The Texas Observer

The Texas Observer is an Austin-based nonprofit news organization known for fearless investigative reporting, narrative storytelling and sophisticated cultural criticism about all things Texan.

The Texas Observer • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

EDITOR’S NOTE

RIGHT-WING PROTECTIONISM IS COSTING TEXAS • Laws banning the state from doing business with banks that are dubbed anti-fossil fuel or anti-gun will likely cost hundreds of millions in higher interest rates.

THE GUARDIAN ANGEL OF LAUGHLIN DRIVE • He had no home but plenty of love and respect.

HEADING OFF THE NEXT WATER CRISIS • Todd Votteler mediates water disputes for a living. Amid pressures of drought, climate change, and development, he has ideas for how Texas can prevent a future of water wars.

STRANGEST STATE • NOTES FROM FAR-FLUNG TEXAS

UVALDE VS. ABBOTT • State Senator Roland Gutierrez won’t let the governor forget about the schoolchildren gunned down in his district.

FRANK J. ROBINSON’S GHOST HAUNTS EAST TEXAS • This iconic civil rights leader’s death led to probes by the Texas attorney general, the FBI, and others. But all documents that might have proven he was murdered appear to have vanished.

COURSE CORRECTIONS • Federal grants are rebooting higher education behind bars.

DRIFTING TOWARD DISASTER • A century of enterprise brought the Rio Grande to its brink. Now, authorities are “praying for a hurricane” as reservoirs dwindle and populations boom on both sides of the Mexico-Texas border.

ARE YOU OK? • In Jesse Freidin’s photos, viewers glimpse the bravery of transgender youth and the power of unconditional family support.

IN MO, I SEE ME • A new Netflix series filmed in Houston provides laughter and insights into the immigrant experience.

A SUBDIVISION FOR STARGAZERS • In the Davis Mountains, dark skies are a precious resource.

WRITING THEIR OWN STORIES • Indie bookstores across the state are embracing change, to thrive and stay alive

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