State Rep. Tan Parker said he will file a bill in the upcoming legislative session to extend to-go alcohol sales past the coronavirus pandemic. The Texas Restaurant Association also has asked Abbott to expand the waiver to allow mixed drinks with liquor to be prepared, resealed and sold.
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 attributes record-high coronavirus cases to bars, beaches and a data backlog in Harris County
More than 4,400 positive cases were reported Saturday. The state also set its ninth consecutive record for hospitalizations, but officials say hospital capacity isn’t a concern.
Posted in
Politics
As face mask requirements pop back up across Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott faces criticism from local leaders and fellow Republicans
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.
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.
Watch: Tom Luce and Margaret Spellings discuss the future of Texas
We sat down for a live virtual event with the leaders of the nonprofit research organization Texas 2036 to discuss education, reopening the economy and how the state can be competitive.
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.
