Austin, TX
Texas Independence Day is here! Celebrate with these 25+ classic Texas hobbies
Whether you’re a native Texan or just passing through, here’s a list of very stereotypical things to do here. How many can you check off today?
Today is Texas Independence Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate the Lone Star State than by indulging in some classic Texas traditions.
Whether you’re a born-and-raised Texan or just here for the festivities, here’s a list of activities that capture the true spirit of Texas. How many can you check off before the day is done?
Why is Texas Independence Day celebrated?
Texas Independence Day, celebrated annually on March 2, marks the anniversary of when Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836. On this day, delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, officially breaking away from Mexican rule and establishing the Republic of Texas.
The republic remained independent for nearly 10 years before joining the United States in 1845. The day is significant in Texas history because it represents the state’s unique path to statehood and its fiercely independent identity.
Classic things to do in Texas
While we recognize some of these are more plausible than others, this is only a compilation of classic Texas activities. Remember, the goal is to cram in as many as possible to celebrate the Lone Star State’s independence.
- Eat barbecue in Lockhart
- Visit the Alamo in San Antonio
- Dance at Gruene Hall
- Eat a kolache from West, Texas
- Go to a rodeo
- Visit the Stockyards in Fort Worth and watch the twice-daily cattle drive
- Visit the Texas Capitol in Austin
- Go two-stepping at Billy Bob’s Texas
- Host a backyard barbecue
- Enjoy a meal along the River Walk in San Antonio
- Explore Big Bend National Park
- Visit the Magnolia Market in Waco
- Float a river
- Go wine tasting in Fredericksburg
- Visit the Fort Worth Zoo
- Watch bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin
- Order a Shiner Bock on draft
- Visit the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas
- Go horseback riding
- Eat Blue Bell ice cream
- Take a scenic drive through Hill Country
- Savor a late-night Whataburger
- Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Go stargazing at the McDonald Observatory
- Eat at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo
- Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas
- Visit the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station
- Drink a Dr Pepper — or maybe two
- Eat on the patio of Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth
Austin, TX
Antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island fell by half in 2025, ADL says
There was a significant reduction in the number of antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island in 2025, according to a national Jewish advocacy group.
According to the Anti-Defamation League’s latest Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, there were 26 antisemitic incidents in the state last year. That’s down from the 52 incidents counted by the group in 2024.
Samantha Joseph, New England regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, says a big reason for the reduction is a steep decline in antisemitism on college campuses.
“It shows that campus administrators are taking their responsibilities very seriously to provide a safe environment for all of their students,” said Joseph.
Brown University had over $500 million in federal funding frozen by the Trump administration last year following investigations into alleged antisemitism on campus. The funding was restored after Brown reached a settlement with the administration.
The reduction in antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island reflects a wider trend in New England as a whole. According to the ADL’s report, there were 400 antisemitic incidents in the region in 2025, compared to 638 the previous year.
While she’s pleased about the overall drop in antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island, Joseph says a number of concerning trends continue to persist. In particular, the state is still seeing more anti-Jewish incidents than it did prior to the October 7 attacks on Israel that launched the Gaza War in 2023.
Joseph is also concerned about the violent nature of local incidents of antisemitism.
“Even though overall incidents are down, assaults are up and assaults with a deadly weapon are up significantly,” said Joseph. “Our communities remain concerned for their safety, and our work is far from done.”
Austin, TX
Live blog: Severe thunderstorms possible in Central Texas
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday evening as a cold front arrives in Central Texas. KXAN’s First Warning Weather Team will keep you updated on the weather coverage.
Risks to be aware of are damaging wind gusts that could reach as high as 60 to 75 mph and large hail up to quarter size.
Weather Resources:
Live Updates:
5:22 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued for all counties except for Milam County.
3:51 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Mason, San Saba, and Lampasas County until 9:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.: The primary risk for Sunday’s severe weather is damaging wind gusts which could cause power outages.
3:26 p.m.: Storms will likely move toward the I-35 corridor around 6 p.m. Most of the storms will enter the Hill Country around 6 p.m. and the Austin metro counties after 8 p.m.
Austin, TX
Letter to the editor from Texas emeritus professor on Dell donation
Video of new Texas Tech System chancellor home at historic Lubbock property
The Texas Tech System is acquiring the historic Tudor Revival ‘English Home’ in Lubbock to serve as the new chancellor’s residence.
Money and rankings don’t make a great university. Providing opportunities for disadvantaged students and protecting academic freedom, however, do.
Case in point: Michael and Susan Dell recently surpassed $1 billion in giving to the University of Texas at Austin, launching a plan to build a new medical center and advanced research campus in north Austin.
To be sure, this is a magnanimous gift that will fund important initiatives. While enormously grateful for this contribution, I am disappointed that this gift was not accompanied with a strong message from Michael Dell admonishing the University for gutting DEI and infringing upon academic freedom.
As a colleague of mine astutely observed: “Good luck recruiting doctors and med students. The attacks on DEI and political climates will mean a lot more than rankings and money long-term.”
UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife, referencing the Dell gift, is right: “We are transforming this site into a new campus the world has never seen before.” Yes, never seen, but in a very negative and dangerous way!
Last week, I received a message from the Texas Exes: “This is your last chance to show your support during 40 Hours for the Forty Acres, UT Austin’s Texas-sized fundraising event. Can we count on you?”
My answer: “No, absolutely not. I won’t give one dime to a university that no longer is committed to diversity and preserving academic freedom.”
Having proudly taught at UT for 41 years, I am sad to say this.
– Richard Cherwitz, Ph.D. is the Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor Emeritus, Moody College of Communication and Founding Director, Intellectual Entrepreneurship Consortium (IE) at The University of Texas at Austin.
How to share a letter to the editor
Want to share your voice in the A-J? We’d love for you to contribute to the thoughtful and civil conversation. Please send us a letter to the editor by emailing us at newmedia@lubbockonline.com or through mail: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 710 Avenue J, Lubbock, TX 79401. Please keep submissions to around 250 words or less.
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