The Latest Breaking News from Texas Observer

Climate Change Will Make Harmful Algae Blooms in Texas Waterways More Common

Blue-green algae exists in almost all of the state’s waterways. Once it starts to bloom, it’s hard to get rid of it.

Texas Observer · Sep 17, 2019

Migrants at Laredo Tent Court Tell Stories of Kidnappings and Violence While Pleading Not to Be Returned to Mexico

Under Trump’s Migrant Protection Protocols, asylum-seekers have been waiting for their hearings in Mexico. Many aren’t making it back to court.

Texas Observer · Sep 16, 2019

Attica Locke’s New Mystery Novel Unearths East Texas Secrets

“Heaven, My Home” explores how black and white people can live almost entirely different experiences inside the same time and place.

Texas Observer · Sep 16, 2019

The Trump Administration Blows Its Border Wall Budget in South Texas

A Texas Observer review of federal documents found that Congress gave CBP $445 million to build 25 miles of border wall in Hidalgo County. The money only paid for 13 miles.

Texas Observer · Sep 12, 2019

Rent By Another Name

As rent continues to rise across the state, an increasing number of Texas tenants are also saddled with mandatory fees for everything from doorstep trash collection to cable television.

Texas Observer · Sep 12, 2019

Journalists Blocked from Attending Secretive Immigration Tent Courts

Normally, the press can observe immigration court proceedings. But journalists are being turned away from the first asylum hearings in Laredo under the Migrant Protection Protocols.

Texas Observer · Sep 11, 2019

Ken Burns’ New Documentary Builds a Bigger Tent for Country Music

Co-opted by whites, country music was largely shaped by black and immigrant musicians.

Texas Observer · Sep 11, 2019

Eye on Texas: An El Paso Times Photographer Mourns With the City

“What people don’t understand about El Paso is this is the biggest small town in the world.”

Texas Observer · Sep 11, 2019

American Health Care is Broken, Especially in Texas. What Can We Do About It?

Physician Marty Makary’s new book shows how sky-high medical bills can ruin patients’ lives—but puts the burden on individuals to demand change.

Texas Observer · Sep 10, 2019

Texas Leads in Polling Place Closures Since 2013

750 polling places in Texas have been shuttered since Shelby v. Holder, the Supreme Court decision that released the state from federal oversight in changing its voter laws and practices.

Texas Observer · Sep 10, 2019