Jen Rice

Reporter

Jen Rice is the City Hall reporter at Houston Public Media, where she covers topics like Houston City Council and housing. Jen was born and raised in Houston’s 100-year floodplain. She graduated from Barnard College at Columbia University and has a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

News

Mayor Turner’s Proposed City Budget For 2020 Includes Over 300 Layoffs

Posted on May 7, 2019 · To balance the books, Mayor Turner said the city has to close a $179 million gap.

Health & Science

It’s A Record Year For Measles. Do Adults Need The Vaccine?

Posted on May 1, 2019 · Houston medical professionals are recommending a booster in some cases.

inDepth

How Texas Legislators Are Responding To The Santa Fe Shooting

Posted on April 29, 2019 · State lawmakers from the Santa Fe area want schools to have active shooter plans and more mental health resources. They’re also keeping gun control off the table.

Texas

Texas Lawmakers Could Criminalize Unsolicited Sexually Explicit Photos

Posted on April 26, 2019 · Sending lewd images to unwilling recipients could lead to a $500 fine.

News

Houston City Council Approves Laying Off 220 Firefighters

Posted on April 24, 2019 · Earlier this week, representatives from the city and the firefighters union had started negotiating the implementation of the pay parity with a mediator.

Education News

Texas Curriculum Doesn’t Leave Much Room For Climate Change

Posted on April 22, 2019 · A poll found that, nationwide, 86 percent of teachers say schools should teach climate change.

Health & Science

How Houston Doctors Are Responding To A Record Rise In Measles

Posted on April 18, 2019 · Some parts of the Houston area have higher rates of unvaccinated children, putting pediatricians in a challenging position.

News

Houston SNAP Recipients Can Now Buy Two-For-One At Local Farmers Markets

Posted on April 16, 2019 · A new program aims to help low-income residents double their benefits when buying local produce.

City of Houston

Houston’s Fire Chief: We Won’t Shut Down Fire Stations To Pay For Raises

Posted on April 9, 2019 · “I know that there is going to be an interruption with the status quo. But I anticipate that the voters knew that when this ballot measure was passed.”

Energy & Environment

Environmental Advocates Demand Public Input On ITC Disaster Response

Posted on April 5, 2019 · They protested a state committee hearing that only included invited testimony from officials.

City of Houston

Curbside Glass Recycling Returns To The Houston Area

Posted on April 4, 2019 · The city’s new recycling facility is open for business.

News

Houston Could Lose $1,578 For Each Person Not Counted In The Census

Posted on April 1, 2019 · Houston leaders are getting organized for the 2020 Census.

News

Texas A&M Water Researchers Find Waxy Residue Near Deer Park Disaster

Posted on March 28, 2019 · The team has been collecting water and air quality samples in Galveston Bay on a quarterly basis since June 2017.

News

Lawsuits Against ITC Pile Up As Harris County Sues For Environmental Violations In Deer Park Fire

Posted on March 27, 2019 · Harris County, the state of Texas and residents who live near the facility have all filed lawsuits.

News

New Flood Alert Website Launches To Monitor White Oak Bayou

Posted on March 22, 2019 · First responders and residents along White Oak Bayou have a new tool to help navigate potential flooding.