St. Louis Newsletter (August 1st)

Here are your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • St. Louis blindsided by state exit from downtown.

  • Upcoming Steve Ewing concert

  • A deep-dive into the life of Lee Falk

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”

–Paulo Coelho

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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 St. Louis, which historical figure's home has been preserved as a museum, offering insights into the life of the famed explorers Lewis and Clark?

A) The Thomas Jefferson Home

B) The William Clark Home

C) The Meriwether Lewis Mansion

D) The Camp River Dubois

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual event in St. Louis known for bringing together artists from around the globe to paint murals that transform the city's walls into works of art is B) Paint Louis.

News

💼 Business

Law firm Spencer Fane reorganizes under an alternative leadership structure. (Link)

5 local small businesses named finalists in competition for free retail space. (Link)

🏒 Sports

How Cardinals dealt with deadline: 2 additions, 1 reunion, and Dylan Carlson gets fresh start. (Link)

Grand Pham: Tommy Pham bashes grand slam in 1st at-bat back with Cardinals in 8-1 win. (Link)

🏦 Finance

'Didn't know this was coming': St. Louis blindsided by state exit from downtown. (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

⚽ Ventura County at St. Louis CITY2
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Friday, August 2, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ Tampa Bay Rays at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Tuesday, August 6 to Thursday, August 8, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Katy Kirby
Off Broadway, St. Louis
Friday, August 2, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Steve Ewing
City Winery St. Louis, St. Louis
Saturday, August 3, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🏃 Family Sunday
1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
Sunday, August 4, 2024 | (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 “St. Louis with a complex system of waterways and canals” and this is what I got.

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

St. Louis Historical Events

Maxwell's Market Riot (1963) - A significant event in the civil rights movement in St. Louis.

Maxwell's Market Riot in 1963 stands as a poignant instance of civil unrest within the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement, particularly within St. Louis, Missouri. This episode unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tensions over racial discrimination and the quest for equality in various sectors of American society. The riot was sparked by a racially charged incident at Maxwell's Market, a local grocery store situated in a predominantly African American neighborhood. The event rapidly escalated from a confrontation between store employees and African American patrons to a full-scale riot that involved the wider community, drawing attention to the systemic racism and economic injustices faced by the African American residents of St. Louis.

The riot not only spotlighted the specific grievances against Maxwell's Market, including allegations of overpricing and disrespectful treatment towards African American customers, but it also illuminated broader issues of racial segregation, police brutality, and economic disparity in St. Louis. The unrest resulted in significant property damage, arrests, and a heightened police presence that underscored the deep divisions within the city. The community's reaction to this incident revealed the profound frustrations over persistent inequality and discrimination, serving as a catalyst for local civil rights activism and efforts to address racial injustices.

In the aftermath of the Maxwell's Market Riot, St. Louis and its residents grappled with the implications of the violence and the underlying causes of the riot. The event became a catalyst for change, prompting local leaders, civil rights organizations, and community members to advocate more vigorously for reforms in law enforcement practices, economic policies, and public accommodation laws. While the riot highlighted the challenges facing the city and its African American population, it also fostered a greater sense of solidarity among civil rights activists and the broader community in their pursuit of equality and justice. Maxwell's Market Riot thus remains a significant episode in the civil rights history of St. Louis, symbolizing the struggle and resilience of the African American community in the face of systemic oppression.

Famous People From St. Louis

Lee Falk (1911–1999)

Thomas F. Eagleton, a distinguished U.S. Senator from Missouri, led an illustrious career, notably marked by his advocacy for mental health, his brief candidacy as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 1972, and his enduring impact on American politics and mental health stigmatization. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Eagleton's journey from a local attorney to a national political figure encapsulates a narrative of resilience, dedication, and public service.

Early Years and Education (1929-1951)

Born in St. Louis to a politically active family, Thomas Eagleton was immersed in the realms of law and governance from an early age. His pursuit of higher education took him to Amherst College, followed by Harvard University for law school, shaping the foundations of his legal and political career. Throughout his education, Eagleton was driven by a fervent interest in public service, setting the stage for his extensive career in politics.

Early Political Career and Missouri's Attorney General (1951-1968)

Eagleton's political career commenced in the Missouri House of Representatives, where his articulate advocacy and legal acumen quickly set him apart. He ascended to the role of Missouri's Attorney General in 1960, focusing on consumer protection and environmental issues, and laying the groundwork for future legislative endeavors. His tenure was characterized by a dynamic approach to statewide challenges, consolidating his reputation as a committed public servant.

U.S. Senator for Missouri (1968-1987)

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1968, Eagleton served Missouri for nearly two decades. His tenure was marked by a passionate commitment to health care, environmental protection, and labor laws. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, Eagleton worked tirelessly to destigmatize mental illness, drawing from his own experiences with depression. His legislative contributions included support for the Clean Air Act and initiatives to improve education and health care systems.

1972 Vice-Presidential Nomination and Mental Health Advocacy (1972)

Eagleton's national prominence surged when he was selected as the Democratic Party's vice-presidential nominee alongside George McGovern in 1972. However, his candidature was short-lived due to revelations about his previously undisclosed electroshock therapy treatments for depression. Despite withdrawing from the ticket, Eagleton emerged as a staunch advocate for mental health, emphasizing the importance of de-stigmatization and support for mental health issues.

Ongoing Legislative Impact and Reforms (1973-1987)

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Eagleton championed numerous legislative efforts, including significant contributions to defense policies, nuclear arms control, and veterans' benefits. His advocacy for mental health continued to remain a pivotal aspect of his career, influencing national discourse and policy-making on mental health care.

Connection to St. Louis and Missouri (Throughout Career)

Eagleton's connection to St. Louis was ever-present throughout his career. He consistently leveraged his position to benefit his hometown and state, advocating for urban development projects, education reforms, and health care improvements. Eagleton's dedication to Missouri's welfare underscored his commitment to public service, reflecting his deep-rooted ties to his community.

Post-Senate Career and Legacy (1987-2007)

After retiring from the Senate in 1987, Eagleton returned to St. Louis, where he continued his advocacy for mental health and pursued a career in academia and law. As a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, he nurtured the next generation of legal minds, while his legal practice focused on civic and national issues. Eagleton's legacy, characterized by his public service and advocacy for mental health awareness, left an indelible mark on Missouri and the nation.

Awards and Honors (Throughout Career)

Eagleton's contributions to politics, law, and mental health advocacy were recognized through various awards and honors, reflecting his profound impact on public life. His dedication to public service and mental health awareness endeared him to many, earning him a distinguished place in American political and social history.

Remembering Thomas F. Eagleton (2007 and Beyond)

Eagleton passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to public service, advocacy for mental health, and impactful legislative contributions. His life and career continue to inspire those involved in politics, mental health, and public service, reinforcing the importance of resilience, advocacy, and dedication in the face of adversity.

Key Achievements of Thomas F. Eagleton:

  • Served as U.S. Senator for Missouri from 1968 to 1987, focusing on health care, environmental protection, and labor laws.

  • Advocated for mental health awareness and worked to destigmatize mental illness.

  • Played a key role in legislation, including support for the Clean Air Act and initiatives to improve education and health care systems.

  • His brief 1972 vice-presidential nomination brought national attention to mental health issues.

  • Contributed significantly to defense policies, nuclear arms control, and veterans' benefits.

Thomas F. Eagleton's career was characterized by a deep commitment to public service, advocacy for mental health, and significant legislative contributions. Despite challenges, including the abrupt end to his vice-presidential campaign, Eagleton's work in destigmatizing mental health and his legislative legacy in areas such as environmental protection and health care have had a lasting impact. His life story serves as a powerful example of resilience, dedication, and the capacity to effect change through public service.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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