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Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Philadelphia 76ers home game

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Lou Barletta

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Many of us go down a sad path when we let our egos make us suffer.”

—Mo Gawdat

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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!

The first Thanksgiving Day Parade in the U.S. was held in Philadelphia in 1920. Which department store originally sponsored it?

A) Macy's

B) Gimbel's

C) Wanamaker's

D) Sears

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The original purpose of Philadelphia's Fairmount Water Works was D) The city's primary water pumping station.

News

💼Business

Giant Heirloom Market took a gamble on Philly’s Market East. (link)

North Face closing Center City store after 15 years.(link)

📚Business Resources

Prevent account bans and shadow bans from sites like TikTok and Facebook, instantly. (link)

🏒Sports

Philadelphia Phillies reportedly "expect to meet with" Juan Soto.(link)

Sean Couturier's OT goal lifts Philadelphia Flyers to win over Predators.(link)

🏦Finance

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Publishes New Audited Financial Statements.(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

🏀 Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia,
Friday December 06 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Toyota Men's Big 5 Classic
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia,
Saturday December 07 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Gillian Welch
Zellerbach Theatre Philadelphia,
Friday December 06 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Kip Moore: Nomad Tour
Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia,
Saturday December 07 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🧶 Children's Beginner Group Knitting Class
The Woodlands 4000 Woodland Avenue Philadelphia,
Saturday, December 7 | 10 - 11:30am EST | (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 “Philadelphiascape with a fusion of different historical eras.” and this is what I got.

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

Philadelphia Historical Events

1976: Philadelphia celebrates the Bicentennial of American Independence.

In 1976, Philadelphia played a pivotal role in the nationwide celebration of the Bicentennial of American Independence. The city was swept into a fervor of patriotic celebration as the entire country marked 200 years of existence. The year was packed with Bicentennial-themed events, beginning on New Year's Eve when thousands gathered to witness the Liberty Bell being moved from Independence Hall to a new pavilion on Independence Mall. Daily activities included puppet shows, street theater, concerts, and other engaging events that brought the community together in a spirit of commemoration and unity.

Philadelphia's significance during the Bicentennial was further highlighted when Queen Elizabeth presented the Bicentennial Bell on behalf of the British people while in the city. The culmination of the Bicentennial took place on July 4, 1976, with the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Founding Fathers in the Second Continental Congress. This historic occasion was a testament to Philadelphia's role as a central hub for the celebration of American independence and the enduring legacy of the nation's founding.

The Bicentennial of American Independence in 1976 left a lasting impact on Philadelphia, shaping the city's culture and identity. A new film, ""Bicentennial City,"" has been released to spotlight the city's involvement in the Bicentennial events and the enduring legacy of this historic celebration. The Bicentennial not only honored the nation's history but also served as a catalyst for community engagement, cultural expression, and a renewed sense of patriotism in Philadelphia.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Lou Barletta (1956–present): Politician and former Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Lou Barletta (1956–present): Politician and former Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Lou Barletta, a prominent American businessman and politician, has made significant contributions to the city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and the state of Pennsylvania as a whole. From his tenure as the Mayor of Hazleton to his role as a U.S. Congressman, Barletta has been a key figure in Pennsylvania's political landscape. Here is a comprehensive biography of Lou Barletta, highlighting his career, achievements, and impact on the community.

Lou Barletta's Early Life and Political Aspirations (1956-1999)

Lou Barletta was born on January 28, 1956, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to Angeline and Rocco Barletta. His early years were marked by a strong sense of community and a desire to make a positive impact on the city where he was raised. Barletta's political aspirations began to take shape as he witnessed the evolving landscape of Hazleton and the challenges it faced.

Rise to Political Prominence: Mayor of Hazleton (2000-2010)

In 1997, Lou Barletta was elected to the Hazleton City Council, marking the beginning of his political career. He served on the City Council from 1998 to 1999 before running for the position of Mayor of Hazleton. Barletta's mayoral tenure, which lasted from 2000 to 2010, was characterized by his unwavering commitment to addressing the city's issues and fostering its growth and development.

Impact on Hazleton's Demographic Shift

During Barletta's time as Mayor, the Hispanic population of Hazleton experienced a significant increase, climbing from 5 percent in 2000 to 30 percent in 2006. This demographic shift presented unique challenges and opportunities for the city, and Barletta's leadership during this period played a crucial role in shaping Hazleton's future.

Congressional Career and National Recognition (2011-2019)

Following his tenure as Mayor, Lou Barletta transitioned to the national stage, serving as the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district from 2011 to 2019. His role as a Congressman allowed him to advocate for the interests of Pennsylvania and address key issues at the federal level. Barletta's contributions to national politics earned him recognition as a significant political figure in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Political Ambitions and Continued Service to Pennsylvania

Barletta's dedication to public service extended beyond his role as a Congressman. He ran for the U.S. Senate, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to representing the people of Pennsylvania and contributing to the state's political landscape. Despite facing challenges, Barletta's determination and passion for public service remained unwavering.

Connection to Philadelphia and Statewide Impact

While Lou Barletta's political career was centered in Hazleton, his influence extended across the state of Pennsylvania, including the city of Philadelphia. His efforts to address issues such as immigration, healthcare reform, and economic development had a statewide impact, positioning him as a key figure in Pennsylvania's political discourse.

Key Achievements of Lou Barletta:

• Elected to Hazleton City Council in 1997 and served from 1998-1999.

• Served as Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, from 2000 to 2010.

• Represented Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019.

• Advocated for issues such as immigration, healthcare reform, and economic development at the national level.

• Continued to play a significant role in Pennsylvania's political landscape, demonstrating a commitment to public service and community leadership.

In summary, Lou Barletta's career as a politician and former Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has been marked by a steadfast dedication to serving the community and addressing critical issues at both the local and national levels. His impact on Hazleton and Pennsylvania as a whole reflects his commitment to public service and his enduring influence on the state's political landscape.

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-Yannick Lyons

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