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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Yordan Alvarez's blast impacts scoreboard.

• Texas A&M wins grant for project.

• A deep dive into the life of Oveta Culp Hobby.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change."

– Stephen Hawking

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Trivia

Which Houston building is known for its stunning glass conservatory housing tropical rainforest plants?

A) Moody Gardens

B) Houston Museum of Natural Science

C) Cockrell Butterfly Center

D) Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The annual Houston music festival featuring diverse genres is D) Free Press Summer Fest.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼Business

Singapore Airlines to end its only flight from Houston’s IAH. (link)

Texas A&M Transportation Institution gets federal grant for innovative Houston-College Station project. (link)

🏒Sports

Astros insider: Yainer Diaz cleaning up with runners in scoring position. (link)

Fade to black: BP blast by Yordan Alvarez affects Tropicana Field scoreboard. (link)

🏦Finance

Longtime restaurant Hungry's to open third location on Woodway Drive. (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 Astros vs. Boston Red Sox
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Monday, Aug 19th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Aug 20th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Jane's Addiction & Love and Rockets
713 Music Hall, Houston, TX
Monday, Aug 19th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸Stefflon Don
Warehouse Live Midtown, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Aug 21st | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

️🍅 Summer Wrap Up Family Day
6815 Cypresswood Dr, Spring, TX
Saturday, August 24 | 10:00 AM | (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 with a public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences” 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

1992: Houston hosts the Republican National Convention.

In 1992, Houston hosted the Republican National Convention (RNC), a major political event that brought national attention to the city. Held at the Astrodome from August 17 to August 20, the convention nominated President George H. W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle for re-election. The event was a significant opportunity for Houston to showcase its hospitality, infrastructure, and cultural attractions to a nationwide audience.

The convention attracted thousands of delegates, journalists, and political enthusiasts, transforming Houston into a bustling hub of political activity. The city undertook extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of visitors, including enhancing security measures, organizing transportation, and planning various events and activities. The RNC featured speeches from prominent Republican figures, policy discussions, and numerous media broadcasts, making it a focal point of the 1992 election campaign.

Hosting the Republican National Convention had a lasting impact on Houston. It boosted the local economy through tourism and related business activities, and it elevated the city's profile on the national stage. The successful execution of the convention demonstrated Houston's capability to host large-scale events, paving the way for future political, cultural, and sporting events. The 1992 RNC remains a notable chapter in Houston's history, reflecting the city's dynamic and multifaceted character.

Famous People From Houston

Oveta Culp Hobby (1905–1995): First secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Early Life and Education (1905–1924)

Oveta Culp Hobby was born on January 19, 1905, in Killeen, Texas. Raised in a politically active family, she developed an early interest in public service and law. Hobby attended Mary Hardin-Baylor College for Women, where she excelled academically. Her father, a lawyer and state legislator, encouraged her to pursue a career in law, and she began working in the Texas Legislature as a parliamentarian while still in her teens. This early exposure to politics and governance laid the foundation for her future career in public service.

Marriage and Early Career in Journalism (1925–1941)

In 1931, Oveta Culp married William P. Hobby, a former Governor of Texas and publisher of the Houston Post. The marriage marked a turning point in her career, as she became actively involved in the newspaper industry. She worked her way up from research assistant to executive vice president of the Houston Post, playing a crucial role in the paper's editorial direction and operations. Her work in journalism provided her with valuable experience in leadership and management, skills that would serve her well in her later government roles.

Connection to Houston (Throughout Career)

Houston was central to Oveta Culp Hobby's life and career. As a prominent figure in the city's media landscape through her work with the Houston Post, Hobby became deeply involved in the civic and cultural life of Houston. She was active in numerous local organizations, including the Houston Symphony and the Museum of Fine Arts. Her influence in Houston extended beyond journalism, as she played a key role in the development of the city's cultural and philanthropic sectors. Hobby's connection to Houston remained strong throughout her life, and her contributions to the city were widely recognized.

Leadership in the Women's Army Corps (1942–1945)

During World War II, Oveta Culp Hobby was appointed as the first director of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (later the Women's Army Corps, WAC). Under her leadership, the WAC grew to over 100,000 women, who served in various non-combat roles to support the war effort. Hobby's effective leadership and organizational skills were widely praised, and she was promoted to the rank of colonel. Her work with the WAC not only contributed to the war effort but also paved the way for future generations of women in the military. Hobby's success in this role established her as a national figure in public service.

First Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1953–1955)

In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Oveta Culp Hobby as the first Secretary of the newly created Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). As the head of this department, Hobby oversaw a wide range of programs aimed at improving public health, education, and social welfare. She played a key role in the implementation of the polio vaccination program and advocated for federal support of public education. Hobby's tenure at HEW was marked by her commitment to public service and her ability to navigate complex governmental challenges.

Later Career and Philanthropy (1956–1995)

After leaving her position at HEW, Oveta Culp Hobby returned to Houston, where she continued her work in journalism and became increasingly involved in philanthropy. She served on the boards of numerous organizations and supported a wide range of charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. Hobby's philanthropic efforts had a lasting impact on Houston, and she was widely respected for her contributions to the community. Her leadership and commitment to public service continued to influence the city long after her retirement from public life.

Legacy and Recognition (1995–Present)

Oveta Culp Hobby passed away on August 16, 1995, but her legacy endures through her groundbreaking contributions to public service, journalism, and philanthropy. She made significant contributions to the city and the nation. The Oveta Culp Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston also bears her name, further cementing her legacy in public service and education. Her influence continues to be felt in the fields of healthcare, education, and military service, and she remains a role model for women in leadership roles.

Key Achievements:

• Served as the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, overseeing critical public health and education programs.

• Led the Women's Army Corps during World War II, paving the way for future generations of women in the military.

• Played a significant role in the development of Houston's cultural and philanthropic landscape.

Summary:

Oveta Culp Hobby's journey from a young woman in Texas to a national leader in public service reflects her extraordinary dedication and leadership. Her deep connection to Houston, where she contributed significantly to the city's media, cultural, and philanthropic sectors, played a crucial role in her career. Hobby's legacy as a trailblazer in government, military service, and philanthropy continues to inspire, ensuring her place as one of the most influential women in American history.

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