- SummerSouth Insider
- Posts
- 🚀 FAA Approves Runway Expansion for Las Vegas Spaceport, Paving Way for Spaceplanes
🚀 FAA Approves Runway Expansion for Las Vegas Spaceport, Paving Way for Spaceplanes
Issue #419 - January 29 2025
John Wu
29 Jan
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
🚀Exciting News Ahead & We Need Your Support!🌟
Hello, amazing subscribers! We're gearing up for some thrilling developments and can't wait to share them with you! But here's the thing – we need a little boost from our most valued members: You! 🙌
Here's How You Can Make a Huge Impact:
💌Spread the Word: If you love our daily newsletter, why not share it? Whether it's family, friends, neighbors, or the friendly faces running local businesses – if you think they'll enjoy our content as much as you do, let them know! Your recommendation means the world to us and helps our community grow.
👍 Join Us on Facebook: Ready for more engaging content? Simply visit our Facebook page at SummerSouth Insider and hit that 'Like'
and ‘Follow’ button! It's a click away but makes a massive difference. Plus, you'll be in the loop for exclusive updates and conversations!
Your support is the backbone of our journey. Together, let's build a community where everyone benefits from insightful, daily content. Thank you for being a part of our exciting path forward! 🌈💪
Funeral Advantage Plan
There’s a new low cost final expense insurance plan available for seniors between 50-85. This plan can cover all of your final expenses:
✅burial
✅cremation
✅flowers
✅viewing
✅caskets
✅urns, and so much more.
To learn more, watch here.
Download the Free CheatSheet to learn more.
📆 Weekly Local Events for January 2025
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)
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, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 7PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
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)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 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, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
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, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/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)
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)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🚀 FAA Approves Runway Expansion for Las Vegas Spaceport, Paving Way for Spaceplanes
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved an amendment to the airport application for Las Vegas Executive Airport, also known as the Las Vegas Spaceport, allowing for a 1,000-foot extension of its planned runway. This modification will expand the runway length from 4,000 to 5,001 feet, enabling the facility to accommodate spaceplanes currently in development by major aerospace companies, including Boeing and Virgin Galactic.
Positioning Las Vegas as a Spaceflight Hub
The decision marks a major milestone for the airport, located 31 miles west of Las Vegas in Clark County near Pahrump. With the extended runway, the spaceport will be capable of supporting horizontal takeoff and landing spaceplanes — a key feature distinguishing them from traditional vertical rocket launches. Unlike conventional spacecraft, spaceplanes are designed to take off and land much like traditional airplanes, using runways instead of launch pads to reach orbit.
This design flexibility is seen as a game-changer for space travel, as it reduces costs, increases accessibility, and offers the potential for more frequent flights. Boeing and Virgin Galactic, two industry leaders, have been racing to develop viable spaceplanes, with other aerospace companies also working on similar concepts.
Phased Development Plan
Robert Lauer, CEO of the Las Vegas Spaceport project, stated that extending the runway was a strategic decision aimed at future-proofing the airport’s ability to support the growing demand for spaceplane operations. The amendment to the airport’s design was submitted to both the FAA and Clark County about three months ago, and with the approval secured, the project will now proceed to the next critical step — completing a drainage study for the property and obtaining a grading permit to begin construction on the runway.
The spaceport will be built in three phases:
Phase 1: Development of the runway, taxiways, and necessary infrastructure to support initial aircraft operations.
Phase 2: Construction of hangars and a fixed-base operator (FBO) terminal to manage flights and ground services.
Phase 3: Licensing the spaceport for commercial spaceflight operations, along with plans for a hotel and an academy dedicated to training spaceflight professionals and aerospace engineers.
Lauer’s company is also pursuing a public listing on the Nasdaq exchange to secure additional funding and boost investor interest in the project.
Helicopter Air Taxi Service with UpWin
While the spaceport project is the long-term vision, Lauer is also focusing on bringing innovation to current air travel. Earlier this month, he unveiled plans for UpWin, an Uber-style helicopter ride-hailing service designed to provide fast, affordable, and convenient travel within Las Vegas.
UpWin aims to establish a network of strategically placed landing sites throughout the city, allowing passengers to book quick, three-minute flights between key locations. The service is expected to operate 24/7, with prices ranging from $30 to $40 per trip — comparable to traditional rideshare services. With the goal of transporting thousands of passengers daily, UpWin could relieve some of the traffic congestion in Las Vegas while offering a unique and futuristic travel option for both locals and tourists.
Enhancing Las Vegas’ Future as a Travel and Space Innovation Hub
Las Vegas Executive Airport’s development aligns with broader trends in aerospace innovation, which are reshaping how cities plan for future travel. With spaceplanes, air taxis, and advanced infrastructure on the horizon, the spaceport could serve as a dual-purpose facility, accommodating both traditional aviation and next-generation spaceflight technologies.
The addition of the spaceport could further bolster Las Vegas’ reputation as a hub of innovation and technology. Already known for its entertainment and tourism, the city could soon become a key player in commercial spaceflight, drawing investments, jobs, and global attention.
If all goes as planned, construction on the spaceport infrastructure could begin soon, setting the stage for the facility to support commercial space operations within the next few years. With companies like Boeing and Virgin Galactic eyeing new launch sites for their spaceplanes, the Las Vegas Spaceport is positioning itself to be a significant part of the future of space travel.
🏒 Golden Knights Lose in OT After Controversial Stone Penalty
The Vegas Golden Knights suffered a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena, with a pivotal third-period penalty on captain Mark Stone altering the game’s trajectory.
The moment of controversy came at 7:56 of the third period when Stone was called for tripping Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen. As Stone lost balance and fell forward, his head collided with Heiskanen’s knee, sending the Stars' top defenseman down in visible pain. A heated scrum broke out in the Dallas zone, and Heiskanen had to be helped off the ice, unable to put weight on his leg.
Despite the Golden Knights successfully killing off the penalty, the momentum had already shifted. The Stars responded with renewed energy, and just minutes later, center Wyatt Johnston capitalized on the swing by scoring the game-tying goal at 11:54. The 21-year-old forward completed his natural hat trick just 20 seconds into overtime, sealing the victory for Dallas.
Stone’s penalty drew mixed reactions. While some viewed it as an unfortunate accident, others, including Stars coach Pete DeBoer, believed the infraction warranted more than a two-minute minor. DeBoer, who previously coached the Golden Knights, acknowledged Stone’s reputation as a clean player but argued that the officials should have considered a harsher penalty given the impact of the collision.
The game had been in the Golden Knights’ control for much of the night. They built a 3-1 lead early in the second period and looked poised to secure a win. However, Johnston’s heroics, combined with the energy shift following Heiskanen’s injury, turned the tide in favor of the Stars.
Johnston has become a recurring problem for the Golden Knights, having scored four goals in Dallas’ seven-game playoff series win over Vegas last season, including an overtime winner in Game 3. His latest performance only adds to the growing rivalry between the two teams, who have met in the postseason for two consecutive years.
As the regular season winds down, the possibility of another playoff clash looms, and this game may have set the stage for an even more intense battle if the Knights and Stars meet again in the postseason.
President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law on Wednesday, marking his administration’s first major legislative achievement. The act mandates the detention of immigrants in the U.S. illegally if they are arrested for theft, violent crimes, or any offenses that result in injury or death — even before they are convicted. The law also opens the door to their potential deportation.
Swiftly passed by a Republican-controlled Congress with limited Democratic support, the act has been hailed by conservatives as a long-overdue measure to restore law and order. However, critics, including immigrant rights advocates, warn it could lead to mass detentions for minor offenses, exacerbating a system they already see as overburdened and flawed.
The law is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was killed while jogging in February 2024 by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan national in the country illegally. Ibarra, who had been arrested multiple times prior to Riley’s death but was released on various legal grounds, was convicted in November and sentenced to life in prison. The tragedy became a rallying cry for stricter immigration laws, particularly among Republican lawmakers and conservative groups.
A Symbol of Trump’s Immigration Agenda
The speed with which the Laken Riley Act passed through Congress — just nine days after Trump took office — reflects its powerful symbolic weight for conservatives. It highlights Trump’s broader campaign promise of cracking down on illegal immigration, a central theme of his political platform. During a conference of House Republicans in Florida, Trump suggested that this law is just the beginning of more sweeping immigration reforms aimed at detaining and deporting undocumented individuals.
The act has provisions that significantly expand the powers of federal and state officials in enforcing immigration laws. Under its guidelines, federal authorities must detain any undocumented individual arrested or charged with crimes such as theft, assault on a police officer, or any offense that results in bodily harm. State attorneys general are also given the legal standing to sue the federal government for any harm they claim arises from immigration enforcement decisions — effectively allowing conservative states to play a larger role in shaping national immigration policy.
Ibarra’s criminal history, which included arrests for illegal entry, child endangerment, and suspected theft before Riley’s murder, was cited by lawmakers as a failure of the current immigration system. Supporters of the law argue that stricter detention policies could have prevented Riley’s death and will help protect Americans from similar tragedies.
Criticism and Potential Legal Challenges
Opponents of the act, including civil rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups, view the law as a dangerous overreach that erodes basic rights. They argue that it allows for prolonged detentions without due process and conflates undocumented status with criminality. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has criticized the law, saying it could result in people being detained for years based on accusations of minor or nonviolent offenses from their past.
The International Refugee Assistance Project has also raised concerns, stating that the law is a politically motivated attempt to expand the government’s deportation powers under the guise of addressing violent crime. Legal experts predict that the act will face court challenges, particularly regarding its mandatory detention provisions and the ability of states to sue the federal government over immigration decisions.
Additionally, critics are concerned about the financial burden of implementing the law. With mass detentions expected, the need for new immigration detention centers could require significant federal spending. Opponents see this as a potential vulnerability that could be challenged through lawsuits related to government appropriations.
Broader Immigration Crackdown Underway
The signing of the Laken Riley Act comes amid a flurry of executive orders issued by Trump during his first week in office. These include measures to tighten security at the U.S.-Mexico border, expedite deportations of undocumented individuals, and suspend refugee resettlement programs. The administration is also threatening to prosecute local law enforcement officials who do not comply with federal immigration directives.
Trump has doubled down on his aggressive stance, stating that his administration will prioritize identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants accused of criminal activity. His message to supporters is clear: the crackdown is only beginning, and the administration will not back down.
While conservatives view the Laken Riley Act as a decisive step toward strengthening public safety, opponents fear it will lead to civil rights violations, overcrowded detention centers, and further strain an outdated immigration system. The law’s impact, both on policy and on the legal landscape, will likely unfold in the coming months as court challenges and debates over its implementation take shape.
🎰 MGM Resorts Agrees to $45M Settlement Over Cyberattack Data Breach
A federal court has granted preliminary approval for a $45 million settlement in two class-action lawsuits against MGM Resorts International, stemming from major data breaches in 2019 and 2023. The settlement addresses claims from millions of customers whose personal information, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and passport details, was exposed. Final approval of the agreement is expected in June.
The lawsuits were consolidated under a “global settlement” that offers monetary compensation and additional protections. Class members whose Social Security or military identification numbers were compromised will receive $75, while those whose passport or driver’s license numbers were exposed will be eligible for $50. Additionally, all affected customers will be offered identity theft protection and credit monitoring services.
Court documents estimate that around 37 million customers were affected by the breaches. The 2023 attack, carried out by the hacker groups Scattered Spider and ALPHV, crippled MGM’s operations for nine days and resulted in approximately $100 million in damages, most of which were covered by insurance.
Business Disruption and Response
The September 2023 cyberattack paralyzed MGM’s 11 Las Vegas properties, including Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay, as well as resorts across the U.S. Key systems like credit card processing, mobile apps, in-casino ATMs, and hotel room access were disabled. Customers faced delays as slot machine payouts had to be processed manually, and reservation systems for restaurants and events went offline. MGM eventually restored operations by November 2023, aided by the successful Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix event.
The attack was reportedly similar to an earlier cyberattack in August 2023 on Caesars Entertainment, which ended after Caesars paid a multimillion-dollar ransom. MGM, following law enforcement advice, refused to pay a ransom.
Arrest of Suspect in England
In July 2024, law enforcement officials in England arrested a 17-year-old boy suspected of being involved in the MGM cyberattack. The arrest, carried out in Wallsal, England, involved collaboration between the FBI, Britain’s National Crime Agency, and local crime units. Authorities have not confirmed the boy’s connection to the hacker groups responsible for the attack.
MGM’s Legal Battle with the FTC
The 2023 cyberattack triggered legal action beyond the class-action lawsuits. In April 2024, MGM sued the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), claiming the agency violated the company’s Fifth Amendment rights and ignored its own conflict-of-interest guidelines. MGM’s lawsuit argued that then-FTC Chair Lina Khan, who was staying at MGM Grand during the cyberattack, had a conflict of interest. The company sought to halt an FTC civil investigation related to the incident.
Earlier this month, Khan was replaced by Andrew Ferguson when President Donald Trump took office, potentially affecting the course of MGM’s legal challenge.
MGM has declined to comment on the $45 million settlement, but attorneys for the class-action plaintiffs praised the outcome, noting that industries like hotels and entertainment remain prime targets for cyberattacks. A similar class-action suit is currently pending against Caesars Entertainment.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - December 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!
Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Summerlin South area residents in an upcoming issue of SummerSouth Insider?
We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "SummerSouth Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Summerlin South together!
👇Select an option below:
✅Own a local Business? Apply to be featured.
