One woman whose husband died said Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to end the mask mandate makes the convenience of not wearing a mask seem more important than loss of life. Abbott’s spokesperson says he “joins all Texans in mourning every single life lost.”
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Debate ramps up at Texas Legislature over governor’s emergency powers during pandemic
Gov. Greg Abbott is well aware that some lawmakers, particularly in his own party, are interested in reining in his authority. However, it remains to be seen how much power Abbott is willing to relinquish.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Three of Gov. Greg Abbott’s four coronavirus medical advisers say they weren’t directly consulted before he lifted mask mandate
One adviser said he thinks it’s too soon for the state to stop requiring masks in public.
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TribCast
TribCast: Gov. Greg Abbott drops Texas’ mask mandate
On this week’s TribCast, Matthew speaks with Ross, Patrick and Kate about Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to rescind statewide coronavirus orders and the fight over “The Eyes of Texas” at the University of Texas at Austin
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Abbott’s icebreaker
Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to end his pandemic restrictions on masks and business capacity was a surprise — and a convenient change of subject for an executive under scrutiny for statewide blackouts last month.
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University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Few Texas voters say they’re doing better economically than they were a year ago, poll finds
Only 18% of Texas voters say they’re better off than they were 12 months ago. A year ago, twice as many said they and their families were better off than before, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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Coronavirus in Texas
“It’s putting us in the firing line”: Some small-business owners worry about Gov. Greg Abbott lifting coronavirus restrictions
Abbott’s order will leave it to business owners to decide whether to require customers wear masks inside their establishments. Some say they will keep coronavirus restrictions in place, but some business owners worry those decisions could anger potential customers.
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University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Pandemic response tops Texas voters’ legislative priorities, poll finds
Texas voters also think the state spends too little on mental health, and public education, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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Coronavirus in Texas
After a year of pandemic, Texas voters more open to sending kids to school, poll finds
The perceived risks of most activities haven’t changed, but Texas voters are warming to the idea of sending their kids back to public schools, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas voters’ apprehension about COVID-19 has risen since October, poll finds
The surge of COVID-19 cases from October to January got a response from Texas voters: Their concerns about the spread of the virus increased, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.