Texas Tribune Brief

Gov. Greg Abbott says the cases were detected by targeted testing at meatpacking plants.

In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, listen to the 17-year-old describe the backlash she says she faced from customers when enforcing the governor's social distancing guidelines.

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.

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.

Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick told The Texas Tribune that a global price war and the coronavirus pandemic will continue hampering the state's economy and budget.

Coronavirus infections continue to rise at migrant detention facilities in towns with limited resources. Some local governments want details on what’s being done to safeguard the public.

The Texas energy sector has helped insulate the state's economy during national downturns. This time, experts say the industry could hold the economy back.

Odessa native Erik Mancha says this latest downturn in crude prices is unlike any other, largely because of the coronavirus pandemic. Listen to his account in the weekend edition of The Audio Brief podcast.

Abbott also referenced Ana Isabel Castro-Garcia and Brenda Stephanie Mata, who were arrested and charged with violating Laredo’s emergency management plan.

As Gov. Greg Abbott continues lifting restrictions on Texas businesses and activities, coronavirus infection rates are exploding in Panhandle communities near meatpacking plants.