Past Contributions

• Texas lawmakers reformed key sexual assault laws in 2019. Advocates hope the progress continues this session despite the pandemic.

  By Megan Menchaca Feb. 3, 2021

  Lawmakers and advocates are pushing for statutory changes and budget allocations to combat sexual assault in Texas. These include expanding the definition of sexual assault and processing a backlog of rape kits. Full Story 

• “Lives are at stake”: Three Texas regions battered by coronavirus are out of intensive care beds

  By Megan Menchaca and Mandi Cai Jan. 17, 2021

  Hospitals in the Abilene, Bryan-College Station and Laredo areas have run out of intensive care unit beds. State health officials are “greatly concerned” about high numbers of hospitalized people throughout Texas. Full Story 

• Texas is locked in a battle over voting by mail. Here's how to do it.

  By Megan Menchaca May 21, 2020

  It's unclear whether Texas will expand who is eligible for a mail-in ballot during the pandemic, as other states have. But the people who normally qualify to vote by mail can still do so in July. Full Story 

• How to help — and find help — as the coronavirus surges in Texas during the holiday season

  By Yasmeen Khalifa and Megan Menchaca Updated: Dec. 4, 2020

  Food banks and nonprofits are providing free meals, internet access and housing assistance. As they face an increase in demand during another coronavirus surge, the organizations are also asking for help. Full Story 

• In 2017, Texas leaders promised bold reforms to help child sex-trafficking victims. Here’s what’s changed — and what hasn’t.

  By Megan Menchaca March 6, 2020

  State leaders have made serious reforms to some of the issues we previously reported on, though advocates say there’s still a long way to go. Full Story 

• Here's how many coronavirus cases there are in Texas — and everything else you need to know

  By Megan Menchaca and Allyson Ortegon Updated: May 26, 2020

  How many cases? Where are they? Who is most at risk? Here are the answers to questions about how the new strain of coronavirus is playing out in Texas. Full Story 

• Watch the U.S. Senate Democratic primary debate

  By Megan Menchaca Feb. 18, 2020

  Eleven of the Democratic candidates running to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn will debate onstage starting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Full Story 

• Here's how Texas Democrats dole out their 261 delegates in the presidential primary

  By Megan Menchaca Feb. 4, 2020

  Some delegates are selected statewide, others are determined within state Senate districts and others go to members of Congress or national committee members, who can vote for the candidate of their choice. Full Story 

• Texas voter registration deadline is today

  By Carla Astudillo, Mandi Cai and Megan Menchaca Feb. 3, 2020

  The last day to register to vote in Texas is Feb. 3. Full Story 

• CBD, hemp, medical marijuana? Here's what you need to know about Texas' changing pot laws.

  By Megan Menchaca Jan. 28, 2020

  Marijuana and hemp are often indistinguishable by look or smell because they both come from the cannabis plant. But hemp is legal, and marijuana is not. Full Story