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Elena Bruess / Staff writer

Elena Bruess covers the environment for the Houston Landing. She comes to Houston after two years at the San Antonio Express-News, where she covered the environment, climate and water. Elena previously worked in the Midwest as a reporter for Circle of Blue, a nonprofit newsroom where she focused on water issues in the Great Lakes region. Before that, Elena covered health and inequity in Chicago as a Pulitzer Center reporting fellow. She is originally from Northeastern Iowa and holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a degree from University of Iowa's undergraduate writing program. When not on the beat, Elena will be reading a book in the sun or getting ultra-caffeinated at a coffee shop.

elena@houstonlanding.org
David Ramos, 5, holds a fan donated to his family
Posted inPolitics & Government

New survey shows Houstonians worry about climate change, but mayor campaigns focus elsewhere

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer September 11, 2023September 12, 2023

Aside from flooding, most of the leading candidates are not campaigning on environmental issues, focusing instead on crime and public safety.

Deshawen Christten, 10, takes a shot as he plays basketball during the summer heat
Posted inEnvironment

This summer’s extreme heat could keep impacting Houstonians long into the winter

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer September 7, 2023September 6, 2023

A study from the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health found that the heat seriously impacts long-term wellbeing. The hope is that nature can help.

Sandra Edwards gives an interview to ABC 13 about her reactions to a statement released by Union Pacific regarding contamination in Fifth Ward
Posted inEnvironment

Union Pacific press release on contaminant results frustrates Houston’s Kashmere Gardens

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer September 1, 2023September 1, 2023

The Union Pacific news release highlights a report published by the Texas Health Department which found no cancer in soil testing. The city says it’s far more complicated than that.

Ray Walker, outreach coordinator with Star of Hope Men's Development Center, hands out water bottles and food
Posted inEnvironment

This summer heat wave is brutal. For Houston’s unhoused community, it’s been life-threatening

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer August 18, 2023August 17, 2023

For people experiencing homelessness in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties, this summer’s heat wave has proven life-threatening for those still without shelter.

Posted inExplainers & Guides

Knowing your rights as a tenant during Houston’s suffocating summer 

Avatar photoAngelica Perez by Elena Bruess / Staff writer and Angelica Perez / Staff writer August 11, 2023August 11, 2023

As the heat piles on renters this summer, here are some legal actions and tenant resources that are available for Houstonians.

Posted inAround the Region

Houston Housing Authority to install 1,600 air conditioning units in three housing complexes

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer August 10, 2023August 11, 2023

Cuney Homes, Irvington Village and Kelly Village residents will hear details from Houston Housing Authority on receiving new AC window units.

Beatriz Meraz Vargaz, at center, puts together flower arrangements
Posted inEnvironment

How one map tells the story of Houston’s heat inequity across vulnerable communities

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer August 9, 2023August 21, 2023

The hottest neighborhoods in Houston this summer also have the least amount of air conditioning.

Urban Harvest staff members prepare for a group photo during a farmers market
Posted inDiverse Communities

Mobile farmers market takes fresh fruit and vegetables to Houston’s food deserts

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer July 25, 2023July 25, 2023

Urban Harvest offers fresh produce, dairy and meat at mobile markets, targeting Houston’s low-access supermarket areas.

Posted inAround the Region

Fort Bend residents hoping proposed EPA rule prompts changes at coal-fired power plant 

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer July 19, 2023July 19, 2023

A proposed revision of the regional haze rule, would limit sulfur dioxide emissions at six power plant stations in Texas, including WA Parish.

Mayor Sylvester Turner gives opening remarks Thursday while accompanied by Fifth Ward residents Joetta Stevenson, at center, and Pamela Matthews, at right
Posted inEnvironment

Turner plans task force to move residents away from contaminated northeast Houston rail yard

Avatar photo by Elena Bruess / Staff writer July 13, 2023July 13, 2023

The city will have to find about $25 million to buy out and relocate nearby families. The mayor called on Union Pacific to help fund the effort.

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