The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the city’s largest annual event, attracting 2.5 million people and generating nearly $400 million. But officials pushed forward with this year’s 20-day event until there was a positive coronavirus case from community spread.
The Texas Tribune-ProPublica Investigative Unit
The Texas Tribune-ProPublica Investigative Unit uncovers big stories that matter to Texans and the nation, taking aim at corruption, injustice and malfeasance across the state. Read on for the latest stories, and be sure to sign up to get the latest on the people and policies shaping the future of Texas with the Tribune’s weekday newsletter.
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Coronavirus in Texas
A Laredo ER spent $500,000 on coronavirus tests. Health officials say they’re unreliable.
A private emergency room owner bought 20,000 rapid COVID-19 tests, but a week later they were seized by the federal government. It’s a bitter example of what can go wrong when local governments try to buy supplies on the open market from unknown manufacturers.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Along the border, the population is high risk for coronavirus, but testing is in short supply
Gov. Greg Abbott promised that all those who need a coronavirus test “will get one,” but near the border tests are scarce, and the death toll is beginning to rise.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Despite coronavirus risks, some Texas religious groups are worshipping in person — with the governor’s blessing
COVID-19 has spread rapidly in Texas, and many congregations closed their doors and moved religious services online. But there are some religious groups who say it’s their right to remain open because they believe they provide an essential service to their communities.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Migrants say COVID-19 fears led to disturbance in Texas immigration detention center
About 60 detainees in the South Texas ICE Processing Center staged an uprising this week. Some detainees say fear of infection sparked the incident; Immigration and Customs Enforcement disputes that account.
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T-Squared
T-Squared: We’re joining forces with ProPublica to investigate Texas — and spending more than $8.5 million to do it
Working together over the next five years, a team of watchdogs will hold people in power and institutions accountable in ways that serve the public interest. This is a big win for all Texans.