Past Contributions

• Texas’ larger cities would face financial penalties for cutting police budgets under bill approved by House

  by Jolie McCullough and Juan Pablo Garnham Updated: May 7, 2021

  Previously, the Senate approved a bill that would ask for an election if cities decide to reduce law enforcement budgets. Full Story 

• Austin's camping ban returns Tuesday, but it's not clear when — or how — it will be enforced

  by Juan Pablo Garnham May 6, 2021

  While city leaders are analyzing possible housing options for people experiencing homelessness, advocates warn against using aggressive tactics to enforce the ban. Full Story 

• Texas House lifts its mask requirement for chamber and committees

  by Juan Pablo Garnham April 29, 2021

  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. Full Story 

• As Austin voters weigh camping ban proposition, Texas lawmakers consider bills to prohibit homeless encampments statewide

  by Juan Pablo Garnham April 27, 2021

  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. Full Story 

• COVID-19 vaccine demand drops in Texas, though less than a quarter of population is fully vaccinated

  by Marissa Martinez, Juan Pablo Garnham and Mandi Cai April 23, 2021

  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. Full Story 

• Voters would have to approve police budget cuts under bill approved by Texas Senate

  by Jolie McCullough and Juan Pablo Garnham Updated: April 13, 2021

  Despite loud opposition from Democrats who said the legislation overstepped local governments, Senate Bill 23 passed with broad bipartisan support. Full Story 

• Despite federal moratorium, more Texas renters face eviction as state protection lapses

  by Juan Pablo Garnham April 2, 2021

  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. Full Story 

• Hispanic Texans are still struggling to get vaccines. Here’s how Dallas is trying to change that.

  by Juan Pablo Garnham March 25, 2021

  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. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas will target human traffickers in response to "humanitarian crisis" at the border

  by Juan Pablo Garnham Updated: March 17, 2021

  The governor asked the federal government to let Texas law enforcement interview migrant children in FEMA shelters to investigate human trafficking. Full Story 

• Racist clauses in property deeds can't be enforced, but still exist. A Texas bill would make it easier to remove them.

  by Juan Pablo Garnham March 17, 2021

  Housing advocates say they appreciate the measure, but want to see more legislative action to overcome racial inequalities in the housing market. Full Story 

• 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