Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Keller Title Happy Hour Event

• Upcoming Vegas Golden Knights game

• A deep dive into the life of Virginia Hill

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

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!

What natural landmark is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas?

A) Red Rock Canyon

B) Grand Canyon

C) Hoover Dam

D) Valley of Fire

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Las Vegas hotel featuring a replica of the Eiffel Tower is B) Paris Las Vegas.

News

💼 Business

Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas was expected to have a net incremental impact of $799 million on the Las Vegas community​​. (Link)

The Las Vegas host committee planned to continue its community initiatives, including NFL Green tree-planting events. (Link)

Businesses on Flamingo Road celebrated the removal of a temporary bridge built for the Formula 1 race. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Advertisers aimed to make a splash with pricey Super Bowl spots, with big names like Apple and Doritos launching new ads​​. (Link)

The demand for Super Bowl LVIII tickets drove prices higher, with the average price on StubHub reaching $8,700​​. (Link)

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge showed that inflation slowed further in December, indicating an economic 'soft landing'​​. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Vegas Golden Knights celebrated Alex Pietrangelo's 1,000th NHL game with a special ceremony before their match against the Minnesota Wild. (Link)

Usher married Jenn Goicoechea in a Las Vegas chapel hours after performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. (Link)

The Las Vegas Raiders gave away Super Bowl LVIII tickets to local high school football coach Chris Sawyers and others, spreading joy on game day. (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

🏒 Nashville Predators at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Tuesday, Feb. 20th | (More Info)

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Thursday, Feb. 22nd | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵Barry Manilow
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Friday, Feb 23 | (More Info)

🎸 Chicago - The Band
The Venetian, Las Vegas
Wednesday, February 21st | (More Info)

🎶 Brian McKnight
Encore Theatre At Wynn Las Vegas
Saturday, February 24th | (More Info)

Family

🌸 Rebirth
The Garden Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Friday, February 23 | (More Info)

🍹 Keller Title Happy Hour Event- Family Reunion
Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas
Monday, February 26 | (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 streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

1955: Opening of the Moulin Rouge, the first integrated casino in Las Vegas

In 1955, a groundbreaking chapter in the history of Las Vegas was written with the opening of the Moulin Rouge, the city's first integrated casino. This landmark event marked a significant step towards racial equality and inclusivity in a time when segregation was prevalent in many parts of the United States. The Moulin Rouge emerged not just as a gaming and entertainment venue, but as a symbol of progress, challenging the status quo and setting a new standard for social change in Las Vegas.

The casino quickly became a hotspot, drawing in not only locals and tourists but also famous entertainers and celebrities, all attracted by its inclusive atmosphere and top-notch performances. The Moulin Rouge was more than a casino; it was a cultural and social hub, where people of all races could mingle, enjoy world-class entertainment, and challenge the racial barriers that were so deeply entrenched in society.

The legacy of the Moulin Rouge extends beyond its tenure as a casino. Its opening in 1955 laid the groundwork for the transformation of Las Vegas into a more inclusive and diverse city. It stands as a testament to the power of unity and the enduring fight for civil rights and equality, reminding us of the pivotal role that such institutions can play in shaping societal norms and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Virginia Hill (1916–1966):

Early Life and Entry into the Underworld (1916-1935)

Virginia Hill was born on August 26, 1916, in Lipscomb, Alabama. She grew up in a poor family, which led her to seek opportunities elsewhere. Hill moved to Chicago as a teenager, where she became associated with the organized crime world. Her beauty and charisma quickly caught the attention of mobsters.

Rise as a Mob Courier (1936-1940)

In the late 1930s, Hill's involvement with the mob deepened. She became a trusted courier for the Chicago Outfit, using her charm and wits to transport money and messages between mobsters. Her role was crucial in the operations of the criminal underworld.

Relationship with Bugsy Siegel (1941-1947)

Hill's most notorious association was with Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, a mobster instrumental in developing the Las Vegas Strip. Their relationship was tumultuous but significant, intertwining Hill's life with the history of Las Vegas's early development.

Involvement in Las Vegas Development (1946-1947)

Hill played a role in the development of Las Vegas, particularly through her relationship with Siegel. She was a glamorous figure in the city's early casino scene, embodying the risky and luxurious lifestyle of the times.

Testifying Before the Kefauver Committee (1951)

In 1951, Hill gained national notoriety when she testified before the Kefauver Committee, a U.S. Senate committee investigating organized crime. Her defiant and unapologetic testimony brought significant public attention.

Life After Siegel's Death (1947-1960)

After Siegel's assassination in 1947, Hill's life remained entangled with the mob. She continued her relationships with other mob figures and maintained her lavish lifestyle, despite growing legal and financial troubles.

European Exile and Continued Scrutiny (1960-1966)

Facing increasing scrutiny from law enforcement, Hill spent her later years in Europe, particularly in Austria and Italy. She attempted to escape the reach of her past, but her notoriety followed her.

Personal Struggles and Tragic End (1966)

Hill's life was marked by personal struggles, including turbulent relationships and financial issues. Her life came to a tragic end on March 24, 1966, in Austria, under mysterious circumstances that were rumored to be a suicide.

Virginia Hill's Legacy in Mob History (Posthumous)

Posthumously, Hill's life story became emblematic of the mob's influence in the early days of Las Vegas. Her life has been portrayed in various books and films, capturing the intrigue of her involvement with the underworld.

Virginia Hill’s Key Achievements:

• Recognized as a prominent female figure in the male-dominated world of organized crime.

• Played a role in the development and glamorization of early Las Vegas.

• Became a subject of public fascination during the Kefauver hearings.

Virginia Hill's life story is a blend of glamour, crime, and tragedy. As a mob courier and the girlfriend of Bugsy Siegel, she was a pivotal figure in the early years of Las Vegas's development. Her life, marked by her connections with infamous mobsters and her dramatic personal life, remains a captivating chapter in the history of American organized crime and the development of Las Vegas.

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-Matthew Larsen

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