Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Massachusetts launches a $2.35M social equity grant program

• Upcoming Paul F. Tompkins concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Margaret Fuller

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Don't make a permanent decision for a temporary emotion."

- unknown

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!

In what year did the infamous 'Big Dig' construction project in Boston begin?

A) 1982

B) 1991

C) 1997

D) 2002

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The famous Boston structure known for its unique gold dome is A) Massachusetts State House.

News

💼 Business

BioSpace reports ongoing layoffs in the pharma and biotech sectors, including at companies like Tessera, BenevolentAI, and Pfizer. (Link)

Campus protests across the U.S. are pushing for universities to sever financial ties with Israel, echoing a longstanding divestment movement. (Link)

Massachusetts is expediting the issuance of work permits for migrants, exemplified by Musette Jean-Pierre's work at a New Bedford company. (Link)

After failing to sell its manufacturing assets, a Worcester biotech company's workforce has dwindled to just 11 employees. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The 2024 NBA playoffs kick off with 16 teams battling from April 21, featuring complete coverage of results, scores, and live streaming details. (Link)

Massachusetts has introduced new privacy regulations for sports betting operators as outlined by the state's Gaming Commission. (Link)

Former NHL player Zdeno Chara achieved a new personal record at the London Marathon, shortly after a remarkable performance at the Boston Marathon. (Link)

Toronto Maple Leafs' goalie Ilya Samsonov's recovery from a pivotal error in Game 2 of the NHL playoffs helped tie the series. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Massachusetts launches a $2.35M social equity grant program to support small marijuana businesses. (Link)

Skyhawk Therapeutics enters a collaboration potentially worth $1.8 billion to advance biopharmaceutical research. (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

🏀 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat - Home Game 4, Series Game 7 (If Necessary) 
TD Garden, Boston
Sunday, May 5th | 3:30 AM | (More Info)

🏉 New England Free Jacks vs. Chicago Hounds Rugby 
Veterans Memorial Stadium, Quincy
Sunday, May 5th | 12:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Paul F. Tompkins
City Winery, Boston
Thursday, May 2nd | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Summer Drive 
Middle East - Upstairs, Cambridge
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 The Full Monty 
Umbrella Community Arts Center, Concord
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Blue Man Group 
Charles Playhouse, Boston
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Ghosts: Do You Believe? 
Wilbur Theatre, Boston
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎭 Boston Symphony Orchestra: Andris Nelsons - Berlioz's Romeo et Juliette 
Boston Symphony Hall, Boston
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎭 Boston Ballet: Carmen 
Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎭 Clue - A New Comedy 
Emerson Colonial Theatre, Boston
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 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 “Futuristic sports arena in Boston hosting a new, invented sport.” and this is what I got.

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

Boston Historical Events

Completion of the Bunker Hill Monument (1843) - Marking the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The completion of the Bunker Hill Monument in 1843 marked a significant milestone in honoring the memory of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War. The monument, a 221-foot-tall granite obelisk, was erected in Charlestown, Massachusetts, as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the battle. Construction of the monument began in 1825 and took nearly 18 years to complete, with granite from nearby Quincy conveyed to the site via the purpose-built Granite Railway. The completion of the monument was celebrated on June 17, 1843, with a dedication ceremony led by Senator Daniel Webster, who delivered a powerful oration to commemorate the occasion.

The Bunker Hill Monument Association, formed in 1823 by prominent citizens in the Boston area, played a crucial role in raising funds and overseeing the construction of the monument. The dedication of the monument in 1843 was a testament to the enduring significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in the conflict. Today, the completed monument stands as a symbol of courage and resilience, attracting approximately 330,000 visitors annually who come to pay their respects and learn about the historic battle that it commemorates.

The Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on June 17, 1775, marked a turning point in the early stages of the Revolutionary War. The completion of the Bunker Hill Monument in 1843 served as a lasting tribute to the bravery and determination of the soldiers who fought in the battle, ensuring that their legacy would be remembered for generations to come.

Famous People From Boston

Margaret Fuller (1810-1850)

Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) was a groundbreaking journalist, editor, critic, and champion of women's rights. Her spirited conversation and challenging literary criticism made her an important part of the Transcendentalist circle based in the Boston and Concord areas. Born in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, Fuller lived a life few women of her time could imagine. She was a philosopher, journalist, and literary critic, and belonged to the New England intellectual community called the transcendentalists, who also included Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

Margaret Fuller's Early Life and Education

Margaret Fuller was born in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, on May 23, 1810. She received a substantial early education from her father and began her formal education at the Port School in Cambridgeport in 1819 before attending the Boston Lyceum. Her upbringing and education in the Boston area laid the foundation for her future intellectual pursuits and advocacy for women's rights.

Literary Career and Transcendentalist Circle

Fuller's literary career and involvement in the Transcendentalist circle in Boston and Concord were defining aspects of her life. She engaged in spirited conversations and challenging literary criticism, contributing significantly to the intellectual and literary landscape of the time. Her association with prominent figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau further solidified her place in the Transcendentalist movement.

Advocacy for Women's Rights

Margaret Fuller's role as a champion of women's rights was central to her legacy. She used her platform as a journalist and critic to advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment. Her writings and public speaking engagements in Boston and beyond were instrumental in advancing the cause of women's rights during the 19th century.

Journalism and Literary Contributions

Fuller's career as a journalist, editor, and critic was marked by her dedication to promoting social and intellectual reform. She became the first American female war correspondent and full-time book reviewer in journalism, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the field. Her contributions to literary criticism and journalism were influential in shaping public discourse in Boston and the broader American literary landscape.

Legacy and Impact

Margaret Fuller's legacy as a journalist and women's rights advocate continues to inspire and resonate with modern audiences. Her intellectual contributions, advocacy for women's rights, and involvement in the Transcendentalist movement have left a lasting impact on the literary and social history of Boston and the United States. Her pioneering work in journalism and her unwavering commitment to gender equality have solidified her place as a trailblazer in the fight for women's rights.

Key Achievements of Margaret Fuller:

• - Groundbreaking journalist, editor, and critic

• - Champion of women's rights and gender equality

• - First American female war correspondent and full-time book reviewer in journalism

• - Influential member of the Transcendentalist circle in Boston and Concord

• - Legacy as a trailblazer in the fight for women's rights and gender equality

Margaret Fuller's life story is one of intellectual pursuit, advocacy for women's rights, and groundbreaking contributions to journalism and literary criticism. Her impact on Boston and the broader American literary and social landscape remains significant and enduring.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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