RARE PHOTOS: 28 - The Real Truth

‘Forever Chemicals,’ Religion, and Family Tragedy in Texas

PFAS do not break down but rather persist indefinitely. It is possible that Dad drank carcinogenic water for most of his life.

Texas Observer · Apr 18, 2024

The Epic Texas Panhandle Fire Is Just a Preview

Texas officials go to bat for oil and gas while the climate-fueled Smokehouse Creek Fire still rages.

Texas Observer · Apr 17, 2024

In Travis County, a Fight over Bail Hearings Has Big Stakes for Criminal Defendants

Some arrestees in Austin lack legal representation at a stage that can determine their cases’ outcome. The ACLU wants to change that.

Texas Observer · Apr 16, 2024

Nine Years, Nine Lives: Paxton’s Latest Legal Escape

For all the emphasis placed on his alleged fraud, the attorney general was never headed for prison—at least not on these charges.

Texas Observer · Apr 5, 2024

‘TxDOT’s Still Bulldozing Over Our Communities’

Community members say the state transportation agency is violating its agreement with the feds to reduce the discriminatory impact of its plans to expand I-45.

Texas Observer · Apr 4, 2024

Death Trap: ‘We’re Not Going to Open It for Them’

A new investigation of a deadly fire that killed 40 migrants in a locked detention cell in Mexico shows that keys and fire extinguishers were readily available, but withheld.

Texas Observer · Apr 3, 2024

Some Texas Prisoners Allowed Only Four Hours of Sleep a Night, Lawsuit Says

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with a man incarcerated at the Estelle Unit who has been suing over his sleep schedule for a decade.

Texas Observer · Apr 2, 2024

A Roadmap to Rebuilding Communities

Megan Kimble's book "City Limits" offers a different vision.

Texas Observer · Apr 1, 2024

Forging Their Own Way: Kaye Northcott on Texas Observer History

As co-editors of the Texas Observer, Kaye Northcott and Molly Ivins used humor and embedded themselves in the feminist movement.

Texas Observer · Mar 28, 2024

‘The Hobby’: A Love Letter to Board Gamers like My Son

The documentary reminds us how to revel in creative play and the company of others.

Texas Observer · Mar 27, 2024