This Week in Texas: Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Posted August 31, 2016 in The Mignon Memo

Texas loses a state treasure. Nelda LaneyNelda Laney, wife of former five-term Speaker of the Texas House Pete Laney, passed away last week and will be sorely missed across the state. A native of Hale Center, Nelda was often lauded as the “First Lady of West Texas” and was integral to the Texas Capitol restoration in the 1990’s. Former President George Bush remembers Nelda as a “dear friend” to him and former first lady Laura Bush, especially during his time as Governor.  To read more…

Rick Perry two-steps his way to “Dancing with the Stars” Rick perry dance

Former Governor Rick Perry joins the 23rd season line-up of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”. Tune in for the season premiere on September 12th to watch Perry compete against Olympic gold medalists Ryan Lochte and Laurie Hernandez, as well as rapper Vanilla Ice. Perry follows in the dancing shoes of former majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tom DeLay (R-Sugarland) who appeared on the show in its ninth season. To read more…

UT students protest campus carry with what?protest stillWhen classes resumed last week, students took to the heart of campus to protest campus carry laws with something just as out of place: sex toys. Protest organizers distributed thousands of colorful adult toys, which students were then to carry openly to class, demonstrating that guns could similarly stifle class discussion. To read more…

Only in Austin…capitol ornamentThe 2016 Capitol ornament has been unveiled. The ornaments are an ode to Nelda Laney, who founded the commemorative Christmas ornament program to raise money for the State Preservation Board. This year’s ornament pays homage to the 20+ feet trees that have decorated the Texas Capitol entrance each holiday season since 1914. Get yours today! To read more…