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Sami Sparber is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin and is returning to The Texas Tribune for her third semester as a reporting fellow. She has been a political unit intern at NBC News and a reporting intern at the Houston Chronicle. She has also worked as managing editor and projects editor at The Daily Texan.
Officials say they're ramping up support by providing more testing across Texas and additional personnel for facilities where the virus has been detected. But people close to the facilities have reported that the state is responding too slowly to the emergency. Full Story
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The court granted abortion providers’ motion to temporarily block the state from enforcing the order, which was set to expire April 21, as it relates to abortions. Full Story
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With Gov. Greg Abbott resisting calls for a statewide stay-at-home order, local officials are tasked with deciding which businesses and employees are essential. This strategy means the rules differ from county to county, and many employees are confused about why they're being called in to work. Full Story
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On Tuesday evening, Texas launched a new system for reporting cases of COVID-19. Officials said the new system will bring the state's count closer to those of counties and other sources that were reporting hundreds more cases. Full Story
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Officials say they're investigating whoever is behind the misinformation campaign, which they say only creates anxiety and fear. Full Story
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President Donald Trump issued guidelines suggesting people avoid groups larger than 10 people. Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies to provide flexible and remote work options to employees. But many government workers still don't have the option. Full Story
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Texas appears to be lagging behind other populous states in testing for COVID-19, but trying to determine how many tests have been given is as confusing as figuring out how to get one. Full Story
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Restaurants in Dallas and Harris counties for now may remain open for drive-through, takeout and delivery, but dine-in service will be prohibited. Full Story
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The drive-thru testing is not open to the general public, city officials said in a press release. Full Story
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Officials said the patient attended a Feb. 28 barbecue at the popular Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, though it's unclear if he had symptoms at the time. Full Story
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The Texas Republican party rejected Log Cabin Republicans asking to participate in the state convention. Democrats say they will work to recruit disillusioned LGBT conservatives. But Republicans aren't worried about mass defections. Full Story
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District officials announced their plans Friday to implement Texas’ so-called Guardian Plan, which lets local school boards authorize specific employees to carry on campus at all times and determine their training standards. Full Story
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The survey on preparedness for active shooter situations and other crises will inform the largest needs assessment on school safety in Texas history. Full Story
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Neither party wants to see Morrow, who has a history of sexist and racist rhetoric, elected to the board, but he is headed to a runoff for the District 5 seat. Full Story
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Cuellar faced a challenge from attorney Jessica Cisneros, while Granger defeated former Colleyville City Council member Chris Putnam. Full Story
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The March festival and other upcoming Texas events draw crowds from around the country and the world. But mounting fears around COVID-19 have some organizers canceling and attendees considering staying home. Full Story
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Those moves — and an unsuccessful attempt to get an injunction against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — came after a person who tested "weakly positive" for the new coronavirus was released over the weekend. Full Story
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Voter registration activity at Texas high schools spiked ahead of the 2018 general elections, when young and Hispanic voters turned out in record numbers for a midterm. Full Story
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More than a dozen Americans who tested positive for coronavirus have been quarantined at military bases in the two states, federal officials said Monday. Full Story
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The U.S. Senate candidate's proposals on guns and other issues are moderate compared with those of some of her primary competitors — but she said they have the most realistic chance of passing. Full Story
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