Welcome to The Chicago Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• One of Chicago's largest hotels changing ownership

• A deep dive into the life of Ida B. Wells

• Final day of the Chicago Auto Show

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

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 is the name of Chicago's oldest baseball stadium?

A) Wrigley Field

B) Guaranteed Rate Field

C) Soldier Field

D) U.S. Cellular Field

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous architect who started his career in Chicago is A) Frank Lloyd Wright.

News

💼 Business

Several businesses in Chicago have closed in 2024 due to high labor costs and changing consumer habits. (links)

Architectural Artifacts, a famed antique store, is closing after 37 years in the city and relocating to Texas. (links)

One of Chicago's largest hotels changing hands in $500 million deal. (links)

🏒 Sports

Franz Wagner scored 36 points, leading Orlando Magic to a 114-108 overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls1. (links)

The Chicago Bears announced they will be part of the NFL’s London Games Series in 2024. (links)

🏦 Finance

Old Orchard mall owner taps local developer for 400-unit apartment project. (links)

Chicago braces for first post-pandemic property tax assessment. (links)

Art Institute of Chicago lands $25 million donation from Bucks baums. (links)

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

🏀 Loyola Ramblers Women’s Basketball Vs. Mass Minutemen Women’s Basketball
Gentile Arena Chicago,
Wednesday, Feb 21st | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀Chicago Bulls Vs Boston Celtics
United Center Chicago
Thursday,Feb 22 | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Chicago Blackhawks Vs. Winnipeg Jets
United Center Chicago
Sunday, Feb 25| 5:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Burna Boy 
Wintrust Arena, Chicago
Sunday, Feb. 21st | (More Info)

🎤 Neck Deep
The Salt Shed, Chicago, IL
Sunday, Feb 25, 2024 | (More Info)

🎵 The Magic of Motown
Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL
Sunday, Feb 24, 2024 | (More Info)

🎸 Jackson Dean
Joes Bar On Weed Street, Chicago, IL
Saturday, Feb 23, 2024 | (More Info)

Family

🎭Chicago Kids Company Presents Little Red Riding Hood Tickets
Apollo Theater Chicago
Friday, Feb. 23 | 10:30 AM | (More Info)

🚗 Chicago Auto Show
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Sunday, Feb 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 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 “A steampunk-themed Chicago with Victorian architecture” 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

1935: Social Security Act passed in Chicago

In 1854, a significant political development took place in Chicago with the establishment of the Republican Party. This event marked a critical juncture in American politics, as the new party was formed in response to the contentious issue of slavery, particularly the Kansas-Nebraska Act which allowed the expansion of slavery into new territories. The Republican Party's formation signaled a growing political and moral opposition to the institution of slavery, uniting disparate anti-slavery groups under a common banner.

The birth of the Republican Party in Chicago reflected the city's emerging status as a political and intellectual hub. Early meetings and gatherings in the city were characterized by passionate debates and the exchange of progressive ideas, drawing in a diverse group of abolitionists, free-soilers, and former Whigs. The party's foundational principles centered around the containment of slavery and the promotion of economic modernization and development.

The establishment of the Republican Party in 1854 had profound implications for Chicago and the nation as a whole. It reshaped the American political landscape, leading to the election of Abraham Lincoln as the first Republican president in 1860. Chicago's role in the formation of the party highlighted its growing influence and its place as a crucible for significant social and political change, setting the stage for its continued evolution as a city at the forefront of pivotal national events.

Famous People From Chicago

Ida B. Wells (1862-1931)

Early Life and Education (1862-1880)

Born into slavery in Mississippi, Ida B. Wells was a quick learner, valuing education as a means to rise above circumstances. She attended Rust College, fueling her passion for justice and equality.

Beginnings of Activism (1881-1890)

Wells' activism was sparked by her personal experience of racial injustice on a train, leading her to file a lawsuit against the railroad company. This marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to civil rights.

Rise as a Journalist (1891-1900)

In Memphis, Wells co-owned a newspaper, where she began her investigative journalism career, focusing on lynching in the South. Her work brought national attention to racial violence and injustice.

Anti-Lynching Crusade (1901-1910)

Wells intensified her anti-lynching campaign, lecturing across the United States and abroad, advocating for African American rights. Her fearless reporting and bold stance garnered both acclaim and opposition.

Women's Suffrage and Civil Rights (1911-1920)

Wells was an active participant in the women's suffrage movement and co-founded the NAACP, expanding her advocacy to include gender equality and broader civil rights issues.

Chicago Activism and Community Work (1921-1931)

In Chicago, Wells focused on improving the lives of African Americans in urban settings. She worked on urban reform, setting up community organizations, and advocating for equal rights.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneering investigative journalist, particularly in anti-lynching activism.

• Co-founder of the NAACP and advocate for women’s suffrage.

• Influential leader in both the civil rights movement and women's rights movement.

Ida B. Wells' life was marked by relentless activism and groundbreaking journalism, significantly impacting civil rights and women's movements. Her legacy as a fierce advocate against racial injustice and for gender equality continues to inspire activists and journalists today"

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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