Latest Contributions

• Here’s how to vote in Texas’ March 5 primary elections

  By María Méndez and Yuriko Schumacher Jan. 15, 2024

  The deadline to register to vote was Feb. 5. The last day to apply to vote by mail was Feb. 23. Early voting ended March 1. Full Story 

• Vouchers, border security, abortion: The issues you heard about in 2023 will continue to be hotly debated in 2024

  By María Méndez and Texas Tribune Staff Jan. 1, 2024

  After nearly a year’s worth of legislative sessions, several issues are poised to dominate Texas politics this year. Here’s a look at how things ended on several fronts last year — and where they’re headed next. Full Story 

• Texans grapple with numerous challenges, yet many are actively seeking solutions

  By María Méndez Dec. 27, 2023

  Across the state, people are looking for ways to make Texas a better place to live as they tackle hunger, rural “brain drain,” health care obstacles and other impediments. Full Story 

• Taxes, state parks, infrastructure: What you need to know about the Nov. 7 constitutional amendments election

  By María Méndez, Yuriko Schumacher and Texas Tribune Staff Oct. 23, 2023

  Early voting begins Monday in the Nov. 7 elections. Here’s a breakdown of the 14 constitutional amendments on the ballot. Full Story 

• How new regulations impact abortion and birth control access in Texas

  By María Méndez Oct. 11, 2023

  More than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Texas continues to be the largest state in the nation to ban nearly all abortions. But some questions and changes to abortion and birth control access have arisen since then. Full Story 

• Taxes, state parks, infrastructure: What you need to know about the Nov. 7 constitutional amendments election

  By María Méndez, Yuriko Schumacher and Texas Tribune Staff Sept. 15, 2023

  Texans will decide the fate of 14 constitutional amendments approved for the ballot by state lawmakers. Here’s a breakdown of each constitutional amendment and requirements to vote. Full Story 

• Q&A: How can Texans deal with extreme heat?

  By Erin Douglas and María Méndez Aug. 31, 2023

  We know you’re tired of the heat at this point. Here’s how much longer you can expect it to last and reminders on how to stay safe and cool. Full Story 

• How the Texas AG’s office became a pipeline for conservative federal judges

  By María Méndez Updated: Aug. 8, 2023

  In just a few decades, the Texas attorney general’s office became a powerhouse in national legal fights over abortion, health care and immigration. Here’s a timeline of how it happened. Full Story 

• As Texas’ heat wave continues, tell us how you’re coping

  By María Méndez, Joe Timmerman and Susie Webb July 24, 2023

  Texans are seeing record-breaking temperatures this summer. Tell us how the excessive heat is affecting your daily life or plans for the future and what questions we can answer about dealing with it. Full Story 

• New school safety laws seek to add armed guards, chaplains and mental health training. Here’s what you need to know.

  By María Méndez July 14, 2023

  Experts say many of the changes will bolster school safety but some requirements may be challenging for public schools to implement by the upcoming school year with limited funding and staffing constraints. Full Story