Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order effective Wednesday that says “no jurisdiction” can impose jail time or other penalties for not wearing a mask.
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
Texas Legislature 2021
Millions of Texans still don’t have broadband access. Some lawmakers are trying to change that.
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.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas’ largest cities will keep requiring masks in municipal buildings even after statewide mandate ends
In Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio, libraries and convention centers won’t allow visitors without face coverings.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas’ local officials blast Gov. Greg Abbott for “irresponsible action” of lifting coronavirus restrictions
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.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Over a million Texans are still without drinking water. Smaller communities and apartments are facing the biggest challenges.
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.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
At least six people experiencing homelessness died during the winter storm. That number could rise.
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.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Already hit hard by pandemic, Black and Hispanic communities suffer the blows of an unforgiving winter storm
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.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Freezing temperatures are dangerous for homeless people. Shelters are urging Texans to come in off the streets.
Advocates and social workers say there’s enough capacity at warming centers and shelters to ensure no one will be turned away.
Posted in
Economy
Texas tenants behind on rent will soon be able to seek aid from $1.3 billion assistance program
The statewide program will start on Feb. 15 and will be able to help tenants with past and future rent.
Posted in
Homeless in Texas
As Gov. Greg Abbott vows to ban homeless camping in public, Austin officials and unsheltered residents push for better housing access
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.
