https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alejandra-martinez/The latest news by Alejandra Martinez.enTue, 28 May 2024 12:31:26 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/texas-elections-voter-turnout-storms/At least 76 polling places in four counties closed after the weather left hundreds of thousands of North Texans without power.By Alejandra MartinezTue, 28 May 2024 12:31:26 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/texas-elections-voter-turnout-storms/Dallas voters cast their ballots during the 2020 primaries on March 3, 2020.Dallas voters cast their ballots during the 2020 primaries on March 3, 2020.Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/texas-state-flood-plan/The state’s flood plan shows which Texans are most at risk of flooding and suggests billions of dollars more are needed for flood mitigation projects.By Alejandra MartinezTue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/texas-state-flood-plan/A pickup pushes through flood waters in Livingston on May 2, 2024. Thousands fled their Southeast Texas homes as heavy rains saturated multiple counties.A truck in flood waters in Livingston on May 2, 2024. Thousands fled their Southeast Texas homes as heavy rains saturated land in multiple counties.Drone Bros LLChttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/23/texas-noaa-hurricane-season-forecast/Wind changes caused by the La Niña climate pattern and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures are expected to be major drivers to this year’s hurricane season.By Alejandra Martinez and Maria Probert HermosilloThu, 23 May 2024 11:03:55 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/23/texas-noaa-hurricane-season-forecast/Evacuees ride in the back of Chris Ginter's truck in Houston on Aug 29, 2017 after Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic floods along the Texas coast. Ginter helped evacuate people from their flooded neighborhood near the Buffalo Bayou.A load of evacuees in the back of Chris Ginter's monster truck in Houston on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2017. Ginter helped evacuate people from their flooded neighborhood near the Buffalo Bayou.Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/22/texas-dunes-sagebrush-lizard-endagered-list-permian-basin-oil/The dunes sagebrush lizard lives in the same West Texas land that supports the state’s biggest oil and gas fields, and industry leaders say the new designation will hurt drilling and production.By Alejandra Martinez and Carlos Nogueras RamosWed, 22 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/22/texas-dunes-sagebrush-lizard-endagered-list-permian-basin-oil/The dunes sagebrush lizard, which lives in the oil-rich Permian Basin, has been listed as endangered after a decades-long effort.Dunes Sagebrush LizardRyan Hagerty/USFWShttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/09/texas-lake-ringgold-wichita-falls-tceq-reservoir-water-supply/State regulators face a critical decision this week on whether to approve a permit for a new reservoir that the city of Wichita Falls says is vital for ensuring enough water for the region. But some locals are fighting the project.By Alejandra MartinezThu, 09 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/09/texas-lake-ringgold-wichita-falls-tceq-reservoir-water-supply/Deborah Clark, left, points to land that she says will be inundated if the permit to build Lake Ringgold is approved, on Monday in Henrietta. The city of Wichita Falls is seeking a permit to construct Lake Ringgold in Clay County, a reservoir the city says will help with future water needs.Deborah Clark, left, points to land that she says will be inundated if the permit to build Lake Ringgold is approved on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Henrietta, Texas. The city of Wichita Falls is seeking a permit to construct Lake Ringgold in Clay County, a reservoir the city says will help with future water needs. Residents and ranchers of Clay County say they will lose acres of their property and claim the project is unnecessary. Desiree Rios for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/03/weather-flooding-polk-liberty-montgomery-harris-county/Since Sunday, multiple rounds of rainfall have soaked the region, causing rivers and creeks to swell and rise out of their banks.By Alejandra Martinez and Emily Foxhall, Graphics by Yuriko SchumacherFri, 03 May 2024 17:23:27 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/03/weather-flooding-polk-liberty-montgomery-harris-county/The Lake Livingston Dam is seen releasing water on May 3, 2024, in Livingston. The Southeast Texas reservoir reached capacity during several days of intense rainstorms this week.The Lake Livingston Dam is seen releasing water on May 3, 2024, in Livingston. The Southeast Texas reservoir reached capacity during several days of intense rainstorms this week.Drone Bros LLChttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/03/texas-floods-weather-harris-county/Thousands of residents have either evacuated or are now under shelter orders.By Emily Foxhall, Carlos Nogueras Ramos and Alejandra MartinezFri, 03 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/03/texas-floods-weather-harris-county/Emergency personnel respond to flooding on FM 1988 on May 2, 2024, in Livingston.Emergency personnel respond to flooding on FM 1988 on May 2, 2024, in Livingston.Drone Bros LLChttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/01/ut-dallas-palestinian-protest-arrests/UT-Dallas is the second campus in Texas where Department of Public Safety troopers have made arrests while breaking up protests.By Alejandra MartinezWed, 01 May 2024 17:35:11 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/01/ut-dallas-palestinian-protest-arrests/Protesters chant as DPS officers look on at the University of Texas at Dallas on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up an encampment on the campus before dawn. At about 4 p.m., DPS and other police officers showed up and tore down the encampment and arrested several people.Protesters chant as DPS officers look on at the University of Texas at Dallas on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up an encampment on the campus before dawn. At about 4 p.m., DPS and other police officers showed up and tore down the encampment and arrested several people.Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/22/texas-pfas-forever-chemicals-what-you-need-to-know-guide/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.By Alejandra MartinezMon, 22 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/22/texas-pfas-forever-chemicals-what-you-need-to-know-guide/https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/16/texas-cement-plant-permits-dan-patrick-letter-tceq/Citing community concerns about a planned cement plant in Grayson County, Patrick’s letter asks TCEQ to reject the permit and halt permit approvals statewide.By Alejandra MartinezTue, 16 Apr 2024 15:45:41 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/16/texas-cement-plant-permits-dan-patrick-letter-tceq/Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sent a letter to the state environmental agency asking it to stop approving new permits for cement plants statewide until the Legislature can weigh in next year. Patrick expressed concern about a planned cement plant in North Texas that residents oppose.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks during a keynote lunch at the Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Policy Summit 2024 at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center in Austin, TX on Mar. 21, 2024. Lt. Gov. Patrick spoke on policies regarding energy, border control, school choice and taxes.Maria Crane/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/16/texas-pfas-forever-chemicals-public-water-systems-epa-limit/The EPA set its first-ever drinking water limits for five types of PFAS chemicals, and nearly 50 Texas public water systems have reported exceeding the new limits for at least one.By Alejandra MartinezTue, 16 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/16/texas-pfas-forever-chemicals-public-water-systems-epa-limit/A cascade aerator at a Texas wastewater plant. Nearly 50 water utilities around Texas have reported levels of PFAS chemicals that exceed a new federal limit.A cascade aerator on the site of the Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant outside of San Antonio, where the San Antonio Water System maintains an underground storage reservoir.Gabriel Cristóver Pérez for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/09/texas-epa-rule-chemical-manufacturing-air-pollution/The new federal limits target six cancer-causing chemicals and aim to reduce the cancer risk of cancer for nearby communities.By Alejandra MartinezTue, 09 Apr 2024 12:47:24 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/09/texas-epa-rule-chemical-manufacturing-air-pollution/The Environmental Protection Agency adopted a final rule Tuesday that will require chemical manufacturers, like Flint Hills Resources in Corpus Christi, to reduce air emissions of certain toxic chemicals. The company's East Refinery is on a list of 80 affected facilities in Texas.Flint Hills Resources, a manufacturer of fuels and chemicals, site in Corpus on Nov. 11, 2021.Michael Gonzalez/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/08/texas-solar-eclipse/In some parts of the state, the skies cleared enough for people to see the total solar eclipse.By Alejandra Martinez and Pooja SalhotraMon, 08 Apr 2024 16:44:36 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/08/texas-solar-eclipse/The Baressi family looks up at the sun in Grenwelge Park, minutes before the total solar eclipse in Llano on April 8, 2024.The Baressi family looks up at the sun Grenwelge Park, minutes before the total solar eclipse’s totality in Llano on April 8, 2024. The family traveled from across the United States to view the eclipse. The eclipse is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/03/texas-solar-eclipse-preparation-tourists-weather/Llano residents are told to stock up on groceries. A Sulphur Springs church is renting its parking spots. And everyone’s watching the weather forecast ahead of Monday’s eclipse.By Alejandra Martinez, Alejandro Serrano and Emily FoxhallWed, 03 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/03/texas-solar-eclipse-preparation-tourists-weather/Hundreds flocked to Mission San José in South San Antonio on Oct. 14, 2023, to witness last year's solar eclipse as the moon’s shadow swept across Central Texas.Hundreds flock to Mission San José in South San Antonio on Oct. 14, 2023, to witness the annular solar eclipse as the moon’s shadow swept across Central Texas.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/20/joe-biden-texas-visit-dallas-houston/Biden landed in Dallas late Wednesday afternoon. He had no public events on his schedule.By Alejandra MartinezWed, 20 Mar 2024 18:14:31 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/20/joe-biden-texas-visit-dallas-houston/https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/14/epa-ethylene-oxide-texas-laredo/Laredo residents who live near a sterilization plant say the new federal limits on the pollutant will improve air quality and reduce their city’s high cancer risk.By Alejandra MartinezThu, 14 Mar 2024 16:59:41 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/14/epa-ethylene-oxide-texas-laredo/The Midwest Sterilization Corporation in Laredo on May 13, 2021.The Midwest Sterilization Corporation in Laredo on May 13, 2021.Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/14/texas-air-monitoring-tceq-cloverleaf-houston-ship-channel/Public data from a network of state air monitors around the Houston Ship Channel is hard to interpret and is often inadequate, leaving Latino-majority neighborhoods like Cloverleaf unaware of whether the air they breathe is safe.By Alejandra Martinez and Wendy Selene PérezThu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/14/texas-air-monitoring-tceq-cloverleaf-houston-ship-channel/Cristina Lazo starts the daily routine of washing her daughter Alina’s hands, changing clothes and rubbing an ointment on her irritated eyes after coming home from the outside. Lazo believes the fumes from the nearby industrial sector are contributing to her 7-year-old daughter’s symptoms. Cristina Lazo starts the daily routine of washing her daughter Alina’s hands, changing clothes and rubbing an ointment on her irritated eyes after coming home from the outside. Lazo believes the fumes from the nearby industrial sector are contributing to her 7-year-old daughter’s symptoms. Al llegar a su casa desde el exterior, Cristina Lazo inicia la rutina diaria de lavarle las manos a su hija Alina, cambiarla de ropa y aplicarle una pomada en los ojos irritados. Lazo cree que la fuga de gases del complejo industrial cercano están contribuyendo a los síntomas de su hija de 7 años. On November 10, 2023, Cristina Lazo helps her six-year-old daughter Alina wash her hands at their home in Cloverleaf, Texas.Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/14/texas-monitoreo-aire-tceq-cloverleaf-houston-ship-channel/Los datos públicos de una red de monitores de la calidad del aire alrededor del Canal de Navegación de Houston son difíciles de interpretar y a menudo son insuficientes, dejando a vecindarios de mayoría latina, como Cloverleaf, sin saber si el aire que respiran es seguro.By Wendy Selene Pérez and Alejandra MartinezThu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/14/texas-monitoreo-aire-tceq-cloverleaf-houston-ship-channel/Al llegar a su casa del exterior, Cristina Lazo inicia la rutina diaria de lavarle las manos a su hija Alina, cambiarla de ropa y aplicarle una pomada en los ojos irritados. Lazo cree que la fuga de gases del complejo industrial cercano está contribuyendo a los síntomas de su hija de 7 años. People walk through San Jacinto Park as a tanker ship passes through the Houston Ship Channel in La Porte. Thousands of families live and play near the world’s largest petrochemical complex. Un grupo de personas camina por el Parque San Jacinto mientras un barco cisterna pasa por el Canal de Navegación de Houston en La Porte. Miles de familias viven y juegan cerca del complejo petroquímico más grande del mundo. People walk in San Jacinto Park as a large tanker ship pass through Houston Ship Channel on the background in Saturday October 28, 2023 in La Porte, TX Go Nakamura for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/05/colin-allred-roland-gutierrez-ted-cruz-primary/Allred bested state Sen. Roland Gutierrez in a crowded pool of Democrats.By Matthew Choi and Alejandra MartinezTue, 05 Mar 2024 21:39:13 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/05/colin-allred-roland-gutierrez-ted-cruz-primary/U.S. Rep. Colin Allred shakes hands with Dallas City Council members Adam Bazaldua and Omar Narvaez during a campaign watch party for the Senate seat in Dallas on primary election day, March 5, 2024.U.S. Rep. Colin Allred shakes hands with Dallas City Council members Adam Bazaldua and Omar Narvaez during a campaign watch party for the Senate seat in Dallas, TX on primary election day, March 5, 2024.Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/04/texas-spacex-boca-chica-park-land-swap/Monday’s vote lets Texas Parks and Wildlife staff begin negotiations to swap 43 acres in the park for 477 acres next to a federal wildlife refuge.By Alejandra MartinezMon, 04 Mar 2024 16:56:16 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/04/texas-spacex-boca-chica-park-land-swap/The SpaceX launch site in Boca Chica on Nov. 29, 2020.The SpaceX South Texas launch site in Boca Chica on Nov. 29, 2020.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune