Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Plans for a new high-rise in the downtown area

• Upcoming Boston Bruins home game

• A deep-dive into the life of John Hancock

• 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!

Which university, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in Boston?

A) Boston University

B) Massachusetts Institute of Technology

C) Harvard University

D) Northeastern University

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The famous historic ship docked at the Boston Navy Yard is A) USS Constitution.

News

💼 Business

A Boston-based startup announced a breakthrough in renewable energy technology, promising to reduce costs significantly. (Link)

A major Boston real estate firm unveiled plans for a new high-rise in the downtown area, aimed at boosting the city's office space. (Link)

The Port of Boston reported a record number of container shipments for January, highlighting growth in trade activities. (Link)

Boston's tech sector sees a surge in job creation, with several companies announcing expansions and new offices in the area. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The Celtics secured a 50-point victory over the Nets entering the All-Star break. (Link)

Boston College introduced Bill O'Brien as the program’s 37th head football coach. (Link)

Ryan Leonard led Boston College men's hockey to a 6–4 win over UMass, completing a series sweep with his hat trick. (Link)

Boston College men's basketball team defeated Miami 85–77, with Mason Madsen scoring 25 points. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Freda Brasfield, the Administration and Finance Director in Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office, was arraigned on money laundering charges related to an alleged prison drug smuggling scheme. (Link)

Brasfield, alongside co-defendants, faced charges of conspiring to smuggle synthetic cannabinoids known as K2 and Spice into MCI Shirley​. (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

🏀 Boston Celtics vs. 76ers
TD Garden, Boston
Tuesday, Feb. 27th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Boston Bruins vs. Golden Knights
TD Garden, Boston
Thursday, Feb. 29th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Harvard Crimson Men's Hockey vs. Yale Bulldogs
Bright Hockey Center, Boston
Friday, Mar. 1st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Boston College Eagles Women's Basketball vs. Syracuse Orange
Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, Boston
Sunday, Mar. 4th | 2:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Elevation Worship
TD Garden, Boston
Wednesday, Feb. 28th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Two Door Cinema Club & Joywave
Roadrunner, Boston
Tuesday, Feb. 27th | 2:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Lost Frequencies
Royale, Boston
Thursday, Feb. 29th | 1:00 AM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Baby-Friendly Matinee
Capitol Theatre, Boston
Monday, Feb. 26th | 12:00 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 “Boston within a giant biodome” 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

The Boston Massacre (1770)

The Boston Massacre, a pivotal event in American history, took place on the evening of March 5, 1770, on King Street in Boston. Tensions between the American colonists and British soldiers had been escalating, and the presence of troops in the city had become a source of resentment. The confrontation between the colonists and the soldiers turned violent, leading to the tragic deaths of five civilians. This deadly riot sparked outrage and further fueled the growing anti-British sentiment among the colonists, ultimately contributing to the American Revolutionary War.

The Boston Massacre is a significant event that symbolizes the struggle for independence and the fight against oppression. It served as a catalyst for the American Revolution, galvanizing the colonists' resolve to break free from British rule. The incident also became a powerful propaganda tool for the patriots, who used it to rally support for the cause of independence. The trial of the British soldiers involved in the massacre further heightened tensions and brought attention to the injustices suffered by the colonists, solidifying their determination to seek freedom from British tyranny.

Today, the site of the Boston Massacre on King Street is marked by a memorial that commemorates the lives lost and the impact of the event on American history. The legacy of the Boston Massacre lives on as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of liberty and the enduring spirit of resistance against oppression.

Famous People From Boston

John Hancock: 1737-1793

John Hancock, a prominent Patriot and influential figure in American history, was known for his role as a merchant, statesman, and Founding Father. His life and career reflect a journey of leadership, wealth, and dedication to the cause of American independence.

Early Life and Family (1737-1754)

John Hancock was born on January 23, 1737, in Quincy, Massachusetts (present-day Braintree) to John Hancock Jr. and Mary Hawk Thaxter. His upbringing was marked by the influence of his father, a clergyman, and his uncle Thomas Hancock, a wealthy merchant who adopted John following the death of his father. Growing up in Beacon Hill, Boston, John Hancock was exposed to the world of commerce and politics from a young age.

Rise to Wealth and Influence (1755-1774)

After graduating from Harvard College in 1754, John Hancock embarked on a career in business, working as an apprentice clerk and later inheriting his uncle's prosperous merchant business. His success in trade and commerce made him the wealthiest man in New England by his twenties, establishing his prominence in Boston's economic landscape.

Political Activism and the Revolution (1775-1776)

John Hancock's involvement in politics and the American Revolution began with his election as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress in 1775. As a leading figure in the Congress, he played a pivotal role in advocating for American independence and was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, famously affixing his signature in a bold and prominent manner.

Governorship and Later Years (1777-1793)

Following the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock continued to serve as governor of Massachusetts, contributing to the governance and leadership of the newly formed nation. His tenure as governor was marked by his commitment to public service and his efforts to shape the future of the United States. He passed away on October 8, 1793, at his home in Quincy at the age of 56.

Key Achievements of John Hancock:

• Wealthiest man in New England by his twenties, establishing a prominent position in Boston's economic landscape.

• First to sign the Declaration of Independence, making a bold and influential statement in support of American independence.

• Served as governor of Massachusetts, contributing to the governance and leadership of the newly formed nation.

• Prominent merchant and influential figure in the American Revolution, advocating for the cause of American independence.

• Remembered as a Founding Father and a key figure in shaping the early history of the United States.

John Hancock's legacy as a merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot continues to inspire future generations, reflecting a life dedicated to the pursuit of freedom and the betterment of the nation.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll