Your Daily Guide

🪂 Military Aircraft Crashes Near Vegas

A pilot ejected over the desert near Creech Air Force Base after losing control of an F-35 fighter jet that crashed. Details are slim, but the pilot was found safe. [KSNV]

🔋 Lithium Mine Moves Forward

A judge turned away an environmental challenge to a planned lithium mine northwest of Las Vegas at Rhyolite Ridge in Esmeralda County. If built, the mine would interfere with the natural environment of Tiehm’s buckwheat, a federally protected plant. [Nevada Current]

• Like it or not, lithium is the future of mining in the Silver State. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

🗳️ Governor’s Race Tightens

A new poll of Nevada voters gives Gov. Joe Lombardo just a 1% edge over his likely challenger, Attorney General Aaron Ford. About 17% remain undecided, which means a lot of votes are up for grabs in what’s expected to be an intense election year. [KTNV]

🤑 Nevada To Trump: Pay Us, Please

After the Supreme Court’s ruling against the legality of President Trump’s tariffs, Nevada’s state treasurer has sent the administration an invoice. Zach Conine says $2.1 billion is owed to our state, which breaks down to $1,700 to $2,000 per family. [KVVU]

💵 A ‘Bill Washing’ Counterfeit Bust

Two men near Flagstaff, Arizona were arrested by the FBI, accused of trying to counterfeit money by washing away old numbers on real currency and replacing them with higher numbers. Clever. Of course, one of the suspects is from Las Vegas. [KSNV]

We already told you about a pop-up speakeasy with a 90s video store theme and a series of free performances by the Nevada Shakespeare Festival, but what else is there to do in April — besides taxes, of course? 💸 We have a few ideas.

🎞️ A Month of Movies

Forget Coachella. (It’s sold out anyway.) The Beverly Theater has “Showchella” — a series of music-focused movies throughout the month. Highlights include the 50th anniversary edition of “The Song Remains the Same" (April 5, 8), which captures Led Zeppelin at their peak in 1973, and Disney’s “Fantasia,” a visual feast for classical music that ages incredibly well. The Beverly Theater is also honoring the late, great Rob Reiner with multiple screenings of four classics by the director: “Stand By Me,” “The Princess Bride,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Misery.” It’s the best 15 bucks you can spend in Vegas.

😋 Poolside Dining

Poolside tastings are making a comeback in Las Vegas. Check out the inaugural Taste of Station at the Red Rock Resort, showcasing bites from Station Casinos’ restaurants under the stars on April 18. We’re also excited about the return of Vegas Unstripped, which puts local, neighborhood chefs front and center, offering one-night-only dishes at the Palms Pool on April 26.

🎉 A Season of Festivals

April is full of big events that celebrate music, culture, and sometimes, maybe a little bit of both:

• Kizuna Society Japanese Spring Festival | Lorenzi Park | April 4
• Las Vegas Bluegrass Festival | Centennial Hills Park | April 11
• Tacos & Tamales | Desert Breeze Park | April 11-12
• Sick New World | Las Vegas Festival Grounds | April 25
• Caribbean Heritage Festival | Lorenzi Park | April 25
• Peace, Love & Hoppiness | Big Dog’s Brewing Co. | April 25

🧑‍🎨 Chalk One (or Two) Up For Art

Two events are celebrating the beauty of chalk art in different ways. The Chalk It Down festival returns to the Arts District for the third straight year, inviting local artists to decorate sidewalks in conjunction with Market in the Alley on April 18. A week later, the Chalk It Up Festival comes to the Summerlin Library on April 25, showcasing art along with a day of live music.

🌳 Arbor Day Activities

Arbor Day falls on the last Friday of April to celebrate the importance of trees. The message resonates strongly in our desert climate. Clark County has teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation, shipping free trees to local residents who qualify. The City of Henderson is offering rebates to those who plant trees and convert their yards to desert landscaping — and organizing an Arbor Day bioblitz to explore nature along the Pittman Wash.

🦋 Butterflies at the Springs Preserve

The butterfly habitat at the Springs Preserve is open from April 4 to May 25. It’s beautiful and zen-like, but draws big crowds. Our own Sonja Cho Swanson shares a hot tip 🔥 for how to get in early and beat the rush during the latest episode of City Cast Las Vegas. Listen in and learn more about the best activities and recommendations for April. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]