The latest Greg Abbott news from The Texas Tribune.
Gov. Greg Abbott clarified this week that in-person funerals can be held if attendees stay 6 feet apart. But restrictions still have some postponing memorials until after the pandemic ends. “If you can’t hug anyone or shake their hand, what’s the point of having anyone physically attend?” one mourner said. Full Story
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The governor and other top Texas officials love promoting the rule of law, but they also love good politics. The civil disobedience of a Dallas beautician forced them to choose a favorite — and maybe hurry changes in pandemic policy. Full Story
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During the visit, Trump also inquired about Dallas salon owner Shelley Luther, who was freed from jail Thursday after being sentenced to seven days for violating a court order to close. Full Story
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The order followed Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement that he was eliminating jail time for Texans who violate stay at home orders. Full Story
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Limited services, face coverings and smaller occupancies are among the new rules businesses will follow if they open this Friday. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Emma and Ross about the governor's move to reopen more businesses in Texas more quickly than expected and the implications of those reopenings. Full Story
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton said the seven-day jail sentence was excessive. Paxton called for her immediate release. Full Story
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Dallas, San Antonio and Austin recently implemented housing relief programs, and Houston will consider one this week. But local officials and advocates agree they aren't enough to see Texans through the pandemic. Full Story
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The governor had initially eyed May 18 as the next date to announce further business reopenings, but he faced growing pressure in recent days from some in his own party to move more quickly. Full Story
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State Reps. Briscoe Cain and Steve Toth said there's no reason to continue banning businesses from operating as long as they follow CDC guidelines. Such restrictions, the two said, are hurting the Texas economy. Full Story
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Among the governor's announcements: Hair salons can reopen Friday, and gyms will be allowed to open May 18. Full Story
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Some of the nation's biggest COVID-19 outbreaks have been in prisons and jails, and they can quickly spread to surrounding communities. Are Texas prisons doing enough to protect inmates, staff and the public? Full Story
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Friday was the first day that shopping malls — along with restaurants, retail outlets and movie theaters — were allowed to reopen in Texas. Under an order from Gov. Greg Abbott, stores can open their doors, but they must limit occupancy to no more than 25% of capacity. Full Story
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The Texas historic landmarks previously offered frequent guided tours to the public. But there are no plans to open the Capitol or the Governor's Mansion despite the governor's order allowing museums to reopen. Full Story
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Abbott is looking at two figures: the percentage of tests in the state that come back positive and the percentage of patients with COVID-19 who are hospitalized. Full Story
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After Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would reopen large parts of the economy Friday, some local leaders argued that his orders were vague. Top state attorneys disagree. Full Story
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Abbott’s instinct so far has been mostly to deescalate, staving off confrontations that could hobble the careful course he is charting. Full Story
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Many health experts said the governor was right to open the economy in phases, but some cautioned that his timeline was too quick. Full Story
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After weeks of limited business operations, the first wave of the Texas economy will reopen on Friday. The service and entertainment industries are preparing for new rules even as they face an uncertain future. Full Story
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As the coronavirus spreads, black people are less likely to have access to proper health care and more likely to have health issues that make the virus more dangerous. Full Story
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