The Latest Breaking News from Texas Observer

Texas Expands Access to Medical Cannabis—But Advocates Say It’s Not Enough

Texas has one of the most restrictive medical marijuana laws in the country, leaving veterans like Viridiana Edwards struggling to manage chronic pain and PTSD.

Texas Observer · Jun 17, 2021

Mentally Ill and Sentenced to Death

After 45 years, Texas’ longest-serving death row inmate was resentenced last week due to a long history of severe mental illness. But state lawmakers this session again declined to ban the death penalty for people like him.

Texas Observer · Jun 16, 2021

As the Power Grid Waivers Again, Texans Are Still Recovering From the Winter Storm

Experts say the energy reform bill signed by Governor Greg Abbott doesn’t go far enough to protect Texans from future blackouts.

Texas Observer · Jun 15, 2021

‘Forget the Alamo’ Unravels a Texas History Made of Myths, or Rather, Lies

Three Texan authors build on a long tradition of dissent from patriotic accounts of Texas history in a new book on the racism baked into our story of the Alamo.

Texas Observer · Jun 10, 2021

The Unlikely Demise of Texas’ Biggest Corporate Tax Break

After 20 years, the state’s most lucrative corporate welfare program comes to an end.

Texas Observer · Jun 9, 2021

When Your Birth Is a State Secret

Texan adoptees argue that they should have a right to see their own birth certificates.

Texas Observer · Jun 8, 2021

An Irreversible Sentence

Using dubious evidence, Texas condemned Clinton Young to death almost 20 years ago. I traveled 3,000 miles to Texas to help him.

Texas Observer · Jun 7, 2021

Texas Activists are Working to ‘Free Palestine’ But Obstacles Abound

Texas organizers have drawn thousands of people to pro-Palestine rallies, but convincing state officials to support the cause won’t be easy.

Texas Observer · Jun 4, 2021

Texas Observer Announces Finalists in the 15th Annual MOLLY Journalism Prizes

Also introducing the winners of the TxO NextGen Scholars program.

Texas Observer · Jun 4, 2021

Again, Texas Republicans Fail to Gut Local Labor Protections

The win for worker advocates came unexpectedly—and may not last long.

Texas Observer · Jun 3, 2021