Why Netflix’s Selena Series Ultimately Misses Its Mark
The initial installment of the two-part television show details the first 20 years of Selena’s life—yet it feels like we’ve hardly gotten to know the person the series is about.
Articles by Cat Cardenas
Texas First: Baking Conchas and Remembering My Grandma
She spent decades feeding our family and bringing us together. Making her favorite treat was a small, sweet way for me to celebrate her and reconnect with my culture.
The San Antonio Spurs Finally Unveil a Longtime Fan Favorite: The Fiesta Jersey
For years, Spurs diehards have been begging for the classic colorway to come back. Now, the franchise is delivering.
Why Did Joe Biden Lose Ground With Latinos in South Texas?
Democrats have taken voters in the region for granted. This year, many were receptive to Donald Trump’s messaging on jobs, opportunity, and law enforcement.
Every Year, Hundreds of Migrants Die or Go Missing in Brooks County. A New Documentary Tells Two Families’ Stories.
The film follows Texans who are waiting, hoping, and fighting for news of their missing sons.
Matthew McConaughey’s Memoir Doesn’t Dispel His Own Mythology—But Does Challenge It
In his recently released memoir, the Texan actor spins tall tales that just so happen to be true.
In the Shadow of the Border Wall, Rio Grande Valley ‘Dragtivists’ Fight for Equality
South Texas queens who put on a wig, makeup, and heels are rebelling against a culture that has long been steeped in machismo.
How Danny Trejo Built a Decades-Long Film Career After Prison
After years of playing ex-cons and bodyguards, the prolific actor became an iconic leading man in Robert Rodriguez’s Machete series.
Top Dog: An Oral History of ‘Wishbone’
The kids’ television program, helmed by a crop of Texan theatrical talents, landed on PBS 25 years ago.
How Latino Texans Are Addressing Antiblack Racism
Recent protests have sparked conversations about colorism, Eurocentric beauty standards, and how black Latinos are underrepresented in both English- and Spanish-language media.
In a New Podcast, Two Journalists Seek Justice for the Missing Women of Juárez
The podcast dives into the mysteries surrounding the decades-long string of murders in the border city.
“It Felt Like We Could Finally Take a Deep Breath”: A DACA Recipient on Thursday’s Supreme Court Ruling
Greisa Martinez Rosas tells Texas Monthly about her feelings on the decision, and the future of the immigrant rights movement.
The Best Thing in Texas: A Black Trail-Riding Club Joined a Houston Protest on Horseback
Videos and photos of the Non-Stop Riderz at last week's Black Lives Matter march went viral.
Recently Released Asylum Seekers Talk About Detention During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the coronavirus first spread throughout the Texas's ICE facilities, migrants grew increasingly desperate for release.
Domestic Violence Calls Spike in Texas Cities, While Falling in Rural Areas
"When you're in a rural community, it's difficult to receive services and be very discreet about it. … Those complexities are amplified at this time."
Shangela, the Texan Drag Superstar, Draws From Her Paris Upbringing in a New HBO Series
The ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ alum stars in ‘We’re Here,’ which documents one-night-only drag shows in small towns.
Children Grappling With Remote Asylum Hearings? With COVID-19, That’s Now the Norm.
Many immigration attorneys have called for hearings to be delayed, but cases are nonetheless proceeding by phone and video.
A San Antonio Artist Is Attempting to Lift People’s Spirits With “Pandemic Lotería”
Rafael Gonzales Jr. has developed a version of the classic game for the age of the coronavirus.
Still Fearing Violence, Migrants Subject to Trump’s Remain in Mexico Policy Are Now Bracing for a Pandemic
With nearly 2,500 asylum seekers living in close quarters in a Matamoros migrant camp, doctors say the conditions are ripe for an outbreak.
The Best Thing in Texas: A Parade for Mami in San Antonio
When the coronavirus forced 83-year-old Herminia Valdez to quarantine, her family found a creative and safe way to lift her spirits.
Meet the Professor Teaching a College Course on Selena and Her Legacy
Nathian Shae Rodriguez's class examines how the Tejano star influenced Latinx representation.
“There’s Been Absolutely No Change in Procedure”: ICE Detention Facilities Are Not Prepared for the Coronavirus
In Texas’s ICE facilities, immigrants remain in close quarters and sanitizer is running short. Advocates worry a COVID-19 outbreak could be severe.
The Lion Tamer
Remembering my grandpa, who soothed wild beasts—and played poker with the devil.
Fiesta San Antonio Postponed Amid Coronavirus Concerns
The annual festival, which brings millions of dollars to the city’s economy, has been postponed to early November.
Breaking Down the Dixie Chicks’ First New Single in 14 Years, ‘Gaslighter’
The beloved band released a song and an accompanying video this week.
The Best Thing in Texas: Tim Duncan Is Undefeated as Head Coach of the Spurs
The former player racked up his first win temporarily coaching the San Antonio team.
Henry Cuellar’s Constituents Are Restless, But Are They Ready for AOC Ally Jessica Cisneros?
Voters in the Laredo-based border district will choose between the eight-term conservative Democrat and a young, progressive immigration attorney who is running an unabashedly left-wing campaign.
Through a Historic Trail Ride, Black Cowboys and Cowgirls Take Ownership of Their Role in History
The annual journey to the Houston Rodeo offers a corrective to the reductionist narrative that pop culture has long perpetuated.
An Intimate Photo Exhibit at San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum Immortalizes Selena
Photographer John Dyer’s iconic photos of the fallen singer are being shown for the first time.
Selena Gomez Moves Forward With ‘Rare’
The Texas-born pop star brings depth and confidence to her first album since 2015.
A Lifelong Spurs Fan on Rooting for a Team With a Losing Record
The San Antonio basketball team has been known for its consistency for years. Now, it's hardly recognizable.
How Concheros Use Dance to Connect With Their Indigenous Roots
Dozens of Azteca dancers, clad in regalia, came together during Austin’s largest Día de los Muertos celebration.
Texas Country’s Female Artists Take Center Stage at the 2019 CMA Awards
Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris took home some of the biggest awards of the night.
Inside the Death Row Case That Has Everyone From Ted Cruz to Kim Kardashian Speaking Out
Rodney Reed has been on Texas’ death row for 21 years, but new evidence and witnesses have drawn national attention ahead of his upcoming execution date.
“We Cannot Forget About Them”: A Southwest Pilot Brings His Father’s Remains Home to Dallas
Roy Knight Jr. was killed in action in Vietnam, and his remains were missing for decades. Now his family has finally found closure.
The Eyes of Texas Were Upon Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Tonight Show’
A raucous crowd of students made the late-night talk show’s Austin taping a pep rally celebrating all that makes UT special.
A Love Letter to Lizzo: How the Houston-Raised Musician Made a Name for Herself
The artist found her musical roots in Texas. It took leaving for her to become a star.
See How Our Readers Celebrate Día de los Muertos
We put out a call for stories about Texans memorializing the Mexican holiday.
A San Antonio CEO on the Worst Years of His Life
Geekdom's Lorenzo Gomez grapples with his hellish time in middle school.
How Teenagers Are Using Their Quinceañeras to Boost the Latinx Vote in Texas
The nonprofit Jolt Texas is partnering with families across the state to register voters.
How Ire’ne Lara Silva Learned to Flip the Script
The Edinburg author's latest poetry collection forges strength from a childhood filled with pain.
Where to Get Into the Spirit in San Antonio
The arrival of cooler temperatures and November's holiday light displays make for an ideal time to visit the Alamo City.
Cristela Alonzo’s ‘Mixtape Memoir’ Is an Ode to Her South Texas Roots
South Texas–born Comedian Cristela Alonzo tells the story of her life through songs.
A New Documentary Exposes the Dark Truth of a West Texas Massacre
'Porvenir, Texas' explores the search for justice after 15 Mexican-Americans were killed at the hands of the Texas Rangers.
The Angry Tías y Abuelas Are Feeding and Fighting for Asylum Seekers at the Border
Situated on the frontlines of the immigration crisis, the Angry Tias y Abuelas group acts as the eyes and ears of the border.
Midland Rolls With the Punches
On their second album, the Dripping Springs-based trio doubles down on the classic country sound that made them famous.
The Highwomen Are the Best Thing in Country Right Now
The genre has long shut women out, but this supergroup challenges traditional male-dominated narratives.
What Does It Mean to Be Latinx in the Wake of El Paso?
A reflection on the recent shooting that left 23 people dead.