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A nonprofit newsroom covering Texas through investigative journalism & narrative storytelling since 1954. Follow our journos: https://go.bsky.app/EdSL3Co đŸ€ Learn more about us: https://linktr.ee/texasobserver

A burly Ku Klux Klan member in white robes with the signature red cross sits atop a heap of dirt marked The South, holding a noose in one hand and a copy of the Louisiana v. Callais decision of the United States Supreme Court. Next to him is a small crow, wearing a MAGA-red hat that's labelled "Jim." In big, evocative letters, the Klan member declares, "I'm Back Baby!!"
The July/August 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine features an illustration of a BIPOC boy in a classroom, holding a toy white school bus, while looking pensively out the window at barbed-wire festooned prison walls. Headline: The Texas School Arrests Crisis, How kids as young as 10 bear the burden of tough-on-crime policies, by Josephine Lee. Other headlines: An East Texas Love Letter by Dalyah Jones, The Houe That Youtube Built by Steven Monacelli.
A burly Ku Klux Klan member in white robes with the signature red cross sits atop a heap of dirt marked The South, holding a noose in one hand and a copy of the Louisiana v. Callais decision of the United States Supreme Court. Next to him is a small crow, wearing a MAGA-red hat that's labelled "Jim." In big, evocative letters, the Klan member declares, "I'm Back Baby!!"
A bare shoulder and the profile of a person are silhouetted against a black rectangular background, set off-center on a larger white rectangle. The entire image is covered in a crumpled or crackled texture, as if printed on an ancient and worn out piece of paper.
A burly Ku Klux Klan member in white robes with the signature red cross sits atop a heap of dirt marked The South, holding a noose in one hand and a copy of the Louisiana v. Callais decision of the United States Supreme Court. Next to him is a small crow, wearing a MAGA-red hat that's labelled "Jim." In big, evocative letters, the Klan member declares, "I'm Back Baby!!"
A burly Ku Klux Klan member in white robes with the signature red cross sits atop a heap of dirt marked The South, holding a noose in one hand and a copy of the Louisiana v. Callais decision of the United States Supreme Court. Next to him is a small crow, wearing a MAGA-red hat that's labelled "Jim." In big, evocative letters, the Klan member declares, "I'm Back Baby!!"
An overhead view of a lush green "swimming hole" in the Texas hill country, with a clear-watered pond surrounded by trees and greenery. A small person can be seen relaxing on a float, arms outstretched.
A bare shoulder and the profile of a person are silhouetted against a black rectangular background, set off-center on a larger white rectangle. The entire image is covered in a crumpled or crackled texture, as if printed on an ancient and worn out piece of paper.
The July/August 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine features an illustration of a BIPOC boy in a classroom, holding a toy white school bus, while looking pensively out the window at barbed-wire festooned prison walls. Headline: The Texas School Arrests Crisis, How kids as young as 10 bear the burden of tough-on-crime policies, by Josephine Lee. Other headlines: An East Texas Love Letter by Dalyah Jones, The Houe That Youtube Built by Steven Monacelli.
Strangest State: Notes from Far-Flung Texas, by Texas Observer Staff + Illustrated by Drue Wagner. Molly Ivins, holding a coffee cup, wearing a green jacket over a red top and khakis: "Howdy y'all, Molly Ivins here. Texas sure can be the strangest state. Let's see what happened since our last issue." A soldier and dog shoot down an alarmed-looking red balloon. "The federal government briefly closed El Paso's airport after what U.S. officials called a 'cartel drone incursion' though the flying threat turned out to be a balloon." A skeleton in trunks and a snorkel set holds a selfie stick. "An Amtrak train passenger reported a 'possible deceased person' floating in the Comal river, prompting a 911 call. Firemen were relieved to find a snorkeling afficianado who swims year round." Two Houston Rockets players hold a "spare change" sign and hat and a blind person's cane. "A fraudster convicted of bilking $4.5 million from three former NBA stars--including ex-Houston rockets--used the loot t
Strangest State: Notes from Far-Flung Texas, by Texas Observer Staff + Illustrated by Drue Wagner. Molly Ivins, holding a coffee cup, wearing a green jacket over a red top and khakis: "Howdy y'all, Molly Ivins here. Texas sure can be the strangest state. Let's see what happened since our last issue." A soldier and dog shoot down an alarmed-looking red balloon. "The federal government briefly closed El Paso's airport after what U.S. officials called a 'cartel drone incursion' though the flying threat turned out to be a balloon." A skeleton in trunks and a snorkel set holds a selfie stick. "An Amtrak train passenger reported a 'possible deceased person' floating in the Comal river, prompting a 911 call. Firemen were relieved to find a snorkeling afficianado who swims year round." Two Houston Rockets players hold a "spare change" sign and hat and a blind person's cane. "A fraudster convicted of bilking $4.5 million from three former NBA stars--including ex-Houston rockets--used the loot to renovate his home, build a swanky gym, and slip $200K to a love interest." Judge Lina Hidalgo holds a corn dog and gestures behind a Harris County podium. "After Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo complained of being 'manhandled' and escorted out of a concert at the Houston rodeo, the rodeo responded that she'd been comped $9,000 in tickets for other shows--but not that one." Molly returns: "Well folks, that's some strange news isn't it? If you see something happening around town, give us a shout: strangest@texasobserver.org"
A man in overalls, red ballcap and work clothes labeled Abbott stands among industrial machinery that is shredding endless paper. He's talking on the phone to someone who says, "... And what if I don't want my vote suppressed?" Abbott responds: Too Late! We've already fed your name into the Trump-O-Matic Shredding Machine! Thanks for participating!"
A man in overalls, red ballcap and work clothes labeled Abbott stands among industrial machinery that is shredding endless paper. He's talking on the phone to someone who says, "... And what if I don't want my vote suppressed?" Abbott responds: Too Late! We've already fed your name into the Trump-O-Matic Shredding Machine! Thanks for participating!"
Image of a Texas roadway, leading out to mountains under a big sky. Are you a poet writing about Texas? Are you a Texas rooted poet? The Texas Observer wants your best poem. 1 poem selected per issue. $100 honorarium. Previously unpublished poems. Poem up to 45 lines. Submit your poem! Submissions close May 31, 2026. poetry@texasobserver.org
The cover of the May/June 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine depicts a drawing of two androgynous track and field athletes running on a track. In the sky, stripes in the transgender pride flag colors run parallel to the track lanes. Headline: Let Them Play, How welcoming trans athletes can improve sports culture for all by Jessica Luther.
An image of Skye Perryman in a dark top and pearl necklace. The MOLLYs National Journalism Prize Gala Guest Speaker: Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, May 06 in Austin, Texas. Tickets at TexasObserver.org/MOLLY
Image of a Texas roadway, leading out to mountains under a big sky. Are you a poet writing about Texas? Are you a Texas rooted poet? The Texas Observer wants your best poem. 1 poem selected per issue. $100 honorarium. Previously unpublished poems. Poem up to 45 lines. Submit your poem! Submissions close May 31, 2026. poetry@texasobserver.org
The cover of the May/June 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine depicts a drawing of two androgynous track and field athletes running on a track. In the sky, stripes in the transgender pride flag colors run parallel to the track lanes. Headline: Let Them Play, How welcoming trans athletes can improve sports culture for all by Jessica Luther.
An image of Skye Perryman in a dark top and pearl necklace. The MOLLYs National Journalism Prize Gala Guest Speaker: Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, May 06 in Austin, Texas. Tickets at TexasObserver.org/MOLLY
An image of Skye Perryman in a dark top and pearl necklace. The MOLLYs National Journalism Prize Gala Guest Speaker: Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, May 06 in Austin, Texas. Tickets at TexasObserver.org/MOLLY
The March/April 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine has a cover photograph of a coiled rattlesnake, its forked tongue tasting the air, against a stark bare background. Headline: In Defense of the Rattlesnake, Notes of a diamondback partisan, by Asher Elbein. Other headlines: The Hunt for Safe Military Housing by René Kladzyk. Time Comes for Castroville by April Maria Ortiz.
Caption: Our wartime leader in his bunker, on the lookout for incoming explosives ... In the comic, Pete Hegseth, dressed as an armored crusader, guards Trump in his bunker. The president is seen from behind, hunched over a radar screen, as a soldier behind him, armed with binoculars, declares, "Epstein files! Comin in HOT!"
Caption: Our wartime leader in his bunker, on the lookout for incoming explosives ... In the comic, Pete Hegseth, dressed as an armored crusader, guards Trump in his bunker. The president is seen from behind, hunched over a radar screen, as a soldier behind him, armed with binoculars, declares, "Epstein files! Comin in HOT!"
Strangest State, notes from far-flung Texas. By Texas Observer staff + Illustrated by Drue Wagner. Molly Ivins is seen in a black cowboy hat, green jacket and white shirt, holding a coffee cup. "Howdy y'all, Molly Ivins here. Texas sure can be the Strangest State. Let's see what happened since our last issue. (A smiling truck careens on a highway during a police chase) A Houston thief swiped am military-style truck, smashing 10 cars and trying to ram cops during the chase. Ironically, musician Reuben "Papa Reu" Nero" bought that rig to ferry generators to the poor during disasters. (A man rides a bicycle with a basket overflowing with sea life and bottles) Coastal researcher Jace Tunnel rode an electric bike 2,800 miles on Texas beaches in 2025, finding fireworms, pink meanie jellyfish, and seven messages-in-a-bottle, all from the same sender.
A diamondback rattlesnake coils in its trademark slithering gait, against a stark background.
Strangest State, notes from far-flung Texas. By Texas Observer staff + Illustrated by Drue Wagner. Molly Ivins is seen in a black cowboy hat, green jacket and white shirt, holding a coffee cup. "Howdy y'all, Molly Ivins here. Texas sure can be the Strangest State. Let's see what happened since our last issue. (A smiling truck careens on a highway during a police chase) A Houston thief swiped am military-style truck, smashing 10 cars and trying to ram cops during the chase. Ironically, musician Reuben "Papa Reu" Nero" bought that rig to ferry generators to the poor during disasters. (A man rides a bicycle with a basket overflowing with sea life and bottles) Coastal researcher Jace Tunnel rode an electric bike 2,800 miles on Texas beaches in 2025, finding fireworms, pink meanie jellyfish, and seven messages-in-a-bottle, all from the same sender. (An angry heart attacks a upset park ranger station) Big Bend National park's popular Chisos Basin will shut for two years of renovations. The culprits: unstable soil under its iconic lodge and an unreliable water supply. The local paper concluded, "It's been loved to death." (A pig waiter on a highway holds a tray of tamales and salsa.) Texans on TikTok reacted wildlyt to a video when a wild pig -- not a chicken -- attempted tocross busy I-10 near Converse. "Free tamales, some assembly required," someone posted. (Molly returns in the last panel) "Well folks, that's some strange news isn't it? If you see something happening around town, give us a shout! strangest@texasobserver.org
Jesus Jank Curbelo is a Latino man with very short buzzed dark hair, a moustache and wide but short beard, wearing a gray suit jacke tover a black logo tee.
Two massive, miltiarized, masked ICE goons with smoking rifles and a baton stand over the bloody, broken body of Lady Liberty. ICE 1: Of course we took 'er down! ICE 2: She had a flaming torch!
MOLLY Prize for Political Cartooning & Comics Journalism Art Contest Open To Cartoonists Working On Political Satire, Comic Journalism and Narrative Non-Fiction. $1,000 Award. Deadline is March 20. Link in our bio or visit TexasObserver.org to learn more.
Two massive, miltiarized, masked ICE goons with smoking rifles and a baton stand over the bloody, broken body of Lady Liberty. ICE 1: Of course we took 'er down! ICE 2: She had a flaming torch!
The MOLLYs Prize for Investigative Journalism For 20 years, supporters like you have made the Texas Observer's annual MOLLY Prize Gala possible, honoring fearless investigative journalism and the reporters who tell the stories Texas needs. Submit your stories by Friday, March 20, 2026. The winning journalist will be awarded $5,000 and honored at the MOLLYs Prize Gala on May 6, 2026 in Austin, TX. Visit our #LinkInBio or TexasObserver.org to learn more about the MOLLYs.
The MOLLYs Prize for Investigative Journalism For 20 years, supporters like you have made the Texas Observer's annual MOLLY Prize Gala possible, honoring fearless investigative journalism and the reporters who tell the stories Texas needs. Submit your stories by Friday, March 20, 2026. The winning journalist will be awarded $5,000 and honored at the MOLLYs Prize Gala on May 6, 2026 in Austin, TX. Visit our #LinkInBio or TexasObserver.org to learn more about the MOLLYs.
MOLLY Prize for Political Cartooning & Comics Journalism Art Contest Open To Cartoonists Working On Political Satire, Comic Journalism and Narrative Non-Fiction. $1,000 Award. Deadline is March 20. Link in our bio or visit TexasObserver.org to learn more.
Two sports commentators are watching a competition as they speak into their microphones. The man on the left days "All right, this is it Jim, the finals of the Olympic 'Kissing Trump's Tush' competition, with our finalists, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton!" He has a 1000-yard stare of horror. The man on the right, with a disgusted expression, declares, "And down they go."
The January/February 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine depicts a military vehicle, topped with a foreboding looking apparatus covered in tubes and lenses, against the backdrop of a tree turned bright, orangey red with an infrared filter. Headline: The River and the Fever Dream: Seeing the surreal in border militarization by Jordan Vonderhaar. Other headlines: The Texas Triumph over 'Housing First' by Steven Monacelli, LNG's Forseeable Future by Gaige Davila.
The March/April 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine has a cover photograph of a coiled rattlesnake, its forked tongue tasting the air, against a stark bare background. Headline: In Defense of the Rattlesnake, Notes of a diamondback partisan, by Asher Elbein. Other headlines: The Hunt for Safe Military Housing by René Kladzyk. Time Comes for Castroville by April Maria Ortiz.
Two sports commentators are watching a competition as they speak into their microphones. The man on the left days "All right, this is it Jim, the finals of the Olympic 'Kissing Trump's Tush' competition, with our finalists, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton!" He has a 1000-yard stare of horror. The man on the right, with a disgusted expression, declares, "And down they go."
Two sports commentators are watching a competition as they speak into their microphones. The man on the left days "All right, this is it Jim, the finals of the Olympic 'Kissing Trump's Tush' competition, with our finalists, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton!" He has a 1000-yard stare of horror. The man on the right, with a disgusted expression, declares, "And down they go."
Seen in infrared light, foliage glows bright red while a cluster of troops beyond the border's barbed-wire wall are highlighted in brown. A tall border barrier stretches across the horizon behind them.
The January/February 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine depicts a military vehicle, topped with a foreboding looking apparatus covered in tubes and lenses, against the backdrop of a tree turned bright, orangey red with an infrared filter. Headline: The River and the Fever Dream: Seeing the surreal in border militarization by Jordan Vonderhaar. Other headlines: The Texas Triumph over 'Housing First' by Steven Monacelli, LNG's Forseeable Future by Gaige Davila.
A soldier stands on a pier by the river at the border, with a hazy, surreal look to everything due to the infrared filter, which cases foliage across the shore in bright red while emphasizing browns in the solider's uniform.
Strangest State: Notes from Far-Flung Texas, by Texas Observer Staff. Illustrated by Druw Wagner. Howdy, y'all! Molly Ivins here. Texas sure can be the Strangest State! Let's see what happened since our last issue. (Texas demands money from New York). Reacting to New Yorkers support for Democrat Zohran Mamdani's bid for mayor, Governor Greg Abbott posted this threat on X: "I will impose a 100^ tariff on anyone moving from Texas to NYC." (Men standing in an oil field) At a West Texas symposium, a landowner described operators who deliberately drilled nonproducing wells to defraud investors. Even after the scam was exposed, they got permission to drill again. "The Texas Railroad Commission would permit a Billy Goat," she said. (Cranes outside a gated brick wall with travel sacks) Central Texas birders were thrilled to spot grey-crowned cranes strutting around Llano COunty. But unlike native whoopers, these African birds don't belong -- they're likely zoo escapees. (A bull and a bear with pistols back to back). With enthusiastic endorsement of Donald Trump, Jr, GrabAGun -- A Coppell-based online ammo and gun seller -- is now trading on the NYSE. Well folks, that's some strange news isn't it? If you see something happening around town, give us a shout! strangest@texasobserver.org
Movie poster shows former death row inmate CĂ©sar Fierro, in dark clothes and a peaked cap, walking through the desert scrub. Special screening of La Libertad Fierro (The Freedom of Fierro), Wednesday January 28, 2026 from 7pm to 9:30pm at Austin Film Society (AFS) Cinema, 6406 North IH-35. After four decades awaiting execution, CĂ©sar Fierro finally walks free from death row -- but freedom brings its own challenges. The Freedom of Fierro is a documentary that follows his return to MĂ©xico. Where he must learn to rebuild his lfie while confronting the deep wounds left by decades of imprisonment. Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Santiago Esteinou (Director), Richard Burr (Attorney), and CĂ©sar Fierro (Protagonist, via Zoom). Moderated by Michelle Pitcher, journalist, Texas Observer. Sponsored by Texas Observer with support from other generous orgs.
Seen in infrared light, foliage glows bright red while a cluster of troops beyond the border's barbed-wire wall are highlighted in brown. A tall border barrier stretches across the horizon behind them.
Movie poster shows former death row inmate CĂ©sar Fierro, in dark clothes and a peaked cap, walking through the desert scrub. Special screening of La Libertad Fierro (The Freedom of Fierro), Wednesday January 28, 2026 from 7pm to 9:30pm at Austin Film Society (AFS) Cinema, 6406 North IH-35. After four decades awaiting execution, CĂ©sar Fierro finally walks free from death row -- but freedom brings its own challenges. The Freedom of Fierro is a documentary that follows his return to MĂ©xico. Where he must learn to rebuild his lfie while confronting the deep wounds left by decades of imprisonment. Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Santiago Esteinou (Director), Richard Burr (Attorney), and CĂ©sar Fierro (Protagonist, via Zoom). Moderated by Michelle Pitcher, journalist, Texas Observer. Sponsored by Texas Observer with support from other generous orgs.
Tha January/February 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine depicts a military vehicle, topped with a foreboding looking apparatus covered in tubes and lenses, against the backdrop of a tree turned bright red with autumn color. Headline: The River and the Fever Dream: Seeing the surreal in border militarization by Jordan Vonderhaar. Other headlines: The Texas Triumph over 'Housing First' by Steven Monacelli, LNG's Forseeable Future by Gaige Davila.
Movie poster shows former death row inmate CĂ©sar Fierro, in dark clothes and a peaked cap, walking through the desert scrub. Special screening of La Libertad Fierro (The Freedom of Fierro), Wednesday January 28, 2026 from 7pm to 9:30pm at Austin Film Society (AFS) Cinema, 6406 North IH-35. After four decades awaiting execution, CĂ©sar Fierro finally walks free from death row -- but freedom brings its own challenges. The Freedom of Fierro is a documentary that follows his return to MĂ©xico. Where he must learn to rebuild his lfie while confronting the deep wounds left by decades of imprisonment. Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Santiago Esteinou (Director), Richard Burr (Attorney), and CĂ©sar Fierro (Protagonist, via Zoom). Moderated by Michelle Pitcher, journalist, Texas Observer. Sponsored by Texas Observer with support from other generous orgs.
Political cartoon: In Texas, Trump in hunting gear and a red cap, holding a rifle, pets his "dog" the Supreme Court as it kills a bird named "democracy." Trump says, "Good boy!"
Movie poster shows former death row inmate CĂ©sar Fierro, in dark clothes and a peaked cap, walking through the desert scrub. Save the date for the special screening of La Libertad Fierro (The Freedom of Fierro), Wednesday January 28, 2026 from 7pm to 9:30pm at Austin Film Society (AFS) Cinema, 6406 North IH-35. After four decades awaiting execution, CĂ©sar Fierro finally walks free from deathr ow -- but freedom brings its won challengs. The freedom of Fierro is a documentary that follows his return to MĂ©xico. Where he must learn to rebuild his lfie while confronting the deep wounds left by decades of imprisonment. Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Director Santiago Esteinou, Attorney Richard Burr, and CĂ©sar Fierro, who will join via Zoom. Sponsored by Texas Observer with support from other generous orgs.
Political cartoon: In Texas, Trump in hunting gear and a red cap, holding a rifle, pets his "dog" the Supreme Court as it kills a bird named "democracy." Trump says, "Good boy!"
Movie poster shows former death row inmate CĂ©sar Fierro, in dark clothes and a peaked cap, walking through the desert scrub. Save the date for the special screening of La Libertad Fierro (The Freedom of Fierro), Wednesday January 28, 2026 from 7pm to 9:30pm at Austin Film Society (AFS) Cinema, 6406 North IH-35. After four decades awaiting execution, CĂ©sar Fierro finally walks free from deathr ow -- but freedom brings its won challengs. The freedom of Fierro is a documentary that follows his return to MĂ©xico. Where he must learn to rebuild his lfie while confronting the deep wounds left by decades of imprisonment. Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Director Santiago Esteinou, Attorney Richard Burr, and CĂ©sar Fierro, who will join via Zoom. Sponsored by Texas Observer with support from other generous orgs.
Movie poster shows former death row inmate CĂ©sar Fierro, in dark clothes and a peaked cap, walking through the desert scrub. Save the date for the special screening of La Libertad Fierro (The Freedom of Fierro), Wednesday January 28, 2026 from 7pm to 9:30pm at Austin Film Society (AFS) Cinema, 6406 North IH-35. After four decades awaiting execution, CĂ©sar Fierro finally walks free from deathr ow -- but freedom brings its won challengs. The freedom of Fierro is a documentary that follows his return to MĂ©xico. Where he must learn to rebuild his lfie while confronting the deep wounds left by decades of imprisonment. Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Director Santiago Esteinou, Attorney Richard Burr, and CĂ©sar Fierro, who will join via Zoom. Sponsored by Texas Observer with support from other generous orgs.
Photos of the staff of the Texas Observer are decorated in cartoon holiday attire such as scarves, antlers, Christmas tree boppers, a winter hat, elf costume and so on. Cartoon Molly Ivins also appear ms again. Happy Holidays from the Texas Observer!
Tha January/February 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine depicts a military vehicle, topped with a foreboding looking apparatus covered in tubes and lenses, against the backdrop of a tree turned bright red with autumn color. Headline: The River and the Fever Dream: Seeing the surreal in border militarization by Jordan Vonderhaar. Other headlines: The Texas Triumph over 'Housing First' by Steven Monacelli, LNG's Forseeable Future by Gaige Davila.
Strangest State, Notes From Far Flung Texas, by Texas Observer Staff and Illustrated by Drue Wagner. Molly Ivins here. Texas sure can be the Strangest State. Let's see what happened since our last issue. A wandering sheep and his great Pyrenees pal turned up at the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, prompting a probe. Turned out they weren't lost, just thirsty locals. (A sheep and a sheep dog seen wearing cop shades and sheriff badges). Two dozen people were accused of stealing deer from a licensed facility to illegally breed them. They face about 1,400 charges for one of the largest deer smuggling operations in Texas history. (A pickup truck bulging with deer in the back peels away) Newly elected West Texas DA Sarah Stagner caused a stir when she appeared to smoke a joint on TikTok in protest of the GOP's potential THC ban. "Come and take it," she said. (A woman in cowboy boots and a stagner for sheriff hat smokes a joint) Amazon initiated drone deliveries in Waco, prompting Texan
Photos of the staff of the Texas Observer are decorated in cartoon holiday attire such as scarves, antlers, Christmas tree boppers, a winter hat, elf costume and so on. Cartoon Molly Ivins also appear ms again. Happy Holidays from the Texas Observer!
If there was ever a time or a place that hard-hitting journalism was needed, it's now in Texas (John, member of the Texas Observer)
Cartoon Molly Ivins in a scarf says Help us shed light on truth this holiday season, support Texas Observer right now and your donation is doubled up to $25,000. Click the link in our bio now.