Observations.

July 16, 2021, 11:25 PM, CDT

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Editor's Letter

Editor’s Letter: Introducing Our September/October 2025 Issue

by Gus Bova
News

Carlton Carl, 1945-2025

by The Carl Family
Editor's Letter

Editor’s Letter: Introducing Our March/April 2025 Issue

by Gus Bova

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE TEXAS OBSERVER

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Observer Masthead Additions and a Farewell

by Gus Bova

End of Year

Our Most-Read Stories of 2025

Some of the articles that y'all really loved this year

by Gus Bova

End of Year

Our Best Longform Stories of 2025

Nonfiction that's meant to be started, finished, and leave you with something to show for it

by Gus Bova

Observations

by David Montejano

July 16, 2021, 9:53 PM, CDT

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Republish this article for free

All of the Texas Observer’s articles are available for free syndication for news sources under the following conditions:

Articles must link back to the original article and contain the following attribution at the top of the story: “This article was originally published by the Texas Observer, a nonprofit investigative news outlet and magazine. Sign up for their weekly newsletter, or follow them on Facebook, X, and Bluesky.”
A script is included at the bottom of the HTML text—available here at left to be copied—that allows us to track traffic on our republished stories. Please include it when republishing.
Articles cannot be rewritten, edited, or changed beyond alignments with house style books.
Photos, illustrations, and other art may be available for syndication but must be confirmed. (AP images are not available.) Email [email protected] with questions.
Articles preferably include Texas Observer alongside author byline (first name last name/Texas Observer).
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Angela Paxton’s Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs

Her appeal to put party loyalty above character and accountability ignores the price women will pay if Ken Paxton becomes a U.S. senator.

by Sue Davis

Politics

A Blue Wave Could Sweep Greg Abbott’s Handpicked Houston Judges Out of Office

But experts say that, as Harris County judicial seats have swung with the political tides, it’s not partisanship that matters for criminal defendants.

by Michelle Pitcher

Opinion

Texas Tells Students to Report Threats. It Should Give Us a Seat at the Safety Table.

State law requires parents, educators, police, and administrators to be a part of district safety committees, but not the kids who are expected to recognize and report danger.

by Arjun Sharda

Observations

by Ronnie Dugger

July 16, 2021, 9:30 PM, CDT

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Copy permalink to clipboard https://www.texasobserver.org/archive_article/observations/
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Republish this article for free

All of the Texas Observer’s articles are available for free syndication for news sources under the following conditions:

Articles must link back to the original article and contain the following attribution at the top of the story: “This article was originally published by the Texas Observer, a nonprofit investigative news outlet and magazine. Sign up for their weekly newsletter, or follow them on Facebook, X, and Bluesky.”
A script is included at the bottom of the HTML text—available here at left to be copied—that allows us to track traffic on our republished stories. Please include it when republishing.
Articles cannot be rewritten, edited, or changed beyond alignments with house style books.
Photos, illustrations, and other art may be available for syndication but must be confirmed. (AP images are not available.) Email [email protected] with questions.
Articles preferably include Texas Observer alongside author byline (first name last name/Texas Observer).
Please tag the Texas Observer in social media posts promoting the republished story.
Please notify us by email that the article will be republished at [email protected].

Angela Paxton’s Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs

Her appeal to put party loyalty above character and accountability ignores the price women will pay if Ken Paxton becomes a U.S. senator.

by Sue Davis

Politics

A Blue Wave Could Sweep Greg Abbott’s Handpicked Houston Judges Out of Office

But experts say that, as Harris County judicial seats have swung with the political tides, it’s not partisanship that matters for criminal defendants.

by Michelle Pitcher

Opinion

Texas Tells Students to Report Threats. It Should Give Us a Seat at the Safety Table.

State law requires parents, educators, police, and administrators to be a part of district safety committees, but not the kids who are expected to recognize and report danger.

by Arjun Sharda

Observations.

by CMYK

July 16, 2021, 5:14 PM, CDT

Republish this article for free

All of the Texas Observer’s articles are available for free syndication for news sources under the following conditions:

Articles must link back to the original article and contain the following attribution at the top of the story: “This article was originally published by the Texas Observer, a nonprofit investigative news outlet and magazine. Sign up for their weekly newsletter, or follow them on Facebook, X, and Bluesky.”
A script is included at the bottom of the HTML text—available here at left to be copied—that allows us to track traffic on our republished stories. Please include it when republishing.
Articles cannot be rewritten, edited, or changed beyond alignments with house style books.
Photos, illustrations, and other art may be available for syndication but must be confirmed. (AP images are not available.) Email [email protected] with questions.
Articles preferably include Texas Observer alongside author byline (first name last name/Texas Observer).
Please tag the Texas Observer in social media posts promoting the republished story.
Please notify us by email that the article will be republished at [email protected].