by Marie Lawrence

Exactly one year ago, I was packing my suitcases to move from my childhood home in north Texas to a three-bedroom group house in Washington, D.C. My mother, standing close by to inspect my work, hooked the shoulder of a blue dress on her index finger and raised her eyebrows. “Don’t forget,” she said, “what happened to Monica,” drawing out the name for effect.

Ignoring the implicit attack on my character, I pointed out a crucial difference between Ms. Lewinsky and me: “I’m going to work for a non-profit, Mom.” Later that afternoon, my father—ever the comedian—called out to me from behind the TSA security line at DFW Airport, “Don’t spend all the taxpayers’ money!” …

by Jason LaBau

In attempting to run for a seat on her local town council, Alejandrina Cabrera recently found herself in the middle of what looked to be a battle over qualifications for local office. But it was really the latest chapter in a century-long battle over what it means to be American in Arizona. Even as the Grand Canyon State commemorates its Centennial today—it was 100 years ago this Valentine’s Day that Arizona became the 48th state, filling out the continental United States—many of the old fights rage on. …