Death penalty update: Steven Nelson is scheduled to be executed by the state of Texas today, over his role as lookout in a church robbery that turned fatal.
The Texas Observer
‘How Innocent Do They Have to Be?’: Texas’ First Scheduled Execution of 2025 Raises Thorny Questions
Steven Nelson says he was a lookout for a robbery that ended in a pastor’s death. He’s set to be killed by the state February 5.
 #DeathPenalty #CriminalJustice #politics #USpol #Texas #news #HumanRights #prison #law
Don't Miss Out! Next week, join the Texas Observer in conversation with author Jessica Pishko on February 5th. FREE event at Alienated Majesty Books. We'll discuss Pishko's timely and vital book about extremist sheriffs and the influence they hold in the United States. RSVP:
Eventbrite
How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy
The Texas Observer and author Jessica Pishko in conversation about Pishko's new book: The Highest Law in the Land.
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From Dylan Baddour at @npub1mwzt...0vqm: In the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the City Council of Arlington on Tuesday approved plans by French energy giant TotalEnergies to drill 10 new gas wells near a daycare center, residential neighborhoods and elementary #schools.
The Texas Observer
‘Drill Baby Drill’: Arlington Approves New Site for Fracking Near Daycare and Schools
Arlington has opened new land for fracking for the first time in 12 years, allowing TotalEnergies to drill 10 new gas wells near a daycare center.
 #environment #ClimateChange #pollution #news #politics #USpol #OilAndGas #energy #Texas #health
Featured story: Over 72 hours, Austin police reported more than 70 overdose calls. Records from Travis County, which includes most of #Austin, and neighboring Williamson County indicate that as many as 12 may have died. The culprit: a bad batch of crack cocaine.
The Texas Observer
How Texas’ War on Drug Users Fueled an Austin Overdose Disaster
A mass casualty event last spring lays bare the state’s backward approach to the ongoing crisis spurred by fentanyl and other super-potent substa...
 #WarOnDrugs #Austin #politics #USpol #news #drugs #CriminalJustice #police #Texas #TXlege
“Instead of changing the name of the Gulf of #Mexico, President Trump should be taking action to protect this incredible resource. But #Trump has done just the opposite. His executive orders aim to make it easier to fast-track polluting fossil fuel projects that exacerbate the climate crisis and put Gulf Coast communities at risk.”
The Texas Observer
Name Games: Trump’s ‘Gulf of America’ Move Flouts History, International Cooperation
The president could just as logically rename the body of water the “Chinese Sea,” one historian argues.
 #GulfCoast #politics #USpol #history #border #water #ocean #pollution #news #DonaldTrump #Texas
“It’s kind of an all-hands-on-deck thing right now. The water supply situation is rather serious.” As #drought persists and industrial demand skyrockets, this city on the South #Texas coast is struggling to keep up with its people's needs ...
The Texas Observer
Corpus Christi Launches Emergency Water Projects as Reservoirs Dwindle and Industrial Demand Grows
This Texas city has struggled to develop a seawater desalination plant, but its efforts have lagged as thirsty industries arrive and drought persists.
 #SouthTexas #GulfCoast #water #environment #pollution #politics #USpol #ElonMusk #news #ClimateChange