Coronavirus in Texas

Harris County has seen new cases plateau under the county judge. But her orders designed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus have generated outrage among some conservatives. Full Story 

Ken Paxton, a Republican, wants the state's highest civil court to tell five counties — all under Democratic control — to follow his interpretation that fear of contracting the coronavirus isn't a legally valid reason for voters to request absentee ballots. Full Story 

State health officials say the JBS Beef plant rejected its efforts to test all employees. The company switched gears Wednesday afternoon after the Tribune reported on the lack of testing at a plant tied to a rapidly growing cluster of coronavirus cases. Full Story 

Last month, the governor said he hoped to reopen bars "on or no later than mid-May.” He has since walked back the timeline for when bars can open their doors to customers, saying he needs more input from doctors. Full Story 

Congress directed most insurance companies to cover test costs for insured patients in March, and has promised to reimburse providers for testing those who are uninsured. But experts say there are gaps in the protection that can leave patients surprised with bills. Full Story 

Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story 

Even as Gov. Greg Abbott is loosening his pandemic restrictions on people and businesses, he is buckling to opponents who protest that he's moving too slowly. He's undermining his own authority — and enforcement of the rest of his rules. Full Story 

The civil rights group is raising questions of constitutionality and violations of the federal Voting Rights Act because the pool of voters eligible to vote by mail based on age is predominantly white. Full Story 

Paxton's office said that there could be litigation if cities do not pull back coronavirus restrictions related to masks, sheltering in place and religious services. Full Story 

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said it will begin having prisoners test themselves with a newly approved test. So far, less than 2% of state prisoners have been tested for the virus. More than 1,700 have been infected, and 30 have died. Full Story 

In a series of tweets and a public statement, Paxton said eligibility for absentee voting has not been expanded. But a state judge's order says otherwise. Full Story 

Craddick told The Texas Tribune in a live interview that a global price war and the coronavirus pandemic will continue hampering the state's economy and budget. Full Story 

Kathaleen Wall, a Republican activist and donor in a runoff for a battleground U.S. House seat, has said the secretary of state expanded who is eligible to vote by mail. The secretary of state's office says that's not true. Full Story 

COVID-19 has changed the world in ways few imagined possible. As the virus spread across the globe and found its way to Texas, Tribune journalists and photojournalists have been there every step of the way, documenting the changes the new coronavirus has brought into all our lives. Full Story 

Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story 

Mental health counselors are seeing more demand for their help during the pandemic, and they're feeling the weight of it, too. Full Story 

The coronavirus disproportionately affects people of color. And judging by what voters said in the last University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll, it's evident that Texans of color express greater concern about it. Full Story 

Early voting for the July 14 runoffs will begin June 29, instead of July 6, under a proclamation issued Monday by Gov. Greg Abbott. Full Story 

In their suit, a group of Texas voters and civic organizations claim that four Texas absentee voting rules are unconstitutional during a public health crisis. Full Story 

Coronavirus infections continue to rise at migrant detention facilities in towns with limited resources. Some local governments want details on what’s being done to safeguard the public. Full Story