Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• New zoning revision legislation for improving city planning

• Upcoming WPIAL Basketball Championships

• A deep-dive into the life of Mary Cassatt

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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-born artist is known for his leading role in the Pop Art movement?

A) Andy Warhol

B) Keith Haring

C) Roy Lichtenstein

D) Jean-Michel Basquiat

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The famous Pittsburgh sandwich shop known for its unique sandwiches is B) Primanti Brothers.

News

💼 Business

Haleon issued a nationwide recall of Robitussin Honey CF brands due to concerns over its quality and safety standards. (Link)

PennWest announced plans to transfer its Venango satellite campus to the Oil Region Alliance in a strategic move to better utilize the property. (Link)

A study revealed that women now outnumber men as law firm associates nationwide, with Pittsburgh's legal firms showing significant progress in gender diversity. (Link)

Pittsburgh Council, led by Bobby Wilson, introduced new zoning revision legislation aimed at improving city planning and development processes. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins fell to the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 at PPG Paints Arena, struggling late in the 3rd period despite leading for the majority of the game​​​​. (Link)

Jaromir Jagr's No. 68 jersey was retired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a celebrated ceremony at PPG Paints Arena, marking a significant day for the franchise and the legendary player​​. (Link)

The Pittsburgh Steelers released Mitch Trubisky, Chuks Okorafor, and Pressley Harvin as part of their offseason makeover, indicating significant changes within the team​​. (Link)

Pittsburgh's Blake Hinson delivered a historic performance, propelling Pitt over Louisville in a crucial game, showcasing his talent and contributing significantly to the team's success​. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Carnegie Mellon University announced an undergraduate tuition increase to over $64,500 for the 2024-25 academic year, impacting local and incoming students in Pittsburgh. (Link)

A Pittsburgh case challenges the constitutionality of Pennsylvania’s mandatory life without parole sentence for second-degree murder, considered by the state Supreme Court. (Link)

Local fintech company Affirm announced a layoff of 60 employees in the Pittsburgh area, reflecting broader tech industry trends and economic adjustments. (Link)

Pittsburgh's financial landscape sees a focus on expanding the use of ShotSpotter technology, despite controversies and debates over its effectiveness and cost. (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

🏀 Boston College Eagles at Pittsburgh Panthers Women’s Basketball
Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Sunday, Mar. 3rd | 12:00 PM | (More Info)

🏆 WPIAL Basketball Championships
Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | 10:00 AM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Wayne Newton
Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Lilly Hiatt
Club Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🧊 Disney On Ice – Find Your Hero
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Multiple shows on Mar. 2nd (11:00 AM, 3:00 PM) and Mar. 3rd (11:00 AM, 3:00 PM) | (More Info)

🎭 The Book of Mormon
Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM; Sunday, Mar. 3rd | 1:00 PM & 6:30 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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Pittsburgh with modern technology” 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

1804: Lewis and Clark Expedition begins in Pittsburgh, where their keelboat was built.

In 1804, a pivotal journey in American history commenced from Pittsburgh - the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson following the Louisiana Purchase, was tasked with exploring the newly acquired western portion of the country. Pittsburgh, a burgeoning hub of industry and innovation, was the site where Meriwether Lewis oversaw the construction of the expedition's keelboat, a crucial vessel for the voyage.

The keelboat, meticulously built to accommodate the diverse needs of the journey, was designed for both cargo and navigation through the challenging river systems of the uncharted territory. Pittsburgh's strategic location at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers made it an ideal starting point for the expedition. In late summer, Lewis and William Clark set out on their historic journey, navigating down the Ohio River towards St. Louis, marking the beginning of an exploration that would yield vast amounts of geographical, cultural, and scientific knowledge.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, starting from Pittsburgh, not only symbolized the American spirit of exploration but also underscored the city's emerging role in the nation's expansion and technological advancement. The journey had far-reaching impacts, significantly contributing to the United States' understanding and development of the West, and establishing a legacy that resonates through American history.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Mary Cassatt (1844–1926)

Early Life and Education (1844-1860)

Mary Cassatt was born on May 22, 1844, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, which is now part of Pittsburgh. Raised in a wealthy family, Cassatt had the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe during her childhood, which exposed her to various art forms and cultures. She began her formal art education at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia at a young age, where she faced the challenges of being a female artist in a male-dominated field.

Study in Europe and Artistic Development (1861-1874)

Cassatt left the United States in 1866 to study art in Europe, where she attended various academies and copied masterpieces in the Louvre. During these formative years, she was influenced by European masters and began to develop her unique style, focusing on the lives and experiences of women.

Return to the United States and Struggles (1875-1877)

Cassatt returned to the United States in the early 1870s due to the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. However, she found little success and recognition for her work in America and was frustrated by the limited opportunities available to female artists.

Paris and the Impressionist Movement (1877-1886)

Cassatt returned to Paris in 1877, and her work began to evolve under the influence of the Impressionist movement. She was invited by Edgar Degas to exhibit with the Impressionists, becoming the only American artist to exhibit with the group. Cassatt's style flourished, characterized by her use of light, vibrant color, and intimate portrayals of women and children.

Maternal and Feminine Themes (1887-1898)

During the 1880s and 1890s, Cassatt's work focused on the theme of the mother and child. Her paintings and prints from this period, such as "The Child's Bath" (1893), are celebrated for their portrayal of the bond between mother and child, offering a unique perspective on women's lives and social roles.

Innovations in Printmaking (1899-1905)

Cassatt also made significant contributions to the field of printmaking. Influenced by Japanese woodcuts, she experimented with a variety of printmaking techniques, adding her distinct touch to the medium and gaining considerable acclaim for her work.

Later Career and Exhibitions (1906-1914)

In her later career, Cassatt continued to be a prominent figure in the art world. She participated in several major exhibitions and her work was celebrated both in Europe and the United States. Despite failing eyesight, she continued to paint and influence the art world.

Advocacy for Women's Suffrage (1915-1920)

A staunch supporter of women's rights, Cassatt became actively involved in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. She used her art to advocate for women's issues, further highlighting her commitment to gender equality.

Legacy and Influence (1921-1926 and Beyond)

Mary Cassatt passed away on June 14, 1926. Her legacy as a pioneering female artist and her contributions to the Impressionist movement have been widely celebrated. Cassatt's work continues to inspire and influence artists, particularly in the portrayal of women's lives and intimate domestic scenes.

Mary Cassatt’s Key Achievements:

• One of the few American artists to exhibit with the French Impressionists.

• Renowned for her portrayal of women and children, providing a unique female perspective in art.

• Made significant contributions to printmaking, blending Western and Eastern techniques.

• Advocate for women's rights and an influential figure in the women's suffrage movement.

Mary Cassatt's role as an avant-garde artist who defied gender norms of her time to become a leading figure in the Impressionist movement is monumental. Her focus on the intimate and often overlooked aspects of women's lives made her work groundbreaking. Cassatt not only blazed a trail for female artists but also used her talent and platform to advocate for women's rights, leaving an enduring impact on the art world and society.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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