Welcome to The Chicago Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Chicago-based startup secures $20M in Series B funding

• A deep dive into the life of Carl Sandburg

• Chicago Bears cut two notable veterans

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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 river runs through the heart of Chicago?

A) Mississippi River

B) Chicago River

C) Illinois River

D) Des Plaines River

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Chicago's oldest baseball stadium is A) Wrigley Field.

News

💼 Business

Chicago-based startup secures $20M in Series B funding, aiming to expand its tech-driven solutions. (link)

Major Chicago real estate firm announces a new luxury residential project in the downtown area. (link)

A Chicago food processing company launches a new line of sustainable products, targeting eco-conscious consumers. (link)

Local Chicago brewery announces expansion plans, including new locations and increased production capabilities. (link)

🏒 Sports

Blackhawks announce major contract extension, signaling long-term commitment to key player. (link)

Chicago Bears cut two notable veterans ahead of free agency, aiming to rebuild the team roster. (link)

Bulls set to host the Boston Celtics, highlighting key matchups and strategies for the game. (link)

Cubs' management makes strategic moves by eyeing three sneaky free agents before spring training. (link)

🏦 Finance

Chicago's financial district sees a surge in trading activity, with local firms leading the charge. (link)

A Chicago-based investment firm launches a new fund focused on sustainable and ethical investments. (link)

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange reports record trading volumes in agricultural commodities. (link)

Chicago's banking sector strengthens with the announcement of a new fintech partnership aiming to enhance digital banking services. (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

🏐 Windy City Open Squash Championships 
University Club of Chicago
Monday, February 26th | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Chicago Fire FC vs. FC Cincinnati
Soldier Field
Saturday, March 2nd | 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM | (More Info)

🏊 Chicago Polar Plunge
North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr
Sunday, March 3rd | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Keyshia Cole with Trey Songz, K. Michelle
Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
Thursday, Feb. 29th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎻 Greensky Bluegrass
The Salt Shed, Chicago, IL
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎨 Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
Millennium Park, Chicago
Feb. 26th- Mar. 3rd | (More Info)

🏰 Ice Skating in Millennium Park
Millennium Park, Chicago
Feb. 26th- Mar. 3rd | (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 streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

1893: World's Columbian Exposition.

In 1893, Chicago hosted the World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World. This grand event was a showcase of innovation, culture, and technology, symbolizing the city's resurgence and vitality after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Spanning over 600 acres in Jackson Park and attracting over 27 million visitors, the exposition was a monumental achievement and a defining moment in the city's history.

The fair's architecture, notably the "White City," was a marvel of design and engineering, featuring neoclassical buildings constructed with a mixture of plaster, cement, and jute fiber, which were painted white, giving the exhibition its nickname. The exposition also introduced many technological firsts to the public, including the Ferris Wheel, an engineering marvel of its time, and it showcased advancements in transportation, manufacturing, and arts.

The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 had a profound impact on American culture and society. It not only highlighted Chicago's capacity to overcome adversity and host an event of such scale and grandeur but also served as a catalyst for the City Beautiful movement, influencing urban planning and the development of public spaces across the United States. The fair's legacy continued to shape cultural, social, and architectural aspects of American life, reinforcing Chicago's status as a global city and a center for innovation and culture.

Famous People From Chicago

Carl Sandburg (1878-1967)

Early Life and Education (1878-1897)

Carl Sandburg was born in Galesburg, Illinois, into a working-class family. His early life in the American Midwest deeply influenced his later writings. He left school at a young age to perform various manual jobs, which provided him with a unique perspective on American life.

Early Writing and Journalism Career (1898-1910)

Sandburg pursued a career in journalism, which led him to Milwaukee and later to Chicago. His experiences in these urban environments enriched his understanding of American society and culture.

Chicago Poems and Rising Fame (1911-1920)

Sandburg's breakthrough came with "Chicago Poems" (1916), where he captured the essence of urban life with his free verse poetry. His work celebrated the beauty and harsh realities of the working class, earning him recognition as a voice of American realism.

Literary Achievements and Further Publications (1921-1930)

Continuing his literary career, Sandburg published more poetry and biographies, including his famous multi-volume biography of Abraham Lincoln. His work during this period solidified his status as a significant American author and poet.

Active Years in the Arts and Lecturing (1931-1940)

Sandburg became an active figure in the arts, delivering lectures and performances across the country. He blended his passion for music, particularly folk songs, with his literary work, broadening his appeal.

World War II Reporting and Post-war Work (1941-1950)

During World War II, Sandburg worked as a war correspondent. After the war, he continued to write and publish, contributing significantly to American literature and cultural life.

Later Life and Reflection (1951-1967)

In his later years, Sandburg reflected on American identity and history. He continued to write, although at a slower pace, focusing on poetry and autobiographical works.

Ties to Chicago and Cultural Impact (Throughout Career)

Sandburg's connection to Chicago was a central theme in his work. He captured the city's spirit in his poetry, contributing to Chicago's literary and cultural heritage.

Carl Sandburg’s Key Achievements:

• Celebrated poet known for "Chicago Poems" and his realistic portrayal of urban life.

• Renowned biographer of Abraham Lincoln, contributing significantly to American historical literature.

• Influential figure in the American arts scene, blending poetry with folk music.

Carl Sandburg's impact on American literature and culture was profound, with his works reflecting the realities of urban and rural life. His portrayal of Chicago and his biographical works on Lincoln left a lasting legacy, earning him a place among the most important American writers of the 20th century.

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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