Rural Reporting Project
Texas has the largest rural population of any state — 3.8 million people — yet many journalists treat much of the state as flyover country. The Observer has made reporting on rural Texas a priority with this long-term project. Staff writer Christopher Collins, who has investigated how crop dusting is putting Texans’ health at risk and the connection between destructive Panhandle wildfires and a mismanaged federal land program, is spearheading the effort from West Texas.
Warning Signs
Still No Deal Between State and Feds on Disaster Food Aid for Harvey Victims [Updated]
A disaster food aid program deployed after Katrina and Sandy has yet to be approved in Texas.
Some of Hurricane Harvey’s most vulnerable survivors could be benefiting from a food aid program, but inaction has kept help out of reach....Read More
At a Flooded Trailer Park in Richmond, Residents Wait for the Water to Recede
The river has flooded Edgewood Trailer Park twice in two years.
The river has flooded Edgewood Trailer Park twice in two years....Read More
In Karnes City, Hurricane Evacuees Play the ‘Waiting Game’
“So far, [FEMA has] been helping us,” Tracy Douglas said. “But after September 26, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“So far, [FEMA has] been helping us,” Tracy Douglas said. “But after September 26, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”...Read More
Farmers and Ranchers Take a Hit from Harvey, but the Exact Toll is Unknown
The coastal counties devastated by Harvey are also home to an estimated 1.2 million cows, more than a quarter of the state’s total.
The coastal counties devastated by Harvey are also home to an estimated 1.2 million cows, more than a quarter of the state’s total....Read More
Despite ‘Hardship’ Funding, Rural Texas Schools Face Difficult Financial Future
Education advocates don’t think the funding will be enough to avoid staff layoffs and cuts to student services.
Education advocates don’t think the funding will be enough to avoid staff layoffs and cuts to student services....Read More
Fanning The Flames
The same conservation efforts that saved Texas from the Dust Bowl may have opened the door to a new man-made disaster.
Fanning the Flames The same conservation efforts that saved Texas from the Dust Bowl may have opened the door to a new man-made disaster. At just past 8 p.m. on...Read More
With Trump’s Infrastructure Plan, Rural Texas Could be Left in Disrepair
The president’s proposed budget cuts billions in federal aid for residents of the state’s sparsely populated areas.
Arnie Amaro, the city administrator of La Villa, knows Hidalgo County’s sprawl will eventually reach his town. In the last decade, the border county’s popul...Read More
Introducing the Texas Observer’s Rural Reporting Project
Texas has the biggest rural population in the nation, yet many journalists treat much of the state as flyover country.
Trump’s election taught the nation many painful lessons. Among them: the traditional divide between town and country has become a chasm. People in blue, urban...Read More
Turning Tail
There's a war on feral hogs in Texas, and the hogs are winning.
Turning Tail There’s a war on feral hogs in Texas, and the hogs are winning. When night falls on Storm Ranch, a 5,700-acre expanse in Dripping Springs, it...Read More