Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming US Men's Clay Court Championships

• The 16th Annual H-town Blues Festival

• A deep dive into the life of Bob Lanier

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

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 Houston area is famous for being an upscale shopping and dining destination?

A) Rice Village

B) The Galleria

C) Montrose

D) Heights Boulevard

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The iconic Houston structure known for its waterwall and gardens is B) Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Rice University hires Rob Lanier as the new head coach for its men's basketball team. (Link)

Meritage Homes and Trophy Signature Homes introduce Riviera Pines, a new residential community near Houston's Grand Parkway. (Link)

Black Restaurant Week returns to Houston, spotlighting minority-owned businesses amid economic challenges. (Link)

Comcast announces a $265 million investment to expand fiber-optic internet service in the northern outskirts of Houston, targeting 100,000 new customers by the end of the year. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Pearland rises to the top in Houston high school baseball rankings after delivering impressive shutout victories. (Link)

In the Houston high school softball scene, Barbers Hill and Alvin climb the rankings following their dominant performances. (Link)

High school baseball standouts Alex Hale and Braylon Payne clinch a win for Elkins with a crucial run. (Link)

The NCAA tournament progresses with the Sweet 16 lineup finalized for the men, as underdogs continue to advance. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Wall Street experiences a slowdown after a record-setting week, with a minor drop in the S&P 500 to begin the trading week. (Link)

Marker Therapeutics reports promising preliminary safety and efficacy results from a study on lymphoma treatment, highlighting sustained complete responses. (Link)

Black Stone Minerals, L.P. announces its participation in an upcoming investor relations event, indicating ongoing engagement with the investment community. (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

🏀 Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors
Toyota Center, Houston
Thursday, Apr. 4th | 7:00 PM | More Info

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros
Minute Maid Park, Houston
Monday, Apr. 1st | 7:10 PM | More Info

🎾 US Men's Clay Court Championships
River Oaks Country Club, Houston
Monday, Apr. 1st | 2:00 PM | More Info

🏀 Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat
Toyota Center, Houston
Friday, Apr. 5th | 7:00 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎵 The 16th Annual H-town Blues Festival
NRG Arena, Houston
Friday, Apr. 5th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎤 Ledisi and Raheem DeVaughn
Revention Music Center, Houston
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎸 Flux Pavilion
Stereo Live Houston, Houston
Thursday, Apr. 4th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎶 Offset
Bayou Music Center, Houston
Sunday, Apr. 7th | 7:00 PM | More Info

Family

🎪 The Fall of Troy
Last Concert Cafe, Houston
Thursday, Apr. 4th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎡 Conjunto Primavera
Arena Theatre, Houston
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🐉 Kalimba
Last Concert Cafe, Houston
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎭 Michael Seyer
House of Blues, Houston
Sunday, Apr. 7th | 7:00 PM | 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 “Houston where every building is a work of abstract art” and this is what I got.

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

Houston Historical Events

1930: The Great Depression's impact on Houston.

The Great Depression, which began in 1929 and extended throughout the 1930s, had a profound impact on Houston, as it did on the rest of the United States. Despite the city's burgeoning growth in the preceding decades, driven by the oil boom and the expansion of the port, Houston was not immune to the economic downturn. Industries across the city faced declines, unemployment rates soared, and many residents found themselves in dire financial situations. However, Houston's economy, bolstered by the oil industry and the port, proved more resilient than many other U.S. cities, offering a somewhat cushioned blow from the worst effects of the Depression.

During this challenging period, Houston became a center for New Deal projects, which provided much-needed employment and infrastructure development. Projects funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and other federal initiatives led to significant improvements in the city's public buildings, parks, and roadways, laying the groundwork for future growth. These projects not only helped to alleviate the immediate economic distress but also contributed to the long-term development of Houston's urban landscape.

The Great Depression also fostered a sense of community and resilience among Houstonians, who came together to support one another through charitable organizations and community initiatives. This period underscored the importance of adaptability and diversification in the city's economy, lessons that would guide Houston's development in the subsequent decades. Despite the hardships of the 1930s, Houston emerged from the Great Depression with a strengthened foundation for future prosperity and growth.

Famous People From Houston

Bob Lanier (1925–2014)

Early Life and Education (1925–1943)

Bob Lanier was born on March 10, 1925, in Baytown, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Growing up in a middle-class family, he showed an early interest in both academics and community issues. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended Texas A&M University before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in business administration.

Military Service and Higher Education (1943–1949)

During World War II, Lanier served in the U.S. Navy, an experience that shaped his views on leadership and public service. After his military service, he returned to his studies, earning a law degree from the University of Texas Law School. This period instilled in him a deep sense of duty and a desire to contribute to society.

Early Career in Business (1949–1965)

Lanier began his career in the legal field but quickly transitioned into banking and real estate, sectors where he would make his mark. He demonstrated a keen sense for business and investment, establishing a reputation as a savvy entrepreneur and financier. His success in business laid the foundation for his future endeavors in public service.

Rise in the Banking Industry (1965–1973)

As Lanier's career progressed, he became a prominent figure in Houston's banking industry, eventually leading one of the city's major banks. His leadership helped navigate the bank through challenging economic times, and he became known for his pragmatic approach to finance and investment.

Political Involvement and Philanthropy (1973–1981)

Before entering public office, Lanier was active in local politics and philanthropy, contributing to various community projects and serving on several civic boards. His philanthropic efforts focused on education, urban development, and healthcare, reflecting his commitment to improving the quality of life in Houston.

Mayor of Houston (1992–1998)

Bob Lanier's tenure as Mayor of Houston was marked by a focus on reducing crime, revitalizing downtown areas, and improving the city's infrastructure. His pragmatic approach to governance, emphasizing consensus-building and fiscal responsibility, led to significant improvements in public safety and urban development.

Focus on Crime Reduction and Public Safety

Under Lanier's leadership, Houston saw a substantial decrease in crime rates, thanks to increased funding for police and community-based crime prevention programs. His efforts to enhance public safety contributed to a renewed sense of community and economic growth in the city.

Urban Development and Infrastructure Improvements

Lanier championed the revitalization of Houston's downtown area, spearheading projects that led to the development of parks, sports facilities, and cultural institutions. He also prioritized infrastructure improvements, including flood control and transportation initiatives, to address the city's growing needs.

Legacy and Later Years (1998–2014)

After leaving office, Lanier remained active in Houston's civic and business communities, continuing his work on urban development and public policy issues. He was widely respected for his contributions to the city and his ability to bring people together to solve complex problems. Lanier passed away on December 20, 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Houston and beyond.

Key Achievements

• Successfully reduced crime rates in Houston through increased police funding and community initiatives.

• Led significant urban development projects, revitalizing downtown Houston and improving public spaces.

• Improved the city's infrastructure, focusing on flood control and transportation.

• Served as a unifying figure in Houston politics, known for his pragmatic and consensus-building approach to governance.

Bob Lanier's life and career were characterized by his dedication to public service, his effective leadership as Mayor of Houston, and his successful ventures in business. His efforts to reduce crime, enhance public safety, and revitalize urban areas left a lasting impact on the city of Houston. Lanier's legacy as a leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community continues to inspire those in public service and beyond."

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-Matthew Larsen

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