Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Caitlin Clark rookie card sells for a record $235,000 at auction.

• Upcoming Kem concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Robert F. Kennedy

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”

— Winston Churchill

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 historic island in Washington DC is a dedicated memorial to a civil rights leader, accessible via footbridge from the Georgetown waterfront?

A) Theodore Roosevelt Island

B) Kingman Island

C) Columbia Island

D) The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Island

Answer to Week 23's Trivia:

The historic island in Washington DC that is a dedicated memorial to a civil rights leader, accessible via footbridge from the Georgetown waterfront, is A) Theodore Roosevelt Island.

News

💼Business

Former Cvent director bought the most expensive home sold in the D.C. region this year. (Link)

Time is running out on Capitol Hill for RFK Stadium legislation. (Link)

🏒Sports

Army, Navy only focused on their matchup, not bowl games. (Link)

Caitlin Clark rookie card sells for a record $235,000 at auction. (Link)

🏦Finance

Two D.C. restaurants earn coveted Michelin stars. (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 Events

🏒 Capital Hockey Classic: Army vs Penn State
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Thursday, Dec. 12th, 2024 | (More info)

🏀 Army Black Knights at George Washington Revolutionaries Men's Basketball
Charles E. Smith Center, Washington, DC
Friday, Dec. 13th, 2024 | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Kem
Concert Hall, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
Thursday, Dec. 12th, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Kungs
Soundcheck DC, Washington, DC
Friday, Dec. 13th, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🧘‍♂️ Youth Yoga Saturday - Mindfulness for Kids
3433 33rd Place Northwest, Washington, DC
Saturday, Dec. 14th, 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 “Washington DC with gravity-defying structures” and this is what I got.

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

Washington D.C. Historical Events

Inauguration of Ronald Reagan (1981) - Marks a significant shift in American politics, celebrated in D.C.

The inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States on January 20, 1981, was a pivotal moment in American history, signifying a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Taking place against the backdrop of an economy in recession and the ongoing Iran hostage crisis, Reagan's ascendancy to the presidency was seen as the culmination of a conservative revolution that sought to fundamentally alter the direction of U.S. policy both at home and abroad. His promise to reduce government intervention in the economy, lower taxes, and strengthen national defense won him a convincing victory over the incumbent, Jimmy Carter, in the November 1980 election. Reagan's inauguration was celebrated in Washington D.C. with great fanfare, marking the beginning of a presidency that would leave a lasting imprint on the nation's governance.

On Inauguration Day, Washington D.C. was abuzz with anticipation as Reagan prepared to take the oath of office on the west front of the United States Capitol, a setting chosen by Reagan himself, marking a break from tradition and offering a grand view of the National Mall and beyond. His inaugural address, delivered with the oratorical flair for which he was famous, called for a restoration of the nation's confidence and a return to the self-reliant, pioneering spirit that he believed had made America great. Reagan's speech underscored his belief in limited government and individual freedom, themes that would define his administration. Highlighting the ceremony was the simultaneous release of 52 American hostages in Iran, a development Reagan hailed as a vindication of his tough stance on dealing with the U.S.' adversaries.

Reagan's inauguration was not just a ceremonial changing of the guard but represented a deeper ideological shift in American politics. It marked the ascendancy of conservative ideas about government and economy principles that would influence the course of U.S. domestic and foreign policy during his two terms in office. The optimism and national pride that the inauguration inspired in many Americans were reflective of Reagan's own sunny disposition and his ability to communicate a vision of America that resonated with a wide swath of the electorate. As such, the inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1981 celebrated not only the arrival of a new president but also heralded a new era in American political life, one characterized by conservative policies and a renewed emphasis on American exceptionalism.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Robert F. Kennedy (1925–1968) - Attorney General, senator, and presidential candidate, assassinated in 1968.

Robert Francis Kennedy was born into the prominent Kennedy family in Brookline, Massachusetts. As the seventh child of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Robert was immersed in a culture of public service and political ambition from a young age. His early years were shaped by his family's expectations and the shadow of his elder brother, John F. Kennedy, setting the stage for his own path in politics and advocacy.

Education and Military Service (1946–1948)

After serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II, Kennedy enrolled at Harvard University, where he completed his undergraduate degree. His experiences during the war and at Harvard further developed his sense of duty and commitment to public service, laying the groundwork for his future in politics.

Beginning of Political Career (1948–1960)

Kennedy's political career officially began when he managed John F. Kennedy's successful Senate campaign in 1952. He displayed a knack for political strategy and a fierce loyalty to his family. His role in his brother's campaign was a crucial stepping stone that would later lead to his own political and public service career.

Attorney General and Fight for Civil Rights (1961–1964)

As Attorney General during his brother's presidency, Kennedy made significant strides in civil rights and organized crime legislation. His tenure is marked by a proactive stance against racial segregation, leading to the desegregation of multiple institutions and support for the civil rights movement. Kennedy's commitment to justice and equality was a defining aspect of his career.

U.S. Senator from New York (1965–1968)

Following his tenure as Attorney General, Kennedy was elected as a U.S. Senator from New York. His senatorial career was characterized by his advocacy for social justice, education, and poverty alleviation. Kennedy's passion for addressing the inequalities in American society gained him respect and admiration from a broad spectrum of constituents.

Presidential Campaign and Vision for America (1968)

In 1968, Kennedy launched his campaign for the presidency, articulating a vision for America that centered on social justice, racial equality, and ending the Vietnam War. His campaign brought hope to many Americans during a tumultuous period in U.S. history. Kennedy's message resonated deeply, especially among young and minority voters.

Assassination and Legacy (1968)

Kennedy's life and promising political career were tragically cut short by an assassin's bullet on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles, California. His death came at a critical moment in his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president, leaving the nation and the world in mourning. Kennedy's legacy lives on through his contributions to civil rights, his passion for social justice, and his vision for a more equitable America.

Connection to Washington D.C. (1961–1968)

Kennedy's connection to Washington D.C. was most profound during his tenure as Attorney General and his service as a U.S. Senator. His efforts in the nation's capital, particularly his work on civil rights legislation and his advocacy for social programs, left a lasting impact on American policy and society. Kennedy's influence in Washington was marked by a combination of political acumen and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Key Achievements:

• Served as U.S. Attorney General, where he played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and fighting organized crime.

• Elected U.S. Senator from New York, advocating for social justice, education reform, and poverty alleviation.

• Launched an influential campaign for the presidency with a platform centered on racial equality, ending the Vietnam War, and uniting a divided country.

• Promoted desegregation and supported the civil rights movement, contributing to significant advancements in civil rights legislation.

• Left a lasting legacy as a compassionate advocate for the marginalized and an icon of American liberalism.

Robert F. Kennedy's life was marked by his commitment to public service, justice, and equality. From his early years in a family dedicated to public service to his impactful career as Attorney General and U.S. Senator, Kennedy's work embodied a deep dedication to improving America. His assassination was a tragic end to a promising campaign for presidency and a life devoted to the ideals of a more just and equitable society. Kennedy’s legacy, however, continues to inspire those committed to his vision for America and his belief in the power of individuals to enact change.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

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