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Ring of Fire

It was one of the most passionately observed traditions on any college campus in the country. Then, on November 18, 1999, a week before it was scheduled to burn, the Texas A&M Bonfire collapsed in the middle of the night, killing twelve Aggies. Ten years later, as the university continues to wrestle with the tragedy—and debate whether Bonfire should ever return to campus—the students and alumni who chopped logs, hauled timber, and built stack talk about what they saw, what they lost, and how their school was changed forever.
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Below the Surface

Since 1996, a legal battle has raged between ExxonMobil and a powerful South Texas ranching clan that believes the oil company sabotaged wells on the family property. Even after a ruling by the state Supreme Court earlier this year, the bitter feud shows no signs of letting up. Maybe that’s because it’s about something far more important than money.
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With God On Their Side

The decision to abruptly remove 437 children from a fundamentalist Mormon compound in Eldorado sparked the largest custody battle in U.S. history. But now that the last child’s case has been settled and all the kids are back home, a question still lingers: What really happened on the Yearning for Zion Ranch?
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The 50 Greatest Hamburgers In Texas

A gastro-scientific inquiry into the finest burgers in the state that invented the burger, including the Toro (#4), the Stodg (#6), the Miss Hattie (#28), and, in our top slot, a miracle of meat served only on Sundays. No wonder they call it the Lord’s day.
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Across The Line

According to the district attorney in Smith County, this building was the site of the most horrific child sex ring in Texas history. Three of the adults convicted of running it have already been sentenced to life in prison. There’s just one problem: The DA in neighboring Wood County, where the building is located, says nothing happened here at all.
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The Reaper Doth Protest Too Much

When the president visited Texas A&M last week, the opposition was waiting.
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Memo to Kay

Even someone who supports the death penalty, as you do, can and should be up in arms over the Cameron Willingham case.
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Texas High Ways

Why the unlikeliest of states—ours—should legalize marijuana.
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Fundamental Arguments

On October 26, the first FLDS criminal trial in Texas begins. What legal strategies remain for the defense?
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Reporter

Benjamin McKenzie

The Austin-born star of the hit FOX drama The O.C. on getting his start, losing his privacy— and kissing in front of his mother.

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3 comments

February 20th, 2009 at 11:32am
Jo Ann says:
Charlie, No, I cannot view the whole article. I don’t know why, I do have a subscription. But all that comes up is the headline "The Austin-born star..." and that’s it. can you copy or cut and paste it for me and forward it to my email? (tea1992twa716@aol.com if you can) Thanks for your help.

February 19th, 2009 at 9:06am
Charlie says:
Jo Ann, it is all there - the last line is "Drugs and Alcohol, your parents must be so proud." Can you not read it?

February 19th, 2009 at 3:54am
Jo Ann Axford says:
Re: Ben McKenzie interview from March 2004. I am unable to view this article from the archive. Is the entire article available on line? Thank you