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- Pittsburgh Newsletter (September 12th)
Pittsburgh Newsletter (September 12th)
Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Pittsburgh.
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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!
In today’s edition:
This recently renovated estate in Venetia is for sale for $3.5M.
Upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates match
A deep-dive into the life of Jonas Salk
And more…
Quote of the Week
“You have the power on your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
–Marcus Aurelius
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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!
Who was the Pittsburgh-born actor famous for his role as Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind”?
A) Humphrey Bogart
B) Clark Gable
C) Cary Grant
D) James Stewart
Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh officially opened in A) 1898.
News
💼Business
Pitt BioForge lays out vision for biomedical breakthrough with ElevateBio. (Link)
Eos Energy workers vote to join United Steelworkers. (Link)
🏒Sports
Herz and Crews star as the Nationals beat the Pirates 5-3 in a doubleheader opener. (Link)
Pitt roars back from 21-point deficit for 28-27 win over Cincinnati and 2-0 start. (Link)
🏦Finance
This recently renovated estate in Venetia is for sale for $3.5M. (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
⚾ Kansas City Royals at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15, 2024 | (More info)
🏈 Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 | (More info)
Music & Concerts
🎸 Badflower
Roxian Theatre, Pittsburgh
Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 | (More info)
🎤 Buzzcocks
Spirit Hall, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 | (More info)
Family
📚 Sunday Storytime at Squirrel Hill
5841 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 | (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 an underwater section accessible to the public” 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
1890: The opening of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, one of the first public libraries in the U.S.
In 1890, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the history of public libraries in the United States. The library was the first municipal library established by Andrew Carnegie and was located in Allegheny City, which is now part of the North Side of Pittsburgh. Andrew Carnegie generously provided $300,000 for the construction of the library, with the condition that the city appropriate $15,000 annually for its maintenance. This marked the beginning of a legacy of public libraries that would serve the people of Pittsburgh and beyond.
The establishment of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh was a testament to Andrew Carnegie's vision of providing free access to knowledge and education for all. The library's opening in 1890 was followed by the construction of five branches in the neighborhoods of Lawrenceville, West End, Hill District, Mount Washington, and Hazelwood between 1898 and 1900, with an additional branch in East Liberty opening in 1905. These branches played a vital role in serving the diverse communities of Pittsburgh by offering storytimes, reading clubs, and extended services. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh became a cornerstone of learning and community engagement, reflecting Andrew Carnegie's commitment to the betterment of society through education.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's historic opening in 1890 marked the beginning of a new era in public library services, setting a precedent for the establishment of free libraries across the United States. Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic contribution and vision for accessible education continue to impact communities to this day, making the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh a cherished institution and a symbol of the enduring value of public libraries.
Famous People From Pittsburgh

Jonas Salk (1914–1995): Medical researcher who developed the first successful polio vaccine.
Born on October 28, 1914, in New York City, Jonas Salk grew up in a modest household where his father worked in the garment district. His upbringing instilled in him a sense of determination and compassion, shaping his future as a medical researcher. Salk pursued his education at the City College of New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1934. He later obtained his medical degree from New York University in 1939, laying the foundation for his groundbreaking work in the field of medicine.
The Development of the Salk Polio Vaccine (1947-1955)
In 1947, Jonas Salk became an associate professor of bacteriology and head of the virus research laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh. It was during his time at Pitt that he began researching polio, an acute viral infectious disease of the nervous system that can lead to paralysis. Salk's tireless efforts and dedication to eradicating polio led to the development of the first safe and effective vaccine for the disease. The vaccine was released for use in the United States in 1955, marking a monumental achievement in the field of medicine and public health.
Legacy and Impact (1955-1995)
Following the successful release of the polio vaccine, Jonas Salk established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a renowned scientific research institute in La Jolla, California. The institute continues to be a hub for groundbreaking research in various fields of biology and medicine. Salk's pioneering work in vaccine development and virology earned him numerous accolades, including the Presidential Citation in 1955, the Congressional Gold Medal in 1975, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977. His legacy as a medical innovator and humanitarian continues to inspire future generations of researchers and healthcare professionals.
Connection to Pittsburgh
Jonas Salk's connection to Pittsburgh is deeply rooted in his time at the University of Pittsburgh, where he conducted groundbreaking research that led to the development of the polio vaccine. The city of Pittsburgh holds a special place in Salk's legacy, and his contributions to public health continue to be celebrated in the region.
Key Achievements of Jonas Salk:
Developed the first safe and effective vaccine for polio, significantly reducing the incidence of the disease worldwide.
Established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a leading center for scientific research and innovation.
Received prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition of his contributions to medicine and public health.
Left a lasting legacy as a medical innovator and humanitarian, inspiring future generations of researchers and healthcare professionals.
In summary, Jonas Salk's life and work as a medical researcher and vaccine developer have left an indelible mark on the field of medicine. His groundbreaking contributions to public health, including the development of the polio vaccine, continue to save lives and inspire advancements in scientific research and healthcare."
Connect With Me
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-Matthew Larsen