City Cast Las Vegas
🏜️ Zion true crime saga continues
July 16, 2026 · — Rob Kachelriess
🌮 No quiero Taco Bell …
I know you don’t go to Taco Bell for the lettuce, but the fast-food chain is removing the produce from some locations as a precaution against a parasite that’s sending customers to the bathroom.
So far, no cases have been reported in Nevada, so if you come down with “explosive diarrhea” too, blame the regular menu 💣
What's CITY Talking About
🏜️ Questions Remain After Murder Suspect’s Death
After killing himself while in police custody, the story of David Vander Meer continues to draw national attention. He was arrested on murder charges 20 years after his wife fell to her death at Zion National Park.
- Vander Meer drew suspicion from his father-in-law back before his wedding to Bernadette Gudenkauf, collected tips that his wife earned as a singer on the Strip, and changed the password to the couple’s life insurance accounts before that visit to Zion. [CNN]
- Former staff members say they were surprised Legacy Vineyard Church rehired Vander Meer as a youth pastor after concerns were brought up regarding his conduct around teenagers. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]
- One of those teens went on to marry Vander Meer following Bernadette’s death. She told investigators the two met up at pay-by-the-hour motels when she was 16. After their wedding, Vander Meer insisted on maintaining an open relationship. [People]
⚡ Boulder City Still Fighting That Data Center
Following a vote by council members, Boulder City is appealing a BLM decision to allow the construction of a data center on nearby federal land. Geographically, the project is still too dang close — and if built, would utilize Boulder City’s services, including the fire department, water, and public roads. [KVVU]
🤨 Salary Raised, Along with Eyebrows
Vegas visitation was down nearly 8% in 2025, but the salary of LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill is up 6% to $566,755, thanks to a raise approved unanimously by the Board of Directors. He gets a $240,603 performance bonus too. [KTNV]
- The LVCVA also approved $100 million for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. They call it a sponsorship. [LVSportsBiz.com]
🎉 A Weekend for the Ladies
SHE Weekend kicks off with a parade tonight to honor women athletes. City Cast Las Vegas looks at the festivities — and who jumped on board after the idea was pitched by Flavor Flav on social media. Today’s news roundup also discusses a fraud artist with too many husbands, a stiff penalty for the Venetian, and yes, the words that shook Las Vegas to its rocky, dust-filled foundation this week: “I’m Joe Lombardo” 🚔 [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
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What To Do
Thursday, July 16
- 🌿 Farmers Market at The District at Green Valley Ranch, 9am–1pm | Henderson
- 🚵 Viva La Gravity Downhill Mountain Biking Race at Lee Canyon, 1:30–4:30pm (Free) | Mount Charleston
- 🚛 Grave Digger Stars & Stripes at Walmart Supercenter, 3–7pm (Free) | Centennial Hills
- 🚁 Drone Training at Dolores Huerta Resource Center, 5pm (Free) | North Las Vegas
- 🎤 Karaoke Night at East Las Vegas Library, 6–7:30pm (Free) | Bonanza & Mojave
- 🍿 Piecing It Together: The Odyssey (Movie and Live Podcast) at Galaxy Theatres, 6:45pm ($13) | Boulevard Mall
- 🍷 Lilli Wine Dinner at Bar Boheme, 7pm ($175) | Arts District
- 🎬 Movie Night at Mom's Basement, 7pm ($10) | Sahara & Valley View
- 🎭 Broadway Memories at Calvada Theater, 7pm ($20, through July 26) | Pahrump
Friday, July 17
- 🛶 Cardboard Boat Regatta at Desert Breeze Aquatic Center, 4–7pm ($5 to enter) | Spring Valley
- 🚚 Skye Canyon Food Truck Friday at Skye Fitness, 5–9pm | Skye Canyon
- 🐦 Birding After Hours at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, 6–8pm ($10) | Henderson
- 🎮 Glow-in-the-Dark Nerf War at Valley View Recreation Center, 6–7:30pm ($20) | Henderson
- 🎯 WDF World Masters Darts Festival at Masquerade Stage, 6:30pm (From $43, through July 18) | Rio
- 🎭 Come From Away at Las Vegas Little Theatre, 7pm ($37, through July 26) | Spring Mountain & Valley View
- 👻 SCREAM'D to the Scream! Benefit Show at Majestic Repertory Theatre, 8pm (16+, From $22) | Arts District
🍽️ Meril, a new restaurant by Emeril Lagasse opens at the M Resort for dinner service tonight, followed by full hours tomorrow that include breakfast and lunch.
It’s definitely on the casual side, but the restaurant fits the vibe of the hotel — and it’s nice to see a celebrity chef set up shop off the Strip with prices that won’t drive locals nuts 👍
Free · Daily