Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Home sale prices in Las Vegas rise by 3.4%

• Upcoming Vegas Golden Knights home games

• A deep dive into the life of Joe Louis

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.”

— Arthur Koestler

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 did the famous Las Vegas Strip hotel, the Stardust, close its doors?

A) 1991

B) 1998

C) 2006

D) 2007

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Las Vegas hotel and casino known for its distinctive pyramid shape is A) Luxor.

News

💼 Business

A new mixed-use development breaks ground in the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas, highlighting urban growth and cultural expansion​​. (Link)

The Transportation Security Administration introduces a self-screening system at Harry Reid International Airport to improve passenger experience​​. (Link)

Home sale prices in Las Vegas rise by 3.4% in February, indicating a recovery from a slow market in 2023​​. (Link)

🏦 Finance

PNC Chief Economist Gus Faucher forecasts slower economic growth for 2024, suggesting a cautious outlook for the national and local economies. (Link)

Nevada’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in December 2023, indicating stability in the job market amid economic fluctuations. (Link)

The City of North Las Vegas and the Southern Nevada Water Authority break ground on a new water system in Apex, marking a significant investment in regional infrastructure. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The Vegas Golden Knights retained 17% of Hertl's salary in a significant contract move, impacting team dynamics and future gameplay strategies. (Link)

The Golden Knights faced their fourth consecutive defeat, even as new players made their debut, in an effort to revitalize their season amidst ongoing challenges. (Link)

The Oakland Athletics' return to Las Vegas for exhibition games against Milwaukee, their first since announcing relocation plans, garnered significant local fan interest. (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

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Tuesday, Mar. 19th | (More Info)

🏒 Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Thursday, Mar. 21st | (More Info)

⚽ El Paso Locomotive FC at Las Vegas Lights FC
Cashman Field, Las Vegas
Saturday, Mar. 23rd | (More Info)

🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Saturday, Mar. 23rd | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 2024 Eddie Griffin
Saxe Theater, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Tuesday, March 19th | (More Info)

🎵 2024 Jodeci
House of Blues - Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Wednesday, March 20th | (More Info)

🎸 2024 Alastair Greene
Sand Dollar Downtown, Las Vegas
Thursday, March 21st | (More Info)

🎤 2024 Wiz Khalifa
Drai's Nightclub, Las Vegas
Friday, March 22nd | (More Info)

🎧 2024 Robin Schulz
Liv Beach, Las Vegas
Sunday, March 24th | (More Info)

Family

🌟 Kids Ticket to Shining Stars: Music, Dance, Sensory & Play Session
4215 South Durango Drive, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Mar. 20th | (More Info)

🎨 Kids Craft Night
6500 IKEA Way, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Mar. 20th | (More Info)

🎉 Cruel Summer Pop Party
511 Fremont Street, Las Vegas
Friday, Mar. 22nd | (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 “Spaceport integrated into Las Vegas's central hub” 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

1980: MGM Grand Hotel fire, one of the worst disasters in Nevada history.

In 1980, the MGM Grand Hotel fire shook the city of Las Vegas and left a lasting impact on Nevada's history. On November 21, a devastating fire broke out at the MGM Grand Hotel, claiming the lives of 85 people and injuring hundreds more. The fire, which started in the casino area, quickly spread through the building, causing widespread panic and chaos. It remains one of the deadliest hotel fires in United States history and prompted significant changes in fire safety regulations and building codes.

The MGM Grand Hotel fire had a profound effect on the city of Las Vegas, leading to a renewed focus on fire safety and prevention measures in hotels and public buildings. The tragedy sparked a comprehensive review of fire codes and safety standards, resulting in significant improvements to building regulations and emergency response protocols. The disaster also catalyzed increased public awareness of fire safety, with the community coming together to support the victims and their families.

Today, the MGM Grand Hotel fire stands as a somber reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness. The resilience of the Las Vegas community in the aftermath of the tragedy, coupled with the lasting impact on fire safety regulations, serves as a testament to the strength and unity of the city. The memory of the 1980 MGM Grand Hotel fire continues to shape the way Las Vegas approaches safety and emergency preparedness, ensuring that such a devastating event is never repeated.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Joe Louis (1914–1981):

Legendary Boxer Who Worked as a Greeter at Caesar's Palace

Joe Louis, also known as the Brown Bomber, was a legendary American boxer and heavyweight champion of the world from 1937 to 1949. His remarkable career and cultural impact continue to resonate, making him an iconic figure in the history of boxing and civil rights.

Early Life and Childhood (1914-1926):

Joe Louis was born on May 13, 1914, in Lafayette, Alabama. His family later moved to Detroit, Michigan, during the Great Migration, seeking better economic opportunities. Growing up in a predominantly African American neighborhood, Louis developed a passion for sports, particularly boxing, from a young age.

Rise to Boxing Stardom (1927-1936):

Louis's boxing career began to take shape in the late 1920s, and by 1932, at the age of 17, he made his debut as an amateur boxer. His exceptional talent and dedication to the sport quickly propelled him to prominence, earning him the nickname Joe Louis for the rest of his boxing career.

World Heavyweight Champion (1937-1949):

On June 22, 1937, Joe Louis made history by becoming the world heavyweight champion after knocking out James J. Braddock in eight rounds in Chicago. This victory marked the beginning of an almost twelve-year streak as the heavyweight champion, setting a new world record. Louis's dominance in the ring and his impact on the sport of boxing made him a cultural icon and a symbol of hope for African Americans during a time of racial segregation and discrimination.

Cultural Impact and Civil Rights (1940s-1950s):

Joe Louis's influence extended beyond the boxing ring, as he became a symbol of pride and resilience for African Americans. His fights against Max Schmeling, a German boxer, particularly resonated during the rise of Nazi Germany, with Louis's victory in their rematch in 1938 symbolizing a triumph over fascism and racism. Louis's cultural impact and contributions to the struggle for civil rights continue to resonate, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with resilience and determination.

Retirement and Later Years (1950s-1981):

In 1949, Joe Louis briefly retired from boxing, but he later returned to the ring for a few more fights before officially retiring in 1951. After his boxing career, Louis faced financial challenges and eventually found work as a greeter at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite the challenges he faced, Louis remained a beloved and respected figure, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history.

Key Achievements of Joe Louis:

• World heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, setting a new world record.

• Symbol of hope and resilience for African Americans during a time of racial segregation and discrimination.

• Cultural icon with a lasting impact on the sport of boxing and the struggle for civil rights.

• Worked as a greeter at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, after retiring from boxing.

• Remembered as an iconic figure in the history of boxing and a symbol of perseverance and determination.

Joe Louis's story is one of overcoming adversity, achieving greatness in sports, and leaving behind a cultural legacy that continues to inspire future generations. His impact on Detroit, Michigan, and the world of boxing remains significant and enduring.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen