COVID-19 has changed the world in ways few imagined possible. As the virus spread across the globe and found its way to Texas, Tribune journalists and photojournalists have been there every step of the way, documenting the changes the new coronavirus has brought into all our lives.
COVID-19 Recession in Texas
The coronavirus pandemic has steered the Texas economy into a recession as the state’s unemployment rate remains high and many businesses struggle to survive. Several sources of government and nonprofit aid have either expired or dried up. Economists say the ongoing public health crisis will slow the recovery for individual Texans, business owners and entire industries. For the latest news on this topic, sign up for our weekly economy newsletter and follow energy and economy reporter Mitchell Ferman on Twitter.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas has billions in its rainy day fund. But legislators say they won’t use it until January.
Lawmakers widely agree that the Legislature will tap into the Economic Stabilization Fund next session. But under the weight of a crippled economy, many Texans want relief now.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Business has reopened in Texas, but the economy won’t be back anytime soon, experts say
The Texas energy sector has helped insulate the state’s economy during national downturns. This time, experts say the industry could hold the economy back.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Language barriers, absence of bank loans leave Latino small-business owners struggling
Before the pandemic, mom-and-pop stores at the Latino-oriented mall La Gran Plaza, in Fort Worth, saw crowds of thousands every day. Now, tenants are worried about evictions and not making ends meet.
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Coronavirus in Texas
247,179 more Texans filed for unemployment, but their jobs might not be waiting for them when they return
The Texas Workforce Commission relaxed guidelines so high-risk workers and people without child care can refuse work and still receive benefits. But that doesn’t protect workers from being fired in the meantime.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texans could soon have to start looking for work to keep unemployment benefits if reopening continues
The Texas Workforce Commission’s executive director told lawmakers that it plans to reinstate work-search requirements once stores and restaurants are allowed open to 50% capacity.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Dallas-based hotel group to return $76 million in disaster loans meant for small businesses
The network of companies — Ashford Hospitality Trust, Ashford Inc., and Braemar Hotels & Resorts — are run by prominent Texas GOP donor Monty Bennett.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
A prominent Texas man’s network of hotels got millions in taxpayer loans, irking smaller businesses and some lawmakers
Monty Bennett’s Dallas-based hotel network applied for $126 million from the government’s Paycheck Protection Program and has received $76 million, according to data compiled by The Washington Post.
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Coronavirus in Texas
At a Texas mall reopening, some antsy shoppers wore homemade masks while others called coronavirus a farce
Friday was the first day that shopping malls — along with restaurants, retail outlets and movie theaters — were allowed to reopen in Texas. Under an order from Gov. Greg Abbott, stores can open their doors, but they must limit occupancy to no more than 25% of capacity.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas sales tax revenues fall by 9.3% in April
For the past several weeks, the comptroller has been referring to the state of the economy as a recession. The latest sales tax figures give the first glimpse of how much the economic downturn will hurt the state budget.