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Mitchell Ferman is a reporter for The Texas Tribune covering energy and the economy from a base in Houston. Before joining the Tribune he was a reporter for The Monitor in McAllen, where he covered cross-border trade, politics and the city of McAllen. He also regularly freelanced from the Rio Grande Valley and beyond for The New York Times, Texas Monthly and Reuters, writing about topics including the family separation crisis and unexpected consequences of the border wall. He graduated from the University of Missouri.
Texas' oil and gas industry has had a horrible year. As the recession persists and Election Day nears, Republicans have latched on to Donald Trump and Joe Biden's debate exchange about the energy sector and the environment. Full Story
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After a summer of declining unemployment rates following Gov. Greg Abbott's widespread business reopenings during the pandemic, the state's unemployment rate jumped to 8.3% in September. Full Story
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The Texas Workforce Commission is trying to recoup $214 million in unemployment benefits it says people were overpaid this year. A North Texas woman says appealing the agency's findings is an uphill battle through an opaque appeals process. Full Story
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Gary Cohn said another round of federal coronavirus relief funding is needed to ensure a strong economic recovery. Full Story
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The U.S. Labor Department on Friday announced Texas' unemployment rate for August fell to 6.8%. That is still far above pre-pandemic levels, underscoring a summer of steady joblessness for many Texans. Full Story
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Nearly 350,000 Texans don't qualify for the extra payment because they either earned too little from the work they lost or didn't indicate on paperwork that they lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Full Story
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Texans receiving less than $100 in weekly unemployment benefits do not qualify for the extra $300 weekly payments the Trump administration is distributing to Texas and other states. Full Story
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With two storms gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico, Abbott on Sunday declared a state of disaster in coastal counties and warned Texans to remember coronavirus health guidelines. Full Story
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On Friday, federal officials gave Texas the green light to provide the additional payments. States can contribute another $100, but Texas does not plan to do so. Full Story
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With more than 10,000 Texans dead from COVID-19, economists have warned that until the state gets a handle on the pandemic, the economic recession will not improve. Full Story
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At least 10 other states have already applied and been approved for the additional unemployment benefits. Full Story
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Confusion over unemployment relief in Texas has persisted since President Donald Trump took executive action in early August announcing an extra $400 weekly payment — but only if states administer the funds and chip in a quarter of the cost. Full Story
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President Donald Trump's comments doubled as part campaign speech, part policy announcement, as polls continue to show a close competition with presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the once-solidly red state. Full Story
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Texas' emergency response teams have worn personal protective equipment and distributed it to residents across South Texas in responding to Hurricane Hanna, another challenge for the state as it prepares for hurricane season during the pandemic. Full Story
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A section of the Texas coast already reeling from thousands of coronavirus cases will continue to feel the effects of the storm, which was the first hurricane of the season. Full Story
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For the past two months, the number of people filing claims in Texas has trended downward. But last week, the number of people who filed for claims increased 7% over the previous week. Full Story
Abbott has said the actions of his executive order "are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health." Full Story
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A hospital says goodbye, a restaurant welcomes diners back and others reflect on the pandemic’s lessons. In the finale of our weekly series, Texans from across the state share stories about how they’re navigating life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Story
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As employees test positive, some bars and restaurants are closing even though Texas allows them to operate. Many owners are balancing feedback from their staffs, their patrons, state guidelines and local officials. Full Story
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A family launches a new business with a baby on the way. A small town stages a socially distant graduation. In this weekly series, Texans from across the state share stories about how they’re navigating life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Story
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