Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Pink Talking Fish performance

• President Biden announced new initiatives for solar energy funding

• A deep-dive into the life of Josh Gibson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If the simple things in life don't put a smile on your face, then you will never truly be happy."

- unknown

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!

Which Pittsburgh museum is dedicated to the life and work of its namesake Pop Art icon?

A) The Carnegie Museum of Art

B) The Frick Pittsburgh

C) The Andy Warhol Museum

D) The Mattress Factory

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Pittsburgh Pirates won their first World Series in A) 1909.

News

💼 Business

Tom Medovitch has been appointed as Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Initiatives at Strategic Analytics. (Link)

The University of Pittsburgh announced a new Office of Sustainability in the Health Sciences on Earth Day, aiming to enhance sustainability practices. (Link)

President Biden announced new initiatives for solar energy funding and a climate corps on Earth Day, expected to create approximately 200,000 jobs. (Link)

🏒 Sports

A University of Pittsburgh professor is collaborating with medical drama series to enhance the accuracy of public health portrayals on television. (Link)

Zach Frazier, a standout center from West Virginia, enters NFL Draft week with strong prospects of being selected early, possibly as the first from his university. (Link)

In recent high school sports, Carrick defeated Perry 17-0 in a baseball game that lasted only three innings, as reported on April 22, 2024. (Link)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are experiencing a downturn in performance despite a strong season start, feeling the absence of key player Paul Skenes. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Pittsburgh's office market is showing signs of revival, recovering four years after the COVID-19 pandemic began. (Link)

A recent WalletHub study places Pittsburgh near the bottom of the list among the top 100 large cities for starting a new business. (Link)

PPG Industries has named Pascal Tisseyre as the new Vice President of Government Affairs for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. (Link)

The University of Pittsburgh celebrated Earth Day by launching a new Office of Sustainability in the Health Sciences. (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

⚾ Colorado Rockies at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Saturday, May 4th | 7:00 PM | More Info

⚽ Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Miami FC
Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh
Saturday, May 4th | 7:00 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎵 Chris Young
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Saturday, May 4th | 6:30 PM | More Info

🎶 Pink Talking Fish
Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall, Pittsburgh
Friday, May 3rd | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎤 JJ Williamson
Pittsburgh Improv, Homestead
Friday, May 3rd | 9:45 PM | More Info

🎷 The Music of Star Wars
Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh
Saturday, May 4th | 7:30 PM | More Info

Family

🌼 Pittsburgh Opera: The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson
Byham Theater, Pittsburgh
Sunday, May 5th | 3:00 PM | 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 sports arena in Pittsburgh hosting a new, invented sport.” 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

1909: The Pittsburgh Pirates win the World Series against the Detroit Tigers.

In 1909, the city of Pittsburgh celebrated a historic victory as the Pittsburgh Pirates clinched the World Series championship against the Detroit Tigers. The Pirates, led by legendary player-manager Fred Clarke, displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the series, capturing the hearts of fans across the city. The decisive victory in Game 7 solidified the Pirates' place in baseball history and marked a triumphant moment for Pittsburgh sports. The city erupted in jubilation as the Pirates' remarkable achievement brought immense pride and joy to the people of Pittsburgh, leaving an indelible mark on the city's sporting legacy.

The 1909 World Series victory was a defining moment for Pittsburgh, as it showcased the resilience and talent of the Pirates' roster. Star players such as Honus Wagner and Babe Adams played pivotal roles in securing the championship, earning admiration and adulation from fans and sports enthusiasts alike. The team's remarkable performance in the World Series solidified their status as baseball icons and brought a sense of unity and pride to the city of Pittsburgh. The legacy of the 1909 World Series victory continues to resonate with Pittsburghers, serving as a testament to the city's enduring passion for sports and the enduring spirit of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Over a century later, the 1909 World Series victory remains a cherished part of Pittsburgh's sporting history, symbolizing the city's unwavering dedication to athletic excellence. The triumph of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1909 stands as a testament to the city's enduring spirit and the profound impact of sports on the community. The victory not only secured the Pirates' place in baseball lore but also brought the people of Pittsburgh together in a shared celebration of athletic achievement, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of Pittsburgh sports fans.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919)

Henry Clay Frick was born on December 19, 1849, in West Overton, Pennsylvania, a rural village located about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. His family had German and Swiss roots, and his upbringing laid the foundation for his remarkable journey as an industrialist, financier, and art patron.

Early Life and Business Ventures (1849-1870s)

- Henry Clay Frick was born into a modest Mennonite family in West Overton, Pennsylvania. His early years were marked by hard work and determination, traits that would define his future endeavors.

- In the 1870s, Frick ventured into the coke industry and formed a partnership with Andrew Carnegie, marking the beginning of his influential role in the industrial landscape of Pittsburgh and beyond.

Rise to Prominence in Pittsburgh (1880s-1890s)

- Frick's ascent into prominence was closely tied to Pittsburgh, where he established himself as a key figure in the city's industrial growth. He became chairman of the Carnegie Steel Company and played a major role in the formation of the giant U.S. Steel manufacturing concern.

- Once launched in the coke industry, Frick moved permanently to Pittsburgh, establishing residence in the prosperous city and becoming an integral part of its business and social fabric.

Art Patronage and Legacy (1900s-1919)

- Beyond his industrial pursuits, Frick was also known for his passion for art and patronage of the arts. His legacy includes the establishment of the Frick Collection, a renowned art museum in New York City that houses a remarkable collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

- Frick's impact on the art world and his contributions to the cultural landscape endure as a testament to his multifaceted influence as an industrialist and art patron.

Key Achievements of Henry Clay Frick:

• - Played a major role in the formation of the U.S. Steel manufacturing concern, contributing to the industrial transformation of America.

• - Established the Frick Collection, a renowned art museum in New York City, showcasing a remarkable collection of European art and decorative arts.

• - Became an influential figure in Pittsburgh's industrial growth, leaving a lasting legacy in the city's business and social fabric.

Henry Clay Frick's story is one of resilience, innovation, and multifaceted influence, leaving an indelible mark on the industrial, financial, and cultural landscapes of America. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the realms of industry, art, and patronage.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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