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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Illinois awards $5.5M in forgivable loans to social equity cannabis dispensaries.

• Upcoming Dave Barnes concrert

• A deep-dive into the life of Betty Grable

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”

–Norton Juster

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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!

What St. Louis museum is dedicated to the exploration of the American West, featuring art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits?

A) The Campbell House Museum

B) The Missouri History Museum

C) The National Museum of Transportation

D) The Museum of Westward Expansion

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The innovative public space in St. Louis that combines urban park amenities with sustainable rainwater management, serving as a model for ecological urban design, is A) Citygarden

News

💼 Business

Legal battle forcing downtown St. Louis business to move. (Link)

East St. Louis newspaper ends production after 61 years. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway heading to Blues after Oilers decline to match offer sheets. (Link)

Scott has three hits to spark the Cardinals to 3-0 victory over the Brewers. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Sunnyside Gardens buys St. Louis Park location. (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

⚾ San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Mon, Aug 26th - Thu, Aug 29th | (More info)

⚽ LA Galaxy at St. Louis CITY SC
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Sunday, Sep 1st | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Dave Weckl
City Winery St. Louis, St Louis
Wednesday, Aug 28th | (More info)

🎵 Yung Gravy
Ballpark Village, St Louis
Thursday, Aug 29th | (More info)

Family

🔍 Snapshot Quest Photo Scavenger Hunt Game
City Center 4001 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis
Tuesday, Aug 27th | (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 large, central, computerized public library” 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

Mississippi River Bridge Opening (1874) - The Eads Bridge connects St. Louis to Illinois.

The Eads Bridge, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of progress, made its grand debut in 1874, marking a new era for St. Louis and its connection to Illinois across the majestic Mississippi River. Named after its visionary architect and engineer, James Buchanan Eads, the bridge was not only a testament to his innovative design but also to the spirit of perseverance and ambition that characterized the era. Spanning an impressive length with its steel truss design, it was the first of its kind to use true steel in its construction, setting a precedent for future bridges worldwide and heralding the dawn of modern bridge engineering.

The construction of the Eads Bridge took seven years, fraught with technical, financial, and human challenges, including the daunting task of building caissons deep into the riverbed, a feat never before attempted on such a scale. These caissons allowed workers to excavate for the bridge's piers down to bedrock, a risky and innovative method that ultimately proved successful. Upon its completion, the bridge was the longest arch bridge in the world, boasting an overall length that was a marvel of its time, and it quickly became a vital transportation hub, facilitating the flow of goods, people, and ideas between the eastern and western parts of the United States.

The opening of the Eads Bridge was celebrated with great fanfare, drawing crowds from far and wide to marvel at this engineering achievement. Its completion not only enhanced the physical connectivity between St. Louis and Illinois but also had a profound impact on the economic and social fabric of the region. The bridge served as a crucial link in the nation's growing network of railroads and highways, boosting trade and commerce, and solidifying St. Louis's position as a key gateway to the west. Today, the Eads Bridge stands as a monumental testament to human ingenuity and a historical landmark that continues to inspire awe and admiration.

Famous People From St. Louis

Kevin Kline (1947–) - Award-winning actor born in St. Louis, known for his versatile performances in film and theater.

Kevin Kline, a celebrated American actor, has captured audiences with his dynamic performances in theater and film. His journey from a boy in St. Louis to an acclaimed actor is a tale of talent, dedication, and versatility. This biography will explore the significant chapters of Kline’s life and career.

Early Years and Education (1947–1965)

Kevin Delaney Kline was born on October 24, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Peggy and Robert Kline. Growing up in a lively household with three siblings, Kline was introduced to the performing arts through his mother, a former actress. The seeds of his future career were sown in these early years as he participated in school plays and local theater productions.

Developing a Craft (1965–1972)

Kline’s pursuit of acting led him to attend Indiana University, where he switched his major from music to theater and speech. His college years were marked by significant growth as an actor, culminating in a scholarship to study at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Here, he honed his craft, focusing on classical and Shakespearean theater.

A Promising Start in New York Theater (1972–1980)

After graduating from Juilliard, Kline joined the newly formed Acting Company, a touring theater group led by John Houseman. This experience provided him with the opportunity to travel and perform in a variety of classical and contemporary plays, laying the groundwork for his versatile career. His Broadway debut came in 1976 in ""On the Twentieth Century,"" for which he received critical acclaim.

Rise to Stardom (1980–1990)

Kline’s film debut was in ""Sophie's Choice"" (1982), starring alongside Meryl Streep. His portrayal earned him significant attention and led to more prominent roles in films such as ""The Big Chill"" (1983) and ""Silverado"" (1985). It was during this decade that Kline secured his place as a leading man in Hollywood, admired for his ability to balance classical training with a knack for comedy.

Establishing Versatility (1990–2000)

The 1990s saw Kline taking on a diverse range of roles. His performances in ""I Love You to Death"" (1990), ""Dave"" (1993), and ""In & Out"" (1997) showcased his comedic talents, while ""The Ice Storm"" (1997) and ""A Midsummer Night's Dream"" (1999) reflected his range in drama and the classics. His role in ""A Fish Called Wanda"" (1988) had already secured him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, validating his talent and versatility.

Theatrical Triumphs (2000–2010)

During this decade, Kline's focus shifted somewhat back towards theater, where he delivered several notable performances. His portrayal of Falstaff in ""Henry IV"" on Broadway won him critical praise and a Tony Award nomination. Kline's dedication to his craft was evident as he continued to navigate seamlessly between film, television, and stage roles, adding depth and nuance to his already impressive career.

A Return to Roots (2010–2020)

Kline’s continued engagement with theater saw him returning to Shakespearean roles, including the title role in ""King Lear"" at The Public Theater in New York. His film career also flourished with roles in ""My Old Lady"" (2014) and ""Beauty and the Beast"" (2017), where he played Maurice, Belle’s father. These years underscored his status as a versatile actor capable of crossing genres and mediums with ease.

Connection to St. Louis (Throughout Career)

Despite his national and international success, Kline has always maintained a connection to his hometown of St. Louis. He has often spoken fondly of his upbringing and the grounding it provided him in the arts. Kline’s contributions to the cultural and educational institutions in St. Louis, including support for the St. Louis Walk of Fame and local theater initiatives, reflect his enduring bond with the city.

Key Achievements:

• Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for ""A Fish Called Wanda"" (1988).

• Three Tony Awards, including one for his role in ""The Pirates of Penzance"" and another for ""On the Twentieth Century.""

• Induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2003.

• Received the Juilliard School's Honorary Doctorate for his contributions to theater and film.

Kevin Kline’s career, spanning over five decades, is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. From his early days in St. Louis to his triumphs on Broadway and in Hollywood, Kline has demonstrated a profound dedication to his craft. His ability to delve into characters, whether on stage or screen, coupled with his charming presence, has made him a beloved figure in American entertainment. Kevin Kline’s legacy is one of artistic excellence and a deep commitment to the performing arts.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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