Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Glendale dispute over $20 minimum wage could go to Arizona Supreme Court.

• Upcoming Arizona Diamondbacks match

• A deep-dive into the life of Rose Mofford

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can make that happen, you can make anything happen.” 

—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

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 Phoenix mountain park is the largest city park in the United States?

A) Camelback Mountain Park

B) Papago Park

C) South Mountain Park

D) North Mountain Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual Phoenix culinary event that celebrates the city's diverse food scene is B) Devoured Culinary Classic.

News

💼Business

Developer hopes to strike a chord with new Mesa entertainment venue The Nox. (Link)

Phoenix woman ‘back in business’ thanks to ‘On Your Side’ viewers. (Link)

🏒Sports

Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season. (Link)

3 Phoenix Suns Stars Named in CBS’ Top 100 Players. (Link)

🏦Finance

Phoenix Tower International Successfully Converts Financing into a Sustainability-Linked Loan. (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 Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, Phoenix
Wednesday, Sep 25 | (More info)

⚾ San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, Phoenix
Friday, Sep 27-28 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 SIDNEY BIRD WITH LAUREN CASE
Valley Bar, Phoenix
Tuesday, Sep 24 | (More info)

🎤 Thee Sinseers X The Altons
The Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ
Tuesday, Sep 24 | (More info)

Family

🎥 All You Can Eat Pizza Night!
Great Skate Glendale
Wednesday, September 25 | (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 “High-tech Phoenix with a focus on robotics and automation” and this is what I got.

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

Phoenix Historical Events

Phoenix Street Railway Switches to Electrical Streetcars (1893) - Modernization of the city's transportation.

The modernization of Phoenix's transportation system in 1893 marked a significant turning point in the city's development. The Phoenix Street Railway, established in 1887, initially operated streetcars powered by mules. However, with the advent of electricity in 1893, the streetcars were switched to electric power, revolutionizing the city's mass transit system. This transition to electric streetcars not only improved the efficiency and speed of transportation but also played a pivotal role in shaping the city's urban landscape and promoting residential development.

The shift from mule-powered streetcars to electric streetcars was a transformative moment in Phoenix's history. The introduction of electric streetcars brought about a new era of transportation, providing residents with a more advanced and reliable mode of travel. The Phoenix Street Railway, which had been operating since 1887, underwent a significant modernization, reflecting the city's commitment to progress and innovation. The transition to electric streetcars also contributed to the city's growth and expansion, influencing the development of residential areas and real estate ventures.

The impact of the switch to electric streetcars in 1893 was profound, as it not only modernized the city's transportation system but also laid the foundation for future advancements in urban infrastructure. The introduction of electric streetcars transformed Phoenix's mass transit, making it more accessible and efficient for residents. This historical shift reflects the city's forward-thinking approach to urban development and transportation, setting the stage for further modernization and expansion in the years to come.

Famous People From Phoenix

Bil Keane - Cartoonist, creator of Family Circus.

William Aloysius Bil Keane was an American cartoonist best known as the creator of the beloved comic strip Family Circus. He passed away on November 8, 2011, at his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, near Phoenix, at the age of 89. Throughout his life, Keane received numerous accolades for his work, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1922-1957)

Bil Keane was born on October 5, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a self-taught cartoonist who honed his skills and developed his passion for art from a young age. Keane's artistic journey began in the 1940s, and he gained recognition for his work in various publications, including the Philadelphia Bulletin.

Family Circus and Creative Inspiration (1958-1960)

In 1958, Keane and his family moved to Arizona, where he found inspiration for his iconic comic strip, Family Circus. Two years later, in 1960, he introduced the world to the endearing characters of Billy, Jeffy, Dolly, P.J., and their parents. The comic strip quickly gained popularity and became a beloved feature in newspapers across the country.

Legacy and Impact (1960s-2011)

Bil Keane's Family Circus resonated with audiences for over five decades, capturing the essence of family life with humor and heartwarming storytelling. The comic strip's relatable themes and endearing characters endeared Keane to readers of all ages, making it a timeless classic in the world of comics.

Connection to Phoenix

Keane and his family made their home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, near Phoenix, where he found inspiration for his work and spent the later years of his life. His connection to the area influenced his creative process and left an indelible mark on his artistic legacy.

Key Achievements of Bil Keane:

• Creator of the iconic comic strip Family Circus, which captivated audiences for over five decades.

• Recipient of the National Cartoonists Society's Award for Best Syndicated Panel, winning multiple times.

• Immortalized the joys and challenges of family life through his endearing characters and storytelling.

• Found inspiration in the scenic landscapes and community of Paradise Valley, Arizona, near Phoenix.

• Left a lasting legacy as a beloved cartoonist and storyteller, touching the hearts of readers worldwide.

Bil Keane's artistic contributions and the enduring impact of Family Circus continue to resonate with audiences, reflecting the universal experiences of family life and the power of storytelling. His legacy as a pioneering cartoonist and creator lives on, inspiring future generations to find joy and humor in the everyday moments of life.

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

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