The Latest Breaking News from Texas Observer

In Rural Texas, COVID-19 Contact Tracing is Largely Up to Local Officials, If It Happens at All

As public health experts warn of new waves of infections this summer or fall, experts say there’s still not a robust system in place to track the coronavirus, particularly in rural areas.

Texas Observer · Jun 8, 2020

Why Protesters In Austin Are Chanting ‘Justice for Mike Ramos’

“The deaths of people like George Floyd, Mike Ramos, and Breonna Taylor continue to highlight the racism embedded in our criminal justice system.”

Texas Observer · Jun 5, 2020

Why Is APD Responding to Mental Health Crises like Violent Crimes?

Neuroscientist Mauris DeSilva died in July 2019. The same APD officer who shot Mike Ramos was involved in DeSilva's death.

Texas Observer · Jun 4, 2020

‘We Don’t Exist’: Texas Domestic Workers Fight for Inclusion in Labor Laws

Domestic workers already lacked contracts, wage protections, and health care benefits. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Texas Observer · May 28, 2020

Texan Drag Queen Shangela Finds Drag Daughters in Small Towns in HBO’s ‘We’re Here’

HBO’s new docuseries “We’re Here” is a snapshot of how drag can foster queer community in rural areas across the country.

Texas Observer · May 27, 2020

Feeding Refugees on the Texas Border Has Been Tough. Now There’s COVID-19.

Elizabeth “Lizee” Cavazos, who volunteers with Angry Tias and Abuelas of the Rio Grande Valley, talks about the challenges of arranging food for a refugee camp in Matamoros as the coronavirus keeps volunteers stateside.

Texas Observer · May 26, 2020

Norma McCorvey Took the Money of the Anti-Abortion Movement and Lost Herself. ‘AKA Jane Roe’ Is Her Attempt at Atonement.

In a stunning deathbed confession, the woman who made Roe v. Wade possible tried to erase years of anti-abortion activism. But the damage has already been done.

Texas Observer · May 22, 2020

With Storage Space Evaporating, the Oil and Gas Industry Will Get to Put Its Products Back Underground

The Railroad Commission has rolled back rules that once prohibited producers from storing liquid hydrocarbons in geological formations across the state, despite risks to aquifers.

Texas Observer · May 20, 2020

Home Wasn’t Safe. Then COVID-19 Made It Seem Like the Only Option.

Seeing a “disturbing” decrease in clients and callers amid COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, some domestic violence shelters in rural counties worry this is just the “calm before the storm.”

Texas Observer · May 19, 2020

Raise a Glass to the Class of COVID-19

Maybe they will help build a post-pandemic world (or so I hope).

Texas Observer · May 18, 2020