Felons Face Difficulties in Regaining Voting Rights

byMolly Smith

Texas allows felons to regain voting rights after they have completed their sentences, paroles and probations, but many fail to take advantage.

Language Can Be a Barrier at the Polls for Some Asian American Voters

byMolly Smith

A federal appeals court has ordered Texas to relax standards for interpreters. That makes voting easier for people who are less than proficient in English.

For Politicians, Personal Health Is Risky Territory

byJohn Savage

Admitting an illness can suggest a candidate is weak, and give ammunition to rivals.

Voter Registration Crush Renews Calls for Online Signup System

byAnna Casey

Texas counties spend a lot of time and money to register voters using paper forms. Some officials want the state to join the 31 others that allow voters to sign up online.

Trump True Believers See America’s Future on the Line with Election

byJohn Savage

At a watching party for the final debate, cheers for Trump, boos for Clinton, and worries about a rigged election.

Late-Night Rush Shatters Travis County Voter Registration Record

byAnna Casey

The county has topped its 90-percent registration goal; now the goal is to set another record for voter turnout.

IGNITE Aims to Fire Up Political Ambition in Young Women

byEmily Gibson

Cindy Ramirez has been interested in politics since she was a ninth-grader. That year, she joined the Dallas chapter of IGNITE, an organization that works to inspire more young women to become involved in politics. Once at the University of Texas at Austin, Ramirez sought out the program again, and is now marketing director of […]

#2016…The First Social Media Election

byEmily Gibson

Social media makes it easier for politicians to connect with voters on a personal level, strengthening the bond between candidate and citizen and streamlining the process of organizing, advertising and collecting contributions for campaigns.

Military Moms Breathe Easier as Pentagon Extends Maternity Leave

byTravis Putnam Hill

Pentagon’s new policy is designed to attract and retain women. Expanded paternity leave could be next.

Meet the Candidates for Texas Legislature’s House District 49

byEstefania Espinosa

Democratic candidates talk about issues in advance of the March 1 primary for District 49, which includes the University of Texas-Austin campus and the West Campus neighborhood. The winner will succeed Elliott Naishtat next legislative session.

San Antonio Turns to Gunshot Detection Gear to Cut Crime

byAdam Hamze

Some experts question the system’s accuracy, but defenders say it could improve police response time when shots are fired.

Austin’s Code Enforcers Hit the Streets to Nab Short-Term Rental Rules Violators

byMegan Dolan

Officers look for unlicensed rentals and handle complaints as visitors seek alternatives to hotels.

Group Works to Close the Health Care Gap for Poor Mothers of Color

byLucia Benavides

Mama Sana connects poor women with free care, and guides them through pregnancy and birth.

Texas Farmers Skeptical About Trade Future With Cuba

byLaura Marina Boria

They are not optimistic that Congress will lift the trade embargo.

Immigration Attorney Says Family Detention Centers Are Illegal

There is no humane way to house women and children inside such centers, Barbara Hines said.

Texas Dreamers Fight to Keep In-State Tuition

Some legislators want to repeal law that helps undocumented immigrant students pay less for college.

Is the Clock Ticking for the End of Time Changes in Texas?

Two House bills aim to reconsider the practice of changing time twice a year in the state.

E! Host’s Insensitive Oscars Comment Hits Home Near and Far From the Red Carpet

African-Americans in Austin say insensitive remarks about their hairstyles are common.

Engineering Dean Raises the Goal for More Female Students

Dr. Sharon Wood speaks about working to close the gender gap at UT.

Many Texas Minorities Are Priced Out of College

High debt levels also burden those students who do attend.