In Bexar County, A Hybrid Program To Help Indigent Defendants
A new “managed assigned counsel” system has been created in the county to help jailed people get better legal representation.
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News ⋆
Sinema Reaffirms That No, Congress Probably Won’t Save Democracy in Texas
Hope dwindles for Congress to fix racist Texas voting laws and gerrymandering.
Books ⋆
The Texas GOP Has Declared War on Books. I’ve Seen This Before.
For 10 years, I “smuggled” banned books across state lines to bring attention to crucial literature. This year, I won’t have to leave Texas for the fight.
News ⋆
The GOP Primary for Governor Is A Contest Of Extremism
With a bevy of hyper-conservative challengers, Greg Abbott is scrambling to cover his right flank.
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Politics
Is Beto Just Another Doomed Texas Democrat?
The gubernatorial candidate may have become what he once seemed to cast aside.
Inside the U.S. Capitol Insurrection
A Texas photographer finds himself shoulder to shoulder with rioters on January 6, 2021.
Political Retirements Will Paint Texas a Fresh Coat of Red in 2022
The state’s newly redrawn political maps set off an exodus among Democrats and moderate Republicans. If you thought 2021 was brutal, 2022 may be worse.
Environment
The EPA Placed a Texas Superfund Site on its National Priorities List in 2018. Why Is the Health Threat Still Unknown?
Predominantly Latino residents in Grand Prairie, west of Dallas, say they’ve been told little or nothing about air, soil and groundwater poisoned by TCE, a known human carcinogen.
Envisioning the Effects of Big Oil and Gas Along the Texas Coast
These images imagine how forthcoming LNG facilities in Texas will take over the land.
A Texas Town Stopped an Energy Giant from Drilling Next to a Day Care. But It’s Trying to Start Up Again.
Arlington’s experience shows how difficult it can be to stop greenhouse gas production – even when it’s putting children’s health at risk.
Culture
Why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Needs Texan Johnny Nash
The “I Can See Clearly Now” singer was much more than a one-hit wonder.
Love—and Casseroles—in the Time of COVID-19
During the pandemic, once-ordinary dinners with friends take on new meaning.
The Observer Recommends 10 Texas Books of 2021
From correcting the record on racism and Texas history, to queer love on the border, to the #MeToo movement in federal courts, we rounded up some of our favorite books this year.
The Special Double Issue
December 2021
Subscribers to the print and digital editions of the Texas Observer get the first look at our in-depth, investigative reporting before it’s published online. Subscribe today so you don’t miss out.
