At the beginning of the pandemic, local officials across the state implemented stay-at-home orders for their regions. But now, with cases across Texas’ metros surging, those leaders say Abbott has stripped them of the authority to reinstate the same measures.
Austin
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Coronavirus in Texas
Sudden shutdown of Texas bars leaves owners, employees (and patrons) uncertain about the future
Bars had to shut down by noon Friday after a statewide surge in coronavirus infections that officials said was largely driven by activities like congregating in close spaces. There’s no immediate plan for when they’ll be able to reopen.
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Criminal Justice
Marching in solidarity: This year’s Texas Pride events highlight Black queer and trans people
LGBTQ Texans are getting back to Pride’s protest roots while standing alongside Black and brown people in their community, who are still fighting for equality on two fronts.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Some Texas cities revive plans to add hospital bed capacity at convention centers if coronavirus cases climb
“The setting will be similar to a Medical-Surgical Unit with a capability of treating critical care patients,” reads a description for a 100-bed site in Austin, according to an email obtained by The Texas Tribune.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas is heading down a dangerous path, local leaders warn as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge
When Gov. Greg Abbott let businesses start reopening, he pointed to two metrics as encouraging signs: the hospitalization rate and the infection rate. Both of those metrics are on the rise in Texas.
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Police brutality in Texas
This year, Juneteenth takes on new meaning for black Texans, as push to make holiday with Texas roots goes national
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.
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Police brutality in Texas
Austin Police Chief Brian Manley will keep his job despite calls for his removal, city says
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
13 University of Texas football players test positive for coronavirus
Across the state, other universities have also reported student athletes testing positive for COVID-19 as workouts for sports have resumed.
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Police brutality in Texas
Texas cities took quick actions after George Floyd’s death. Advocates doubt they’ll have a big impact.
As protests erupted in major Texas cities, local officials announced policy changes to reform policing. Advocates doubt the quickly cast votes and signed orders will have a real effect.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Surge in coronavirus cases linked to more Texans in their 20s getting sick, officials say
Gov. Greg Abbott and health experts say young adults may be taking social distancing less seriously.
