Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Billionaire-backed Johnson Development launches community.

• Steven Adams' Rockets debut feels different.

• A deep dive into the life of Kathy Whitmire.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today."

— James Dean

Trivia

Which Houston university is the largest in terms of enrollment?

A) Rice University

B) University of Houston

C) Texas Southern University

D) Houston Baptist University

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The historic district in Houston known for 19th-century architecture is B) The Heights.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼Business

Marathon Oil warns of hundreds of Houston layoffs after ConocoPhillips deal closes. (link)

Johnson Development's community backed by billionaire's family starts home sales, park. (link)

🏒Sports

Texans mailbag: Stefon Diggs' injury adds intrigue to trade deadline. (link)

Steven Adams says Rockets debut hit differently after long injury recovery. (link)

🏦Finance

Western Midstream appoints new CEO following $700 million Occidental sell-off. (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. New York Knicks
Toyota Center - TX, Houston, TX
Mon • Nov 04, 2024 • 7:45 PM | (More info)

🏀 Rice Owls Men's Basketball vs. Florida International University Golden Panthers
Tudor Fieldhouse, Houston, TX
Tue • Nov 05, 2024 • 6:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Tycho - The Infinite Health Tour
White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs, Houston, TX
Mon • Nov 04, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Soulfly
Warehouse Live Midtown, Houston, TX
Tue • Nov 05, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎙️Team Art Shot - Art Class by Classpop!™
1917 Silver St, Houston, TX
Wednesday 6 November, 2024 at 4:00 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 “Spaceport integrated into Houston's central hub” 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

1914: Houston Ship Channel opens.

The opening of the Houston Ship Channel in 1914 was a transformative event for the city of Houston, significantly enhancing its status as a commercial and maritime hub. This ambitious project involved the deepening and widening of Buffalo Bayou and the creation of a navigable waterway from the Gulf of Mexico to the burgeoning port of Houston. The ship channel's completion marked the culmination of years of effort to improve access for ocean-going vessels, thereby facilitating international trade and commerce.

The Houston Ship Channel's opening had an immediate and dramatic impact on the city's economy, enabling the rapid expansion of the port facilities and attracting a wide array of industries to the region. The channel became a vital artery for the transportation of goods, including cotton, oil, and later, petrochemical products, solidifying Houston's role in global supply chains. The development of the Port of Houston into one of the world's busiest ports has been intrinsically linked to the ship channel, driving economic growth and job creation in the region.

Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, the Houston Ship Channel has continued to evolve, accommodating larger vessels and expanding its infrastructure to meet the demands of global trade. Its existence has been central to Houston's development into a major international city, with the port serving as a key economic engine. The channel's opening in 1914 not only transformed Houston's physical landscape but also its economic trajectory, establishing a legacy of connectivity, commerce, and prosperity that endures today.

Famous People From Houston

Kathy Whitmire (1946–present): First female Mayor of Houston.

Early Life and Entry into Public Service (1946-1977)

Kathy Whitmire was born in 1946 in Houston, Texas, and grew up in a city on the cusp of significant social and economic change. After completing her education, earning a degree in accounting from the University of Houston, Whitmire embarked on a career that would lead her into the heart of public service. Her early work in the city's finance department provided her with a deep understanding of municipal operations and the challenges facing Houston.

City Controller and Fiscal Reforms (1977-1981)

Whitmire's foray into elected office began when she became Houston's City Controller in 1977, a position she held until 1981. In this role, Whitmire established herself as a competent and innovative fiscal manager, implementing reforms that enhanced the efficiency and transparency of the city's financial operations. Her tenure as Controller set the stage for her groundbreaking mayoral campaign.

Historic Mayoral Tenure (1982-1991)

In 1981, Kathy Whitmire made history by becoming the first female Mayor of Houston, shattering a significant glass ceiling in the city's political landscape. During her tenure, which spanned five terms until 1991, Whitmire faced the challenges of a major economic downturn, particularly the oil bust of the 1980s, with resilience and foresight. She championed economic diversification, infrastructure improvements, and strengthened public safety and health services, guiding Houston through a period of transformation and laying the groundwork for its future growth.

Connection to Houston (Throughout Career)

Houston was not only Whitmire's birthplace and home but also the beneficiary of her visionary leadership. Her policies and initiatives reflected a deep commitment to the city's welfare and progress. Under her guidance, Houston navigated through economic challenges to emerge as a more vibrant, diverse, and economically stable metropolis. Whitmire's legacy in Houston is characterized by her role as a trailblazer for women in politics and a leader whose policies fostered the city's development.

Post-Mayoral Career and Influence (1991-present)

After leaving office, Whitmire continued to be involved in various civic and professional endeavors, including roles in academia and consulting. Though less in the public eye, her influence on Houston's political and social fabric remained significant. Whitmire's career has served as an inspiration for future generations of leaders, particularly women in politics, demonstrating the impact of dedicated public service and visionary leadership.

Legacy and Recognition (Ongoing)

Kathy Whitmire's place in Houston's history is secure, not only as its first female mayor but also as a leader who navigated the city through challenging times with determination and innovative policies. Her contributions to Houston's economic resilience, infrastructure modernization, and the promotion of diversity and inclusivity in city government continue to be recognized and celebrated.

Key Achievements:

• Became Houston's first female Mayor, serving five terms from 1982 to 1991.

• Implemented significant fiscal and policy reforms that contributed to Houston's economic diversification and stability.

• Pioneered initiatives to improve public safety, health services, and infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for Houstonians.

Summary:

Kathy Whitmire's journey from a dedicated public servant to the first female Mayor of Houston is a testament to her commitment to the city and its people. Through periods of economic hardship and change, Whitmire's leadership was characterized by innovation, resilience, and a forward-looking vision that helped transform Houston into a leading American city. Her legacy as a trailblazer and as a mayor who left a lasting imprint on Houston's development continues to inspire and resonate, underscoring the enduring impact of her tenure on the city's history and future.

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

Poll