Patrick Michels
Patrick Michels is a reporter for the Texas Observer and a former legislative intern. He has been a staff writer and web editor at the Dallas Observer, and a former editor of the Texas Independent. He has a bachelor's in journalism from Northwestern University, a master's in photojournalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a competitive eating enthusiast.
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State of Texas: Low Pay and Greater Expectations Have Texas Teachers Singing the Blues
Years of high-stakes testing, chronic under-funding and news stories about failing schools have made things difficult for Texas teachers. Full Story -
Observer Radio Episode 64: The Filibuster Anniversary
One year after the unruly mob filled the State Capitol and—at least temporarily—shouted down a bill imposing new limits on abortion, what's become of the movement today? And we consider Texas officials' proposals to confront a growing humanitarian crisis on the border. Full Story -
Map: Where Brownsville ISD’s Boot Camp Students Come From
This interactive map demonstrates how many Brownsville ISD schools referred students to the boot camp-style Brownsville Academic Center. Full Story -
Photos From Wendy Davis’ Filibuster and the Senate Battle Over Anti-Abortion Bill
With the Texas Senate poised to approve one of the harshest anti-abortion laws in the country, the crowd took over. Full Story -
Protestors Swarm Capitol As House Fights Over Abortion Bill
The Texas House gave initial approval at 3:23 a.m. Monday to a strict anti-abortion bill. Full Story
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Everything You Need To Know About the Texas School Finance Ruling
The Legislature has been talking big in the Capitol about the state’s high expectations, while refusing to give schools the resources needed to meet those standards. In his school finance ruling last week, Judge John Dietz writes that the state had better put its money where its mouth is. Full Story -
Judge on Texas’ School Funding: Yep, Still Not Enough
Judge John Dietz rules Texas' school finance system is unconstitutional, closing a years-long trial and sending the case on to the Texas Supreme Court. Full Story -
Lege Takes Up Testing—Another Year Older and Not Much Wiser
Lawmakers grilled Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams on the state's stagnating test scores, suggesting the conversation hasn't changed much since big reforms last year. Full Story -
WTF Friday: Let’s Be Cops!
This week's escalation of firepower and political bluster in Texas, from the personal to the state level. Full Story -
A (Premature) Obituary for Deion Sanders’ Charter School
A lengthy New York Times piece on Deion Sanders' Prime Prep charter school in Dallas features troubling new allegations—but it may not be time to write the school's obituary yet. Full Story
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Strict Texas Law Makes Ebola Lawsuits Unlikely
Tort reform statutes and court rulings protect Texas hospitals from medical malpractice suits, even in situations like the Dallas Ebola cases. Full Story -
Keepers of the Faith and Flag, Out Standing in their Field
Rural East Texans answer a hedonistic party in their midst with a sober celebration of God, country and conservatism. Full Story -
State of Texas: Low Pay and Greater Expectations Have Texas Teachers Singing the Blues
Years of high-stakes testing, chronic under-funding and news stories about failing schools have made things difficult for Texas teachers. Full Story -
The Thin Purple Line
After a controversial raid on a West Texas smoke shop, nothing is hazier than the truth. Full Story -
Aliens Without Borders: Exploring South Texas’ Intergalactic Attractions
UFO watchers, conspiracy theorists and truth seekers congregate in Del Rio for the town's first UFO convention. Full Story
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