State Rep. Tan Parker said he will file a bill in the upcoming legislative session to extend to-go alcohol sales past the coronavirus pandemic. The Texas Restaurant Association also has asked Abbott to expand the waiver to allow mixed drinks with liquor to be prepared, resealed and sold. Full Story
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The release last week of audio of two Empower Texans staffers disparaging Gov. Greg Abbott with profanity and jokes about his disability became nearly instant fodder in the fast-approaching runoffs. Full Story
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More than 4,400 positive cases were reported Saturday. The state also set its ninth consecutive record for hospitalizations, but officials say hospital capacity isn't a concern. Full Story
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State and local officials disagree on whether mandating businesses to require employees and customers to wear face masks is a small burden or a threat to their freedom. Full Story
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In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, Fran Watson — a Houston attorney who is a lesbian and represents LGBTQ clients — explains how it feels to finally be protected in the workplace. Full Story
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Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick both denounced the recording, which also includes the staff members using multiple profanities in describing Abbott. Full Story
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During a Houston policing roundtable organized by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, several local leaders emphasized the need for social services funding. Full Story
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton joined other states in the 2017 lawsuit, which failed to end DACA. The Supreme Court's ruling has sparked new action in the case. Full Story
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State officials announced yesterday that students will return to public schools come fall, but provided few details. Almost three-fourths of parents surveyed in one district say they won't send their children back if it seems unsafe. Full Story
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The shooting has sparked more questions about use of force and what many experts call the failed promise of police body cameras. Full Story
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Experts say coronavirus infections and hospitalizations in Texas — which have set new records in recent days — may have the biggest influence on how fast the state's economy recovers. Full Story
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Parents face agonizing decisions as the state leaves it up to child care operators to decide what coronavirus safety precautions they wish to continue. Full Story
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In 1980, Texas became the first state to adopt Juneteenth as a holiday. It is officially recognized in all but three states: Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota. As Americans continue to march for racial justice, black Texans say the holiday has taken on additional weight. Full Story
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The Texas Legislature is supposed to convene in January — and would ordinarily be holding public hearings on various issues between now and then. That begs a question: Is there a safe way to open the Texas Capitol to lawmakers and the public? Full Story
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The runoff has rapidly turned contentious between President Donald Trump's choice for the seat, Ronny Jackson, and Josh Winegarner, who is backed by retiring incumbent Mac Thornberry. Full Story
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City Manager Spencer Cronk said Manley assured him that he is committed to making reforms in the police department. City Council members had asked for Manley to resign. Full Story
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Cornyn is not the first Texas lawmaker to take similar steps toward celebrating Juneteenth. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, introduced a resolution aiming to recognize the historical significance of the holiday. Her measure has more than 200 cosponsors. Full Story
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The state reported a total of 2,947 people in hospitals on Thursday. Full Story
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Advocates for the program warn President Trump could try other avenues to end the program — and it's up to Congress to approve a more permanent solution. Full Story
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Across the state, other universities have also reported student athletes testing positive for COVID-19 as workouts for sports have resumed. Full Story
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