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On this episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia welcomes Dr. David G. Schwartz — acclaimed author, gaming historian, and ������ Ombuds — for a deep conversation on the rich history and evolving future of Las Vegas. From his global journey through the origins of gambling in Roll the Bones, to the golden era glamour of At the Sands, and the bold vision of Jay Sarno in Grandissimo, Dr. Schwartz shares powerful insights about what made Las Vegas what it is — and where it might be heading.

Since at least the early 1900s, Las Vegas has been known as Sin City, a place meant to be an adult playground where anything goes. Historically, that playground included a heavy dose of gambling and alcohol, along with all manner of nightlife.

With big holidays like Memorial Day –that just passed –Fourth of July, and Labor Day, Las Vegas brings in thousands of people. However, as the years have gone by Las Vegas is experiencing a mixed bag in its tourism sector, with some metrics showing positive trends and others indicating a decline.

Sure, Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal secretly ran the Stardust, Fremont, Marina, and Hacienda casinos in Las Vegas for the Chicago branch of the mafia from 1974 to 1978. That’s without even possessing a gaming license, ensuring the syndicate a “skim” of at least $1.6 million, and probably much more. But Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal was also the very first operator of a Las Vegas Strip resort to hire female dealers for table games, which makes him a champion for women’s rights. And that makes up for at least some of the bad stuff in his legacy, right?

La Concha Motel, Huntridge Theater and Mormon Fort are among three Southern Nevada locations that Preserve Nevada has designated as the state’s “most endangered historic places.” The statewide historic preservation organization this week released its annual list of 12 “Silver State treasures” at greatest risk of destruction during Historic Preservation Month in May.

Preserve Nevada this week released its 2025 list of the state’s most endangered sites, again listing Reno’s Lear Theater among the threatened entities. This year’s list increased to 12, up from 11 in past years, and it includes locations and concepts across Nevada preservation experts say should be protected.