PHOTOS: A New Normal for Live Music

The week in stories from the Texas Observer.

The Lede A New Normal for Live Music Black musicians were already struggling for resources and recognition before the pandemic. Now, they're back onstage, championing lasting reform in the live music industry.   In this photo essay, photographer Sophia Lawson captures the Black Pumas and musician Jackie Venson back onstage in Austin. As live music venues start to reopen and fans appear eager to ditch virtual performances for the real thing, these artists are primed to build new momentum in 2021.  View this email in your browser. Must-Reads Small Birds in Big Bend A stretch of arid desert in West Texas is the crown jewel of the state's birding hotspots. For Greg Abbott, All the Border's a Stage   Since President Biden took office, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has reprised his Obama-era role as the border security hawk filling in for a negligent federal government. It's a part he never fully quit during the Trump years, but his performance intensified this year. More This Week Texas Veterans Homes Overseen by George P. Bush Were Often the Deadliest Places to Be During COVID-19 Pandemic   Essay: How Toxics in Chemical Corridors Affect Families for Generations Support the Texas Observer with a tax-deductible donation or subscribe to the magazine. The Issue Introducing the new Texas Observer The Road Home: The Texas Department of Transportation intends to spend $25 billion widening highways to fix traffic in Texas cities. What if we tore them down instead? Bloodlines: Emily Grace Spydell died in adoptive care. Her biological family says the Indian Child Welfare Act could have saved her—but her tribe's legal code prevented it. Get Involved: Support hard-charging investigative journalism. For 65 years, the Texas Observer has shined a spotlight on the dark corners of Texas. Our reporters and editors work to ensure that we cover issues that are often ignored or underreported by other media. Join as a member, donate, or shop today. Join Donate Shop You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Copyright © 2021 Texas Observer, All rights reserved. Thank you for subscribing to The Texas Observer's weekly newsletter. Our mailing address is: The Texas Observer P.O. Box #6421 Austin, Texas 78762 The Texas Observer, a nonprofit, tries to save paper and money by contacting you via email.