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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Pennsylvania lawmakers approve $47.6 billion budget

• Upcoming Prinze George concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Pearl Bailey

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

—Muhammad Ali

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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!

What nickname was given to Pittsburgh during its time as a steel production powerhouse?

A) The Iron City

B) The Coal Capital

C) The Steel City

D) The Smoky City

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning is famous for its B) Gothic Revival style.

News

💼 Business

Developer appears to have dropped Bloomfield Square redevelopment plan to sell store to Giant Eagle. (Link)

Pennsylvania lawmakers approve $47.6 billion budget. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Pirates’ Paul Skenes exits after seven no-hit innings, 11 strikeouts in Milwaukee. (Link)

Way-too-early predictions for the NHL 2024-25 season: Stanley Cup winner, dark horse, playoff field, awards, more. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Duquesne University's osteopathic medicine college greets its inaugural class. (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

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Friday, Jul. 19th to Sunday, Jul. 21st | (More info)

⚾ St Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Monday, Jul. 22nd | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Charley Crockett
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Monday, Jul. 15th | (More info)

🎵 Prinze George
Club Café, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, Jul. 17th | (More info)

Family

🎨 Kids Summer Art Series with Atithi Studios
1020 North Canal Street, Pittsburgh
Monday, Jul. 15th | (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 “High-tech entertainment district in Pittsburgh with virtual reality arcades” 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

1970: Pittsburgh’s first Earth Day celebration, highlighting the city's environmental issues.

In 1970, Pittsburgh held its first Earth Day celebration, marking a significant moment in the city's environmental history. The event was part of a citywide celebration of advancements made in sustainability, technology, and innovation, reflecting Pittsburgh's commitment to environmental issues. The celebration aimed to educate, promote, and inspire action around issues of sustainability, emphasizing the importance of Earth Day, Every Day®. Pittsburgh's Earth Day mission was to raise awareness about the impact of the industrial age on the earth and to honor the living planet through art and science activities.

During the 1970 Earth Day celebration, Pittsburgh residents, including school children, participated in various activities to honor the planet and raise awareness about environmental issues. The event fostered a sense of joy and community spirit, as people came together to learn about the impact of industrialization on the earth. Pittsburgh's first Earth Day celebration highlighted the city's commitment to environmental education and activism, setting the stage for ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

The success of Pittsburgh's first Earth Day celebration in 1970 contributed to raising environmental awareness in America and led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency in July of the same year. This historic event marked a turning point in Pittsburgh's environmental history, inspiring ongoing efforts to address environmental issues and promote sustainable practices in the city.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Pearl Bailey (1918–1990): Actress and singer.

Stephen Collins Foster was born on July 4, 1826, in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. He was the youngest of ten children in a middle-class family. Foster's early interest in music was evident, although he received little formal training. His parents, William Barclay Foster and Eliza Clayland, provided him with an excellent education, setting the stage for his future musical endeavors.

Musical Career and Pittsburgh Connection (1847-1859)

Foster's musical career began to flourish in the 1840s, and he gained recognition for his compositions. During this time, he lived in Pittsburgh and composed some of his most famous works, including Oh! Susanna and Camptown Races. His time in Pittsburgh played a significant role in shaping his musical style and establishing his reputation as a songwriter.

Move to New York and Personal Struggles (1860-1864)

In 1860, Foster moved to New York City, where he faced personal and financial challenges. His wife and daughter left him about a year later, returning to Pittsburgh. Despite the hardships he faced, Foster continued to compose music, leaving behind a rich legacy of memorable songs. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 37 in New York City, leaving a lasting impact on American music.

Key Achievements of Stephen Collins Foster:

• Composed iconic American songs such as Oh! Susanna and Camptown Races.

• Known as the father of American music for his significant contributions to American songwriting.

• Left behind a rich legacy of memorable songs that continue to be celebrated and performed to this day.

Stephen Collins Foster's story is one of musical passion, personal struggles, and enduring legacy. His connection to Pittsburgh and his timeless compositions have solidified his place as a legendary figure in American music history.

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

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