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The Latest Breaking News from Texas Observer

A Texas Writer Tackles a Subject ‘Beckoning in the Shadows His Entire Life’

Stephen Harrigan explores his own Catholic boyhood in Texas—and the prophecy left behind by a Portuguese prophet girl—in a compelling new book.

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Texas Already Gives Public Ed Dollars to Private Operators. Here’s How That Worked Out.

The state created “Texas Partnership” charter schools to turn around struggling public campuses, but an Observer investigation has uncovered numerous academic and financial issues.

Texas Observer

Harrison the Huckster

The right-wing state rep has led an army of one on a self-righteous crusade in the Texas House.

Texas Observer

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A Day in a Democracy

We still have one, after all, so may as well act like it.

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The Perils of Offshoring Justice

Texas and the U.S.–El Salvador Prison Pipeline

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‘It’s Not a War Zone’: Val Verde County’s Conservative Democratic Sheriff on Misinformation, Immigration

"Before people start commenting on the border, come visit the border. Right now there's nothing going on."

Texas Observer

Will Dan Patrick’s Senate Stymie Fentanyl Test Strip Legalization (Again)?

Legislation to allow some forms of drug checking has reached the same Senate committee where a similar bill died last session—two years and at least 3,200 Texas overdose deaths ago.

Texas Observer

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The High Cost of Texas’ Property Tax Cut-and-Run Politics

Biennial promises of “relief” are just window dressing on a broken taxation system.

Texas Observer

The Crypto Racket

Bitcoin mining afflicts locals with noise pollution, threatens water supplies, and receives generous public backing.

Texas Observer

At UT, a Day of Drag and Defiance

Students gathered for a joyful protest of the university system’s drag show ban.

Texas Observer

Editor’s Letter: Introducing Our May/June 2025 Issue

A note from the editor-in-chief

Texas Observer

Abbott’s Bail Agenda Could Swell Texas Jails, Test U.S. Constitution

Republicans want to double down on a system that can keep Texans in jail for years without a trial, while attacking bail funds that try to help.

Texas Observer

In Booming Central Texas, Wastewater Is Polluting Rivers and Streams

A bill in the Texas Legislature would protect the last 21 pristine watersheds. But for years, previous attempts have been defeated by powerful homebuilders.

Texas Observer

Texas Shouldn’t Legislate Censorship

Public libraries are for the public—and that means access for all.

Texas Observer

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What connects us

is invisible. A natural gas pipeline. Cables above the eyeline, carried from pylon to pylon, past the horizon...

Texas Observer

The Lege’s ‘Big Government Intrusion’ into University Academics

Expanding on last session's anti-DEI campus crackdown, Republicans are now going after gender and ethnic studies programs and faculty independence.

Texas Observer

Texas Police Are Slowly Joining What Could Be a ‘Giant ICE Army’

New 287(g) task force agreements are trickling in as the Lege considers mandating ICE cooperation and some counties await federal training.

Texas Observer

It’s a Long Way to the Top (if You Wanna Oust the Pols)

The Texas GOP’s dominance of the 21st Century has been marked by entrenchment in the highest offices. Is that changing?

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Texas Observer

A White School Officer Pepper-Sprayed and Kneed a Black Beaumont Student, Complaint Says. Will Feds Act?

Trump's gutting of the Education Department could stymie justice for 17-year-old Ja’Liyah Celestine.

Texas Observer

Moises Mendoza to Be Third Person Killed by State of Texas This Year

“We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital punishment is an act of state sanctioned violence that violates the sacred dignity of every human life.”

Texas Observer

Son of a Gun: What to Do with a Legacy of (Unwanted) Firearms

I love my dad; I don’t love his guns.

Texas Observer

Ending 30 Years of Resistance, Trump and Abbott Break the ‘People’s House’

The Legislature’s lower chamber has finally blessed school vouchers—and denied ordinary Texans the chance to weigh in.

Texas Observer

Opposition to Abbott’s Vouchers Plan Includes Conservatives

The governor crushed anti-voucher Republicans in the Texas House, but there are still plenty of party activists who are opposed.

Texas Observer

Who’s Paying for Public School Vouchers? (1998)

"Somebody had to eat the first oyster." With that salty metaphor, Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock makes the argument that elected officials shouldn't be afraid to try new ideas—in this case, vouchers that would shift taxpayers' moneys from public to private schools.

Texas Observer

AI Is Dead

A Texas author earned a certificate in AI—but there’s no way he’d ever use it to write a book.

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