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Business and Economy

Board tells Las Vegas table game maker: Stay out of California: May 17, 2013; By Ed Komenda,
Richard N. Velotta; Galaxy Gaming, a Las Vegas manufacturer of casino table games, has been deemed unsuitable to do business in California by a judge, a recommendation that could call into question the company’s Nevada gaming license.

After $7 million renovation, Terrible’s casino now the Silver Sevens: May 17, 2013; By Ed Komenda; The Terrible’s cowboy is taking the next horse and buggy right outta town. The Affinity Gaming casino has a new name: The Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino.

Economic diversification office grants major tax breaks to one of its own: May 17, 2013; By Richard N. Velotta; The Governor’s Office of Economic Development carefully considered the largest request for tax abatements in its history on Thursday — carefully, because the request came from one of the members of the board making the decision.

Pot dispensaries could mean green for state coffers, advocates argue: May 17, 2013; By Andrew Doughman; Advocates for medical marijuana argued Nevada could bring in $10 million to $30 million a year for state coffers if lawmakers approve a bill to create a dispensary system.

UMC not the only drag on Clark County’s budget outlook: May 17, 2013; By Conor Shine; Most of the services provided by Clark County are paid for using revenues from property tax collections. But several county functions — ranging from airports to the Las Vegas Township Constable’s Office — are expected to pay for their operations using fees and other charges they collect from customers, much like a private business. While some of these “self-funded” operations make enough money each year to cover their expenses, many find their budgets in the red. When that happens, the department has several options, including cutting staff, keeping vacant positions open, raising prices or drawing on their reserves.

American will favor passengers without roller bags: May 16, 2013; By David Koenig, Associated Press; In a quest to speed up the boarding process, American Airlines is letting passengers board sooner if they travel lightly.

Contractor chosen to run juvenile detention center in Las Vegas: May 16, 2013; By Cy Ryan; Summit View, the high security juvenile detention center in Las Vegas, is a step closer to re-opening.

Joe Downtown: TV series to showcase Las Vegas arts scene?: May 16, 2013; By Joe Schoenmann; Just beyond the doors of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, a film crew is focused on Charles Ressler. Living in Las Vegas the past two years, Ressler, a New York native, has thrown himself into various roles supporting and bolstering connections between the arts, culture and community in downtown Las Vegas.

Nevada unemployment falls to 9.6 percent in April: May 16, 2013; By Cy Ryan; Nevada’s unemployment rate fell to 9.6 percent in April as the economic recovery gains momentum.

State OKs $1.5 million in tax abatements for distribution facility: May 16, 2013; By Richard N. Velotta; he Governor’s Office of Economic Development conducted a meeting today in Las Vegas, with most of the agenda dedicated to considering tax abatement incentives to companies considering expansion or relocation to Nevada.

LV attorney faces 30 years behind bars for role in securing 9 bogus mortgages: May 16, 2013; By Jackie Valley; A Las Vegas attorney pleaded guilty Wednesday to a mortgage fraud crime that could land him in federal prison for up to 30 years, Nevada’s U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden announced Thursday.

Obama picks budget official to run troubled IRS: May 16, 2013; By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press; President Barack Obama picked a senior White House budget official to become the acting head of the Internal Revenue Service on Thursday, the same day another top official announced plans to leave the agency amid the controversy over agents targeting tea party groups.

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home getting more complicated: May 16, 2013; By Eli Segall; Deciding whether to rent or buy a house in Las Vegas seemed pretty simple last summer: owning was cheaper than renting within two years of purchase.

Dean Heller disapproves of federal judge nominee because of contributions to Harry Reid: May 16, 2013; By Karoun Demirjian; The Senate Judiciary committee voted down party lines to endorse the nomination of Jennifer Dorsey, President Barack Obama’s pick to fill one of the two remaining seats on the federal bench in Nevada. But when her nomination comes up for a confirmation vote in the Senate, Dorsey won’t have the full support of Nevada’s delegation, also divided down party lines.

Primm Valley Lotto Store sells near-winner for $360M Powerball drawing: May 16, 2013; By Sun Staff; A Primm Valley retail outlet long favored by Las Vegans playing California Lottery games sold a ticket this week that came just shy of winning a $360 million Powerball jackpot.