Alpine

A close-up of an emu's open-beaked face, so it seems to have a surprised expression.

Strangest State: Heat Waves, Emus, and Prairie Dogs

Dog weddings, record-breaking temperatures, and creepy dolls on the beach: notes from far-flung Texas.

by Texas Observer Staff

Government Transparency Suffers a Major Setback Thanks to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

by Christopher Collins

Alpine Synthetic Drug Case Ends in Plea Deal for Purple Zone Owner

by Patrick Michels

Observer Radio Episode 69: How an Alpine Smoke Shop Became a National Civil Liberties Cause

by Jonathan McNamara

An Alpine police officer stands watch outside the Purple Zone smoke shop during a federal raid in May.

The Thin Purple Line

After a controversial raid on a West Texas smoke shop, nothing is hazier than the truth.

by Patrick Michels