This Ain’t Our First Rodeo
Barrel racing, mutton bustin’, and bull riding are just some of the many events you can catch at one of Texas’ many rodeos. Recognized as the official sport of Texas, the history of rodeos in the Lone Star State dates much further back than its official proclamation by the Texas Legislature 25 years ago. The […]
Deep in the Heart of Valentine, Texas
With heart-shaped decorations popping up across storefronts throughout our state, Valentine’s Day is upon us. While the history and traditions behind this holiday date back many centuries, you won’t find anywhere that honors Valentine’s Day quite like the small West Texas town that shares the same name. Nestled between Marfa and Van Horn, the city […]
Texas, Our Texas (Flag)
“Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.” Children across our state recite this pledge at the start of every school day. Placing their right hands over their hearts, they take a moment to pause and appreciate the independent spirit of our beloved Lone Star State. […]
Cooking Up Some Good Luck
As festive carols fill the winter air, candles are lit in celebration, and seasonal dishes are shared by loved ones, this time of year is always marked by joyous holiday traditions. With 2022 on the horizon, resolutions for the year ahead are on the mind for many of us. While there are many ways to […]
Welcoming the Chili Weather
Chili is a staple of Texas cuisine. Many of us know it as a warm bowl of joy on a crisp fall evening and a great way to gather family and friends around the dinner table. In fact, on May 11, 1977, chili was adopted as the state dish of Texas by the Legislature. Will […]
Well, I’ll bee! It’s National Honey Bee Day
National Honey Bee Day, which falls on August 21st this year, is the perfect time to pay homage to all of the black and yellow striped pollinators out there, from Buzz the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee to the honey bees we see buzzing above blooming Texas sunflowers. On the third Saturday in August every year, […]
National Day of the Cowboy: Remembering the Cowboys Behind the Saga of Lonesome Dove
Keep your saddle oiled and your gun greased because the “National Day of the Cowboy” – the fourth Saturday in July – is finally here. This day celebrates the lasting legacies of the cowboys that pioneered the American West as they worked cattle, beginning after the Civil War in the heart of Texas. If you’ve […]
Texas Times: Flag Day
It’s summertime in Texas, a season saturated with patriotic pride. We observed Memorial Day in May, honoring those in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. Next month, we’ll celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, smokers and grills as we reflect on how proud we are to call ourselves […]
An Annual Tradition: Sen. Cornyn’s Texas Service Academy Send-Off
“Honor, respect, strength, and fortitude.” The embodiment of what it means to be an American. That’s how Matthew, one of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point’s newest cadets, describes his uncle, a retired Colonel who inspired him to serve in the military. Luke P., who will report to the U.S. Naval Academy this summer, […]
Birding Has Blossomed
An old saying tells us that if a bird poops on your head, it’s a sign of good luck. Well, lucky or not, Texans have a higher chance of this occurrence than most. Birding has really taken flight in our great state, and April in particular is the perfect time to spot one of the […]
Texas’s February Freeze Showed Our State’s True Character
In the face of hardship, I’m always in awe of the way Texans show up for one another.We’ve seen countless inspiring stories of “Texans helping Texans” in the past, and during last month’s winter storms, Texans stepped up to help their neighbors once again in ways big and small. There are stories like that of […]
Do You Know the Third Most Spoken Language in Texas?
Sometimes I have some fun stumping my colleagues in Congress with Texas trivia. Do you know the third most spoken language in Texas? Most quickly count out English and Spanish on their fingers, but they always scratch their heads at number three. The answer won’t come as a surprise to Houstonians who have stopped for […]
The Ballad of Bee Cave Bob: Groundhog Day with a Texas Twist
We all know the story. On February 2nd, people come from all over to gather and watch a diminutive critter crawl out into the sun. If he sees his shadow? Six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring begins. But we’re not talking about a groundhog from a small town in Pennsylvania who can […]
Christmas Will Continue
With Hanukkah recently concluded and Christmas just around the corner, we’re all gearing up to celebrate the holidays the best we can. While the pandemic bars some of our usual traditions, it’s no surprise that Texans are working hard to keep the Christmas spirit alive and doing their part to spread only joy this season. […]
An Elite Club: Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Recipients Will Lead the Way
Uncertainty and weighty decisions plague the near future. Texans are hurting from the coronavirus and the pandemic’s many consequences. But – let’s have hope – I’m here to tell you our future is bright. This time of year I’m reminded of how smart, driven, and compassionate the next generation of young Texans are. Our future […]