GOP campaign ads paint cities as lawless places and Democrats as enablers of crime. But people pushing for criminal justice reform say those portrayals sidestep the systemic racism that prompted this year’s protests against police brutality.
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
Texas 2020 Elections
Texas Democrats think a seat on the oil and gas regulating board could be their best chance of winning statewide in two decades
With attention on Texas races up and down the ballot, a virtually unknown Republican candidate and big-time donations to the Democratic nominee, Democrats think they have a shot of winning a seat on the Railroad Commission.
Posted in
COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Texas Republicans highlight energy issues as a closing argument of campaign
Texas’ oil and gas industry has had a horrible year. As the recession persists and Election Day nears, Republicans have latched on to Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s debate exchange about the energy sector and the environment.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
In Lubbock, pandemic fatigue sets in as hospitalizations rise
Experts and officials say people are exhausted with coronavirus restrictions and have begged them to don face coverings, socially distance and take “personal responsibility” for keeping themselves and their neighbors safe.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Donald Trump and Joe Biden sparred over Texas’ energy industry and global warming during final presidential debate
In debating a major Texas industry, Trump emphasized economic priorities while Biden advocated for alternate means of energy besides oil and gas.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas joins Trump administration’s lawsuit against Google, arguing the tech company has a monopoly
Attorney General Ken Paxton said the multibillion-dollar company engaged in anti-competitive and exclusionary practices that eliminate competition for internet searches and search advertising.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas unemployment rate rises to 8.3% in September, seven months into economic recession
After a summer of declining unemployment rates following Gov. Greg Abbott’s widespread business reopenings during the pandemic, the state’s unemployment rate jumped to 8.3% in September.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texans with criminal records face increasingly limited housing options. Homeless advocates say a new rule could leave them with even fewer choices.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is proposing that people with certain criminal convictions be temporarily or permanently blocked from living in tax-supported developments that provide support services.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus hospitalizations are up in Texas as some fear the state is headed toward another surge
Experts blame social gatherings like birthday parties and football games for the recent upticks. They say there is widespread fatigue for following stringent guidelines to wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid crowded indoor spaces.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
As Texas asks her to repay unemployment aid, a Dallas County instructor faces confusing appeals process to fight back
The Texas Workforce Commission is trying to recoup $214 million in unemployment benefits it says people were overpaid this year. A North Texas woman says appealing the agency’s findings is an uphill battle through an opaque appeals process.