In The News: Department of History

The historic deals finalized late last year mark a major turning point: For the first time in the Culinary Union’s 90-year history, all major casinos on the Strip are unionized. Backed by 60,000 members, most of them in Las Vegas, it is the largest labor union in Nevada. Experts say the Culinary Union’s success is a notable exception in a national landscape where union membership overall is declining.

Nevada is famous for having a name that people constantly mispronounce. Say Nuh-VAH-duh in a crowd of Nevadans and expect weird looks. To locals, the Silver State is pronounced Nuh-VĂD-uh. Yet politicians, celebrities and out-of-towners keep getting it wrong.
When we learn about famous historical figures, we often hear about a spouse, rival or colleague, but rarely about their friends. Yet people in the public eye have a tendency to cross paths—even if they’re known for different contributions to society and don’t live near each other. This can lead to some unlikely friendships. Here are six examples of famous pairs you probably didn’t know were friends.

The U.S. commercial gaming industry generated nearly $72 billion in revenue in 2024, according to the American Gaming Association’s recently released “State of the States 2025.” It marks the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking revenue.
You know the Goodmans (of Vegas mayoral fame) and the Reids (our airport's namesake) — but did you know that a surprising number of our politicians actually come from generations of elected power? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler talk with UNLV history professor Michael Green about the political dynasties of Las Vegas and if a legacy last name still matters as much as it used to.

The Las Vegas Police Protective Association closed a poll on Friday asking its members to consider striking, but gave no indication on whether a work stoppage — which could be considered illegal under state law — will be authorized.

While a ceasefire seems to still hold between Iran and Israel after a 12-day war, there are a lot of questions about what happens next. There are many unknowns when it comes to this region.
When the castle gates of Excalibur swung open for the first time on June 19, 1990, the medieval-themed megaresort at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip was the largest hotel in the world. Thirty-five years later, the castle still stands, and the casino hotel’s allure continues to resonate with visitors.

When the castle gates of Excalibur swung open for the first time on June 19, 1990, the medieval-themed megaresort at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip was the largest hotel in the world. Thirty-five years later, the castle still stands, and the casino hotel’s allure continues to resonate with visitors.

When the castle gates of Excalibur swung open for the first time on June 19, 1990, the medieval-themed megaresort at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip was the largest hotel in the world. Thirty-five years later, the castle still stands, and the casino hotel’s allure continues to resonate with visitors.

With recent violence in Minnesota and riots in Los Angeles, concerns are mounting about the potential rise of political violence across the United States. Dr. Michael Green, an associate professor in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas's Department of History, weighed in on the issue. He emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying causes of such violence.

As the investigation continues into the tragedy in Minnesota that left State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, as well as State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife wounded, News 3 spoke with Dr. Michael Green, an associate professor in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas', Department of History about the rise in political violence across the country.