While most states have mandated the closure of schools, bars and restaurants; deployed their militaries; or diverted state resources to COVID-19 response, Texas is largely leaving it up to schools and local governments to decide how to proceed. Some say the approach can undermine response efforts.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texan Louie Gohmert backs off from challenge to federal coronavirus package
Several reports had suggested that Gohmert could have delayed the bill’s passage by days.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Degrees of anxiety: As college classrooms empty, students fear for educations, jobs
Texas universities are moving online, but how do you learn circuit welding or vocal ensemble by videoconference? What happens when campus jobs dry up? And will anyone get to walk the stage come graduation day?
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Coronavirus in Texas
In 2015, Texas lawmakers rejected effort to upgrade state’s disease response
After the Ebola outbreak, a task force recommended stockpiling protective gear and expanding state powers to deal with infectious diseases. “Tinfoil hats” opposed to big government killed a bill that would have done it, its sponsor says.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas politicians adjust campaigns amid coronavirus fears
“I think it would be hard to tell people that I’m out here running to make their lives better while at the same time putting their lives at risk,” said one state House candidate.
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Texas 2020 Elections
Michael Bloomberg promised to “help turn Texas blue.” Now some former employees and politicians are miffed that he’s fired his staff.
“Bloomberg was promising a long-term commitment to Texas regardless of who won the primary,” said one state representative. “It’s disappointing that with his defeat in the primary, the campaign has decided to reverse course.”
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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas 3/12: Dallas-Fort Worth up to 13 cases, Houston area has 17
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
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TribCast
TribCast: Coronavirus in Texas, a voting postmortem and Bonnen on his downfall
On this week’s TribCast, Alexa talks to Edgar, Matthew, Evan and Cassi about the status of the new coronavirus outbreak in Texas, Super Tuesday voting blunders and outgoing House Speaker Dennis Bonnen’s comments on his own downfall.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Houston Rodeo called off as fears about new coronavirus continue to spread in Texas
It’s another devastating cultural and economic blow to a state that has confirmed more than 30 cases of the virus. Last year, the event drew more than 2.5 million attendees.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texans in Congress aim to contain coronavirus — and avoid contaminating each other
Nineteen of the 38 Texas members of Congress are over the age of 60, the age at which medical professionals say people are at most risk for serious complications from the virus.