Texas Observer
@texasobserver.org
A nonprofit newsroom covering Texas through investigative journalism & narrative storytelling since 1954.
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Follow our journos: https://go.bsky.app/EdSL3Co
🤠Learn more about us: https://linktr.ee/texasobserver
🎄Holiday giving: https://tr.ee/9w938r
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Coming soon ... Join us January 28, 7pm at the Austin Film Society Cinema for a special screening of La Libertad De Fierro, the new documentary about the life of former death-row inmate César Fierro after his release from prison.
RSVP for free: www.eventbrite.com.mx/e/la-liberta...
RSVP for free: www.eventbrite.com.mx/e/la-liberta...
Last week: Although the DOJ investigation found that there were “cascading failures of leadership, decision-making, tactics, policy, and training,” prosecutors have not clarified why none of the other officers have been charged for their actions that day.
Uvalde Trial Raises Question of Whether Police Stop School Shootings
Since Columbine, expectations for cops have been clear. But reality often hasn’t measured up.
www.texasobserver.org
January 29, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Last week: Although the DOJ investigation found that there were “cascading failures of leadership, decision-making, tactics, policy, and training,” prosecutors have not clarified why none of the other officers have been charged for their actions that day.
New from @dylanbaddour.bsky.social at @insideclimatenews.org: Texas’ environmental regulator this week issued the largest air pollution permit in the country to an enormous planned complex of gas power plants and data centers. Only China has more gas power projects in development than Texas.
Country’s Largest Air Pollution Permit Issued to Power Plant for Data Centers in West Texas, Developer Says
It’s among a handful of similarly colossal ventures announced during 2025, making Texas the global epicenter of a gas power buildout.
www.texasobserver.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:02 PM
New from @dylanbaddour.bsky.social at @insideclimatenews.org: Texas’ environmental regulator this week issued the largest air pollution permit in the country to an enormous planned complex of gas power plants and data centers. Only China has more gas power projects in development than Texas.
Featured story: U.S. law enforcement’s growing use of an array of surveillance tools enables police to build a robust profile of almost anyone’s life and movements without a warrant or probable cause. Experts find phone-tracking tools like Tangles particularly troubling.
Texas Police Invested Millions in a Shadowy Phone-Tracking Software. They Won’t Say How They’ve Used It.
One sheriff who leads an anti-smuggling task force says the software helps “develop leads to eventually obtain probable cause.” Civil liberties experts say its use violates constitutional rights.
www.texasobserver.org
January 29, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Featured story: U.S. law enforcement’s growing use of an array of surveillance tools enables police to build a robust profile of almost anyone’s life and movements without a warrant or probable cause. Experts find phone-tracking tools like Tangles particularly troubling.
Reposted by Texas Observer
I couldn't go to this for logistical reasons but I am, as ever, so fuckin proud of Texans who are standing up against this fuckery
Omg! Local San Antonio news is at a protest in Dilley, Texas at the Family Prison where Liam Ramos is being held.
Y'all I'm crying so hard. These young people are so brave. I'm guessing most are from San Antonio.
Absolutely clear video proof that the cops were the only violent actors here.
Y'all I'm crying so hard. These young people are so brave. I'm guessing most are from San Antonio.
Absolutely clear video proof that the cops were the only violent actors here.
Protesters detained, hit by tear gas near Dilley family detention facility
YouTube video by KSAT 12
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 11:33 PM
I couldn't go to this for logistical reasons but I am, as ever, so fuckin proud of Texans who are standing up against this fuckery
Reposted by Texas Observer
Only China, with 50 times the population and 15 times the land, has more gas power projects in development than Texas insideclimatenews.org/news/2901202...
Developer Calls GW Ranch in Pecos County, Texas, the ‘Largest Power Project’ in U.S. - Inside Climate News
Texas’ environmental regulator this week issued the largest air pollution permit in the country to an enormous planned complex of gas power plants and data centers near the oilfields of the Permian Ba...
insideclimatenews.org
January 29, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Only China, with 50 times the population and 15 times the land, has more gas power projects in development than Texas insideclimatenews.org/news/2901202...
On the back porch of his Southeast Austin home, Willy Baltazar displays a vibrant Día de los Muertos-style altar that honors more than just ancestors.
Lined up are portraits of legends who have shaped Mexican culture and beyond ...
Lined up are portraits of legends who have shaped Mexican culture and beyond ...
Austin’s Willy Baltazar Is a Man of Many Masks
From Veracruz to Texas, he keeps a centuries-old tradition alive.
www.texasobserver.org
January 29, 2026 at 4:30 PM
On the back porch of his Southeast Austin home, Willy Baltazar displays a vibrant Día de los Muertos-style altar that honors more than just ancestors.
Lined up are portraits of legends who have shaped Mexican culture and beyond ...
Lined up are portraits of legends who have shaped Mexican culture and beyond ...
Our top story: On a hilltop overlooking the Rio Grande, just below a picnic area along Highway 83 in San Ygnacio, there’s an unmarked grave. The river—as well as its new razor-sharp decorations—stretches as far as the eye can see in either direction...
The River and the Fever Dream
A converted digital camera can use infrared light to reveal Texas border militarization—in the same way the armed forces once scanned for enemies from the sky.
www.texasobserver.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Our top story: On a hilltop overlooking the Rio Grande, just below a picnic area along Highway 83 in San Ygnacio, there’s an unmarked grave. The river—as well as its new razor-sharp decorations—stretches as far as the eye can see in either direction...
Featured story, from @josephinelee.bsky.social: 92% of private schools already enrolled in Texas’ voucher programs serving kids beyond kindergarten are religious. Our investigation found many of these exclude non-Christian and LGBTQ+ kids.
Texas Taxpayers Will Fund Dozens of Private Schools that Openly Discriminate
The state has signed off on voucher funds for schools that exclude non-Christian and LGBTQ+ kids.
www.texasobserver.org
January 28, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Featured story, from @josephinelee.bsky.social: 92% of private schools already enrolled in Texas’ voucher programs serving kids beyond kindergarten are religious. Our investigation found many of these exclude non-Christian and LGBTQ+ kids.
Here in Texas, to the Republicans and the billionaires whose power they entrench, the prospect of the Lone Star State being swept up in a similarly insurgent candidacy still sounds like its own far-fetched fantasy.
But what of our cities?
But what of our cities?
In Texas Cities, Let a Hundred Mamdanis Bloom
Our state has long-term lessons to learn from the New York socialist’s rise.
www.texasobserver.org
January 28, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Here in Texas, to the Republicans and the billionaires whose power they entrench, the prospect of the Lone Star State being swept up in a similarly insurgent candidacy still sounds like its own far-fetched fantasy.
But what of our cities?
But what of our cities?
Out today: Willy Baltazar vividly remembers cuadrillas [dancing troupes] parading in brightly colored costumes with masks looming large as they moved rhythmically through every neighborhood. He was captivated by la embarazada [the pregnant woman], el diablo [the devil], and el vaquero [the cowboy].
Austin’s Willy Baltazar Is a Man of Many Masks
From Veracruz to Texas, he keeps a centuries-old tradition alive.
www.texasobserver.org
January 28, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Out today: Willy Baltazar vividly remembers cuadrillas [dancing troupes] parading in brightly colored costumes with masks looming large as they moved rhythmically through every neighborhood. He was captivated by la embarazada [the pregnant woman], el diablo [the devil], and el vaquero [the cowboy].
Featured story, from @michellepitcher.bsky.social: Between January 2020 and July 2025, at least 189 Texas prisoners died of drug-related causes—and each year through 2024 was deadlier than the last. In 110 cases, synthetic cannabinoids were confirmed or suspected.
In Texas State Jails, a Rising Death Toll and a Broken Promise
Once billed as rehabilitative alternatives to prisons, these facilities are the sites of fatal overdoses—like that which ended the life of a Texan named Jackie Wiley.
www.texasobserver.org
January 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Featured story, from @michellepitcher.bsky.social: Between January 2020 and July 2025, at least 189 Texas prisoners died of drug-related causes—and each year through 2024 was deadlier than the last. In 110 cases, synthetic cannabinoids were confirmed or suspected.
Congratulations, @francescadnunz.bsky.social!
some professional news: today is my first day at
@propublica.org
I'm joining the powerhouse national immigration team as fellow for two years.
if you have tips about ICE, Border Patrol, or immigration detention:
FrancescaDnunz.08 on Signal
📩 [email protected]
@propublica.org
I'm joining the powerhouse national immigration team as fellow for two years.
if you have tips about ICE, Border Patrol, or immigration detention:
FrancescaDnunz.08 on Signal
📩 [email protected]
January 28, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Congratulations, @francescadnunz.bsky.social!
Reposted by Texas Observer
The Texas Observer debut of @alexbirnel.bsky.social: www.texasobserver.org/let-a-hundre...
In Texas Cities, Let a Hundred Mamdanis Bloom
Our state has long-term lessons to learn from the New York socialist’s rise.
www.texasobserver.org
January 27, 2026 at 3:52 PM
The Texas Observer debut of @alexbirnel.bsky.social: www.texasobserver.org/let-a-hundre...
Reposted by Texas Observer
Post-publication, one subject of this story who did not respond to requests for comment, has stated on video: "Basically North Texas Patriot Front guys have like a network of businesses—it’s like five or so—of businesses we own." Update at bottom: www.texasobserver.org/revealed-fou...
Revealed: Four Businesses with Ties to Patriot Front Operating in North Texas
The neo-Nazi group is engaged in a strategy to establish an independent economic ecosystem. Through publicly available information, interviews, and in-person observation, the Observer has identified c...
www.texasobserver.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Post-publication, one subject of this story who did not respond to requests for comment, has stated on video: "Basically North Texas Patriot Front guys have like a network of businesses—it’s like five or so—of businesses we own." Update at bottom: www.texasobserver.org/revealed-fou...
New from Barbara Campos: On the back porch of his Southeast Austin home, Willy Baltazar displays a vibrant Día de los Muertos-style altar that honors more than just ancestors.
It's here he's helping preserve the centuries-old masked spirit of the Xantolo festival ...
It's here he's helping preserve the centuries-old masked spirit of the Xantolo festival ...
Austin’s Willy Baltazar Is a Man of Many Masks
From Veracruz to Texas, he keeps a centuries-old tradition alive.
www.texasobserver.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:11 PM
New from Barbara Campos: On the back porch of his Southeast Austin home, Willy Baltazar displays a vibrant Día de los Muertos-style altar that honors more than just ancestors.
It's here he's helping preserve the centuries-old masked spirit of the Xantolo festival ...
It's here he's helping preserve the centuries-old masked spirit of the Xantolo festival ...
Previously, from @byjustinmiller.bsky.social: This has direct ramifications for the quality and quantity of coverage of Texas politics and government—at a crucial time when politicians are increasingly indifferent to transparency and hostile to the media.
In Ink and on Airwaves, Texas Media Grows Ever More Concentrated
Hearst's acquisition of struggling newspapers in the state may seem like welcome news. But bigger doesn't always mean better.
www.texasobserver.org
January 27, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Previously, from @byjustinmiller.bsky.social: This has direct ramifications for the quality and quantity of coverage of Texas politics and government—at a crucial time when politicians are increasingly indifferent to transparency and hostile to the media.
TOMORROW (WED.): Join us January 28, 7pm at the Austin Film Society Cinema for a special screening of La Libertad De Fierro, the new documentary about the life of former death-row inmate César Fierro after his release from prison.
RSVP for free: www.eventbrite.com.mx/e/la-liberta...
RSVP for free: www.eventbrite.com.mx/e/la-liberta...
January 27, 2026 at 9:30 PM
TOMORROW (WED.): Join us January 28, 7pm at the Austin Film Society Cinema for a special screening of La Libertad De Fierro, the new documentary about the life of former death-row inmate César Fierro after his release from prison.
RSVP for free: www.eventbrite.com.mx/e/la-liberta...
RSVP for free: www.eventbrite.com.mx/e/la-liberta...
Last week, from @michellepitcher.bsky.social: It’s extremely rare for police to be held criminally responsible for not protecting someone on the job, especially during mass shootings. Of nearly 400 officers who responded at Uvalde, only 2 have been charged criminally for their part in the response.
Uvalde Trial Raises Question of Whether Police Stop School Shootings
Since Columbine, expectations for cops have been clear. But reality often hasn’t measured up.
www.texasobserver.org
January 27, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Last week, from @michellepitcher.bsky.social: It’s extremely rare for police to be held criminally responsible for not protecting someone on the job, especially during mass shootings. Of nearly 400 officers who responded at Uvalde, only 2 have been charged criminally for their part in the response.
Out today: Texas Democrats have been attempting the inverse maneuver for a generation: trying to win elections without taking into account the eroded civic foundations of the state.
Zohran Mamdani's victory points at another way forward.
Zohran Mamdani's victory points at another way forward.
In Texas Cities, Let a Hundred Mamdanis Bloom
Our state has long-term lessons to learn from the New York socialist’s rise.
www.texasobserver.org
January 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Out today: Texas Democrats have been attempting the inverse maneuver for a generation: trying to win elections without taking into account the eroded civic foundations of the state.
Zohran Mamdani's victory points at another way forward.
Zohran Mamdani's victory points at another way forward.
Our top story: The riverine border between Texas and Mexico is 1,254 miles long, a distance too great to be understood by those who’ve never seen it. This leaves room for interpretation, so the river becomes many things to many people.
The River and the Fever Dream
A converted digital camera can use infrared light to reveal Texas border militarization—in the same way the armed forces once scanned for enemies from the sky.
www.texasobserver.org
January 27, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Our top story: The riverine border between Texas and Mexico is 1,254 miles long, a distance too great to be understood by those who’ve never seen it. This leaves room for interpretation, so the river becomes many things to many people.
New from @alexbirnel.bsky.social: Texas and the State of Texas are not exactly one—this sprawling place we call home contains five of the 15 most-populous cities in the country. All lean to the left, all see their power currently suppressed.
In Texas Cities, Let a Hundred Mamdanis Bloom
Our state has long-term lessons to learn from the New York socialist’s rise.
www.texasobserver.org
January 27, 2026 at 3:15 PM
New from @alexbirnel.bsky.social: Texas and the State of Texas are not exactly one—this sprawling place we call home contains five of the 15 most-populous cities in the country. All lean to the left, all see their power currently suppressed.
Out today: A converted digital camera can use infrared light to reveal Texas border militarization—in the same way the armed forces once scanned for enemies from the sky.
The River and the Fever Dream
A converted digital camera can use infrared light to reveal Texas border militarization—in the same way the armed forces once scanned for enemies from the sky.
www.texasobserver.org
January 26, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Out today: A converted digital camera can use infrared light to reveal Texas border militarization—in the same way the armed forces once scanned for enemies from the sky.
“Her name is Katerina Minola, renown’d en la frontera for her wild tongue.”
Under Ryan Matthieu Smith’s direction, The Taming of the Shrew's setting moves to 1880s San Antonio. The use of Spanish reflects this milieu, the backgrounds of the performers, and the linguistic diversity of Dallas.
Under Ryan Matthieu Smith’s direction, The Taming of the Shrew's setting moves to 1880s San Antonio. The use of Spanish reflects this milieu, the backgrounds of the performers, and the linguistic diversity of Dallas.
In Dallas, Spanish-Inflected Shakespeare Adaptations Experiment with Language
Two plays challenge their source material and speak to today’s audiences.
www.texasobserver.org
January 26, 2026 at 8:20 PM
“Her name is Katerina Minola, renown’d en la frontera for her wild tongue.”
Under Ryan Matthieu Smith’s direction, The Taming of the Shrew's setting moves to 1880s San Antonio. The use of Spanish reflects this milieu, the backgrounds of the performers, and the linguistic diversity of Dallas.
Under Ryan Matthieu Smith’s direction, The Taming of the Shrew's setting moves to 1880s San Antonio. The use of Spanish reflects this milieu, the backgrounds of the performers, and the linguistic diversity of Dallas.
Reposted by Texas Observer
Wow. Wild weather for Houston
Temperatures were in the 20s on Monday morning across the Houston area, where an extreme cold warning will remain in effect until midday Tuesday. The region is expected to briefly thaw Monday afternoon before another hard freeze.
Freezing Houston area faces more cold weather ahead
The region is expected to briefly thaw Monday afternoon before another hard freeze at night. The National Weather Service forecasts more freezing weather this weekend.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
January 26, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Wow. Wild weather for Houston