FORGOTTEN HISTORY: 55 | History Defined

Are the poor subsidizing the University of Texas?

In November 2012, Austin voters were asked to approve a proposition that promised to expand health care for the poor. They approved a ballot measure creating a pool of $35 million in tax money each year for the nonprofit Central Health, an agency charged by the state with funding indigent…

Texas Observer · Dec 30, 2021

Why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Needs Texan Johnny Nash

The “I can see clearly now” singer was much more than a one-hit wonder.

Texas Observer · Dec 29, 2021

Political Retirements Will Paint Texas a Fresh Coat of Red in 2022

If you thought 2021 was brutal, 2022 may be worse.

Texas Observer · Dec 28, 2021

The Observer Recommends 10 Texas Books of 2021

From correcting the record on racism and Texas history, to queer love on the border, to the #MeToo movement in federal courts, we rounded up some of our favorite books this year.

Texas Observer · Dec 16, 2021

COVID-19 Robbed Me of the Joys of Teaching

I thought remote instruction during the pandemic would be the worst of it. I was wrong.

Texas Observer · Dec 13, 2021

The Supreme Court Lets SB 8 Stand, But Allows Abortion Providers Their Day in Court

In an 8-to-1 ruling, the Justices ruled that lawsuits against Texas’ anti-choice law could proceed, but left women in the state to suffer its consequences in the meantime.

Texas Observer · Dec 10, 2021

Pauline Oliveros Emerges From The Underground

The little-known musician finally gets the acknowledgment she deserves.

Texas Observer · Dec 10, 2021

The EPA Placed a Texas Superfund Site on its National Priorities List in 2018. Why Is the Health Threat Still Unknown?

Predominantly Latino residents in Grand Prairie, west of Dallas, say they’ve been told little or nothing about air, soil and groundwater poisoned by TCE, a known human carcinogen.

Texas Observer · Dec 9, 2021

Fragile Evidence

In 2008, Gabriel Solis traveled around the state collecting stories from Texans whose loved ones had been sentenced to death.

Texas Observer · Dec 8, 2021

Justice Department Enters Fray, But Only Congress Can Fix Racist Gerrymandering in Texas

A new lawsuit adds federal weight and resources to an increasingly uphill battle for fair maps.

Texas Observer · Dec 7, 2021