Rose Cahalan
By Rose Cahalan:
A New Documentary on Texas Labor History Offers a Much-Needed Infusion of Hope
“A Strike and an Uprising” chronicles two big wins for labor activists facing long odds.
There’s a scene in A Strike and an Uprising (in Texas), a new documentary on labor history, in which three cafeteria workers sit in an empty classroom at Stephen F. Austin University. They’re watching footage from 1987, when their predecessors … Read More
Strangest State: June 2018
Weird news from far-flung Texas.
SAN JACINTO COUNTY // A man selling a rifle on Facebook apparently hoped that posting a photo of the weapon next to a live alligator would garner more attention — and it did, but not from potential buyers. A tipster … Read More
Author Michael Pollan on the Power and Promise of Psychedelics
A rigorous, nerdy, funny and deeply moving book, "How to Change Your Mind" makes a strong case that LSD and mushrooms can do just that.
I admit to feeling an illicit thrill when I opened Michael Pollan’s new book. The third page bears a stern disclaimer, warning that “This book relates the author’s investigative reporting on, and related self-experimentation with, psilocybin mushrooms, the drug lysergic … Read More
The Ghosts of Abandoned Texas Buildings Rise Up in an Eerie New Photo Book
"Lost, Texas" features starkly beautiful photos of once-thriving rural Texas towns.
The Ghosts of Abandoned Texas Buildings Rise Up in an Eerie New Photo Book “Lost, Texas” features starkly beautiful photos of once-thriving rural Texas towns. – by Rose Cahalan @RoseCahalan May 14, 2018 In 2009, driving home to Austin after … Read More
The Time-Traveler’s Guide to the Lower Pecos
Hidden away on private land in Southwest Texas is some of the oldest and best-preserved prehistoric rock art in the world. The Rock Art Rendezvous offers a rare glimpse.
The Time-Traveler’s Guide to the Lower Pecos Hidden away on private land in Southwest Texas is some of the oldest and best-preserved prehistoric rock art in the world. The Rock Art Rendezvous offers a rare glimpse. – by Rose Cahalan … Read More
Strangest State: April 2018
Weird news from far-flung Texas.
TARZAN // Police traveled from California to arrest a “modern-day cattle rustler.” Justin Tyler Greer, 36, was charged with stealing 900 head of cattle, as well as embezzling funds and committing investment fraud, for a total loss valued at $1.5 … Read More
‘TransMilitary’ Is the LGBT Advocacy Film Middle America Needs to See
The documentary shines brightest when it shows trans soldiers simply going about their lives.
It’s April 27, 2016, and we’re in the living room of a modest home in Clarksville, Tennessee. Family photos hang on the wall, and there’s a framed painting of Jesus on a side table. Army Captain El Cook sprawls on … Read More
Strangest State: February 2018
Weird news from far-flung Texas.
Illustration by Drue Wagner LUFKIN // A masked bandit broke into Angelina County’s probation office early in the morning of December 12. “Very cute but very agitated, so he had to go,” an employee wrote on the office’s Facebook page, … Read More
The Observer’s Best Features of 2017
The Observer’s Best Features of 2017 Our favorite longreads of the year. This year our writers delved deep into important topics virtually untouched by other Texas publications. From spotlighting social and environmental injustices to capturing the characters — artists, politicians … Read More