‘Earth Has No Sorrow’: Visions of a Caldwell County Long Gone
The Observer resurfaces a 50-year-old collection of fine arts photography and unique oral history.
Culture
‘On the Porch’ Celebrates Terlingua and Its Residents
Deep in a mountainous landscape, West Texas-born musician W. Chase Peeler stumbles upon a gold mine of music makers who prefer life off the grid.
The Final Frontera
Elon Musk wants to go to Mars. Money, regulations, and public beaches are no object.
Dallas’ Hidden History of Terror
A 34-year-old old book set for re-release unearths a painful past with poignant provocation.
Troubled Water
Four days after 9/11, a towing barge crashed into the Queen Isabella Causeway, killing eight people. Twenty years later, the fishermen who saved three lives are telling what really happened that night.
‘Inflamed’ Shows How An Unjust World Is Making Us Sick
A new book from UT Austin research professor Raj Patel and UC San Francisco physician Rupa Marya argues that our bodies, our society, and our planet are inflamed.
The ‘Queen of the Accordion’ Is Still Forging Her Own Path
A legendary accordionist in San Antonio, Eva Ybarra faced an uphill battle as a female musician throughout her career.
Reformer Sissy Farenthold Is Still Watching
The former state representative led a revolt against corruption in 1972—and is calling for action now.
A New Normal for Live Music
Black musicians were already struggling for resources and recognition before the pandemic. Now, they’re back onstage, championing lasting reform in the live music industry.
Actor Emma Galbraith on ‘Inbetween Girl’ and Why Teen Rom-Coms Matter
The 19-year-old Austin actor and organizer on biracial identity and why she thinks female characters should start building power.