The 501

Body COMMENTARYof a wheeler-dealer. Me, I got the not-a-wheeler-dealer gene.Mother always said Daddy actually liked giving the other guy the best end of the deal. Daddy walked on high moral ground.Not me. I’m just not a good haggler. I’ll admit it.

National Flower Day

Body CUISINE & CULTUREGardeners have two celebrations to look forward to this week. This year National Flower Day falls on Saturday, March 21, which is the spring equinox, the first official day of spring.

An eye on government can track taxpayer money, expose wrongdoing

Body COMMENTA R Y | CONTACTSunshine week 2026 in TexasFREEDOM OF INFORMATION FOUNDATION OFTEXASAs we watch over our government, it’s often about the money.Are taxpayer dollars being spent wisely on social programs, road projects and employee pay?

A little help from my friends

Body Shed a Little Light SUE JANE SULLIVANUpon the occasion of turning 70 this week, I am turning to some of my literary friends whose words continue to serve as companion and counsel.

Primary turnout smashes recent midterm records

Body AUSTIN— Nearly 4.5 million Texans voted in the Democratic and Republican primaries, according to The Texas Tribune, surpassing recent turnout numbers. A total of 2.3 million ballots were cast in the Democratic primary and 2.

SMITH

Body TUMBLEWEEDAs the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the Lone StarStateandbringsthemintothehomesandheartsofthousands.

Corned beef–and– cabbage shepherd’s pie

Body CUISINE & CULTURE | ANGELINA@ANGELINALARUE.COMI love the traditional ingredients in shepherd’s pie. However, adapting the method for making this European entrée using corned beef and cabbage instead gives it a whole new flavor profile, and just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

The 501

Body COMMENTARYGet ready for the mystical hippies.A Facebook post first alerted me to the trend. Here it is: “Hey y’all I’m newish to the area and looking to change my whole vibe and wardrobe. I’m looking for a mystical hippie vibe type wardrobe.

Potato varieties are important

Body CUISINE & CULTUREMid-March is the target date for planting seed potatoes. It is the cool season “white” potato (Solanum tuberosum) and not the warm season sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) that is planted in the spring.

Texans urged to heed travel warnings about Mexico

Body AUSTIN— Texans planning to travel to Mexico or currently visiting there are urged to closely follow warnings from the U.S. Department of State, which advises U.S. citizens to not travel to the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.