Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• A recap of the Consumer Electronics Show

• Upcoming Golden Knights home games

• A deep dive into the life of Howard Hughes

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.”

— Walt Whitman

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 year was the City of Las Vegas officially founded?

A) 1900

B) 1905

C) 1911

D) 1920

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is famous for preserving iconic signs from the city's history. Which of these classic signs is NOT featured at the museum?

Answer: C) The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign

News

💼 Business

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas was a major event, gathering lawmakers, celebrities, tech leaders, and industry experts. The conference focused on advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, transportation, and digital health. Keynote speeches and presentations from companies like Elevance Health, L’Oreal, Siemens, Nasdaq, Hyundai, and Walmart were featured, highlighting state-of-the-art technology and future trends in the industry. (link)

Hospitality worker unions in Las Vegas, including Culinary Local 226, announced a strike deadline for February 2, 2024. This move was aimed at addressing their demands and concerns in the hospitality industry. The unions represent a significant portion of workers in the sector, and their decision to strike could have considerable impacts on the hospitality businesses in Las Vegas​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) showed potential for growth due to the robust recovery in travel and tourism in Macao and Singapore. The company's shares gained 11.1% over the past three months, outperforming the general gaming industry's growth. For 2024, LVS is expected to see growth in earnings and sales by 48.6% and 19.2% year-over-year, respectively. Despite high debt and stiff competition, the company's significant investment in Macao and renovation of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore are considered major growth drivers​​. (link)

On January 8, all three major U.S. stock indexes ended in positive territory, despite ending the previous week negatively. This marked the end of a losing streak for these indexes. The growth was spurred by positive jobs data and other economic indicators, signaling a potential turnaround for the market. The communication, financial, and utility sectors were among the top performers in the S&P 500 for that day​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Vegas Golden Knights faced the Boston Bruins on January 11, in a highly anticipated matchup. This was the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Golden Knights entered the game with a 23-13-5 record, while the Bruins had a 24-8-8 record. Key players for the Golden Knights, including Brayden McNabb and William Carrier, were nearing personal milestones, and the team aimed to improve their record in the second game of a back-to-back at home​​. (link)

The University of Nebraska’s bowling team kicked off its 2024 spring schedule at the Stormin' Blue & White Vegas Classic in Las Vegas from January 8 to 10. The team had performed well in the fall, holding a No. 7 national ranking. The event in Las Vegas was significant as it included top-ranked teams, marking a competitive start to the season for the Huskers​. (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

🏒 Vegas Golden Knights (January 15) - Enjoy thrilling NHL hockey with the Vegas Golden Knights at their home arena as they take on the Nashville Predators. (link)

🏒 Vegas Golden Knights (January 18) - Enjoy another exciting NHL hockey match with the Vegas Golden Knights as they take on the New York Rangers. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Adele (January 19-20) - The global superstar adds dates to her Vegas Residency and will be performing at Caesars Palace on January 19 and the 20th. (link)

Family

🎭 Mat Franco (January 15) - Magic and comedy at The Linq's Brooklyn Bowl. (link)

🤣 Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club (January 15) - A blend of top-notch comedy acts, also at The Linq. (link)

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 as an eco-friendly treehouse community” 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

The founding of Las Vegas (1905)

In 1905, the founding of Las Vegas marked the beginning of a transformative journey for a city that would eventually become synonymous with entertainment and gambling. Situated in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas was initially established as a railroad town, serving as a key stopover on the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. This connection was crucial for the city's early development, providing a lifeline for water and other essential resources in the arid desert landscape.

The city's founding was characterized by the auction of land parcels, which took place on May 15, 1905, leading to the establishment of a grid of streets downtown. This event attracted a mix of businessmen, railroad workers, and prospectors, setting the stage for the development of a community. Despite its humble beginnings, Las Vegas quickly evolved, spurred by the legalization of gambling in Nevada in 1931, which would later define its economic and cultural identity.

The founding of Las Vegas in 1905 was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for its dramatic growth in the 20th century. From a railroad outpost, Las Vegas transformed into a bustling city known for its casinos, luxury hotels, and entertainment options, earning its nickname as ""The Entertainment Capital of the World."" The city's founding is not just a key event in its own history but also a significant chapter in the story of the American West, reflecting themes of innovation, opportunity, and transformation.

Las Vegans In History

Howard Hughes (1905–1976)

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings (1905-1924)

Howard Hughes was born in 1905 in Houston, Texas. From an early age, Hughes demonstrated a keen interest in engineering and aviation, influenced by his family's entrepreneurial background. His early life was characterized by a mix of privilege and a strong drive for innovation.

Expansion into Film and Aviation (1925-1940)

Hughes made his mark in both the film and aviation industries in the late 1920s and 1930s. He produced several successful Hollywood films and set multiple aviation records. His ventures in these fields showcased his diverse interests and his penchant for pushing boundaries.

War Efforts and Aerospace Advancements (1941-1950)

During World War II, Hughes turned his focus to aerospace engineering, contributing to the war effort with innovative aircraft designs. His work during this period solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the aviation industry.

Business Diversification and Eccentricities (1951-1960)

In the 1950s, Hughes continued to diversify his business interests, involving himself in various sectors, including electronics and real estate. His eccentric behavior also became more pronounced during this time, often overshadowing his business achievements.

Significant Investment in Las Vegas (1961-1970)

In the 1960s, Hughes shifted his focus to Las Vegas, investing heavily in the city's hotel and casino sector. His investments played a significant role in shaping the development of Las Vegas. He purchased several major properties, helping transform the city into a major entertainment and gambling destination.

Later Years and Increasing Reclusiveness (1971-1976)

In his later years, Hughes became increasingly reclusive, conducting business affairs from isolated environments. Despite his withdrawal from public life, he continued to manage his vast business empire and maintain significant influence in various industries.

Death and Legacy (1976)

Howard Hughes passed away in 1976. His death marked the end of a complex and multifaceted career. Hughes left behind a legacy as a business magnate with significant contributions to aviation, film, and the development of Las Vegas.

Key Achievements:

• Set multiple aviation records and contributed to aerospace advancements.

• Produced successful Hollywood films, leaving a mark on the film industry.

• Played a pivotal role in transforming Las Vegas into a major entertainment hub.

• Left a lasting impact across multiple industries through his diverse business ventures.

Howard Hughes's life was characterized by his extraordinary achievements in various fields. From setting aviation records to reshaping the landscape of Las Vegas, his influence was wide-ranging. Despite his eccentricities and reclusive nature in later years, Hughes's legacy as a visionary entrepreneur and investor continues to be felt in the industries he transformed.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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