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.
News
Our Most-Read Stories of 2024
Online readership numbers are at least one tool to figure out what the Observer audience really loved.
Our Best Longform Stories of 2024
This sort of nonfiction is designed to be started, finished, and actually leave you with something to show for it.
Editorial Moves at the Observer
A bit of good news
Announcing the Texas Observer’s Editor-in-Chief
A strong and clear editorial vision, committed to the values we’ve upheld at the Texas Observer for 70 years, is critical to not only the future of our organization, but the future of Texas and all who live here.
‘They Bought a Legislature’: What the GOP’s Gains Mean for Vouchers in Texas
Republicans nearly ran the table in state House races, shoring up Governor Abbott’s school voucher majority for the 2025 session.
‘No Trust, No Bond’: Houston School Bond Fails amid State Takeover Backlash
“In my 33 years as an educator, I’ve never known teachers to come out against a bond. I’ve never seen so much community involvement and participation, mainly because we do not trust Mike Miles.”
Is Rep Nate Schatzline Misusing Nonprofit to Play Partisan Politics?
“It appears that For Liberty & Justice is violating its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by assisting the campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz and the Republican Party.”
In San Antonio, House Races Could Determine Future of Public Ed and Vouchers
Abbott-induced financial crises in public school districts are at the center of key legislative elections in Bexar County and beyond.
How Mass Deportations Would ‘Devastate’ Texas
The Lone Star State is home to millions of undocumented residents and members of mixed-status families critical to the state’s economic success, yet Texas leaders are cheering on Trump anyway.