Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

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 

Attorney General Ken Paxton said this week that abortions should not be performed unless the mother's life is in danger, saying health care capacity needs to be preserved for COVID-19 patients. Full Story 

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 

The warning comes one day after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered health care facilities and professionals to postpone all procedures that are deemed “not medically necessary” as the state gears up for an influx of patients with COVID-19. Full Story 

Food banks and nonprofits are providing free meals, internet access and housing assistance. As they face an increase in demand during another coronavirus surge, the organizations are also asking for help. Full Story 

Officials say they're investigating whoever is behind the misinformation campaign, which they say only creates anxiety and fear. Full Story 

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 

Local, state and national leaders are recommending people take a range of actions to protect themselves from the new coronavirus. But for those without homes, many of those measures are next to impossible. Full Story 

Texas has about 2.9 hospital beds per 1,000 people — less than one-fourth the rate of South Korea. Full Story 

The move, which follows similar shutdowns in Dallas and Harris County, also limits gatherings of more than 10 people. Full Story 

Officials say they have to prioritize public health over economic concerns. Meanwhile, people who can't work from home navigate a public health crisis while facing financial uncertainty. Full Story 

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 

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 

There are cases in each of the state’s five largest urban areas, though the virus has now also appeared in counties spanning from East Texas to the Gulf Coast. Officials expect statewide testing capacity to increase soon. Full Story 

The individuals, who reside in the same household in Alvin, self-reported after going to the Houston Rodeo cook-off and livestock show and have not traveled outside the Houston area. Full Story 

The drive-thru testing is not open to the general public, city officials said in a press release. Full Story 

State officials and industry representatives say Texans should relax: Stores plan to be stocked for months, so there's no need to stockpile groceries and household items. Full Story 

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 

Ron Nirenberg's comment came as more people are set to be quarantined at Lackland Air Force Base. After criticizing health officials earlier this month, Nirenberg said the CDC has "made steps in the right direction" with how it oversees people who are quarantined. Full Story 

The newest patient is a Frisco man in his 30s who recently traveled to California. Full Story