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Alexa Ura reported for The Texas Tribune from 2013 to 2023. She covered the complex dynamics of race, ethnicity, wealth, poverty and power and how they are shaping the future of Texas and Texans, in the long and short term. Alexa started at the Tribune as a reporting intern before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and joining the staff full time. Originally from Laredo on the Texas-Mexico border, she is a native Spanish speaker and is based in Austin.
The appeals court ruled against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued that a lower court ruling expanding who can qualify for an absentee ballot during the coronavirus pandemic should have no effect while he appeals it. Full Story
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Ken Paxton, a Republican, wants the state's highest civil court to tell five counties — all under Democratic control — to follow his interpretation that fear of contracting the coronavirus isn't a legally valid reason for voters to request absentee ballots. Full Story
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State health officials say the JBS Beef plant rejected its efforts to test all employees. The company switched gears Wednesday afternoon after the Tribune reported on the lack of testing at a plant tied to a rapidly growing cluster of coronavirus cases. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Ross, Emma and Matthew about the governor's move to pull back on the enforcement of his executive orders related to the coronavirus pandemic and a GOP congressional hopeful's misleading messaging on voting by mail. Full Story
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The civil rights group is raising questions of constitutionality and violations of the federal Voting Rights Act because the pool of voters eligible to vote by mail based on age is predominantly white. Full Story
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Early voting for the July 14 runoffs will begin June 29, instead of July 6, under a proclamation issued Monday by Gov. Greg Abbott. Full Story
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In their suit, a group of Texas voters and civic organizations claim that four Texas absentee voting rules are unconstitutional during a public health crisis. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Emma and Ross about the governor's move to reopen more businesses in Texas more quickly than expected and the implications of those reopenings. Full Story
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As Gov. Greg Abbott continues lifting restrictions on Texas businesses and activities, coronavirus infection rates are exploding in Panhandle communities near meatpacking plants. Full Story
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The network of companies — Ashford Hospitality Trust, Ashford Inc., and Braemar Hotels & Resorts — are run by prominent Texas GOP donor Monty Bennett. Full Story
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