Will we finally expand health-care access? Will dating go old-school? Can renewables jump-start the economy? And are takeout margaritas here to stay? The novel coronavirus has disrupted our lives in unprecedented ways. But it’s not all bleak. We asked economists, health-care workers, science fiction writers, wildcatters, and restaurateurs to forecast what lies ahead. Here’s how the novel coronavirus will shape Texas for years to come.
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The Pandemic Has Changed Everything
Illustration by Israel G. Vargas
The “Mother Fracker” Reckons With the Mother of All Oil Busts
Pioneer CEO Scott Sheffield has been through more ups and downs than just about anyone in the business. This bust, he says, will change everything—forever.
The Key to Mending the Economy? Expanding Health-Care Access
No, Medicaid expansion isn’t a perfect solution. But it’s the best way to ensure more workers can return to their jobs.
What the Pandemic Taught Me About Old-Fashioned Romance
“Six feet away” can be very, very sexy.
How the Pandemic Revealed an Unexpected Benefit of Telehealth
Heart failure nurse Suzanne Ohlmann finds intimacy in challenging circumstances.
Will Dystopian Times Inspire Utopian Art?
Texas science fiction authors Nicky Drayden and Christopher Brown contemplate the future of writing about the future.
Why Urban Sprawl Could Actually Be a Boon in the New Economy
After the pandemic, will Texas's wide open cityscapes lure big business?…
The Next Legislature Will Meet Amid an Economic Nightmare. What Could Go Wrong?
It's March 2021 and Democrats are in power again, the state budget is a bloodbath, and the coronavirus stalks the Capitol.
Will Politics Prevent Us From Dealing With the Next Wave?
After initially deferring to city and county leaders on COVID-19 response, Governor Abbott has renewed his battle with local government.
Can a Renewables Boom Put Texans Back to Work?
After the oil bust, wind and solar energy might be the Permian Basin’s best hope.
How Texas Restaurants Are Innovating to Survive the Pandemic
Chefs and owners have had to adapt quickly and nimbly, with takeout, meal kits, booze to go, and reconfigured dining spaces. Will it be enough to survive?…
Virtual Fitness May Be Here to Stay
How the rise of living room calisthenics is challenging boutique gyms and fitness titans like Gold's Gym.
What It’s Like Getting Paid to Risk Catching the Coronavirus
A professional shopper, who delivers groceries for those who can afford to stay at home, shares her story.