News Orgs Fight to Unseal Records in the Paxtons’ Divorce Case
The media outlets, including the Texas Observer, argue that Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton, are elected officials subject to public scrutiny.
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Robert Roberson Faces New Execution Date in Controversial ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’ Case
The new date comes after Ken Paxton took over the case that could lead to the nation's first execution based on the contested diagnosis.
‘Disasters Are a Human Choice’: Texas Counties Have Little Power to Stop Building in Flood-Prone Areas
Experts suggested that more data and education are needed as Texas and the rest of the country build in known flood plains.
Climate Change Helped Fuel Heavy Rains that Led to Devastating Hill Country Flood
Officials are reporting more than 100 fatalities in Kerr County, including 28 children.
Moonlighting Midland Prosecutor Means Freedom for Samuel Sanchez
“He just cried. He was just overwhelmed with emotion.”
Ronnie Dugger, 1930-2025
The Observer's crusading founding editor—a prolific author and agitator who helped animate the spirit of a true Texas liberalism—has died at 95.
Texas Set to Create State Bitcoin Reserve
The latest version of the bill includes a previously nixed provision to allow Texans to donate crypto to the fund.
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Texas Set to Execute Fourth Person of the Year on Tuesday
Matthew Johnson was convicted of the 2012 murder of Nancy Harris in Dallas County.
Carlton Carl, 1945-2025
Carlton was a patriot, feminist, Democrat, journalist, bibliophile, philanthropist, entrepreneur, art enthusiast, history buff, and more. He was a staunch supporter of his family and community, of organizations including the Observer, and of the town of Martindale.
Speaker Burrows Remodels Texas House with All-Republican Chairs
The new leader of the lower chamber finally announced committee assignments, formalizing a new order in the lower chamber.