The 2021 Texas legislative session will be unlike any other, as lawmakers work to get the people’s business done in the midst of a pandemic that shows few signs of slowing.
Austin
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Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: While his powers are questioned, Texas governor reaches for more
While some lawmakers are working to limit the governor’s powers, curtailing what he can order during a pandemic, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has another project: Taking over law enforcement in cities that reduce police budgets.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Capitol staffer says pandemic protocols are a must this session: “It’s the ability to think of others”
Odus Evbagharu says that like many of the thousands of people employed at the Capitol, he’s nervous he might catch COVID-19. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
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Health care
UT-Austin keeping most classes virtual through January as coronavirus infections soar in Travis County
The flagship university in Austin is urging students to space out their return to campus for spring semester to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as cases in Travis County reach record highs.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Already in crisis, Texas hospitals treat record numbers of COVID-19 patients while preparing for another post-holiday surge
The state has reported at least 28,545 fatalities tied to the virus, available intensive care unit beds are at a low and health experts say Texans can’t vaccinate their way out of the current surge.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Austin won’t be allowed to restrict dining-in at restaurants, Texas Supreme Court says
Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown sought to restrict dine-in food and beverage service both indoors and outdoors from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., starting on New Year’s Eve and ending at 6 a.m. Sunday. The measure allowed restaurants to offer drive-thru, curbside pick-up, take out, or delivery services.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton tell Austin restaurants to defy COVID-19 order banning overnight dine-in services
A judge ruled Austin and Travis County can restrict on-site dining overnight from Thursday until Sunday. Gov. Greg Abbott says restaurants should ignore the curfew.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Ken Paxton sues after Austin bans late on-site dining for New Year’s weekend amid COVID-19 surge
Mayor Steve Adler said the severity of the COVID-19 situation in Austin requires more drastic measures. El Paso County announced a similar order earlier this month.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Some Texans are hesitant to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Here’s how health officials are countering skepticism.
“Vaccine hesitancy” or “vaccine skepticism” remains a huge challenge for health authorities trying to overcome mistrust by communities of color, the anti-vaxxer crowd and general dubiousness on the part of a traumatized nation.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott to receive COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 22
Abbott has stressed that the vaccine will not be required for Texans, and on Monday, he specifically said it will not be mandatory for the state’s school children.
