Thanks a Million

From the Altshulers to the Zales, the state’s top philanthropists support a range of causes but have at least one thing in common: their selflessness.

by Ann Castle

James Michener

He gave millions—and he did it in a novel way.

by James Magnuson

Raymond Nasher

His artful gift to the city of Dallas ensures his legacy.

by Kathryn Jones

The Top 10 Foundations

They give to the neediest Texans.

by Rebecca S. Cohen

What’s Black and White And Red-faced All Over?

The University of Texas at Austin, whose paralysis in response to the Hopwood decision ignited racial tensions. And that was before Lino Graglia said a word.

by Paul Burka

“I’ve Written Enough Fiction”

So says Larry McMurtry, Texas’ best—and best-known— novelist. But that doesn’t mean he’s giving up literature altogether; in fact, his days are quite booked.

by Kathryn Jones

The War on Cedar

It’s unpalatable to cattle, an invader of grasslands, and a water hog. So why can’t I just get rid of it? Because it’s a vegetative Vietnam.

by Joe Nick Patoski

Searching for Santa

This time of year, Yule find him hanging around East Texas: On lawns and roofs, he’s a Claus célèbre.

by Anne Dingus

Lights! Camera! Auction!

All over Texas, smart shoppers are bidding on everything from antiques to airplanes. Join them before the best buys are going, going, gone.

by Suzy Banks

Behind the Lines

School for Scandal

What does the school board scandal say about Dallas?

by Skip Hollandsworth

Film

His Perfect World

Growing up in Longview and Texas City, John Lee Hancock dreamed of a life in the movies. Today, he’s one of L.A.’s hottest screenwriters.

by Stephen Harrigan

Business

Tortilla Flat

A year after she was forced to file for bankruptcy, Houston’s Ninfa Laurenzo is cooking up a way to save her popular restaurant chain.

by Claire Poole

Health

Never Say Die

Can Miller Quarles live forever? The 83-year-old Houstonian hopes so—and he’ll pay $100,000 to anyone who will help him.

by Pamela Colloff

Media

Weekly, Strongly

Why are small-town Texas newspapers thriving? Because unlike big-city dailies, they know their readers, and they give them what they want.

Joe Holley

High Tech

Crime Pays

He hasn’t been able to find his father’s killer, but Austinite David Wheeler’s computer programs are catching lots of other crooks.

by Carol Flake Chapman

Reporter

The Wrong Man

George W. Bush pardoned convicted rapist Kevin Byrd after DNA evidence proved he was the wrong man. How did he get sent to prison in the first place?

by Pamela Colloff

Reporter

Flying Solo

A Houston widower battles TWA.

by Ted C. Oehmke

Reporter

Television

The newest bilingual TV star.

by John Morthland

Reporter

Hog-tied

The Panhandle goes hog wild.

by Joe Holley

T V Talk

Austin, Storied

by Jordan Mackay

The Ex Files

Tommy Tune

by Brian D. Sweany

Face

Ara Celi

by Erin Gromen

Topic A

Brown in Front

by Paul Burka

Low Talk

We and Mrs. Jones

Paula Jones and Texas.

Edited by Evan Smith

Hot Box

CD and Book Reviews

The Inside Story

Her Home Page Is Her Castle

by Jordan Mackay

Recipe

Hot Chocolate Cake

Last Page

Howard Hughes

Why was Howard Hughes’s plane nicknamed the Spruce Goose?

by Anne Dingus

Roar of the Crowd

Best Western

Why we love West Texas; defending the death penalty.

State Fare

How did the chefs at Dallas’ French Room whip up such a delicious cake? Choc it up to creativity.

by Patricia Sharpe