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- 🚉 From Miami to Las Vegas: Brightline Leads the Charge in U.S. Rail Innovation
🚉 From Miami to Las Vegas: Brightline Leads the Charge in U.S. Rail Innovation
Issue #095 - March 11, 2024
John Wu
11 Mar
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for March 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Lunch and Rummikub Mondays at IHOP Summerlin (Every week on Monday @ 12PM
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Terrific Tuesday Fun Pickleball @ Police Memorial, Bring a Chair: (Every week on Tuesday @ 2PM)
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW): (Every week on Tuesday @ 5:30 - 7:30PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Live Music Yoga w/ Cheryl Slader @ Blue Sky Yoga: (Suggested Donation $12); 5:30 - 6:45 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Country Swing Level 1 @ Rhythms Dance Studio & Event Center: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Wednesday until December 17, 2024); $15 drop-in rate
$50 for the whole month. Pay and register on the website.
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour: 7 - 9 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Vegas Hikers - Ike’s Peak 4.3 Mile (southwest) 2 groups: 1:30 - 4:30 PM (Every week on Saturday until March 15, 2024)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
🌤 Summerlin South, Las Vegas Weather
🚉 From Miami to Las Vegas: Brightline Leads the Charge in U.S. Rail Innovation
Brightline, a privately run train line, is revolutionizing travel between Orlando and Miami, offering a convenient alternative to the usual commute challenges. Simon Akinwolere, a 27-year-old cruise director, is among the many who now prefer this mode of travel over the hassles of flying or the stress of driving the 235 miles between the two cities. Offering a 3½-hour journey with amenities such as a conference room and a free buffet, Brightline has become a favored option for many, with tickets for a one-way, first-class seat priced at $149.
This initiative is part of a broader vision by President Joe Biden to revitalize passenger rail service in the U.S., aiming to emulate the success of high-speed rail systems in Europe and Asia. Brightline's ambitions extend beyond Florida, with plans for Brightline West, a $12-billion, high-speed rail line connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. This project promises speeds up to 200 mph and aims to open by 2028, in time for the Los Angeles Olympics, with support from $3 billion in taxpayer dollars and $3.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds.
While the Florida service has faced challenges in meeting ridership projections and financial losses, Brightline executives remain optimistic. They've studied successful rail systems globally and are banking on strategic route selection and the allure of high-speed travel to win over American commuters and travelers. The Florida route has already influenced urban development and connectivity, despite safety concerns and community complaints about noise and disruption.
Brightline's model includes leveraging real estate development around stations to finance the railroad, a strategy that could prove vital for the sustainability of high-speed rail in the U.S. However, skeptics remain cautious about the project's long-term viability and its ability to overcome the unique challenges of American transportation habits and infrastructure.
Brightline's approach, blending private initiative with public support, could be a significant test for high-speed rail in the U.S., offering a glimpse into the future of intercity travel. With potential to transform connectivity and reduce reliance on car and air travel, Brightline's success or failure will be closely watched by policymakers, industry experts, and the traveling public alike.
👩🏀 UNLV Lady Rebels Eye NCAA Tournament Berth with Confidence
The UNLV Lady Rebels, under the guidance of Coach Lindy La Rocque, are setting their sights high for the NCAA Tournament, aiming to secure their position by triumphing in the Mountain West Conference tournament this week. Unlike the past two seasons, the Lady Rebels find themselves in a promising position, currently projected as a No. 8 seed in ESPN’s latest bracketology and ranked 28th in the NCAA's NET rankings.
La Rocque emphasizes the importance of the team controlling its destiny through victory in the Mountain West tournament, a feat they aim to achieve for the third consecutive year. “We want to put ourselves in the best possible position for success,” La Rocque stated, underscoring the team's ambition to win and leave their tournament placement to the discretion of the NCAA selection committee.
The Lady Rebels (27-2), seeded No. 1, are poised to face No. 9 Fresno State (15-17) in a quarterfinal matchup at the Thomas & Mack Center, following Fresno State's win over Air Force. In their regular-season meeting on February 10, UNLV secured a win against Fresno State, adding to their momentum heading into the tournament.
Senior center Desi-Rae Young, a key player for the Lady Rebels, reflects the team's championship mindset, emphasizing the importance of approaching every game with the highest stakes. The team has demonstrated remarkable strength, highlighted by recent victories over San Diego State and Utah State, where they scored 100 and 104 points, respectively.
Adding to their accolades, Young was named the Mountain West’s player of the year for the second time, with junior point guard Kiara Jackson and freshman guard Amarachi Kimpson also receiving conference honors. La Rocque praised the team's development and leadership, particularly noting the growth and determination of Jackson and Young.
As the Lady Rebels embark on their quest for the Mountain West tournament championship, their collective focus and drive signal a team ready to compete on the national stage, aiming to not only participate in the NCAA Tournament but to make a significant impact.
🧍♂️ Rob Schneider Brings Laughs to the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Rob Schneider, the multifaceted talent known for his roles in comedy, screenwriting, and directing, is gearing up to entertain audiences in Las Vegas. The acclaimed actor and comedian is slated to bring his unique blend of humor to the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort. Mark your calendars for an evening of laughter on Saturday, October 12, at 8 p.m.
Fans of Schneider can expect a night filled with his signature comedic flair, drawing on his extensive career in film and television. The performance is anticipated to showcase Schneider's versatility as an entertainer, from his stand-up comedy roots to his memorable characters on screen.
Tickets for this much-anticipated event are priced starting at $39.95, excluding applicable service charges or fees. Those eager to secure their spot for a night of comedy can purchase tickets starting Friday, March 15, at 10 a.m. via ticketmaster.com. This show promises to be a highlight for comedy lovers and Schneider fans alike, offering a unique opportunity to experience his humor live in the vibrant setting of Las Vegas.
🎰 Nevada Welcomes Back IGT: A Milestone Merger with Everi Revitalizes Local Gaming Sector
In a remarkable turn of events for Nevada's gaming sector, a recent deal signifies a bright future for a local institution once feared lost to international interests. In July 2014, the gaming community faced a pivotal moment when International Game Technology (IGT), a foundational pillar of Nevada's gaming industry, was acquired by Gtech Holdings, an Italian lottery company, for $6.4 billion. This acquisition led to concerns over the fate of a company synonymous with Nevada's gaming success, especially known for its contributions to video poker and slot machines.
However, a significant announcement last week has turned apprehension into optimism. The Italian executives at the helm have decided to partially spin off the company and merge it with Las Vegas-based Everi Holdings Inc., reestablishing the gaming equipment manufacturing group in Nevada. This new entity, retaining the IGT name and trading under the IGT ticker on the New York Stock Exchange, will base its management operations in Las Vegas and primary manufacturing in Reno, where IGT's journey began.
The deal, valued at $6.2 billion, is anticipated to close by late this year or early 2025, with Vince Sadusky continuing as CEO and Michael Rumbolz of Everi stepping in as the chairman of the new board. This strategic move not only marks a return to Nevada for IGT but also signifies a homecoming to its roots, enhancing the state's global presence in slot machine manufacturing, marketing, and distribution.
Industry experts had anticipated change, given the cycles of mergers and acquisitions within the gaming sector. This particular merger is seen as a strategic realignment, enabling focused management on key business areas, thereby strengthening IGT's position in the global gaming market. Analysts believe this could be the beginning of a series of similar strategic moves within the industry, potentially leading to more mergers and acquisitions.
While the integration process is expected to take some time, due to IGT's extensive international operations, the outlook for Nevada's gaming industry is undoubtedly positive. The merger not only promises to bolster the state's leadership in gaming technology but also brings quality jobs and economic growth. Despite some investor caution advised by analysts due to the deal's complexity and timeline, the consensus remains optimistic about the long-term benefits for Nevada and the gaming industry at large.
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: March 1, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The entire report for all Area Commands may be viewed here.
📌🏠 Summerlin South - February 2024
*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count
This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.
Visit here to see the entire report.
📌✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
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