Megan Kimble has recently been appointed as the new hire for the Houston Chronicle’s Austin bureau, where she will be covering the state’s economy and residents. Texas editor Jeremy Blackman believes that Megan is an ideal candidate for this role due to her ability to deliver powerful stories on housing, transportation, and local governance during her seven years in Texas.
Throughout her career, Megan has demonstrated a talent for translating complex jargon and uncovering deeply human stories in the midst of bureaucracy. In her book about urban freeways in Texas and their impact on communities, she highlighted the struggles faced by residents in Houston, Dallas, and Austin who were displaced due to planned highway expansions. She also revealed violations of the National Environmental Policy Act by the Texas Department of Transportation and delved into the political reasons behind the state’s transportation budget priorities.
Prior to joining the Houston Chronicle, Megan served as executive editor at The Texas Observer where she oversaw investigations into various issues including rural healthcare, abandoned oil wells, and deaths in Texas jails. Her work has been featured in publications such as Texas Monthly, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and The Guardian. With her ability to uncover important stories and shed light on critical issues, Megan will be a valuable addition to the Chronicle’s coverage of Texas policies and their impact.