Help us report on how the return of student loan repayments will affect Texans
Student loan repayments are set to resume in October. If you’re a Texas student loan borrower, tell us how this will affect you. Full Story
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María Méndez works on efforts to better connect with Texans and writes explainers and guides. She strives to answer Texans' questions about politics and public policy and to help them find resources. Previously, she reported on public education at the Austin American-Statesman, border and business issues at Texas Public Radio and politics and breaking news at The Dallas Morning News. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, interned at The Texas Tribune as an engagement fellow and worked for The Daily Texan, UT’s student newspaper. She was born in Mexico, grew up in Austin and speaks Spanish. She is based in Austin.
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![Students walk down Speedway Mall at the University of Texas at Austin on Aug. 25, 2021.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
As demand for skilled workers rises in Texas, work-based educational programs see a resurgence
Many Texas residents can opt for a variety of different educational programs that are shorter, more appropriate to their needs and often cost less than a bachelor’s degree. Full Story
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![Jule Preiser, a fourth-semester Robotics student at the Texas State Technical College in Waco, works on a troubleshooting assignment during class on Oct. 24, 2022. Students were given no specific instruction - much like how you might be given a problem if out in the field - and tasked with finding a solution through their own problem solving skills.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Texas colleges offer job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to use those programs.
Students with disabilities can succeed in college with the right kind of help. There are programs that can support them. The programs help them live on their own, find jobs, and make a difference where they live. Full Story
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![Students walk to class on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station on Nov. 15, 2022.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Texans have many educational credentials to choose from to begin a career. Here’s how to navigate them.
Texans who aren’t sure about college have several pathways to well-paying jobs. Here’s how those programs prepare people for careers when a four-year degree may not fit. Full Story
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![21-year-old Violet Fields measures Nora Hernandez-Mondragon’s blood pressure before class at the Leander Campus of Austin Community College on Oct. 4. The students were participating in a healthcare apprenticeship program for Baylor Scott & White employees.]()
Credit: Jack Myer for The Texas Tribune -
Texas colleges provide job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to access it.
Students with disabilities can find success in college, live independently and get jobs with the right kind of help. Here are college programs that provide support. Full Story
![Students walk to class on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station on Nov. 15, 2022.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Attorney General Ken Paxton was impeached. Here’s how that process works in Texas.
Paxton is now suspended until the outcome of a trial in the Senate. Gov. Greg Abbott can now appoint someone to temporarily fill the vacancy. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to his supporters after being sworn into office on January 10, 2023. At left are state Sen. Angela Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for the Texas Tribune -
What to know about Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s long-running scandals and legal battles
Less than a year into his first term, Paxton was charged with felony securities fraud. The Justice Department is investigating bribery allegations against him as a Texas House committee conducts its own probe into his behavior. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at a press conference at the William P. Clements State Office Building on a pilot program to dispose of medications, especially opioids, on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2022 in Austin.]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
Uvalde school shooting: What we know one year later
Twenty-one people died at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022. The mass shooting and delayed police response spurred calls for stricter gun laws. Full Story
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![Hundreds of flowers, toys, and candles surround the crosses in memorial of the 21 victims of the school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, on June 9, 2022.]()
Credit: Evan L’Roy for The Texas Tribune -
Pandemic Medicaid coverage is ending. Here’s what that means for people using Medicaid health benefits.
Texas is reviewing the eligibility of people on Medicaid health plans or Healthy Texas Women now that pandemic Medicaid coverage is ending. Here’s what that means, how to renew your health coverage or find other options if you no longer qualify. Full Story
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![A nurse dons full PPE before entering the room of a COVID-19 patient at Goodall-Witcher Hospital in Clifton on Wednesday, August 3, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
What happens when Texas takes over a school district like Houston ISD
When do state takeovers of Texas public schools or districts happen? How long can they last? We provide answers to some of the questions surrounding the takeover of Houston ISD. Full Story
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![Students outside North Forest High School in Houston.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune
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