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.

Election 2020

Harris County Will Have Results Available On Election Night, County Clerk Says

Posted on October 16, 2020 · Nov. 3 could be a long night, but Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins says he's expecting unofficial returns without any major delays.

City of Houston

Shania Drain, Draino Malfoy, Cardi D: Thousands Of Houston’s Storm Drains Are Up For Adoption

Posted on October 15, 2020 · To enter the city’s naming contest, adopt a drain near your home or business by Oct. 17.

Election 2020

In Long-Shot Bid, Democrats Hope Sima Ladjevardian Can Unseat Dan Crenshaw

Posted on October 14, 2020 · The race has garnered national attention from Democrats, but is a “likely Republican” win.

Houston

Monica Roberts, Legendary Voice For The Black Trans Community, Has Died

Posted on October 9, 2020 · The groundbreaking Houston journalist paved the way for telling stories about issues impacting trans people of color.

Harris County

In Houston, Whether Or Not You’re Evicted Can Depend On The Judge

Posted on October 8, 2020 · The CDC moratorium isn’t protecting everybody in Harris County, where courts have heard more than 2,800 eviction cases since the order took effect last month.

Harris County

Houston Evictions Move Forward Amid Flooding, COVID-19 And A Federal Moratorium

Posted on September 22, 2020 · “Texas treats housing as a commodity. And when you treat housing as a commodity more so than an actual right, a guaranteed right, these are the collateral consequences.”

Texas

Texas Supreme Court Issues Order Giving Renters More Clarity On Federal Eviction Moratorium

Posted on September 18, 2020 · The court on Thursday evening put forward new statewide rules for enforcing a national eviction moratorium ordered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

City of Houston

Review Of Houston Eviction Cases Finds Most Moving Forward Despite Federal Moratorium

Posted on September 14, 2020 · Local housing advocates say the moratorium isn't making a significant difference so far.

City of Houston

Mayor Turner Pulls Houston Out Of COVID-19 Housing Task Force, Blindsiding Members

Posted on September 11, 2020 · In a press release, Turner said going forward Houston City Council would work to address housing stability.

Criminal Justice

4 Houston Police Officers Fired Over The Deadly Shooting Of Nicolas Chavez

Posted on September 10, 2020 · Union leaders called the decision to fire the four unidentified officers an "unjust and deplorable decision."

City of Houston

To Close Budget Gaps, Thousands Of Houston City Employees Are Being Reassigned To Conduct COVID-19 Screenings

Posted on September 9, 2020 · The plan is helping to close a $169 million budget shortfall while avoiding unpaid furlough days for 3,000 workers.

Houston

How The National Eviction Moratorium Could Impact Houston Renters

Posted on September 2, 2020 · "If I have any criticism, it is that this didn't take place a very long time ago. But better late than never."

News

Houston Airline Workers Rally For Congress To Extend Relief, Prevent Layoffs

Posted on September 2, 2020 · Without Congressional action, the Aviation Payroll Support Program is set to expire on September 30.

Hurricane

After A Close Call From Hurricane Laura, Houston Renews Calls For A Storm Barrier

Posted on September 1, 2020 · The Ike Dike would help protect the region against a massive storm surge event.

Houston

Millones De Dólares En Ayuda De Emergencia Estarían Disponibles Para Inquilinos En El Área De Houston

Posted on August 21, 2020 · Los dueños de la propiedad deben inscribirse en el programa antes de que los inquilinos puedan solicitar la ayuda.