Past Contributions

• Disabled Texans worry loss of Affordable Care Act could cost them programs that help them live independently

  By Trinady Joslin Dec. 30, 2020

  Texas is leading a group of conservative states in a legal battle to have the sprawling health care law struck down. Without it, disabled Texans stand to lose programs that have allowed more people to stay in their homes, rather than state-run institutions. Full Story 

• For families that lost loved ones or jobs to the pandemic, Thanksgiving carries an extra weight this year

  By Trinady Joslin, Aria Jones and Sami Sparber Nov. 25, 2020

  This year’s pandemic has brought untold suffering to families across Texas. Making things worse: At a time when they might take solace in the company of friends or family, public health authorities are urging them to stay apart. Full Story 

• For nearly 3 million disabled Texans, voting this year is even harder

  By Trinady Joslin Oct. 30, 2020

  Texas voters with disabilities have long faced challenges casting ballots in a state with spotty accommodations. The pandemic and record turnout have made it more difficult. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott didn't require masks at polling places. It's made some voters uncomfortable.

  By Trinady Joslin Oct. 22, 2020

  Polling locations are one of Abbott’s 11 exemptions to his statewide mask mandate that went into effect July 3. Abbott said at the time that the exemption is meant to prevent people from being turned away at the polls just because they don’t have a mask, though he has also recommended that people wear them. Full Story 

• Texas State University pauses diversity training after Trump executive order threatens federal funding

  By Trinady Joslin Oct. 15, 2020

  Trump’s executive order, signed on Sept. 22, requires federal contractors and agencies that receive federal grants to discontinue training that contains “any form of race or sex stereotyping” and other “divisive concepts,” which could include discussions of the existence of white supremacy. Full Story 

• “We can’t do it alone”: Texans say federal leaders’ inaction on a new coronavirus aid package is endangering their livelihoods

  By Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff and Trinady Joslin Updated: Oct. 9, 2020

  Texas business owners and unemployed residents feel like federal leaders of both parties are playing political games with their financial lives in the middle of a damaging recession. Full Story 

• Native American tribes in Texas rally to increase voter turnout

  By Trinady Joslin Updated: Sept. 25, 2020

  Native American tribe members say mistrust of the government and a history of erasure of indigenous people contribute to a lack of voter participation. Full Story 

• Texans with disabilities are eligible for mail-in voting, but people must decide for themselves if they qualify

  By Trinady Joslin Sept. 18, 2020

  Disability rights activists say they’re worried the confusion may deter at-risk Texans from voting or cause them to needlessly put their health at risk to show up in person at the polls despite being eligible for mail-in voting. Full Story 

• Nearly 600,000 Texans will lose access to a program that prevented electricity shut-offs during the pandemic on Oct. 1

  By Trinady Joslin Aug. 27, 2020

  Once the program ends, customers could be on the hook for partial back payments. Full Story