Patrick Michels
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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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WTF Friday: Naptime’s Over, America
In this week's WTF Friday, Americans sleep through a world crisis, David Dewhurst gets lost in another dubious rumor and a reporter swims in sewage. Full Story -
Happy Banned Books Week, Highland Park
In time for Banned Books Week, Highland Park schools have banned seven books. Full Story -
How Do Technical College Grads Fare in the Job Market? It’s Complicated.
Texas' public technical colleges often promote their high job placement rates, but the real measure of their programs' success is more complex. Full Story -
Idaho-Based Athlos Charter Schools Grow in Texas, Despite State’s Denial
Idaho's Athlos Academies marries real estate deals, upscale gyms and schools in a novel business plan funded by Texas taxpayers. Full Story -
WTF Friday: For the Good Times
Wendy Davis and Greg Abbott traded silly barbs this week about football and parking structures. Full Story
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Childhood Lost
Sarah Brian says her two children were stolen by her own parents—with help from the state of Texas. Full Story -
Fight for Wright
The family of Alfred Wright, a black man found dead in rural East Texas last year, has made his mysterious death a civil rights cause, saying local authorities are hiding the truth. Full Story -
Hot for Charter: Inside the Radical Play to Reinvent Dallas Schools
A few business leaders say making Dallas ISD the state's first "home-rule charter" is its best bet for progress, but critics see a blatant power grab. Full Story -
Shades of Gray in Orange
After a black police officer kills a white war hero, a town begins its murky search for justice. Full Story -
Into the Pines
The East Texas town of Melrose spent months at the mercy of a mysterious break-in artist, before discovering the culprit was one of their own. Full Story