Richard N. Velotta

Story Archive

Will cabs go along for the ride?: Pros and cons discussed about software that could prevent long-hauling; Monday, Sept. 30, 2013; Several months ago, Frias Transportation Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Frias Transportation, operators of five taxi companies in Southern Nevada, unveiled RideIntegrity, a software program that can put a big dent in the practice of long-hauling.
Gaming execs say casino industry has reached saturation point: Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013; Saturation has arrived in the gaming industry and except for a few outposts, there aren’t many places in the United States where a player can’t drive three hours or less to get to a casino, a panel of gaming industry executives said.
Has Las Vegas bounced back from the recession? Not yet, but hopefully soon, analysts say: Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013; Has Las Vegas rebounded from the Great Recession? Casino executives and analysts at the Global Gaming Expo said that while the city has made great strides since the local economy flat lined in the late 2000s, it still has a way to go.
Southwest frequent-flier points worth less for cheapest flights: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013; Customers of Southwest Airlines will have to use more of their Rapid Rewards loyalty card points to purchase the least-expensive seats on flights beginning next spring.
Citibank to lay off about 700 workers during holiday season: Monday, Sept. 23, 2013; Citibank’s mortgage division at the Lakes will close later this year, throwing more than 700 people out of work just before the Christmas holidays. The closure is part of a nationwide reduction strategy involving 1,000 layoffs by New York-based Citibank.
Reid wants to get high-speed rail project back on track: Monday, Sept. 23, 2013; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hasn’t given up on the proposed XpressWest high-speed rail project between Las Vegas and Southern California.
Stories abound at gaming expo: Internet gambling will be one of the hottest topics at the four-day event; Monday, Sept. 23, 2013; If you’re a journalist who wants to cover the automotive industry, you live in Detroit.
If you want to cover gaming, you live in Las Vegas.
International traffic shines in less-than-stellar month for McCarran: Friday, Sept. 20, 2013; McCarran International Airport experienced another month of flat passenger levels compared with last year with international traffic buoying domestic arrivals in August.
22 Allegiant flights delayed, canceled for inspections: Airline says rescheduling of flights will continue 'over the next several days'; Friday, Sept. 20, 2013; Maintenance workers with Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air continued to get its MD-80 jet fleet back in the air Friday after delaying or canceling 22 flights to inspect emergency slide systems in 30 of the twin-engine jets.
Companies bringing more than 1,000 jobs to Las Vegas area: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013; Southern Nevada’s economic development future brightened today as the Governor’s Office of Economic Development approved a series of tax abatements, catalyst fund requests and training grants for companies with plans to expand in Clark County. More than 1,000 jobs will be created in Southern Nevada as a result of the board’s actions.
Horse jumping, dressage championships returning to Las Vegas: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013; The International Equestrian Federation’s World Cup Finals in show jumping and dressage will return to Las Vegas in 2015.
Shuttle company offers new transportation option for airport: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013; Passengers arriving at McCarran International Airport have a new ground transportation option to get to or from their hotels. Phoenix-based SuperShuttle had a soft launch at McCarran last week and plans a public event today to promote its van shuttle service.
Local TV lawyer accused of misconduct in BP oil spill cases: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013; Glen Lerner, the Las Vegas injury attorney who advertises his ability to get clients a check if they’re in a wreck, has been ordered by a Louisiana judge to explain why he shouldn’t be disqualified from representing people affected by the 2010 BP oil spill.
Caesars Entertainment launching Mac-friendly online poker site: Monday, Sept. 16, 2013; Caesars Entertainment’s online poker website, using the World Series of Poker brand, will launch Thursday morning, company officials said today.
Question: This is where you can now find ‘Jeopardy.’ Answer: Where is on Channel 8: Monday, Sept. 16, 2013; They’re the most successful syndicated shows on television. They're “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune," and they’re moving today to KLAS Channel 8 from KSNV Channel 3.
Coaxing students out of cars: New transit center aims to make taking the bus easy, convenient for people; Monday, Sept. 16, 2013; The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada recently debuted its 6,460-square-foot transit center at UNLV, along with new technology that makes paying for a bus ride as easy as tapping a plastic card against a card reader.
Shifting anchor tenants in shopping plazas can make or break small businesses: Monday, Sept. 16, 2013; When Vons moved out of the Lone Mountain Plaza shopping center at Decatur Boulevard and Lone Mountain Road, Michael Bui expected the worst for his small hair styling and manicure shop. The supermarket had provided him with a healthy flow of customers. But things changed when Vons left.
Nevada eyes offering Internet poker beyond state lines: Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013; The road to Nevada offering online poker to residents of other states is long and tortuous and gaming regulators took a step in that journey Wednesday when the state Gaming Control Board conducted a workshop meeting on a proposal for companies to offer progressive jackpots across state lines.
Control board approves acquisition of WMS Gaming by New York company: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013; The state Gaming Control Board voted 3-0 to recommend approval of Scientific Games' acquisition of WMS Gaming, which has a distribution center in Las Vegas.
Cinnamon cider bars and ‘Booze Munch’: Mom-daughter team hope to win big with alcohol-infused cookies and treats: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013; Wendy and Jennifer Baumgartner want to have a street address to give to customers looking for alcohol-infused cookies. They run the Cookie Bar, which is one of seven finalists competing in a national crowdfunding contest to win more than $10,000. The Baumgartners want to use the money to open a brick-and-mortar shop.
Las Vegas bringing back 'What happens here, stays here' ad campaign: Marketing plan also includes partnership with Google, branded weekends, social media push; Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013; The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will resurrect its most successful — and most popular — ad campaign later this year when it rolls out more “What happens here, stays here” television commercials.
If the airlines should merge: US Airways, American Airlines deal could be done smoothly at McCarran airport; Monday, Sept. 9, 2013; US Airways, which wants to merge with American Airlines to create the world’s largest air carrier, was set to close the deal by the end of the year and start integrating the companies when the Justice Department stepped in.
Airlines find new ways to serve passengers — and make money: Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013; Let’s face it: travel these days isn’t so fun anymore with the hassle of long lines, security checks and delays. But innovators are on the hunt to make the passenger experience more enjoyable — or at least tolerable.
Shfl Entertainment 3rd-quarter earnings down 38.5 percent: Friday, Sept. 6, 2013; Las Vegas-based Shfl Entertainment, a gaming equipment, table games and slot machine manufacturer that is being acquired by Bally Technologies, reported its third-quarter earnings this afternoon.
Airline adding 2 flights a week between Switzerland, Las Vegas: Friday, Sept. 6, 2013; A small subsidiary of the world’s fourth largest airline will add two nonstop round trips a week between Zurich, Switzerland, and Las Vegas next year, the company announced today.
Riviera names new general manager: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013; Longtime Southern Nevada gaming executive Rob Kunkle has been named general manager of the Riviera.
In national ad push, Allegiant aims to poke holes in competitors' 'free soda': Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013; Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air launched its first national television advertising campaign Tuesday, delivering a message that explains its controversial pricing philosophy. The ad is running through September on six channels, with most spots airing in the early evening and during prime time.
Newsletter raises concerns about Caesars bankruptcy, but company not addressing rumors: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013; The publisher of a newsletter about Las Vegas is encouraging readers not to put money down on hotel reservations or make deposits in casinos operated by Caesars Entertainment.
Outbound flight astounds: Nonstop flight to Puerto Penasco is bringing attention to small resort town; Monday, Sept. 2, 2013; One of Las Vegas’ greatest selling points to attract new businesses is its airline network. As of August, there were 132 nonstop destinations from McCarran International Airport.
More visitors occupied rooms, attended conventions citywide in July: Friday, Aug. 30, 2013; Southern Nevada visitor volume showed a slight increase in July and summer vacation occupancy swelled above monthly averages, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported today.
McCarran passenger traffic falls flat while taxi trips dip: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013; Passenger traffic was flat at McCarran International Airport in July, and the number of people who used the Las Vegas airport in the first seven months of the year was nearly the same as in the first seven months of 2012.
The Killers help breathe life into state's marketing efforts: Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013; Nevada’s “A world within, a state apart” slogan may have bombed publicly, but some tourism commissioners think the Killers killed it with the Las Vegas band’s rendition of “Don’t Fence Me In” in a television ad and now the state may look to expand use of the song.
The man with a plan ... or two: Elon Musk’s plans don’t stop with harnessing the power of the sun in Nevada; Monday, Aug. 26, 2013; Elon Musk, the entrepreneur behind PayPal and electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors, must have a place in his heart for Las Vegas.
Gaming Commission puts off entering horse race of pari-mutuel wagering rebates: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013; The Nevada Gaming Commission met in Las Vegas today to consider whether it should adopt regulations to allow rebates on pari-mutuel wagering.
Gaming Commission agrees to $15,000 fine for Andre Agassi, partner: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013; The Nevada Gaming Commission today approved a settlement for a minor gaming regulation violation complaint against a company involving retired tennis great Andre Agassi.
Counterfeit cop: How a local attorney spots fake Rolexes and knockoff Louis Vuittons: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013; Usually, when F. Christopher Austin walks the aisles of the city’s convention centers, he’s a man on a mission, looking for counterfeit property and preparing for the fireworks that typically erupt when his team confiscates goods. This week, however, Austin, an intellectual property attorney with Kolesar & Leatham, is at MAGIC Market Week, a massive fashion trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, to teach people about what’s at stake when their products are copied.
Reid: Obamacare isn't perfect, but it's good; Yucca mountain is dead: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013; Majority Leader Harry Reid offered a feel-good presentation for the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce today in a question-and-answer session with chamber Chairman Jay Barrett.
Allegiant Air expanding with flights to more cities: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013; Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air is adding 18 new routes later this year, including 10 cities new to the airline’s map, and said it will serve more cities than any other low-cost carrier.
Las Vegas casino giants' Macau presence continues to boost revenue reports here: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013; As the quarterly earnings season winds down, it was clear that the biggest winners this time were the companies that had a presence in Macau, and the bigger the presence, the bigger the score.
A beaut worthy of protection: Picturesque Gold Butte is one of Southern Nevada’s little-known treasures; Monday, Aug. 19, 2013; As I drove through the desert east of Las Vegas, I tried to imagine what this place would be like if it achieved national conservation area status.
Bally Technologies sets quarterly records for revenue, earnings: Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013; Las Vegas-based Bally Technologies — a leading manufacturer of slot machines and gaming management systems and operator of wide-area progressive slot systems — reported its fourth-quarter earnings today.
Reid's clean energy push boosted with official welcoming of solar panel firm to Las Vegas: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013; Fresh from his National Clean Energy Summit on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had another green date today, cutting the ribbon to open solar panel developer SolarCity’s new Las Vegas office.
Never miss baseball or ‘Breaking Bad’ again: New DVR allows six shows to be taped at once: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013; Sick of having to choose what TV shows to watch? For about $100 a month, a new product from Cox Communications suggests programs you might like based on your viewing habits. It also allows you to record up to six shows at once.
LVCVA approves $5 million-a-year telecommunications deal: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013; The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors today approved a seven-year contract with a three-year option to Cox Communications subsidiary Cox Nevada Telcom for Las Vegas Convention Center telecommunications worth an estimated $5 million a year.
Affinity Gaming reports 2nd-quarter earnings of $1.1 million: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013; Las Vegas-based Affinity Gaming, operator of 12 casinos, including the Silver Sevens in Las Vegas, three properties in Primm and one each in Henderson and Sparks, reported its second-quarter earnings today.
Losing streak: Occupancy, casino revenue fall at Stratosphere during second quarter: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013; American Casino & Entertainment Properties, operator of the Stratosphere, two Arizona Charlie's and the Aquarius in Laughlin, reported its second-quarter earnings today. Stronger casino revenue at the Aquarius offset lower occupancy and casino revenue at the Stratosphere.
Fire and water in paradise: Mother Nature reminds us not to take for granted the beauty of our surroundings; Monday, Aug. 12, 2013; I had just loaded up the car to visit one of Southern Nevada’s favorite getaways — Mount Charleston — when I heard the radio announcement from the National Weather Service. Moments later, my cellphone came to life, too.
Pastor-in-training wiser after year-long Vegas experience: Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013; It was an experiment of sorts, this idea of inviting a young woman from the Midwest to live in Las Vegas — Sin City, as they say — so she could develop skills to become a church pastor. And by all accounts, Kaitlyn Ferguson’s year-long internship at New Song Church in Henderson has been a huge success — for the 26-year-old Minnesotan who had never been to Las Vegas, for New Song Pastor Marta Poling-Goldenne and for the 1,000 congregants who watched Ferguson blossom into a spiritual leader. “She’s ready,” said Poling-Goldenne, who coordinated the internship.
Construction of Boulder City bypass should go unnoticed: Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013; The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada met today to hear an update on the Boulder City bypass project.
Boosted by online poker, Station Casinos posts best 2nd quarter in 5 years: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013; Station Casinos, the largest locals casino company in Southern Nevada and operator of the Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Station-, Fiesta- and Wildfire-branded casinos, reported second-quarter earnings Wednesday.