Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

The number of COVID-19 deaths has reached 4,000 in Texas, and public health experts say that’s an undercount because not all people who died with coronavirus symptoms were tested. Full Story 

We sat down for an interview with Hegar to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Texas' economy and the challenges the Legislature will face when setting the two-year budget. Full Story 

Early hot spots have been eclipsed by new regions in crisis. Now that so much of Texas is battling major coronavirus outbreaks, some severely ill patients have to travel long distances to receive the care they need. Full Story 

On Wednesday, TEA officials confirmed that school districts wouldn't be penalized for barring students on campuses if local health officials mandated that schools stay closed, as long as remote instruction is offered. Full Story 

The Texas Tribune sat down for a virtual conversation with Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly to talk about the coronavirus outbreak’s impact on air travel, the state of the airline industry and the company’s future. Full Story 

Texas' June unemployment rate fell to 8.6% — but experts say the improvement may be short-lived with recent surges in coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths. Full Story 

Distillery, winery and some restaurant owners say their businesses are different from traditional bars, which Abbott closed after COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations began to climb in June. Full Story 

Julián Castro said Abbott made three consequential mistakes: reopening the state too early, not pushing hard enough to get adequate testing or contact tracing, and banning local officials from requiring masks in the earlier months of the pandemic. Full Story 

Other notable winners Tuesday night included Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls and Austin attorney Mike Siegel. Full Story 

Two other incumbents — Democrats Lorraine Birabil and Harold Dutton — were also on the ballot Tuesday. Full Story 

The pandemic-driven economic downturn has left more than 5.4 million Americans with no job and no insurance. Texas has one of the largest shares of this increase. Full Story 

This year’s primary runoff election in Texas is different from any before it. The Texas Tribune sent photographers to see what it was like. Full Story 

Last month, student athletes at the University of Texas at Austin said they would forgo recruiting and donor events if campus and athletic leaders failed to implement their demands, which were aimed at supporting students of color. Full Story 

The move comes after the Trump administration sanctioned Chinese officials last week over alleged human rights abuse against ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. Full Story 

Universities often hire professors and researchers using H-1B visas. Experts say limiting them only makes U.S. universities less competitive internationally. Full Story 

At least five Texan candidates of South Asian descent are running for county, state and federal office this year, including three who are vying to become the first Asian American congressperson from Texas. Full Story 

More than 3,000 Texans have died from the coronavirus and counties are preparing for even more deaths by expanding their capacities to store bodies. Full Story 

West will face off against MJ Hegar, a retired Air Force officer, in the July 14 runoff election. “I have been in a Republican-dominated Legislature most of my public service career, but I've been able to get things done,” West said. Full Story 

The governor allowed counties with 20 active cases or fewer to opt out. Full Story 

Backed by national Democrats, Hegar will face off against state Sen. Royce West in the July 14 runoff election. But she's already looking ahead to her strategy for winning the election in November. Full Story