🌱 Las Vegas Babysitter Gets Life In Prison + Firework Launch Sites

Hello again, neighbors! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and chilly. High: 50 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories in Las Vegas today:

1. A Las Vegas woman who was convicted of killing a 5-year-old while babysitting has been sentenced to life in prison. Lauren Courtney, now 23, was arrested in March 2021 for the death of 5-year-old Ryan Peralto. According to court records, Courtney will be eligible for parole upon serving 20 years after pleading guilty to a first-degree murder charge in October. (News3LV)
2. Nashville Airport Police officers seized roughly 18 pounds of marijuana inbound from Las Vegas. Officers arrested two men — 30-year-old Veontae Lewis and 29-year-old Nicholas Riley — late Wednesday night after marijuana was discovered in their luggage coming off a Spirit Airlines flight from Las Vegas. According to airport police, Las Vegas is a common source of incoming narcotics to Nashville. (Fox 5 Las Vegas)
3. Yesterday, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced the eight rooftop fireworks launch locations for New Year's Eve. In celebration of "America's Party," Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Resorts World Las Vegas, The STRAT, and MGM Grand will be launching fireworks. According to a spokesperson for LVCVA, the party will be co-produced by Fireworks by Grucci. (KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas)

Today in Las Vegas:

• Pokemon Game Club, At Rainbow Library (3:00 PM)
• Art & Sip, At West Las Vegas Library (3:00 PM)
• Ray Romano And David Spade, At Mirage Theatre (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Santa is returning to Las Vegas for the annual Santa in the Shipwreck at Shark Reef Aquarium inside Mandalay Bay! Children 12 and under can receive a complimentary photograph with Santa Claus with each paid admission from Dec. 17-24 (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) during the Santa Claus and Santa Jaws Meet & Greet event. Diving Santa appearances will take place each day at 4:00 p.m. (Mandalay Bay)
• The city of Las Vegas' Department of Public Safety had a great time meeting and engaging with residents during their "Discussions with DPS" in Ward 2 on Wednesday. The marshals also stopped by Pearson Community Center to hang out with other community members, Santa and the Grinch. Click to view photos. (City of Las Vegas Government via Facebook)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada is happy to announce that GOLO, a wellness solutions company, recently donated $10,000 to the organization! (Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Las Vegas Mens Chorus winter show (December 18)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (December 19)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll see you around.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.