Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Brightline West to break ground on Las Vegas high-speed rail project.

• Upcoming Las Vegas Aviators match

• A deep dive into the life of Dorothy Dandridge

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Las Vegas Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In what year was the original MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, now Bally's Las Vegas, opened?

A) 1973

B) 1980

C) 1990

D) 1993

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Las Vegas attraction that holds the record for the highest commercial decelerator descent is C) SkyJump at Stratosphere.

News

💼 Business

Las Vegas companies save time, and money by converting offices instead of constructing them. (Link)

Helping build the middle class is the Vegas real estate agent’s American dream. (Link)

Opponents of smoking in casinos try to enlist shareholders of gambling companies in the non-smoking push. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Brightline West to break ground on Las Vegas high-speed rail project. (Link)

Not everyone can dine at this new rosé-soaked restaurant on the Strip. (Link)

Retired Nevada Supreme Court justice appointed to Gaming Commission. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Knights don’t feel like underdogs despite seed: ‘Anything can happen’. (Link)

Tight prep baseball races heat up at playoffs draw near. (Link)

5A boys volleyball state title race ‘a toss-up’ with playoffs near. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Reno Aces at Las Vegas Aviators
Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas
Tuesday, Apr. 30th | (More info)

⚽ New Mexico United at Las Vegas Lights FC
Cashman Field, Las Vegas
Saturday, May 4th | (More info)

🥊 Canelo vs Munguia
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Saturday, May 4th | (More info)

⚾ Reno Aces at Las Vegas Aviators
Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas
Saturday, May 4th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Donny Osmond
Harrah's Showroom, Harrah's Las Vegas
Tuesday, Apr. 30th | (More info)

🎸 Scorpions
Bakkt Theater, Las Vegas
Wednesday, May 1st | (More info)

🎸 STRFKR
Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Thursday, May 2nd | (More info)

🎤 Tyga
Hakkasan Las Vegas Nightclub, Las Vegas
Friday, May 3rd | (More info)

Family

🍳 Kids Cooking Class - Summerlin
10940 Rosemary Park Drive, Las Vegas
Saturday, May 4th | (More info)

🌎 Las Vegas Kids Multicultural Fashion Show
1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas
Sunday, May 5th | (More info)

🌼 Spring into Safety Family Fair
1401 North Rainbow Boulevard, Las Vegas
Saturday, May 4th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Las Vegas with a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Las Vegas History

1935: Completion of the Hoover Dam, a key driver of Las Vegas growth.

In 1935, the completion of the Hoover Dam marked a monumental achievement in engineering and infrastructure. The dam, located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, not only provided vital flood control and water storage for the arid region but also served as a key driver of Las Vegas' growth. The construction of the dam created thousands of jobs, attracting a diverse workforce to the area and laying the foundation for the city's future development. The availability of water and electricity from the Hoover Dam played a crucial role in transforming Las Vegas from a small desert town into a thriving urban center, setting the stage for its emergence as a world-renowned entertainment and tourism destination.

The completion of the Hoover Dam in 1935 had a profound and lasting impact on the economic and social landscape of Las Vegas. The influx of workers and their families during the dam's construction led to a population boom in the region, providing the city with a diverse and vibrant community. The availability of electricity and water from the dam facilitated the growth of industries, agriculture, and infrastructure in Las Vegas, fueling the city's expansion and prosperity. The Hoover Dam's contribution to the development of the region's economy and infrastructure continues to be a defining element of Las Vegas' history and identity.

Today, the Hoover Dam stands as a symbol of human ingenuity and perseverance, attracting millions of visitors each year to marvel at its engineering marvel and learn about its historical significance. The completion of the dam in 1935 not only provided essential resources to the region but also laid the groundwork for Las Vegas to become a global hub for entertainment, hospitality, and innovation. The legacy of the Hoover Dam as a key driver of Las Vegas' growth remains an integral part of the city's heritage, serving as a testament to the transformative power of visionary infrastructure projects.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Dorothy Dandridge (1922–1965):

Early Years and Rise to Fame (1922-1940):

Dorothy Dandridge's journey began on November 9, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio. Born into a family of entertainers, Dandridge's early life was marked by her mother's encouragement to perform. Alongside her sister, she formed the Dandridge Sisters, a singing group that quickly gained popularity. By the late 1930s, they were performing at prestigious venues, setting the stage for Dorothy's solo career.

Breaking Barriers in Film (1940-1954):

Dorothy Dandridge's transition to Hollywood was a testament to her talent and determination. Despite the industry's rampant racism and typecasting, Dandridge broke through barriers with roles in films like ""Carmen Jones,"" for which she became the first African American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performances during this period were groundbreaking, challenging the limited roles available to black actresses.

A Star in Las Vegas (1955-1959):

Dandridge's connection to Las Vegas became a pivotal part of her career. In the mid-1950s, she was one of the first African American women to perform at the Las Vegas Strip's top venues. Her performances there were not just entertainment; they were acts of defiance against racial segregation, demanding and receiving equal treatment in a city known for its discriminatory practices.

Struggles and Setbacks (1960-1965):

Despite her success, Dandridge faced personal and professional struggles. She battled with financial issues, largely due to mismanagement and discrimination, and her roles became fewer as she fought against being typecast. Her marriage to Jack Denison in 1959 ended in divorce, further complicating her life.

Civil Rights Activism (1963-1965):

Beyond her entertainment career, Dandridge was a passionate advocate for civil rights. She used her platform to speak out against segregation and discrimination, participating in events and leveraging her visibility to effect change. This period underscored her commitment to equality, both within Hollywood and in the wider American society.

Later Career and Legacy (1965-1965):

The final year of Dandridge's life was marked by an attempted comeback in film and television. Despite the promise of new projects, her life was tragically cut short by an accidental overdose in 1965. Yet, Dorothy Dandridge's legacy as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and as a civil rights advocate endures, inspiring generations of performers and activists.

Key Achievements:

• First African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

• Pioneered the integration of African American performers in Las Vegas, challenging racial barriers.

• Became an international star, recognized for her talent in singing, dancing, and acting.

• Used her platform to advocate for civil rights and equality within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Dorothy Dandridge's life was a blend of breathtaking talent and unwavering courage. She broke racial barriers in Hollywood and Las Vegas, earning her place as a pioneering figure in American culture. Her legacy is not just in the roles she played on screen, but in the path she paved for future generations of African American artists and her contribution to the civil rights movement. Dandridge's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring impact of breaking boundaries.

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-Matthew Larsen

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