The Texas Observer

Keepers of the Faith and Flag, Out Standing in their Field
by Patrick Michels
Oct 17, 2014
Rural East Texans answer a hedonistic party in their midst with a sober celebration of God, country and conservatism. Full Story
A Texas Militiaman Reconsiders the Mission
by Forrest Wilder
Oct 15, 2014
Charles Gilbert joined the Texas Border Volunteers to "kick some ass," but the group's tactics forced him to do some soul-searching. Full Story
Forgetting How to Read? Stop Reading Online
by Michael Agresta
Oct 13, 2014
If we want to maintain the kind of thoughtful, reflective, curious minds that engineered the Internet in the first place, it’s time to face up to what reading online is doing to our brains. Full Story
Protests Mount in Mexico Over Missing Students
by Jason McGahan
Oct 09, 2014
Protesters gathered in the thousands in Mexico City for a march to commemorate the 43 students at a teachers college in southern Mexico who disappeared after being taken into police custody. Full Story

Observer Radio Episode 80: A Texas Militiaman Has a Change of Heart
by Jonathan McNamara
Oct 17, 2014
Charles Gilbert joined up with Texas Border Volunteers to "kick some ass," but reconsidered when he saw their tactics firsthand. Full Story
Observer Radio Episode 79: Tackling Texas’ Rape Kit Backlog
by Jonathan McNamara
Oct 10, 2014
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Full Story
Meet the Justice Advocate for HPD Adult Sex Crimes Unit
by Jen Reel
Oct 08, 2014
Justice Advocate Emily Burton-Blank talks about her role in the Houston Police Department for providing support to survivors and investigators of sexual assault crimes. Full Story
Observer Radio Episode 78: The Governor’s Debate and Border Stories
by Jonathan McNamara
Oct 03, 2014
Dr. Marsha Griffin gives firsthand accounts of the harsh circumstances faced by mothers and children desperately crossing the border into Texas. Full Story
State of Texas: Low Pay and Greater Expectations Have Texas Teachers Singing the Blues
by Patrick Michels
Oct 01, 2014
Years of high-stakes testing, chronic under-funding and news stories about failing schools have made things difficult for Texas teachers. Full Story