Rematches might see two Texas House districts flip
Republicans wrested away seats in Pasadena and San Antonio districts last election, and the ousted Democrats are trying to get them back. Full Story
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Alexa Ura
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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.
Past Contributions
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![Democrat Mary Ann Perez is challenging state Rep. Gilbert Peña, R-Pasadena (top right), in House District 144; in another rematch, Democrat Philip Cortez (bottom right) is attempting to regain his seat from state Rep. Rick Galindo, R-San Antonio.]()
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How Texas could be undercounting its voting age population
The voting-age population figure being used by the Texas secretary of state's office to calculate registration and turnout percentages may be off the mark. Full Story
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Feds appealing decision on protections for transgender students
The Obama administration will ask the U.S. 5th Circuit to overturn a federal judge's order blocking new rules for accommodating transgender students in public schools. Full Story
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Turkey's claims against Houston-based charter school dismissed
The Texas Education Agency has dismissed a complaint alleging that Harmony Public Schools engaged in financial malfeasance and other misconduct. Full Story
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![Advocates showed their support for charter schools during an April 29, 2015, rally at the Texas Capitol.]()
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Despite boasts, state has not blocked Planned Parenthood funds
Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials are largely silent on why they haven't fulfilled their vow to cut off funds to women's health programs offered to poor Texas women by Planned Parenthood. Full Story
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Odd Texas voting law on interpreters scuttled before November election
In a clash between Texas law and the federal Voting Rights Act, a federal judge has stopped the state from enforcing an obscure election provision regarding interpreters. Full Story
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To Die or to Leave: Migrants Flee the Murder Capital of the World
Meet some of the Central Americans who are fleeing violence and abject poverty at home, only to endure shakedowns and abuse on their way to an uncertain future in the United States. This mini-documentary is part of our Bordering on Insecurity project. Full Story
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Texas May Owe Abortion Providers' Lawyers $4.5 Million
Following their win at the U.S. Supreme Court, the attorneys that brought a lawsuit against Texas' 2013 abortion restrictions are asking the state for more than $4.5 million in legal fees. Full Story
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![Demonstrators celebrated at the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2016, after the court struck down a Texas law imposing strict abortion regulations.]()
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Texas Moves to End Legal Battle Over Syrian Refugees
After withdrawing from the federal refugee resettlement program, Texas on Friday asked the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss its appeal of a federal judge’s June decision that threw out the state’s case. Full Story
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![Houston resident Jazmine Myluhu attends a rally to protest Gov. Abbott's decision on Syrian refugees, organized by The Syrian People Solidarity Group. Nov. 22, 2015.]()
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Poverty is Going Down in Texas, but Household Food Stamp Need Isn't
While incomes have gone up and poverty has gone down, the drop in the share of households receiving food stamps in 2015 has been less significant. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman / Amanda Quitoriano