? [KTNV, Las Vegas Review-Journal]

: Brightline and Brightline West are two 

 under the umbrella of the private equity firm Fortress, which applied the Brightline name to the California-Nevada project in hopes of a boost from the existing high speed rail line in Florida. [KTNV]

, regular Floridian passengers enjoy their zippy trains. Ridership and revenue have 

. But it hasn’t increased nearly fast enough to offset the burden of $5.5 billion in outstanding debt, largely from loans used to build the rail lines in the first place. [WKMG Orlando]

has killed so many people crossing the tracks

 (well over 200 in 9 years) that there’s even a “

” website with a live ticker of how many “the train hath slain.” What else can be said but YIKES. [CBS News]

. Kind of. Brightline is still operating its Florida train system as it technically didn’t file for bankruptcy — 17 of its parent companies did. But the bankruptcy deal has opened up nearly $500 million in yet more credit, so 

the debt collections will continue until morale improves

spell doom for Brightline West? They’ll still have to build the thing first, and that will require the aforementioned $6 billion federal loan. But 

, and the federal government’s timeline now threatens to stretch into 2027. [Bloomberg]

 for a one-way fare, and $133 for premium cabin service. That’s nearly 

 in Nevada for a small car ($65), and still more than a full tank for a real guzzler of an SUV ($98), even after Iran-related price surges. To say nothing of the fact that Brightline West will end not in Los Angeles proper, but … Rancho Cucamonga. (KLAS, AAA)

Once a surefire promise for the 2028 Olympics, Brightline West faces skyrocketing $21B costs, stalled federal loans, and a sister-company bankruptcy. Is the Vegas high-speed train dead in its tracks?

Is Brightline West Derailing? Vegas-to-LA Rail Project Faces Delays, Cost Hikes

Just How Doomed Is the Train to California? 

The Nevada Department of Transportation is 

 Interstate 15 between Sloan and Primm — a 27-mile stretch southwest of the Las Vegas Valley. The plans would also add new interchanges while updating existing ones.

As Southern Nevada continues to develop, the area surrounding that corridor could be used to fill an anticipated 6,000 acres of industrial land over the next 25 years, plus potential residential communities to support them.

A new airport to ease the burden on Harry Reid International is in the planning stages near Jean, but 

. If and when it happens, another 17,000 acres near the airport would be targeted for commercial and industrial facilities.

Less certain: the Brightline West high-speed rail line between Vegas and Southern California, which has 

 and move past the ceremonial groundbreaking stage. The tracks are supposed to run alongside or down the center of Interstate 15. A station at the new airport would make sense, but that’s more than a decade away — and we need a train first.

Don’t expect to see California do much to improve I-15 on its side of the state line. Caltrans 

believes added lanes don’t help traffic congestion

South valley communities like Southern Highlands and Inspirada continue to grow, giving energy and momentum towards Sloan and beyond. Primm 

 over the summer and was sold to Terrible Herbst’s parent company. The stateline casino town would clearly benefit from new homes and businesses along the I-15. (Hang in there, Primm!)

Vegas continues to grow in other directions too, thanks to future master-planned communities like 

 north of Tule Springs (courtesy of a BLM land sale), 

 by the former Three Kids Mine in Henderson.

With that being said, Clark County’s population growth has 

 — and won’t hit 3 million people until 2055, ten years beyond what was originally projected.

 takes a closer look at the potential Interstate 15 project and why it could play a pivotal role in the future of Southern Nevada. 

 also discusses the return of nuclear testing outside Vegas and a new concept that gives bros a beer and a spa day, all in one. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧

Nuclear Testing Returns to Nevada, Las Vegas Eyes Sloan for Growth, and Where to Relax with a Drink

A plan to upgrade 27 miles of Interstate 15 could kick off a new wave of development between Sloan and Primm.

NDOT to Upgrade Interstate 15 South of Vegas

How Big Can Las Vegas Get? 

Las Vegas joins the rest of the nation in mourning the lives lost during the 9/11 terror attacks, which took place 25 years ago today.

 after the attacks. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

 outside the New York-New York casino, which became a spontaneous memorial site to honor the victims. [KVVU]

 each year for Barbara Edwards, a teacher who was on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

prompted the Hoover Dam to increase security protocols and 

 of the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge as a bypass route. [Los Angeles Times]

 spent time in Vegas before the attacks, although widespread talk of them scouting potential terror targets or laundering money via casinos 

 has different requirements on 9/11 education. Nevada 

 on the events of that day, but there’s room for adaptation into high school history classes. [Associated Press]

: A public memorial ceremony at Police Memorial Park is today at 10 a.m., a memorial service and flag planting is tomorrow, 8-11 a.m. at 

, a morning of volunteerism is scheduled at 

 in Henderson tomorrow, 8 a.m. to noon, and 

 continues its production of “Come From Away,” a musical based on the true story of a small airport in Newfoundland welcoming 7,000 passengers whose planes were grounded on Sept. 11, 2001.

Las Vegas Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11: Local Remembrances & History

Victims Honored and Remembered 25 Years After 9/11

When reacting to the breaking news of Dolly Parton’s passing on 

, we referenced the singer’s commitment to childhood literacy with her 

, a program that’s brought books to more than 3 million youngsters under five years old since 1995. A local affiliate, 

, was forced to take a 10-month pause last October after the Nevada legislature 

 a grant to help fund it, but the situation is turning around. 

"We have spent the last year applying for grants at the local and state level and were able to resume the program last month on a much smaller scale, thanks to private donations, grants from the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, Speedway Children’s Charities, and others," said Meredith Helmick of Storied Kids. "We are still working towards funding on a state-wide level and hope to be involved in the next legislative session."

. Lawmakers in Indiana, Missouri, and other states have 

: One in seven children in the U.S. under the age of 5 

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District hasn't participated in Dolly Parton's literacy programs, but shares a common mission of making books available to young readers. 

"Dolly's fans already know her passion for inspiring the love of reading, and what better way to continue her legacy than by supporting your neighborhood public libraries," Executive Director Kelvin Watson said. "Take advantage of free resources and events that promote literacy, from programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Kickoff to Kindergarten, Winter Reading Challenge and Summer Challenge, tutoring programs, storytimes and much more. We also offer programs to improve skills for teens and adults."

If you need more incentive, September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when your library card number could be a ticket to win prizes.

There's new hope for a local chapter of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which lost funding when a vital grant expired.

Dolly Parton’s Literary Legacy Unfunded by Nevada

Las Vegas has three dining destinations (and 

!) in the queendom of Lisa Vanderpump, but it doesn’t have 

, an all-new concept by the restaurateur and reality TV star in Lake Tahoe.

My wife described the design as “fairytale goth.” I went with “concrete jungle.” Either way, you get to enjoy goat cheese balls (made famous on “Vanderpump Rules”) and other bites to match the Instagram-ready cocktails. Wolf is definitely a change of pace for Stateline — Nevada’s casino-friendly corner of the lake — and one of the signature attractions at 

, a 1,250-room property formerly known as Harvey’s.

, Caesars Entertainment has given the hotel a top-to-bottom refresh with a busy and bright casino floor that wouldn’t look out of place in Vegas, especially at the slot machines next to the hotel’s other big restaurant, 

. There’s no digital screen of the celebrity chef to greet visitors at this version, but you can still get imported Piedmont truffles shaved over your lobster risotto.

Another Vegas staple, Clique Hospitality, was enlisted to spruce up the nightlife with 

, a cocktail lounge with a wall of amber lightbulbs to illuminate a stage for local musicians and occasionally 

. (As Ms. Vanderpump might say, “bravo” 👏)

“Tahoe has never seen anything like it,” according to Captain Zach of 

, who raved about Tessie’s while cruising around the coves near Emerald Bay during a daytime cruise. (True story: On the way back, Zach spotted an abandoned jet ski on the horizon and rescued the driver who fell overboard. Zach is the best!)

You can see the Vegas influence elsewhere in Tahoe, including 

, which wisely kept the Oyster Bar after taking over what used to be a Hard Rock 👍

But what really seals the deal is the walkability of the pine-lined sidewalks in a way that’s different from trekking down the Vegas Strip. Caesars Republic is just steps from the beach, 

 (with a gondola carrying guests to ski runs during winter), and charming independent businesses, including 

 — a bistro opened by three friends who met in New Orleans.

And no matter where you go, everything is noticeably clean. Both tourists and locals alike make a point to pick up after themselves. If Lake Tahoe can keep the small town charm alongside the celebrity chefs and slot machines, I see plenty of return trips to this evolving Vegas alternative in my future.

Slot machines, celebrity chefs, and bottle service ... with lakeside views.  

Is Lake Tahoe the New Las Vegas?

The July 4th holiday is coming up and celebrating America’s independence in Las Vegas can be, well, confusing. Fireworks are best left to the professionals, but that doesn't stop people from shooting off their own explosives in parks and backyards throughout the valley. Are they legal? The answer is complicated.

 fireworks go on sale Sunday, June 28 and are available until Saturday, July 4. These are the only fireworks approved for the general public by Clark County, sold at pop-up booths in the parking lots of grocery stores, shopping centers, and other businesses throughout the valley to benefit nonprofits. The products are limited to sparklers, snakes, smokeballs, or to put it simply, stuff that doesn’t leave the ground.

More dangerous fireworks like Roman Candles, Cherry Bombs, and Bottle Rockets are legally sold outside Clark County in some of our favorite Nye County destinations (like 

) as well as tribal territory (most notably, the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza near Valley of Fire). However, it’s illegal to set them off back in Vegas, even though you can’t ignore the sight of them illuminating the sky. In an odd twist, it’s even against the law to set fireworks off in Pahrump, except for a single 

If this all sounds confusing, you’re probably right. So, take the easy route and enjoy professional fireworks presentations throughout Southern Nevada — which are already underway to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

 | After dark | $15 | Las Vegas Motor Speedway

 (coinciding with Station Casinos’ 50-year anniversary) | 9 p.m. | Free | Off the Strip

 at Green Valley Ranch | 9 p.m. | $35, $10 for kids | Henderson

 at Durango Casino & Resort | 9 p.m. | $35, $10 for kids | Southwest

 at Veterans Memorial Park | After dark | Free (with possible parking charge) | Boulder City

 at The M Resort | 9 p.m. | $35, $15 kids | Henderson

 at Red Rock Resort | 9 p.m. | $35, $10 kids | Summerlin

 | After the Aviators game | $22+ | Downtown Summerlin

Your guide to fireworks shows and the legalities of setting off your own in Clark County. Spoiler: It's complicated. 