Richard N. Velotta

Story Archive

Public's help sought in designing logo for Nevada's 150th birthday
Friday, July 13, 2012
The committee planning Nevada’s 150th birthday celebration is seeking the public’s help in designing a logo to be used to publicize the event.
Final approval of RTC labor contract is delayed
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A five-year labor contract widely praised by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada and its union employees didn’t win final approval as expected Thursday so that commissioners and the agency could explain some of the details of the deal to the public.
Las Vegas sees slight, steady increase in visitors
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Visitor volume maintained its slow but steady pace in May, with volume increasing 2.4 percent for the month, the same level of increase for the first five months of the year, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported Thursday.
Shuffle Master recommended for interactive gaming license
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The state Gaming Control Board on Wednesday unanimously recommended approving Las Vegas-based Shuffle Master Inc. for an interactive gaming license. If approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission on July 26, Shuffle Master would become the third Nevada company to receive a license to offer intrastate online poker.
Why McCarran can handle extreme heat that causes grief for pilots elsewhere
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The soaring temperatures that Las Vegas is experiencing this week could cause grief for pilots at other airports, because heat thins the air and makes it more difficult for aircraft to lift at take-off. To deal with that, pilots need to gain more momentum as they roll down the runway before reaching liftoff speed.
International tourists in Las Vegas outspend domestic travelers, analyst says
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Southern Nevada has always known that foreign tourism is lucrative. But how lucrative? Applied Analysis principal Jeremy Aguero cited examples, quantifying what most experts have believed all along.
Nevada coalition will pursue Olympic dreams despite U.S. committee's decision
U.S. Olympic Committee announces it will not bid for 2022 Winter Games, will focus on Games in 2024 or 2026
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, who has spent seven years leading the effort to bring the Winter Olympic Games to Nevada, said organizers would continue to meet and plan despite a U.S. Olympic Committee decision not to bid to host the event in 2022.
Allegiant Air projecting double-digit capacity growth
Monday, July 9, 2012
Allegiant Air’s ability to find profitable routes and willingness to ditch unprofitable ones is leading the airline to project double-digit capacity growth in the third and fourth quarters of the year.
How to hire a good attorney for your business
Monday, July 9, 2012
With apologies to Glen Lerner, Ed Bernstein, Adam Kutner and the other attorneys who try to impress with television personas, contracting legal help based on what you see on TV is a bad way of finding someone to represent you and your business when you have a legal dispute.
Dispirited: A la carte airline travel experience not ideal, but a market is there
Monday, July 9, 2012
Spirit was the fastest-growing airline at McCarran International Airport last year. The company is trying to make Las Vegas its largest western outpost.
By helicopter and Harley, a bold new way to tour the Grand Canyon
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Papillon Group and EagleRider are collaborating on packages that will fly people from Las Vegas to the south rim of the Grand Canyon with a 2 1/2-hour motorcycle ride to viewpoints on the canyon rim.
Allegiant Air pilots to vote on joining Teamsters union
Monday, July 2, 2012
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has filed an application with the National Mediation Board for a union representation vote of the pilots of Allegiant Air.
Rebranding the state not as easy as coming up with clever word play
Monday, July 2, 2012
Bumper stickers with a prospective tourism tagline for the state were passed out at last week’s meeting of the Nevada Tourism Commission. They read, “Nevada: California’s Man Cave.”
May passenger traffic at Las Vegas airport up slightly
Friday, June 29, 2012
Passenger traffic at McCarran International Airport showed a fractional increase in May over last year with 3.7 million people passing through terminal gates.
Southwest Airlines adding wireless TV to its jets
Friday, June 29, 2012
Southwest Airlines launched its version of an in-flight entertainment system by installing wireless television access on five Boeing 737 jets with plans to expand the service to 20 planes by mid July.
Allegiant's inaugural nonstop flight to Hawaii takes off
Friday, June 29, 2012
After more than a year of planning and acquiring the necessary operating certificates, Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air launched its first nonstop flight to Hawaii from McCarran International Airport this morning.


Las Vegas to Phoenix interstate, seen as a 'game-changer,' is step closer to reality
Friday, June 29, 2012
A measure applauded by local business leaders as a key to future interstate and international commerce is one step closer to passage after a congressional committee inserted language designating a route between Phoenix and Las Vegas as Interstate 11. The agreement reached Wednesday lists I-11 as a route designation in the amended Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991.
Authorities trying new ways to curb taxicab long-hauling
Friday, June 29, 2012
With the long-hauling of unsuspecting taxi customers still running rampant, enforcement officers with the Nevada Taxicab Authority have begun new tactics to stop the illegal practice.
Art in McCarran's new Terminal 3 depicts airplanes, the desert and showgirls
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Four international flights arrive today at McCarran International Airport’s new Terminal 3. Passengers will be the first to walk through the 1.9 million-square-foot, $2.4 billion terminal. Besides gleaming gates, shiny carrousels and brand-new amenities, a dozen art pieces will greet the guests.
McCarran's new Terminal 3 begins ascent, but it almost wasn't to be
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sen. Harry Reid hasn’t seen the inside of McCarran International Airport’s new Terminal 3 yet. But if it weren’t for some of his political maneuvering during the Great Recession, there may not have been a Terminal 3 to see.
Assembly Democrats unveil plans to create Nevada jobs
Monday, June 25, 2012
Nevada Assembly Democrats say they’ll introduce a package of five proposals in the 2013 legislative session designed to create more jobs in the state.
Hawaiian Airlines finds itself shuffled about at Las Vegas airport
Monday, June 25, 2012
If you’re flying to Honolulu or Maui on Hawaiian Airlines this summer, pay attention. Your airline gate may not be where it once was.
Should McCarran airport be renamed for Las Vegas?
Monday, June 25, 2012
McCarran International Airport’s $2.4 billion Terminal 3 goes live this week. Outside of a handful of people who think T3 is a waste of money — and they really don’t know what they’re talking about — the 14-gate addition will be worth the investment as more foreign tourists and their dollars find their way to Southern Nevada. In the days ahead, hundreds of news stories will be published about McCarran all over the world. And therein lies a problem.
Two independent gaming test labs approved by the state
Friday, June 22, 2012
Two independent gaming equipment testing laboratories have been registered by the state Gaming Control Board. Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli said Thursday that Gaming Laboratories International LLC and BMM International LLC are the first companies to be designated to test casino games and systems under legislation signed last year by Gov. Brian Sandoval.
License approvals are milestone in Nevada's push for online gaming
Friday, June 22, 2012
Internet poker play could begin within the state’s borders by the end of the year after the Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously approved licenses to two leading gaming equipment manufacturers on Thursday.
Nevada issues first licenses for online poker within state
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Nevada entered the Internet gambling era Thursday when the Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously approved licenses for two leading gaming equipment manufacturers to provide online systems to play poker on the Internet within the state.
British oddsmaker William Hill gets OK to operate 159 books in Nevada
Thursday, June 21, 2012
It was hard to tell whether it was Ralph Topping’s witty personality, his brogue or the quality of his team’s presentation that won over members of the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Nevada's effort to land Winter Olympics might be back in play
Thursday, June 21, 2012
A landmark revenue-sharing agreement reached by the International Olympic Committee and the U.S. Olympic Committee last month is being hailed as a potential catalyst for one of the state‚s largest tourism opportunities.
Economic development overseer, in its last official act, rewards plucky NLV company
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The Nevada Commission on Economic Development on Tuesday closed out more than two decades of delivering economic incentive packages to expanding and relocating companies, approving a small tax abatement and deferral request to a North Las Vegas success story. When Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki banged the gavel at the close of the meeting, it marked the end of the commission's run. Beginning next month, the Governor's Board of Economic Development will review incentive packages and have broader discretion but a tighter rein over how Nevada recruits companies to the state.
Hispanic businesses help create demand that will help us all
Monday, June 18, 2012
The rise in the influence of the Hispanic business community has not gone unnoticed in the tourism industry.
Nevada considering some of lowest online gaming licensing fees in U.S.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Is Nevada short-changing itself by requiring interactive gaming license applicants to pay $500,000 for an initial one-year license and $250,000 a year to renew it? California, in contrast, plans to require a $30 million license fee; just to apply would cost $1 million to $5 million.
Tourism officials searching for new Nevada catchphrase
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Representatives of the Nevada Commission on Tourism have started whittling a list of potential tag lines to attract visitors to the state. Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, who chairs the commission, said the phrases reviewed at Wednesday’s marketing subcommittee meeting could evolve.
Tourist: Will I be arrested if I attend Celine Dion concert?
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
When Shari Hodges worried she was playing the slots too much, she did the responsible thing: she allowed her name to be put on a list of people who voluntarily ban themselves from casinos.
LVCVA wants workers to use vacation days for trips to Las Vegas
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority wants office workers to use their vacation time to come to Las Vegas this summer.
Tourism officials: April drop in Las Vegas visitors result of calendar quirk
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Las Vegas visitor volume showed a decline in April for the first time in 26 months, but Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority officials say it’s more the result of a calendar quirk than a cooling of the tourism economy.
Planned DesertXpress high-speed train to be rebranded as XpressWest
Monday, June 11, 2012
Representatives of DesertXpress Enterprises on Monday announced plans to rebrand the proposed high-speed rail service as XpressWest, more accurately reflecting the line’s role as the first leg of a larger passenger rail network.
DesertXpress: The Tim Tebow of high-speed rail?
Monday, June 11, 2012
I’m wondering if last week’s announcement by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and DesertXpress Enterprises is the high-speed rail equivalent of a Hail Mary pass.
Thousands show up to check out new terminal at McCarran
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Eighteen days before the first passengers deplane and board flights at McCarran International Airport’s Terminal 3, local residents got their first look at the inside of the $2.4 billion facility at a Saturday open house that attracted more people than airport officials expected.
DesertXpress inks deal to add train link from Victorville to Palmdale, making travel to L.A. possible
Thursday, June 7, 2012
A seamless high-speed rail system linking Las Vegas with downtown Los Angeles is the goal adopted today by representatives of DesertXpress and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority. DesertXpress Enterprises already is trying to build a high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Victorville, Calif.
South scores win in Nevada economic development effort
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
The Governor's Office of Economic Development has designated 10 organizations from across the state, including a Southern Nevada group, as regional development authorities under Gov. Brian Sandoval's economic development plan.
Taxicab Authority checkpoints to crack down on long-hauling
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
The Nevada Taxicab Authority set up a checkpoint at McCarran International Airport today to discourage the illegal long-hauling of cab customers. Long-hauling typically occurs when drivers leave McCarran for a Strip or downtown resort by way of the runway tunnel.
Obama visit to Las Vegas means no showgirls for Dutch airline
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
It’s a McCarran International Airport tradition when a new airline arrives: Showgirls and Elvis impersonators meet the first flight when it lands. Airport firefighters shower the arriving aircraft with a water arch.
Open house scheduled for Saturday at McCarran's $2.4 billion Terminal 3
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Visitors to McCarran International Airport can get a glimpse of the future on Saturday, when a community open house will be staged for the new Terminal 3. Self-guided tours and food samples from Terminal 3’s concessionaires are scheduled for the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learning about fans of the Electric Daisy Carnival will help Las Vegas court them long-term
Monday, June 4, 2012
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority prides itself on being research driven, knowing the habits of tourists and business travelers who spend money when they come to Southern Nevada for business or pleasure. But the LVCVA has little information on fans of the Electric Daisy Carnival, the electronic music festival that in the two years since moving to Las Vegas has become one of the largest and most successful special events on the local calendar.
New Goodwill store opens in western Las Vegas Valley
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Thrift store fans jammed Goodwill of Southern Nevada’s newest retail store and donation center Friday. Some sought bargains on secondhand items, while others donated “gently used goods” to de-clutter their homes and help others.
Railroad bridge work closing stretch of Interstate 15
Friday, June 1, 2012
One of the city’s main routes to McCarran International Airport will be blocked this weekend with the closure of southbound Interstate 15 between Russell Road and Interstate 215.
Allegiant expands penetration into Hawaii
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air is continuing to grow its flight schedule to Hawaii, announcing plans Wednesday for nonstop trips between Monterey, Calif., and Honolulu.
Economy starting to see recovery, albeit a slow one
UNLV analyst says full potential won't be reached until 2017 despite growth in tourism, gaming
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Southern Nevada’s economy is continuing its slow crawl out of the recession, with tourism and gaming leading the way and real estate and unemployment continuing to be a drag on sustained growth.
UNLV analyst: Southern Nevada won't fully recover until 2017
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Southern Nevada’s economy is continuing its slow crawl out of the recession, a new UNLV report says, with tourism and gaming leading the way and real estate and unemployment continuing to be a drag on sustained growth. Stephen Brown, director of UNLV’s Center for Business & Economic Research, said at a midyear economic outlook presentation that the economy wouldn't return to its full potential until 2017, giving credence to those who theorized that the Great Recession would be a lost decade.
Make no bones about it: Time has come for Fossil Beds National Monument
Monday, May 28, 2012
It’s time for lawmakers to act on establishing Fossil Beds National Monument in North Las Vegas.