Trump’s Plan for Venezuelan Oil Raises Prospects of Paramilitary Violence
Latin America has lots of experience with private military contractors protecting foreign companies in lawless conflict zones. It seldom goes well.
News
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.
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.
Trans Texans Are Under Attack (Again), but Advocates Aren’t Giving In
With another legislative session that could pile on even more anti-trans policies, LBGTQ+ groups grapple with how to protect their communities.
Abbott’s Familiar Priorities Include Property Taxes, Vouchers, Cracking Down on Bail
In his biennial address, the governor declared seven emergency items.
‘Drill Baby Drill’: Arlington Approves New Site for Fracking Near Daycare and Schools
Arlington has opened new land for fracking for the first time in 12 years, allowing TotalEnergies to drill 10 new gas wells near a daycare center.