Our Facebook community This Is Your Texas spent the month of March discussing civic engagement in the Lone Star State. We took some of the group’s questions to three experts on the subject.
Alex Samuels
Alex Samuels was a reporter for The Texas Tribune from 2017 to 2021. She helped with national campaign coverage, wrote stories about the intersection of race and politics in Texas, and covered the hottest political news bubbling out of local communities. She was also one of the primary authors of The Blast, the Tribune’s subscription-only daily newsletter for political insiders. Alex began at the Tribune as a fellow in 2016. She graduated in 2017 from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. She originally is from Massachusetts and is the best pingpong player at the Tribune.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Austin residents shared their fears and their info on Nextdoor during bombings
Social networking and surveillance technology played a big role in how Austin residents coped with a frightening few weeks.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Police say the suspect in the Austin bombing attacks is dead
Authorities have identified the man as Pflugerville resident Mark A. Conditt. They say he died Wednesday in one of his own bomb blasts as they were trying to arrest him.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Austin’s serial bombings: Here’s what we know and what questions remain
The bomb explosions in Austin and Schertz left two people dead and several others injured. Wednesday morning, police say the man they believe is responsible detonated a bomb and killed himself.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Here’s how Texas students are getting ready for the March for our Lives rallies over gun control
Supporters of strengthening gun control laws are planning March for Our Lives rallies Saturday in several Texas cities in hopes of encouraging Congress to take decisive action on the issue.
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Criminal Justice
Reported explosion in South Austin unrelated to package bombs, police say
Austin police on Tuesday night said the incident involved a Goodwill employee sorting through recent donations to find two “artillery simulators,” one of which “initiated” in the employee’s hand.
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Criminal Justice
Fifth Texas package explosion reported outside of San Antonio
A fifth package has exploded in Texas outside of San Antonio. Federal officials say the explosion is likely linked to the “serial bomber” that has been planting packages in Austin.
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Criminal Justice
After fourth bombing, Austin police believe they’re dealing with a “serial bomber”
Two more Austin residents were injured Sunday evening in an apparent bombing, local police confirmed Monday. This marks the latest in a series of explosions that has kept Texas’ capital city on edge.
Posted inPolitics
Here’s who’s running for Texas House Speaker and who may soon join the race
The Texas House is in the midst of a months-long scramble for control. Here’s an updated look at who is running to lead the chamber after Speaker Joe Straus steps down in January as well as who may soon throw their hats in the ring.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Here’s a look at who’s interested in replacing Straus as House speaker
Despite all the focus on November, many in Texas politics are keeping a close eye on January. That’s when the 150-member Texas House will pick its new House speaker.
