San Antonio Is the Mother of Texas
The city that gave birth to the republic continues to nourish the traits that distinguish the state’s character.
Articles by Jan Jarboe Russell
She Got Game
Becky Hammon didn’t get hired as the Spurs’ assistant coach because she’s a woman. She got the job for the same reason everyone gets a job with the Spurs: to keep the team winning.
The Road From Crystal City
During World War II, Isamu Taniguchi was one of six-thousand-plus immigrants sent to a little-known internment camp in South Texas for being a suspected spy. In this excerpt from her new book, Jan Jarboe Russell uncovers how he and his family emerged unbroken.
The Anti-Castro
San Antonio’s new mayor, Ivy Taylor, is not as charismatic as her predecessor. But that doesn’t mean she’s a pushover.
Meet the Governor: Clayton Williams
Revealing profiles of Ann Richards and Clayton Williams raise the question. How about none of the above?
A Boy and His Airline
No kid ever had more fun with his favorite toy than Herb Kelleher has in running Southwest Airlines.
No Retreat! No Surrender!
Besieged on all sides, will the Daughters of the Republic of Texas finally lose control of the Alamo? Not if they can help it.
Wonder Drug on Trial
Prozac was supposed to cure Skye Morris’ depression. Now her husband is trying to prove that it caused her to commit suicide.
Fathers and Sins
What happens to your belief in God when your son commits suicide after being molested by a priest? That's a question Nancy and Pat Lemberger have been struggling with for years.
Take Two Tablets
Should a monument featuring the Ten Commandments be allowed to remain on the grounds of the Texas Capitol? A homeless former defense lawyer says no.
Dog Ghosts and Bottle Trees
A new collection of Keith Carter’s photographs captures the magical mojo of East Texas.
Sissy Spacek’s Long Walk Home
You can take the girl out of East Texas, but you can’t take East Texas out of the girl.
The Worst Hard Time
My hometown of Cleveland has become the most disgraced community in America because of a brutal, unspeakable crime that has set everyone against one another.
Alamo Heights
One year into his first term as mayor of San Antonio, Julián Castro is emerging as perhaps the most prominent young Hispanic politician in Texas. Get ready to get used to him.
The Good Wife
Mary Alice Cisneros loved, honored, and cherished Henry’s political career. Now it’s her turn.
The Good Rats
Cancer used to be something you died from. Now, thanks to clinical trials, it’s increasingly something you live with.
Grand Opportunity Party
The Republicans have made real inroads into winning over Hispanic voters. If that doesn’t freak out the Democrats, I don’t know what will.
The Old Gray Mayor
San Antonio politics, it ain't what it used to be—which is why it could be time for a grown-up at city hall.
Into The Woods
My parents and I had a generation gap. My kids and I have a geographic gap, as I learned when I took my son to my hometown of Cleveland.
Viva la Diferencia
A Harvard know-it-all predicts that the emerging Hispanic majority will be a drag on America. Tell it to your friends in Cambridge, bub.
The Last Maverick
With the passing of Maury Maverick, Jr., Texas liberalsreal ones, not watered-down versionsare nearing extinction.
Bless This House
Haven't we settled the prayer-in-politics debate and turned our attention to more important things, like the budget shortfall? Apparently not.
Jung at Heart
When I could no longer tolerate the religious fundamentalism of my childhood, I turned to the teachings of a Swiss psychiatristand rejuvenated my spiritual life.
Quite Contrary
Was the sacred image of the Virgin Mary in Mexico City painted by miracle or man? Even science can't say for sure.
Church and Statecraft
Right with his party, wrong with his religion: where God and government intersect for Rick Perry and Tony Sanchez.
War Stories
Jan Jarboe Russell finds a revolution brewing at El Paso's Cinco Puntos press.
Politician of the Century—Lyndon Johnson
“Johnson continues to tower over Texas politics not just because he was the first Texas-bred president but because, 26 years in his grave, he continues to extend the very idea of Texas into American political history.”
Alone Together
No one denies that there was love at the center of Lady Bird Johnson’s marriage to LBJ. But like Hillary Clinton, she endured quite a bit, spousally speaking, as her husband’s star was on the rise.
School Spirit
Even in death, the former principal of El Paso’s Cathedral High is larger than life.
Luci in the Sky
After what seemed like a lifetime as the nation’s first daughter, Luci Baines Johnson has finally come of age.
Alamodoomed
San Antonio mayor Bill Thornton likes to talk about the future, but he’s still a politician of the past—and so is everyone who’s running against him.
Seeing Red
The contrversial color of ASan Antonio’s new public library is only the latest indication that architect Ricardo Legorreta isn’t afraid to buck convention.
Sister Acts
The daughters of San Antonio’s most conspicuous family star in their own how-to videos.