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City Cast Las Vegas

Jacob Solis

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? 

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

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

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. 

Las Vegas Guide to Independence Day Fireworks 2026

Where to Watch July 4 Fireworks in Las Vegas 2026

 comes to North America this month as 48 teams compete in 16 stadiums. No, Allegiant Stadium isn’t on the list, but Las Vegas has plenty of viewing parties to catch the action. Whether you call it football or soccer, fans will watch the best in the world take the field June 11-19.

Formerly known as Crown and Anchor, this pub on Tropicana has a new name (and nationality? 🤔) as The Irish Spot. Doors will open early for select games and stay open late as needed while serving Gran Centenario specials, including $7 reposado shots and $10 margaritas, plus $5 Stella Artois pints (or $20 buckets). Yes, you can still get fish n’ chips.

The Bavarian beer hall takes pride in cranking up the volume while showing every World Cup game inside its temperature-controlled biergarten. I can vouch for the food too, 

. Expect some extra-loud cheers for Germany.

The Daylight pool party has a new name and image, recently transforming into Tailgate Beach Club with a new emphasis on sports. The venue, which has its own dedicated parking lot outside Mandalay Bay, is hosting viewing parties throughout the World Cup, beginning with a block party on June 11. The event includes an EA Sports FC 26 tournament after the Mexico vs. South Africa match with Los Angeles World Cup tickets as the grand prize.

Located west of the Strip in Spring Valley, the Jackpot Bar & Grill is 

 during the NFL season, but is also a favorite of the 

, a Vegas group that loves to cheer on the British Premier League’s Arsenal FC — and will see loyalty divided as their favorite team’s players represent different countries during the World Cup. Jackpot’s menu is surprisingly diverse with Filipino favorites like lumpia and longaniza alongside burgers and wings.

Any Vegas sportsbook will be a fun place to watch the World Cup and 

 win big on a bet. The one at the Resort at Summerlin (formerly the JW Marriott) has a big viewing party at 5 p.m. on June 12 as the USA faces Paraguay. Guests will receive mini soccer balls and a chance to win raffle prizes. Plus, the first 100 people who bet $25 on the World Cup get the same amount back into their mobile account.

Just outside the Orleans casino, McMullan’s draws a rowdy crowd that takes its football (and rugby) seriously. The Irish pub is open around the clock and plans to show every World Cup game — but is 

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is June 11-19. So we've narrowed down the best places to watch soccer in Las Vegas.

Where to Watch Soccer in Las Vegas 2026

Where to Watch FIFA World Cup Soccer in Las Vegas

Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of decorating graves with flowers, Memorial Day had its beginnings in the aftermath of the Civil War. Today, the observance takes place on the last Monday in May to honor those who have died during military service.

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army Republic (an organization of Union veterans) issued 

, designating May 30 as a day “of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves” of soldiers who were killed during the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, the date was chosen to ensure the availability of “the choicest flowers of springtime.”

New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a holiday in 1873. All Union states followed suit by 1890. Congress passed the 

 in 1968 to designate the last Monday in May as Memorial Day, calling on the people of the United States to remember fallen soldiers and pray for permanent peace. It officially went into effect in 1971.

 at Police Memorial Park | 7 p.m. | Lone Mountain

 at Woodlawn Cemetery | 7-11 a.m. | Las Vegas Blvd. & Owens

 at Skye Canyon Park | 9 a.m. | Skye Canyon

 at Boulder City Municipal Cemetery | 9 a.m. | Boulder City

 at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetery | 10 - 11 a.m. | Henderson

 at Cornerstone Park | 9 a.m. | Henderson

 at Lake Sahara South Park | 9:30 a.m. | The Lakes

 at Woodlawn Cemetery | 9:30 a.m. | Las Vegas Blvd. & Owens

 at Olympia Sports Park | 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Southern Highlands

Memorial Day began in the aftermath of the Civil War and is now observed on the last Monday in May.


Why We Observe Memorial Day in May

It’s hard to miss the ever-growing campus of 

 alongside the 215 in the Southwest Valley. The buildings make an eye-catching impression with bright pops of red against pale shades of grey — almost like an Air Jordan reimagined as architecture. Business must be good, right? But what’s it all about?

Self-described as the "Fort Knox of data,” Switch designs and operates data centers in not only Las Vegas, but Reno, Atlanta, Grand Rapids, Austin, and Houston. The business is all about the storage and protection of high-volume digital data, but has branched further out into AI infrastructure and high-density computing over the years. 

 like Google, ebay, FedEx, and on a local level, MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and even the City of Henderson.

reputation for being a high-security compound

 with rumours of military-style protection, including drones and even the recruitment of former Navy Seals to hold the digital fort down. However, the company keeps tight-lipped on security details, preferring to neither confirm or deny the gossip.

 (yes … real name) in 2000, based on his own patented tech innovations. The company 

, raising $531 million in an IPO, but went private again when it was 

 for $11 billion in 2022. There has been talk about offering another IPO with a 

 in 2024. The figure would surely be higher today as stocks related to AI are booming — but are 

. Switch could easily cash in now, but might be better off in the long run by waiting for things to settle down first.

 is growing across the country. (Boulder City is 

.) But Switch isn’t quite the resource-sucker others are. The headquarters and “The Core” Las Vegas campus add up to more than 2 million square feet — and it’s all powered by the company’s own solar power operation in North Las Vegas. The panels alone 

. Switch also uses 100% recycled water in its data centers while claiming to 

 up to two times more water than it uses for a net-positive result. 

Can the "Fort Knox of data” show Las Vegas that data centers aren't something to fear?