Everyone expected Clark Kent Ervin to parlay his loyal Bush Republicanism into big things in Washington. Which is why his sudden exit from the Department of Homeland Security was so surprising.

South from Amarillo to Tulia, east to Turkey, west to Silverton, and north, through Palo Duro Canyon, to Amarillo.

West from Dripping Springs to Johnson City, south to Blanco, southeast to Fischer, east to Wimberley, and north to Dripping Springs.

North from Lufkin to Nacogdoches, east to San Augustine, southwest to Zavalla, west to Diboll, and north to Lufkin.

Yes, I am one of those parents, the sort who takes his perfectly contented ten-year-old out of a relaxed neighborhood softball league and propels her into the hypercompetitive world of youth tournament sports. But you know what? It’s what Maisie wanted.

No one in McAllen saw Irene Garza leave Sacred Heart that night in 1960. The next morning, her car was still parked down the street from the church. She never came home.

South from Alpine to Study Butte, west to Presidio, north to Marfa, and east to Alpine.

Developing my twisted sense of humor was a family affair.

The House botches school finance.

How the cosmetically challenged among us manage to save face.

Why Texas could lose the biotech revolution—and end up, once again, an economic also-ran.

Is the Texan who oversaw Abu Ghraib a hero, a villain, or both?

Bluebonnet burglars, beware?

The Panhandle DA known statewide for his zeal in busting drug dealers and abusers turns out to have been an addict. Prosecutor, heal thyself.

Cool rockin’ mommy.

Brent Humphreys, Pamela Colloff, and Sarah Bird

“I knew immediately that they’d be serving ice water in hell about the same time I’d be cast in [Sideways].”