Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announces team to restart the economy, loosens some restrictions
The reopening will happen in phases, Abbott said, and will be guided by data and doctors. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott is briefed on the coronavirus outbreak, in Austin on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Medical offices are struggling during the pandemic. Texas health officials are proposing a $334 million lifeline.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission sent the request to Gov. Greg Abbott and a panel of state legislators. Full Story
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![Nurses Amber Phillips, left, and Kristen Howell administer COVID-19 tests at the Austin Regional Clinic drive-up testing center in Kyle on March 31, 2020.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Laredo, a key Texas border crossing, uses strict coronavirus measures as it fears spread to rest of U.S.
With curfews, anti-gathering orders and a requirement to wear masks, Laredo has implemented some of the strictest protective measures in the nation. Full Story
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![Morning view of Salinas Ave in the main business district of Laredo.]()
Credit: iStock/Denis Tangney Jr.
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Texas’ unemployment rate has fallen by nearly half since the record high in April 2020
The coronavirus pandemic swiftly swept Texas into an economic recession, prompting millions to seek unemployment aid and complicating the state budget. Here’s a look at how the recovery is going. Full Story
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As economic data lags, Texas reports 4.7% jobless rate for March
The figures predate the widespread business closures and layoffs that occurred in the wake of the pandemic. Analysts estimate the actual rate of jobless Texans is greater than 10%, which could be a record high. Full Story
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![Cars line up at LBJ Early College High School in Austin to receive food and hygiene products from the Central Texas Food Bank’s donation event on April 15, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Watch Gov. Greg Abbott discuss plans to reopen economy during coronavirus pandemic
The governor has cautioned it will be a "slow process" guided by public health concerns. Watch Friday's news conference live at noon Central Time. Full Story
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![Downtown San Marcos during the coronavirus pandemic on April 10, 2020.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Coronavirus in Texas: Judge opens door to expansion of voting by mail
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story
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![Cars line up at LBJ Early College High School in Austin to receive food and hygiene products from the Central Texas Food Bank’s donation event on April 15, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
How Texas lawmakers are navigating the personal and professional during coronavirus pandemic
Legislators are fielding calls about unemployment claims and small-business loans as they juggle steering their own businesses and careers through the disaster. Full Story
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![State Rep. Michelle Beckley, D-Carrollton, poses for a portrait at her store, Kookaburra Bird Shop, in Carrollton.]()
Credit: Cooper Neill for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Coronavirus could threaten local property tax limits
The coronavirus disaster could have a side effect in a seemingly unrelated area: New limits on increases in local property taxes can be suspended when disasters strike. And epidemics, under state law, are disasters. Full Story
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![An almost empty freeway in Houston on April 1, 2020.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Federal judge orders Texas prison to provide hand sanitizer, face masks for inmates
The Houston judge issued a temporary order against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at a geriatric prison after older inmates sued the prison system over its handling of the coronavirus. Full Story
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![Texas Department of Criminal Justice William G. McConnell Unit at Chase Field in Beeville on Nov. 1, 2013.]()
Credit: Jennifer Whitney for The Texas Tribune -
Texas small-business owners scramble as federal relief fund runs out
Many businesses without accountants, lawyers or other professional help failed to get their applications in for the Paycheck Protection Program funds before the money was depleted. Full Story
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![The Marc, a nightclub and venue in San Marcos, has closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it asks people to stay home and wash their hands. Taken on April 10, 2020.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Texas requests federal funding to cover coronavirus testing for the uninsured
The federal funds became available in mid-March. Texas has more than 5 million uninsured residents, or about 18% of its population, a higher rate than any other state. Full Story
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![A Legacy Community Health clinic in Houston on Feb. 7, 2018.]()
Credit: Pu Ying Huang for The Texas Tribune -
Texas is running out of money to pay unemployment benefits. People will still get paid, but businesses may see tax hikes as a result.
Texas Workforce Commission officials say the state will run out of money in May or June. Other economists predict that could happen in as soon as three weeks. Full Story
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![The Parlour Salon in San Marcos closes during the COVID-19 pandemic. April 10, 2020.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Watch our interview with UT System Chancellor J.B. Milliken about the coronavirus outbreak’s lasting effects on higher education
We sat down for a live virtual event with University of Texas system chancellor J.B. Milliken to discuss how higher education institutions, including medical schools, have pivoted as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Full Story
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She's an undocumented immigrant, a taxpayer and an essential worker. But she won't get a stimulus check.
About 8% of Texas workers are undocumented, and because they're not eligible for stimulus payments, many are facing tough choices during the pandemic. Full Story
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![A Mexican migrant worker collects oranges during a harvest at a farm Florida. April 1, 2020.]()
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Texas universities are getting millions in federal money to offset coronavirus losses. It won't be enough, officials say.
Texas officials closed down campuses in early March and are losing millions of dollars as they pay students back for housing, parking and other unused services. Full Story
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![An aerial view of the main tower at the University of Texas at Austin during the coronavirus outbreak on March 23, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
More than 1 million people in Texas filed for unemployment relief in the last month
Texas unemployment claims continue to rise as Texans struggle to file. The Texas Workforce Commission is expanding its call centers, servers and staff, but many still face delays. Full Story
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![Stellar Coffee Company in downtown San Marcos temporarily closed its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.]()
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Coronavirus in Texas: Website launches to help essential workers find child care
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story
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Bracing for coronavirus but losing money every day, this East Texas hospital had to cut employees
Health care facilities are under financial pressure after a steep drop-off in lucrative surgeries, meant to free up hospital space and preserve protective equipment for the coronavirus outbreak. Full Story
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![Titus Regional Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant on April 15, 2020.]()
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Watch: U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia discusses the federal response to the coronavirus outbreak and its effects on workers and families
We sat down with Garcia, D-Houston to discuss how Congress plans to address the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak on workers and families across the state. Full Story
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