The Latest Breaking News from Texas Observer

As Pete Sessions Tries to Revive his Political Career, He May Get Sucked into Ukraine

The once-powerful Republican congressman is trying to claw his way back to Washington at a time when his allies in Trumpworld are under fire.

Texas Observer · Oct 4, 2019

Short Story Finalist: ‘The After Party’

In Jess Smith’s tense and troubling story, a wedding party turns dark.

Texas Observer · Oct 3, 2019

Mac Thornberry’s Retirement Leaves the Defense Industry With One Less Close Friend

The Panhandle congressman has been an unwavering hawk and a champion for bigger war budgets.

Texas Observer · Oct 2, 2019

Anti-LGBTQ Activist Tracy Shannon Shuts Down Drag Queen Story Times Across Texas

“They made it look like we were planning a peep show for kids. It would have just been a grandma dressing up and reading to kids on her time off.”

Texas Observer · Sep 26, 2019

Short Story Contest Finalist: ‘Liquid Gold’

Breast milk is sometimes prized so highly that it’s called “liquid gold.” In Shannon Perri’s harrowing story, it takes on a literal meaning.

Texas Observer · Sep 26, 2019

Video: ‘Traumatic, Unnecessary’ Arrest of Austin Woman Shows How Cops Can Worsen Mental Health Crises

Bodycam footage of police arresting a young woman diagnosed with schizophrenia shows how Texas cops turn mental health emergencies into traumatic confrontations—and even deportations.

Texas Observer · Sep 25, 2019

Strangest State: No, You Can’t Bring Your Missile Launcher on the Plane

Plus: Weirdness abounds at Wichita Falls Walmarts.

Texas Observer · Sep 25, 2019

Immigration Judge Slams ‘Remain in Mexico’ Tent Courts

“It's more like what you might see, perhaps, in China or Russia,” says Ashley Tabaddor, president of the National Association of Immigration Judges.

Texas Observer · Sep 24, 2019

A Joyful El Paso Art Exhibit Imagines a World Ruled by Latinx People

From a cosmic piñata to “Aztechnonauts,” sculptor Angel Cabrales envisions an alternate history defined by Latinx creativity.

Texas Observer · Sep 24, 2019

Beautiful Ruins: ‘Anthropocene’ Is a Sobering Ecological Prophecy

In this visually stunning documentary, ingenuity is humanity’s fatal flaw.

Texas Observer · Sep 24, 2019