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

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

All of the Texas Observer’s articles are available for free syndication for news sources under the following conditions: ...

All of the Texas Observer’s articles are available for free syndication for news sources under the following conditions: ...

The Legislature’s lower chamber has finally blessed school vouchers—and denied ordinary Texans the chance to weigh in.

A version of this story ran in the March / April 2025 issue.

Three months into his second presidential term, Donald Trump appears well off pace to hit his promised record numbers of deportations. As much of the country focuses on Trump’s international ...

Even at Texas Woman’s University, whose very name shows its legacy, gender studies programs face potential pushback from lawmakers. Just three years ago, Texas Woman’s University (TWU ...

What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and the upcoming picture book We Match! He grew up in Sulphur Springs, lives in Austin, and serves as ...

A version of this story ran in the March / April 2025 issue.

Democratic politicians and reformers say the donation shows a major loophole in campaign finance law.