Past Contributions

• For this working mom, the risk of her son contracting coronavirus outweighs the need for him to be in class

  By Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn Aug. 22, 2020

  Amy Mason says there are just too many unknowns for her to feel comfortable sending her 4-year-old to school at this point. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. Full Story 

• When sharing pencils isn’t safe, this San Antonio teacher is helping crowdfund extra school supplies

  By Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman and Jeremiah O. Rhodes Aug. 15, 2020

  In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, listen to why Ambra Hernandez felt compelled to launch a Facebook group to help teachers fulfill their longer-than-normal wish lists. Full Story 

• Out of work and behind on rent, this mom says the pandemic is taking a toll on her mental health

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Aug. 8, 2020

  The South Texas woman says that since losing her job in late May, her anxiety and depression have made it "very difficult to try and keep it together." Listen to her story in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. Full Story 

• With 1,000 new coronavirus fatalities in Texas in just 6 days, the state's death count is rising faster

  By Alana Rocha July 26, 2020

  More than 5,000 people in Texas have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, according to state health data released Sunday. Full Story 

• Ten members of this South Texas family have contracted COVID-19. She doesn’t want to be next.

  By Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn July 25, 2020

  Elisa Soliz, a Hidalgo County school bus driver, says she’ll retire before subjecting herself to a busload of kids, many of whom lack access to health care. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. Full Story 

• Hanna brings flooding, power outages to southern Texas Gulf Coast

  By Alana Rocha, Mitchell Ferman and Juan Pablo Garnham Updated: July 26, 2020

  A section of the Texas coast already reeling from thousands of coronavirus cases will continue to feel the effects of the storm, which was the first hurricane of the season. Full Story 

• A Texas teacher weighs schools reopening, state guidelines and the coronavirus pandemic

  By Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn July 18, 2020

  Darcy Vogt Williams says districts want flexibility deciding how and when to start the new school year, given the pandemic. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. Full Story 

• Why one Texas bar owner joined a lawsuit against Gov. Greg Abbott

  By Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn July 11, 2020

  Chris Bergeron is one of more than 30 bar owners suing Gov. Greg Abbott for an executive order that effectively shuttered bars. Listen to what Bergeron had to say about the order's impact in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. Full Story 

• This LGBTQ Texan says the U.S. Supreme Court ruling is a key step toward fully realized equality

  By Alana Rocha, Jeremiah O. Rhodes and Todd Wiseman June 20, 2020

  In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, Fran Watson — a Houston attorney who is a lesbian and represents LGBTQ clients — explains how it feels to finally be protected in the workplace. Full Story 

• Joshua Howell doesn’t want “thoughts and prayers.” He wants Austin police to take responsibility for critically injuring his brother at a recent protest.

  By Alana Rocha, Jeremiah O. Rhodes and Todd Wiseman June 13, 2020

  While Howell says he’s pleased Austin police have vowed to stop using such tactics in crowds, he hopes his brother's story sparks real change. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. Full Story