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.
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 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.
Posted in
Police brutality in Texas
For these Texas organizers and officials, defunding the police means remedying effects of racism
Some Texas cities are eyeing cuts to police department budgets to fund social services like housing assistance, mental health services and job training.
Posted in
Police brutality in Texas
Joshua Howell doesn’t want “thoughts and prayers.” He wants Austin police to take responsibility for critically injuring his brother at a recent protest.
While Howell says he’s pleased Austin police have vowed to stop using such tactics in crowds, he hopes his brother’s story sparks real change. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin football players demand school rename buildings named after racist figures, donate to Black Lives Matter
Athletes say they will forgo participating in recruiting and donor-related events if campus and athletic leadership fails to implement their demands, which are aimed at supporting students of color.
Posted in
Police brutality in Texas
Austin City Council unanimously limits police officers’ use of force and asks for cuts to department budget
The moves came after the department was criticized for how it responded to police brutality protesters and as residents continue calling for the police chief’s resignation.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Behind the scenes of The Texas Tribune’s new salaries explorer
Watch members of the data visuals team take you behind the redesign and guide you through the new features of the Tribune’s database of compensation for Texas state employees.