💰 Illinois governor wins $1.4 million in Vegas

🏒 Golden Knights Sign Troubled Goalie

The Vegas Golden Knights is giving Carter Hart a paid tryout that’s expected to evolve into a full NHL contract. The goalie was one of five Canadian hockey players found not guilty of sexual assault allegations involving a 20-year-old women in a 2018 hotel room incident. Hart was 18 at the time and has been out of action for more than two years. [The Athletic]

🚔 Political Climate Dampens Cultural Celebrations

Hispanic Heritage Month just wrapped up. Did you notice? Maybe not, since Latino cultural groups scaled back celebrations over fears of ICE aggression, which seems to operate on a take-action-now, ask-questions-later basis. [Nevada Independent]

• On the other hand, the political climate is having the opposite effect on “No Kings” protests, which are expected to draw bigger numbers than ever this weekend in Southern Nevada. [Nevada Current]

🃏 Next President a Vegas Card Shark?

A Las Vegas tourist won $1.4 million playing blackjack in Las Vegas — and it happened to be Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who revealed the winnings in tax filing documents. It’s worth noting he’s a billionaire who plans to donate the payout to charity. That’s like me donating a nickel to charity 🙃 [NBC News]

• Pritzker, seen as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, has been at odds with President Trump over recent ICE raids, covered in-depth by our teammates at City Cast Chicago 👍

🙁 A Fee to Recline Your Plane Seat?

In a move that seems to fit the spirit of Las Vegas but risks keeping even more Canadian tourists away, WestJet will soon charge passengers more for seats that recline. The Canadian airline has direct flights to Vegas from Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton. [People]

🎥 Unions on Opposite Sides of Movie Studio Debate

With a special legislative session on the way, Nevada lawmakers could finally get around to approving tax credits for a proposed movie studio in Las Vegas. Unions are split in their support of the plan, however. City Cast Las Vegas tackles the debate in the latest Friday news roundup, along with Metro’s stance on Trump protesters and how exotic dancers are standing tall with those affected by the government shutdown 🫡 [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🗞️ Hey news junkies!

It’s time for the latest Hey Las Vegas news quiz. The questions are based on stories in the newsletter over the past week. Have you been paying attention?

Here’s the first question to get you started:

Which world-famous concert venue is adopting the same sound technology used at the Sphere?

• Madison Square Garden
• Radio City Music Hall
• Sydney Opera House
• Hollywood Bowl

Results will appear at the end of the quiz.

Know what’s cool about being a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor? You get to plug your favorite stuff!

• 📣 Paul L. is a fan of BRB Vending, a women-owned business that was the “first in Las Vegas to start a boba tea vending machine in Harry Reid International Airport and the Rio casino!”
• 📣 Nancy H. is a donor and regular volunteer for the Trauma Intervention Program of Southern Nevada. “They assist residents of Clark County on the worst day of their life, when a loved one has experienced a traumatic event, most often a death,” she says. “The volunteers provide comfort and resources to help them through the grieving process.”
• 📣 Celeste W. wants everyone to know about Imagine Communications in Henderson, which is “run by some really creative people who do empathy-centered marketing.”

Become a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor and share your shoutout!

And big thanks to Tammy M., JC N., and Toni A., who all signed up after our recent Fall membership drive ended. Don’t worry. We’re still sending you a tote bag anyway 😉