1. In 1980, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas suffered a devastating fire that killed 85 people and injured over 700. The fire was the second deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history and resulted in significant changes in safety regulations for hotels and casinos.

2. On December 23, 1864, Nevada became the 36th state to join the Union. This significant event marked the end of the Civil War and solidified Nevada's place in U.S. history.

3. In 1966, Howard Hughes, the reclusive billionaire and aviation pioneer, arrived in Las Vegas and stayed at the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino. He ultimately bought the hotel and several others, helping to establish Las Vegas as a major gambling destination.

4. The Las Vegas Bowl, an annual college football bowl game, has been held on December 23 several times over the years. The game has featured teams from the Pac-12, Mountain West, and other conferences.

5. In 1989, the Hoover Dam Bypass site was dedicated by President George H.W. Bush. The bypass, known as the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, spans the Colorado River and connects Arizona and Nevada. The bridge is named after two prominent figures in Nevada history: former Nevada governor Mike O'Callaghan and former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman.