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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.
Name Games: Trump’s ‘Gulf of America’ Move Flouts History, International Cooperation
The president could just as logically rename the body of water the “Chinese Sea,” one historian argues.
‘How Innocent Do They Have to Be?’: Texas’ First Scheduled Execution of 2025 Raises Thorny Questions
Steven Nelson says he was a lookout for a robbery that ended in a pastor’s death. He’s set to be killed by the state February 5.
In Austin, a Rare Prosecution over Worker Death in Trench Collapse
Travis County’s progressive DA has secured indictments for the 2021 death of Juan José Galvan Batalla, remembered as a “cheerful” hard worker and beloved sibling.
Texas Foresees Strong Revenue, Full Rainy Day Fund. Who Will Benefit?
In his biennial budget projection, Comptroller Glenn Hegar says the state will have a healthy surplus, plus a full economic stabilization fund for the first time in history.