Chicago Newsletter (August 15th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Chicago Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming Chicago Sky games.

  • White Sox match AL's 21-loss record.

  • Baxter boosts profit, considers kidney sale.

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

- Confucius

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Trivia

What is the name of Chicago's oldest public park, established in 1843?

A) Jackson Park

B) Lincoln Park

C) Grant Park

D) Washington Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Chicago neighborhood known for its vibrant Puerto Rican community and culture is C) Humboldt Park.

News

💼 Business

Baxter raises profit projections as it mulls kidney care divesture. (link)

UI Health nurses vote to authorize strike. (link)

🏒 Sports

Chicago White Sox tie an American League record with their 21st consecutive loss. (link)

Frank Thomas says ‘it’s time to snap’ as Chicago White Sox lose 21st straight game: ‘We’re the laughing stock of baseball’. (link)

🏦 Finance

Cherry Bekaert pushes Chicago expansion with third deal in two years. (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 Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury
Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
Thursday, Aug 15th | 7:00 PM | More Info

Chicago Dogs vs. Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
Impact Field, Rosemont, IL
Friday, Aug 16th | 6:30 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎸 Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Night 2
Outset, Chicago, IL
Thursday, Aug 15th | 6:30 PM | More Info

🎷 C-Kan
Vic Theater, Chicago, IL
Thursday, Aug 15th | 7:30 PM | More Info

Family

🐦 An Act of God
Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, IL
Thursday Aug 15th | 2:00 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 “Chicago with a public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences” 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

1974: Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) completed.

In 1974, the Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower, was completed in Chicago, Illinois. Designed by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, this iconic structure soared to a height of 1,474 feet, making it the world's tallest building at the time. With 110 stories and 4.5 million square feet of office space, the Sears Tower quickly became a symbol of architectural innovation and engineering prowess. Its construction was a remarkable feat, taking only thirty months to complete, and it stood as a testament to human achievement in the realm of skyscraper design.

The Sears Tower served as the headquarters of Sears, Roebuck & Co. until 1995, and its impact on the Chicago skyline was profound. The building's striking presence and towering height solidified its status as a landmark of the city, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its grandeur. Even years after its completion, the Sears Tower retained its title as the tallest skyscraper, a testament to its enduring significance in the realm of urban architecture. Today, the Willis Tower continues to stand as an enduring symbol of Chicago's rich architectural heritage and its ongoing legacy of innovation and progress.

Famous People From Chicago

Mike Royko (1932-1997) – Journalist, Pulitzer Prize winner.

Mike Royko, a renowned journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, left an indelible mark on the world of journalism and the city of Chicago. His career spanned several decades, during which he became known for his sharp wit, insightful commentary, and unwavering dedication to truth-telling.

Early Life and Career Beginnings (1932-1950s)

Mike Royko, born Michael Royko Jr. on September 19, 1932, in Chicago, was the son of Polish and Ukrainian immigrants. Growing up in Chicago, he developed a keen interest in writing and storytelling from a young age. After briefly attending Wright Junior College, Royko enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952, where he honed his writing skills and developed a deep sense of discipline.

Rise to Prominence in Journalism (1960s-1970s)

Royko's career in journalism took off when he joined the Chicago Daily News as a reporter. His sharp wit and incisive commentary quickly gained attention, and he soon became a prominent voice in the city's media landscape. His columns, known for their candid portrayal of Chicago's political and social scene, resonated with readers and earned him a loyal following.

Pulitzer Prize and National Recognition (1980s)

In 1984, Mike Royko was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact as a journalist. His fearless approach to tackling controversial topics and holding public figures accountable solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the world of journalism. Royko's nationally syndicated column further expanded his reach, making him a household name across the country.

Connection to Chicago and Community Impact

Throughout his career, Mike Royko maintained a deep connection to Chicago, often using the city as a backdrop for his stories and commentaries. His writing captured the essence of Chicago's neighborhoods, politics, and everyday life, earning him the title of "Chicago's conscience." Royko's influence extended beyond journalism, as he actively engaged with community issues and advocated for positive change in the city.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Mike Royko's legacy as a journalist, author, and social commentator continues to inspire aspiring writers and journalists. His fearless pursuit of truth, unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, and dedication to his craft have left an enduring impact on the field of journalism. Royko's contributions to the city of Chicago and the world of media are celebrated as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of speaking truth to power.

Key Achievements of Mike Royko:

  • Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1984, recognizing his exceptional talent and impact as a journalist.

  • Nationally syndicated columnist, reaching audiences across the country with his candid portrayals of social and political issues.

  • Known as "Chicago's conscience," capturing the essence of the city's neighborhoods, politics, and everyday life through his writing.

  • Legacy as a fearless truth-teller and influential voice in the world of journalism, inspiring future generations of writers and journalists.

In summary, Mike Royko's life and career exemplify the power of journalism to shape public discourse, challenge the status quo, and advocate for positive change. His impact on Chicago and the world of media is a testament to the enduring influence of storytelling and the pursuit of truth.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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