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 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

EDITOR’S NOTE

MONEY FOR NOTHING AND YOUR CHIPS FOR FREE • Big business is feasting in the final days of Texas’ signature corporate tax break, while lobbying for a new program to refill the trough.

THE PRICE OF SPEAKING FREELY • Collin College imposes a gag rule on faculty speaking about COVID.

BETO GOES FOR BROKE • Is he a three-time loser or Texas’ next LBJ?

STRANGEST STATE • NOTES FROM FAR-FLUNG TEXAS

DALLAS’ GORY PUNK SCENE IN BLACK AND WHITE • Vera “Velma” Hernandez brings her fans vivid photos from the heart of the beer- and grime-soaked mosh pit. Now she’s taking her act on the road.

UVALDE VIVE UVALDE LIVES UVALDE RISES UVALDE REAWAKENS • In tragedy’s wake, a fiery movement for justice emerges in a South Texas town that’s known an uprising before.

The Tale of Eric the Red • A rogue surgeon’s long Texas career left behind damaged and dead people—and a cautionary tale of how far a wealthy physician can go before anyone stops him.

ABBOTT’S ATTACK DOG • FOR 20 YEARS, NEW HAMPSHIRE POLITICAL CONSULTANT DAVE CARNEY HAS BEEN WINNING RACES FOR REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS IN TEXAS AND SHELLACKING HAPLESS DEMOCRATS.

TEXAS’ SUMMER FROM HELL • Amid record temperatures, state residents struggle to keep cool.

THROUGH WINS AND LOSSES, MARY BETH ROGERS FINDS PEACE • A retrospective by ex-Governor Ann Richards’ chief of staff, Hope and Hard Truth: A Life in Texas Politics, reveals how true political grit takes a big heart and time to reflect.

ALL IN THE SAME (GLASS-BOTTOMED) BOAT • In Edwards Aquifer country, as goes the blind salamander, so go we all.

THE BARDS OF TEXAS • A look at three cities’ most passionate writers: local poets laureate.

MALAS CALLES/MEAN STREETS

SUPPORT