Alexa Ura

1 month ago | savingplaces.org | Alexa Ura

On the second floor of Villa Finale, a National Trust Historic Site in San Antonio, a 1901 Grand Opera Zonophone still holds echoes of the past—and of the social functions that once revolved around this musical relic. Walter Mathis, the last owner of Villa Finale, was known for regularly hosting parties and intimate gatherings in the 1876 Italianate mansion in the King William Historic District.

Oct 30, 2024 | texastribune.org | Alexa Ura

The most important Texas news,sent weekday mornings. Key coverage Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. This story about Austin Community College was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter.

Aug 2, 2024 | texasmonthly.com | Alexa Ura

Under a soaring canopy of old pecan trees, Anthony Medrano gave the signal, igniting the mariachi ensemble to perform a searing rendition of a song that many recognize by its first few notes. Violins led the way, though their warm tones were quickly echoed by the brassy hum from a set of trumpets, the steady plunk of guitarróns, and crisp guitar strums. It was June 2022, and an audience of mourners had gathered in Uvalde’s town square.

May 22, 2024 | texasmonthly.com | Alexa Ura

She was stuck in a drive-through line, of all places, when she got the call she had hoped would finally allow her to move forward with her life. It was late March and Crystal Mason had just placed her lunch order when her phone lit up. On the other end, her lawyer asked her to wait while he convened the legal team behind her appeal of a 2018 conviction. Mason recognized this meant there had been a significant development in the saga that’s run for nearly a decade.

May 22, 2024 | dfwliving.com | Alexa Ura

She was stuck in a drive-through line, of all places, when she got the call she had hoped would finally allow her to move forward with her life.It was late March and Crystal Mason had just placed her lunch order when her phone lit up. On the other end, her lawyer asked her to wait while he convened the legal team behind her appeal of a 2018 conviction. Mason recognized this meant there had been a significant development in the saga that’s run for nearly a decade.