The Latest Breaking News from Texas Observer

Yet Again, Texas Lawmakers Face Crisis Conditions in Texas Prisons

Texas lawmakers are confronted with a bleak picture of life inside Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities every two years.

Texas Observer · May 19, 2021

Texas Labor Organizer Montserrat Garibay Goes to Washington

As a Latina immigrant, Montserrat Garibay broke barriers in the Texas labor movement. Now she enters the national stage.

Texas Observer · May 18, 2021

Texas Republicans Are Trying to Protect Trucking Companies from Lawsuits

Texas counts the highest number of big-rig wrecks in the U.S. and the number of truck fatalities has more than doubled since 2009.

Texas Observer · May 17, 2021

Armed With Lessons From a Dallas Serial Killer, Families Push for Reforms in Texas Law

Bills before the state Legislature this session would subject precious metal buyers to more scrutiny and protect assisted living residents.

Texas Observer · May 11, 2021

Follow the Money

Mexican kleptocrats hid at least $100 million in Texas real estate, offshore bank accounts, planes, and cars. U.S. officials spent years chasing the money. Then in 2018, their investigations stopped.

Texas Observer · May 10, 2021

Siguiendo La Ruta Del Dinero

Durante cuatro años, los investigadores federales estimaron que millones de dólares robados a los contribuyentes mexicanos pasaron por un banco del sur de Texas. Cuando siguieron el rastro, condujeron a bienes raíces, automóviles y aviones. Pero en 2018, esas investigaciones se detuvieron repentinamente.

Texas Observer · May 10, 2021

The Lege This Week: Lurching Rightward

As the session enters its final stretch, Republicans are advancing a barrage of right-wing bills—from permitless carry and abortion bans to pro-fossil fuel theatrics and anti-“woke” mandates for schools.

Texas Observer · May 7, 2021

Texas Enabled the Worst Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Catastrophe in Recent U.S. History

In a state that doesn't require carbon monoxide alarms in homes, many Texans in the winter storm didn't know they were poisoning themselves.

Texas Observer · May 6, 2021

‘On Juneteenth’ Refuses Easy Answers About the Importance of People of Color to Texas History

Author Annette Gordon-Reed offers a historical primer on the conditions that made Juneteenth a holiday and its importance to the nation.

Texas Observer · May 6, 2021

In Gainesville, the Past Is Repeating Itself

Criminal charges against protesters, intimidation from counterprotesters, and the threat of violence by right-wing groups numbed protests against monuments in the North Texas town.

Texas Observer · May 5, 2021