State and local officials disagree on whether mandating businesses to require employees and customers to wear face masks is a small burden or a threat to their freedom.
Stories by Texas Tribune fellows
The Texas Tribune welcomes a group of student fellows into our newsroom each spring, summer and fall. Here is a sampling of their work. Learn more about the fellowship program here.
Posted inState Government
This LGBTQ Texan says the U.S. Supreme Court ruling is a key step toward fully realized equality
In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, Fran Watson — a Houston attorney who is a lesbian and represents LGBTQ clients — explains how it feels to finally be protected in the workplace.
Posted in
Police brutality in Texas
Houston mayor calls for more funding for social services to take pressure off police officers
During a Houston policing roundtable organized by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, several local leaders emphasized the need for social services funding.
Posted in
COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Texas’ unemployment rate for May slightly fell to 13% as economists say coronavirus pandemic will hinder recovery
Experts say coronavirus infections and hospitalizations in Texas — which have set new records in recent days — may have the biggest influence on how fast the state’s economy recovers.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas coronavirus hospitalizations hit record highs for a full week
The state reported a total of 2,947 people in hospitals on Thursday.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Bexar and Hidalgo counties require face masks in businesses as coronavirus surges. Other Texas leaders consider similar measures.
Austin’s mayor issued a similar order late Wednesday. Local leaders have been asking for the ability to impose more strict mask orders, but Gov. Greg Abbott never publicly mentioned that one option was ordering businesses to require them.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas to reinstate work-search requirement for unemployment benefits
As COVID-19 continues spreading, the Texas Workforce Commission says out-of-work Texans will have to prove they are searching for work to receive unemployment benefits beginning July 6.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Surge in coronavirus cases linked to more Texans in their 20s getting sick, officials say
Gov. Greg Abbott and health experts say young adults may be taking social distancing less seriously.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas’ big-city mayors ask Gov. Greg Abbott for power to impose face mask rules
Abbott has banned local governments from fining people who don’t wear masks in public.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
With coronavirus cases climbing, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says “no real need” to scale back business reopenings
He cited the number of hospital beds available in the state as a reason.