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Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Inflation in US cools in June for 3rd straight month

• Upcoming Kehlani concert

• A deep dive into the life of Tony Spilotro

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

– Og Mandino

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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!

Which hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has a replica of the Statue of Liberty and a New York City skyline theme?

A) New York-New York Hotel and Casino

B) The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino

C) The Mirage

D) MGM Grand

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

Las Vegas show is famous for its synchronized swimming and elaborate water stage? A) Cirque du Soleil's "O"

News

💼 Business

Findlay Automotive provides (some) new information about cyberattack. (Link)

Mirage’s influence cannot be ‘overstated’ as Las Vegas prepares to say goodbye. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Departed Josh Jacobs takes a dig at Raiders’ lack of success. (Link)

NBA Summer League Day 2: 2023 1st-rounders deliver in return. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Inflation in US cools in June for 3rd straight month. (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

⚾ Salt Lake Bees at Las Vegas Aviators
Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas
Friday, Jul. 19th to Sunday, Jul. 21st | (More info)

🚗 Monster Jam
Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas
Friday, Jul. 26th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Alan Walker
Liv Nightclub Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Saturday, Jul. 20th | (More info)

🎵 Kehlani
Liv Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Sunday, Jul. 21st | (More info)

Family

🎉 KIDS HAPPY HOUR!
2280 South Jones Boulevard, Las Vegas
Saturday, Jul. 20th | (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 “High-tech entertainment district in Las Vegas with virtual reality arcades” 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

1958: Stardust Resort and Casino opens, a model for future casinos.

In 1958, the iconic Stardust Resort and Casino opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the history of Las Vegas. Situated on the famous Las Vegas Strip, the Stardust quickly became a model for future casinos, setting new standards for luxury, entertainment, and hospitality. Boasting a lavish and glamorous atmosphere, the Stardust offered visitors an unparalleled experience, with its opulent decor, world-class entertainment, and a wide array of gaming options. The resort's grand opening was a spectacle that captured the imagination of the public and solidified its status as a premier destination for those seeking the ultimate Las Vegas experience.

The Stardust Resort and Casino's impact on the casino industry was profound, as it set a new benchmark for the design and amenities of future casinos. Its innovative approach to entertainment and gaming paved the way for the development of the modern casino experience, influencing the design and offerings of subsequent resorts in Las Vegas and beyond. The Stardust's success also contributed to the city's reputation as the entertainment capital of the world, drawing in visitors from around the globe and cementing Las Vegas as a must-visit destination for those seeking excitement, luxury, and world-class entertainment.

Although the Stardust Resort and Casino closed its doors in 2006, its legacy continues to inspire the casino industry and serve as a reminder of the golden age of Las Vegas. The impact of the Stardust's grand opening in 1958 can still be felt today, as it remains a symbol of the glamour, innovation, and allure that define the spirit of Las Vegas, making it an enduring icon in the history of casino entertainment.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Tony Spilotro (1938–1986):

Tony Spilotro, also known as Tony the Ant, was a notorious figure in the world of organized crime, particularly in Las Vegas. His ruthless reputation and connections to the Chicago Outfit made him a feared mobster during the 1970s and 1980s. Spilotro's life was marked by violence, power struggles, and a tragic downfall that ultimately led to his demise.

Early Life and Entry into Organized Crime (1950s-1960s)

Born in Chicago in 1938, Tony Spilotro grew up in a neighborhood known for its ties to organized crime. He became involved in criminal activities at a young age and quickly gained a reputation for his violent tendencies. In the early 1960s, Spilotro was initiated as a made man in the Chicago Outfit, marking the beginning of his official role in organized crime.

Rise to Power in Las Vegas (1970s)

Spilotro's notoriety as a mob enforcer and hitman caught the attention of the Chicago Outfit, leading to his assignment as the organization's representative in Las Vegas. In the 1970s, he established a strong presence in the city, overseeing various criminal operations and exerting influence over the local underworld. His reign of terror earned him the nickname Tough Tony Spilotro.

Connection to Vegas and Hollywood (1970s-1980s)

Spilotro's influence extended beyond the realm of organized crime, as he sought to expand his reach into the movie-making industry. He worked to line up Hollywood contacts for aspiring actors with ties to organized crime, showcasing his ambition to diversify his criminal enterprises and gain a foothold in the entertainment world.

Downfall and Tragic End (1980s)

Spilotro's unchecked brutality and power struggles within the Chicago Outfit ultimately led to his downfall. In 1986, he and his brother Michael were brutally beaten and murdered by mob associates, marking a tragic end to Spilotro's reign of terror in Las Vegas. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remained unsolved for over two decades, highlighting the enduring mystery of their demise.

Legacy and Notoriety (Post-1986)

Despite his violent and criminal activities, Tony Spilotro's name became synonymous with the dark side of Las Vegas history. His life and exploits inspired the portrayal of a ruthless mobster in the movie ""Casino,"" shedding light on his enduring legacy as a figure of fear and infamy in the city's organized crime lore.

Key Achievements of Tony Spilotro:

• Established a strong presence in Las Vegas as the Chicago Outfit's representative.

• Infamously known as Tough Tony Spilotro for his brutal and violent tactics.

• Attempted to expand his criminal enterprises into the movie-making industry.

• Inspired the portrayal of a ruthless mobster in the movie Casino.

• Notorious figure in the history of Las Vegas organized crime.

In summary, Tony Spilotro's life was marked by his ruthless reign as a mobster in Las Vegas, where he established a powerful and feared presence. His violent tendencies, connections to the Chicago Outfit, and tragic downfall solidified his notoriety in the annals of organized crime history, leaving behind a legacy of fear and infamy in the city of Las Vegas.

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

-Matthew Larsen