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Mitchell Ferman covered energy and the economy from 2020 to 2022, based in Houston. Before joining the Tribune he was a reporter for The Monitor in McAllen, where he covered cross-border trade, politics and the city of McAllen. He also regularly freelanced from the Rio Grande Valley and beyond for The New York Times, Texas Monthly and Reuters, writing about topics including the family separation crisis and unexpected consequences of the border wall. He graduated from the University of Missouri.
Texans receiving less than $100 in weekly unemployment benefits do not qualify for the extra $300 weekly payments the Trump administration is distributing to Texas and other states. Full Story
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With two storms gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico, Abbott on Sunday declared a state of disaster in coastal counties and warned Texans to remember coronavirus health guidelines. Full Story
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On Friday, federal officials gave Texas the green light to provide the additional payments. States can contribute another $100, but Texas does not plan to do so. Full Story
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With more than 10,000 Texans dead from COVID-19, economists have warned that until the state gets a handle on the pandemic, the economic recession will not improve. Full Story
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At least 10 other states have already applied and been approved for the additional unemployment benefits. Full Story
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Confusion over unemployment relief in Texas has persisted since President Donald Trump took executive action in early August announcing an extra $400 weekly payment — but only if states administer the funds and chip in a quarter of the cost. Full Story
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President Donald Trump's comments doubled as part campaign speech, part policy announcement, as polls continue to show a close competition with presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the once-solidly red state. Full Story
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Texas' emergency response teams have worn personal protective equipment and distributed it to residents across South Texas in responding to Hurricane Hanna, another challenge for the state as it prepares for hurricane season during the pandemic. Full Story
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A section of the Texas coast already reeling from thousands of coronavirus cases will continue to feel the effects of the storm, which was the first hurricane of the season. Full Story
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For the past two months, the number of people filing claims in Texas has trended downward. But last week, the number of people who filed for claims increased 7% over the previous week. Full Story
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