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The Texas Observer
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- 1SpaceX Starship launches from Texas and crash-lands on return▼SpaceX’s Starship launches from South Texas, returns to Earth with a thud
SpaceX launched its Starship rocket from Starbase in South Texas, with the vehicle returning to Earth but ending in a hard, destructive landing described as a 'thud'. The flight marks another test in the company's iterative development program, where each launch provides data despite hardware losses. Observers are weighing the outcome against SpaceX's rapid, trial-and-error approach to building the giant rocket.
- 2
Polling in the Texas Senate race is drawing renewed attention as new numbers circulate among political observers. Commentators are weighing what the surveys suggest about the contest's competitiveness and whether recent movement could reshape expectations heading into the election. Discussion focuses on margins, methodology, and what the results mean for both parties' chances in the state.
- 3Whistleblower Adrian Martinez dies after reporting sexual assault in US Army●New, from our magazine by Jesús Jank Curbelo: Adrian Martinez died after becoming a sexual assault whistleblower against
The Texas Observer published a report by Jesús Jank Curbelo on the death of Adrian Martinez, who became a whistleblower after reporting a sexual assault within the U.S. Army. Officials say he took his own life, but his family disputes that account. The report highlights how the military treated him poorly after he came forward with his allegations.
- 4Family Questions Army's Handling After Soldier Adrian's Death●“Adrian should have had access to a process that was independent, trauma-informed, and transparent.” Out today: Months a
New reporting from the Texas Observer examines the death of a US soldier identified as Adrian, months after he died. His family says it still does not know how he died or whether he received the legal rights owed to him as a survivor of sexual assault. They argue he should have had access to a process that was independent, trauma-informed and transparent, and are demanding answers about the military's handling of his case.
- 5Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor on resisting endless upheaval●From our magazine: Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor offer a way to analyze the “world of perpetual upheavals” we are experie
The Texas Observer has published a magazine feature examining the work of authors Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, who propose a framework for analyzing what they call a world of perpetual upheavals and strategies to combat it. The piece questions whether the model of resistance the two writers offer is sufficient for the current political moment.
- 6Family questions death of Army sexual assault whistleblower Adrian Martinez●Top story: The # military says Adrian Martinez took his own life. His family isn't so sure. What's even less clear is wh
The US military says Army soldier Adrian Martinez died by suicide, but his family disputes that conclusion. Martinez had reported sexual assault within the Army, and questions now surround whether his rights were protected in the days before his death. The Texas Observer is covering the case, raising concerns about how the military handled the whistleblower and the circumstances of his death.
- 7Brandon Herrera files financial disclosure showing substantial wealth▼Brandon Herrera files his finances. And he’s rich.
Gun manufacturer and political figure Brandon Herrera has filed a personal financial disclosure, which shows he holds considerable wealth. The filing, reported by Punchbowl News, has drawn attention as Herrera is a prominent figure in Texas Republican politics and gun content media, making his finances of interest to observers tracking his political ambitions.
- 8Friedkin-owned Pursuit Sports signs South Congress office lease in Austin●Texas capital on ice? Friedkin-owned Pursuit Sports locks in South Congress office lease
Pursuit Sports, a company owned by the Friedkin family, has signed a long-term office lease in Austin's South Congress district, according to real estate reporting. The move adds another corporate tenant to one of the Texas capital's most high-profile commercial corridors, where leasing activity is closely watched as a gauge of the city's office market recovery.