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Elena Mejia Lutz was a reporting fellow for The Texas Tribune in 2016, covering state politics and elections. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she double majored in journalism and international relations and global studies. Prior to the Tribune, she worked at the Houston Chronicle as a reporting intern focusing on the Texas Legislature, and also at The Daily Texan as a senior reporter.
Competing against millions of acres of cotton, winegrowers fear federal approval of new herbicides to be used on genetically modified cotton seeds will wipe out the wine industry in the Texas High Plains. Full Story
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Students at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are worried after their school was placed on probation this week. The school's president says he is confident he'll get the problems fixed. Full Story
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Six legislators have filed bills to eliminate sales tax on all female health supplies that are sold for menstrual cycle hygiene. Full Story
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In two weeks, Texas will officially enact cuts of Medicaid reimbursement rates for disabled children's therapy services. Full Story
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After decades in Texas politics, Susan Combs is focused on building safe spaces for women to exchange ideas and experiences. With a new memoir and a new nonprofit, she hopes to encourage more women to take on leadership roles. Full Story
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Whom President-elect Donald Trump appoints to a vacant U.S. Supreme Court seat and how his Justice Department will differ from President Obama's could determine whether Texas' 2011 Voter ID law survives. Full Story
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Although Texas offers free tuition waivers and other benefits to ease foster youths' transition to higher education, the number of students using the resources has declined. Full Story
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Students were joined by like-minded bystanders as the Austin Police Department stopped traffic ahead of the protesters' path. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Will Hurd claimed victory in his re-election bid Tuesday night, becoming the first incumbent to hold onto the Texas 23rd District in eight years. Full Story
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The Texas Tribune is talking to voters across Texas on Election Day about their favorite candidates and the issues that are most important to them. Full Story
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