INSIDER
Donโt be surprised at polls! Check to see if your name is on voter suspension list
Read full article: Donโt be surprised at polls! Check to see if your name is on voter suspension listIf youโre planning to vote in November, today is your last chance to register. You donโt want to show up at the polls and find out your name is on the suspended list!
Will Sheila Jackson Leeโs daughter, Erica, run for her motherโs district seat?
Read full article: Will Sheila Jackson Leeโs daughter, Erica, run for her motherโs district seat?According to an emailed press release, Erica Lee Carter โhas been recently asked by community leaders and Democratic party supporters to consider running.โ And now, weโre told she is โstrongly considering running.โ
After baby's death, Kentucky parents sue infant formula maker at center of 2022 crisis
Read full article: After baby's death, Kentucky parents sue infant formula maker at center of 2022 crisisThe parents of Kentucky baby who died last fall after drinking bacteria-tainted infant formula are the latest to sue manufacturer Abbott Nutrition.
CenterPoint gives public apology over its Hurricane Beryl response
Read full article: CenterPoint gives public apology over its Hurricane Beryl responseWith a state-ordered investigation into CenterPoint underway and their executives on a tight timeline to deliver answers to Governor Abbott by next week, the power company issued a public apology Thursday over its Hurricane Beryl response.
Abbott warns that some of its blood sugar monitors may need replacement due to incorrect readings
Read full article: Abbott warns that some of its blood sugar monitors may need replacement due to incorrect readingsAbbott is warning that sensors on some of its blood sugar monitoring systems may need to be replaced to prevent inaccurate readings.
UK's first Black female lawmaker 'free' to stand for Labour at election after row over her future
Read full article: UK's first Black female lawmaker 'free' to stand for Labour at election after row over her futureThe U.K.โs first Black female member of Parliament will be allowed to stand for the Labour Party in the upcoming general election, leader Keir Starmer says, following a fractious few days over her political future.
Gov. Abbott briefs Houston-area on โenormous and catastrophic eventโ after touring flood damage
Read full article: Gov. Abbott briefs Houston-area on โenormous and catastrophic eventโ after touring flood damageGovernor Abbott will get a first-hand look at the devastation in the Conroe area on Monday.
With the Mavericks, Miriam Adelson is poised to be Texas political powerhouse. Will it help her legalize casinos?
Read full article: With the Mavericks, Miriam Adelson is poised to be Texas political powerhouse. Will it help her legalize casinos?Adelson wasted little time reaching out to the stateโs business leaders since news of the deal broke, visiting Austin on Thursday to address the Texas Association of Business, the stateโs largest business lobby.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets January date for Texas House special election runoff
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets January date for Texas House special election runoffThe runoff features two Republicans from dueling factions of the party, Jill Dutton and Brent Money, vying to finish the term of former state Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City.
Prominent anti-LGBTQ+ activist Jared Woodfill running for Texas House
Read full article: Prominent anti-LGBTQ+ activist Jared Woodfill running for Texas HouseIf elected next year, Woodfill also plans to run for House speaker. His campaign accuses his 2024 opponent, conservative state Rep. Lacey Hull, of conspiring with incumbent Speaker Dade Phelan to work against conservatives.
Texas House approves ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers
Read full article: Texas House approves ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employersViolations could bring a $50,000 fine under an amendment adopted Wednesday. The billโs sponsor said the ban would be the strongest in the nation.
โI will never back downโ: AG Ken Paxton releases statement following reinstatement
Read full article: โI will never back downโ: AG Ken Paxton releases statement following reinstatementTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton has released a statement following his reinstatement to the office after a not guilty verdict in his impeachment trial.
โAn ode to survivorsโ: Santa Fe community to unveil new monument on 5th anniversary of massacre
Read full article: โAn ode to survivorsโ: Santa Fe community to unveil new monument on 5th anniversary of massacreOn the fifth anniversary of the tragedy, a new monument will be unveiled at the high school on Thursday.
Gov. Abbott holds news conference with PUC, ERCOT ahead of severe winter threats across Texas
Read full article: Gov. Abbott holds news conference with PUC, ERCOT ahead of severe winter threats across TexasGov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference Wednesday at the State Operations Center in Austin ahead of the severe winter weather that is expected to impact the state of Texas this week.
To combat opioid overdoses, Gov. Greg Abbott says he supports decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips
Read full article: To combat opioid overdoses, Gov. Greg Abbott says he supports decriminalizing fentanyl testing stripsThe announcement signals a shift in Abbottโs approach to fighting the opioid epidemic. He had previously pushed back against bills calling for the decriminalization of fentanyl testing strips.
Montana judge to decide on wolf hunting limits
Read full article: Montana judge to decide on wolf hunting limitsA Montana judge said he would decide Tuesday whether to continue temporary limits on wolf hunting in the state or to restore quotas and hunting methods before a trial over whether the public was given an adequate opportunity to weigh in on changes in the way the state estimates the size of the wolf population.
State leaders wonโt commit to specifics about how much they might invest in childrenโs mental health
Read full article: State leaders wonโt commit to specifics about how much they might invest in childrenโs mental healthAs public debate intensifies over how the state will divvy up billions in new money, community groups that treat children for mental illness fear theyโre not a priority.
Gov. Abbott announces over $355M in public safety grants
Read full article: Gov. Abbott announces over $355M in public safety grantsGovernor Greg Abbott announced Thursday that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will administer more than $355 million in grant funding for a variety of public safety programs and services in Texas, including victims services, anti-human trafficking efforts, and law enforcement support.
1-on-1 conversation with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on bussing migrants, abortion law, school safety, more
Read full article: 1-on-1 conversation with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on bussing migrants, abortion law, school safety, moreLess than one month before the Midterm election, KPRC 2 Anchor Christine Noรซl sat down with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for a 1-on-1 interview in The Woodlands.
FDA says 3 negative rapid tests needed for asymptomatic COVID-19 cases
Read full article: FDA says 3 negative rapid tests needed for asymptomatic COVID-19 casesTheย Food and Drug Administrationย now recommends that people who have been exposed to the coronavirus should have three negative at-home tests, even if they donโt have symptoms.
State, feds say six-month maternal Medicaid coverage still under review
Read full article: State, feds say six-month maternal Medicaid coverage still under reviewHHSC said it was initially told the plan was โnot approvable.โ Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a statement Friday saying Texasโ plan to extend coverage to six months was not rejected but still under review.
Gov. Abbott provides $1.25M grant to Uvalde ISD for trauma-informed counseling
Read full article: Gov. Abbott provides $1.25M grant to Uvalde ISD for trauma-informed counselingGovernor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the Public Safety Office (PSO) is providing $1.25 million to the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD).
READ: Full report on Uvalde school shooting
Read full article: READ: Full report on Uvalde school shootingThe Texas House of Representatives Investigative Committee on the Robb Elementary Shooting released its interim report on the tragedy Sunday. It is based on weeks of closed-door interviews with dozens of people, including witnesses and law enforcement who responded to the shooting scene in Uvalde, Texas.
Watch live: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis call for special legislative session to address gun violence
Read full article: Watch live: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis call for special legislative session to address gun violenceHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis will hold a news conference Tuesday morning calling for a special session to address the ongoing gun violence among children.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calls for school safety review in wake of Uvalde mass shooting
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calls for school safety review in wake of Uvalde mass shootingIn the wake of the Uvalde mass shooting in which 21 people were killed, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he sent a letter on Wednesday to Kathy Martinez-Prather directing the Texas School Safety Center to begin immediately conducting comprehensive school safety reviews to ensure all Texas public schools are following the appropriate procedures to maximize school safety.
Abbott will no longer appear in-person at NRA convention in Houston
Read full article: Abbott will no longer appear in-person at NRA convention in HoustonGovernor Greg Abbott will no longer make an in-person appearance at the NRA convention in Houston Friday due to him being scheduled to hold a news conference in Uvalde.
FDA chief struggles to explain slow response on baby formula
Read full article: FDA chief struggles to explain slow response on baby formulaThe head of the Food and Drug Administration faced a congressional grilling over a months-long delay in inspecting the plant at the center of a nationwide baby formula shortage.
Texas resumes investigations into parents of trans children, familiesโ lawyers confirm
Read full article: Texas resumes investigations into parents of trans children, familiesโ lawyers confirmLawyers representing families under investigation said they heard from the agency Thursday about continuing the investigations that had previously been halted by a statewide injunction.
Baby formula shortage is making low-income mothers struggle to pay for a product usually covered by the state
Read full article: Baby formula shortage is making low-income mothers struggle to pay for a product usually covered by the stateThe stateโs poorest mothers are paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket when they find baby formula because they say they canโt risk waiting for the exact brand and size container covered by Texasโ Women, Infant and Children program.
โDisability Book Weekโ opens world of literary contributions to better understand, empower disabled community
Read full article: โDisability Book Weekโ opens world of literary contributions to better understand, empower disabled communityHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner joins Texas Governor Abbott and officials from other states to proclaim April 23 โ 29 as โDisability Book Week,โ which will highlight authors worldwide with disabilities. It also includes books that have a leading character with a disability shown in a positive way.
Gov. Greg Abbott replaces Texas military leader who has overseen heavily criticized border mission
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott replaces Texas military leader who has overseen heavily criticized border missionMaj. Gen. Thomas M. Suelzer will take over as the military departmentโs new leader. He replaces Maj. Gen. Tracy Norris, who was criticized for her handling of Operation Lone Star, as adjutant general of the Texas Military Department.
As Texas targets trans kids, their families scramble to find lawyers
Read full article: As Texas targets trans kids, their families scramble to find lawyersEver since Gov. Greg Abbott directed the stateโs child welfare agency to investigate parents who provide gender-affirming care to their children, LGBTQ-affirming family lawyers statewide have been deluged with calls.
Recall alert: These powdered baby formulas sold in Texas are linked to illnesses
Read full article: Recall alert: These powdered baby formulas sold in Texas are linked to illnessesThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it's investigating certain powdered baby formula following reports of children contracting serious infections.
โSignificant icing eventโ: Gov. Abbott addresses severe winter weather, power grid concerns
Read full article: โSignificant icing eventโ: Gov. Abbott addresses severe winter weather, power grid concernsAs a strong artic cold front moves across Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference Thursday, providing an update on the severe winter weather.
โThey do not have a voiceโ: New law that protects outside dogs in animal cruelty situations to go into effect Tuesday
Read full article: โThey do not have a voiceโ: New law that protects outside dogs in animal cruelty situations to go into effect TuesdayStarting Tuesday, โoutside dogsโ in Houston will hopefully be a little healthier and happier, thanks to a new law that will protect them.
Austin-area businesses will have to post COVID-19 policies, a modest rule that might trigger a fresh clash with state
Read full article: Austin-area businesses will have to post COVID-19 policies, a modest rule that might trigger a fresh clash with stateItโs unclear whether the local mandate, which requires businesses to post signs outlining their safety guidelines, is in conflict with Gov. Greg Abbottโs previous pandemic orders.
Harris Co. Judge Lina Hidalgo, Attorney Christian Menefee respond to ruling on mask mandates
Read full article: Harris Co. Judge Lina Hidalgo, Attorney Christian Menefee respond to ruling on mask mandatesHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Attorney Christian Menefee spoke out on Thursday at a news conference after the State Court of Appeals announced they upheld the countyโs ability to impose mask mandates.
Amazon, Walgreens and CVS limit Covid-19 tests per customer amid soaring cases
Read full article: Amazon, Walgreens and CVS limit Covid-19 tests per customer amid soaring casesAs theย omicron variant spreadsย throughout the U.S. and Covid-19 cases spike ahead of Christmas, demand for at-home testing kits has risen dramatically. That prompted Amazon, Walgreens and CVS to place limits this week on how many tests each customer can buy.
Texas colleges and universities get more than $3 billion for campus construction projects under bill headed to Gov. Greg Abbott
Read full article: Texas colleges and universities get more than $3 billion for campus construction projects under bill headed to Gov. Greg AbbottBefore ending the special session Tuesday, Texas lawmakers reached a deal to allocate roughly $3.3 billion to higher education institutions for capital projects. The price tag went up from the Senate's original proposal.
U.S. to reopen land borders with Mexico to vaccinated travelers starting in November
Read full article: U.S. to reopen land borders with Mexico to vaccinated travelers starting in NovemberThe borders were closed to nonessential travel in March 2020, which hurt businesses in Texas border cities that rely on Mexican shoppers.
Gov. Greg Abbott adds property tax relief, bail to special session agenda
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott adds property tax relief, bail to special session agendaAbbott has faced pressure from his right to prioritize property tax relief. One of his challengers in the Republican primary has slammed him for not including it earlier in the agenda, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called it his top priority this session.
Gov. Greg Abbott calls special legislative session for redistricting, other conservative priorities starting Sept. 20
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott calls special legislative session for redistricting, other conservative priorities starting Sept. 20On top of redistricting, Abbott wants lawmakers to take up bills on restrictions for transgender student athletes and the allocation of billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Private donations for a Texas border wall have soared to $54 million. But itโs still unclear whoโs giving.
Read full article: Private donations for a Texas border wall have soared to $54 million. But itโs still unclear whoโs giving.After two months, the donations had petered out around $1 million. But the effort saw a major boost in August.
Texas House approves additional $2 billion for border security as state moves to build border wall
Read full article: Texas House approves additional $2 billion for border security as state moves to build border wallThe bill would nearly triple border security funding from the last biennium. The legislation needs one more vote of approval from the House before moving to the Senate.
Fort Bend ISD lifts mask mandate for students, staff days after it went into effect
Read full article: Fort Bend ISD lifts mask mandate for students, staff days after it went into effectFort Bend Independent School District announced Saturday that its mask mandate for students and staff has been lifted.
Joe Biden takes aim at states blocking mask mandates, setting Gov. Greg Abbott up for showdown with feds
Read full article: Joe Biden takes aim at states blocking mask mandates, setting Gov. Greg Abbott up for showdown with fedsBiden said he will use the U.S. Department of Educationโs civil rights enforcement authority to deter states from blocking mask mandates in classrooms.
Texas to spend $25 million on 2-mile concrete barrier amid Gov. Greg Abbottโs push for a state-funded border wall
Read full article: Texas to spend $25 million on 2-mile concrete barrier amid Gov. Greg Abbottโs push for a state-funded border wallThe barrier in Eagle Pass is the first glimpse into how much a state-funded border wall could cost. But Abbottโs office says itโs a โconcrete barrierโ that is separate from his border wall push.
State Rep. Ron Reynolds and U.S. Rep. Al Green arrested while demonstrating for federal voting bill at U.S. Capitol
Read full article: State Rep. Ron Reynolds and U.S. Rep. Al Green arrested while demonstrating for federal voting bill at U.S. CapitolReynolds is among the Texas House Democrats who fled to Washington, D.C., last month to block a state voting restrictions bill.
Drivers who hit someone in a crosswalk in Texas could now face prison time thanks to new law named after Fort Bend County woman
Read full article: Drivers who hit someone in a crosswalk in Texas could now face prison time thanks to new law named after Fort Bend County womanNot many days after Lisa Torry Smith died in 2017, after family members learned it was not a crime in Texas to drive into someone in a crosswalk, they decided the law needed to change.
Gov. Greg Abbott says more apprehensions, drug seizures justify a border wall. Advocates say he's misrepresenting the numbers.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says more apprehensions, drug seizures justify a border wall. Advocates say he's misrepresenting the numbers.The governor said Texas needs to build a border wall to reduce migrant apprehensions and fentanyl seizures. But immigration and drug treatment experts say Abbott's oversimplifying the issue.
Gov. Greg Abbott sends state troopers, National Guard to border after increase in fentanyl seizures
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sends state troopers, National Guard to border after increase in fentanyl seizuresTexas Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference on Thursday in Fort Worth to provide an update on the state's efforts to secure the border.
Gov. Abbott announces end to federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits for Texans
Read full article: Gov. Abbott announces end to federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits for TexansTexas Gov. Greg Abbott told the U.S. Department of Labor on Monday that Texas will opt out of further federal unemployment compensation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective June 26, 2021.
Gov. Greg Abbott formally opens Texas GOP bid to clamp down on local efforts expanding voting access
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott formally opens Texas GOP bid to clamp down on local efforts expanding voting access(Harris County planned to send out applications to request a mail-in ballot, not the actual ballots.) Harris County officials quickly fired back at Republicansโ proposals in their own press conference. AdโThese kinds of attempts to confuse, to intimidate, to suppress are a continuation of policies weโve seen in this state since Reconstruction,โ Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. In a previous interview, Harris Countyโs election administrator Isabel Longoria said she hoped those initiatives would become permanent for future elections. Election officials and even former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr also said there was no evidence to back Republican claims.
Some Houston area businesses welcome statewide mask mandate removal, while other others fear backlash
Read full article: Some Houston area businesses welcome statewide mask mandate removal, while other others fear backlashHOUSTON โ Masks will no longer be mandatory at Texas businesses starting Wednesday, March 10, per Gov. โTomorrow I am not going to be enforcing the mask mandate because I think itโs up to the individual,โ Contello said. AdShe added that customers can still choose to wear a mask if it would make them more comfortable while shopping. โIf you want to stay home, stay home and be safe,โ she added. Letโs get our life back on track.โJoseph said he hopes people who may not agree with his stance, not take it out on his restaurantโs employees.
Houston reaches grim milestone of 2,000 COVID-19 deaths
Read full article: Houston reaches grim milestone of 2,000 COVID-19 deathsFILE - Dr. Joseph Varon hugs and comforts a patient in the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) during Thanksgiving at the United Memorial Medical Center on November 26, 2020 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON โ The city of Houston reached a grim milestone of the weekend. Officials said the death toll for COVID-19 has crossed 2,000 people, only a few days after the one-year anniversary of the first Houston-area COVID-19 case. In addition, he reported nearly 500 new COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths on Sunday. Turner did thank business owners and customers that have continued to wear masks, social distance and practice other COVID-19 safety precautions.
President Biden declares major disaster in Texas after winter storm
Read full article: President Biden declares major disaster in Texas after winter stormAll rights reserved)President Joe Biden arrives at Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport to visit a Pfizer manufacturing site, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Portage, Mich. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Texas after extreme winter weather caused power outages and water disruptions for millions in the state. Abbott requested the Major Disaster Declaration on Thursday, requesting individual assistance and public assistance in each of the stateโs 254 counties. Abbot requested the Major Disaster Declaration in order to provide individual assistance, public assistance, and hazard mitigation for individuals and communities impacted by the severe winter weather. The Biden administration approved the request for individual assistance in 77 counties and for public assistance in all 254 counties. โI thank President Biden for his assistance as we respond to impacts of winter weather across our state,โ said Abbott in statement.
Houston Newsmakers: Record breaking winter weather cripples Texas
Read full article: Houston Newsmakers: Record breaking winter weather cripples TexasInvestigating the Texas power gridThe forecast was for record breaking cold for Texas, including Houston. KPRC Investigates reporter Robert Arnold takes a deep dive into what went wrong and is a guest on this weekโs Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. After his second impeachment acquittal, former president Trump may have a renewed ability to play a pivotal role in the future of the Republican Party but to what end? โHe has the ability to make life very difficult for the Republican party, particularly in seats that are competitive seats where they want some moderate or centrist moderate candidates,โ Jones said. โI think that heโs going to be the butt of national jokes for a while,โ Professor Rottinghaus said.
โThis is unacceptableโ: Abbott declares ERCOT reform an emergency item for legislature, wants investigation of agency
Read full article: โThis is unacceptableโ: Abbott declares ERCOT reform an emergency item for legislature, wants investigation of agencyGreg Abbott on Tuesday declared the reform of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas an emergency item for the upcoming 2021 legislative session. โThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas has been anything but reliable over the past 48 hours,โ Abbott said in a statement Tuesday. โFar too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather. I've asked the House State Affairs and Energy Resources Committees to convene a joint hearing on Feb. 25 about the factors that led to sustained power outages across Texas. Governor Dan Patrick also expressed his concerns over ERCOTโs handling of the power outages, announcing that the Senate Business & Commerce committee would move forward with hearings to assess the ERCOTโs operations.
After weeks as one of the nation's worst COVID-19 hot spots, Laredo leaders see no easy way out
Read full article: After weeks as one of the nation's worst COVID-19 hot spots, Laredo leaders see no easy way outHealth care worker Mary Carreon administers a COVID-19 vaccine to an elderly patient in Laredo on Feb. 1. During an emergency city council meeting last week, Laredo officials passed a motion to request that the federal government send National Guard troops to help distribute vaccines. Treviรฑo, the Laredo health authority, has repeatedly argued against stricter measures because of the economic damage they can cause. Martinez, the city council member, said many residents live paycheck-to-paycheck and donโt have savings to help them survive a city lockdown. โThe little carnita asadas, the barbecues โ as a result, we have high numbers of infections, and so one begets the other.โRichard Chamberlain, the cityโs health director, said the best way out of the cityโs COVID-19 crisis is through vaccinations.
Emergency SNAP benefits for March 2021 extended: Hereโs what families need to know
Read full article: Emergency SNAP benefits for March 2021 extended: Hereโs what families need to knowHHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size. The emergency March allotments are in addition to the more than $2.5 billion in benefits previously provided to Texans since April 2020. AdAdministered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits. โProviding emergency SNAP benefits is critical to our stateโs ongoing COVID-19 response because it ensures that Texas families can continue to put healthy meals on the table,โ said Governor Abbott.
Texasโ second round of COVID-19 vaccines earmarked for smaller hospitals and long-term care facility residents
Read full article: Texasโ second round of COVID-19 vaccines earmarked for smaller hospitals and long-term care facility residentsNearly a quarter-million doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine arrived at hospitals and health care facilities around Texas this week. Questions remain about who will be first in line for the vaccine once healthcare workers and long-term care residents have had their chance to be inoculated. Decisions on how vaccines are allocated are made by a state panel of advisers โ composed of lawmakers, local and state health officials, and medical experts and researchers โ and finalized by Hellerstedt. Texas is participating in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, a federal program to vaccinate residents and staff of long-term care facilities. Vaccine doses will be distributed free to those facilities, which are set to receive them starting on Monday, Abbottโs office said last week.
Texas is on track for record turnout in this election after breaking early voting records
Read full article: Texas is on track for record turnout in this election after breaking early voting recordsVoters wait in line at a polling site at Austin Oaks Church during early voting. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneAfter the conclusion of three weeks of early voting, 9.7 million Texans have cast ballots, crushing previous early voting totals in the state and setting Texas on a course for record turnout in this Tuesday's general election. Early voting, which Gov. Texas has added 1.8 million registered voters since the 2016 election. Among large counties, Collin County outside of Dallas has the highest early voting turnout with 69%.
KPRC Friday Football Frenzy Plays of the Week: Week 6
Read full article: KPRC Friday Football Frenzy Plays of the Week: Week 6KPRC Friday Football Frenzy Plays of the Week are back. Here are the Week 6 Plays of the Week:Bronze: Kinkaid Wide Receiver Dillon Bell gets two plays - breaking a tackle on a touchdown run out of the Wildcat and a stiff arm on the next touchdown out of the same set. Bell had 4 rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown in a 36-8 win for Kinkaid. Silver: Stratford Wide Receiver Hawkins Polley catches a ball across the middle from A.J. Gold: Katy running back Jalen Davis takes a pitch and breaks off a 70 yard touchdown run as part of a Katy win over Dickinson.
Galveston County judge to host โhappy hourโ with residents to celebrate reopening of bars
Read full article: Galveston County judge to host โhappy hourโ with residents to celebrate reopening of barsGALVESTON, Texas โ Galveston County Judge Mark Henry will celebrate the reopening of bars with residents by hosting a happy hour at Buccaneer Bar at Railean Rum Distillery in San Leon on Oct. 14. READ: County judges outline their plans for reopening bars after Abbottโs new orderOnce Judge Henry reviewed the governorโs announcement, he said he would allow bars to reopen earlier than Oct. 14. โI want to let small business owners know that Iโll be reopening bars immediately,โ Henry wrote on Twitter Wednesday. He indicated on Thursday that Galveston County law enforcement would not intervene if bars decided to open even earlier. Judge Henry said that not only bar and nightclub owners were suffering during the closure period but so were service organizations.
Houston Newsmakers: Jackson Lee runs for 14th term in Congress
Read full article: Houston Newsmakers: Jackson Lee runs for 14th term in CongressIn thirteen previous elections to represent the 18th Congressional District, the opponents of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D) 18th, have averaged 19% of the vote. Jackson Lee says sheโs worked hard to keep her job. Abbottโs order to cut number of mail in ballot sites--Election Security & a HOUSTON NEWSMAKERS EXTRA**Crime Stoppers Celebrates 40 Years! Itโs been an amazing journey for Crime Stoppers of Houston. Rania Mankarious is CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston.
Boil water notice remains in effect for Lake Jackson over brain-eating amoeba concerns
Read full article: Boil water notice remains in effect for Lake Jackson over brain-eating amoeba concernsLAKE JACKSON, Texas โ Parents with children enrolled in Lake Jackson schools said that the past few days have been challenging with a boil order in effect. The City of Lake Jackson is under a boil order and Gov. Abbott issued a disaster declaration for Brazoria county after a 6-year-old died from a parasite found in the water. Officials say the boil water order will be in place until the water system is flushed and disinfected. Tuesday, he is expected to provide an update on the water supply in Lake Jackson.
Analysis: With schools opening, Texas enters a critical two weeks of the pandemic
Read full article: Analysis: With schools opening, Texas enters a critical two weeks of the pandemicThe number of COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals has been falling, to 4,203 on Aug. 31 from a peak of more than 10,000 a few weeks ago. Abbott pointed at those three things schools, the holiday and hurricanes as areas of concern as he and other government officials decide whats next. School is a place for regular meals and a haven from turbulent homes, as well as a place for learning. Texas Christian University in Fort Worth reported 429 cases on campus Tuesday, and university officials suggested last week that parties and large gatherings were a cause. Disclosure: Baylor University and Texas Christian University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Ask 2: Do you have to wear a mask to vote in Texas?
Read full article: Ask 2: Do you have to wear a mask to vote in Texas?As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. The question: Do you have to wear a mask to vote? Gregg Abbotts statewide face-covering mandate excludes Texas voters from having to wear a mask when at the polls. Early July, Abbott said he wouldnt want to deny somebody the ability to go vote simply because they dont have a mask, according to a report by The Texas Tribune. Still not registered to vote?
Texas hospitalizations below 7,000 for first time in weeks
Read full article: Texas hospitalizations below 7,000 for first time in weeksAUSTIN, Texas Texas reported fewer than 7,000 hospitalized coronavirus patients for the first time in six weeks Thursday, but that encouraging sign was clouded by questions over testing as schools reopen and college football teams push ahead with playing this fall. Demand has curtailed to the point that in Austin and Dallas, health officials have expanded eligibility for testing, including those who are asymptomatic. Were not having enough people step forward to be tested as we did before.Numbers from Texas health officials this week, however, offered a hazy picture of how much testing has fallen. On Wednesday, the seven-day infection rate average in Texas hit a record 24%, suggesting that roughly one in every four coronavirus tests in Texas was coming back positive. Falling testing demand is also a factor, said Lara Anton, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Texas Legislative Black Caucus unveils the George Floyd Act to ban chokeholds and limit police use of force
Read full article: Texas Legislative Black Caucus unveils the George Floyd Act to ban chokeholds and limit police use of forceThe legislation, spearheaded by members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, is named after Floyd, a Black man killed in Minneapolis police custody. Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes until and after he lost consciousness. Abbott has previously said he is committed to working with Floyds family on legislation, and has even floated the possibility of a George Floyd Act at the Legislature. The caucus George Floyd Act would limit the use of force by officers, requiring them to attempt to de-escalate the situation and banning lethal force if another lesser level of force could have worked, said state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, D-Houston. Rodney Floyd, the youngest brother of George Floyd, applauded lawmakers Thursday for the proposal, thanking Thompson during the news conference and saying the legislation has so many great things [that are] way overdue way overdue.Jolie McCullough contributed reporting.
Restaurants, bars and breweries scramble to reinvent themselves to get around Gov. Greg Abbott's bar shutdown
Read full article: Restaurants, bars and breweries scramble to reinvent themselves to get around Gov. Greg Abbott's bar shutdownHundreds of Texas bars and restaurants are scrambling to change how they operate, maneuvering through loopholes that will allow them to reopen after being closed by Gov. It allows bars and restaurants to use projected sales numbers instead of requiring past sales to determine if alcohol sales exceed food sales. The Texas restaurant industry is already struggling, with Knight projecting that up to 30% of restaurants in the state could go out of business. Kaufman estimates that the entire process, from hiring new chefs to deal with increased food sales to applying for the permits cost him around $10,000. However, the TABC later released a clarification saying that businesses with more than 51% alcohol sales were not eligible.
Ask 2: Was the $285 grocery benefit for school-aged children also extended?
Read full article: Ask 2: Was the $285 grocery benefit for school-aged children also extended?As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Are SNAP benefits also being extended to August for P-EBT cardholders? Answer: No, the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) remains a one-time benefit of $285 for families with school-aged children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals because of closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the deadline to apply for P-EBT has been extended to Aug. 21, according to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor. Families who receive SNAP benefits do not need to apply as they will automatically receive the funds on their current Lone Star Card.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Monday, August 3
Read full article: 5 things for Houstonians to know for Monday, August 3Here are things you need to know for Monday, August 3:1. Debate begins for who's first in line for COVID-19 vaccineWho gets to be first in line for a COVID-19 vaccine? Traditionally, first in line for a scarce vaccine are health workers and the people most vulnerable to the targeted infection. Australian-based movie theater company Beyond Cinema will be offering a boat-in movie theater where visitors can watch movies while floating on a boat in a lake, taking social distancing to the next level. 3 things to shareWORD OF THE DAYPaludal [puh-lood-l, pal-yuh-dl] (adjective) 1. of or relating to marshes; 2. produced by marshes, as miasma or disease.
Gov. Abbott praises Hurricane Hanna response during visit to Corpus Christi
Read full article: Gov. Abbott praises Hurricane Hanna response during visit to Corpus ChristiCORPUS CHRISTI, Texas โ Texas Gov. Greg Abbot visited Corpus Christi on Tuesday to survey the damage left by Hurricane Hanna, which made landfall over the weekend. During his visit, Abbot met with local officials and gave a news conference addressing the stateโs response to the storm. โJust because a hurricane has swept through here, does not mean that it has swept out COVID-19,โ Abbott said. โIf you let down your guard, it will lead to an increase of COVID-19,โ Abbott said.
Hidalgo County stores bodies in trucks as Texas sets one-day record for COVID-19 deaths
Read full article: Hidalgo County stores bodies in trucks as Texas sets one-day record for COVID-19 deathsHIDALGO COUNTY, Texas Texas set a one-day record for deaths and hospitalizations Wednesday afternoon, and one Texas county is enforcing a stay-home order after bodies are being stored in refrigerated trucks, Reuters reported. The state saw 197 deaths and 10,893 hospitalizations Wednesday, becoming one of the hardest states hit by COVID-19. Hidalgo County, located in south Texas, has seen a sharp rise in cases in the last week, according to Reuters. He told Reuters that crematoriums have a wait list of two weeks, and with five refrigerated trucks in the county, they have a capacity of 50 bodies each. Texas, along with California and Florida remain the top three states where coronavirus cases are rising, Reuters reported.
Hidalgo County judge tries slowing coronavirus, but Gov. Greg Abbott has limited his options
Read full article: Hidalgo County judge tries slowing coronavirus, but Gov. Greg Abbott has limited his optionsMcAllen sits in Hidalgo County, whose top official issued an emergency order Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneAs the Rio Grande Valley grapples with an onslaught of coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez is pushing hard for residents to stay at home. In the new Hidalgo County order, only a second violation to the statewide mask order can be punished by a $250, in accordance with the existing state rules. In Hidalgo County on Monday, 524 people tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of infections there to 12,787, according to data released by the county. U.S. Navy teams were deployed Sunday to the Rio Grande Valley, a region that includes Hidalgo County.
Distilleries, wineries shuttered by Gov. Greg Abbott's bar shutdown say they should be exempted
Read full article: Distilleries, wineries shuttered by Gov. Greg Abbott's bar shutdown say they should be exemptedDistilleries, wineries and even some restaurants with high alcohol sales say they are unfairly being caught in the crossfire of the statewide bar shutdown. Abbotts order required any business that gets 51% or more of its revenue from alcohol sales to close. RestaurantsThe bar shutdown has also closed many restaurants that have high alcohol sales, industry experts said. Because its revenue generated from alcohol sales outpaces food sales, the ice house was also forced to close down. She said she doesnt think the bar shutdown was intended to target a business like hers.
We opened too quickly, too soon: Mayor Turner proposes a shutdown as citys case count rises
Read full article: We opened too quickly, too soon: Mayor Turner proposes a shutdown as citys case count risesHOUSTON Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Saturday proposed a shutdown, arguing it was necessary as COVID-19 cases have climbed steadily in recent weeks. We have to acknowledge the fact that we opened too quickly, too soon, said Turner. Texas set a record on Saturday, reporting 10,351 new cases, the Associated Press reported. The total is second only to the record 105 reported Thursday and brought the states overall death toll to 3,112. You dont send kids back to school when theres a raging fire and the fires still burning in August.
Ask 2: Are protesters exempt from Gov. Abbotts statewide mask order?
Read full article: Ask 2: Are protesters exempt from Gov. Abbotts statewide mask order?As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Greg Abbotts statewide mask order issued Thursday? Abbott signed an executive order Thursday that will require all Texans to wear a mask in public and in businesses beginning noon on Friday, July 3. See what penalties Abbotts order allows for here. Do you have a question about Houston, Texas, coronavirus or the new mask order?
Analysis: Governing in reaction mode, and always a beat or two behind
Read full article: Analysis: Governing in reaction mode, and always a beat or two behindA line of nearly 100 cars formed at a COVID-19 testing site Friday at Barbara Jordan Elementary School in Austin. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneEditor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. Greg Abbotts key measures of how things are going: How many beds are still available for treating COVID-19 patients? And Abbott, who blocked local governments from acting on their concerns about the coronavirus, waited until case numbers, infection rates and hospitalizations jumped. Dan Patrick was whistling through the graveyard, saying on talk TV on Thursday that the Texas numbers are rising, but not alarming.
Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance suing the state over Gov. Abbotts order to shut down bars
Read full article: Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance suing the state over Gov. Abbotts order to shut down barsAUSTIN The Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance has announced it plans to sue the State of Texas over Gov. Greg Abbotts recent decision and order to shut down bars across in the state. The decision comes after Abbott decided to close bars again on Friday after COVID-19 cases continued to surge across the state. The association is now encouraging bar owners to violate the order. Abbotts order says any establishment that receives more than 51% of its sales from alcohol must close its doors but can still have takeout and delivery.
FAQs: From waterpark openings to Pride events, here are answers to your questions on the governorโs latest executive order
Read full article: FAQs: From waterpark openings to Pride events, here are answers to your questions on the governorโs latest executive orderFrom waterparks to restaurants and graduations, we are answering a few top questions related to the Executive Order issued by Governor Abbott on Friday. Abbottโs executive order closed bars and certain businesses as part of the stateโs effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. Other summer activities like zoos, aquariums, natural caverns, and museumsWill the governorโs order on bars likely have an impact on restaurants? The Mayor says the organizers of Houston Pride met and decided to turn the event into an online-only event. Right now, there is no end date for the Executive Order issued by the governor.
No guidelines in place yet for families of nursing home residents to be reunited
Read full article: No guidelines in place yet for families of nursing home residents to be reunitedHOUSTON โ Nursing homes account for nearly half of all COVID-related deaths in the U.S. No families or friends of any kind can be by their side. Abbott also required all residents and staff have access to COVID-19 testing. Despite it all, the Texas reopening guidelines state people are still asked to avoid nursing homes, state-supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities. โWrite a postcard, write a note, it will come to them in the mail,โ Dr. Dyer recommended.
Bars, restaurants could lose license if they dont follow health guidelines, TABC warns
Read full article: Bars, restaurants could lose license if they dont follow health guidelines, TABC warnsHOUSTON The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issued a warning to bars and restaurants that are not following state health guidelines as Texas continues to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a Monday tweet, the TABC said Texas bars and restaurants must do their part to keep Texas safe by following the checklist provided by the Open Texas Strike Force. Businesses can face license suspension if they don't follow the guidelines and pose an immediate danger to the public, the TABC wrote. This is necessary to make sure that all of these businesses are following the protocols and standards that have been established for them to follow. Click here to see the guidelines established by the Open Texas Strike Force.