Did the Abbott-O’Rourke Debate Change Anything?
One focus group found that Beto won over voters at the Texas Governor’s Debate, but it’s unclear if most voters paid attention.
Featured Stories
The Latest
Labor ⋆
Austin Nurses Win Largest Hospital Union in Texas
National Nurses United organizers at Ascension Seton Medical Center just delivered a major victory for the Texas labor movement.
Culture ⋆
Alamo Drafthouse: Far from Fantastic
The nationwide dine-in cinema chain remains popular despite accusations of union busting and allegations of sexual assault.
Opinion ⋆
A Party Built Entirely on Lies
From spreading election misinformation to investigating the parents of transgender kids for child abuse, the Texas GOP doesn’t merit even a lone star.
Toxic Texas Revealed
The Lone Star State now ranks number one in industrial discharges into waterways, according to a new report issued by Environment America.
Racist Busing Rides Again
Moving migrants from Texas to Democratic strongholds is not new. The Reverse Freedom Rides of the 1960s hold lessons for activists of today.
SIGN UP FOR TEXAS OBSERVER EMAILS
Politics
Abbott’s Attack Dog
For 20 years, New Hampshire political consultant Dave Carney has been winning races for Republican governors in Texas and shellacking hapless Democrats.
‘Over the Lege’ Plumbs the Tragicomedy of Texas Politics
In its sixth season, the political satire urges viewers to laugh instead of cry at the state’s right-wing machine.
To Build a Theocracy
At the fourth annual Texas Youth Summit, Christian nationalists pushed young conservatives to spread their message.
Environment
Conservatives Against Conservation
American Stewards of Liberty campaigns against Biden’s conservation efforts, and some experts question the legality of their lobbying.
Time Traveling in a Glass-Bottomed Boat
In Edwards Aquifer country, as goes the blind salamander, so go we all.
Eyes Up! The Bats of Bayou City
Meet the wildlife expert who cultivates love for the 300,000 bats of Waugh Drive Bridge.
Culture
Trafficking Books and Culture
Author Tony Diaz’s new memoir urges readers to wrest language from the establishment.
‘Over the Lege’ Plumbs the Tragicomedy of Texas Politics
In its sixth season, the political satire urges viewers to laugh instead of cry at the state’s right-wing machine.
A Comeback for One of Mexico’s Oldest Drinks
Pulque was once the country’s most popular drink before falling out of favor. Now, entrepreneurs are reviving this unique Mexican beverage.
GET THE MAGAZINE
September/October 2022
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.
Past issues
