Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• AMA Arenacross Championship event

• LivingWell Senior Expo event

• A deep dive into the life of Meyer Lansky

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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 is famous for its dancing fountains?

A) The Venetian

B) Bellagio

C) Caesars Palace

D) The Mirage

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous Las Vegas Strip hotel, the Stardust, closed its doors in D) 2007.

News

💼 Business

The Sphere is hosting a contest for young artists to display their work on its Exosphere, offering global visibility for local talent. (Link)

Las Vegas home sale prices rose by 3.4% in February, signaling a rebound in the real estate market after a slower 2023. (Link)

Southern Nevada targets manufacturing growth to diversify its economy and mitigate economic variability, emphasizing sustainable development. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The TSA launched a new self-service screening at Harry Reid International, enhancing user experience with self-guided security processes. (Link)

Joann has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but plans to keep its over 800 stores, including 10 in Connecticut, operational during the process. (Link)

🏒 Sports

UNLV's D.J. Thomas made the All-Mountain West second team, the sole Scarlet and Gray player honored this season. (Link)

The Las Vegas Raiders signed Wilkins and Minshew in free agency, while Jacobs moved to Green Bay, marking an ambitious season start. (Link)

Jonathan Marchessault scored a hat trick, propelling the Vegas Golden Knights to a 5-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings. (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
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More info)

🏍️ AMA Arenacross Championship
Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More info)

🥊 Thurman vs Tszyu
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Ludacris
Zouk Nightclub, Las Vegas
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | (More info)

🎶 Foreigner
Soulbelly BBQ, Las Vegas
Thursday, Mar. 28th | (More info)

🔊 Metro Boomin
Liv Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More info)

🎤 David Guetta
Encore Beach Club, Wynn Las Vegas
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

Family

🌿 LivingWell Senior Expo
Durango Hills YMCA, Las Vegas
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More info)

🎭 Teachers Gone Bad Comedy Show
450 Fremont Street, Las Vegas
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

🌱 Vegan Easter at All Friends Animal Sanctuary
Las Vegas, NV, United States
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (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 buildings that change shape and color” 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

1989: Opening of The Mirage, starting a new era for the Las Vegas Strip.

In 1989, the Las Vegas Strip welcomed a groundbreaking addition that would forever change the landscape of the city. On November 22, 1989, The Mirage Resort & Casino opened its doors, marking the beginning of a new era for Las Vegas. The grand opening of The Mirage was nothing short of a theatrical spectacle, captivating visitors with its extravagant design and luxurious amenities. At the time of its opening, The Mirage was the largest hotel in the world, boasting 3,044 rooms and setting a new standard for integrated casino resorts around the world.

The Mirage's opening defied the odds and played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Las Vegas economy after a decade of stagnation. It exceeded analysts' expectations and became a blueprint for other properties in the resort corridor. The casino's success upped the ante on luxury and changed how Americans pursued pleasure and entertainment on the Strip. The Mirage's impact was so significant that it represented a real dividing line between the old Las Vegas and the new, setting the stage for a new era of extravagance and entertainment in the desert city.

The Mirage's revolutionary design, grandiose themes, and exceptional level of customer service cemented its place in the annals of Las Vegas' rich history. Its pioneering role as the first casino ever to provide complimentary drinks and use security cameras full-time on all table games further solidified its legacy. The Mirage's opening in 1989 marked a turning point for Las Vegas, ushering in an era of extravagance and setting the stage for the city's continued evolution as a global entertainment destination.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Meyer Lansky (1902–1983)

Meyer Lansky's Early Life and Immigration to America (1902-1911):

Meyer Lansky was born as Meier Suchowlański on July 4, 1902, in Grodno, Russia (present-day Belarus). His family faced persecution and pogroms, prompting them to immigrate to the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1911. Growing up in tough streets, Lansky eventually became involved in organized crime and illegal activities.

Rise to Prominence in Organized Crime (1920s-1930s)

During the 1920s and 1930s, organized crime shifted from a street game to a streamlined method of business. Lansky, known throughout the criminal underworld as a financial genius, used Swiss bank accounts and shell companies to launder money and hide the Mafia's vast wealth from the FBI. His name was eventually Americanized to Meyer Lansky, and he became a naturalized citizen in the late 1920s.

Connection to Las Vegas and Business Ventures (1940s-1950s)

Lansky and his lifelong friend Benjamin Bugsy Siegel discovered Las Vegas in the early 1940s after Siegel moved to Los Angeles to join his childhood friend, the actor George Raft, who had grown up with the Mob in New York. Lansky had significant investments in Las Vegas casinos and played a pivotal role in the development of the city's gambling industry.

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment (1950s):

Lansky was jailed briefly in 1953 for a gambling charge. Despite his legal troubles, he continued to be a prominent figure in organized crime and maintained his influence in the casino industry.

Later Years and Legacy (1960s-1983):

In his later years, Lansky continued to be involved in various business ventures and maintained his position as a key figure in organized crime. He passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential mobsters of his era.

Key Achievements of Meyer Lansky:

• Financial genius known for using Swiss bank accounts and shell companies to launder money and hide the Mafia's vast wealth from the FBI.

• Significant investments in Las Vegas casinos, playing a pivotal role in the development of the city's gambling industry.

• Maintained influence in organized crime and the casino industry despite legal troubles and imprisonment.

• Left behind a legacy as one of the most influential mobsters of his era.

Meyer Lansky's story is one of rise to prominence in organized crime, significant investments in Las Vegas, and a lasting legacy as a key figure in the development of the city's gambling industry. His influence and financial acumen continue to be subjects of intense fascination for the American public.

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-Matthew Larsen

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