Gov. Greg Abbott called a special legislative session asking lawmakers to instead strictly regulate the substance.
María Méndez
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.
Posted in
Guides
Immigration crackdown: Know your rights at the U.S. border and other ports of entry
What immigrants and citizens should know about federal agents’ power to question and search people at airports and the border.
Posted in
Politics
Here’s your guide to voting in Texas’s May 2025 local elections
On May 3, many Texans will vote on local leaders and initiatives. Here’s how to check for elections in your area and register by April 3.
Posted inDemographics
Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discrimination
Supporters say diversity initiatives close educational and income gaps born from a history of prejudice. Republican officials say they prioritize identity over merit.
Posted in
Demographics
Texas’ DEI bans: What to know about the term and the debate
Diversity, equity and inclusion has become highly politicized — and there’s no standard definition for what it is.
Posted in
Guides
Operaciones de ICE en Texas: Qué derechos tienen los inmigrantes
Abogados y grupos de inmigración recomiendan a los inmigrantes informarse sobre las acciones de la administración del presidente Donald Trump, como la expansión del uso de expulsiones aceleradas.
Posted in
Guides
How the Supreme Court of the United States and federal courts work and affect Texans
Here’s how federal courts help determine the fate of controversial issues, such as immigration laws, in Texas and beyond.
Posted in
Guides
Immigration crackdown in Texas: What you need to know about your rights
Recent enforcement operations across Texas have raised concerns among undocumented immigrants. Here’s what immigration attorneys want you to know about your rights and resources.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas Legislature 101: How bills become laws — and how you can participate in the process
Here’s a rundown of how legislation moves through the Capitol, the ways lawmakers operate and who the power players are.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
Following a year of partisan fights, Election Day runs smoothly across Texas
A mostly quiet Election Day in Texas came after a series of pitched partisan battles over how elections should be conducted.