Best Thing in Texas
September 25, 2023
We Salute the Houston Woman Who Solved a 40,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
It took her almost four years.
Houston
Sports
September 21, 2023
When Hockey Great Gordie Howe Turned Houston Into “Howeston”
Fifty years ago, the Houston Aeros stunned the hockey world by bringing the 45-year-old Howe out of retirement to play with two of his sons.
Sports
September 20, 2023
The “Battle of the Sexes” Sparked 50 Years of Sports Progress
Billie Jean King's 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs at the Houston Astrodome capped off a summer of momentous change led by the tennis great.
Libations
September 19, 2023
Black Winery Owners in Texas Hope to Leave a Legacy for Future Generations
Fewer than one percent of the country’s wineries are Black-owned, but these entrepreneurs are hoping to change the statistic.
Health
September 19, 2023
Anti-Science Views Are Literally Killing Us, Peter Hotez Warns
In his new book, the Houston infectious disease expert raises the alarm about those who tout debunked claims about vaccines.
Food & Drink
September 18, 2023
Texas Restaurants Lead the Way in National Best-of Lists
‘Food & Wine,’ ‘Bon Appétit,’ the 'New York Times,' and ‘Southern Living’ recognized spots in Austin, Houston, and Lexington as the best of the best when it comes to dining.
Health
September 14, 2023
Racism Persists in Health Care. This Houston Bioethicist Aims to Change That.
At UTHealth’s McGovern Center, Keisha Ray works to combat the biases that lead to worse outcomes for Black patients.
Business
September 11, 2023
Why Texas Is the New Center of Gravity for Luxury Hotels
Exclusive: Auberge Resorts plans a posh new hotel in Houston, one of five properties it will operate around the state.
By Tom Foster![Tom Foster's Profile Photo]()
Sports
September 7, 2023
The Houston Astros Still Run Texas Baseball
After a dominant three-game sweep of AL West rival the Texas Rangers, the Astros are gaining momentum for another MLB playoff run.
Health
September 7, 2023
Healthy Eating May Turn Your Gut Bacteria Into Cancer-Fighting Heroes
Recent research out of Dallas and Houston highlights the “science-fictionlike” power of your body’s microbiome—and a high-fiber diet.
Books
September 7, 2023
How “America’s Best University President” Rose From the Cotton Fields of East Texas
In her new memoir, ‘Up Home,’ Ruth J. Simmons details how she defied the constraints of her segregated childhood and turned her humble origins into the key to her success.
Sports
September 1, 2023
The Oilers’ Iconic Baby Blue Is Back in Houston—At Least for the Cougars
The University of Houston is reclaiming the “Love Ya Blue” colors made famous by Earl Campbell and Warren Moon for the Cougars’ Big 12 debut.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Sports
August 30, 2023
What the Texas Big 12 Football Coaches’ Favorite Musicians Tell Us About Them
Sark bangs Tupac, the Baylor and TCU coaches pump themselves up with Dave Matthews Band, and guess who loves Post Malone?
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Style & Design
August 24, 2023
What Makes “American Royals” Novelist Katharine McGee Feel Like a Princess
The author spends her days envisioning the U.S. as a modern monarchy. Here are the tools that help her do it.
Recipes
August 21, 2023
Brisket Salad
Ever wish the barbecue main and side would get together? In this dish, you get meaty, smoky goodness and a hefty dose of greens all in one bite.
Energy
August 15, 2023
We’re All Living in the World Enron Created
When the go-go Houston corporation collapsed in spectacular fashion, it became a punch line across the nation. But some of the bad guys had the last laugh.
By Mimi Swartz![Mimi Swartz's Profile Photo]()
The Texanist
August 15, 2023
The Texanist: What Happens to College Sports Mascots When They Die?
The California parent of a UT freshman wonders about Bevo’s ultimate fate when the final whistle blows.
Politics & Policy
August 14, 2023
Houston Is Young and Dynamic. Its Next Leader Won’t Be.
The leading candidates for Houston mayor are two septuagenarians: state senator John Whitmire and U.S. congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. What happened to the city of the future?
Health
August 14, 2023
Here’s the Story of One of the Millions of Texans Who Have No Medical Insurance
More than one in six Texans lack health insurance, the highest rate in the country. Behind the statistics are countless human beings experiencing unnecessary suffering.
Art
August 8, 2023
Meet Artist Nestor Topchy, the Mad Genius Hidden in Houston Heights
Behind a rim of freeze-dried giant bamboo and scraggly trees, in a Houston Heights neighborhood caught between old apartments and new townhomes, lies the compound that has been artist Nestor Topchy’s laboratory for twenty-odd years. His place is a natural habitat for wildlife and his own wildest dreams; if there could
Travel & Outdoors
August 3, 2023
Why Texans Should Log Off and Touch Grass
Gardening brings us together, even as culture wars divide us over almost everything else.
Politics & Policy
August 3, 2023
Ken Paxton Managed to Delay His Trial on Securities Fraud Charges for Eight Years. Now It’s Coming Home to Roost.
The state Senate’s vote on Paxton’s impeachment will proceed independently from his criminal case. But the outcomes are interlinked.
Sports
July 31, 2023
The Texas Rangers Went All In at the Trade Deadline. Will the Houston Astros Follow?
A blockbuster deal for Max Scherzer is intended to shore up the Rangers' pitching rotation and keep the team atop the American League West standings.
Critters
July 25, 2023
Emerald Ash Borers Are Decimating Texas Trees. Wasps Might Help Defeat Them.
As the invasive beetle carves a path through Texas, state and federal officials are searching for solutions.
Sports
July 24, 2023
Texas’s Pro Ultimate Teams Try to Break Through With Hometown Charm
In the American Ultimate Disc League, players don’t make millions, they don’t argue with referees, and they never, ever say “Frisbee.”
Music
July 24, 2023
Big Pokey Was Houston’s Hip-hop Sensei. These Are His Five Greatest Raps.
Pokey, who died in June at age 48, was a founding member of the Screwed Up Click—and Houston’s distinct rap sound.
Film & TV
July 21, 2023
Hollywood Is on Strike. These Texas Film and TV Productions Have Permission to Keep Filming.
As of July 19, SAG-AFTRA has granted waivers allowing 45 projects to keep rolling, many of them in Texas.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Travel
July 12, 2023
These Booked-Up Hotels Offer Literary Respites
Guests-only libraries and themed bars beckon lovers of the written word to these three Texas hotels.
Food & Drink
July 10, 2023
Trill Burgers Is as ‘Houston’ as a Restaurant Can Get
Noted for having the "best burger in America," this joint hosts Space City royalty, with affable, determined co-owner and rapper Bun B holding court.
Sports
July 7, 2023
Where Do the Astros Keep Finding These Unsung Heroes?
The injury-depleted Astros should be having a nightmare season. But surprise performances from little-known players have kept Houston winning.
Business
July 6, 2023
You May All Go to Hell, and I Will Go to the TexasLand Theme Park
“You don’t even need Disney or Universal. Texas itself is its own brand,” says Lizzy McGee, who is working to bring a Lone Star–centric amusement park to Houston.
Style & Design
July 5, 2023
16 Tours of Landmark Texas Homes for Voyeurs and History Buffs
Here’s how to get a peek inside the glitziest, most charming homes in the state, all while helping raise money for preservation efforts.
Style & Design
June 29, 2023
An Intricate Reed Structure With Ancient History Comes to Houston
Archaeology and architecture groups banded together to bring a mudhif, a town hall for the Marsh Arab tribe of Iraq, to Rice University.
Sports
June 28, 2023
Like So Many All-time Greats, Simone Biles Can’t Stay Away
The seven-time Olympic medalist will return to competition this summer, according to USA Gymnastics.
Film & TV
June 27, 2023
‘SpongeBob’ Fans Believe Sandy Cheeks Is From Houston. They’re Wrong.
H-Town is the cartoon character’s alleged hometown, but she seems more like a Conroe gal to me.
News & Politics
June 22, 2023
Welcome to Houston’s No-Longer-Independent School District
The Texas Education Agency just took over the state’s largest school system. Parents and teachers are furious. But some city leaders insist that, after decades of poor performance by HISD, disruption is necessary.
Politics & Policy
June 22, 2023
“The Most Abusive Environment I’ve Ever Worked In”: Former Employees of a State Legislator Tell All
Two high-profile workplace complaints made headlines at the Capitol this year, but insiders say others against Houston representative Shawn Thierry have been ignored.
Film & TV
June 20, 2023
For One Special Year, America’s First LGBTQ Cable Show Aired in Texas
'TV Montrose,' the lightning-in-a-bottle production that aired from 1998–1999, is being digitized by the University of Houston Special Collections Library.
Texas History
June 20, 2023
What Hurricane Harvey Taught Us (and Didn’t Teach Us)
Six years ago, the mother of all storms arrived and brought home a lesson too many of us have refused to learn: our penchant for bravely adapting to circumstances has its limits.
By Mimi Swartz![Mimi Swartz's Profile Photo]()
Meanwhile, in Texas
June 16, 2023
Meanwhile, in Texas: Raccoons Transferred Into an Austin High School
Plus, a Houston bakery added a family-size croissant to its menu and a man fleeing from the police decided he was really, really hungry.
Politics & Policy
June 16, 2023
A German Flag Went Missing in WWII. It Was Recently Found in Houston—Then Went Missing Again.
The treasured banner was discovered in a Texas gun store, sparking questions about the repatriation of artifacts.
Made in Texas
June 14, 2023
A Physician Assistant Creates Small Worlds on Intricate Clay Earrings
Anna Simmers unwinds from long days at MD Anderson Cancer Center by bringing cityscapes, flowers, and art masterpieces to life.
Health
June 8, 2023
The Big Penis War
The inventor of the world’s first cosmetic penile implant says a group of Houston doctors is trying to steal his ideas. Inside the multimillion-dollar feud.
Food & Drink
June 6, 2023
Despite One Win, It Was a Slow Night for Texas at the 2023 James Beard Awards
The highlight of the event was Benchawan Jabthong Painter, of Houston Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen, winning Best Chef: Texas, but no other Texas finalists made it to the podium.
Style & Design
June 2, 2023
These Women Are Breaking Texas’s Craft Brewery Glass Ceiling
When four NASA technicians decided to swap large-scale missions to space for small-batch experimental beers, they wanted a brewery taproom that reflected their shared history of working in the space industry. The result, True Anomaly Brewing, in Houston’s East Downtown, is a “launchpad for fermented
Sports
May 25, 2023
Could It Be? A Playoff Race Brewing Between Texas MLB Teams?
After six dreadful years, the Texas Rangers are on top of the American League West—with the Houston Astros just two games behind.
Film & TV
May 25, 2023
Did Junk Science Help Candy Montgomery Get Away With Murder?
Hypnosis played a critical role in the real-life case depicted in Max’s ‘Love & Death.’ But was it good science? Here’s what the experts say.
By Michael Hall![Michael Hall's Profile Photo]()
BBQ
May 25, 2023
This Smoke-Centric Steakhouse Serves a Fancy Beef Rib That Melds French Cooking With Texas Barbecue
Andiron in Houston isn't a typical steakhouse. With a wide-ranging menu and a healthy dose of smoke, it embraces a more modern approach.
BBQ Joint Reviews
May 24, 2023
This Houston Joint Broke Our Brains by Loading Boudin Like a Barbecue Baked Potato
Houston joint Guillory’s Bar-B-Que is just daring enough to pile meat on top of meat, in addition to serving Beaumont-style beef links.
News & Politics
May 23, 2023
Move Over, Austin: Fort Worth Is the New Texas Boomtown
The 2022 census update, released late last week, indicates growth in Austin and Fort Worth—as well as the Texas suburbs—isn’t slowing down.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()