Pittsburgh Newsletter (April 15th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Pittsburgh.

Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming WWE Friday Night SmackDown

  • The Pirates secured a dramatic walk-off victory against the Orioles

  • A deep-dive into the life of Mary Roberts Rinehart

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Your mockers will only have your attention only if you give them your attention”

― Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

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!

Pittsburgh is known for its many bridges. Approximately how many bridges are there within the city limits?

A) Over 100

B) Over 300

C) Over 446

D) Over 600

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:Pittsburgh's Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens were founded in B) 1893.

News

💼 Business

Cara Mia Pinto has recently taken on the role of Of Counsel in the intellectual property group at McNees' Pittsburgh office. (Link)

A California-based company collaborates with Allegheny Health Network to utilize their proprietary technology for residual cancer detection. (Link)

Passengers on a Southwest flight from Dallas to Pittsburgh at 37,000 feet experienced the 2024 eclipse from an aerial perspective. (Link)

🏒 Sports

NHL named Nikita Kucherov, Sidney Crosby, and Artemi Panarin as the stars of the week for their outstanding performances. (Link)

Trib HSSN highlighted the challenges faced by WPIAL diamond sports due to unpredictable weather, with hopes for improvement as conditions warm. (Link)

The Pirates secured a dramatic walk-off victory against the Orioles, a highlight of MLB updates for April 8, 2024. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The Herald announces a week full of local events starting April 8, 2024, including a Tree Adoption event in Sharpsburg with Tree Pittsburgh. (Link)

PoliticsPA marks April 8 as Eclipse Day, reminding Pennsylvanians to enjoy the celestial event and register for the primary election. (Link)

An investigation reveals that Pittsburgh is facing a potential financial crisis due to decreasing tax revenues, just years after overcoming previous financial struggles. (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

🥊 SPRAWL IN THE BURGH 3
The Meadows, Pittsburgh
Friday, April 19th | 7:00 ​PM | (More Info)

 🥋 BRAWL IN THE BURGH 21 
The Meadows, Pittsburgh
Saturday, April 20th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏋️ Pittsburgh Sports Expo 
ALL AMERICAN+ Field House, Monroeville
April 20 & 21, 2024 | (More Info)

🤼 WWE Friday Night SmackDown
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
Friday, Apr. 19th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Starset 
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Monday, Apr. 15th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Shawn Colvin & KT Tunstall 
Byham Theater, Pittsburgh ​
Tuesday, Apr. 16th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Proxima Parada/Oliver Hazard 
Thunderbird Music Hall, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, Apr. 17th | 8:​00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Dylan Scott 
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Friday, Apr. 19th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🌍 Wild Earth Day at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium 
7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, April 20th | 10:00 AM - 4:00 P​M | (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 “Pittsburgh with wildlife corridors and roaming animals.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Pittsburgh Historical Events

1901: The formation of U.S. Steel Corporation, with Pittsburgh as a central hub.

In 1901, the United States Steel Corporation was formed, marking a significant milestone in the history of Pittsburgh. The corporation, founded by financier J.P. Morgan, emerged as the largest company in the world at the time. This monumental event was the result of the merger of several steel companies, including Andrew Carnegie's Carnegie Steel Company, Elbert H. Gary's Federal Steel Company, and William Henry "Judge" Moore's National Steel Company. With an authorized capitalization of $1.4 billion, the formation of the United States Steel Corporation made it the first billion-dollar corporation in history. Pittsburgh played a central role in this historic development, solidifying its position as a hub for steel production and industry leadership.

The establishment of the United States Steel Corporation in 1901 had a profound impact on Pittsburgh's economy and industrial landscape. The city became a vital center for steel production, attracting skilled labor and fostering technological advancements in the steel industry. The corporation's formation not only elevated Pittsburgh's status as a leading steel producer but also contributed to the city's growth and prosperity. The merger of these steel companies under the banner of U.S. Steel laid the foundation for Pittsburgh's enduring legacy as a powerhouse in the steel manufacturing sector.

Over the years, the United States Steel Corporation has evolved and grown, playing a pivotal role in shaping the economic and industrial landscape of Pittsburgh. The corporation's enduring presence has left an indelible mark on the city, symbolizing its resilience and innovation in the face of changing economic landscapes. Today, the legacy of the U.S. Steel Corporation continues to be an integral part of Pittsburgh's identity, reflecting the city's rich history and enduring commitment to industrial excellence.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876–1958)

Early Life and Literary Beginnings (1876-1900)

Mary Ella Roberts was born on August 12, 1876, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, which is now a part of Pittsburgh. She grew up in the area and graduated from Allegheny High School in 1893. At the age of 17, she attended the Pittsburgh Training School for Nurses, now known as the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, and graduated in 1896. It was during this time that she met her husband, Dr. Stanley Rinehart, while in nursing school. Her early life in Pittsburgh laid the foundation for her future literary endeavors.

Literary Career and Mystery Writing (1901-1920)

Mary Roberts Rinehart rose to become one of America's most prominent and successful mystery writers. She brought new techniques to the mystery writing genre through books like her famous publication, "The Circular Staircase" (1909). Her innovative approach to mystery writing earned her the title of the American Agatha Christie. Rinehart's career as a writer took off, and she became known for her captivating storytelling and intricate plots that kept readers on the edge of their seats.

Family and Publishing Ventures (1921-1940)

In 1921, Rinehart's career reached new heights when she co-founded a publishing firm with her sons, which published many of her novels. This venture allowed her to have greater control over her literary works and contributed to her success as an author. Rinehart's dedication to her craft and her entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of a publishing legacy that extended beyond her own writing.

Legacy and Enduring Influence (1941-1958)

Mary Roberts Rinehart's impact on the literary world continued to grow, and her works remained popular and influential. Her career as a writer, often referred to as the American Agatha Christie, solidified her status as a trailblazer in the mystery genre. Rinehart's legacy as an author and her contributions to the world of literature endure, inspiring future generations of writers and captivating readers with her timeless stories.

Key Achievements of Mary Roberts Rinehart:

  • - Pioneer of the mystery writing genre, known as the American Agatha Christie.

  • - Author of "The Circular Staircase’' (1909) and other influential mystery novels.

  • - Co-founder of a publishing firm with her sons, establishing a lasting literary legacy.

  • - Enduring influence on the world of literature, inspiring future generations of writers.

  • - Recognized for her captivating storytelling and intricate plots that captivated readers.

Mary Roberts Rinehart's life and career as an author, rooted in her early years in Pittsburgh, exemplify her journey from a young nursing student to a pioneering figure in the world of mystery writing. Her legacy as the American Agatha Christie continues to inspire and captivate readers, ensuring that her influence endures for generations to come.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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