State and local governments are at odds over what should and should not be allowed during a pandemic — a debate over health, economics and civil liberties. The old sparring partners have increasingly appealed to a referee: the courts.
Ross Ramsey
Ross Ramsey co-founded The Texas Tribune in 2009 and served as its executive editor until his retirement in 2022. He wrote regular columns on politics, government and public policy. Before joining the Tribune, he was editor and co-owner of Texas Weekly. He did a 28-month stint in government with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Before that, he reported for the Houston Chronicle, the Dallas Times Herald, as a Dallas-based freelancer for regional and national magazines and newspapers, and for radio stations in Denton and Dallas.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: In Abbott’s hands, executive orders look like suggestions
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Reopening just a little bit isn’t really a big boon for the economy
Reopening Texas businesses in a contained way gives the appearance of thawing out a frozen economy while keeping crowds at bay. That might make people feel better, but it’s no way to supercharge an economy.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Splitting hairs in Texas, for politics and profit
The governor and other top Texas officials love promoting the rule of law, but they also love good politics. The civil disobedience of a Dallas beautician forced them to choose a favorite — and maybe hurry changes in pandemic policy.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Reopening Texas as hot spots multiply
State officials are gradually allowing the reopening of businesses and organizations that were closed to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, hot spots continue to flare in Texas — signs the virus is still raging.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: If reopening the economy is risky, who’s getting protection?
Top officials say it’s safe to reopen at least some of the economy, but they’re also pushing for “blanket immunity” for businesses, should anything go wrong. That leaves some people out.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: You didn’t think a pandemic could stop highway planning in Texas, did you?
All eyes in Texas are on the coronavirus and the state government’s response to it. But some of the biggest state agencies are still doing what they always do, like building highways and debating oil and gas regulations.
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Coronavirus in Texas
TribCast, special edition: Our pollsters analyze the latest UT/TT Poll on coronavirus in Texas
In this edition of the TribCast, Ross talks to pollsters Joshua Blank and Daron Shaw about the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll, focused on the coronavirus pandemic and how voters and governments are responding to it.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Reopening Texas during a pandemic, cautiously and slowly
Gov. Greg Abbott wants to reopen the state and to get the economy going. But he also wants to avoid widening the spread of the coronavirus. Texans are about to find out whether it’s possible to have it both ways.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state’s economy, says UT/TT poll
The poll results come as Gov. Greg Abbott prepares to announce his plans for reopening a wide range of Texas businesses.
