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1 month ago | 
reportingtexas.com | Jasmine Wright |John Bridges
By Jasmine WrightReporting TexasTexas Democrats say funding for public schools is at risk in the current legislative session because Gov. Greg Abbott’s years-long drive for private school vouchers has its best chance ever of succeeding. Texas Democratic lawmakers lost several key seats during the 2024 election cycle and now face face five months of negotiations with Republican counterparts.
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Nov 21, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | John Bridges
A group of pro-Palestinian activists demonstrated at a University of Texas System Board of Regents meeting Wednesday demanding the divestment of university funds from weapons manufacturers supplying arms to Israel. With Palestinian flags rippling in the wind, around 50 protesters marched on the sidewalk outside the UT System Building in downtown Austin, chanting to the beat of a drum. Inside, the regents convened in a quiet boardroom.
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Nov 11, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | Jasmine Wright |John Bridges
By Jasmine WrightReporting TexasAs the election results came in Tuesday night, University of Texas students swapped stories at a West Campus bar of finding polling locations, of voting for the first time and of the decisions that drove their choice for president. “Voting for president is a big decision,” Mauro, a UT economics senior said during an election night watch party at Victory Lap, an off-campus bar next to the University of Texas.
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Nov 7, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | Rebecca Butler |John Bridges
By Rebecca ButlerReporting TexasA sharply divided Austin City Council on Thursday approved Wheatsville Food Co-op’s request to sell alcohol for on-site consumption despite its proximity to Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. Wheatsville, a community-owned natural foods retailer with two Austin stores, petitioned the council in August to waive the city’s ban on selling alcohol within 300 feet of a school, church or hospital for its store on South Lamar Boulevard.
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Nov 6, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | Madeline de Figueiredo |John Bridges
By Madeline de FigueiredoReporting TexasIn the leadup to the Nov. 1 implementation of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order requiring Texas public hospitals to report on health care for undocumented immigrants, advocacy groups raced to inform affected communities and providers about the policy’s implications and limitations.
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Oct 20, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | Madeline de Figueiredo |John Bridges
By Madeline de Figueiredo Reporting TexasVoters with disabilities could get expanded access to the ballot this election season after a federal judge struck down Texas laws limiting voter assistance. The Oct. 11 ruling has yielded cautious celebration from activist and advocacy communities on the eve of early voting, which begins Monday. But the state might appeal the decision in time to thwart voter assistance efforts.
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Jun 3, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | Michael Nolan |John Bridges
By Michael NolanReporting TexasOne of the first uses of a new Texas law aimed at removing “rogue” district attorneys could curtail the discretion of prosecutors in major cities, political and legal analysts say. Travis County District Attorney José Garza, a Democrat who recently won a primary in his re-election bid as the county’s top prosecutor, will soon find himself in a courtroom for a different reason — defending himself against a petition seeking his removal from office.
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Apr 27, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | Michelle Lavergne |John Bridges
By Michelle Lavergne Reporting TexasWhen Siobhan Cook is at work, a big part of her day is meeting the immediate needs of youth who have survived trafficking or are at risk. As drop-in manager for SAFE CARES, a program focused on supporting human trafficking survivors, Cook’s tasks can be as basic as making sure her clients have food and Uber rides to doctor’s appointments. “Sometimes they just need emotional support,” said Cook, a 36-year-old survivor of trafficking herself.
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Apr 25, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | Anissa Sanchez |John Bridges
By Anissa SanchezReporting TexasThe Austin-based identical twin R&B duo THEBROSFRESH may be on the verge of stardom. Torrence and Thurman Thomas, 34, have yet to sign a deal with a record label, but they regularly fill popular Austin music venues such as C-Boy’s and Continental Club, and they have inked contracts as brand ambassadors with Nike and Volkswagen. Torrence, who plays bass and sings, envisions achieving success as a staircase.
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Apr 23, 2024 | 
reportingtexas.com | Guido Peluffo |John Bridges
By Guido PeluffoReporting TexasAs Austin prepares for a busy spring festival season, there’s a music festival podcast emerging from students at the Moody College of Communication at UT. The “Keep Austin Live!” podcast is featuring two huge names in their upcoming episode highlighting the history and weirdness of South by Southwest. “A bunch of us who were grad students [at UT] decided to start the Austin Chronicle,” said Nick Barbaro, co-founder of SXSW.
