Previously, the Senate approved a bill that would ask for an election if cities decide to reduce law enforcement budgets.
Juan Pablo Garnham
Juan Pablo Garnham covered urban affairs for the Tribune in 2019-21, focusing on the main challenges of the state’s largest metro areas — Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso and Dallas-Fort Worth, where he was based. He previously worked as senior producer for the podcast In The Thick, editor of CityLab Latino and city hall reporter for El Diario in New York. He has also taught at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. He is from Santiago, Chile, and the Texas flag constantly reminds him of his home country.
Posted in
Politics
Austin’s camping ban returns Tuesday, but it’s not clear when — or how — it will be enforced
While city leaders are analyzing possible housing options for people experiencing homelessness, advocates warn against using aggressive tactics to enforce the ban.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas House lifts its mask requirement for chamber and committees
The resolution was passed in a 99-46 vote. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still suggest that people wear masks in public places, especially indoors.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
As Austin voters weigh camping ban proposition, Texas lawmakers consider bills to prohibit homeless encampments statewide
If the legislation is approved and signed by the governor, cities could lose state grant money for failing to enforce a new statewide encampment ban.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
COVID-19 vaccine demand drops in Texas, though less than a quarter of population is fully vaccinated
Local health officials reported shorter lines and less demand at vaccination sites, and warned that there’s still much work to be done to make Texans safe from the virus.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Voters would have to approve police budget cuts under bill approved by Texas Senate
Despite loud opposition from Democrats who said the legislation overstepped local governments, Senate Bill 23 passed with broad bipartisan support.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Despite federal moratorium, more Texas renters face eviction as state protection lapses
Although the CDC renewed its order halting evictions until the end of June, the Texas Supreme Court let state guidelines expire. Housing advocates believe more landlords will start turning out tenants.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Hispanic Texans are still struggling to get vaccines. Here’s how Dallas is trying to change that.
Grassroots organizers and county employees are organizing registration events in some of the underserved neighborhoods in the city. But they still worry it won’t be enough.
Posted in
Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas will target human traffickers in response to “humanitarian crisis” at the border
The governor asked the federal government to let Texas law enforcement interview migrant children in FEMA shelters to investigate human trafficking.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Racist clauses in property deeds can’t be enforced, but still exist. A Texas bill would make it easier to remove them.
Housing advocates say they appreciate the measure, but want to see more legislative action to overcome racial inequalities in the housing market.