We strive to keep you informed about important news affecting our state. That’s why, given the spread of the novel coronavirus, we’re providing unlimited access to our coverage of the outbreak, including news, analysis and stories about the virus’s impact on our state. If you have stories or tips to share about how the outbreak has been affecting you or your community, please email us at [email-hidden].
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The Coronavirus Pandemic
Illustration by Kathia Ramirez; Immigrants: Cedar Attanasio/AP; Donald Trump and Dr. Anthony Fauci: Alex Brandon/AP; Nurses in protective gear: Nati Harnik/AP; Nurses and stretcher: David J. Phillip/AP; Lab staff: FeatureChina/AP
Health
October 11, 2022
This UT Scientist Helped Spare Millions From COVID-19. Now He’s Unmasking Other Killer Viruses.
Jason McLellan’s groundbreaking research is changing the way vaccines are developed—including those for another formidable pathogen, RSV.
Health
March 21, 2022
Your Pets Have Been Getting COVID-19 Too. Here’s Why That Matters.
A team of scientists at Texas A&M has been testing cats and dogs throughout the pandemic. The CDC is furry interested.
News & Politics
March 17, 2022
Seven Texas Teachers on the State of Education: “I’m Tired of Getting Punched.”
After two years of hell, Texas teachers are burned-out, angry, tired—and sounding the alarm about public education.
Business
March 10, 2022
Why These Texans Joined the Great Resignation
The pandemic has spurred record numbers of Americans to reinvent their lives by quitting their jobs.
Style & Design
February 12, 2022
Across Texas, Love Conquers All at Smaller Weddings
The newly engaged can learn a lot from the microwedding trend of the past two years.
Tacos
February 1, 2022
Yes, Your Tacos Cost More. Restaurants Still Need You to Buy Them.
With inflation and supply issues plaguing the state’s taquerias and Mexican restaurants, they’re counting on loyal customers to see them through.
Film & TV
January 6, 2022
The New ‘Queer Eye’ Season Is a Healing Work of Pandemic Art
Can the Fab Five help a society ravaged by grief recover? The answer is yas.
Being Texan
December 6, 2021
An East Texas Freedom Colony Looks to the Future—and Reckons With Its Losses
The Upshaw family has preserved their history and traditions since the 1870s. Now, amid deaths and other departures, family members worry for their land’s legacy.
Business
November 4, 2021
Why American and Southwest Airlines Canceled Thousands of Flights
Don’t blame vaccines, but do blame the pandemic. And hope the airlines have fixed their problems by the busy Thanksgiving travel season.
Health
November 1, 2021
Doctors Gave Her a Choice: Let COVID-19 Kill Her Child, or Amputate His Limbs
After surviving a devastating accident that left her disabled, Amber McDaniel felt like she could overcome anything. Then her ten-year-old son contracted a rare condition associated with COVID-19.
Border & Immigration
October 21, 2021
Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz on the Crisis in Texas and Why Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star Concerns Him
The Del Rio–raised law enforcement official chatted with ‘Texas Monthly’ about the situation in his hometown and immigration enforcement across the state.
Health
October 21, 2021
The Making of an Anti-vax Warrior
A few months ago, Jennifer Bridges’s refusal to abide by Houston Methodist’s vaccine mandate thrust her into the national spotlight. Now she’s become a purveyor of conspiracy theories that have fueled the pandemic’s continuation.
Politics & Policy
September 11, 2021
Nearly Everyone in Dimmit County Is Infected or Vaccinated. Now What?
Despite one of the state’s highest vaccination rates, the rural South Texas county is struggling to reach the goal of herd immunity.
Business
September 1, 2021
The Delta Variant Is Denting Texas’s Construction Industry
Supply-chain disruptions and an increase in COVID-19 cases at job sites are slowing down employment in building.
Health
August 18, 2021
“A Recipe For Disaster”: Two Viruses Surge as Texas Children Return to School
A highly unusual summer outbreak of RSV and an increase in COVID-19 cases among kids have overrun hospitals.
Business
July 27, 2021
How COVID-19 Transformed Match Group’s Online Dating Empire
The Dallas-based industry leader adapted to the pandemic with features that remain popular even as social-distancing recommendations have eased.
News & Politics
July 24, 2021
Four Months Ago They Were Celebrating. Now Texas Doctors Are Once Again Preparing for the Worst.
Inside the state’s biggest hospitals, doctors say a surge of unvaccinated COVID patients is almost too bewildering to believe.
News & Politics
July 19, 2021
Texas Restaurant Workers Are in Short Supply—And That Gives Them New Leverage
Many owners blame staff shortages on laziness and government handouts. Employees reply that their bosses should behave like rational capitalists and boost wages and working conditions.
Health
July 16, 2021
Can This Houston-Born COVID Vaccine Save the Developing World?
For low-income countries, the less-expensive, easier-to-make Corbevax could prove a godsend.
News & Politics
June 3, 2021
This Was a Horrible Way to Do School. But It Had Its Moments.
As the academic year ends, a rookie teacher looks back at his struggle to keep himself and his students afloat with nothing but a Zoom connection between them.