Past Contributions

• 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 

• Texas lawmakers pursued dozens of bills affecting LGBTQ people in 2023. Here’s what passed and what failed.

  By William Melhado and Alex Nguyen Updated: June 2, 2023

  The Legislature banned puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans kids, restricted the college sports teams trans athletes can join and expanded the definition of sexual conduct to include some drag shows. But a “Don’t Say Gay” provision for schools missed key deadlines. 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 

• Texas’ tech capital again fumbles digital communication amid a power crisis

  By Sneha Dey and Alex Nguyen Updated: Feb. 2, 2023

  As tens of thousands of households and businesses face a third day in the dark, Austin leaders say they will improve emergency communications. But residents and critics have little patience for bungled warnings. Full Story 

• Texans urged to avoid travel in icy weather; power grid is expected to meet demand

  By Alex Nguyen and Alejandro Serrano Updated: Jan. 31, 2023

  School closures and hazardous road conditions are expected throughout a large portion of Texas, according to forecasts. State officials caution Texans about local power outages but expect the grid to stay up. Full Story