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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jets logo creator sues team

• New York tech hub wins $40 million

• A deep dive into the life of Herman Melville

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Even if I don’t reach all my goals, I’ve gone higher than I would have if I hadn’t set any.”

— Danielle Fotopoulis

Sponsored

Yes, this platform’s 77% return is an outlier – but the rest may surprise you

The news is true: Masterworks’ 15th sale just weeks ago returned an impressive 77% to investors. While such a high return is an outlier for the blue-chip art investing platform, you might be wondering what their prior sales delivered. Glad you asked… 

Every one of their sales has returned a profit to investors, with 12 of them delivering double-digit returns, and 1 delivering triple-digit annualized returns. 

In full, Masterworks has over 300 paintings and their 16 exits have delivered: 32%, 39.3%, 36.2%, 27.3%, 9.2%, 33.1%, 21.5%, 17.8%, 13.9%, 35%, 10.4%, 325.5%, 4.1%, 17.6%, 77.3%, and 13.4% net annualized returns. 

Every sale but one outperformed the stock market in the period from when it was offered to when it was sold. 

With performance like that, offerings on the platform can sell out in minutes. However, Local News Newsletter readers can skip the waitlist to join with this exclusive link.

New York City 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 the New York City landmark art deco skyscraper, famous for its namesake terrace and observatory?

A) The Chrysler Building

B) Empire State Building

C) One World Trade Center

D) Rockefeller Center

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The neighborhood renowned for the Harlem Renaissance is A) Harlem.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

New Jersey businesses gear up for 4th of July Fireworks on the Hudson River. (link)

🏦 Finance

Gotti family business ordered to clean up toxic chemicals, pay $210K fine over NYC scrap yard mess. (link)

Upstate New York tech hub wins $40 million federal investment. (link)

🏒 Sports

Jets logo creator sues team, seeks payment for use of design. (link)

Former Knicks Guard Kemba Walker Announces Retirement. (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

🏀 New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky
Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY
Thursday July 11 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚾ New York Mets vs. Colorado Rockies
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Saturday July 13 | 4:10 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎺 Winesday the Wine Tasting Musical
The Theater Center New York, NY
Thursday July 11 | 5:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Steve Smith & Vital Information
Birdland Theater 315 West 44th Street New York,
Saturday July 13 | 9:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🍴 Famous Food Festival " Taste the World"
Tanger Outlets - Deer Park 152 The Arches Circle Deer Park, NY
Friday July 12 · 1pm - July 14 · 8pm EDT | (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 “Futuristic New York City with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy.” and this is what I got.

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

New York City History

1973: Completion of the World Trade Center.

In 1973, the skyline of New York City was forever altered with the completion of the World Trade Center. This iconic architectural marvel, comprised of the Twin Towers standing majestically in Lower Manhattan, symbolized not only the ambition and innovation of its time but also became a poignant testament to resilience and unity. Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the towers soared to unprecedented heights, each reaching 1,368 feet, making them the tallest buildings in the world at the time of their completion.

The inauguration of the World Trade Center marked a significant milestone in the economic and cultural landscape of New York City. Its completion brought together a myriad of businesses, from financial institutions to international corporations, fostering a vibrant hub of commerce and trade. Beyond its commercial significance, the Twin Towers quickly became a symbol of hope and aspiration for millions, embodying the spirit of progress and modernity that defined the 20th century.

Despite the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which saw the Twin Towers destroyed in a terrorist attack, the legacy of the World Trade Center endures. It remains an indelible part of New York City's history, a testament to the resilience and strength of its people. The subsequent construction of One World Trade Center, known colloquially as the Freedom Tower, stands as a poignant tribute and a symbol of rebirth, embodying the city's unwavering spirit and determination to rise above adversity.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Jackie Robinson (1919–1972): First African American to play in Major League Baseball.

Early Life and Education (1919-1937):

Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, and later moved to Pasadena, California, where he excelled in athletics at John Muir High School and Pasadena Junior College.

Military Service and Early Baseball Career (1942-1945):

During World War II, Robinson was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 and served as a second lieutenant until receiving an honorable discharge in 1945. He played baseball in the Negro Leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs during this time.

Breaking the Color Barrier in Major League Baseball (1947-1956):

In 1945, Robinson signed with Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers and made history on April 15, 1947, by becoming the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, facing immense racial discrimination but persevering with dignity.

Accomplishments and Legacy in Baseball (1947-1956):

Robinson was named MLB Rookie of the Year in 1947 and went on to earn the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1949. He was a six-time All-Star and achieved the pinnacle of his career by winning the World Series with the Dodgers in 1955.

Post-Playing Career and Activism (1957-1972):

After retiring from baseball in 1956, Robinson became a prominent advocate for civil rights and social justice, working with the NAACP and campaigning for equality in sports and society.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Community Work (1957-1972):

Robinson became the first African-American vice president of a major American corporation, Chock Full o' Nuts, and established the Jackie Robinson Construction Company to build housing for low-income families. He also co-founded the Freedom National Bank, a black-owned financial institution.

Connection to New York City:

As a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson lived in Brooklyn during his playing career and remained connected to the city thereafter, influencing race relations and becoming an iconic figure in New York City's history.

Later Years and Honors (1972-1972):

Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984. He passed away on October 24, 1972, but his legacy continues to inspire generations.

Key Achievements:

• Broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947

• MLB Rookie of the Year in 1947.

• National League Most Valuable Player in 1949.

• Won the World Series with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955.

• Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

• Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1984.

Jackie Robinson's life exemplified courage, perseverance, and a commitment to social justice. From breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball to becoming a prominent civil rights activist, Robinson's impact transcends sports, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire people worldwide. His contributions to equality and his pioneering spirit remain a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of determination in the face of adversity.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen