Past Contributions

• Austin officials say they'll continue requiring masks in public — but it's unclear how they'll be able to enforce the rule

  By Juan Pablo Garnham March 9, 2021

  Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order effective Wednesday that says "no jurisdiction" can impose jail time or other penalties for not wearing a mask. Full Story 

• Millions of Texans still don’t have broadband access. Some lawmakers are trying to change that.

  By Juan Pablo Garnham March 8, 2021

  Although much of the attention is focused in the lack of infrastructure in rural areas, large numbers of urban residents also don't have broadband subscriptions. Full Story 

• Texas’ largest cities will keep requiring masks in municipal buildings even after statewide mandate ends

  By Juan Pablo Garnham March 4, 2021

  In Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio, libraries and convention centers won't allow visitors without face coverings. Full Story 

• Texas' local officials blast Gov. Greg Abbott for "irresponsible action" of lifting coronavirus restrictions

  By Juan Pablo Garnham March 2, 2021

  City and county leaders urged residents in their areas to still follow recommendations from health experts and officials that call for wearing face masks in public. Full Story 

• Over a million Texans are still without drinking water. Smaller communities and apartments are facing the biggest challenges.

  By Reese Oxner and Juan Pablo Garnham Feb. 24, 2021

  Plumbers and supplies to fix broken pipes are in high demand, but apartment complexes also present more difficulties than single-family homes when it comes to repairs. Full Story 

• At least six people experiencing homelessness died during the winter storm. That number could rise.

  By Juan Pablo Garnham Feb. 22, 2021

  Advocates for people experiencing homelessness drove through Texas' largest cities trying to bring them to the available warming centers and emergency shelters. The official number of casualties is still unknown. Full Story 

• Already hit hard by pandemic, Black and Hispanic communities suffer the blows of an unforgiving winter storm

  By Alexa Ura and Juan Pablo Garnham Feb. 19, 2021

  Texans of color, disproportionately devastated by death and unemployment during the last year, tend to live in neighborhoods with older homes, more vulnerable pipes and fewer food options. That's made it harder to withstand the cold temperatures and power outages. Full Story 

• Freezing temperatures are dangerous for homeless people. Shelters are urging Texans to come in off the streets.

  By Juan Pablo Garnham Feb. 16, 2021

  Advocates and social workers say there’s enough capacity at warming centers and shelters to ensure no one will be turned away. Full Story 

• Texas tenants behind on rent will soon be able to seek aid from $1.3 billion assistance program

  By Juan Pablo Garnham Updated: Feb. 11, 2021

  The statewide program will start on Feb. 15 and will be able to help tenants with past and future rent. Full Story 

• As Gov. Greg Abbott vows to ban homeless camping in public, Austin officials and unsheltered residents push for better housing access

  By Juan Pablo Garnham Updated: Jan. 28, 2021

  A year and a half after Austin lifted a local ban on camping in public, some city officials are pushing to turn hotels into housing for people experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, a state-sanctioned encampment in the city is full and can't accept new residents. Full Story