Dammed if You Do: East Texas Locals Fight to Stop an Unnecessary Reservoir
In Van Zandt County, a fight over water rights, government transparency, and land ownership came to a head with a proposed dam project.
Rural Texas
Reports of Livestock Deaths, Other Ag Losses Trickle in After Harvey
The Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA, however, are mum on an estimated death toll.
Still No Deal Between State and Feds on Disaster Food Aid for Harvey Victims [Updated]
A disaster food aid program deployed after Katrina and Sandy has yet to be approved in Texas.
At a Flooded Trailer Park in Richmond, Residents Wait for the Water to Recede
The river has flooded Edgewood Trailer Park twice in two years.
In Karnes City, Hurricane Evacuees Play the ‘Waiting Game’
“So far, [FEMA has] been helping us,” Tracy Douglas said. “But after September 26, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
Farmers and Ranchers Take a Hit from Harvey, but the Exact Toll is Unknown
The coastal counties devastated by Harvey are also home to an estimated 1.2 million cows, more than a quarter of the state’s total.
Despite ‘Hardship’ Funding, Rural Texas Schools Face Difficult Financial Future
Education advocates don’t think the funding will be enough to avoid staff layoffs and cuts to student services.
Fanning The Flames
The same conservation efforts that saved Texas from the Dust Bowl may have opened the door to a new man-made disaster.
With Trump’s Infrastructure Plan, Rural Texas Could be Left in Disrepair
The president’s proposed budget cuts billions in federal aid for residents of the state’s sparsely populated areas.
Introducing the Texas Observer’s Rural Reporting Project
Texas has the biggest rural population in the nation, yet many journalists treat much of the state as flyover country.