Las Vegas Newsletter (September 26th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Class-action settlement with Wynn Resorts $70M.

  • Upcoming Vegas Golden Knights match

  • A deep dive into the life of Wayne Newton

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

 “Mastery of life is not a question of control, but of finding a balance between human and being.” 

–Eckhart Tolle

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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 year did the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign first light up?

A) 1945

B) 1959

C) 1965

D) 1971

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The name of the first casino built on the Las Vegas Strip is B) El Rancho Vegas

News

💼 Business

Ex-Raiders QB Derek Carr closes on sale of Las Vegas home. (Link)

‘There’s no such thing as affordability’: Real estate experts discuss land crisis facing valley. (Link)

🏒 Sports

3-time 20-goal scorer gets first crack at Knights’ first-line opening. (Link)

Knights open training camp with intriguing new lines, defense pairs. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Class-action settlement with Wynn Resorts: $70M. (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

🏒 Utah Hockey Club at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Friday, Sep. 27th | (More info)

⚾ Triple-A National Championship Game
Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas
Saturday, Sep. 28th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Maroon 5
Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
Friday, Sep. 27th | (More info)

🎤 Nicki Minaj
MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas
Saturday, Sep. 28th | (More info)

Family

🤖 AI Beginner Basics for Children Ages 10-17
1001 C Street, Las Vegas
Saturday, Sep. 28th | (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 cityscape with holographic animals and iconic landmarks” 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

The Rise of the Flamingo: The Birth of Modern Las Vegas

One of the most transformative events in Las Vegas history was the opening of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in 1946, spearheaded by notorious mobster Benjamin Bugsy Siegel. At the time, Las Vegas was still a relatively small town, but Siegel envisioned it as a glamorous destination for the rich and famous. The Flamingo was the first luxury resort on what would become the Las Vegas Strip, blending high-end accommodations with gambling, entertainment, and fine dining, a model that future casinos would follow.

Although the Flamingo's opening was initially plagued with setbacks and financial losses, its eventual success marked the beginning of Las Vegas’ transformation into a global gambling and entertainment capital. Siegel's mob connections also solidified the influence of organized crime in the city’s burgeoning casino industry, shaping its early development. Despite Siegel's assassination in 1947, just months after the Flamingo opened, his vision set the stage for the Strip's rapid expansion.

In the years following, Las Vegas saw the construction of other iconic hotels and casinos like the Sands, Tropicana, and Caesars Palace, further cementing its reputation. The city's evolution from a desert outpost to a glittering metropolis was fueled by this pivotal moment in 1946, as the Flamingo became the template for the high-rolling, entertainment-driven Las Vegas experience known worldwide today.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Wayne Newton (1942 – Present)

Born on April 3, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, Wayne Newton grew up in a musical family. His father, Patrick Newton, was an auto mechanic, and his mother, Evelyn, encouraged Wayne and his brother Jerry to pursue their musical talents. From a young age, Wayne exhibited a natural ability to sing and play musical instruments, especially the guitar and piano. Despite suffering from asthma, which caused him to miss much of his formal education, Wayne's drive to succeed in music only grew stronger as he performed in local clubs and theaters. His early exposure to diverse musical styles would later help him develop the versatility that would define his career.

First Steps into Show Business (1958 – 1962)

As a teenager, Newton began to make waves in the entertainment industry. In 1958, when Wayne was only 15, his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, hoping the dry climate would ease his asthma. There, he and his brother performed as "The Newton Brothers" at local venues. The brothers gained a following, and by the late 1950s, they were performing on national television shows like The Jackie Gleason Show and The Grand Ole Opry. Although success seemed within reach, the grueling lifestyle of constant performing took its toll on Wayne, forcing him to rest his voice and recover from overwork. However, these early years taught him discipline and set the foundation for his legendary stamina.

The Breakthrough in Las Vegas (1963 – 1969)

Las Vegas became the pivotal turning point in Wayne Newton's career. In 1963, while performing in Arizona, Newton caught the attention of prominent Las Vegas performer and booking agent Jackie Gleason, who helped him land a gig at the Flamingo Hotel. Newton’s smooth voice, charismatic stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences quickly endeared him to the Las Vegas crowd. By the mid-1960s, he became a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip, performing six nights a week. He was known for his energetic shows, blending pop, country, and big band sounds. Las Vegas soon became Wayne Newton’s permanent home and the city where he would become an icon.

The Face of Las Vegas (1970 – 1979)

Throughout the 1970s, Wayne Newton solidified his place as one of the most beloved entertainers in Las Vegas. He became affectionately known as "Mr. Las Vegas," a nickname that reflected his unrivaled success in the city. Newton performed at various top venues, including the Desert Inn and Caesars Palace, regularly selling out shows. His elaborate performances featured big bands, dazzling costumes, and Newton’s warm, personable style. Unlike many performers of his era, Newton remained faithful to Las Vegas rather than touring extensively. By doing so, he became synonymous with the city itself, helping to elevate its status as the "Entertainment Capital of the World."

Business Ventures and Challenges (1980 – 1989)

As his career thrived, Wayne Newton expanded beyond entertainment, venturing into business. In the early 1980s, he purchased the Aladdin Hotel, making him one of the few entertainers to own a Las Vegas casino. However, this period also marked significant challenges for Newton. Financial troubles with the Aladdin led to its sale, and Newton was embroiled in lawsuits, including a defamation case against NBC over allegations of mafia connections. Newton’s reputation took a hit, but he emerged victorious in court, winning the lawsuit. Despite these setbacks, Newton’s performances never faltered, and he continued to be a major draw in Las Vegas.

Personal Life and Family (1990 – 1999)

Wayne Newton’s life off the stage was filled with ups and downs. He married Elaine Okamura in 1968, and the couple had a daughter, Erin Newton, before divorcing in 1985. In 1994, Newton remarried Kathleen McCrone, a lawyer from North Olmsted, Ohio. The couple welcomed their daughter Lauren in 2002. Although Newton faced financial and legal challenges throughout the 1990s, including filing for bankruptcy in 1992, his personal resilience mirrored his professional one. He remained committed to his family and continued performing, winning over fans with his passion and showmanship despite the difficulties he encountered.

Reinvention and Legacy (2000 – 2009)

In the 2000s, Newton redefined his career as he adapted to the evolving Las Vegas entertainment scene. Despite the arrival of larger, more elaborate productions featuring international stars like Celine Dion and Cirque du Soleil, Newton maintained his loyal fan base. In 2000, he began performing at the Stardust Hotel, a relationship that lasted until the venue’s closure in 2006. Even as younger generations of performers took the spotlight, Newton’s legacy as the original Mr. Las Vegas remained unmatched. His ability to evolve with the times ensured that his name remained synonymous with the city’s entertainment culture.

Honoring His Contributions (2010 – 2016)

Wayne Newton's contributions to Las Vegas were formally recognized in numerous ways during the 2010s. In 2010, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. He was also heavily involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable organizations, particularly those assisting veterans. In 2016, the city of Las Vegas further cemented his iconic status by naming a portion of Paradise Road near McCarran International Airport as Wayne Newton Boulevard. These honors reflected not just Newton’s accomplishments in entertainment but also his deep connection to the Las Vegas community.

A Return to the Stage (2017 – 2019)

Even after more than five decades in the industry, Wayne Newton continued to perform. In 2017, he launched a new residency at Bally’s Hotel called "Up Close & Personal," which featured a mix of stories from his career, performances of his greatest hits, and a Q&A segment with the audience. This more intimate format allowed Newton to connect with fans in a personal way, showcasing his charm and humor. The show became a success, drawing in longtime fans and new audiences alike, proving that Newton's appeal transcended generations.

The Legacy of Mr. Las Vegas (2020 – Present)

As of 2023, Wayne Newton remains a living legend in Las Vegas. His long-standing residency, numerous accolades, and unwavering dedication to the entertainment industry have earned him a place among the most revered figures in American show business. Newton’s influence extends beyond the stage as he continues to inspire younger performers in the industry. With more than 30,000 shows to his name, Wayne Newton's contribution to Las Vegas is immeasurable, and his legacy as Mr. Las Vegas remains firmly intact, ensuring his place in the history of American entertainment for years to come.

Key Achievements:

  • Performed over 30,000 shows in Las Vegas throughout his career

  • Earned the nickname Mr. Las Vegas for his enduring contributions to the city

  • Starred in multiple Las Vegas residencies, including long-running shows at the Stardust and Bally's

  • Successfully transitioned into business, owning the Aladdin Hotel in the 1980s

  • Won a defamation lawsuit against NBC for allegations of mafia connections

  • Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Las Vegas Walk of Stars

  • Philanthropist and supporter of various charitable organizations, particularly veterans' causes

Wayne Newton’s journey from a young boy in Virginia to the reigning Mr. Las Vegas reflects a life of remarkable talent, resilience, and dedication. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Newton became a Las Vegas icon, known for his dynamic performances and personal connection with his audiences. Despite legal and financial challenges, his legacy as a performer and philanthropist continues to inspire the entertainment world.

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-Matthew Larsen

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