SAPD searching for additional suspects in death of 17-year-old whose body was found in burning car

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Police Department is asking for the public’s help in searching…

WFAA anchor Tashara Parker speaks out on Texas CROWN Act bill at state capitol

Post Content    

Clarence Brandley: Unjustly Convicted, Overdue for Justice

On October 16, 2018, Ozell Brandley walked into the downtown Houston office of Mike DeGeurin, a…

This Burned-out Texas Teacher Unseated His School Board President

Andrew Gonzales never expected his name to be on a ballot. The 30-year-old native Austinite had…

‘She fought for her life’: Witnesses recount what they saw during attempted kidnapping on SE Side

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police are looking for a suspect in connection with two attempted…

Texas bill banning care for transgender kids passes through senate committee after LGBTQ rally at capitol

Post Content    

Today on Texas Standard: What’s next as pandemic-era housing assistance winds down

The Texas Rent Relief program recently reopened applications, but due to record demand – 70,000 applications…

‘We Won’t Be Bullied’: Abortion Pill Website Fights Texas Censorship

Editor’s Note: This is part of our coverage of South by South West (SXSW) 2023. Before…

Dallas Has a Problem With ‘Zombie’ Astroturf Groups

This piece is part of Special Correspondent Steven Monacellis’ reporting on extremist groups masquerading as grassroots,…

Houston ISD Takeover Is a Trojan Horse for Privatization

Donnie Walker, U.S. history teacher at Wheatley High School in the Houston Independent School District (HISD),…

Longhorns, Cardinals expect physical game in NCAA women’s 2nd round

AUSTIN (KXAN) — When Louisville and Texas meet Monday in the second round of the NCAA…

Austin ISD hosting Pride Week March 20-25

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District announced it is holding a Pride Week celebration…

$3.4 million in state funding strengthens addiction recovery housing in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – Finding safe, sober homes for young adults in recovery can be tough, but…

Inside Texas Politics: The battle over educating kids in Texas

Post Content    

Haunting the Border

Editor’s Note: This is part of our coverage of South by South West (SXSW) 2023. By…

The Life, Death, and Life of San Antonio’s Symphony

It’s chill and starless in downtown San Antonio on symphony night. Just past the Express-News offices…

A Houston Opera About the Unhoused, Inspired by the Streets

Ecclesia Houston—a multi-denominational church on a ragged edge of downtown—would seem an unlikely place to find…

I Am a Trans Texan

It strikes me, and may strike you, as a bit crazy to come out as transgender…

The ‘Dallas Express’: Your Go-To Source for Right-Wing, Astroturf News

This piece is part of Special Correspondent Steven Monacellis’ reporting on extremist groups masquerading as grassroots,…

Two former Texans among eight ex-NFL players charged in ‘health insurance scam’

The players are accused of submitting false reimbursement claims for rehabilitation therapy by a Houston trainer,…

Nervous about your money? Here’s what to check at your bank

SAN ANTONIO – Turmoil at a few banks is giving some people a little anxiety, wondering…

11 suspects arrested, 6 wanted in connection with ‘street takeover’ incidents in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Police Department on Thursday announced the arrests of 11 suspects in…

‘I’m sorry for everything’ Man pleads guilty to 2021 murder of North Texas Uber Eats driver, apologizes to victim’s family

Post Content    

Sensors put into North Texas highway that allow the road to “talk” with engineers

Post Content    

Conservative Texas judge weighs challenge to abortion pills: What happens next?

Post Content    

Seven, including six from Texas, charged in $111 million scheme to defraud IRS

WASHINGTON (KXAN) – The Department of Justice said Monday seven people, including six from Texas, face…

Texas sends enforcement letter to Houston school district, beginning takeover

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas Education Agency sent an enforcement letter to the Houston Independent School…

Border Militia Bill Reveals Texas GOP’s Scheme to Expand State Enforcement Powers

With a rash of legislation unveiled at the bill filing deadline last Friday, Texas Republicans are…

Silicon Valley Bank failure touches San Antonio tech companies

SAN ANTONIO – The collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank, which catered to the tech industry,…

‘There is a continuing danger’: CPS history shows department’s concerns over North Texas mom’s custody of kids prior to fatal stabbings

Post Content    

Abortion Training in Texas Is Vanishing

The fetus Michelle was carrying was dead. At her 14-week checkup, the doctor had detected only…

Republican consultant speculates on who will win Texas in 2024

Post Content    

A mini Hollywood in Texas? This DFW city is building a 72-acre studio development

The project, which has a starting cost of $70 million dollars, will have “clusters” with sound…

Cornyn hopes to block Biden plan that would allow tens of thousands of migrants to remain in U.S.

On FOX News, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said he plans to stop a proposed rule that…

Moody Center Basketball and Events Area University of Texas at Austin / Gensler

Completed in 2022 in Austin, United States. Images by Chase Daniel, Ryan Gobuty, Ryan Conway. The…

Brennan High School student arrested after photo of him posing with firearm spreads online, BCSO says

SAN ANTONIO – A Brennan High School student was arrested Friday after Bexar County deputies said…

Fifth person arrested in multiple North Texas fentanyl busts

Post Content    

Governor Abbott Statement On Federal Judge Overturning Biden Administration Catch And Release Policies

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement following a U.S. federal judge's ruling that the Biden…

Governor Abbott Highlights Rural Support For School Choice In Tyler

Governor Greg Abbott last night highlighted rural support for parental rights and school choice at a…

The New Children’s Crusade: Recruiting for America’s Culture War

Wearing a blue America First cap, 19-year-old Max White stood among a dozen protesters, softly mouthing…

‘He Gets Us’ Ad Sponsors Don’t Believe in the Jesus They’re Selling

This year’s Super Bowl included two commercials selling a loving, human Jesus Christ with the tagline…

The State’s Houston ISD Takeover Is Unfair, Racist, and Wasteful

I am a parent and teacher with Community Voices for Public Education, a Houston-based nonprofit rooted…

Texas Is Failing Queer Students

Editor’s Note: The expressed opinion is of the author alone and not endorsed by WTAMU or…

Millions of Texans Are About to Lose Their Health Insurance

Last November, Tiayana Hardy gave birth to her first child, a baby girl named Laylani.  “She…

Farewell to a Beloved State Park

Mildred Hempel likes to take photographs. She likes to photograph birds, otters, and even the dragonflies…

Aren’t Reporters Supposed to Challenge Authority?

Strike Diary Day 15: The giant rat was drooping. “I think it’s the generator,” said Emily…

A ‘Dark Vision’ of Discipline: Zero Tolerance Makes a Comeback

Improving school safety is a top priority in Texas during this legislative session after last year’s…

Schertz police offering $10,000 reward for information into March 2021 shooting death

SCHERTZ, Texas – Schertz police are still looking for the person who killed a 21-year-old man…

Michael Urie Just Can’t Resist Texas

Michael Urie has a lot on his mind.  The 40-year-old actor, who rose to prominence between…

Two Executions, Many Questions about Mental Health, Innocence

Editor’s Note, March 6 2023: This story has been updated with information from one of Arthur…

Residents can view Bexar County draft floodplain maps ahead of adoption process

When it comes to flood safety, keeping lives, property, and the natural environment safe and secure…

Remembering a Social Justice Lawyer Extraordinaire

Jeff Blackburn’s rough road to redemption and an unconventional kind of legal superstardom in the rough-and-tumble…

A Zillow analysis ranks Austin as the most ‘pet-friendly’ city in the U.S.

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for March 7, 2023. Watch…

‘Border Security’ Is a Financial Black Hole that Will Consume Us All

Call it the iron law of border security funding. Once a Republican starts spending money to…

Abbott Wants to Deny Undocumented Kids a Public Education

Texas’ GOP leaders have a sadistic penchant for booting out immigrant families on holidays. Last Christmas,…

Texans’ new head coach DeMeco Ryans named 2022 AP Assistant Coach of the Year for work with 49ers

The new Texans head coach is being honored for what he accomplished last season.

The Texas House has a record number of LGBTQ representatives as lawma…

The Texas Legislature has nine lawmakers who are openly LGBTQ, all Democrats. At the same time,…

San Antonio capital murder suspect arrested after 8 years on the run, feds say

DEL RIO, Texas – A man suspected of murdering a woman in San Antonio in April…

Do Texas businesses deserve their own court system? A new bill could create one.

Post Content    

Loon Star State: Nasty Eddie

Ben Sargent / Texas Observer To see more political cartoons from Ben Sargent, visit our Loon Star…

The Shot Boosters

In the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have become more of a life-saving necessity—and yet more controversial. These…

Texas Strikes Deal to Build Abbott’s Border Wall on Big Donor’s Ranch

More than a year and a half since Governor Greg Abbott launched his taxpayer-financed plan to…

FBI Overreach Is Concerning, But So Are ‘Radical-Traditionalist’ Catholics

A recently leaked FBI memo noting an “increasingly observed interest of racially or ethnically motivated violent…

Murder trial begins for man accused in 2021 fatal shooting at West Side motel

SAN ANTONIO – The murder trial is underway for a San Antonio man accused in a…

Nonprofit works to bridge gap between SAPD, community through sit-down conversations

One nonprofit organization is working to bridge the gap between law enforcement and historically-underserved communities by…

Inside Texas Politics

Post Content    

Texas police searching for missing teenager

Post Content    

Defense Denied

Public defender Donnie Yandell walked into a West Texas courtroom for the arraignment of defendants facing…

Poem: ‘Cold’

There’s a temptation to see itas deterioration,a shift from perfection,the descent of long daysto long nights,…

Natural Gas Terminal Reopens After Massive Explosion

This report is part of a regular collaboration between the Texas Observer and Inside Climate News.…

Pregnant Texans Now Travel 10 Times Farther for an Abortion

Two years ago, if a Texan needed an abortion, they’d have to travel an average of…

Photo Essay: The Dignity of Work

Democracy is a word on a lot of lips lately, but I’m not sure what it…

A ‘Fairy Tale’ Trip to 1980s Houston

Houston film critic Joe Leydon still remembers when he met the Scottish filmmaker who would make…

‘One of the Most Mentally Ill’ Inmates in Texas Is About to Be Executed

The idea that someone can be too mentally ill to be executed is gaining traction in…

Greg Abbott’s ‘State of the State’ Was a Weird, Alarming Infomercial

On Thursday night, GOP Governor Greg Abbott used his fifth State of the State speech, a…

Patients ask Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to visit them at Methodist Children’s Hospital on Sunday

SAN ANTONIO – Patients at Methodist Children’s Hospital are trying to get Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson…

Brahmas-themed beer debuts at Alamo Beer Company ahead of XFL opener

SAN ANTONIO – A local brewery is partnering with San Antonio’s rebooted XFL team ahead of…

Greg Abbott’s ‘State of the State’ Was a Weird, Alarming Infomercial

On Thursday night, GOP Governor Greg Abbott used his fifth State of the State speech, a…

Family seeks justice after 80-year-old loved one attacked, left for dead

SAN ANTONIO – A dinner run left an 80-year-old man fighting for his life after he…

Lubbock-Cooper ISD administrators, state advocates call for ‘well-rounded’ accountability in Texas public education

Administrators at Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District and members of the public education advocacy group Raise Your…

Governor Abbott Announces School Safety As Emergency Item

Governor Abbott Announces School Safety As Emergency ItemGovernor Greg Abbott tonight announced school safety as an…

Governor Abbott Announces Ending Revolving Door Bail As Emergency Item

Governor Abbott Announces Ending Revolving Door Bail As Emergency ItemGovernor Greg Abbott tonight announced ending revolving…

State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins’ Statement on the House Appropriations Subcommittee Assignments

Gervin-Hawkins, Barbara

North Side councilmen leave chambers rather than put marijuana, abortion onto May 6 ballot

SAN ANTONIO – The so-called San Antonio Justice Charter is now officially Proposition A on the…

Speaker McCarthy leads first border trip in his new role. Critics call it a photo op

Updated February 16, 2023 at 6:55 PM ET With southern Arizona as his backdrop, House Speaker…

Chinese Citizens in Texas Are Incensed Over a Proposal to Ban Them From Buying Property in the State

Activist Ling Luo says her Chinese community in Texas has gone from fearful to infuriated —…

Migrant arrivals increase twofold at Texas-Tamaulipas border

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Mexican church leaders say they are seeing a large increase…

Uvalde’s Locks Were Its First Line of Defense. They Failed.

In the aftermath of school shootings like the one in Uvalde, what can get overlooked is…

$3 Million Whistleblower Settlement Is Cheap Getaway for Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, that pugilistic legal crusader, is backing down from a battle with four…

The Governor’s Grid Gambit

It’s now been two years since Winter Storm Uri sank Texas into a deep freeze and…

Breaking the Brazos

Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of Drifting Toward Disaster, a Texas Observer series about life-changing…

Texas Executes John Balentine Despite Racist Trial

Originally published by the Texas Tribune. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that…

Before ‘Lawrence’: From Sodomy to Queer Liberation

On August 17, 1982, LGBTQ+ Texans celebrated “Gayteenth,” as activists called it at the time—a reference…

An Abolitionist Gets Canned for Upholding the Values of Social Work

In December 2022, I was removed from my role as dean of the Graduate College of…

The Lost Reservoir Inside Our Water Infrastructure

Editor’s note: This is part of Drifting Toward Disaster, a Texas Observer series about life-changing challenges…

The Border Patrol’s Power Grab

A high-ranking U.S. Border Patrol official traveled from Laredo to Austin late last year to ask…

Letter sent to Gov. Abbott, lawmakers explains why more funding could be headed to Texas’ utility regulator

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two years after the winter storm and cascading power failure that left millions…

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez introduces gun safety legislation alongside Uvalde, Santa Fe families

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez will introduce new comprehensive, common-sense gun safety legislation alongside other state senators…

Beloved San Antonio artist dies after battle with cancer

SAN ANTONIO – Jesse Trevi?o, one of San Antonio’s most-known artists, has died after a battle…

Family on Northwest Side on edge after windows were shot out

SAN ANTONIO – A family on the Northwest Side is shaken up after what they’re calling…

‘Tremendous conflict of interest’ Texas lawmaker seeks to outlaw caretakers getting clients’ death benefits

After a WFAA investigation highlighted a case where a caretaker became a beneficiary on a dead…

Texas AG settles with former aides who reported him to FBI

Paxton committed to making a remarkable public apology toward some of his formerly trusted advisers whom…

Operation Lone Star Busts Mexican Drug Cartels’ Expanding Reach

Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are…

State Representative Venton Jones Selected to Serve on Public Health and Corrections Committees During the 88th Legislature

Jones, Venton

Rep. Ed Thompson Appointed to House Appropriations and Calendars Committees, and Vice-Chairman of House Committee on Natural Resources

Thompson, Ed

Deputies find $200,000 in cocaine during traffic stop on North Side, driver arrested

SAN ANTONIO – Deputies with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office found 5 kilograms of cocaine in…

Today on Texas Standard: What Texas House committee assignments say about this session

Despite a chorus from the right calling for Democrats to be barred from committee chairmanships, Texas…

Republican State of the Union rebuttals differed in more than just language

Republicans’ dual rebuttals to President Biden’s State of the Union differed in language and strategy ahead…

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CARL TEPPER NAMED TO HOUSE COMMITTEES ON APPROPRIATIONS AND URBAN AFFAIRS

Tepper, Carl H.

Rep. Armando Walle Responds to Speaker’s Committee Assignments

Walle, Armando

Representative Shelby Slawson Committee Appointments for the 88th Session

Slawson, Shelby

REP. CAPRIGLIONE NAMED CHAIR OF HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PENSIONS, INVESTMENTS, AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

Capriglione, Giovanni

A Tree Grows in Texas

When Dagoberto Gilb came to serve as writer-in-residence at the University of Houston-Victoria and found a…

Texas attorney accidentally shot by Cheney during 2006 hunting trip dies

Harry Whittington was sprayed with birdshot pellets to his face, neck and chest by the vice…

Governor Abbott Appoints Wysocki To 162nd District Court

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ashley Wysocki to the 162nd Judicial District Court in Dallas County…

Right-wing Reps Promote Racist Conspiracy Theories In ‘Border Crisis’ Hearing

After securing a slim majority in the House of Representatives, Republicans held an hours-long hearing of…

Man found with gunshot wound at Ft. Sam gate entrance, SAPD says

SAN ANTONIO – One man was hospitalized after being found bleeding from a gunshot wound at…

State of Texas: ‘A full time job,’ Border Czar to lead TX border wall, security efforts

LOS INDIOS, Texas (Nexstar) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott named a “border czar” for the state…

Tracking Central Texas power outages as Austin mulls disaster declaration

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a press conference Thursday, Travis County said it was pursuing a disaster…

‘Colossal Waste of Money’: Texas Nears $1 Billion in Border Wall Contracts

As Governor Greg Abbott’s scheme to wall off Texas from Mexico quickly and quietly accelerates, the…