It’s the largest penalty for a criminal food safety case in U.S. history. Read Story
James Magee Has Been Working on His Masterpiece for Decades, but Completion Isn’t the Point
James Magee pauses with his fork poised above his huevos rancheros. He is considering the question of what it is that artists do. Magee’s eyes are pale blue, and his frame is rawboned and valleyed. His longish hair and beard are white-white, and he has Lincoln-like hollows at his cheekbones and brow. An oompah-heavy norteño waltz chugs cheerfully on the radio at El Paso’s L&J Cafe. “Everything could be the… Read Story
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From The Culture
Kevin Willmott’s unsettling film revisits the Houston riot of 1917, in which an all-Black Army unit mutinied after enduring months of harassment. Read Story
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Tom Brown’s Body
In 2016, a popular teenager disappeared in the tiny Panhandle community of Canadian, Texas. Two years later, his remains were discovered beneath a tree outside of town. But to this day, no arrests have been made, and nearly everyone involved in the case has fallen under suspicion. Beginning September 29, join award-winning journalist Skip Hollandsworth as he attempts to uncover the truth.
Paul Begala Wrote the Book on Defeating Donald Trump
On The National Podcast of Texas, the legendary Democratic strategist on whether Texas is swingable and what it’ll take for Joe Biden to win.
With Students Returning to Campuses This Fall, Contact Tracing Is Key
Texas A&M epidemiologist Dr. Rebecca Fischer on the critical systems being put in place to maximize safety in an uncertain time.
Dr. Peter J. Hotez on How the Federal Government Failed Texas on the Coronavirus
On the National Podcast of Texas, the pioneering vaccine scientist explains why he believes the White House has put Texans in grave danger.
Current Issue: September 2020
Greg Abbott’s Penchant for the Path of Least Resistance Has Led Texas to the Brink of Disaster
The COVID-19 crisis is the predictable result of the governor muddling through things. Read Story
Passing the Time With the Ghosts in the Dirt
Social distancing on a ranch in South Texas, one writer finds a diversion—and a sort of community—in studying the fragments of English dinnerware her predecessors left behind. Read Story
The Statues Are Coming Down. Maybe That’s a Missed Opportunity.
As monuments to slaveholders, Confederate soldiers, and Texas Rangers disappear across the state, we’re being forced to reconsider what should be honored, what should be commemorated, and what it’s time to let go of. Read Story
From News & Politics
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The Justice Department Has Fined Blue Bell More Than $17 Million for the Listeria Outbreak
It’s the largest penalty for a criminal food safety case in U.S. history.
On Texas Campuses, Student-Run Newspapers Have Become Crucial Sources of Coronavirus News
Front pages once filled with stories about football games and student politics are now dedicated to tracking the latest test results, reporting on breaches of social distancing guidelines, and pressing university administrators for more transparency.
From the Editor, October 2020: “Learning to Listen”
How Skip Hollandsworth does it.
Build the Ike Dike!
Instead of wasting time on tiresome culture wars, Texas’s political leaders ought to be thinking big. They could start by saving Houston from disaster.
Are We Ready to Rehabilitate George W. Bush’s Reputation?
Can a batch of new books, a documentary, and Donald Trump’s calamitous administration resuscitate the legacy of our 43rd president—and his illustrious family?
From Food & Drink
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BBQ News Roundup: John Mueller Has a New Joint, and Chris Shepherd and Aaron Franklin Have a New Beer
Plus: Look for a new hot dog cart from La Barbecue.
Recipe: Smoked Lamb Shoulder
A simple recipe is all it takes when you use Texas pasture-raised lamb.
Bidding Adieu to Peggy Sue BBQ
The nostalgic Dallas restaurant was where I first fell in love with Texas barbecue.
Tony Vallone, Houston’s Legendary Restaurateur, Dies at 75
For decades, his elegant flagship restaurant, Tony’s, was the place to see and be seen.
Two Austin Women Hope to Build the First Lab-Grown Brisket
The founders of BioBQ are designing a real-meat version of the Texas barbecue favorite—no animal slaughter required.
Taco News Roundup: Get Your Texas Taco Merch, From Stickers to a Bun B T-Shirt
Plus: a cheesy dish that's half pizza, half quesadilla.
This Fort Worth Dessert Shop Has Perfected the Paleta
Alma’s Paleteria stands out for its emphasis on fresh, natural ingredients.
Barbecue News: To-Go Tailgate Kits and the Return of Kerlin’s
Plus: a 17-year-old barbecue prodigy.
Longreads
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The Wildest Insurance Fraud Scheme Texas Has Ever Seen
Over a decade, Theodore Robert Wright III destroyed cars, yachts, and planes. That was only the half of it.
The Quest for Better Beef
Vegans want to end the killing of animals. Scientists say livestock are accelerating climate change. COVID-19 is ravaging meat-packers. Texas beef is under fire—but all across the industry, from the pasture to the butcher case, a vision of more sustainable burgers and briskets is beginning to come into focus.
Why Alyssa Edwards Is Forever a Texan
She’s one of the nation’s most influential drag queens, jet-setting from Europe to Australia. But she’d rather be at a dance school in Garland.
Mr. Westbrook’s Last Song
He was a high school band director and the cornerstone of a lively music scene in southeast Texas—and then a Saturday night gig exposed him to the coronavirus.
Schlitterbahn’s Tragic Slide
Jeff Henry often said that his goal in life was to make customers of his family’s legendary water parks happy—“to put a smile on their faces, to give them a thrill or two.” It was a beautiful vision. Until it went horribly wrong.
Issue: August 2018
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The Hill, located in the West Texas desert, stirs visitors to confront what they cannot comprehend.
Five Great Gravel Grinding Routes in Texas
Where cyclists can pedal past some stunning views and historic sites.
Tour de Texas, Week 2: Riding Behind the Pine Curtain
I cycled nearly 400 miles across East Texas this week, enjoying the kindness of strangers along the way.
Texas Cyclists Are Discovering the Joys of Gravel Grinding
Why many are exchanging paved roads and traffic for rural routes and breathtaking scenery.
Getting Away From It All, on Wheels: Texans Take to Camper Vans and RVs
One Austin-based rental website saw bookings spike by 4,500 percent. Plus: six tips for first-timers.