Sandi Villarreal
@sandivillarreal.bsky.social
executive editor at Texas Monthly
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
According to a memo obtained by Texas Monthly, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is behind changes to the new museum’s narration of slavery, Native Americans, and colonialism. https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/alamo-rewrite-dan-patrick/
How a Dan Patrick Political Operative Is Literally Rewriting the Story of the Alamo
The lieutenant governor is behind changes to the new museum’s narration of slavery, Native Americans, and colonialism.
www.texasmonthly.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:40 PM
According to a memo obtained by Texas Monthly, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is behind changes to the new museum’s narration of slavery, Native Americans, and colonialism. https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/alamo-rewrite-dan-patrick/
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
The humans love him, and so do the canines.
What happened when ICE took Seyre Mussa Traore away: https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/austin-dog-trainer-asylum-seeker-detained-by-ice/
What happened when ICE took Seyre Mussa Traore away: https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/austin-dog-trainer-asylum-seeker-detained-by-ice/
He Was a Beloved Dog Trainer and an Asylum Seeker. Why Was He Detained?
The humans love him, and so do the canines. What happened when ICE took Seyre Mussa Traore away.
www.texasmonthly.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:25 PM
The humans love him, and so do the canines.
What happened when ICE took Seyre Mussa Traore away: https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/austin-dog-trainer-asylum-seeker-detained-by-ice/
What happened when ICE took Seyre Mussa Traore away: https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/austin-dog-trainer-asylum-seeker-detained-by-ice/
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
How Christian Nationalist school board members in Texas campaigned vs. how they did
November 5, 2025 at 2:30 PM
How Christian Nationalist school board members in Texas campaigned vs. how they did
Rogers says she feels compelled to tell her story because of the public attacks on her “integrity and character” and the “disappointing and hurtful” way she was dismissed. “It makes me very sad because the Alamo deserves better.”
✍🏼: @forrest4thetrees.bsky.social
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
✍🏼: @forrest4thetrees.bsky.social
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
“I Was Called Woke and Racist in the Same Day”: The Ousted Alamo CEO Speaks Out About Her Tenure
In an exclusive interview, Kate Rogers discusses the challenges of her old job and her abrupt dismissal from it.
www.texasmonthly.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Rogers says she feels compelled to tell her story because of the public attacks on her “integrity and character” and the “disappointing and hurtful” way she was dismissed. “It makes me very sad because the Alamo deserves better.”
✍🏼: @forrest4thetrees.bsky.social
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
✍🏼: @forrest4thetrees.bsky.social
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
NOW HIRING: open fact-check position at @texasmonthly.bsky.social, come work with us and potentially save me and my colleagues from ourselves www.texasmonthly.com/about/jobs-a...
Jobs and Internships
Since 1973, Texas Monthly has chronicled life in contemporary Texas, reporting on vital issues such as politics, criminal justice, the environment,
www.texasmonthly.com
October 6, 2025 at 8:29 PM
NOW HIRING: open fact-check position at @texasmonthly.bsky.social, come work with us and potentially save me and my colleagues from ourselves www.texasmonthly.com/about/jobs-a...
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
“This is no longer a fringe movement. Christian nationalism is here, and it is deeply entrenched in our government in ways that should concern all Americans, regardless of their views on religion.”
He Calls Church-State Separation a Myth. He’s Now Weighing In on Public School Curricula.
David Barton, far-right Christian activist and founder of Wallbuilders, has been appointed by Texas's board of education to advise on social studies instruction.
www.texasmonthly.com
October 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM
“This is no longer a fringe movement. Christian nationalism is here, and it is deeply entrenched in our government in ways that should concern all Americans, regardless of their views on religion.”
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
"Religion doesn’t live outside of politics. It lives downstream.”
Charlie Kirk's death has fueled new pressure on churches to not only speak on politics - but reaffirm what their congregants already believe. I spoke to one pastor caught in the middle.
Charlie Kirk's death has fueled new pressure on churches to not only speak on politics - but reaffirm what their congregants already believe. I spoke to one pastor caught in the middle.
A Texas Church Strove to Be Apolitical. Then Charlie Kirk Was Killed.
In the wake of political violence and deepening division, high-profile Christian leaders—and church congregants—are pressuring pastors to take a stand from the pulpit.
www.texasmonthly.com
October 1, 2025 at 5:36 PM
"Religion doesn’t live outside of politics. It lives downstream.”
Charlie Kirk's death has fueled new pressure on churches to not only speak on politics - but reaffirm what their congregants already believe. I spoke to one pastor caught in the middle.
Charlie Kirk's death has fueled new pressure on churches to not only speak on politics - but reaffirm what their congregants already believe. I spoke to one pastor caught in the middle.
”The Ten Commandments says nothing about guns, but Deans said the Bible supports his belief in an armed public. When asked about Jesus’s instruction to 'turn the other cheek,' his reply was swift and simple: 'F— that ... This is fighting the good fight.”
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Inside One Man’s Efforts to Deliver, Literally, the Ten Commandments to Texas Public Schools
A new Texas law requires schools to display the biblical text in every classroom. An army of volunteers is ensuring they comply.
www.texasmonthly.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM
”The Ten Commandments says nothing about guns, but Deans said the Bible supports his belief in an armed public. When asked about Jesus’s instruction to 'turn the other cheek,' his reply was swift and simple: 'F— that ... This is fighting the good fight.”
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
If Stephenville's new Art Briles Stadium is anything to go by, the disgraced former Baylor coach is still a local hero. https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/art-briles-stadium/
Stephenville May Be the Only Place Where Art Briles is Still a Hero
Most football fans revile the ex-Baylor coach. Not in this Texas town.
www.texasmonthly.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:24 PM
If Stephenville's new Art Briles Stadium is anything to go by, the disgraced former Baylor coach is still a local hero. https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/art-briles-stadium/
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
Great story about an Austin church that helps the unhoused- and is now being targeted by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Notably, this is the second church in Paxton's crosshairs; last year his office investigated + tried to shut down a church that assists migrants, sparking religious liberty concerns.
He Does More for Austin's Homeless Than Anyone. Why Do People Hate Him?
Pastor Mark Hilbelink of Sunrise Community Church saw a dire need in his community and felt called to action. His efforts have been wildly successful—and drawn the ire of everyone from schoolkids to K...
www.texasmonthly.com
September 10, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Great story about an Austin church that helps the unhoused- and is now being targeted by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Notably, this is the second church in Paxton's crosshairs; last year his office investigated + tried to shut down a church that assists migrants, sparking religious liberty concerns.
While many abortion funds help w the cost of travel out of state—a practice under scrutiny in Texas—“there is also the social, emotional, and spiritual component” of the experience, Rev. Erika Ferguson says. That's where her group of volunteers steps in.
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Sixteen Hours With a Texas Woman Seeking Legal Abortion
Since a near-total ban went into effect, tens of thousands of Texans have left the state to access abortion. Here’s how they do it.
www.texasmonthly.com
August 28, 2025 at 4:39 PM
While many abortion funds help w the cost of travel out of state—a practice under scrutiny in Texas—“there is also the social, emotional, and spiritual component” of the experience, Rev. Erika Ferguson says. That's where her group of volunteers steps in.
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
at the end of may i went to fredericksburg and went to 14 wineries in 5 days and wrote many words about it you can read them here
Texas Wine Is Growing Up
The Hill Country’s tourist capital is full of dozens of wineries and tasting rooms. Here’s where to find the best—and where to stay and eat, too.
www.texasmonthly.com
August 28, 2025 at 1:36 PM
at the end of may i went to fredericksburg and went to 14 wineries in 5 days and wrote many words about it you can read them here
Volunteers accompany travelers by handling logistics for the early-morning flight, driving to the clinic, guiding women past protesters, grabbing snacks at a recovery center, getting on a same-day return flight, sometimes offering prayer or an ear along the way
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
The Texas Women Who Travel Sixteen Hours in One Day for Abortion Care
Since a near-total ban went into effect, tens of thousands of Texans have left the state to access abortion. Here’s how they do it.
www.texasmonthly.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Volunteers accompany travelers by handling logistics for the early-morning flight, driving to the clinic, guiding women past protesters, grabbing snacks at a recovery center, getting on a same-day return flight, sometimes offering prayer or an ear along the way
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
Eating disorders are most often associated with well-off young women.
But among an unexpected population in San Antonio, a Trinity University researcher found an unmet need. https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/eating-disorders-san-antonio-food-bank/
But among an unexpected population in San Antonio, a Trinity University researcher found an unmet need. https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/eating-disorders-san-antonio-food-bank/
A Hidden Problem at the Food Bank
Eating disorders are most often associated with well-off young women. But among an unexpected population in San Antonio, a Trinity University researcher found an unmet need.
www.texasmonthly.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Eating disorders are most often associated with well-off young women.
But among an unexpected population in San Antonio, a Trinity University researcher found an unmet need. https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/eating-disorders-san-antonio-food-bank/
But among an unexpected population in San Antonio, a Trinity University researcher found an unmet need. https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/eating-disorders-san-antonio-food-bank/
”The Trinity is like an overdrawn savings account. Far more water is being withdrawn than is being replenished through rainfall, and bankruptcy is at hand.”
@forrest4thetrees.bsky.social, w/ the best explainer on wth is going on with Texas water, or lack thereof
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
@forrest4thetrees.bsky.social, w/ the best explainer on wth is going on with Texas water, or lack thereof
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Why the Best Chance to Save One of Texas’s Most Iconic Swimming Holes Drained Away
The Legislature passed a measure to help save the iconic watering hole and Hays County’s dwindling aquifer. Then Greg Abbott vetoed it.
www.texasmonthly.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:41 PM
”The Trinity is like an overdrawn savings account. Far more water is being withdrawn than is being replenished through rainfall, and bankruptcy is at hand.”
@forrest4thetrees.bsky.social, w/ the best explainer on wth is going on with Texas water, or lack thereof
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
@forrest4thetrees.bsky.social, w/ the best explainer on wth is going on with Texas water, or lack thereof
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
The IRS says churches can endorse politicians. The result will be an intensification of American religious polarization — and some $8 billion in political donations to be routed through churches, which are already tax-exempt and have almost no financial disclosure requirements. My latest:
The IRS Says Churches Can Endorse Political Candidates. In Texas, Many Already Were.
A decades-old rule prohibited politicking from the pulpit. Without it, some worry churches could become “linchpins to sway elections.”
www.texasmonthly.com
July 18, 2025 at 6:46 PM
The IRS says churches can endorse politicians. The result will be an intensification of American religious polarization — and some $8 billion in political donations to be routed through churches, which are already tax-exempt and have almost no financial disclosure requirements. My latest:
christian scripture/evangelicals interpreter, reporting for duty.
Citing Scripture, state senator Angela Paxton is ending her marriage to the attorney general and U.S. Senate hopeful.
What does she mean?
What does she mean?
The Biblical Divorce of Angela and Ken Paxton
Citing Scripture, the state senator is ending her marriage to the attorney general and U.S. Senate hopeful. What does she mean?
www.texasmonthly.com
July 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
christian scripture/evangelicals interpreter, reporting for duty.
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
“I don’t know how long it took—ten seconds, maybe fifteen—for the house to come apart."
During the early-morning hours of July 4, the Guadalupe River pulled senior editor Aaron Parsley and six members of his family into its waters. Read his firsthand account:
During the early-morning hours of July 4, the Guadalupe River pulled senior editor Aaron Parsley and six members of his family into its waters. Read his firsthand account:
“The River House Broke. We Rushed in the River.”
The July 4 Texas flooding ripped our Kerr County home from its pillars, pulling us into the water and into the night. Then morning came.
www.texasmonthly.com
July 10, 2025 at 11:01 PM
“I don’t know how long it took—ten seconds, maybe fifteen—for the house to come apart."
During the early-morning hours of July 4, the Guadalupe River pulled senior editor Aaron Parsley and six members of his family into its waters. Read his firsthand account:
During the early-morning hours of July 4, the Guadalupe River pulled senior editor Aaron Parsley and six members of his family into its waters. Read his firsthand account:
"Amid tragedy, some of those objects—like a bracelet made by a lost camper or an aged photo of a grandparent along the river—have transformed into priceless treasures."
Beautiful reporting from @peterjholley.bsky.social
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Beautiful reporting from @peterjholley.bsky.social
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
She Ran a Vintage Store. Now She’s Reuniting Flood Victims With Precious Belongings.
Dondi Voigt Persyn was shocked by what she found in the flood zone. So she launched a Facebook group dedicated to saving personal effects and finding their owners.
www.texasmonthly.com
July 10, 2025 at 6:55 PM
"Amid tragedy, some of those objects—like a bracelet made by a lost camper or an aged photo of a grandparent along the river—have transformed into priceless treasures."
Beautiful reporting from @peterjholley.bsky.social
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Beautiful reporting from @peterjholley.bsky.social
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Writers and PR folks, I say this with the utmost respect and appreciation for your work: please consider your topic and timing when pitching editors in Texas right now.
July 7, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Writers and PR folks, I say this with the utmost respect and appreciation for your work: please consider your topic and timing when pitching editors in Texas right now.
Paul, in his letter to the Romans, lists the things that cannot separate us from the love of God: neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons ... “Not floodwaters, not loss of life, not catastrophic storms,” added senior pastor David Payne.
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Prayer Is “All We Have”: Sunday Morning in Kerrville After the Flood
A grieving community looks to their pastor, and their God, for solace.
www.texasmonthly.com
July 7, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Paul, in his letter to the Romans, lists the things that cannot separate us from the love of God: neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons ... “Not floodwaters, not loss of life, not catastrophic storms,” added senior pastor David Payne.
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Reposted by Sandi Villarreal
An ultra-rare Excellent Media Job, senior writer at @texasmonthly.bsky.social 🤠https://www.texasmonthly.com/about/jobs-and-internships/
Jobs and Internships
Since 1973, Texas Monthly has chronicled life in contemporary Texas, reporting on vital issues such as politics, criminal justice, the environment,
www.texasmonthly.com
June 17, 2025 at 2:40 PM
An ultra-rare Excellent Media Job, senior writer at @texasmonthly.bsky.social 🤠https://www.texasmonthly.com/about/jobs-and-internships/
“There’s one hard-earned moniker that proved to be a bit of a foil to Abbott’s conflict staging: the Fiesta City. ... One local resident posted footage on social media...as the mariachis played. 'Only in San Antonio does a protest become a pachanga.'"
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Abbott Sent the Texas National Guard to San Antonio. Protesters Threw a Fiesta.
The stage was set for a photo-worthy showdown at the Alamo. Instead, protesters marched to mariachi and conjunto music and lots of honking.
www.texasmonthly.com
June 13, 2025 at 8:29 PM
“There’s one hard-earned moniker that proved to be a bit of a foil to Abbott’s conflict staging: the Fiesta City. ... One local resident posted footage on social media...as the mariachis played. 'Only in San Antonio does a protest become a pachanga.'"
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...