Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup

• Elon Musk’s xAI Raises $6 Billion

• A deep dive into the life of Theodore Roosevelt

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“You can get what you want or you can just get old.”

― Billy Joel

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!

Which New York City island is known for its former military fortifications and as a current public park?

A) Roosevelt Island

B) Governors Island

C) Rikers Island

D) Staten Island

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The New York City neighborhood known for its role as the birthplace of hip-hop culture is B) The Bronx.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Austrian Airlines to increase flights to Bangkok and New York this winter. (link)

Possible Beer World cannabis shop in New York another signal of the mainstreaming of marijuana. (link)

Delta Air Lines Increases Seat Capacity on Shannon-New York Route as Maiden Flight Met with Huge Demand. (link)

🏦 Finance

New York-Presbyterian records $112M in gains in the first quarter. (link)

New York technology firm picks Northern Ireland as the location for a multifunctional hub, creating jobs. (link)

Elon Musk’s xAI Raises $6 Billion. (link)

🏒 Sports

Bill Walton, legendary NBA player and broadcaster, dead at 71. (link)

Umpire Angel Hernandez set to retire immediately from MLB. (link)

The New York Jets offense is viewed as one of the most improved after free agency and the 2024 NFL draft. (link)

Ex-Giant Billy Price announces abrupt retirement following emergency surgery. (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

🏏ICC Twenty20 World Cup - Sri Lanka vs South Africa
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium New York, NY
Monday June 3 | 10:30 AM | (more info)

⚾New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Wednesday June 5 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

🥊NYPD Boxing: First Responders Fighting For Our Future
The Theater at MSG New York, NY
Friday June 7 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🥊Top Rank Boxing: Zayas v Teixeira
The Theater at MSG New York, NY
Saturday June 8 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎺Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
Birdland Theater 315 West 44th Street New York,
Monday June 3 | 2:30 PM | (more info)

🎤The Bryson Tiller Tour
The Theater at MSG New York, NY
Tuesday June 4 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎭Aladdin
New Amsterdam Theatre New York, NY
Thursday June 6 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

😂TGIF Comedy, Featuring NYC's best comedians!
EastVille Comedy Club 487 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217
Friday June 7 | 9:45 PM | (more info)

Family

⛳Punk Rock Mini Golf
Maker Space NYC & Maker Park Radio
Saturday, June 8 | (more info)

🎨Creative Explosion for Kids - Art Class by Classpop
Shot of Art NYC 28 W 36th St. 10-th floor New York,
Wednesday, June 5 · 6 - 8:30pm 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 “Urban winter wonderland in New York City with ice architecture.” 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

1929: Wall Street Crash and the start of the Great Depression.

The Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known as Black Tuesday, marked the beginning of the Great Depression and is one of the most infamous economic events in American history. On October 29, 1929, after a period of wild speculation, the stock market collapsed, wiping out billions of dollars of wealth in a single day. The crash was not confined to a single day but was part of a larger, more extended market downturn that had begun in late October. This catastrophic financial event signaled the start of a decade-long economic depression that would affect not only the United States but also the world.

Located in the heart of New York City, Wall Street was the epicenter of this financial turmoil. The crash had profound impacts on New York's economy, leading to massive layoffs, bank failures, and a general slowdown in economic activity. The spectacle of once-prosperous investors and bankers losing everything became a common sight in the city, emblematic of the widespread despair the crash induced. New York, a symbol of prosperity and opportunity, suddenly mirrored the grim reality of financial vulnerability and economic instability.

The repercussions of the Wall Street Crash extended well beyond the financial sector, affecting nearly every aspect of American life. Unemployment rates soared, reaching nearly 25% at the height of the Depression, and industrial output halved. The crisis prompted a significant shift in U.S. government policy under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who implemented the New Deal—a series of programs and reforms designed to foster economic recovery and social reform. These policies reshaped the role of the federal government in American life and laid the groundwork for modern economic regulatory practices.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919): 26th President of the United States.

Early Life and Education (1858–1876)

Theodore Roosevelt was born in 1858 in New York City to a wealthy family known for their philanthropic interests. Despite his asthmatic and sickly childhood, Roosevelt embraced a vigorous lifestyle, which was encouraged by his father. He excelled academically and attended Harvard College, where he studied natural history and prepared for a career in public service.

Initial Political Career (1877–1884)

Roosevelt's political career began in the New York State Assembly, where he served as a young assemblyman championing reform of the corrupt political system. His efforts to counteract the influence of the powerful Tammany Hall in New York politics marked him as a prominent reformer early in his career.

Personal Tragedy and the Badlands (1885–1887)

After experiencing personal tragedy—the deaths of his wife and mother on the same day—Roosevelt retreated to the Dakota Territory, where he lived as a rancher and sheriff. This period in the Badlands helped to shape his rugged outdoorsman image and his conservation ethic, which would later influence his political agenda.

Return to Public Life (1888–1897)

Roosevelt returned to public life by running unsuccessfully for mayor of New York City, then serving as a Civil Service Commissioner and later as the President of the New York City Police Board. His reform-minded leadership in these roles helped to solidify his reputation as an incorruptible public servant.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy and War Hero (1898)

As the Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President McKinley, Roosevelt advocated for a stronger Navy and played a crucial role in preparing for the Spanish-American War. He famously resigned to form the Rough Riders, leading them in a charge at the Battle of San Juan Hill, which made him a national hero.

Governor of New York and Vice Presidency (1899–1901)

Roosevelt’s political career continued to ascend as he was elected Governor of New York, where he continued to implement reforms. His effective leadership and growing popularity led to his nomination and election as Vice President of the United States in 1900.

Presidency and Progressive Reforms (1901–1909)

Ascending to the presidency after the assassination of President McKinley in 1901, Roosevelt became the youngest man to hold the office. His presidency was marked by progressive reforms, including the regulation of corporations, consumer protection laws, and significant strides in environmental conservation.

Conservation Efforts and the Environment (1901–1909)

Roosevelt was a passionate advocate for the conservation of America’s natural resources, establishing numerous national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. His presidency substantially increased the protected areas within the United States, ensuring the conservation of natural landscapes and wildlife.

Post-Presidency Years (1909–1919)

After his presidency, Roosevelt remained active in national and international affairs, including an unsuccessful run for the presidency in 1912 as a third-party candidate. He continued to write and speak on issues ranging from politics to conservation until his death in 1919.

Roosevelt’s New York Legacy (Throughout Life)

Throughout his life, Roosevelt maintained a deep connection to New York, from his birth in NYC to his tenure as Governor. His impact on the state was profound, influencing its political landscape and policies well beyond his national contributions.

Key Achievements:

• Served as the 26th President of the United States.

• Championed progressive reforms in business, labor, and environmental conservation.

• Established the United States as a global power with a strong Navy and strategic international diplomacy.

• Pioneered the conservation movement, significantly expanding the national parks system.

• Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for mediating the Russo-Japanese War.

Theodore Roosevelt's biography showcases the dynamic and vigorous life of a man who deeply influenced American politics, conservation, and global affairs. His commitment to public service and reform, particularly in his home state of New York, left a lasting legacy. His visionary policies and charismatic leadership style continue to be celebrated as pivotal in shaping the modern United States.

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-Matthew Larsen

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