What issues matter most to you this election? Help us cover Texans’ top concerns.
Help us prioritize the policy issues and election questions we should report on ahead of the November midterms. 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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![A sheer image of voters behind a large logo that reads "VOTE 2022" next to a Texas Tribune icon.]()
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Texas laws say treatments for miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies remain legal but leave lots of space for confusion
Treatments for certain pregnancy complications are distinct from abortions under Texas laws, experts say, but confusion has already limited some patients’ access to life-saving procedures and medicines. Full Story
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![A recently scanned monitor showing a patient's ultrasound at the Family Birth Center at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, on Feb. 1, 2022.]()
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Texas hospitals are putting pregnant patients at risk by denying care out of fear of abortion laws, medical group says
Medical professionals across the state have expressed confusion over what care they can provide amid Texas’ abortion ban, leading to some patients allegedly receiving delayed care or being turned away. Full Story
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![Protesters chant on Congress Ave. in front of the Texas State Capitol building at a pro-choice rally Friday, June 24, 2022 in Austin, TX. The Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade Friday leading to national protests in response from pro abortion advocates. The announcement of the overturning would trigger an immediate ban on abortions in several states, including Texas. Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
IVF treatment can continue under Texas’ current abortion law, experts say
Doctors and legal experts say Texas’ anti-abortion laws haven’t yet affected fertility treatments, and it appears an unlikely target for anti-abortion groups in the state for now. Full Story
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![Doctor Katarzyna Koziol injects sperm directly into an egg during an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) at Novum clinic in Warsaw on Oct. 26, 2010.]()
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How to get birth control and emergency contraception in Texas
Contraception options are available through most health insurance plans and government-funded clinics. Full Story
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![Plan B One-step birth control in New York City on June 28, 2022.]()
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Almost 100 Texas school districts have added their own police departments since 2017, but not everyone feels safer
Officials have called for more armed officers on campuses in the wake of the Uvalde shooting. Experts and some parents, though, say more law enforcement on campus doesn’t necessarily make schools safer. Full Story
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![Police hold a press conference on Thursday, May 26, 2022 in Uvalde, TX. Twenty one people were killed after a gunman after a high school student opened fire inside Robb Elementary School on Tuesday where two teachers and 19 students were killed. (Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune)]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
Uvalde students and staff not returning to Robb Elementary School after deadly shooting
The district’s superintendent said students will be moved to other campuses but did not confirm reports that the Robb Elementary School building may be razed. Full Story
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![The memorial at Robb Elementary School on Thursday, May 26, 2022.]()
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Trump and Cruz propose “hardened” one-door schoolhouses. Experts say that’s not a credible solution.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans argue that gunmen can be stopped by locking all but one door and posting guards at schools. School officials and safety experts say that’s not realistic. Full Story
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![UVALDE, TX-MAY 25: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz speaks to members of the media outside Robb Elementary School on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 in Uvalde, TX. Twenty one people were killed after a gunman after a high school student opened fire inside Robb Elementary School on Tuesday where two teachers and 19 students were killed.]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
Texas has some safety requirements for public schools — but leaves most of the particulars up to education officials
Texas requires schools to have emergency plans and conduct safety drills. But a lot of decisions about safety are left to school districts and charter schools. Full Story
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![At Steele Montessori Academy, a formerly closed campus, Azeri’aha and Penelope Acuña hold hands and play during recess on April 26, 2018.
Bexar County's school districts are among the most segregated in the state, with boundary lines historically drawn to consolidate resources. San Antonio ISD is working to create more socioeconomic and racial diversity through public school choice measures.]()
Credit: Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune -
Here’s how to help Uvalde shooting victims, survivors and their families
Nineteen children and two adults were killed in the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. Here are some ways people across the world can help the grieving community of Uvalde in the aftermath. Full Story
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![Avel Ortiz, 55, puts the final touches on a window message in front of his business in Ulvade on May 29, 2022. Ortiz said he plans to work with several Texas artists to create murals of all 21 victims across town.]()
Credit: Kaylee Greenlee Beal for The Texas Tribune