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Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Legal troubles for disgraced MGM exec are far from over.

• Upcoming Las Vegas Aviators match

• A deep dive into the life of Sonny Liston

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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!

In which Las Vegas hotel did Elvis Presley perform his famous residency shows in the 1970s?

A) The International Hotel (now Westgate Las Vegas)

B) The Flamingo

C) The Sands

D) The Hilton Las Vegas

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Las Vegas museum dedicated to the history of organized crime and law enforcement is A) The Mob Museum.

News

💼 Business

Legal troubles for disgraced MGM exec are far from over. (Link)

Las Vegas Grand Prix COO out 5 months after being hired. (Link)

Tropicana to open to public for liquidation sale. (Link)

🏦 Finance

IRS may raise jackpot withholding level to $5,800. (Link)

From diapers to milk, Target to lower prices on about 5K basic goods. (Link)

Ellis Island targets Las Vegas Grand Prix in lawsuit. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Raiders favored in only 2 games at Station, Caesars sportsbooks. (Link)

Raiders extend win streak over Broncos but not on football field. (Link)

Raiders ironman center, Hall of Famer Jim Otto dies at 86. (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

⚾ Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Las Vegas Aviators
Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas
Tuesday, May 28th to Friday, May 31st | (More info)

⚽ Phoenix Rising FC at Las Vegas Lights FC
Cashman Field, Las Vegas
Saturday, June 1st | (More info)

🏀 Seattle Storm at Las Vegas Aces
Michelob ULTRA Arena at Las Vegas
Friday, June 7th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Vicki Barbolak
Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club, Las Vegas
Tuesday, May 28th | (More info)

🎵 Carrie Underwood
Resorts World Theatre, Las Vegas
Wednesday, May 29th | (More info)

🎭 Tri-xX
Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club, Las Vegas
Wednesday, May 29th | (More info)

Family

👩‍🍳 Kids Cooking Class - Summerlin
10940 Rosemary Park Drive, Las Vegas
Saturday, June 1st | (More info)

🌟 Mommy & Me Vision Board Event
8875 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas
Sunday, June 2nd | (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 Vegasscape with a fusion of different historical eras” 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

1960: The Rat Pack performs at the Sands, iconic Las Vegas entertainment.

In 1960, the iconic Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas played host to one of the most legendary performances in entertainment history as the Rat Pack took to the stage. Comprising Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop, the Rat Pack's electrifying performances at the Sands became the epitome of cool and sophistication. Their suave demeanor, smooth vocals, and effortless camaraderie captivated audiences, making the Sands the epicenter of Las Vegas entertainment during this era.

The Rat Pack's residency at the Sands in 1960 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Las Vegas, solidifying the city's reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. Their performances were a dazzling blend of music, comedy, and charisma, drawing in crowds from around the globe. The Sands became synonymous with glitz, glamour, and the high life, and the Rat Pack's presence only added to its allure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable night of entertainment.

Decades later, the legacy of the Rat Pack's performances at the Sands continues to resonate, serving as a timeless symbol of the golden age of Las Vegas entertainment. Their influence on the city's entertainment scene remains unparalleled, and their performances at the Sands remain etched in the annals of history as a testament to the enduring allure of Las Vegas as a world-class entertainment destination.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Sonny Liston (1932–1970):

Professional boxer who lived and died in Las Vegas:

Sonny Liston, born Charles L. Liston, was an American professional boxer known for his formidable presence in the ring and his tragic end in Las Vegas. His life was marked by both triumph and turmoil, making him a complex figure in the world of boxing.

Early Life and Hardship (1930s-1940s):

Sonny Liston was born in Sand Slough, Arkansas, in 1932, into a sharecropping family that faced economic hardship. He was the 24th of 25 children and received little formal education, growing up in poverty and facing numerous challenges from a young age.

Boxing Career and Rise to Fame (1950s-1960s):

Liston's boxing career began after his release from prison in 1952, and he quickly gained attention for his raw talent and powerful punches. He rose to prominence in the 1960s, becoming one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time and capturing the world heavyweight title with a crushing first-round knockout.

Connection to Las Vegas (1960s-1970s):

Liston's connection to Las Vegas became significant during the latter part of his life. In the early 1960s, he was on top of the world as boxing's heavyweight champion, but after losing the title, his life took a tragic turn, culminating in his untimely death in Las Vegas in 1970.

Tragic End and Legacy (1970):

Sonny Liston's life came to a tragic end in Las Vegas in 1970, and the circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of speculation and investigation. His legacy as a boxer and a complex figure in sports history continues to be remembered and studied, shedding light on the complexities of fame and adversity.

Key Achievements of Sonny Liston:

• Captured the world heavyweight title with a crushing first-round knockout.

• Became one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.

• His life and career continue to be studied and remembered, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of sports, fame, and personal struggle.

Sonny Liston's story is one of triumph and tragedy, reflecting the complexities of a life lived in the public eye. His impact on the world of boxing and his connection to Las Vegas remain significant aspects of his enduring legacy.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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