Press Room
December 8, 2023
Texas Monthly Welcomes New Editorial Staff Members
Allegra Hobbs and Owen Schwartzbard have joined the staff full-time.
More Stories
Meanwhile, in Texas
December 8, 2023
Meanwhile, in Texas: Forget About “Playing Possum”—This Possum Wants to be a Player
A brief and highly selective look at what just happened, from a stray possum’s big game in Lubbock to a rookie quarterback’s big game in Houston.
Music
December 8, 2023
Even When Jon Dee Graham Dies, He Doesn’t Stay Dead
The Texas punk pioneer and Hall of Fame singer-songwriter reflects on the release of his first solo album since a 2019 heart attack.
BBQ
December 8, 2023
I Didn’t Expect Much From Barbecue in Connecticut, but These Two Joints Impressed Me
New England may have just recently come around to brisket, but Hoodoo Brown Barbeque and Hindsight Barbecue are pushing boundaries even further with dishes like Cracklin’ Pork Belly and blueberry gouda sausage.
Made in Texas
December 8, 2023
Guayaberas Gone Wild
It may look as if San Antonio’s Javier Treviño is revolutionizing the traditional shirt, but he’s only making the most of the freedom it’s always represented.
Politics & Policy
December 7, 2023
The Texas Historical Commission Removed Books on Slavery From Plantation Gift Shops
An agency spokesperson claimed that the move had nothing to do with politics. Internal emails show otherwise.
BBQ
December 7, 2023
Fires, Expansions, and TV Segments Made November a Huge Month in Texas Barbecue
Even as the year winds down, barbecue news seemingly doesn’t.
Politics & Policy
December 7, 2023
The “Longhorn Football Mom” Who Made the Lege Pay Attention
When Jena Ehlinger’s son Jake died of fentanyl poisoning, she was driven to find some meaning in her pain.
Style & Design
December 7, 2023
How Houston Ballet Brings 1,750 ‘Nutcracker’ Costumes to Life
For its big-butted bumblebees, hairy rats, and Sugar Plum dancers, the festive ballet requires complex wigs and opulent costumes, many of which need to be zipped on or off in seconds.
Politics & Policy
December 7, 2023
The Greatest Sideshow on Earth: Behind the Scenes of Ken Paxton’s Acquittal
The impeachment trial of Ken Paxton delivered a steady stream of tantalizing entertainment. But the most consequential moments played out when few were watching.
By Mimi Swartz![Mimi Swartz's Profile Photo]()
Food & Drink
December 7, 2023
TikTok Food Reviewer Keith Lee Made Houston Go Viral
After Lee’s infamous tour of Atlanta, Space City held its breath to see how the influencer would rate its restaurants for his 15 million loyal followers.
Music
December 6, 2023
In ‘Renaissance,’ Beyoncé Finds Freedom in Control
The concert film is a performance masterpiece, but it also raises questions about the artist’s messaging.
Style & Design
December 6, 2023
The Texanist’s Guide to Texas-Shaped Holiday Gifts
Easy to love, if hard to wrap, these Lone Star State–shaped presents will please even the most discerning Texan.
Critters
December 6, 2023
Why We’re Seeing More Green Jays Across South Texas
This tropical beauty is expanding its range beyond the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
By Rose Cahalan![Rose Cahalan's Profile Photo]()
Travel & Outdoors
December 6, 2023
Lubbock Is For Art Lovers
Dry and dusty it may be, but the South Plains city is fertile ground for a vibrant creative scene.
Tacos
December 6, 2023
The Amazing Birria of the Great Mexican City You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Aside from its many cultural attractions, Aguascalientes is known for dishes like birria de borrego, bolillo con crema, and lechon tacos.
Books
December 6, 2023
A Wild Trip Into the World of Far-Right Novels
Texas's Defiance Press publishes conservative broadsides that border on fiction. But it’s the company’s actual novels that are truly strange.
By Ben Rowen![Ben Rowen's Profile Photo]()
Books
December 6, 2023
Texas Is Bursting With Independent Books
Our state’s legacy of great writing has a publishing tradition to match. Here are a handful of the dozens of outfits producing great books in Texas.
By Jeff Salamon![Jeff Salamon's Profile Photo]()
TM BBQ Club
December 5, 2023
December 2023 Pit Perks
Available exclusively to TM BBQ Club members.
Best Thing in Texas
December 5, 2023
A Texas Elementary School Might Have a Grammy in the Trophy Case Soon
Vicki Nichols, a music teacher at Grandview Elementary, has been nominated for the award for her innovative strings program.
Style & Design
December 5, 2023
Retired El Paso “Elves” Are Keeping the Art of Wooden Toy Making Alive
The Woodworkers Club of El Paso has donated thousands of handmade toys to military families in need. You can shop its charming creations too.
BBQ
December 5, 2023
As More Immigrant-Owned BBQ Joints Open, a Marriage—and Sometimes Clash—of Cultures Follows
As more Texan pitmasters come from immigrant or minority backgrounds, I wondered: Will the aunties and uncles patiently wait in those famously long lines?
Border & Immigration
December 5, 2023
The Horse Who Got Deported
When a mare illegally crossed the border into Big Bend National Park in search of greener pastures, Facebook users rallied to bring her back to her owner in Mexico. Park officials think they’re missing the point.
Politics & Policy
December 5, 2023
Joe Biden Won’t Win in Texas. So How Exactly Might National Democrats Invest in the State?
One group that’s surprisingly bullish on Democrats’ chances to win a statewide race in the near future: Republican operatives.
Texas History
December 4, 2023
This 1879 Map Is Now the Priciest Map of Texas Ever Sold at Auction
It fetched $705,000, topping the list of about 165 items from Ted Lusher's Texana collection.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Sports
December 4, 2023
You Can Say It Now: The Texas Longhorns Are Back
With a Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff, head coach Steve Sarkisian has built a winning culture in Austin.
Sponsored
December 4, 2023
The Gift That Keeps on Grilling: Holiday Steak Packs Make You the Gifting MVP
Send your loved one a Goodstock by Nolan Ryan steak package this holiday season.
Medicine
December 4, 2023
In Galveston, a New First Response to Mental Health Crises
Echoing a statewide trend, the team aims to prevent the tragedies that often result when armed police answer calls involving psychological emergencies.
News & Politics
December 4, 2023
The Bogeyman: How a Pattern of False Confessions Was Traced Back to One Austin Cop
Thanks to hundreds of DNA exonerations, experts now know false confessions are common. That wasn’t the case in the nineties in Texas.
By Michael Hall![Michael Hall's Profile Photo]()
News & Politics
December 4, 2023
Does Rice University Have a Drinking Problem?
For decades, my alma mater has maintained a permissive alcohol culture that discourages students from going off campus to drink. But seven hospital transports during a recent party are forcing administrators to rethink their approach.
Critters
December 4, 2023
The G.O.A.T. of Landscape Management? Goats.
In cities across Texas, rugged ruminants are chowing down on the plants that plague us.
News & Politics
December 4, 2023
The Bishop Who Picked a Fight With the Wrong Nuns
Fort Worth cleric Michael Olson is no stranger to scandal. But when he threatened to remove a nun from her home, he might have finally met his match.
Business
December 1, 2023
Oxy Deal Could Yield Billions for Tim Dunn’s Political Efforts
If Occidental Petroleum acquires CrownRock, the right-wing Midland oilman could become an even bigger power broker—in Texas and perhaps nationally.
By Russell Gold![Russell Gold's Profile Photo]()
Politics & Policy
December 1, 2023
Texas Ranks Last in Personal Freedoms, According to the Libertarian CATO Institute
The think tank, founded by a conservative billionaire who supports Greg Abbott, ranks Texas 39 places behind California.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Sponsored
December 1, 2023
Garlic Dijon Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potato and Pepper Jumble
Dig into this pork tenderloin dish that's both delicious and nutritious.
Sponsored
December 1, 2023
From LBK To PGA
Ludvig Åberg patiently put in the time and work it took to earn his PGA Tour card while on the Texas Tech men’s golf team.
BBQ Joint Reviews
December 1, 2023
Earnest B’s BBQ Brings Mississippi Flavor to Frisco
After selling barbecue out of a car dealership, Earnest Morgan has moved on to a new brick-and-mortar location where he can cook a Mississippi favorite: whole fried catfish.
Texas History
November 30, 2023
A Treasure Trove of Texas History Is Up for Auction. Here Are the Coolest Items.
An original broadsheet announcing the fall of the Alamo, the first book published in Texas, and other stuff that Phil Collins will probably buy.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Politics & Policy
November 30, 2023
The Texas House Chamber Is the Latest Victim of the War on Christmas
Traditionally, the capitol building has housed a gigantic tree. This year's is much more meager.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
BBQ
November 30, 2023
Louisiana Is Embracing Barbecue Beyond Boudin
At these six stellar Texas-style barbecue joints in the Bayou State, you can get excellent brisket as well as local favorites like fresh pork cracklins.
Music
November 29, 2023
The Philadelphia Eagles Covered Willie Nelson’s “Pretty Paper” for Christmas. We Regret to Inform Cowboys Fans That It Slaps.
With Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield singing harmonies, to boot.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Travel & Outdoors
November 29, 2023
Snowball Fights, Scuba Santa, and Other Outrageous Texas Holiday Spectacles
Even the most jaded Grinch will find something to enjoy.
Tacos
November 29, 2023
Young Restaurants Close All the Time—But This Recent Loss in El Paso Really Stings
Two-year-old El Charlatan in El Paso was a James Beard semifinalist and one of the best restaurants in the state, according to our taco editor. But that didn’t stop it from falling to the typical foibles of new restaurants.
Sponsored
November 28, 2023
50 Years of Half Price Books
Last year, Half Price Books celebrated its 50th anniversary—take a look back at the company's unique history, which started right here in Texas!
November 28, 2023
November 2023 Reader Quiz: What Did You Learn?
You’ve had all month to read the latest issue of Texas Monthly. Take this monthly quiz and we’ll tell you how you stack up at the end.And if you got this quiz from a friend: Hello! We hope you enjoy it. If you do: become a subscriber today, and we’ll send
Sports
November 28, 2023
Can Mike Elko Bring Stability to Texas A&M Football?
Few programs can recruit or raise money as well as the Aggies. This week, A&M hired Elko to coach the team to its championship potential.
Business
November 28, 2023
What Can Public Transit Deserts Learn From Paris, Texas?
The East Texas town has maintained a reliable bus route since 2016, providing a model for rural areas with limited transportation.
Being Texan
November 28, 2023
In the Misinformation Age, Believing In Bigfoot Is Harder Than Ever
When the internet is saturated with fake videos and doctored photos, what’s a wood ape enthusiast to do?
Style & Design
November 27, 2023
For a Houston Nonprofit, One Woman’s Trash Is Another’s Couture Skirt
Magpies & Peacocks upcycles waylaid material, including old Super Bowl banners and Southwest seat cushions, and turns it into one-of-a-kind fashion.
BBQ
November 27, 2023
I Went to Kenya to Get Over a Broken Heart. Then Bad “Texas” Barbecue Broke My Heart Again.
When I traveled to Nairobi after breaking up with my fiancée, the brisket I found there inspired me to come back home to East Texas.