Dragging Democracy into the Future
As the Texas Observer survives to muckrake another day, Steven Monacelli highlights the battle for fundamental rights happening in the Lone Star State.
Steven Monacelli
Steven Monacelli is a special investigative correspondent for the Observer and a freelance investigative journalist based in Dallas. His reporting has been featured in Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, The Real News, Dallas Observer, Dallas Weekly, and more. He is also the publisher of Protean Magazine, a nonprofit literary publication.
Articles by Steven Monacelli
The ‘Dallas Express’: Your Go-To Source for Right-Wing, Astroturf News
The formerly Black-owned, progressive newspaper has re-emerged as a "pink slime" media site that launders conservative propaganda.
Dallas Has a Problem With ‘Zombie’ Astroturf Groups
Despite being exposed as bogus, some right-wing organizations keep coming back from the dead. No one knows who is funding them.
FBI Overreach Is Concerning, But So Are ‘Radical-Traditionalist’ Catholics
A recently leaked memo recalls a sordid history of inappropriate surveillance, but it also identifies a concerning overlap between neo-fascists and hardline religious groups.
Right-wing Reps Promote Racist Conspiracy Theories In ‘Border Crisis’ Hearing
GOP lawmakers accomplished nothing substantial except create a platform for nativist propaganda and debates about the Pledge of Allegiance.
Former Star-Telegram Conservative Columnist Spews Hate in Student Chatroom
Why was an intolerant activist allowed to double-time as a columnist for a major newspaper?
Conspiracy-Peddling Mayor Who Fondled Drunk Stepsister Loses Defamation Lawsuit
Colleyville’s Bobby Lindamood has been ordered to pay nearly $200k after losing a years-long, politically-charged case.
The War on Christmas Drag Shows
GOP endorsed anti-LGBTQ+ “groomer” rhetoric inspired armed fascist groups to harass queer events, spurring a diverse, celebratory community response.
Far-Right Lawyer Drops Neo-Nazi Lawsuit, Celebrates Fascist Thanksgiving
Despite denying involvement in the Aryan Freedom Network and Patriot Front, lawyer Jason Lee Van Dyke has gathered with both groups.
Denton’s Trans Pride Fest is Here to Stay
After right-wing trolls unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the first event, the inclusive and defiant festival's second round was a success.