AltWeeklies Wire
Texas Congressional Race Features Two Self-Styled Post-Partisan Problem Solversnew

In challenging Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, Lyle Larson does face several obstacles. Larson's greatest strength, however, is his obvious distaste for the corrupting influence of politics.
San Antonio Current |
Gilbert Garcia |
09-24-2008 |
Politics
The Bushies Return to Texasnew

Perhaps it's not surprising that more than a few members of Bush's Texas contingent have been making their ways back home. After all, it is still Republican country. However, like the rest of the nation, Texans aren't particularly high on Bush right now -- and that includes even those in the state's Republican Party.
The Texas Observer |
Anthony Zurcher |
09-24-2008 |
Politics
How Will W's Library Shape His Legacy?new

It's somewhat ironic that the Bush administration would create the first presidential library with a policy think tank attached. That has led some critics to wonder if the think tank will engage in genuine policy innovation or mainly try to shape Bush's legacy.
The Texas Observer |
Forrest Wilder |
09-24-2008 |
Politics
We Don't Like Ikenew
We run down the greatest hits of the hurricane that keeps on giving.
Houston Press |
Staff |
09-23-2008 |
Disasters
A-list Indie Tours are Once Again Dissing San Antonionew
For a brief shining moment, San Antonio was the hotspot for indie music in Texas. It was a glorious time, when local alt-rock fans didn't have to drive at least an hour to see their favorite bands.
San Antonio Current |
Johnston Farrow |
09-17-2008 |
Concerts
South Texas Destroyers Combine Diverse Backgrounds for Kick-ass Debutnew
South Texas Destroyers' beginnings come straight from the When Harry Met Sally handbook.
San Antonio Current |
Clint Hale |
09-17-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Gangsters Thriving in Bacliff, Texasnew

The unincorporated town is up to its elbows in youth gangs, poverty and crime.
Houston Press |
John Nova Lomax |
09-16-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Texas' Booming Exotic Animal Trade Has Grim Consequencesnew

With little regulation, animal experts say tigers are increasingly being bred in the state, and that shelters and zoos are running out of resources to care for abandoned animals.
The Texas Observer |
Melissa del Bosque |
09-10-2008 |
Animal Issues
DNC Report: Seeking Higher Ground in Denvernew
As the Democratic National Convention approached, questions fluttered like flags in Denver's thin air. Would aggrieved Hillary fans buy into party unity? Could the Clintons endorse Obama with conviction? Would Obama's acceptance speech be regarded as a gesture of openness, or give Republicans a chance to paint him as an egoist?
The Texas Observer |
Brad Tyer |
09-10-2008 |
Politics
The Fight is On Over Teaching 'Intelligent Design' in Texas Schoolsnew
The basic fight is expected to be over what kids are taught about evolution -- which takes up only about three days of teaching in a 180-day school year. But scientists and teachers argue there are much bigger things at stake: the intimidation of teachers and the possible beginning of biblical beliefs being taught as science in Texas public schools.
Fort Worth Weekly |
Laurie Barker James |
09-05-2008 |
Education
The Beats Go On in 'Texas Music'new
The History of Texas Music is an anthropological study of Texas as examined through its diverse offering of folk music, offering a historical study of social, ethnic and geographical influence and how they have laid the groundwork for a thriving indie music scene.
The Texas Observer |
Michael Hoinski |
08-27-2008 |
Nonfiction
LBJ, The Texas Observer & Menew
The Texas Observer cut its teeth on LBJ and the politics of the late 1950s. In his drive to accrue power at the state and national levels, Johnson played on both sides of major issues and Ronnie was there to hold him accountable.
The Texas Observer |
Ronnie Dugger |
08-27-2008 |
Politics
Four Congressional Races Will Test the Democratic Resurgence in Texasnew
In a year where Republican is a four letter word, we explain the vulnerabilities of candidates in four key congressional districts in Texas -- and how the impending elections will provide a litmus test for the strength of Democratic resurgence.
The Texas Observer |
Staff |
08-27-2008 |
Politics
Gone to Hell: Mental Illness and Harris County Jailnew
Even though Alexander Hatcher is bipolar and schizophrenic, he wasn't given his meds for his first three months in jail. He got in fights with the guards. Now he's sentenced to prison for a long, long time.
Houston Press |
Paul Knight |
08-26-2008 |
Crime & Justice
After 36 Years Without, Some Residents of La Presa, Texas, Finally Get Electricitynew

For 36 years, the people in this dusty, sweltering colonia south of Laredo, have lived without electricity, potable water, or an adequate sewage system. Now an innovative experiment is bringing power to a dozen lucky residents. While the wheels of bureaucracy turned slowly or not at all, residents suffered, despite many applications for assistance from state and local government.
The Texas Observer |
Forrest Wilder |
08-13-2008 |
Housing & Development