Coronavirus in Texas

Federal aid through the CARES act is helping, but it likely won't be enough to fill the holes in cities' budgets caused by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. Full Story 

The state recorded a total of 2,504 new cases Wednesday, hitting a new high. Full Story 

A Texas Supreme Court ruling gutted their case, so plaintiffs have asked that their state lawsuit be dismissed. But litigation over expanding absentee voting during the pandemic continues in federal court. Full Story 

While many county leaders were grateful that Texas deployed coronavirus testing resources in their communities, others complained of a chaotic planning process and test results delayed for weeks. Full Story 

Moving local elections because of the pandemic might seem unremarkable. But it gives voters a rare chance to instantly grade elected officials' handling of a pandemic and a bad economy, as well as their response to cases of police brutality. Full Story 

The figures come a little more than a month since Gov. Greg Abbott's stay-at-home order expired and about two weeks after Memorial Day. Full Story 

The state has issued purchase orders totaling $1.1 billion for protective equipment, but orders for $638 million worth of items have been canceled. Full Story 

Mental health services have always been scarce in Texas' vast rural stretches. But the pandemic has caused the state to lift restrictions on providing care online or by phone. Full Story 

The 14-day trend line shows new infections in Texas have risen about 71% in the past two weeks. Full Story 

The two flagships are among the first Texas higher education institutions to announce mask requirements this fall. Full Story 

The Wynne Unit in Huntsville has had at least 10 deaths connected to the new coronavirus. In letters, inmates said conditions were unsanitary and disorganized, and sick men often went untested. Full Story 

The state’s data on the impacts of the pandemic on people of color has been incomplete. Full Story 

State and local officials are adjusting their plans during the coronavirus outbreak to inform residents in the Houston area and along the Gulf Coast of safe steps they could take in advance of the year’s first storm. Full Story 

Thousands of small businesses, especially those owned by people of color, have been left behind by the stipulations of the Paycheck Protection Program. In Texas, local governments are lending millions of dollars, and it’s not enough. Full Story 

Health officials said there were roughly 2,900 contact tracers working in Texas, short of Gov. Greg Abbott's initial goal of 4,000 workers by June 1. State officials say it's enough for the current need. Full Story 

Last week, another 106,821 Texans filed for unemployment. Already, the agency has processed more than four typical years' worth of unemployment claims since mid-March. Full Story 

School officials, still reeling financially from shutting down their campuses mid-semester, are unclear what the summer surge signals for their fall enrollment. Full Story 

The governor announced his third phase Wednesday of reopening the state’s businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Full Story 

About 20% of classes at the University of Texas at Austin will be taught remotely this fall. Students who choose not to return to campus can take all their courses online but will pay the same tuition rate as they would for in-person classes. Full Story 

The state triggered an extended benefits period, adding an additional 13 weeks of unemployment starting in July. It is the second benefits extension this year. Full Story