Gus Bova
@gusbova.bsky.social
Kansas-Texas transplant. Editor-in-Chief, Texas Observer. Tips: bova@texasobserver.org, or DM for Signal.
Pinned
Gus Bova
@gusbova.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Personal/professional news: I am now the Editor-in-Chief of @texasobserver.org. My entire journalism career has taken place here, as I've learned from all who've come and gone from this little magazine. Thank you to all the colleagues and sources who helped me along the way
The Observer's closing thought for the year:
A Light the Darkness Cannot Extinguish, from @drdrbrockman.bsky.social www.texasobserver.org/a-light-the-...
A Light the Darkness Cannot Extinguish, from @drdrbrockman.bsky.social www.texasobserver.org/a-light-the-...
A Light the Darkness Cannot Extinguish
At the close of an awful year, a religion scholar offers reflections on resisting despair in dark times, for the religious and non-religious alike.
www.texasobserver.org
December 19, 2025 at 2:46 PM
The Observer's closing thought for the year:
A Light the Darkness Cannot Extinguish, from @drdrbrockman.bsky.social www.texasobserver.org/a-light-the-...
A Light the Darkness Cannot Extinguish, from @drdrbrockman.bsky.social www.texasobserver.org/a-light-the-...
Reposted by Gus Bova
NEW: Texas DPS touts one of the largest drone programs in the country. Since the launch of Operation Lone Star in 2021, DPS has more than doubled its drone inventory.
Now, DPS has almost as many drones as the US Border Patrol.
www.texasobserver.org/texas-dps-dr...
Now, DPS has almost as many drones as the US Border Patrol.
www.texasobserver.org/texas-dps-dr...
Under Operation Lone Star, Texas State Police More than Doubled Their Drone Fleet
The Department of Public Safety has acquired an army of unmanned aerial vehicles—nearly as large as the U.S. Border Patrol's.
www.texasobserver.org
December 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM
NEW: Texas DPS touts one of the largest drone programs in the country. Since the launch of Operation Lone Star in 2021, DPS has more than doubled its drone inventory.
Now, DPS has almost as many drones as the US Border Patrol.
www.texasobserver.org/texas-dps-dr...
Now, DPS has almost as many drones as the US Border Patrol.
www.texasobserver.org/texas-dps-dr...
Reposted by Gus Bova
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas.”
After decades of leadership, retired Texas AFL-CIO President @ricktxaflco.bsky.social leaves behind a stronger, more inclusive Texas labor movement built to win the fights ahead. (via @texasobserver.org)
After decades of leadership, retired Texas AFL-CIO President @ricktxaflco.bsky.social leaves behind a stronger, more inclusive Texas labor movement built to win the fights ahead. (via @texasobserver.org)
At the Texas AFL-CIO, a Changing of the Guard in a Time of Growth
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas.”
www.texasobserver.org
December 18, 2025 at 8:11 PM
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas.”
After decades of leadership, retired Texas AFL-CIO President @ricktxaflco.bsky.social leaves behind a stronger, more inclusive Texas labor movement built to win the fights ahead. (via @texasobserver.org)
After decades of leadership, retired Texas AFL-CIO President @ricktxaflco.bsky.social leaves behind a stronger, more inclusive Texas labor movement built to win the fights ahead. (via @texasobserver.org)
The @texasobserver.org is still seeking student applicants for an internship helping cover the 2026 elections!
Details here: www.texasobserver.org/jobs/
Details here: www.texasobserver.org/jobs/
Work for the Texas Observer
We’re a nonprofit with a strong public service mission; we seek to expose injustice and to produce the kind of impact journalism that makes a difference.
www.texasobserver.org
December 18, 2025 at 8:41 PM
The @texasobserver.org is still seeking student applicants for an internship helping cover the 2026 elections!
Details here: www.texasobserver.org/jobs/
Details here: www.texasobserver.org/jobs/
Reposted by Gus Bova
As total membership in Texas unions grows, the state's labor federation is moving into a new era of leadership, with Latin@s in both of the top roles for the first time: www.texasobserver.org/texas-afl-ci... from @josephinelee.bsky.social
At the Texas AFL-CIO, a Changing of the Guard in a Time of Growth
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas.”
www.texasobserver.org
December 18, 2025 at 2:52 PM
As total membership in Texas unions grows, the state's labor federation is moving into a new era of leadership, with Latin@s in both of the top roles for the first time: www.texasobserver.org/texas-afl-ci... from @josephinelee.bsky.social
Reposted by Gus Bova
Words of wisdom from @ricktxaflco.bsky.social here. “For any organizer, their number one job is to organize themselves out of a job," Levy said.
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas,” Greg Casar said.
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas,” Greg Casar said.
As total membership in Texas unions grows, the state's labor federation is moving into a new era of leadership, with Latin@s in both of the top roles for the first time: www.texasobserver.org/texas-afl-ci... from @josephinelee.bsky.social
At the Texas AFL-CIO, a Changing of the Guard in a Time of Growth
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas.”
www.texasobserver.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Words of wisdom from @ricktxaflco.bsky.social here. “For any organizer, their number one job is to organize themselves out of a job," Levy said.
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas,” Greg Casar said.
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas,” Greg Casar said.
As total membership in Texas unions grows, the state's labor federation is moving into a new era of leadership, with Latin@s in both of the top roles for the first time: www.texasobserver.org/texas-afl-ci... from @josephinelee.bsky.social
At the Texas AFL-CIO, a Changing of the Guard in a Time of Growth
“No one has done more than Rick Levy for the modern-day labor movement in Texas.”
www.texasobserver.org
December 18, 2025 at 2:52 PM
As total membership in Texas unions grows, the state's labor federation is moving into a new era of leadership, with Latin@s in both of the top roles for the first time: www.texasobserver.org/texas-afl-ci... from @josephinelee.bsky.social
Reposted by Gus Bova
I’m extremely proud to join the board of the non-profit that supports the amazing and venerable @texasobserver.org!
Not a subscriber? Change that today: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/join/
Not a subscriber? Change that today: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/join/
December 17, 2025 at 6:57 PM
I’m extremely proud to join the board of the non-profit that supports the amazing and venerable @texasobserver.org!
Not a subscriber? Change that today: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/join/
Not a subscriber? Change that today: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/join/
Excited to see the Texas Observer's nonprofit board grow at the end of this year, adding @maudbeelman.bsky.social, @blibal.bsky.social, and Gabriela Resto-Montero: www.texasobserver.org/board/
The Texas Democracy Foundation
Parent board of the Texas Observer In 1994, Ronnie Dugger, founding editor and the publisher of the Texas Observer for 40 years, transferred ownership to the Texas Democracy Foundation, which was esta...
www.texasobserver.org
December 17, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Excited to see the Texas Observer's nonprofit board grow at the end of this year, adding @maudbeelman.bsky.social, @blibal.bsky.social, and Gabriela Resto-Montero: www.texasobserver.org/board/
"I think that we should be looking at who it is that can expand the electorate so we can win. We have spent a lot of time doing the philosophy lessons of who it is that we believe can win—and we keep losing, versus being willing to do something different." www.texasobserver.org/jasmine-croc...
Everyone Knows Jasmine Crockett. Could That Be a Good Thing?
Her critics would prefer a lesser-known candidate who can concoct a bipartisan pitch. But the Dallas congresswoman believes she’s starting “on second or third base.”
www.texasobserver.org
December 16, 2025 at 3:42 PM
"I think that we should be looking at who it is that can expand the electorate so we can win. We have spent a lot of time doing the philosophy lessons of who it is that we believe can win—and we keep losing, versus being willing to do something different." www.texasobserver.org/jasmine-croc...
It was never plausible to carry out mass deportations while focusing on the "worst of the worst"; there aren't enough serious criminals in the deportable population. Tom Homan was always crystal clear they would be indiscriminate
December 10, 2025 at 2:48 PM
It was never plausible to carry out mass deportations while focusing on the "worst of the worst"; there aren't enough serious criminals in the deportable population. Tom Homan was always crystal clear they would be indiscriminate
A thoughtful assessment of Lina Hidalgo that avoids the schadenfreude of the typical rise-and-fall political story: www.texasobserver.org/lina-hidalgo...
Lina Hidalgo Had a Vision. Harris County Won’t See It.
Her anti-climactic exit from office caps a saga of waning power and growing discord. But what her rise once promised is worth remembering.
www.texasobserver.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:42 PM
A thoughtful assessment of Lina Hidalgo that avoids the schadenfreude of the typical rise-and-fall political story: www.texasobserver.org/lina-hidalgo...
Republicans aside, there's no one who knows how to win the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Texas
December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Republicans aside, there's no one who knows how to win the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Texas
Reposted by Gus Bova
On November 13, surrounded by family and listening to Guy Clark songs in the capital of the state on which he left such an enormous mark, David Richards left us at the age of 92.
A memorial essay from Louis Dubose:
A memorial essay from Louis Dubose:
Remembering David Richards, 1933-2025
“If there’s anything good in Texas—academic freedom, labor, voting rights, education, politics—his litigation facilitated it."
www.texasobserver.org
December 4, 2025 at 4:43 PM
On November 13, surrounded by family and listening to Guy Clark songs in the capital of the state on which he left such an enormous mark, David Richards left us at the age of 92.
A memorial essay from Louis Dubose:
A memorial essay from Louis Dubose:
Checked the clock and it's still today so run don't walk to the link below!
Hey hey internet, today is GivingTuesday! Your donation today to @texasobserver.org fuels the hard-hitting, deep-dive reporting Texas needs now more than ever.
Plus all gifts today are matched up to $25,000!
Donate: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Plus all gifts today are matched up to $25,000!
Donate: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Join | Texas Observer
Texas Observer is supported by people like you. Support Texas Observer today.
texasobserver.fundjournalism.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:08 AM
Checked the clock and it's still today so run don't walk to the link below!
Reposted by Gus Bova
Have you been informed or entertained by our articles in 2025? Your donation on #GivingTuesday fuels the hard-hitting, deep-dive reporting Texas needs now more than ever.
All gifts today are matched up to $25,000! Donate now: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
All gifts today are matched up to $25,000! Donate now: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Join | Texas Observer
Texas Observer is supported by people like you. Support Texas Observer today.
texasobserver.fundjournalism.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Have you been informed or entertained by our articles in 2025? Your donation on #GivingTuesday fuels the hard-hitting, deep-dive reporting Texas needs now more than ever.
All gifts today are matched up to $25,000! Donate now: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
All gifts today are matched up to $25,000! Donate now: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Reposted by Gus Bova
Hey hey internet, today is GivingTuesday! Your donation today to @texasobserver.org fuels the hard-hitting, deep-dive reporting Texas needs now more than ever.
Plus all gifts today are matched up to $25,000!
Donate: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Plus all gifts today are matched up to $25,000!
Donate: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Join | Texas Observer
Texas Observer is supported by people like you. Support Texas Observer today.
texasobserver.fundjournalism.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Hey hey internet, today is GivingTuesday! Your donation today to @texasobserver.org fuels the hard-hitting, deep-dive reporting Texas needs now more than ever.
Plus all gifts today are matched up to $25,000!
Donate: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Plus all gifts today are matched up to $25,000!
Donate: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Reposted by Gus Bova
Hey y'all, today is GivingTuesday so please consider making a donation to the @texasobserver.org and support the one-of-a-kind independent journalism that we bring to Texas. We may be small but we are also mighty--especially with your help! texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Join | Texas Observer
Texas Observer is supported by people like you. Support Texas Observer today.
texasobserver.fundjournalism.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Hey y'all, today is GivingTuesday so please consider making a donation to the @texasobserver.org and support the one-of-a-kind independent journalism that we bring to Texas. We may be small but we are also mighty--especially with your help! texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Powerful profile from @michellepitcher.bsky.social: www.texasobserver.org/pam-perillo-...
Pam Perillo’s Sisterhood of the Condemned
She's a death row survivor, but she doesn't think she's really any different from her friends who are still set to die.
www.texasobserver.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Powerful profile from @michellepitcher.bsky.social: www.texasobserver.org/pam-perillo-...
Something Texas Dems keep failing to replicate about 2018 is that Beto was in the Senate race by February 2017 (and Joaquin Castro was officially out by that May, fully clearing the way).
This, well, is the opposite of that: www.statesman.com/news/politic...
This, well, is the opposite of that: www.statesman.com/news/politic...
November 21, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Something Texas Dems keep failing to replicate about 2018 is that Beto was in the Senate race by February 2017 (and Joaquin Castro was officially out by that May, fully clearing the way).
This, well, is the opposite of that: www.statesman.com/news/politic...
This, well, is the opposite of that: www.statesman.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Gus Bova
Recently finished up my last freelance work of the year before moving on to a mad sprint of book writing, so —rather earlier than usual — it's time for my year in review! Here, in no particular order, are the features I'm proudest of.
November 21, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Recently finished up my last freelance work of the year before moving on to a mad sprint of book writing, so —rather earlier than usual — it's time for my year in review! Here, in no particular order, are the features I'm proudest of.
Reposted by Gus Bova
“Trans visibility is important, but also trans people deserve to have fun.”
For @texasobserver.org magazine, I teamed up with photographer Harmon Li to document a "Trans Takeover" at Austin's Barton Springs swimming hole. A moment of queer and trans joy that came weeks after a violent attack ...
For @texasobserver.org magazine, I teamed up with photographer Harmon Li to document a "Trans Takeover" at Austin's Barton Springs swimming hole. A moment of queer and trans joy that came weeks after a violent attack ...
At Barton Springs, Trans Existence Becomes Resistance
Following a transphobic incident earlier this year, community members gathered to "protect trans joy."
www.texasobserver.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:58 PM
“Trans visibility is important, but also trans people deserve to have fun.”
For @texasobserver.org magazine, I teamed up with photographer Harmon Li to document a "Trans Takeover" at Austin's Barton Springs swimming hole. A moment of queer and trans joy that came weeks after a violent attack ...
For @texasobserver.org magazine, I teamed up with photographer Harmon Li to document a "Trans Takeover" at Austin's Barton Springs swimming hole. A moment of queer and trans joy that came weeks after a violent attack ...
Reposted by Gus Bova
In April, state + fed police raided a bday party near Austin, arresting ~50 people including nine kids.
Cops claimed w/o evidence they’d busted a Tren de Aragua gathering, + only charged two people w/ a crime.
Now, the local DA has dropped both charges
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
Cops claimed w/o evidence they’d busted a Tren de Aragua gathering, + only charged two people w/ a crime.
Now, the local DA has dropped both charges
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
Prosecutors Drop Only Criminal Cases from Hays County Airbnb Raid
Pending drug charges have been abandoned from the multi-agency April operation that supposedly targeted Tren de Aragua and led to multiple deportations.
www.texasobserver.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:42 PM
In April, state + fed police raided a bday party near Austin, arresting ~50 people including nine kids.
Cops claimed w/o evidence they’d busted a Tren de Aragua gathering, + only charged two people w/ a crime.
Now, the local DA has dropped both charges
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
Cops claimed w/o evidence they’d busted a Tren de Aragua gathering, + only charged two people w/ a crime.
Now, the local DA has dropped both charges
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
Reposted by Gus Bova
That April raid on a birthday party in Hays County resulted in zero criminal charges, despite claims this was some big TdA bust.
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
Prosecutors Drop Only Criminal Cases from Hays County Airbnb Raid
Pending drug charges have been abandoned from the multi-agency April operation that supposedly targeted Tren de Aragua and led to multiple deportations.
www.texasobserver.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:16 AM
That April raid on a birthday party in Hays County resulted in zero criminal charges, despite claims this was some big TdA bust.
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
Reposted by Gus Bova
The company that won the contract to run Texas' new school voucher program leans on former Abbott aides for help www.texasobserver.org/texas-vouche...
Texas’ Top Voucher Vendor Taps Abbott Allies in Contract Bid, Program Rollout
The New York firm Odyssey is now running the state’s lucrative voucher scheme with a little help from the governor’s friends.
www.texasobserver.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The company that won the contract to run Texas' new school voucher program leans on former Abbott aides for help www.texasobserver.org/texas-vouche...