Past Contributions

• China sanctions U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, other officials in retaliation for U.S. sanctions

  By Valeria Olivares July 13, 2020

  The move comes after the Trump administration sanctioned Chinese officials last week over alleged human rights abuse against ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. Full Story 

• Watch: Royce West, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, on coronavirus, systemic racism and winning the Republican vote

  By Valeria Olivares Updated: July 10, 2020

  West will face off against MJ Hegar, a retired Air Force officer, in the July 14 runoff election. “I have been in a Republican-dominated Legislature most of my public service career, but I've been able to get things done,” West said. Full Story 

• Nearly 80 Texas counties have opted out of Gov. Greg Abbott's mask order. Others refuse to enforce it.

  By Valeria Olivares July 9, 2020

  The governor allowed counties with 20 active cases or fewer to opt out. Full Story 

• Several Texas cities worry hospitals may run out of beds in two weeks or sooner

  By Valeria Olivares July 5, 2020

  As local officials express concerns that their hospitals could be overloaded with coronavirus patients, some are urging Gov. Greg Abbott to empower local governments to issue stay-at-home orders. Full Story 

• Watch: Julián Castro and Joaquin Castro on coronavirus in Texas, Democrats’ chances in November and the fall school semester

  By Valeria Olivares Updated: July 15, 2020

  We sat down for an interview with the Castro brothers to discuss the federal and state response to the coronavirus, its tougher effects on Blacks and Latinos, and the possibility of Texas going Democratic. Full Story 

• University of Texas to pay interim President Jay Hartzell $795,000

  By Valeria Olivares June 29, 2020

  UT-Austin also released finalized fall plans Monday, saying that tuition for online and hybrid classes will be the same as in-person tuition. Full Story 

• Early voting starts Monday for the primary runoff in Texas. Here’s what you need to know.

  By Valeria Olivares June 26, 2020

  Texans will be voting in the middle of a pandemic on congressional, legislative and state board seats. Full Story 

• U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar calls Gov. Greg Abbott's leadership during coronavirus "a total failure"

  By Valeria Olivares June 22, 2020

  During an interview with The Texas Tribune, Escobar, D-El Paso, said the state's leadership missed an opportunity to implement robust testing when an emergency was declared. Full Story 

• As face mask requirements pop back up across Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott faces criticism from local leaders and fellow Republicans

  By Valeria Olivares June 20, 2020

  State and local officials disagree on whether mandating businesses to require employees and customers to wear face masks is a small burden or a threat to their freedom. Full Story 

• Bexar and Hidalgo counties require face masks in businesses as coronavirus surges. Other Texas leaders consider similar measures.

  By Valeria Olivares Updated: June 17, 2020

  Austin's mayor issued a similar order late Wednesday. Local leaders have been asking for the ability to impose more strict mask orders, but Gov. Greg Abbott never publicly mentioned that one option was ordering businesses to require them. Full Story