Because of language barriers, Texas risks leaving some of the state’s marginalized communities even more vulnerable to contracting the virus while making it more difficult to access resources needed to get through the pandemic.
Austin
Posted in
Police brutality in Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declares state of disaster after George Floyd protests
In a statement, Abbott said the declaration would allow him to designate federal agents to serve as peace officers in Texas.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus hot spots in Texas homeless shelters highlight challenges unsheltered residents face social distancing, staying clean
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said officials there are spreading out homeless shelter residents after dozens tested positive in one day.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
After an “anticlimactic” virtual goodbye, Dell Medical School’s inaugural class heads to the front lines of the pandemic
On Thursday evening, Dell Medical School’s first cohort of students graduated in a virtual ceremony. Over the next month, the inaugural class will scatter across the country to begin residencies in the thick of a pandemic.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Former Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt says Abbott’s actions to reopen Texas are divisive, scary and confusing
Abbott’s recent decisions to reopen the economy despite rising infection rates signal that something has “spooked” the governor, Eckhardt said at a Tribune event.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Budget cuts at UT-Austin will likely bring furloughs and layoffs, campus leaders say
The university is gearing up for a second wave of cuts brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas bar owners say they’re going broke and are desperate for Abbott to lay out a reopening plan
Last month, the governor said he hoped to reopen bars “on or no later than mid-May.” He has since walked back the timeline for when bars can open their doors to customers, saying he needs more input from doctors.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warns Austin, San Antonio, Dallas to loosen coronavirus restrictions
Paxton’s office said that there could be litigation if cities do not pull back coronavirus restrictions related to masks, sheltering in place and religious services.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus restrictions alter funeral plans, leaving some Texans to grieve alone
Gov. Greg Abbott clarified this week that in-person funerals can be held if attendees stay 6 feet apart. But restrictions still have some postponing memorials until after the pandemic ends. “If you can’t hug anyone or shake their hand, what’s the point of having anyone physically attend?” one mourner said.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Rent assistance programs in Texas’ largest cities are running dry, but advocates say statewide relief is unlikely
Dallas, San Antonio and Austin recently implemented housing relief programs, and Houston will consider one this week. But local officials and advocates agree they aren’t enough to see Texans through the pandemic.
