iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Violeta Álvarez, who got her start in music photography, took us on a tour of her new exhibition, Casa de Cultura: The Living Archive, and explains its inspiration in her own immigrant roots. Explore with us: www.texasobserver.org/houston-livi...

A memorial altar overseen by saints and a sign reading "Reserved: In Memory of the millions of lives lost to genocide & violence by ICE & inhumane immigration practices." Below it s a display including a photo of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Day of the Dead candle, anti-ICE zines, and flowers including roses and marigolds.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 29/09/2026

In in our magazine, the latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more from the September/October 2026 issue: www.texasobserver.org/issues/septe...

A grotesque, bulbous parody of Donald Trump leans out from a Punch and Judy style puppet theater holding two puppets labeled Greg (Abbott) and Ken (Paxton). Two children are watching, and one says to the other, "Is it just me, or our puppet shows really creepy?"

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 10/09/2026

In in our magazine, the latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more from the September/October 2026 issue: www.texasobserver.org/issues/septe...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 05/09/2026

From our magazine, the latest by Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more Loon Star State: www.texasobserver.org/topics/loon-...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 04/09/2026

In in our magazine, the latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more from the September/October 2026 issue: www.texasobserver.org/issues/septe...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 26/08/2026

In photos: During anti-government protests in Caracas, an explosive device nearly severed Robinson Gonzalez's left hand. His home country now unsafe for him, he fled to the U.S., received asylum ... and found sponsorship from a skate brand. www.texasobserver.org/american-ska...

A young man, seen in silhouette, wearing baggy white clothes, takes a seemingly impossibly high jump on his skateboard, seemingly flying over power lines and into the sky with arms outstretched.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 24/08/2026

Introducing the September/October 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine. Art by Raúl Arias. Cover story by @samrussek.bsky.social, and additional stories from @michellepitcher.bsky.social and Dee Azadian. Become a member to get our magazine 6 times per year: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/join/

The September/October 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine features a caricature of Houston Mayor John Whitmire Wearing his signature Gray suit and red tie. He is a bald man with prominent ears and a scowling expression. Headline: The Last Mayor of Houston by Sam Russek. "If the former dean of the Texas Senate can't reverse the decline of the state's most powerful local executive, who can?" Other headlines: Texas prisons drug problem by Michelle Pitcher. Caldwell County, 1976-2026 by Dee Azadian.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 20/08/2026

From our magazine: Molly Ivins is back to take us on a tour of some of the oddest Lone Star news. Read more from the July/August 2026 issue: www.texasobserver.org/issues/july-...

Strangest State, Notes from Far-Flung Texas, by Texas Observer Staff, Illustrated by Drue Wagner. Molly Ivins leans out of the passenger side of a pickup to declare, "Howdy y'all! Molly Ivins here. Texas sure can be the Strangest State. Let's see what happened since our last issue. A surprised looking skull escapes from a robber. "A grave robber tossed a bucker of stolen bones over the fence of the FBI's Dallas office, then hollered for attention. Feds say this was not his first caper: He'd previously plundered an Oklahoman urn and a Denton mausoleum." An anthropomorphic green turtle with a fuzzy green afro carries a margarita on the beach, admired at by a staring Ninja Turtle in a beach chair. "A sea turtle covered in green fuzz prompted confusion after washing up on a Galveston beach. Identified as a rare Kemp's ridley -- not a Mutant Ninja Turtle -- it was rushed to the Houston zoo for emergency cleanup." Drones are seen dropping contraband into a prison yard. "Seven people were arrested as part of a smuggling ring that used drones to drop contraband -- including 100 cell phones and meth -- inside Texas prison walls." A coatimundi peeks from behind a tree on the roadside. "A wandering coatimundi was collared by Comal County sheriff's deputies after loitering near a highway. The creatures, more often found in Mexico, do live in the wild here. This one was a fugitive pet." Molly returns to declare, "Well folks, that's some strange news isn't it? If you see somethin happening around town, give us a shout! strangest@texasobserver.org"

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 17/08/2026

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 16/08/2026

Catch up with everything we've published from the July/August 2026 issue of our magazine: www.texasobserver.org/issues/july-...

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 House That Youtube Built by Steven Monacelli.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 11/08/2026

In our magazine: These 11 months of Robinson Gonzalez’s life are a microcosm of the immigrant experience—of resilience in the face of a contradictory system that welcomes your labor but not your full presence. www.texasobserver.org/american-ska...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 08/08/2026

This week's top story: During anti-government protests in Caracas, an explosive device nearly severed Robinson Gonzalez's left hand. His home country now unsafe for him, he fled to the U.S., received asylum ... and found sponsorship from a skate brand. www.texasobserver.org/american-ska...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 07/08/2026

Our top story: These 11 months of Robinson Gonzalez’s life are a microcosm of the immigrant experience—of resilience in the face of a contradictory system that welcomes your labor but not your full presence. www.texasobserver.org/american-ska...

Robinson Gonzalez, seen from behind under a dusky sky, carrying his skateboard as he walks across a grassy, sloping landscape. Photo credit: Monse Guajardo

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 04/08/2026

In photos: These 11 months of Robinson Gonzalez’s life are a microcosm of the immigrant experience—of resilience in the face of a contradictory system that welcomes your labor but not your full presence. www.texasobserver.org/american-ska...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 03/08/2026

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 26/07/2026

Don't miss out ... Catch up with everything we've published from the July/August 2026 issue of our magazine: www.texasobserver.org/issues/july-...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 13/07/2026

#ICYMI, the latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more Loon Star State: www.texasobserver.org/topics/loon-...

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!!"

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 12/07/2026

Catch up with everything we've published from the July/August 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine: www.texasobserver.org/issues/july-...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 04/07/2026

In our magazine, the latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more from our July/August 2026 issue: www.texasobserver.org/issues/july-...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 03/07/2026

"Not a woman and not a man: Conveying my experience of gender with words is clumsy at best. I find peace when I occupy the place in between." In magazine, the photos of Jo E. Norris: www.texasobserver.org/a-mirror-and...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/07/2026

The latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. See more from Loon Star State: www.texasobserver.org/topics/loon-...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/07/2026

In our magazine, the latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more from our July/August 2026 issue: www.texasobserver.org/issues/july-...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 26/06/2026

The Texas Observer office is closed next week for summer break. Thanks for your support in 2026! We hope you're having a beautiful and relaxing season wherever you are. 🤠 (📷 Krause Springs, Texas / Wikimedia / M1kmurph1 CC SA license)

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.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 22/06/2026

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 18/06/2026

Introducing the July/August 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine, with cover story by @josephinelee.bsky.social, and art by Clay Rodery. Want to get our magazine, six times per year? Visit our site to become a member of the Texas Observer.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 07/06/2026

In our magazine, Molly is back to share the latest, strangest news from Texas ... Read more Strangest State: www.texasobserver.org/topics/stran...

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

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 05/06/2026

In our magazine, Molly is back to share the latest, strangest news from Texas ... Read more from the May/June 2026 issue of our magazine: www.texasobserver.org/issues/may-j...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 23/05/2026

The latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more Loon Star State comics: www.texasobserver.org/topics/loon-...

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!"

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 22/05/2026

The latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more from the May/June 2026 issue of our magazine: www.texasobserver.org/issues/may-j...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 17/05/2026

Are you a poet writing about Texas, or a poet rooted in Texas? Submissions are OPEN for our magazine's poetry section through May 31, 2026. Send in your best, previously unpublished poem of up to 45 lines. 1 poem per issue receives a $100 honorarium. poetry@texasobserver.org!

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

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 10/05/2026

Catch up on everything we've published, so far, from the May/June 2026 issue of our magazine: www.texasobserver.org/issues/may-j...

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.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 06/05/2026

The annual MOLLY Awards gala is tomorrow night in Austin! Don't miss out ... Tickets are still available, get yours today! www.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

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 05/05/2026

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 22/04/2026

Featured story from @gaigedavila.bsky.social: Meenu Batra, 53, is Texas' only licensed Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu legal interpreter. She once helped immigrants in the courts. Now she's languishing in a Raymondville detention center. She’s lived in America for 35 years.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 20/04/2026

Introducing the May/June 2026 issue of Texas Observer magazine, with cover story by @jessicawluther.com and art by Adrià Voltà. Visit our site to become a member and receive our magazine, six times per year.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 19/04/2026

Announcing our MOLLYs special guest: Skye Perryman, President & CEO of @democracyforward.org and one of TIME’s 100 most influential people. Join us in Austin for a powerful night supporting independent journalism. 🎟️ Get your tickets now—link in bio.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 17/04/2026

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 22/03/2026

Don't miss an article! Catch up with everything we've published from the March/April 2026 issue of our magazine: www.texasobserver.org/issues/march...

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.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 21/03/2026

The latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read our latest political analysis and investigations: www.texasobserver.org/topics/polit...

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!"

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 20/03/2026

The latest from Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. See more from Loon Star State: www.texasobserver.org/topics/loon-...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 15/03/2026

In the latest Strangest State, our pal Molly walks us through some of the bizarre news that makes Texas ... Texas. Read more from the March/April 2026 issue of our magazine: www.texasobserver.org/strangest-st...

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.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 13/03/2026

“The simple fact of the rattlesnake’s venom forces us to pause or accept the consequences. It is an assertion of space—of a right to be—that many of us cannot seem to make peace with.” Our cover story, by Asher Elbein, with photos by Brenda Bazán: www.texasobserver.org/consider-the...

A diamondback rattlesnake coils in its trademark slithering gait, against a stark background.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 13/03/2026

There's so much weird stuff happening here, we can only conclude that Texas is the Strangest State! 🤠 Join our pal Molly as we look at some recent headlines. Read more from our March/April 2026 issue: www.texasobserver.org/issues/march...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 09/03/2026

We’re proud to welcome to the Observer masthead Jesús Jank Curbelo as a special investigative correspondent, a freelance role helping us cover immigration and immigrant communities in Texas: www.texasobserver.org/home/staff/

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 08/03/2026

From our magazine, the latest by Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. See more Loon Star State comics: www.texasobserver.org/topics/loon-...

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!

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 06/03/2026

#ICYMI: You draw what others won’t say. Submissions are open for the inaugural MOLLY Prize for Political Cartooning & Comics Journalism. Political satire or comic journalism published in 2025? 🏆 $1,000 + engraved stein 🗓 March 20 deadline #LinkinBio #MOLLYPrize

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.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 06/03/2026

From our magazine, the latest by Texas Observer cartoonist Ben Sargent. Read more from the March/April 2026 issue: www.texasobserver.org/issues/march...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 06/03/2026

#ICYMI: Molly Ivins believed journalism should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. The 2026 MOLLY Prize for Investigative Journalism is open🎉 🏆 $5,000 award 📍 Honored May 6 in Austin 🗓 Deadline: March 20, 2026 If your 2025 reporting challenged power, enter at #Linkinbio

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.

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 26/02/2026

Molly Ivins believed journalism should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. The 2026 MOLLY Prize for Investigative Journalism is now open🎉 🏆 $5,000 award 📍 Honored May 6 in Austin 🗓 Deadline: March 20, 2026 If your 2025 reporting challenged power, send it to us. Enter at #Linkinbio

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 25/02/2026

You draw what others won’t say. Submissions are open for the inaugural MOLLY Prize for Political Cartooning & Comics Journalism. Political satire or comic journalism published in 2025? 🏆 $1,000 + engraved stein 🗓 March 20 deadline #LinkinBio #MOLLYPrize

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