The Latest Breaking News from Texas Observer

‘It’s About Censorship, Erasure, and Control’: the GOP’s Push for Parental Rights

It’s part of a new right-wing project to control public schools.

Texas Observer · Apr 3, 2025

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.

Texas Observer · Apr 1, 2025

The Scientist and the Serial Killer: Cracking the Case of Houston’s ‘Lost Boys’

More than 50 years later, some Houston families still wait for confirmation that their sons and brothers were among the victims of serial killer Dean Corll.

Texas Observer · Apr 1, 2025

The Massive Energy Requirements of Treating Texas’ Oilfield Wastewater

One company wants small nuclear reactors to power the energy-intensive process of purifying vast volumes of toxic “produced water” for use in agriculture and industry.

Texas Observer · Mar 24, 2025

‘We’re Not Just Some Bureaucrats’: DOE Employees on How Their Work Helps Texas Students

Department of Education workers and union leaders in Texas say kids will pay the price for Trump’s decision to “break this system.”

Texas Observer · Mar 21, 2025

These Librarians Won’t Let America’s Fever Hit Fahrenheit 451

A new documentary shows us our local guardians of intellectual freedom in battle.

Texas Observer · Mar 20, 2025

Texas’ First Abortion Arrests Stem from Monthlong Attorney General Investigation

These represent the first criminal charges under Texas’ near-total abortion ban.

Texas Observer · Mar 19, 2025

The Texas Border Is the New Frontier of Film

After years of having their stories told by outsiders, locals are fighting back with their own cameras and building much-needed infrastructure. But they need more support.

Texas Observer · Mar 17, 2025

An Inside Look at Taser Use in Texas Prison

The sound of electricity sizzling and crackling broke the silence. To me, it looked like the electric chair was officially back in the prisons.

Texas Observer · Mar 13, 2025

Marathon Hearing on School Vouchers Features Intense Bipartisan Opposition

“There is a disconnect between the rhetoric and what the bill actually says,” Democrat James Talarico summarized of House Bill 3.

Texas Observer · Mar 12, 2025