Welcome to The Chicago Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming ⚽ Chicago Fire FC vs. Real Salt Lake

• A deep dive into the life of Cyrus McCormick

• Chi-Town Blues Festival

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest accomplishment."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 university is the oldest in Chicago?

A) University of Chicago

B) Northwestern University

C) Loyola University Chicago

D) DePaul University

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: Chicago hosted its first St. Patrick's Day parade in C) 1956.

News

💼 Business

The "Wintrust Business Lunch" segment on April 8, 2024, discussed the future of work, student loan debt, and Financial Literacy Month, featuring insights from Ilyce Glink of Think Glink Media. (Link)

A recent edition of the Illinois Playbook by POLITICO touched on President Joe Biden's engagement with donors and friends within the Democratic party, amid discussions on various topics. (Link)

In preparation for the Democratic convention in 2024, the Secret Service and Chicago police are consulting with homeowners and businesses in Chicago about security plans for the event. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The Coppell Gazette highlights three must-see games of the week, offering live viewing details for sports fans. (Link)

2005 Illinois Men’s Basketball team ranked as top team in the Big10 since 2000. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Wheat prices are on the rise, influenced by dry conditions in the US Plains and developments in Russia. (Link)

Lori Lightfoot, the former Mayor of Chicago, has been hired at $400 an hour to conduct an investigation into accusations against the so-called 'worst mayor in America.' (Link)

Zacks Earnings Preview includes Citigroup, JPMorgan, and Wells Fargo among companies expected to release noteworthy earnings reports. (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 Fire FC vs. Real Salt Lake 
Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive
Saturday, April 20th | 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins
Wrigley Field, Chicago
Thursday, April 18 | 6:40 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🍹 Chicago Rum Festival 
Logan Square Auditorium, Chicago
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 2:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Chi-Town Blues Festival
Arie Crown Theater
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎥 Asian Pop-Up Cinema Season 18
AMC NEWCITY 14, Chicago
Ongoing until Sunday, April 21, 2024 | (More Info)

🎭 Love Song
Theater Wit, Chicago
Ongoing until Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | (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 “Chicago with wildlife corridors and roaming animals.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Chicago Historical Events

1942: First controlled nuclear reaction at the University of Chicago.

In 1942, a groundbreaking scientific achievement took place at the University of Chicago that would change the course of history. It was the year when the first controlled nuclear reaction was successfully achieved, marking a pivotal moment in the development of nuclear energy and the atomic age. Led by physicist Enrico Fermi, a team of scientists conducted the experiment in a makeshift laboratory located beneath the university's football stadium. The successful demonstration of a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction laid the foundation for the development of nuclear power and the eventual creation of the atomic bomb.

The significance of this event cannot be overstated, as it represented a major leap forward in our understanding of nuclear physics and its potential applications. The achievement at the University of Chicago paved the way for further research and development in the field of nuclear energy, leading to the establishment of the first nuclear power plants and the harnessing of nuclear fission for electricity generation. This historic milestone also underscored the immense power and responsibility associated with nuclear technology, shaping the course of global politics and security in the decades to come.

Today, the University of Chicago's role in the first controlled nuclear reaction stands as a testament to the institution's legacy of scientific innovation and discovery. The site of this groundbreaking achievement serves as a reminder of the profound impact that scientific research and collaboration can have on the world. As Chicago continues to be a hub of scientific and technological advancement, the legacy of the 1942 nuclear reaction remains an integral part of the city's history and its ongoing contributions to the fields of science and engineering.

Famous People From Chicago

Cyrus McCormick (1809-1884)

Cyrus Hall McCormick was an American inventor and industrialist known for his pioneering work in agricultural machinery. Born on February 15, 1809, at the family farm called Walnut Grove in Rockbridge County, Virginia, McCormick's legacy is marked by his invention of the first commercially successful reaper, a horse-drawn machine that revolutionized wheat harvesting.

Early Life and Invention of the Mechanical Reaper (1809-1831)

- Cyrus McCormick, a Virginia blacksmith, invented the mechanical reaper in 1831, a groundbreaking invention that transformed agricultural practices.

- The mechanical reaper, essentially a horse-drawn machine that harvested wheat, was one of the most important innovations in the history of farm technology, significantly increasing productivity and efficiency in the agricultural sector.

Relocation to Chicago and Business Success (1831-1847)

- McCormick's success in Chicago led to the expansion of his business, with sales of over 4000 reapers a year by 1860.

- The grain fields of the Midwest convinced McCormick to relocate his operation to Chicago in 1847, where he established his company and further revolutionized agricultural practices.

Prominence in Chicago and Business Expansion (1847-1884)

- The McCormick family became prominent residents of Chicago, and Cyrus McCormick's business acumen and innovative machinery significantly contributed to the city's economic growth.

- McCormick's success in Chicago raised the fortunes of the Midwestern grain fields, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the city's industrial and economic development.

Legacy and Impact

- Cyrus McCormick's invention of the mechanical reaper revolutionized agriculture, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in wheat harvesting.

- His relocation to Chicago and subsequent business success contributed to the city's economic growth and established him as a prominent figure in the industrial landscape of the Midwest.

Key Achievements of Cyrus Hall McCormick:

• - Invention of the mechanical reaper, transforming agricultural practices and increasing productivity.

• - Relocation to Chicago and establishment of a successful business, contributing to the city's economic growth.

• - Pioneering work in agricultural machinery, leaving a lasting impact on the agricultural sector and the industrial landscape of the Midwest.

Cyrus Hall McCormick's legacy as an inventor and industrialist continues to inspire innovation and progress in the agricultural industry, cementing his place in American history as a pioneer of agricultural technology.

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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