Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• $187K table game jackpot hits at North Las Vegas casino.

• Upcoming Vegas Golden Knights match

• A deep dive into the life of Redd Foxx

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear."

— George Addair

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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!

What is the name of the famous street in downtown Las Vegas known for its overhead LED canopy and light shows?

A) Fremont Street

B) Las Vegas Boulevard

C) The Strip

D) Paradise Road

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous Las Vegas casino destroyed in the movie Ocean’s Eleven is D) The Sands.

News

💼 Business

New Allegiant CEO poised to take Las Vegas-based airline to next level. (Link)

‘Gaping loophole’ in campaign-finance law: Dan Bilzerian, others give big to politicians. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Brady can broadcast Raiders games despite ownership stake, NFL says. (Link)

A’s Vegas ballpark price tag could grow before construction begins. (Link)

🏦 Finance

$187K table game jackpot hits at North Las Vegas casino. (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

🏒 Ottawa Senators at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Friday, Oct. 25th | (More info)

🏒 San Jose Sharks at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Saturday, Oct. 26th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Lenny Kravitz
Dolby Live, Las Vegas
Friday, Oct. 25th | (More info)

🎸 Lenny Kravitz
Dolby Live, Las Vegas
Saturday, Oct. 26th | (More info)

Family

🎉 Health is Wealth: Pink Party 2024
5250 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas
Sunday, Oct. 27th | (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 “Futuristic Las Vegas with a network of sky bridges” 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

1966: Howard Hughes begins buying Las Vegas hotels.

In 1966, the landscape of Las Vegas began a dramatic transformation with the entry of Howard Hughes, a business magnate, aviator, and film director. His venture into the Las Vegas hotel market marked the beginning of a new era for the city, known for its vibrant nightlife and casinos. Hughes, with his sharp business acumen and vision, started acquiring hotels, a move that would reshape the city's identity and economy.

Hughes's investments signaled a shift from the traditional, mob-controlled casinos to corporately owned establishments. His influence brought a sense of legitimacy and stability to the industry, attracting more mainstream businesses and tourists. The infusion of capital and the change in ownership dynamics fostered an environment conducive to growth and innovation, setting the stage for Las Vegas to become a world-renowned entertainment capital.

However, Hughes's foray into Las Vegas was not just about business; it was also shrouded in mystique, owing to his reclusive nature and eccentricities. Despite being a pivotal figure in transforming Las Vegas, Hughes remained an enigmatic presence, rarely seen but constantly felt. His impact on Las Vegas is a testament to the profound ways in which a single individual's vision and investment can alter the trajectory of a city's development.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Redd Foxx (1922–1991): Comedian and actor, performed frequently in Las Vegas.

Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up in Chicago's South Side. His early life was marked by hardship, but he found solace in humor. Foxx began his comedic career performing in African American nightclubs, developing a style that was edgy and ahead of its time.

Rise to Fame as a Stand-Up Comedian (1946-1959)

In the late 1940s and 1950s, Foxx emerged as a notable figure in the stand-up comedy circuit, particularly in the Chitlin' Circuit of African American venues. His routines were known for their raw and unfiltered humor, tackling subjects that were often considered taboo.

Breakthrough with Comedy Albums (1960-1969)

Foxx's comedic talent reached a wider audience with his comedy albums in the 1960s. These albums, often labeled as party records, were hugely popular despite (or because of) their explicit content, making him a major name in comedy.

Las Vegas Performances and Mainstream Success (1970-1977)

Foxx's performances in Las Vegas during the 1970s were a testament to his mainstream appeal. He broke racial barriers with his headlining shows, drawing diverse audiences with his unique blend of humor and charisma.

Sanford and Son and Television Stardom (1972-1977)

Foxx achieved television stardom with the hit sitcom Sanford and Son, where he played the lovable, irascible junk dealer Fred G. Sanford. The show was groundbreaking for its time and showcased Foxx's comedic talent to a broader audience.

Career Challenges and Resilience (1978-1985)

After Sanford and Son, Foxx faced career challenges, including financial troubles and less successful TV ventures. However, he remained a respected figure in the comedy world for his pioneering contributions.

Return to Television and Final Years (1986-1991)

In the late 1980s, Foxx made a television comeback, appearing in shows like The Redd Foxx Show and The Royal Family. Despite health issues, he continued to perform, showcasing his enduring talent.

Personal Life and Influence (Throughout Life)

Foxx's personal life, including his marriages and financial struggles, was as colorful as his career. He was known for his generous spirit and influence on other comedians, particularly African American entertainers.

Redd Foxx's Key Achievements:

• Renowned stand-up comedian known for his groundbreaking and edgy humor.

• Star of the hit TV sitcom Sanford and Son.

• Pioneer in comedy albums, setting the stage for future comedians.

• Broke racial barriers in entertainment, particularly in Las Vegas.

Redd Foxx's journey from a nightclub comedian to a television icon was marked by his distinctive comedic style, which pushed the boundaries of humor and societal norms. His influence on the world of comedy, particularly in elevating the visibility and acceptance of African American humor, remains significant. Foxx's legacy as a pioneering comedian and actor continues to resonate in the entertainment industry.

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.

-Yannick Lyons