Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

The Texas energy sector has helped insulate the state's economy during national downturns. This time, experts say the industry could hold the economy back. Full Story 

The Texas Workforce Commission relaxed guidelines so high-risk workers and people without child care can refuse work and still receive benefits. But that doesn’t protect workers from being fired in the meantime. Full Story 

The Texas Workforce Commission's executive director told lawmakers that it plans to reinstate work-search requirements once stores and restaurants are allowed open to 50% capacity. Full Story 

Health care workers are being recruited for trials to test whether a decades-old TB vaccine might help people fight off the coronavirus. It's not a cure, but it could be a crucial treatment. Full Story 

President Donald Trump has nominated the congressman from Texas to oversee the nation's 17 intelligence agencies. Full Story 

Lim has been serving as administrator in charge since Karbhari's resignation, and the UT System chancellor said in an email to the campus community that he has "been impressed by [Lim's] leadership." Full Story 

The Texas historic landmarks previously offered frequent guided tours to the public. But there are no plans to open the Capitol or the Governor's Mansion despite the governor's order allowing museums to reopen. Full Story 

Garcia said the country could be heading toward the next Great Depression. Full Story 

Gov. Greg Abbott has received mixed reviews for reopening businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. While some Texans aren't eager to venture out, others feel a responsibility to support local enterprises. Full Story 

The expanded qualifications now include people who don’t have access to child care because schools and day cares are closed to everyone but the children of essential workers. Full Story 

Texas Tech University also says it's planning for a return to campus for the upcoming school year. Full Story 

254,199 Texans filed for unemployment last week — bringing the total number of claims to over 1.5 million in six weeks. Full Story 

A&M officials say they have the largest public lab capacity in the state, but the federal government won't let them use it for humans. Full Story 

If a business reopens and an employee chooses not to return to work, they become ineligible for unemployment, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Full Story 

County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s order, which carries a penalty of up to $1,000, drew harsh criticism from GOP officials and members of law enforcement. Full Story 

Advocates worry that survivors are struggling to seek help because they're stuck with their abusers at home due to stay-at-home orders. Full Story 

The historically black school in Austin moved online as coronavirus shut down college campuses. The loss of community is difficult for a school with a hands-on tradition of boosting students, many poor and the first in their families to attend college. Full Story 

The total number of out-of-work Texans is 1.3 million since mid-March as the state's economy continues roiling from business closures, a troubled energy sector and corporate layoffs. Full Story 

Residents' families, restricted from visiting in an effort to stop the spread, are pleading for information. Even they aren’t being told how severe the outbreaks are where their loved ones live. Full Story 

GOP officials called it "tyranny" and "government overreach," taking issue in particular with the $1,000 fine associated with violating the mask requirement. Full Story