😬 How bad is this session for Texas Dems?

🏫 Lawmaker Threatens UT’s Gender, LGBTQ+ Programs

State Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, is demanding the legislature “completely” defund The University of Texas unless it eliminates its LGBTQ+ and gender studies programs, because taxpayers shouldn’t fund “gender ideology.” Queer organizations, though, doubt Harrison’s threat will stand. [Austin American-Statesman]

🚍 Where Did the CapMetro Money Go

Capital Metro said it can’t quantify fare revenue losses from a now-replaced malfunctioning system. Payment issues began in 2023, then ballooned during a month-long outage in March 2024. [KUT]

🎙️ The View from Dems in the Texas Senate

Democrats are outnumbered in the Texas Senate this session, which Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, predicts it will be, “pretty nasty, brutish, and short.” So, where does she get her encouragement? And, how does she think Democrats can effect change? [City Cast Austin 🎧]

🐶 Council Approves Strategic Animal Services Plan

Austin City Council approved a five-year plan Thursday to strengthen the city-run animal shelter. While the strategic plan addresses issues identified in two 2023 audits, including expanding capacity and improving facilities, the question of leadership remains unclear. [KXAN]

• The city’s chief animal services officer, Don Bland, announced he will retire in May. He has been on administrative leave since March 7. [KVUE]

🎨 HOPE Gallery to Reopen

It’s been six years since the 17-acre outdoor gallery-meets-abandoned-plot was closed. And because we’re all in deep need of joy this year, HOPE Gallery is on track to open this fall. Make art, friends. [KUT]

Congratulations to Jen L. for guessing last week’s “Where Is This?” correctly! This photo was taken in the women’s restroom at Busty’s Bar & Jukebox. Isn’t it so cool?!

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