🚄 Feds onboard with high-speed train

🚄 Next Stop … *Checks Notes* … Rancho Cucamonga!

Backers of the proposed high-speed train line between Las Vegas and Southern California will get $3 billion in we told you so funds from the feds, a crucial step for the $12 billion project. Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen has led the funding effort. Brightline, the train’s developer, claims the rest will be privately financed. [Nevada Independent]

• Related: Our podcast episode about the increased likelihood of the Brightline train coming to pass. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🌊 Cali Farmers Agree to Use Less Water

California farmers have agreed to cut back their water use by 100,000 acre feet for a year to help stabilize Lake Mead’s water level. What do they get in return? About $77 million in federal funds. Future cutbacks are also in the works. [Nevada Current]

😬 Uninsured Children

Nevada is tied for second in the nation in a regrettable category: number of kids not covered by health insurance. We had 55,000 last year, or about 8%. Only Texas (11%) was higher. Unsurprisingly, coverage disparities are worse for lower-income and kids of color. [Nevada Current]

🔮🏒 NHL Draft in the Sphere?

Professional hockey will reportedly bring its annual draft to Las Vegas in June — to the Sphere. [KLAS]

• Related: Before you see a show at the Sphere, listen to today’s podcast episode for tips and useful perspectives. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

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🕯️ Smell Vegas

When I asked what scents you think should be incorporated into a Las Vegas candle (which the podcast team also talked about), I expected some offbeat yet Vegas-smart answers. You didn’t disappoint:

🏀 “Jerry Tarkanian's sideline chew towel — comes in three aromas: pregame scent; midway-through-the-second-half-of-a-close-game scent; post-victory scent.” (Matt J.)

😬 “The homeless of Las Vegas.” (cilla b)

👃 “My perfect Las Vegas candle would smell of The M’s piped-in scent mixed with the essence of Art Alley and a hint of magician’s smoke.” (Christy C.)

🦨 “I would submit the Continental hotel room carpeting scent. Back in the early ’90s I was a sequestered juror and we were taken to the old hotel and casino on Flamingo Road. Upon exiting the elevator to our floor I was hit by a raunchy smell that was only worse when I went into my room. I will never forget that gagging experience.” (Judy Currier)

👃 “A melding of citrus and burnt rubber, which would be representative of the orange traffic cones/barrels and the anger they cause.” (Michael Red Earth)

💨 “Exhaust and sewers with the floral notes of exotic dancer perfume.” (Tere)

😶‍🌫️ “If it’s for visitors, as a souvenir: pot. For residents: patchouli to cover the smell of pot.” (Alison Maier)

🦮💩 When Doody Calls

Podcast listeners might recall our episode about (🎧) the shortcomings of dog owners. Here’s a doozy of an anecdote sent in by an animal lover who worked in a restaurant that welcomed service dogs:

“I had a family that often came in with the puppies they were training. So it comes to the end of the meal, they just left, and I realized (they) had forgotten their to-go box. So I grabbed the box and dashed after them. Went to hand them their box, expecting a thank you — only to be told they didn't need it. It was dog poop. And (they) still expected me to dispose of it for them. … They were wonderful at training their dogs, but I was stunned to see how inconsiderate they were with the special privileges they were allowed, bringing their dogs into restaurants.” (J.A.)

People, don't do this.

🪩 How to See a Show at the Sphere

We sent producer Layla Muhammad to catch the movie at the Sphere so she could help co-host Sarah Lohman cut through the hype-smog and tell us the need-to-know: Whether those hefty ticket prices are worth it, how to get the best seats, where to find the best food — and just how creepy the robots in the lobby are.