The Daily Rundown - May 11, 2026
💧 Absent a longer-term deal on how to share a key but dwindling water source in the U.S. West, three states say they'll cut back significantly to prop up reservoirs. Arizona, California, and Nevada announced a plan this month to save up to 1 million acre-feet of Colorado River water through 2028 following the driest winter on record. That's on top of cuts already announced, bringing the total proposed savings to 3.2 million acre-feet. Nevada, Arizona, and California make up the river's Lower Basin.
Under their proposal, Nevada and Arizona would take about one-third less water than what they're entitled to annually from Lake Mead. California, which has the largest and most senior rights to the water, would shrink its use by about 13%. The plan needs approval from federal officials and state lawmakers. The river supports 40 million people across seven U.S. states, two Mexican states, and Native American tribes. Read the full story here.
🔫 The United States Post Office is proposing to change a rule involving mailing handguns. A law established nearly 100 years ago currently prohibits the shipment of handguns through the mail unless they’re from licensed retailers. The change would allow anyone to mail concealable firearms like pistols and revolvers. Nevada’s Attorney General Aaron Ford is among a group of Democratic attorneys general opposing the new reversal.
In a statement, he said, “Our state has suffered enough, and to suggest we make it easier for criminals and abusers to access firearms is a slap in the face to gun violence survivors and law enforcement." In January, the Department of Justice issued a memo saying the original law from 1927 violates the Second Amendment. The DOJ argues, since it remains illegal to carry firearms across state lines, that mail is the “only viable method of transportation.”
🏍️ Caesars Palace is turning 60 this year, and to celebrate the milestone, a world record holder will attempt to jump across the resort’s front fountains. Caesars Entertainment announced in a press release that 12-time X Games Medalist Colby Raha will try the stunt on Sunday, May 17.
He aims to soar more than 100 feet vertically, surpassing his own world record. It’s the same location as Evel Knievel's legendary 1967 jump, when he ultimately failed the jump. The Evel Knievel Experience: An Interactive Museum of America’s Original Daredevil opens June 27 in the Arts District.
🎭 The Clark County Parks and Recreation Department is debuting its own youth theater for children ages 12 to 17. The first production is “Camp Rock: The Musical”. Similar to the City of Las Vegas’ Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, the county describes the program as an engaging, low-cost opportunity for aspiring young thespians to gain hands-on experience in every aspect of the theater.
The production is holding open auditions on May 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Silverado Ranch Community Center. Those looking to audition should come prepared with 30 to 60 seconds of a pop or rock song, along with a headshot or school picture. The first shows are in early August.
🎼 The Las Vegas Philharmonic ended its 2023-2024 season by saying farewell to its longtime music director, Donato Cabrera. On May 9, it ended its 2025-2026 season by saying hello to its new one, Rei Hotoda. In two months, she’ll officially be the first woman and Asian-American to hold the position of music director for the Philharmonic. In her time as the music director designate, Hotoda has been busy.
Besides preparing for her conducting duties during last weekend’s finale, she’s planned the 2026-2027 season, which will feature performances of Ravel’s Bolero and the music of Japanese anime institution Studio Ghibli. Hotoda told KNPR's State of Nevada that she's looking forward to collaborating with various arts organizations in Southern Nevada and tapping into the deep well of music educators within the Phil to develop learning programs for Las Vegas youth. Hear the full conversation with KNPR's Mike Prevatt here.
Part of these stories are taken from KNPR's daily newscast segment. To hear more daily updates like these, tune in to 88.9 KNPR FM.
