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How to navigate FEMA for the upcoming hurricane season

By Nina Banks May 30, 2024

The upcoming hurricane season is anticipated to be “above-average,” potentially causing those in its path to suffer from property damages. Here is how federal assistance may help you in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Full Story 

How Texans can prepare for extreme weather

By Julia Guilbeau Updated: May 3, 2024

Natural disasters — including winter storms, hurricanes, extreme heat, wildfires and droughts — can happen at any time. Preparation is key to staying safe during an emergency. Full Story 

Latest coverage

• Here’s what the law says about protesting on Texas college campuses

  By María Méndez Updated: April 29, 2024

  Students can generally peacefully protest, regardless of their viewpoint, but colleges and authorities may enforce some restrictions and criminal laws to maintain peace and order. Full Story 

• What you need to know about Texas’ school safety policies

  By Nina Banks April 24, 2024

  Texas lawmakers have mandated armed guards at every public school, panic buttons in classrooms and more staff training. Full Story 

• What you need to know about toxic “forever chemicals” the EPA is restricting

  By Alejandra Martinez April 22, 2024

  The EPA recently set new limits on the toxic chemicals used to make everything from nonstick pans to firefighting foam. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family. Full Story 

• Here’s how to vote in Texas’ May 4 local elections

  By María Méndez and Yuriko Schumacher April 17, 2024

  Early voting runs from April 22-30. The last day to apply to vote by mail is April 23. Full Story 

• Texas immigration law: Here’s what to know about SB 4

  By María Méndez Updated: March 20, 2024

  The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed Texas to enforce its illegal entry law amid an ongoing lawsuit. Full Story 

• Texas wildfires: how to help and how to stay safe

  By María Méndez and Maria Probert Hermosillo Updated: March 14, 2024

  As firefighters work to put out the largest wildfire in Texas history, here’s a guide to fire weather watches, safety tips and how to find organizations collecting donations to directly help local residents, including farmers and ranchers. Full Story 

• How Mexican citizens in Texas can vote in Mexico’s 2024 elections

  By Maria Probert Hermosillo Feb. 23, 2024

  About 240,000 Mexican citizens in Texas already are eligible to vote this summer, when voters could elect Mexico’s first female president. Full Story 

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• What are the most important issues for you in 2024? We want to answer your questions

  By María Méndez Jan. 18, 2024

  We’re committed to supporting Texans throughout the 2024 election. Share your thoughts by using the form below. Full Story 

• 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 

• I’m a Texas homeowner. When will I see my tax cut?

  By Jess Huff Dec. 12, 2023

  Tax policy is messy. Here are a few tips to help you understand what the recent voter-approved tax cuts mean for your mortgage. Full Story 

• Immigrating legally means navigating a system both political parties say is broken. Here’s why it’s so difficult.

  By Uriel J. García Oct. 16, 2023

  After her brother was gunned down in 2012, Jessica Mejía and her mother wanted to legally migrate to the U.S. But like millions of migrants who want to move to the U.S., they discovered how difficult it is. Full Story 

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

  By María Méndez Updated: June 3, 2024

  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 

• 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 

• Texas has already seen 25 chemical emergencies this year. Here’s how to protect yourself during the next one.

  By Alejandra Martinez and Erin Douglas July 26, 2023

  Preparing for a chemical incident means knowing which industrial facilities are near you, creating a disaster supply kit and signing up for alerts from local emergency managers ahead of time. Full Story 

• Here’s what to know about transition-related health care, which Texas has banned for children

  By Maia Spoto Updated: April 19, 2024

  Senate Bill 14 prohibits trans kids from receiving puberty blockers and hormone treatments. Here’s what medical experts and trans Texans say about such care. Full Story 

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• Texas Legislature 101: Understanding the state government and how it passes laws

  By María Méndez Jan. 10, 2023

  Here’s a rundown of how a bill becomes a law, how the Texas Legislature works and the power players who keep things moving under the Pink Dome. Full Story 

• It’s Election Day. Here’s what you need to vote in Texas.

  By María Méndez Updated: Nov. 8, 2022

  Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Here’s what’s on the ballot, what you’ll need to vote, how to get help and how to find election results. Full Story 

• How Texas counts ballots and keeps elections secure

  By María Méndez Updated: Nov. 7, 2022

  From election equipment to ballot counting and storage, Texas elections officials follow a long list of laws and procedures to ensure free and fair elections. Full Story 

• No, Texas voting machines aren’t switching your votes

  By María Méndez Updated: Oct. 31, 2022

  Sensitive touch screens aren’t always user friendly and make it easy for voters to accidentally select the wrong candidate. Voters should carefully review their ballots before submitting them. Full Story 

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• Election Day is Nov. 8. Here are your rights at the polls.

  By María Méndez Updated: Nov. 7, 2022

  Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Early voting ran from Monday, Oct. 24, to Friday, Nov. 4. The last day to apply to vote by mail was Friday, Oct. 28. Full Story