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Exploring the Rich World of Longform Journalism in 2025
As the year comes to a close, readers are reflecting on the multitude of compelling stories that have emerged throughout 2025. In this curated selection, we showcase ten standout longform pieces from the Observer, highlighting the intricate weave of personal narratives, societal issues, and cultural insights that define human experience.
1. Confronting the Drug Crisis: Texas’ War on Drug Users
Jason Buch's in-depth look into the mass overdose event in Austin uncovers the systemic issues surrounding Texas's approach to addiction. With fentanyl and other potent substances wreaking havoc, the article exposes the devastating impacts of outdated policies on vulnerable populations.
2. The Battle for Mental Health in Rural Texas
In 'This Town Has Nothing,' Daniel Carter sheds light on Sweetwater’s desperate struggle to attract mental health professionals to combat rising crises. Amidst haunting personal stories, the piece poignantly illustrates the ongoing mental health emergency affecting rural communities throughout the state.
3. The Cryptocurrency Conundrum: Environmental Costs and Community Voices
Candice Bernd's piece, 'The Crypto Racket', critically examines Texas's Bitcoin mining boom and the associated environmental degradation. By juxtaposing the booming industry with the experiences of local residents facing noise pollution and water shortages, Bernd crafts a compelling narrative of conflict between economic growth and ecological sustainability.
4. Investment in Education: The Texas Partnership Charter Schools
Josephine Lee's investigation into the Texas Partnership charter schools reveals troubling academic and financial discrepancies. This eye-opening piece challenges the narrative of educational reform and invites readers to reconsider the implications of privatizing education.
5. Documenting The American Dream: Refugees, Football, and Community
Brant DeBoer's touching account of Afghan refugees joining a high school sports team in San Antonio captivates readers with themes of resilience and belonging. Through the lens of sports, the piece beautifully contextualizes the complex dynamics of integration in American society.
6. Water Rights at Stake: The Fight Over the Conchos River
Chilton Tippin's compelling narrative addresses the crucial issue of water rights in Mexico, focusing on the diminishing Conchos River. Through personal accounts, the story unveils the broader ramifications of environmental mismanagement and the struggle for resources in a changing climate.
7. Navigating the Adoption System: The Hidden Costs
Sandy West’s investigation into the murky legal issues in Texas's private foster care and adoption agencies reveals a harrowing dimension of child welfare. The article emphasizes the emotional toll of navigating a broken system fraught with complexities and ethical dilemmas.
8. The Unseen Eye: Surveillance and Technology at the Texas-Mexico Border
Francesca D’Annunzio's exploration of AI surveillance systems along the border raises significant questions about privacy and civil liberties. The eye-catching imagery of Torre Centinela serves as a stark metaphor for the pervasive intrusion of technology in our daily lives.
9. Reflections on Death Row: A Survivor’s Journey
Michelle Pitcher presents the life of Pam Perillo, a condemned inmate who questions the morality surrounding capital punishment. This powerful exposé not only brings attention to the flawed justice system but also highlights the humanity of those on death row.
10. Political Fractures: Lina Hidalgo and Harris County Politics
Sam Russek provides a detailed account of the political dynamics surrounding Lina Hidalgo's tenure in Harris County. The analysis reveals how shifting power structures influence governance and shape the local political landscape.
The Observer's collection of longform journalism from 2025 serves as a reminder that storytelling can illuminate the intricate tapestry of human experience. These narratives compel us to reflect on the past and consider how we might forge a better future for ourselves and our communities.
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