City Cast Las Vegas
😷 Could Vegas start the next pandemic?
April 13, 2026
☀️ Good morning, Vegas! Frankie Barnhill filling in for Rob Kachelriess again, who has a great reminder of all the rad things your library card can do. First, let’s get into the news.
What's CITY Talking About
💧Lake Mead Near Record Low
Since March 1, the water level of Lake Mead has dropped by more than six feet — which is near the record low for the same time in 2022. Levels will likely drop even more soon, with a low winter snowpack melting rapidly from the mountains. But water supply managers aren’t sounding the alarm — at least not yet. [KVVU]
- This comes as the Colorado River states are still trying to hammer out an agreement for water allocations, long after their Nov. 2025 deadline. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
🎒 K-12 Enrollment Dip Projected
Clark County School District leaders are expecting to lose more than 2,000 students by the end of the 2027 school year. With that in mind, they’re making tentative budget plans that account for less per-pupil dollars from the state. The district could cut as many as 1,000 teacher positions to account for the downward trends. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]
🗳️ Dems Want More Ballot Drops
Nevada is one of about a dozen states that counts mail-in ballots after Election Day. But if the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in against these laws ahead of the midterms, Nevada Democratic leaders want a backup plan. That’s why they’re urging voters to plan ahead, and are calling for more ballot box locations. [Nevada Current]
📵 Police Could Be Tracking Your Phone
A new contract between Nevada and a data tracking company gives police access to personal smartphone info without a warrant. Police can query the Fog Data Science software to identify users' patterns. The contract — which flew under the radar initially — is causing some heartburn for civil liberties advocates. [The Nevada Independent]
😷 Could the Next Pandemic Start in Vegas?
Last month, health officials confirmed a case of measles at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Did our city get lucky by avoiding a wider outbreak? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, we’re finding out how the Southern Nevada Health District is thinking about measles and other threats, and what public health officials are doing to prepare for the next potential pandemic. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
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Sponsored Content
Bring a World Class Piano to LVA
On Monday, April 20, the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Music Conservatory will host a Faculty Fundraising Concert, showcasing their music faculty as performers while raising funds for critical instrument needs. Their goal is to raise $50,000 to support the acquisition of a Steinway Concert Grand piano.
What To Do
Monday, April 13
- 🎻 Clark County School District Middle School Orchestra Festival at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, 8am–5pm (Free, through April 15) | UNLV
- 🥾 Morning Hike at First Creek Canyon Trailhead, 8:30am (Free) | Red Rock Canyon
- 🧘 Yin Yoga for Beginners at Paseo Verde Library, 10am (Free) | Henderson
- 📚 Social Justice Club at Whitney Library, 6pm (Free) | Tropicana & Nellis
- 💃 The Take Off: All-Styles Dance Battle at Runway Plaza, 6:30pm (All Ages, Free) | AREA15
- 🥽 Virtual Reality Career Exploration at Alexander Library, 6:30pm (16+, Free) | North Las Vegas
- 🎶 The Dreamboats at Clark County Library, 7pm (Free) | Flamingo & Maryland
Tuesday, April 14
- 🎨 Mojave Shadows: New Works by Nevada Artists Reception at Nevada Humanities, 5pm (Free) | Arts District
- 📋 Basics of Business Licensing at East Las Vegas Library, 6pm (Free) | Bonanza & Mojave
- 💃 Chicago Steppin' at West Las Vegas Library, 6pm (Free) | Historic Westside
- 📚 Book Swap Social at CraftHaus Brewery, 6–8pm ($22) | Henderson
- 🎲 The Big Gamble in the Desert at The Mob Museum, 7pm (Free with admission) | Downtown
- 🎞️ Showchella: Viva Las Vegas at Beverly Theater, 8pm (from $15, also April 16 & 17) | Downtown
- 🎻 Black Violin at Reynolds Hall, 7:30pm (from $65) | Smith Center
See you tomorrow, Vegas!
— Frankie Barnhill
Rob Kachelreiss wrote today’s re-run feature on library card hacks.
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