The COVID-19 pandemic has delivered a stunning blow to the economy. Millions of Americans are finding themselves out of work. Millions of other Americans are being told they are essential workers – even though previously they were seen as low skilled and low paid.

This week the Texas Supreme Court handed down a decision on the contentious issues of voting in person during a pandemic.

This week federal law enforcement officers in riot gear fired rubber bullets and tear gas containers at protesters outside the White House. On the White House grounds President Donald Trump adopted a defiant stance while directing state governors to "dominate the streets" and warning if they didn’t he would deploy the United States Military and "solve the problem for them."

Gov. Greg Abbott is trying to restart the Texas economy with the relaxation of social distancing guidelines and allowing many businesses to reopen to the public.

For weeks Texas has been locked down due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The efforts to implement social distancing and slow the spread of the deadly virus forced schools and many businesses to close. This also drove political campaigns to freeze just as Texas was gearing up for one of the toughest general elections in decades. But now that Governor Greg Abbott is allowing more businesses to open their doors, what is happening with political campaigns and their efforts to persuade potential voters.  Are the candidates ready to get back on the stump, shake hands and kiss babies?

Like everyone else, singer-songwriter Joe Ely has struggled to find a new normal in the time of the coronavirus pandemic. Playing live is not possible, of course, much to the disappointment of his many fans who appreciate Joe Ely on the stage — his energy, his musical talent and the joy he exudes when he performs.

This week the price of oil went below zero. Today the price is up into the positive range but still not high enough for most Texas oil producers to make a profit.

This week a Texas judge said he will confirm that voters fearful of contracting COVID-19 should be allowed to use mail-in ballots during elections in July and November.

Citing the state’s stay-at-home order, the Texas secretary of state is instructing municipalities to delay their May 2 elections.

The COVID-19 pandemic is particularly alarming for those people with disabilities. Many are in environments like treatment centers and group homes were the virus can easily spread. Also a number of them have underlying medication conditions that can complicate treatment. But more alarming is that some states have issued medical guidance that unlawfully discriminates against people with intellectual disabilities and brain injuries.