Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Ashton Woods plans 1K Pflugerville homes.

• NASCAR strips Dillon's playoff berth.

• A deep-dive into the life of Sarah Weddington.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Books are the mirrors of the soul."

– Virginia Woolf

Sponsored

Renewal by Andersen Summer Savings Event Is Here: Buy One, Get One 40% Off + $200 Off Your Order!

Ready to transform your home? Invest in beautiful, energy-efficient windows from Renewal by Andersen^®. For a limited time, you’ll receive Buy One, Get One 40% Off + $200 off your order¹, and enjoy the benefits of increased comfort, lower energy bills, and enhanced curb appeal. Get your free quote!

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 Austin street is famous for its eclectic mix of coffee shops, boutiques, and mural art, representing the city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird”?

A) South Congress Avenue

B) North Loop

C) Guadalupe Street

D) East 6th Street

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic district known for its Victorian homes and lush gardens is D) Old West Austin.

News

💼Business

Ashton Woods plans almost 1K more homes in Pflugerville. (link)

Journal Profile: Brett Rhode shapes Austin's skyline with high-effort designs. (link)

🏒Sports

Texas State hires former Longhorns baseball coach for assistant role. (link)

NASCAR strips Austin Dillon of playoff berth after he wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin for win at Richmond. (link)

🏦Finance

Developers behind Leander's lagoon project appear to owe millions to contractors. (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

⚾ Round Rock Express vs. Oklahoma City Baseball Club
Dell Diamond, Round Rock, TX
Tuesday, Aug 27th | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚾ Round Rock Express vs. Oklahoma City Baseball Club
Dell Diamond, Round Rock, TX
Wednesday, Aug 28th | 7:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Eric Gales w/ Mathias Lattin
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Monday, Aug 26th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Shawn James
The Parish Room - TX, Austin, TX
Wednesday, Aug 28th | 8:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎪 Art Adventures
15001 Wells Port Dr, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Aug 27th | 5:00 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 “Austin 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.

Austin Historical Events

1962 - Austin Aqua Festival begins.

In 1962, the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, came alive with the commencement of the Austin Aqua Festival. This annual celebration, which began in 1962, quickly became a beloved tradition that brought the community together in a spirit of fun and festivity. The festival was a colorful extravaganza that featured a wide array of water-themed events, including boat races, water parades, and aquatic competitions, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the city's natural waterways. The Austin Aqua Festival captured the essence of Austin's unique culture and served as a testament to the city's deep connection to its water-centric heritage.

As the festival gained popularity, it attracted visitors from near and far, drawing attention to Austin's rich cultural tapestry and its commitment to preserving its natural resources. The Austin Aqua Festival became a platform for local artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents, adding an artistic flair to the festivities. The event also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation, promoting awareness of water conservation and sustainability practices. Through its engaging and entertaining programs, the festival fostered a sense of community pride and unity, making it a cherished part of Austin's identity.

Over the years, the Austin Aqua Festival evolved into a cherished tradition that symbolized the city's love for its waterways and its vibrant community spirit. The festival's legacy lives on as a testament to Austin's enduring commitment to celebrating its cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Austin Aqua Festival continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Austinites, serving as a reminder of the city's colorful past and its bright future.

Famous People From Austin

Sarah Weddington (1945-2021) - Attorney, represented Jane Roe in Roe v. Wade

Sarah Weddington, the esteemed attorney who represented Norma McCorvey in the landmark Roe v. Wade case, passed away on December 26, 2021, at the age of 76. Her legacy as a trailblazing advocate for women's rights and reproductive health continues to inspire generations.

Early Life and Education (1945-1967)

Sarah Catherine Ragle Weddington was born on February 5, 1945, in Abilene, Texas. She graduated from McMurry University in 1964, where she laid the foundation for her future career as a passionate advocate for women's rights.

Roe v. Wade Case and Legal Career (1969-1973)

In 1970, Sarah Weddington, at the age of 26, successfully argued the landmark Roe v. Wade case before the U.S. Supreme Court, securing a woman's right to choose abortion. This historic achievement solidified her reputation as a pioneering attorney and advocate for reproductive rights.

Advocacy and Public Service (1974-2002)

Following her groundbreaking success in the Roe v. Wade case, Weddington continued her advocacy for women's rights and reproductive health. She served as an assistant to President Jimmy Carter, focusing on women's issues, and later became a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, where she taught for 28 years.

Legacy and Impact (2003-2021)

Throughout her life, Sarah Weddington's impact on women's rights and reproductive health remained profound. She was the founder of the Weddington Center and held honorary doctorates from several universities. Her dedication to advocacy and education left an indelible mark on the legal and social landscape.

Connection to Austin

Weddington's connection to Austin was significant, as she served as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin for nearly three decades. Her influence extended beyond the courtroom, shaping the minds of future legal professionals and advocates in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas.

Key Achievements of Sarah Weddington:

• Successfully argued the landmark Roe v. Wade case before the U.S. Supreme Court, securing a woman's right to choose abortion.

• Served as an assistant to President Jimmy Carter, focusing on women's issues.

• Founded the Weddington Center and held honorary doctorates from multiple universities.

• Dedicated 28 years to teaching at the University of Texas at Austin, shaping the next generation of legal professionals and advocates.

• Remembered as a trailblazing advocate for women's rights and reproductive health, leaving a lasting impact on the legal and social landscape.

Sarah Weddington's legacy as a pioneering attorney and advocate for women's rights continues to inspire and empower individuals to champion equality and justice. Her contributions to the legal field and society at large have left an enduring mark on history.

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.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll