The prominent LGBT civil rights organization is opening three offices in Texas for the legislative session to fight Texas’ “bathroom bill” and other anti-LGBT legislation.
Alexa Ura
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.
Posted in
Politics
Muslim leaders denounce “intolerance” as lawmakers hold “Islamic Terrorism” event
As Republican lawmakers met for a “homeland security summit,” Muslim leaders said state Rep. Kyle Biedermann discriminated against them in sending a letter to poll their beliefs.
Posted in
Demographics
Texas dispute with feds leaves Corpus Christi neighborhood in housing limbo
More than a year after Texas and the federal government settled a civil rights complaint from residents of the Corpus Christi neighborhood of Hillcrest, both sides are at an impasse, potentially leaving hundreds in the lurch.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After GOP appeal, Texas Supreme Court agrees to take up same-sex marriage case
The Texas Supreme Court reversed course and agreed to take up a case involving benefits for married same-sex couples after Republican leaders urged the court to reconsider its earlier decision to let a lower court decision stand.
Posted in
Demographics
Texas lawmaker sends letter to “Islamic Leaders” surveying their beliefs
Freshman state Rep. Kyle Biedermann sent a letter to mosque leaders and Muslim student associations in order to poll them about their beliefs ahead of Texas Muslim Capitol Day.
Posted in
Politics
Can Texas Republicans hold America’s reddest large urban county?
Home to Fort Worth, Tarrant County continues to buck a national trend of big-city counties turning blue. There’s no simple answer as to what makes it different. And little consensus on what it means for the future of Texas politics.
Posted inPolitics, State Government
Here’s what the Texas bathroom bill means in plain English
The so-called bathroom bill has drawn national attention to the Texas Legislature. But what would the proposed bill actually do? We’ve annotated the text to explain in plain English how the bill would impact communities across Texas.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
On day 2 of session, Texas House gets an early taste of “bathroom bill” fight
State Rep. Matt Schaefer, a Tyler Republican, proposed a rule Wednesday requiring people in the Capitol to use bathrooms corresponding to their biological sex during a House floor debate.
Posted in
Politics
In 150-0 vote, Texas House backs Speaker Joe Straus for record-tying fifth term
San Antonio Republican Joe Straus was re-elected unanimously by House members Tuesday for a fifth term, joining former House Speakers Pete Laney and Gib Lewis for the longest tenures presiding over the House.
Posted in
Demographics
Once again, the Texas Legislature is mostly white, male, middle-aged
Here’s a look at the demographics of the 85th Legislature by lawmakers’ race, gender, age, education and religion.
