- The Pittsburgh Newsletter
- Posts
- Pittsburgh Newsletter (August 26th)
Pittsburgh Newsletter (August 26th)
Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Pittsburgh.
Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!
In today’s edition:
Consol Energy, Arch Resources to merge in $5B all-stock deal.
Upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates match
A deep-dive into the life of Gertrude Stein
And more…
Quote of the Week
“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”
–Norton Juster
Sponsored
Renewal by Andersen Summer Savings Event Is Here: Buy One, Get One 40% Off + $200 Off Your Order!
Ready to transform your home? Invest in beautiful, energy-efficient windows from Renewal by Andersen®. For a limited time, you’ll receive Buy One, Get One 40% Off + $200 off your order1, and enjoy the benefits of increased comfort, lower energy bills, and enhanced curb appeal. Get your free quote!
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's iconic cable car system, the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines, were originally built for what purpose?
A) Tourist attractions
B) Coal transportation
C) Residential commuting
D) Military use
Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The Pittsburgh native and famous Jazz vocalist known for "God Bless the Child" is C) Billie Holiday.
News
💼Business
Consol Energy, Arch Resources to merge in $5B all-stock deal. (Link)
Oxford Development names Shawn Fox as CEO and president. (Link)
🏒Sports
Penguins unveil jersey numbers for newly acquired players. (Link)
Penguins promote Amanda Kessel to manager of minor league operations and assistant GM. (Link)
🏦Finance
Beacon Communities lands new partner with $2.5M in grants for PACT redevelopment. (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
⚾ Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Mon, Aug 26th - Wed, Aug 28th | (More info)
⚾ Washington Nationals at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Thu, Sep 5th - Sun, Sep 8th | (More info)
Music & Concerts
🎵 Waxahatchee
Carnegie Music Hall, Pittsburgh
Monday, Aug 26th | (More info)
🎵 Steely Dead
Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall, Pittsburgh
Thursday, Aug 29th | (More info)
Family
📘 Storytime: Family Fun
708 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh
Thursday, Aug 29th | (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 where every building is equipped with solar and wind power” 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
1788: Pittsburgh is officially incorporated as a borough.
In 1788, Pittsburgh marked a significant milestone in its history as it was officially incorporated as a borough. This pivotal moment solidified Pittsburgh's status as a recognized and organized community, laying the foundation for its future growth and development. The incorporation of Pittsburgh as a borough reflected the city's emergence as a center of commerce, industry, and culture in the region, setting the stage for its transformation into a vibrant and influential urban hub.
The incorporation of Pittsburgh as a borough in 1788 represented a turning point in the city's governance and administration. With this official status, Pittsburgh gained the ability to establish local government structures, enact laws, and regulate public affairs, contributing to the establishment of a more structured and organized community. This development played a crucial role in shaping Pittsburgh's identity and shaping its trajectory as a key player in the economic and social landscape of the time.
The incorporation of Pittsburgh as a borough in 1788 laid the groundwork for the city's future evolution and expansion. It provided a framework for governance, infrastructure development, and civic engagement, paving the way for Pittsburgh to become the dynamic and diverse metropolis it is today. This historic event remains a testament to Pittsburgh's enduring legacy and its ongoing journey as a city of resilience, innovation, and progress.
Famous People From Pittsburgh

Gertrude Stein (1874–1946): Novelist, poet, playwright.
Gertrude Stein was born on February 3, 1874, in Allegheny near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. She was an American novelist, poet, playwright, and art collector. Throughout her life, she made significant contributions to the literary and artistic world, leaving a lasting impact on modernism in literature and art.
Early Life and Education
Gertrude Stein was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, which is now part of Pittsburgh. She spent her early years in the neighborhood known as Allegheny West. In 1903, Stein moved to Paris, where she made France her home for the remainder of her life. Her early education and exposure to the arts in Pittsburgh played a formative role in shaping her artistic sensibilities and intellectual pursuits.
Literary and Artistic Career
Stein's literary and artistic career was marked by innovation and experimentation. She is best known for her avant-garde writing style, characterized by the use of repetition, wordplay, and stream-of-consciousness narrative. Her most famous work, ""The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas,"" was published in 1933 and provided a glimpse into her unconventional life and artistic vision. Stein's Paris salon became a hub for leading figures of modernism in literature and art, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Legacy and Influence
Gertrude Stein's legacy extends beyond her literary and artistic achievements. She played a pivotal role in shaping the modernist movement and challenging traditional literary conventions. Her contributions to literature and art continue to inspire and influence contemporary writers and artists. Despite spending most of her life in Paris, Stein's connection to Pittsburgh remains a significant part of her identity and creative journey.
Key Achievements of Gertrude Stein:
Pioneer of modernist literature and art, challenging traditional conventions and paving the way for new artistic expressions.
Hosted a renowned Paris salon that brought together leading figures of modernism in literature and art, fostering creative collaboration and exchange.
Published The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, a groundbreaking work that provided insight into her unconventional life and artistic vision.
Left a lasting legacy in the literary and artistic world, inspiring generations of writers and artists with her innovative approach to storytelling and creativity.
Celebrated as a trailblazer in modernist literature and art, with her work continuing to be studied and appreciated for its groundbreaking contributions.
Gertrude Stein's life and work exemplify a commitment to artistic innovation and creative expression, leaving an indelible mark on the literary and artistic landscape. Her connection to Pittsburgh and her pioneering contributions to modernist literature and art continue to be celebrated and remembered.
Connect With Me
If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.
I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.
-Matthew Larsen