AltWeeklies Wire
Pin the Blame on Accenturenew
In a misguided, poorly executed effort to let the private sector bring "efficiency" to Texas government, the state has squandered at least $100 million, and now officials blame the private consulting company that helped them set it up.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann |
04-10-2007 |
Policy Issues
Tags: public policy issues
There's Not Enough Waternew
As the drought saps rural Texas, and lawmakers confront a state that's running out of water, we talk to the people who are most affected.
The Texas Observer |
Steve Satterwhite and Richard Whittaker |
04-09-2007 |
Environment
Tags: environment
Texas Youth Commission Sex Scandal Cover-Up Widensnew
A disciplinary report confirming misconduct by former West Texas State School Assistant Superintendent Ray Brookins was altered with the apparent approval of Texas Youth Commission Inspector General Ray Worsham shortly after Brookins was given a promotion.
The Texas Observer |
Nate Blakeslee |
03-26-2007 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: crime & justice
The Environmental Magnet School That's an Environmental Catastrophenew
Opened in 2000, Cesar Chavez High School is one of Houston's newest and biggest high schools, a state-of-the-art building the community desperately needed for nearly 3,000 kids -- and it sits within a quarter-mile of three large petrochemical plants.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann |
03-26-2007 |
Environment
Tags: environment
How the Immigration Debate Left Texasnew
Halfway through Texas' legislative session, the anti-immigrant legislation is dead on arrival -- the story of how that happened speaks volumes about the economics of the state and the fissures running through today's GOP.
The Texas Observer |
Megan Headley |
03-26-2007 |
Immigration
Tags: illegal immigrant, Republicans
Child's Play: Foster Care's Fiasconew
Some children's advocates say the latest round of bills to reform foster care in Texas may make the bad situation even worse.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann |
03-12-2007 |
Children & Families
Tags: children & families
Inside a Soldier's Suicidenew
Faced with the war's corruption, Col. Ted Westhusing chose death before dishonor and became the 22nd American soldier to commit suicide in Iraq.
The Texas Observer |
Robert Bryce |
03-12-2007 |
War
'A Crossroads in Transportation Policy'new
Even with an increase in gasoline taxes, it's unlikely that toll roads, and perhaps even the loathed Trans-Texas Corridor, will vanish from the map.
The Texas Observer |
Eileen Welsome |
02-26-2007 |
Transportation
Tags: transportation
Two New Supreme Court Justices Control the Fate of Condemnednew
Both sides in the death penalty debate are looking to the court's eventual rulings in Smith v. Texas, Abdul-Kabir v. Quarterman and Panetti v. Quarterman for signs, clues, or outright proof that the tide has turned.
The Texas Observer |
Anthony Zurcher |
02-26-2007 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: crime & justice
Texas Youth Commission Hides Abuse Scandalnew
How did alleged abuse at a youth facility in West Texas evade detection for so long?
The Texas Observer |
Nate Blakeslee |
02-26-2007 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: crime & justice
The Spies of Texasnew
Newfound files detail how UT-Austin campus cops tracked the lives of Sixties dissidents.
The Texas Observer |
Thorne Dreyer |
11-21-2006 |
Civil Liberties
Tags: civil liberties
The Rich World of Political Theaternew
Frank Rich is "writing nonfiction about our post-9/11 fictions."
The Texas Observer |
Barbara Belejack |
03-01-2006 |
Media
Tags: media
Hurricane-Related Mental Health Issues Challenge Care Systemnew
Mental health advocates are wondering how Texas -- which has a horrendous record of caring for its mentally ill citizens -- can meet the needs of Texans experiencing post-traumatic stress after hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann |
12-05-2005 |
Science
Don't Drink the Waternew
In the urban colonias of the Greater Houston area, the water stinks.
The Texas Observer |
Jake Bernstein |
12-05-2005 |
Environment
Lone Star Shelternew
Four photographers document the lives of hurricane evacuees sheltered in Houston, Austin and Dallas.
The Texas Observer |
Steve Satterwhite, Tom Kilty, Alan Pogue and Vic Hinterlang |
09-30-2005 |
Disasters
