UNCOVERED: 16 - The Untold Story

A Thirsty Tesla Refinery Could Exacerbate Corpus Christi’s Water Crisis

Local activists warn that while residents must ration, unimpeded industrial expansion is imperiling the region’s future.

Texas Observer · May 15, 2025

A Texas Writer Tackles a Subject ‘Beckoning in the Shadows His Entire Life’

Stephen Harrigan explores his own Catholic boyhood in Texas—and the prophecy left behind by a Portuguese prophet girl—in a compelling new book.

Texas Observer · May 14, 2025

Texas Already Gives Public Ed Dollars to Private Operators. Here’s How That Worked Out.

The state created “Texas Partnership” charter schools to turn around struggling public campuses, but an Observer investigation has uncovered numerous academic and financial issues.

Texas Observer · May 13, 2025

Will Dan Patrick’s Senate Stymie Fentanyl Test Strip Legalization (Again)?

Legislation to allow some forms of drug checking has reached the same Senate committee where a similar bill died last session—two years and at least 3,200 Texas overdose deaths ago.

Texas Observer · May 6, 2025

The High Cost of Texas’ Property Tax Cut-and-Run Politics

Biennial promises of “relief” are just window dressing on a broken taxation system.

Texas Observer · May 6, 2025

The Crypto Racket

Bitcoin mining afflicts locals with noise pollution, threatens water supplies, and receives generous public backing.

Texas Observer · May 5, 2025

At UT, a Day of Drag and Defiance

Students gathered for a joyful protest of the university system’s drag show ban.

Texas Observer · May 2, 2025

Editor’s Letter: Introducing Our May/June 2025 Issue

A note from the editor-in-chief

Texas Observer · Apr 30, 2025

Abbott’s Bail Agenda Could Swell Texas Jails, Test U.S. Constitution

Republicans want to double down on a system that can keep Texans in jail for years without a trial, while attacking bail funds that try to help.

Texas Observer · Apr 30, 2025

In Booming Central Texas, Wastewater Is Polluting Rivers and Streams

A bill in the Texas Legislature would protect the last 21 pristine watersheds. But for years, previous attempts have been defeated by powerful homebuilders.

Texas Observer · Apr 28, 2025