Until now, the state’s worst-ever monthly unemployment rate was 9.2% in November 1986, as Texas reeled from the last big oil bust. A combination of the coronavirus pandemic and a contracting energy industry are expected to slow Texas’ economic recovery.
Coronavirus in Texas
As the coronavirus spread across the state, The Texas Tribune covered the most important health, economic, academic and breaking developments that affected Texans. Our map tracker showed the number of cases, deaths, tests and vaccinations in Texas from 2020-22.
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Coronavirus in Texas
For some, forgoing masks in public during the coronavirus pandemic has become a political statement
Mask arguments among Texans are occurring everywhere from retail stores to the highest levels of government.
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Coronavirus in Texas
They lost their jobs and insurance in the pandemic. Now they’re slipping through Texas’ health care safety net.
Texas had the highest uninsured rate of any state before the outbreak. It’s also among a minority of states that have declined to expand Medicaid coverage to people with incomes near or below the poverty line.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Politics and a pandemic jumble Texas elections
The partisan differences about voting by mail in Texas — Democrats want to expand it, Republicans believe it’s insecure — were in place long before COVID-19 came along. But the pandemic has escalated the debate.
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Coronavirus in Texas
After blowback, Texas admits 6% of its reported tests were for antibodies, not active infections
The state is now distinguishing antibody tests from standard viral tests.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas families filing for SNAP food assistance almost doubled in April
Texas received a staggering 417,468 applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program last month, a sharp increase from March’s already high number of requests.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Federal cash infusion will start reaching Texas school districts in June
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told local school officials Thursday they can expect $1.29 billion in federal coronavirus relief to start flowing this summer, helping shore up district budgets for next school year.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott lifts coronavirus restrictions for travelers from New York, Georgia and other hot spots
Travelers coming to Texas from select major states and cities previously had to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas: Driver’s license offices to gradually reopen
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas will test all residents and staff in state-run homes for people with disabilities
The test kits for residents of state supported living centers have been ordered and are on their way. The agency is “working on a broader plan to get the test kits for staff,” a state official said.