Author Archives: Public Radio Staff
El Pasoans remember victims of the Walmart shooting one year later
By Briana Vargas and Joel Angel Juárez, the Texas Tribune A year after the mass shooting in El Paso, where 23 people were killed at a Walmart in what was the worst attack on Latinos in modern U.S. history, Texas … Continue reading
Custodians, cafeteria workers and bus drivers also fear returning to Texas schools
By Aliyya Swaby, The Texas Tribune Texas schools employ almost as many support staff members as they do teachers, often in hourly or part-time jobs with low pay. The state has offered limited guidance on how to protect them on … Continue reading
Across West Texas, School Districts Chart Differing Paths Toward Reopening
With the beginning of the academic year just around the corner, schools across Texas are preparing for a year like no other in recent memory. Even as they contend with growing COVID-19 outbreaks in many regions, administrators and teachers have … Continue reading
Texas families now have until Aug. 21 to apply for food aid to make up for school meals
By Stacey Fernández, The Texas Tribune The families of more than 20% of the 3.6 million eligible school children across the state have yet to apply for federal aid under the Pandemic EBT program. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that he … Continue reading
Texas’ count of coronavirus deaths jumps 12% after officials change the way they tally COVID-19 fatalities
By Edgar Walters, The Texas Tribune Hispanic Texans are overrepresented in the state’s updated fatality count, making up 47% of deaths, but only 40% of the state’s population. After months of undercounting coronavirus deaths, Texas’ formal tally of COVID-19 fatalities grew by … Continue reading
One In 10 Permian Basin Flares Are Spewing Methane Into The Air, Environmental Defense Fund Says
By Mose Buchele, KUT The amount of methane that fossil fuel companies burn off in Texas as a waste product could power every home in the state, according to some estimates. The industry practice known as “flaring” has been decried … Continue reading
As School Reopenings Falter, Some Texas Parents Hire Private Teachers. Others Can Only Afford To Cross Their Fingers.
By Aliyya Swaby, The Texas Tribune With the safe reopening of schools this fall in doubt, parents with the resources are setting up “learning pods” or seeking other options. But the do-it-yourself approach to education threatens to leave behind students … Continue reading
Food Banks Across Texas, U.S. Brace For ‘Perfect Storm’ Of August Challenges
By Paul Flahive, Texas Public Radio With millions of people out of work because of the coronavirus, food banks have seen a major surge in demand since March. But August is set to be one of the busiest months yet … Continue reading
Meet Ari Snider, The New Voice Of Morning Edition on MPR
Marfa Public Radio is pleased to introduce Ari Snider, our newest staff member. He’s taking over for Carlos Morales as the host of Morning Edition beginning Thursday, July 23. But don’t worry, you’ll still hear Carlos reporting on the air … Continue reading
Texas’ June Unemployment Rate Falls To 8.6%, But Experts Warn Unemployment Could Worsen Next Month
By Meena Venkataramanan, The Texas Tribune Texas’ June unemployment rate fell to 8.6% — but experts say the improvement may be short-lived with recent surges in coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths. While it’s an improvement from April’s record-high 13.5% unemployment rate, … Continue reading