Dancing is discouraged: Bars, sports and child care centers can open if they follow these rules
Among the businesses reopening are day and overnight youth camps, professional sports without spectators and massage services. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/5933de77e21efdb0e59d48dc0a0c1317/Broken%20Spoke%20Dancing%20MG%20TT.jpg)
-
![People dancing at the Broken Spoke in Austin.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Texas had plans to replace its outdated unemployment system. The coronavirus pandemic hit first.
The Texas Workforce Commission had finally lined up enough federal money to move the system — built in the 1990s — to the cloud. But before that happened, nearly 2 million suddenly unemployed Texans overwhelmed the old system. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c4598a1262ed603504ee6ef7560f5a01/Texas%20Workforce%20MG%20TT%2005.jpg)
![The Texas Workforce Commission Building in Austin on March 30, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas ranks high in coronavirus recoveries, but many large states don’t report that figure
Texas’ recovery total is not a tally of the patients no longer experiencing symptoms, but rather an estimate based on a string of assumptions about the virus’ longevity. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4c800a47b1670d937a0be6740486b93b/Empty%20Austin%20Restaurants%20EG%20TT%2004.jpg)
![Mi Madre's Restaurant in Austin opened their patio following the end of Gov. Greg Abbott's stay-at-home order in May.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Texas is testing everyone in nursing homes for coronavirus, but not state-run homes for people with disabilities
The facilities are still only testing residents and patients who are symptomatic or were potentially exposed to the virus, despite concerns raised by employees and family members about outbreaks. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b85595997ac8481dd34e1a61ebe4af50/Austin%20Supported%20Living%20Center%20SSLC%20EG%20TT%2006.jpg)
![A State Supported Living Center located in Austin on April 21, 2020.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Here's what we know about Texas’ economic reopening, and what might be coming next
On Monday, gyms were allowed to reopen in Texas. What's next for Texas' reopening plan? Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/53e7b5e7044e46b5f8c09ed2e1a9f668/Small%20Town%20Texas%20COVID%20JV%20TT.jpg)
![A gym in downtown Mcgregor is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Texas tiptoes down the road to normal
As some pandemic doors are slowly opened, others are getting kicked in. Either way, individual choices are quickly replacing the weeks of government instructions about what and what not to do. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d52eb3c1f0e6b7c2f30cee22fabf5858/Bar%20Resturant%20AP%20TT.jpg)
![Bar and Restaurant.]()
Credit: Anneke Paterson for The Texas Tribune -
As Texas reopens, coronavirus cases are increasing while testing misses benchmarks
Texas has seen a modest but steady increase in the growth of new coronavirus cases in the two weeks since some businesses reopened at 25% capacity. Gov. Greg Abbott sees hope in other metrics. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/89ee34ff0f85740dcefc285dbce528f4/Fort%20Worth%20Testing%20Site%20ST%20TT%2001.jpg)
![Medical Assistants with Mi Doctor operate a testing clinic at the La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth. The drive thru testing station has been operating every day for the last 7 weeks. May 1, 2020.]()
Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune -
How a Dallas salon owner changed Texas' reopening debate
After Shelley Luther was jailed for opening her salon in blatant defiance of emergency orders, top Texas Republicans in all three branches of government scrambled to ensure her release. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/13aee49d0c44513c936f3a389fba2e3c/Laredo%20Shelley%20Luther%20Rally%20JR%2004.jpg)
![Shelley Luther comforts Brenda Stephanie Mata as she addresses supporters at a Freedom Rally in Laredo. Mata was arrested for operating an eyelash salon from her home during the coronavirus lockdown.]()
Credit: Jessica Nicole Rodriguez for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: The path to emergency powers in Texas might run through the courts
State and local governments are at odds over what should and should not be allowed during a pandemic — a debate over health, economics and civil liberties. The old sparring partners have increasingly appealed to a referee: the courts. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8b008db36aeb07a257b813e45a03964d/Ken%20Paxton%20BD%20TT.jpg)
![Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to the convention delegates at the Texas Republican Convention in San Antonio.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott is limiting enforcement of COVID-19 orders, but many cities already took a lax approach
Texas cities and counties have dramatically different interpretations of the state’s COVID-19 emergency orders. Complaint data from a dozen cities shows that disparate approaches to enforcement, particularly among businesses, have been incredibly common. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d991f7519bd8d75ecee830ed5ad321ec/Abbott%20April%2017%20Presser%20MG%20TT%2005.jpg)
![Gov. Greg Abbott announced a strike force in charge of laying steps to re-open the Texas economy at a press conference in the capitol on April 17, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Texas appeals court allows expansion of voting by mail during ongoing legal fight
The appeals court ruled against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued that a lower court ruling expanding who can qualify for an absentee ballot during the coronavirus pandemic should have no effect while he appeals it. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ebc4c03df183c4b98f554f25e85b2a71/Mail%20in%20Ballot%20Form%20Voting%20MG%20TT%2007.jpg)
![A mail-in ballot application.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
How Lina Hidalgo is navigating coronavirus and conservative backlash in Texas’ biggest county
Harris County has seen new cases plateau under the county judge. But her orders designed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus have generated outrage among some conservatives. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7c131c1d0caf1505711df3e65d77ac9f/Judge%20Lina%20Hidalgo%20MF%20TT%20017.jpg)
![Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo poses for a portrait outside of her office on May 13, 2020.]()
Credit: Mark Felix for The Texas Tribune -
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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a52daf892c790da283cc14865a9b7bbf/Empty%20Austin%20Restaurants%20EG%20TT%2009.jpg)
![The School House Pub in Austin remains closed as a result of Gov. Greg Abbott delaying the reopening of barbershops, hair salons, bars and gyms. May 4, 2020.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Coronavirus tests are supposed to be free. Some Texans are still being saddled with large bills.
Congress directed most insurance companies to cover test costs for insured patients in March, and has promised to reimburse providers for testing those who are uninsured. But experts say there are gaps in the protection that can leave patients surprised with bills. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2d8fa60999f9a8da81e4b2d796aa7de5/Mark%20Sonego%20RJ%20TT%2003.jpg)
![Mark Sonego at his apartment in Leon Springs on May 11, 2020.]()
Credit: Robin Jerstad for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: In Abbott’s hands, executive orders look like suggestions
Even as Gov. Greg Abbott is loosening his pandemic restrictions on people and businesses, he is buckling to opponents who protest that he's moving too slowly. He's undermining his own authority — and enforcement of the rest of his rules. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a687f84605a0f3ba2bd3b5852ff19491/ATX%20Covid%20May%20MG%20TT%2003.jpg)
![A sign requiring masks is posted at Cosmic Cowboy on South Congress Avenue on Austin. May 8, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/10/29/Paxton_TFRW_LB_TT.jpg)
![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at the Texas Federation of Republican Women Convention in Dallas on Oct. 19, 2017.]()
Credit: Laura Buckman for The Texas Tribune -
Complaint filed over Texas AG Ken Paxton's tactics to limit mail-in voting
In a series of tweets and a public statement, Paxton said eligibility for absentee voting has not been expanded. But a state judge's order says otherwise. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/16f76b3e67dfc90ca1aaae47295f8678/AG-Paxton-SCOTUS-0004.JPG)
![Attorney General Ken Paxton walked across the Supreme Court plaza to hold a press conference in 2016.]()
Credit: REUTERS/Bill Clark -
Photos of a state in crisis: Deserted highways, swamped food banks and health care workers at risk
COVID-19 has changed the world in ways few imagined possible. As the virus spread across the globe and found its way to Texas, Tribune journalists and photojournalists have been there every step of the way, documenting the changes the new coronavirus has brought into all our lives. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/273145663921e82c561f54efd520ee96/ATX%20Night%20Coronavirus%20MG%20TT%2006.jpg)
![Downtown Austin during the COVID-19 pandemic on April 12, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Texas has billions in its rainy day fund. But legislators say they won’t use it until January.
Lawmakers widely agree that the Legislature will tap into the Economic Stabilization Fund next session. But under the weight of a crippled economy, many Texans want relief now. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8dbdceb05066f64badfd6e4d912b9553/02_Capitol_Building_AP_TT.jpg)
![Texas State Capitol, June 12, 2017. State Capitol in the late afternoon on June 12, 2017.]()
Credit: Austin Price for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Reopening just a little bit isn’t really a big boon for the economy
Reopening Texas businesses in a contained way gives the appearance of thawing out a frozen economy while keeping crowds at bay. That might make people feel better, but it's no way to supercharge an economy. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1a3959ff79eda5c96bfcfae1090ea912/Waco%20COVID%20Closures%20AP%20TT%2010.jpg)
![A hand written signs alerts costumers that Jake’s Texas Tea House is closed indefinitely in Waco. March 25, 2020.]()
Credit: Angela Piazza for The Texas Tribune