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.
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
Texas 2020 Elections
Watch: Royce West, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, on coronavirus, systemic racism and winning the Republican vote
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.
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Texas 2020 Elections
Watch: MJ Hegar, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, discusses her policies and chances ahead of runoff election
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.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Nearly 80 Texas counties have opted out of Gov. Greg Abbott’s mask order. Others refuse to enforce it.
The governor allowed counties with 20 active cases or fewer to opt out.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Nearly 14% of new U.S. COVID-19 cases are recorded in Texas
Texas’ coronavirus cases now make up a significantly higher proportion than its 9% share of the nation’s population.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Houston convention center operator cancels in-person Texas GOP meeting
The Republican Party of Texas’ in-person convention was scheduled to happen in Houston next week. Chair James Dickey has said party leaders have worked on a contingency plan to host the convention online.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
More than $54 million in PPP loans went to small private Texas colleges and universities
Schools said they used the money to make payroll.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner urges Texas GOP to cancel its convention
The in-person event is scheduled for next week, even as the coronavirus continues to spread through Houston.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas universities are moving more classes online but keeping tuition the same. Students are asking if it’s worth the money.
Universities are moving forward with reopening plans for the fall semester, anxious to bring students back. But faced with online classes and an altered campus, students are questioning if college is still worth what they’re paying.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Several Texas cities worry hospitals may run out of beds in two weeks or sooner
As local officials express concerns that their hospitals could be overloaded with coronavirus patients, some are urging Gov. Greg Abbott to empower local governments to issue stay-at-home orders.