Past Contributions

• Despite coronavirus risks, some Texas religious groups are worshipping in person — with the governor's blessing

  By Kiah Collier, Perla Trevizo and Vianna Davila, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica April 2, 2020

  COVID-19 has spread rapidly in Texas, and many congregations closed their doors and moved religious services online. But there are some religious groups who say it’s their right to remain open because they believe they provide an essential service to their communities. Full Story 

• Texas regulators vote to ban residential utility shut-offs during pandemic while buoying companies

  By Kiah Collier and Jeremy Schwartz, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica March 26, 2020

  The Texas Public Utility Commission approved an order Thursday that would ban disconnections of water and power service for Texans financially impacted by COVID-19 and put them on deferred payment plans. But advocates and experts say the real winner might be utility providers. Full Story 

• Patients face canceled appointments and delayed surgeries as doctors respond to coronavirus. They're worried about the wait.

  By Kiah Collier March 20, 2020

  On Friday, several major health care providers announced they would postpone elective surgeries and other non-urgent procedures and appointments. Full Story 

• While other states fighting coronavirus enforce widespread closures, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott goes with a patchwork system

  By Kiah Collier and Cassandra Pollock March 17, 2020

  While most states have mandated the closure of schools, bars and restaurants; deployed their militaries; or diverted state resources to COVID-19 response, Texas is largely leaving it up to schools and local governments to decide how to proceed. Some say the approach can undermine response efforts. Full Story 

• How will collapsing oil prices affect Texas? It depends on these two factors, experts say.

  By Kiah Collier March 9, 2020

  A dramatic drop in oil prices over the weekend could harm Texas' oil and gas industry and economy, but experts say it all depends on how long they remain low — and how the COVID-19 epidemic plays out. Full Story 

• A&M study: The future of Texas depends on climate preparedness

  By Kiah Collier March 5, 2020

  A study by five Aggie scientists indicates Texas should prepare for more extreme weather in the coming years — though it offers some glimmers of hope. Full Story 

• Did Pierce Bush's family name doom his congressional run, or did his campaigning?

  By Kiah Collier March 4, 2020

  The grandson of the late President George H.W. Bush failed to make the runoff in a crowded GOP race to represent Texas' 22nd District. Experts say the reasons are more complicated than the decline of the Bush family's political influence. Full Story 

• U.S. Reps. Kay Granger and Henry Cuellar claim victory in congressional primary races

  By Abby Livingston, Juan Pablo Garnham, Kiah Collier and Sami Sparber Updated: March 4, 2020

  Cuellar faced a challenge from attorney Jessica Cisneros, while Granger defeated former Colleyville City Council member Chris Putnam. Full Story 

• Texas sues company whose Port Neches chemical plant exploded

  By Kiah Collier Feb. 22, 2020

  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued TPC Group on Friday, citing a slew of environmental violations at its Port Neches facility, including ones connected to a Nov. 27 explosion. Full Story 

• Federal judge dismisses suit against Army Corps for post-Harvey flooding

  By Kiah Collier Feb. 19, 2020

  U.S. Judge Loren A. Smith threw out a case brought by Houstonians whose properties flooded as a result of releases from Addicks and Barker dams. Full Story