Latest Contributions

• Performers, business owners and parents voice opposition to drag show restrictions at Texas Senate committee hearing

  by Alex Nguyen and William Melhado March 23, 2023

  Proposed legislation from Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, would criminalize explicit performances where children are present and strip libraries of state funding for hosting any event featuring performers in drag. Critics say the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional. Full Story 

• LGBTQ groups criticize Texas bill’s broad restrictions on school lessons and activities about sexuality and gender identity

  by Alex Nguyen March 23, 2023

  Senate Bill 8 supporters say the legislation protects the rights of parents who don’t want their kids to learn about gender identity and sexual orientation. Critics say it could force schools to ignore the existence of LGBTQ people. Full Story 

• Texas Senate panel advances bill that would hinder transgender kids’ access to puberty blockers and hormone therapies

  by Alex Nguyen March 20, 2023

  Senate Bill 14 would ban doctors from providing kids with transition-related treatments that medical groups recommend for children with gender dysphoria. Full Story 

• Texas cities have adopted ordinances to benefit workers. Sweeping legislation could roll many back.

  by Alex Nguyen and Samantha Aguilar March 16, 2023

  Lawmakers say their bills are needed to provide small businesses with consistent regulations and that regulatory power should be returned to the state. Labor groups say the proposal could undo hard-fought measures to protect workers. Full Story 

• The Texas House has a record number of LGBTQ representatives as lawmakers face scores of bills focused on gender and sexuality

  by Alex Nguyen March 7, 2023

  The Texas Legislature has nine lawmakers who are openly LGBTQ, all Democrats. At the same time, some Republican lawmakers are pushing a slate of bills aimed at drag queens, transgender children and how sexuality is discussed in schools. Full Story 

• Business and legislative leaders push to replace expired tax break with a new one

  by Elliott Woods, Capital & Main, and Alex Nguyen, The Texas Tribune March 1, 2023

  Business groups warned lawmakers that Texas could lose business to other states without something to replace the so-called Chapter 313 tax break, which gave some companies big breaks on school taxes. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott starts state task force on street takeovers

  by Alex Nguyen Feb. 23, 2023

  During a recent street racing incident, Austin residents faced long 911 wait times. City officials say they need to increase staffing for 911 call takers, but state license and background check requirements make it difficult to fill positions. Full Story 

• FBI announces investigations into deaths at Harris County Jail

  by Alex Nguyen Feb. 13, 2023

  Since Jacoby Pillow’s death last month, at least three others have died at Harris County Jail. And the year before, the jail hit a record high of 27 in-custody deaths. Full Story 

• Texas is well-positioned to weather a potential national recession, Dallas Fed economist says

  by Alex Nguyen Feb. 3, 2023

  Despite worries of a national recession, Texas’ robust labor force and strong energy sector could help it fare relatively well in a potential 2023 slowdown. Full Story 

• Austin makes progress restoring power, but tens of thousands still without

  by Alex Nguyen, Alejandro Serrano and Samantha Aguilar Updated: Feb. 4, 2023

  The city originally said it would restore all power by 6 p.m. Friday. But more than 57,000 customers are still without electricity Saturday night. Full Story