While struggling to figure out the state’s unemployment system, Alia Kirschner found a Facebook group for thousands of jobless Texans. Now she spends hours a day online, helping others with their benefit claims during the COVID-19 recession.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas must boost coronavirus control efforts amid “full resurgence” of infections, White House report says
Among the task force’s recommendations: Officials in Texas should significantly reduce capacity in indoor spaces, including those that are privately owned.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Despite staggering pandemic losses, Texas budget forecast better than expected, state comptroller says
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar didn’t provide details as he told lawmakers Monday that the financial forecast isn’t as dire as earlier feared. But he said revenues are still down “significantly” compared with last year.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas shut down bars to slow the spread of coronavirus — but allowed thousands to open through a restaurant loophole
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations balloon, public health experts and local officials worry the loopholes are one reason behind the recent rise.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
El Paso County judge says new “partial” curfew doesn’t conflict with statewide coronavirus orders
The restrictions on social gatherings begin Wednesday and last through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Posted in
Economy
Texas unemployment rate falls to 6.9% in October, a sign of slow and uneven economic recovery
A new wave of coronavirus infections this month could further set back the state’s economic recovery, while Gov. Greg Abbott has ruled out “any more lockdowns.”
Posted in
Economy
As Trump campaign challenges election results, El Paso has a different question: Where is our money?
El Paso is one of several Texas cities facing budget shortfalls because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected the border area. The president’s team still owes the city a 2-year-old debt of more than half a million dollars.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Appeals court again halts El Paso County’s shutdown of nonessential businesses
The 8th Court of Appeals urged the county judge and a group of local restaurants to find some middle ground on coronavirus restrictions that don’t violate Gov. Greg Abbott’s statewide mandate.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Appeals court temporarily stops El Paso business shutdown
A state district judge permitted the El Paso shutdown to stand last week pending a final resolution of the case, but the 8th Court of Appeals paused the shutdown until a final decision is made. That could come as soon as Friday.
Posted in
Economy
A controversial rule limiting housing options for homeless Texans with criminal records was softened, but it still worries advocates
The regulation applies to new supportive housing projects, which provide subsidized homes and social services. Gov. Greg Abbott still needs to approve the rule by Dec. 1.