Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Texans add five new coaches

• Upcoming Rockets home games

• A deep dive into the life of Ann Richards

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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!

What is the name of the historic district in Houston known for its 19th-century architecture and art galleries?

A) Montrose

B) The Heights

C) Old Sixth Ward

D) Midtown

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The famous annual event in Houston known for its rodeo and concerts is A) Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Third Coast Bank elevates two executives to key positions: chief compliance and risk officer, and chief legal officer, marking a strategic leadership adjustment. (link)

A Houston commercial real estate company is expanding its footprint by opening an office in Atlanta, marking its first venture outside of Texas. (link)

AES Corp.'s decision to expand in Houston is fueled by the city's burgeoning renewable energy talent pool, indicating a growing sector. (link)

Funding for United Airlines' project at Houston's IAH airport faces another delay, impacting the timeline for planned improvements and expansions. (link)

🏒 Sports

Justin Verlander, the Houston Astros' ace, is set to start the season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, impacting the team's opening lineup. (link)

The Texans have bolstered DeMeco Ryans' coaching staff with the addition of five new coaches, enhancing the team's expertise and strategy. (link)

Houston Rockets secure playoff berth with decisive win over conference rivals, led by MVP candidate Jalen Green.(Link)

Houston Texans make headlines with strategic draft picks, aiming to revitalize team after challenging season.(Link)

🏦 Finance

Houston real estate market sees surge in home sales, with median prices reaching all-time highs fueled by low mortgage rates and high demand.(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

🏀 Cleveland Cavaliers at Houston Rockets
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 4:00 PM | (More Info)

🏉 Miami Sharks at Houston SaberCats
SaberCats Stadium, Houston, TX
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Washington Wizards at Houston Rockets
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Thursday, Mar. 14th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Houston Christian Huskies at Rice Owls Baseball
Reckling Park, Houston, TX
Friday, Mar. 15th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Psymon Spine with Aubrey Haddard
White Oak Music Hall - Houston, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Mar. 12th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Snooper
The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Mar. 13th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Pussy Riot with Boyfriend
White Oak Music Hall - Houston, Houston, TX
Thursday, Mar. 14th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎙️ Billy Prine
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Marcello Hernandez
Houston Improv Comedy Club, Houston, TX
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎻 Houston Symphony - Tragedy & Triumph Festival: Valcuha Conducts Mahler 6
Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, Houston, TX
Sunday, Mar. 17th | 2:30 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 “Futuristic Houston with a network of sky bridges” 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

1900: The Great Galveston Hurricane affects Houston

The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900 stands as one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history, and its impact extended to Houston, significantly affecting the city and its residents. Although the hurricane's epicenter was in Galveston, Houston experienced severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, which led to flooding, damage to buildings, and disruptions in daily life. The storm underscored the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness to protect against future events.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, Houston faced considerable challenges in recovery and rebuilding efforts. The disaster strained resources, as the city worked to repair damaged infrastructure and provide aid to those affected. The event also prompted a reevaluation of urban planning and development strategies, with a focus on enhancing flood control measures and building resilience against hurricanes and other natural disasters. This experience played a crucial role in shaping Houston's approach to disaster preparedness and urban development in the 20th century.

Furthermore, the Great Galveston Hurricane had a profound impact on the collective consciousness of Houston's residents, fostering a spirit of community and cooperation. The shared experience of facing and overcoming the disaster brought people together, strengthening the bonds within the community. It also led to greater collaboration between Houston and neighboring cities, including Galveston, in addressing mutual challenges and working towards common goals. The hurricane's legacy in Houston is not only a story of destruction but also one of resilience, adaptation, and the importance of community in the face of adversity.

Famous People From Houston

Ann Richards (1933–2006)

Early Life and Education (1933-1954)

Dorothy Ann Willis Richards was born in 1933 in Lakeview, Texas. Growing up in a conservative environment, Richards was influenced by her father's political activism and her own experiences with inequality and injustice. She attended Baylor University, where she honed her debate and leadership skills, followed by further studies at the University of Texas, Austin, where she earned a teaching certificate.

Activism and Entry into Politics (1955-1972)

Richards began her career as a teacher but quickly became involved in political activism, particularly in the civil rights and women's rights movements. Her political engagement led her to work on several campaigns, including Sarah Weddington's successful bid for the Texas House of Representatives, which fueled Richards's interest in pursuing a political career.

Travis County Commissioner and State Treasurer (1973-1990)

Richards's political career officially began with her election as a Travis County Commissioner in 1976, where she served until 1982. Her dynamic personality and effective leadership propelled her to the state level, where she was elected Texas State Treasurer in 1982, becoming the first woman to hold statewide office in Texas in fifty years.

Governorship and Reform Agenda (1991-1995)

Ann Richards was elected the 45th Governor of Texas in 1990, amidst a campaign that highlighted her wit, charisma, and commitment to reform. Her governorship was marked by significant efforts to improve education, healthcare, and environmental policies in Texas. Richards was known for her advocacy for women and minorities in government, appointing more women and minorities to state boards and commissions than any of her predecessors.

Relevance to Houston (Throughout Career)

Though Richards hailed from Central Texas, her policies and initiatives had a profound impact on Houston, one of the state's most populous and diverse cities. Her efforts to improve education and healthcare were particularly felt in Houston, where she worked to address the needs of a growing urban population. Richards's advocacy for diversity and inclusion resonated with Houston's multicultural community, strengthening her legacy in the city.

National Recognition and Political Influence (1992-2000)

Richards gained national attention for her keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, where her humor and sharp political insights stole the show. Throughout her career, she remained an influential figure in the Democratic Party, known for her advocacy for progressive causes and her mentorship of future political leaders.

Post-Governorship Activism and Legacy (1996-2006)

After leaving office, Richards continued to be an active advocate for Democratic politics, women's rights, and public health issues, particularly in the fight against cancer, a disease she battled personally. Her work in these areas, coupled with her dynamic public presence, ensured that her influence extended far beyond her tenure as governor.

Death and Enduring Influence (2006)

Ann Richards passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of political reform and advocacy for underrepresented groups. Her tenure as governor and her contributions to public service continue to inspire, particularly in her efforts to bring diversity and equity to the forefront of political discourse.

Key Achievements:

• Served as the 45th Governor of Texas, implementing significant reforms in education, healthcare, and environmental policy.

• Advocated for the inclusion of women and minorities in government positions, changing the face of Texas politics.

• Left a lasting impact on Houston and Texas through her policies and her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Became a national figure for the Democratic Party and a beloved public speaker and advocate for progressive causes.

Ann Richards's journey from a politically active teacher to the Governor of Texas is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service, reform, and advocacy for equality. Her tenure as governor brought significant changes to Texas, particularly in education and healthcare, benefiting cities like Houston and setting new standards for diversity and inclusion in government. Richards's legacy as a trailblazer for women in politics and a champion for progressive causes continues to inspire future generations, cementing her place as a pivotal figure in American political history.

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-Matthew Larsen

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