Dave Mann

Dave Mann has been with the Observer since 2003. Before that, he worked as a reporter in Fort Worth and Washington, D.C. He was born and raised in Philadelphia. He thinks border collies are the world’s greatest dogs, and believes in the nourishing powers of pickup basketball.

Hot List: Day 140 of the LegislatureMay 27, 2013
The Lead: Well, kids, we’ve reached sine die—the 140th, and last, day of the 83rd Legislature’s regular session. (The circus is apparently staying in [...] Full Story
Hot List: Day 139 of the LegislatureMay 26, 2013
The Lead: It’s the penultimate day of the session, and lawmakers have much left to do. The House still must pass the budget and [...] Full Story
State of Texas: The Road to 500 ExecutionsMay 17, 2013
Texas will soon execute its 500th person since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Full Story
Hot List: Day 127 of the LegislatureMay 14, 2013
The Lead: The Legislature went after mucus yesterday. That would be Michael Quinn Sullivan (often referred to as MQS—or mucus) who leads the tea [...] Full Story
Observer Story Wins SPJ AwardApr 24, 2013
When Texas Observer staff writer Emily DePrang first met Josh Gravens in early 2012, his life was in shambles. The 25-year-old husband and father [...] Full Story

State of Texas: The Road to 500 ExecutionsMay 17, 2013
Texas will soon execute its 500th person since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Full Story
State of Texas: Who Pays How Much In TaxesApr 18, 2013
Texas' tax system is one of the most regressive in the country, meaning it falls especially hard on the poor. Full Story
The Arson Files: After Serving 25 Years, Ed Graf May Finally Receive New TrialJan 17, 2013
Ed Graf had waited 25 years for a chance to prove his innocence, and late last week, he finally got it. Full Story
If It Were Up To Us…Jan 06, 2013
We detail a dozen items that deal with the biggest problems in the state. Some of them are liberal fantasies (ahem, income tax) but others are sound public policy ideas that Texans of all ideologies support because they would improve the lives of millions of people. Full Story
Five Reasons Rick Perry Shouldn’t Run for President AgainDec 04, 2012
You have to admire Rick Perry's resilience. After enduring what some political pundits call the worst presidential campaign ever, most people wouldn't want to try again. Full Story