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Best Thing In Texas

Reminders of why we love our state so much

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court after defeating the Phoenix Suns 123-90 in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals.
Best Thing In Texas

How ’Bout Them Mavs?

An all-time-great game seven offers a hint of how high Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks can fly in the 2022 NBA playoffs.

Dan Solomon

By Dan Solomon

Preston Nguyen World Food Championships
Best Thing In Texas |
May 6, 2022

A 19-Year-Old Arlingtonian Might Be the Best Chef in the World

At the World Food Championships’ Final Table last weekend, Dallas College student Preston Nguyen took the top prize.

By Dan Solomon

Q&A with Twitter's Taco Dad
Best Thing In Texas |
April 12, 2022

Meet Taco Dad, the Viral Visionary Behind the “Travel Taco”

Corpus Christi's Roberto Ruiz elaborates on his Twitter-beloved plan for a half-crimped, half-open taco that won't deposit guisada all over your lap.

By José R. Ralat

Karaoke hero at Spurs game
Best Thing In Texas |
April 4, 2022

We Loved Every Second of This Spurs Fan’s Epic Jumbotron Lip-synch

San Antonio’s Briana Saldaña brought her A-game (with a little help from Kelly Clarkson).

By Dan Solomon

Elgin teen gets new Chevy truck from Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet
Best Thing In Texas |
March 28, 2022

The Teen Who Drove Through a Tornado Got a New Truck (and a Job Offer From Whataburger)

Elgin's Riley Leon survived a harrowing encounter with a tornado. Now the community is getting him back on his feet.

By Dan Solomon

Best Thing In Texas |
February 11, 2022

An NFL Star Took a Grieving Pflugerville Girl to the Father-Daughter Dance

Philadelphia Eagles safety Anthony Harris flew to Austin to help lift the spirits of eleven-year-old Audrey Soape on a difficult day.

By Dan Solomon

James Vaughn Fermat's Theorem
Best Thing In Texas |
February 1, 2022

The Secret Story of the Texas Philanthropist Who Helped Solve Math’s Toughest Riddle

Fermat’s last theorem went unsolved for more than 350 years—and the role of the Tyler oil heir who funded its 1994 solution was largely unknown until this week.

By Dan Solomon

Big Year birding Tiffany Kersten
Best Thing In Texas |
January 10, 2022

A Rio Grande Valley Woman Just Broke the U.S. Record for Most Birds Spotted in a Year

Tiffany Kersten saw 726 species in 48 states, setting a new record for the mind-boggling achievement birders call a Big Year.

By Will McCarthy

Missing tortoise comes home Daniel Guerrero
Best Thing In Texas |
December 17, 2021

Diego the San Marcos Tortoise Comes Home After 38 Days on the Lam

This is a reunion we all can shellebrate.

By Cat Cardenas

Best Things in Texas 2021
Best Thing In Texas |
December 14, 2021

The Best Things in Texas, 2022

2021 may not have been the best of times, but thanks to countless kindly Texans, it didn’t always feel like the worst either.

By Texas Monthly

The Andrews high school marching band
Best Thing In Texas |
December 9, 2021

In West Texas, a 1,400-Member Marching Band Honored a Fallen Teacher

After a tragic crash killed Andrews High band director Darin Johns, it was unclear if the school’s ensemble would perform in the town’s Christmas parade—until it got a lot of help.

By Dan Solomon

Texas Tech Meat Judging Team
Best Thing In Texas |
November 16, 2021

Texas Tech Just Won Its Third Straight National Championship in Meat Judging

Students, many of whom go on to work in food science, train by spending as much time as possible in a meat locker studying beef carcasses.

By Nick Rallo

Mariah Carey War on Christmas
Best Thing In Texas |
November 2, 2021

Mariah Carey Armors Up Against a Dallas Bar’s War on Christmas

A bar decreed “All I Want for Christmas Is You” non grata, and the queen of Christmas isn’t happy about it.

By Taylor Prewitt

Sister Mary Catherine of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province
Best Thing In Texas |
October 26, 2021

A Divine Presence Could Propel the Astros to a World Series Title

Houston is 2-0 in the MLB postseason with local furniture magnate Mattress Mack's "Rally Nuns" in attendance.

By Ben Moskow

Best Thing In Texas |
September 21, 2021

Demi Adejuyigbe’s Final ‘September’ Video Is a Triumph

The Dallas-raised comedian brings his six-year project to a close (and raises thousands for charity).

By Dan Solomon

Montopolis Texas Workforce Commission Hold Music
Best Thing In Texas |
August 25, 2021

Waiting on Hold to Claim Unemployment Just Got a Little Less Hellish, Thanks to an Austin Band

Composer Justin Sherburn drew on his own experience to write ‘Texas Workforce Commission Hold Music,’ which the agency officially adopted this week.

By Dan Solomon

Lindsay Perry Murphy Goode Winner
Best Thing In Texas |
August 20, 2021

A Wine-Obsessed Austinite Wins the Viral Vineyard Job of a Lifetime

With an Elle Woods–inspired application video, Lindsay Perry bested the competition for a paid position living, learning, and drinking on a California winery.

By Sierra Juarez

Patrick Mahomes Brings Whataburger to Kansas City
Best Thing In Texas |
August 12, 2021

Patrick Mahomes Is Bringing His Love of Whataburger to Kansas City

Most Texans miss Whataburger when they leave the state. Not many of them are in a position to open their own.

By Dan Solomon

Orion Jean at the Race to 500,000 Books drop-off event with Reading Partners in Dallas on June 26, 2021.
Best Thing In Texas |
July 9, 2021

A Fort Worth 10-Year-Old Has Collected 40,000 Books for Kids in Need

Orion Jean has also donated 100,984 meals and 619 toys, making the rest of us look lazy.

By Sierra Juarez

balmorhea swimming hole reopens
Best Thing In Texas |
June 14, 2021

Swimmers, Rejoice: Balmorhea State Park Is Reopening

A West Texas oasis, the world's largest spring-fed pool has been closed for the better part of three years.

By Rose Cahalan

Lufkin Bakery Pride Cookies
Best Thing In Texas |
June 7, 2021

Texans Lined Up to Shop at a Lufkin Bakery After Its Pride-Themed Treats Prompted a Backlash

When a batch of rainbow cookies led to a canceled order, people opened their wallets to support the East Texas shop.

By Cat Cardenas

luka and dirk dallas mavericks
Best Thing In Texas |
May 26, 2021

Luka Dončić and Dirk Nowitzki Had a Moment Last Night

A photo of the Mavs' past and present superstars during Dallas's win over the L.A. Clippers captured an NBA passing of the torch.

By Dan Solomon

Sam Houston State Bearkats and head coach K.C. Keeler celebrate after defeating South Dakota State in the NCAA college FCS Football Championship in Frisco on May 16, 2021.
Best Thing In Texas |
May 18, 2021

Eat ’Em Up, Kats! Sam Houston Wins First Football Championship

The Bearkats are the state’s first FCS winner since the tournament began, and its first NCAA Division I champ since the University of Texas in 2005.

By Jason Cohen

Whooping Crane in the Wetland Along the Gulf Coast in the Aranasas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas
Best Thing In Texas |
April 23, 2021

Whooping Cranes Are Nesting in Texas for the First Time in Over a Century

One of the rarest birds in North America is making a comeback.

By Asher Elbein

dog patches and new owner
Best Thing In Texas |
April 8, 2021

Happy Trails to Patches, the Austin Dog Who Was Adopted After Waiting 1,913 Days

We’re not crying, you’re crying.

By Daniela Perez

Illustration of chess pieces on the UT RGV campus
Best Thing In Texas |
April 6, 2021

UTRGV Just Won Its Third Consecutive National Chess Championship

Bow down to the greatness of the Vaqueros, who are the best in the nation (again).

By Rose Cahalan

best-things-in-texas-texas-volunteers
Best Thing In Texas |
February 22, 2021

The Best Thing in Texas: Everyone Who Helped Us Survive the Winter Storm

Celebrities and regular folk alike came together to offer hot food, clean water, and warm beds.

By Dan Solomon

cat lawyer on zoom
Meanwhile in Texas |
February 9, 2021

“I’m Not a Cat,” Says West Texas Attorney Who Accidentally Applied Zoom Filter

“If the country can have a chuckle at my expense today, I’ll accept it," he says.

By Rose Cahalan

gamestop-stock-texas
Best Thing In Texas |
January 29, 2021

The Best Thing in Texas: A San Antonio Fifth-Grader Cashed Out His GameStop Stock for $3,200

It's a simple victory in an extremely complex story.

By Dan Solomon

bernie sanders texas meme
Best Thing In Texas |
January 21, 2021

The Best Thing in Texas: Bernie Sanders Travels Across the State as a Meme

He’s visited the Alamo, waited in line at Franklin Barbecue, and cheered on the Astros (virtually).

By Rose Cahalan

willie-nelson-covid-vaccine
Best Thing In Texas |
January 15, 2021

The Best Thing in Texas: Willie Got the Vaccine, Y’all

Thank goodness.

By Dan Solomon

A collection of the best things that happened in Texas in 2020
Best Thing In Texas |
December 16, 2020

The Best Things in Texas 2021

Not everything that happened last year was terrible. Here are a few reasons we kept hope alive.

By Texas Monthly

CEO Charles Butt of HEB is one of the Best Things in Texas
Best Thing In Texas |
December 16, 2020

The Best Things in Texas, 2021: H-E-B’s Charles Butt

During a very tough year, no Texas CEO did more—for customers, students, and voters.

By Mimi Swartz

Lina Hidalgo and Chris Hollins helped expand voting in Harris County
Best Thing In Texas |
December 16, 2020

The Best Things in Texas, 2021: Lina Hidalgo and Chris Hollins

In Harris County, two public officials fought off legal challenges to hold a successful election in the middle of a pandemic.

By Michael Hardy

Deshaun-Watson-detriot-lions
Best Thing In Texas |
November 30, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: Detroit Lions Fans Are Donating to Deshaun Watson’s Charity to Thank Him for the Whupping He Gave Their Team

The Lions have been mired in mediocrity—but Deshaun and the Texans may have helped break the fever.

By Dan Solomon

hairless-possum-lubbock-shelter
Best Thing In Texas |
November 24, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: Hundreds of People Are Knitting Tiny Sweaters for a Hairless Possum in Lubbock

Are possums ugly? Not when they’re wearing tiny purple sweaters, they’re not!

By Dan Solomon

Best Thing In Texas |
October 19, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: An Austin Teen Is One of the First Girls in the Nation to Earn the Rank of Eagle Scout

Abby Winkelman, 14, says she hopes her achievement will inspire other girls.

By Emily McCullar

Best Thing In Texas |
August 4, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: Curbside Larry Is the Hero We Need in These Times

We pulled up and opened the trunks of our hearts, and the Harris County Public Library’s instantly iconic pitchman quickly deposited himself inside.

By Dan Solomon

Best-thing-in-texas-willie-signs-masks
Best Thing In Texas |
April 27, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: Willie Nelson Is Autographing the Face Masks People Send Him to Raise Money for More Face Masks

The redheaded stranger is socially distancing—thank you for your concern.

By Dan Solomon

Best-things-in-texas-grandmas-80-birthday
Best Thing In Texas |
April 10, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: A Parade for Mami in San Antonio

When the coronavirus forced 83-year-old Herminia Valdez to quarantine, her family found a creative and safe way to lift her spirits.

By Cat Cardenas

Dad-daughter-dance-during-quarantine
Best Thing In Texas |
March 24, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: Re-creating the Ice Day Challenge From Quarantine

A Dallas family goes viral once again.

By Dan Solomon

Best-thing-in-Texas-HEB-whataburger
Best Thing In Texas |
March 16, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: Whataburger Delivered Food to H-E-B Employees

Two beloved Texas institutions team up in a moment of crisis.

By Dan Solomon

best-things-in-texas-tim-duncan
Best Thing In Texas |
March 4, 2020

The Best Thing in Texas: Tim Duncan Is Undefeated as Head Coach of the Spurs

The former player racked up his first win temporarily coaching the San Antonio team.

By Cat Cardenas

border volunteers
Border & Immigration |
December 18, 2019

The Best Things in Texas: The New Freedom Riders

Volunteers from across Texas, the U.S., and abroad have been making the trek to the border to help immigrants trapped in legal limbo.

By Texas Monthly

best things
Best Thing In Texas |
December 18, 2019

The Best Things in Texas 2020

Last year, countless Texans acted in ways that brought honor to our state—or just made us grin. Here's a look at a few dozen of them.

By Texas Monthly

lizzo
Best Thing In Texas |
December 11, 2019

The Best Things in Texas: The Year of Lizzo

The flute-playing, body-positive, take-no-prisoners breakout star transformed our ideas of what a pop icon looks and sounds like.

By Texas Monthly

best thing in tx sfa duke
Best Thing In Texas |
November 27, 2019

The Best Thing in Texas: The Unranked Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Dramatically Defeat Duke’s Basketball Team

The underdogs beat college ball's powerhouse with an astonishing buzzer beater.

By Dan Solomon

Best Thing In Texas |
October 31, 2019

The Best Thing in Texas: Megan Thee Stallion’s Web Crime Series ‘Hottieween’

Vampires and private investigators loom large in the Houston rapper's spooky new show.

By Emily McCullar

Best Thing In Texas |
October 16, 2019

The Best Thing in Texas: Trae tha Truth, Houston Hero

The rapper continues to lift up those in need in his hometown.

By Dan Solomon

Best Thing In Texas |
October 11, 2019

The Best Thing in Texas: It’s Cold

After the longest summer we can remember, the seasons are finally changing.

By Dan Solomon

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We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations.

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