Speaking Rock casino may reopen
As reported by The El Paso Times

AUSTIN, Texas – "The next legislative session is just two months away and local lawmakers are proposing laws and lining up their priorities before the mad dash to pass bills begins next year.

"State Rep. Norma Chávez, D-El Paso, filed eight bills this week, including one that would amend the Texas Constitution to allow Speaking Rock Casino to reopen.

"The proposal would require support from two-thirds of the 181 legislators and a majority of voters. But the measure would not need approval from Gov. Rick Perry, who has opposed expanding gambling in Texas.

"Chávez's bill would dedicate tax revenue collected from the casino to the TEXAS Grant program, which helps college students who maintain a 2.5 grade point average.

"'Let the voters decide,' Chávez said. 'Opening the casino and dedicating revenue to higher education is a win-win for Texas.'…"

Peppermill begins expansion
As reported by The Reno Gazette-Journal

RENO, Nevada – "Peppermill is taking a page from the Las Vegas casino playbook with its $300 million expansion now under way that community leaders say should bring more tourists to the region.

"Next fall, the hotel will open its new 600-room, all-suite hotel tower and 62,000-square-foot convention center. The hotel rooms will be steeped in a Tuscan theme with king beds and 42-inch flat panel televisions that can be tuned to a channel that airs footage of serene beaches, sunsets and other settings filmed just for Peppermill properties, officials said.

"The plan also includes a 35,000-square-foot, three-story spa with a Roman-style caldarium bath on the top floor, and a tropical restaurant/ultra-lounge called Bimini…"